A Beautiful Life

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE

2012-01-26T22:51:00.000-08:00

You want to know what I make?
I make kids wonder,
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them write, write, write.
And then I make them read.
I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful
over and over and over again until they will never misspell either one of those words again.
I make them show all their work in math.
And hide it on their final drafts in English.
I make them understand that if you got this (brains) then you follow this (heart) and if someone ever tries to judge youby what you make, you give them this (the finger).
Let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:
I make a goddamn difference!
What about you?

~Taylor Mali

January has been a very hectic month at school and I have been feeling rather discouraged. I was making a present for Raine's student teacher when I remembered this poem by Taylor Mali, a high school teacher and slam poet. It was just what I needed to read and hear again. While teaching on Wednesday and Thursday, I felt like I got my groove back. I reminded myself that my job is not to have the students like me, but to help them appreciate the joy of knowledge and let them know that they are capable of reaching the stars. It also helps when a co-worker tells you how much her daughters still call me their most favorite teacher even after having several others since me. Thanks Lord for reminding me that I DO make a difference in children's lives.

Three day weekends

2012-01-16T21:50:00.000-08:00

should be the rule. January has had two of them already and I have really, REALLY enjoyed them. The kiddos and Mo will have another one next weekend too because of Staff Development Day for CCSD. I will be at a training on IEP's and my family with have a wonderful third day off.

Saturday we went to see Toy Story 3 On Ice and had a ball. It was surprise Christmas present from Mo to the family. We were all very excited and enjoyed the great seats not too far from the ice. Reece enjoyed a yummy snow cone inside a green alien head cup and Raine loves her stuffed unicorn Uni. I took bunch of pictures and made Mo take a few too. The show itself was very funny and well done. Barbie and Ken were quite funny, I laughed right out loud, a lot! Raine said she loved when Jessie skated to her song "When She Loved Me", which was really heart wrenching to me. I love Sarah Mclachlan and that song always brings a tear to my eye. Reece said his favorite character is Rex but he loved the green aliens and the claw scene the best. It was such a fantastic show, even Mo enjoyed it!

2012 has already been so blessed! Our weekends have been great, lots of family time! I pray it continues that way.

23 ADULT TRUTHS

2012-01-12T22:38:00.000-08:00

1. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind-of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Light than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

23. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Ladies.....Quit Laughing. NO! This was an email I received today at work and had to post it on here because it had me laughing right out loud!

Growing Pains

2012-01-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

The kiddos are growing and have a lot of complaints to go with it. Raine has had a pain in her right thigh and said she can't walk fast or run, not even at recess. She told me this on Monday and then again today. I wish I could help her but both Mo and I can remember having horrible growing pains as kids. Why is that? Why do we have to feel our muscles stretching and growing?

Reece said his legs were bothering him this week also. Every pair of jeans he put on looked like he was ready for a flood. He doesn't care but I do and I just bought those pants. On Tuesday, I stopped at the Gap to see if they had any pants on clearance. I only found one pair of windpants which probably won't last him very long.

It's been a pretty mild winter here in Vegas so let's just bring on spring then my son can where shorts. Do boys wear jean shorts?

Saturday Savings Shed Built

2012-01-07T19:40:00.000-08:00

Today we brought the kiddos to Home Depot to work on their hand eye coordination. They built a savings shed; perfect for our New Year's resolution to save money for our summer vacation. It was nice and relaxing because daddy was able to come with and help out. Raine was given a good amount of assistance but Reece was quite capable of building it all by himself. Their favorite part is painting their projects. Both children were very creative and patient when it came to creating a pattern of stripes. We earned another pin for our apron but more importantly had fun as a family!

On the TWENTY-FIFTH day of Christmas

2011-12-25T18:31:00.000-08:00

pictures are worth a thousand words...

On the TWENTY-FOURTH day of Christmas

2011-12-24T23:47:00.000-08:00

we celebrated Christmas Eve with our family in Hatboro, PA. It was a special morning for Raine and I because we were able to get a manicure together. It was the first time Raine had ever received a manicure at a salon. We do mani pedis at home all the time and she just loves it. She was very cute and asked if we could be twins with red polish and gold glitter. She waited very patiently for the polish to dry and then was amazed at how pretty our nails looked.

While we were at the salon, Reece, Daddy & Uncle Travy went into town to a local thrift store to purchase Thor comic books. It was a fun adventure for them because they scored some other cool books too.

After the hustle and bustle of showers and cleaning up for church we made it there with some time to relax and actually get a seat. The kiddos went into the second grade classroom with Aubrey while Mo and I waited for Doug & Amber. Unfortunately, they stayed out in the family cry room with baby Rory. The worship service was amazing, I was quite weepy and somber. Every Christmas I am reminded about the birth of our Savior, but Pastor Joe's teaching was something different. It's hard to explain all the details but even as the two punk teenagers distracted me from the teaching, (several times) I was still able to feel the Holy Spirit's presence.

We met up with the Willams family who were kind enough to grab our kiddos from class and then drove back to Noni & Pe Pere's for Christmas Eve dinner. A feast of pasta with your choice of clam sauce, shrimp sauce, a meat sauce and a plain marinara. Mo & I were able to help roll all the cheese and meat for the antipasto salad. It was neat to hear Mo say that he thought his mom bought the amazing tray of salad delights. Aubrey, Reece and Raine played while dinner was prepared and once Amber & Doug were back from their house we were able to enjoy a Christmas dinner like no other. It was a pretty wonderful sight in Noni's dinning room, peace and joy on the eve of Jesus' birth.

On the NINETEENTH day of Christmas

2011-12-19T14:02:00.001-08:00

I am ready to fly to the East coast and visit the Hauguel side of the family. We are just about packed and ready to go. I am trying to figure out some way to make it more of an adventure for my kiddos but I can't think of anything creative right now. 6 am is going to come rather early and I'm not sure how chipper I will be. Can't wait to see what the kiddos will think of it all.

On the EIGHTEENTH day of Christmas

2011-12-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

I was given three hours of the alone to pack our suitcases for our winter travels. We are just about ready to go east. Two bags are just gifts and two others are clothes. Mo has to pack his bag and then it will be just getting the little stuff organized and situated. Kids still don't know and I am bursting at the seems wanting to tell them but I know it will be more fun when the figure it out on the plane or as we travel. Mo and I are so excited to spend Christmas with extended family!

On the SEVENTEENTH day of Christmas

2011-12-17T22:24:00.000-08:00

Mo and I were able to go on a long awaited date! After a long day of fun at their holiday parties; the kiddos and I picked up Shelby to babysit. Reece and Raine were wired from all the treats and excitement of the day so Shelby had her hands full. Superdad had a tasty dinner ready for the kids when we walked in the door and I ran to change my clothes. Mo and I were blessed with tickets to the Wranglers hockey game. We met Tina and Tori at TGI Fridays for some yummy bar food and fellowship, then it was off to the game. The hockey game was quite intense, the score kept going back and forth. The Wranglers ended up winning it in the last 15 seconds of the third period. It was pretty awesome. Mo and I thought about running over to the movie theater to catch the opening night of Sherlock Holmes but we were too tired. How lame are we?

On the FIFTEENTH day of Christmas

2011-12-15T06:27:00.000-08:00

On the FOURTEENTH day of Christmas

2011-12-14T21:32:00.000-08:00

my kiddos make me such a proud mama at parent teacher conferences. Our squirrely second grader made straight A's and our creative kindergartner is meeting and exceeding standards! We are extremely proud of them and love the comments the teachers gave about them; chatty, inquisitive, detailed and energetic. Daddy took the day off so he could be a parent of the conference and hang out with them all day. Did I mention how super he is at that? Well he is!

They headed to McDonald's for a celebratory breakfast and then all around town. When I called Mo to see how things were going, he said they skipped driving around and just came home to play. The kids were having a blast building, coloring and discovering long lost toys. I loved hearing that and went back to my work. I treasure the time my kiddos get at home with their daddy, it is such a blessing to all of them.

On the TWELFTH day of Christmas

2011-12-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

We were able to get back into our book, The Adventures of Hugo Cabret. It is a very interesting read, one the kids love. Every time I tell them that it is time to go to bed, they beg me to read more. The book was the winner of the Caldecott Award which is for the illustrations within a book. This book however is more like a chapter book that just a picture book and we love the illustrations that are mixed within the pages of text. If you can get your hands on a copy, pick it up it is a great read!

On the ELEVENTH day of Christmas

2011-12-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

We were able to get in some serious Wii time. The kiddos played Just Dance for Kids for about an hour, nonstop. Reece was very, very good at. Raine started to get the hang of it and then it became quite a competition. It was so fun to watch them laugh, giggle and dance. They also played the Wii sports and Mario Kart for awhile too.

On The TENTH day of Christmas

2011-12-10T21:27:00.000-08:00

The kiddos and I went to 'Top Dollar Recycling Center' for a Cub Scout field trip today. It was quite interesting; Mo needs to bring the endless piles of steel he has laying around to Top Dollar for some CASH. He was very busy providing for his family by digging holes at a landscape job and was sad he missed the adventure. After the outting we stopped by 'Five Guys and Fries,' a delicious burger joint, for some lunch - keep digging Mo, you just paid for our lunch :-). While on our way home we drove by Star Nursery and Reece and Raine asked if we could stop in to make a craft. They made these cute, little, tree stump Christmas ornaments. At home we settled down for some good-ol' fashioned quiet time, Reece lasted all of 10 minutes and Raine slept soundly for 2 hours! Daddy came home and we were right where he left us snuggled up on the couch getting ready to watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Another great and mellow adventurous day.

On The NINTH day of Christmas

2011-12-09T22:17:00.000-08:00

I feel like a I've been run over by a truck, we are cuddling up on the couch tonight for some good ole favorite Christmas specials. Frosty the Snowman, Frosty Returns, Yes Virgina and Elf on a Shelf. Raine only lasted through half of the original Frosty and Reece would have stayed up until midnight if we let him. It was a cozy, snuggly night and a perfect way to end the long work week. Now to get some cold meds in me and hit the hay.

On the EIGHTH day of Christmas

2011-12-08T21:19:00.000-08:00

I feel as though I'm getting a cold. I couldn't get rid of my chill all day. I sit here now sniffling and drinking tea. Mo was super dad and fed the kiddos chicken nuggets and candy while I attended a class on IEP meetings. I was able to stroll around the mall and pick up a few more presents for family. It was very interesting shopping all by myself, to bad I was too tired to do more of it. Praying this cold goes away as quickly as it hit me.

On the SEVENTH day of December

2011-12-07T19:05:00.000-08:00

my daughter was kicked off the pretend plane to Israel for talking to her neighbors. She was very sad when I went into Kindergarten to say hello to her. When I asked what was wrong, her gorgeous eyes filled with big crocodile tears and she solemnly said, “I was kicked off the plane.” It was very hard to contain my laughter because only Raine would get kicked off the plane for being too chatty.
She said she loves going to school lately because they get to visit a bunch of different countries and learn about their Santa Claus and how they spend Christmas break. Every morning I ask her where she is flying to today. Yesterday they were very busy in class and didn’t travel anywhere so she was very grumpy when I picked her up from class. Rainey Roo is quite a hoot; she brings a smile to my face more times than I can count and is certainly adding to my collection of laugh lines.

On the SIXTH day of December

2011-12-06T20:03:00.000-08:00

I was able to enjoy a Michael Buble Christmas special while cuddling with my lil man. He loves to listen to music as much as I do and hates to miss these Christmas Specials on TV every night. He heard Justin Bieber was going to be singing and came running out of his bedroom begging to watch. How can a mama say no? I knew deep down Biebs wasn’t going to sing until the end so I made Reece snuggle up with me on the couch. It was a very fun time singing Christmas carols with my lil guy and laughing at how silly the show was.

On the FIFTH day of December

2011-12-05T19:02:00.000-08:00

my true love bought for us a Mac book Pro! I can’t wait to get my hands on it! I am so excited! I want to leave the PC world and join the cool kids at Mac. My lil brother swears by them and my dear friend Tina only owns Apple products. I just need time to play with it.

On the FOURTH day of December:

2011-12-04T19:13:00.000-08:00

my house feels a little bit more like Christmas! I wish my favorite photographer was in town the states to take some Christmas pics of my silly kiddos because just look at all that she captures on film. Love this pic!

On the THIRD day of December

2011-12-03T21:45:00.000-08:00

we had an awesome day of building a Snowman napkin holder, shopping at the Bilbray Holiday Bizarre and a trip to the Fashion Show Mall. I brought the kiddos over to Home Depot to build and paint a super cute wood craft. They both did a very good job screwing the snowmen into the base, then gluing the hat onto the top. Then it was onto the painting station. Raine chose to paint her one side of her snowman purple and the other snowman yellow. Reece went for the traditional white with a black hat. I was very impressed with how neatly and carefully they painted and placed the stickers. It was a lot of fun!

Around 11 am we headed to Bilbray to check out the 45 craft tables at the holiday bizarre. I was very pleasently pleased with all of the neat homemade items. I found some awesome little stocking stuffers and a present or two for myself! It was also fun to watch the cute Bilbray kids sing, dance, tumble and cheer on stage. Raine was blessed with a beautiful butterfly face painting on her little face. It cost 5.00 and she had to beg and borrow a 1.50 to have it painted. I had to work on some report card comments and print out progress monitoring reports. My wonderful kiddos played on the computers, ran around on the playground and were mad when I finally brought them home.

Once at home we cleaned ourselves up a little bit and then headed down to the strip to shop at the Fashion Show Mall. Mo raised some $ at his fall festival and wanted to look at a macbook pro or ipad for his classroom. While we listen to Daniel explain all there is to know about Macs, the kiddos watched a fancy little Christmas song and dance with Santa and some Rockette type dancers, it even snowed on them. Back in the store, I found it quite interesting learning all about that amazing little piece of technology. I hope he heads back to the store sooner than later to purchase it. The kiddos had a great time playing on the IPad 2 which is something I want for Christmas, but know that it's not in our budget and I probably wouldn't ever get to play with it! The macbook pro would be so great because I could actually get my school work finished at home instead of staying late everyday! We enjoyed some burgers and fries at Johnny Rockets and crushed the kiddos at the classic game of complete a square. Reece was pretty intense, really looking for ways to beat me. Raine was a little less patient. Lastly, we headed to my favorite store Lucky Jeans! I scored three items for 14.99 each, yes a new outfit and an extra top. Mo was happy, all he has to do it wrap it and put it under the tree for me! On the way to out we stopped by Gymboree for a few half price items for my spoiled children. They will look so well dressed this holiday season. It was a great trip to the mall as a family. I was pleasently surprised how well the kids did and look forward to doing it again, soon!

On the SECOND day of December

2011-12-02T22:25:00.000-08:00

an elf named Arnie joined us. He happily sat upon our shelf near the TV and watched over our kiddos. He will report back to Santa how they behave and if they have been naughty or nice. At first Raine was very hesitant to believe this little guy could fly all the way back to Santa but Reece reminded her that if she didn't believe in him, then she must not believe in Santa. Ahhh, thank you son for helping mama. I love the spirit of Santa and Christmas, now time to get the decorations up.

On the FIRST day of December

2011-12-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

my little man lost his second tooth. He was so excited he hopped out of bed to show me his teeny tiny tooth. He said it came out when he was brushing his teeth and then they couldn't find where it went. Luckily, lil sis spotted it and Reece quickly placed it in it's safe green house for the night. He didn't want to place it under his pillow so he cleaned off a nice open spot for the tooth fairy near his alarm clock. Reece said she would have some light from the clock and lots of space to take the tooth and leave some money. He also left a little note for her telling her the story of how it fell out and that he would like more than 25 cents. She did have plenty of room to work and left him a two dollar bill. Reece came running into our room this morning shouting about the two dollar bill. It was a very exciting evening and morning for my lil man.

Simplicities

2011-10-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

waking~ Raine tapping me on the shoulder asking if she can sleep with me

eating~ yummy apples and peanut butter in the new singe serve peanut butter containers

seeing~leaves finally falling from some trees here in Nevada

snuggling~ with Reece because he still asks me to

laughing~ Raine has the best laugh and is so stinking funny

playing~ the wii being a force of good in motivating Reece to get his homework and reading done

knowing~ Reece is capable of focusing at school and proud he is finally doing so

praying~ for some challenges I am facing at work

planning~ a trip home at Thanksgiving

asking~ my kiddos need to be asked several times to complete tasks, why is that?

serving~ coming home to a hubby who has made dinner and done the dishes, love that so much

anticipating~ the arrival of my new niece or nephew

Be Flexible

2011-10-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

I am trying to do more of this and really just go with the flow. I must admit this is really, really hard for me. I am a first born child, who needs to be in control and plan out most everything. I also have to have the last word. Anyway, we have been without daddy for the last few days and it has been wonderfully fun until tonight when I took the kiddos to my bible study. I tried to find a sitter but it wasn't happening. I probably should have skipped it and just enjoyed the evening with my babies, but nope I had them pack up a few things and brought them with me.

Let's just say it all started off just swell with cookies and coloring and then Reece was bored and decided to teach Raine how to play go fish. Well he wouldn't whisper, so I sent them into the other area where there was more light and no ladies to disturb. They played far away from me and my sight. Not good, not good at all. I was so embarrassed by how loud they were being that I left the table on the opposite side of the room and threaten my children with the spoon. They cleaned up all 52 cards that were laying all around the room and stomped back into the main area where the video was being played. I asked them to clean up the rest of their belongs and packed up myself too. I was so mortified, but why should I be? I chose to bring a 7 and 5 year old to a women's bible study; it wasn't their fault they were acting their ages. Reece was being a typical little boy and Raine was a perfect little sister following every move her big brother made.

It took me several hours of stewing and disappointment in my children to get to this point. I should never have brought them, it wasn't their fault and I must apologize to them when they wake up in the morning. I just wish I could start this evening over again...

Fall

2011-10-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

Wait it is Fall, where did spring and summer go?

I have a ton o posts to catch up on but I told myself that I needed to update somethings that were currently on my mind without pictures. So here is what I need to unload tonight as I lay here all alone in my bed. As I type, I listen to my awesome friend Shontell's super duper cool playlist. I love her choice in music and often steal it off her computer when I am in her home. Tonight I thought of her a lot as I purchased music from itunes, imagine that actually buying a tune or two. The kiddos were able to pick a couple also. Reece chose Justin Bieber "Somebody to Love" which he can sing really well. Raine was a bit indecisive, as usual. I had her listening to a bunch of Disney songs and then I finally convinced her to chose Grace Potter (love, love her) "Something That I Want". I think it was more for me than her but she still sung right along to it. We are huge fans of the movie Tangled, in fact Raine can't wait to dress up as Rapunzel for Halloween. Wow, that's going to be here before we know it, I better go get her that costume. Reece is content to be Ben 10 again this year; I really thought he was going to be Green Lantern, but nope. I wish the weather would cool off so we could enjoy October evenings and fall leaves. A trip to the mountains to collect Aspen leaves and get my fall fix will be happening soon I hope. As for now it is playdates and football games on TV.

Sunday, My Sabbath

2011-10-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

I am one blessed girl this year. I get to relax and truly enjoy my Sundays to the fullest. We have been trying to observe Sunday as our Sabbath and it usually works out for me. Mo has had to landscape and do some other side work but I have been enjoying my lazy Sundays. I have really enjoyed watching football and reading my new book, House Rules. Reece had a friend from school over today and he asked me if all I did was watch baseball and football. Why Yes Tyson, on Sundays, that is all I do. I love me some Phillies baseball and Buffalo Bills football. The kids love Sundays as well because they get to play all day, mama doesn't nag them to do a thing.

Hebrews 4:9-10 says it best: There must still be, therefore, a seventh day of rest, reserved for God's people, since to enter the place of rest, is to rest after you work, as God did after his.

October already??

2011-10-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

Yikes, September has flown by but boy was it fun! We are back in the swing of school and scheduled activities like dance class and cub scouts. Our weeks have the perfect balance of after school fun. On Mondays, I attend a bible study on the book of Revelation by the one and only Beth Moore. On Tuesdays, Raine attends a beginner ballet class at a fantastic studio called Fairy Tales & Tutus. On Wednesdays, Reece heads back to Bilbray with his dad for Cub Scout meetings and activities. Every other Thursday, Mo meets up with a mens group for a bible study at Canyon Ridge. On Fridays, we have our usual pizza and a movie family night. It may seem like a lot but it seems to work for us. Our weekends are super relaxing, no sporting events or scheduled obligations unless I sign the kids up for something at Pottery Barn or Lowes. I love getting back on a routine but do miss my lazy summer days.

Be Kind Award

2011-09-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

Raine attended her first super citizen assembly at James Bilbray ES. She whispered to me, "This is boring..." and then asked me, "When am I gonna get an award?" I told her soon and reminded her to cheer real loud for her brother when his name was called. She just sneered at me. Love that girl and her sassy attitude; at this rate she'll be waiting a long time for her award.

Reece sneaks a smile once he notices I am in attendance at the assembly; so proud of him.

Reece was called up for the Be Kind award. It is a new award this year to go with our school theme, Fill A Bucket by Being Kind. He was chosen by his second grade peers to receive the award for room 55. He has such a big heart and it means so much to me and his dad that he earned this.

What a special moment for this mama. xoxo

Ya just gotta love this kid, no matter how wiggly he is ;)

Reminds me of a song I cherish: Never Grow Up By: Taylor Swift

Oh darling, don't ya ever grow up, don't ya ever grow up, just stay this little.

Happy 7th Birthday Lil Man

2011-09-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

I can not believe you are so old! It makes me sad to see you grow up so fast. I am so thankful to all the love and laughter you bring our family. It just wouldn't be the same without your energy!

I remember

2011-09-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

September 11 Memorial was a tear jerking experience this summer, but I had to go see it. I could have stayed there for hours but time wouldn't allow it. I will always remember those towers and the times I spent standing on top of them with my cousins as a kid. I am glad I have seen and felt the NYC skyline with the towers standing tall. I cherish them and feel for all those whose lives changed on that day.

So glad this sign still hangs in the subway stations. I look forward to visiting the completed One World Trade Center Plaza and the Freedom Tower next summer.

First Day of School

2011-08-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

I can not believe I have a 2nd grader and a little lady in kindergarten. I tell them all the time to stop growing up and stay little but they don't seem to listen.

I love, love, love Reece's teacher Mrs. Cindy Olafson, she is amazing and will push my kiddo to his full potential all while allowing him to wiggle and move around as much as he needs. I can't wait to hear all about the things he will experience this year.

I also love, love, love Mrs. Kim Glover, she is a super enthusiastic sing song kind of teacher who will push my baby girl. I know Raine will love singing and dancing in room 3 but will also become and avid reader and writer.

Miss Jane is by far my most favorite lady in the school. She loves the children will all of her heart and soul. Jane works so hard without a single complaint, not sure what Kim would do without her.

I know this is going to be a super school year. The kiddos are excited and ready for the adventures to begin. I am a bit nervous about my new career path but also ready for a change.

A good first day

2011-08-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

We made it!

All three of us.

We had a good day.

Raine was very excited to share about all the fun she had and how she couldn't wait to go back tomorrow. Thank you Lord!

Reece LOVED second grade so much, his words exactly. He said it was a little boring because there are a lot of rules but it was good.
I enjoyed pushing into the fifth grade, third grade and first grade classrooms also.
I think I'm gonna like it here.

Happy 5th Birthday Baby Girl

2011-08-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

My baby girl turned 5 today which makes me sad and excited at the same time. The terrific toddler has now become a little kid in kindergarten. I told her she needed to stop growing up but she said, "Mommy, I have to grow up so I can be a mommy like you!" We had a yummy dinner of her favorite food mac n cheese, Noni style.

She picked this cake when we were buying our groceries the other day. I have no problem buying a store bought cake if that's what her little heart desires.

Raine loved this Hello Kitty Necklace from her daddy. We picked it up from the Hello Kitty store in NYC. Mo loves it as much as Raine.

Raine was so grateful for the Squinkies from her brother.

She couldn't hug him any tighter or longer. It was a perfect pick by Reece.

Another gift we picked up on while traveling on the east coast. Daddy grabbed this tie-dye from a shop on the boardwalk in Ocean City and Raine couldn't wait to put it on! She was very happy about these and all of her other presents; a very spoiled little lady. I can't wait for her friend party at Fairy Tales & Tutus this Saturday.

Thankful Thursday

2011-08-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

So very grateful for Grammie Rosie's pool. We snuck up there today to spend our last few days of summer vacation in the water. We love this pool and have been swimming in it for many years. Hope we can continue to do so next summer too. Reece loves diving & jumping off the ladder. Raine plays with her watering can; she keeps me nice and cool.

Lunch is always better by the pool, who knew apples could taste so good!
A lovely pic of mama and mini me. Reece did pretty good taking this shot huh?

Friends

2011-08-03T08:52:00.000-07:00

We finished our summer road trip with a stop at the Brewer Bed and Breakfast in Nampa, Idaho. I love this place and would actually move here, except it is pretty stinky with a sugar snap pea plant and meat packing plant. The night we arrived there were six adults and eleven children sleeping under one roof. I wish the Russo clan could have stayed one more day so we could get a little more time with them before they move to Virginia. While they were trying leave the chaos and head back to Nevada, all of the children climbed into their Excursion. I was totally ok with it, I would love some adult time with my Shontell & Mike, but Jenn & Mark weren't that hip on the idea!

Remember this picture was taken at a very early hour of the morning, after I had about six hours of sleep. I cherish these two women, more than they could ever imagine. I have know them for ten years and we have raised children together. They were there for my through so many difficult and joyous times and now both of them will live too far away from me. Good thing they will open their homes to our family in the blink of an eye. I know that whenever I text or call them, they will make me laugh and smile for quite some time after. I love my girlfriends.

Shontell and I were trying to have a nice photo taken before the Hauguel clan finished our road trip home, and Izzy Rose kept jumping into our picture. I love her, she is an amazing young lady with a heart of gold. I love that she is in this picture and I pray I can raise my daughter as well as Shontell has raise Isabelle.

Not sure what Mo is laughing about in this picture, maybe he had too many mugs of coffee? Mo could speak volumes about his friend Michael Brewer. He would have taken me home to Las Vegas, turned around and driven 12 hours back up to Idaho to hang out with him and his amazing family. They have a very manly relationship that involves fishing, hunting, camping and at one time jeeping. Oh and these two Godly men are very fortunate to have the most understanding and flexible wives around. ;)

The Brewer family is just one of many that we call our FAMILY, not just friends. We say we are going to start a commune, I do hope it happens sooner than later...

Hershey Park

2011-07-20T23:51:00.000-07:00

That's where they make the CHOCOLATE!! We didn't do a tour or anything this time because the kids are a bit too young but next year maybe. We had so much fun exploring this amusement park with Aunt Amber and Aubrey. Last summer we visited Sesame Place and this summer Hersey Park. Let's not forget our first trip to Disneyland with them too. We love creating first memories with our cousin and auntie. Mo was excited to see how it changed since he had been there when he was young.

Ariel view of the Hershey Chocolate Factory!

Brother & Sister enjoying the heat & humidity!

Cousins needing more water and it was only 10 am.

The kiddos loved this ride they must have went on it 7 times,
the line was short and it must have given then a nice breeze.

Kiddos so happy for the photo op, can we just go in the park already!
I love that all of them insisted on wearing their new baseball hats from Uncle Doug.

Reece was checking his height. Ironic he could ride all the ride with a Reese's Peanut Butter candy sign. He was so excited when he learned that was most of the roller coasters we saw while we were driving into the park. Reece & Daddy rode a lot of coasters this time.

It was such a hot day we spent a good 4 hrs of it at The Boardwalk a water park part of the amusement park. The kids didn't mind that at all they loved every second of the day, well except when we made them go on Tidal Force. Just check out the Description: One of the tallest splash-down rides in the world. Guaranteed to get you soaked! Ride Facts: Number of boats:3, Riders per boat:20, Ride duration:2 minute, 10 seconds Maximum speed: 53 mph, Capacity:950 riders per hour. Aubrey was too frightened and after we all sat and started moving forward, Amber had to ask them stop the ride so she and Aubs could get off. Reece and Raine were not too thrilled it when it was all over. Reece said he was never going on that again and Raine wanted to know why she couldn't get off when Aubrey did. Oh well lesson learned, no more Tidal Wave rides.

We opened and closed the park and had such a great time that Mo said he wouldn't mind getting a hotel room next year and trying a two day pass. We will see...

We Are Here! We Are Here!

2011-06-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

Our home for three weeks this summer. Mo's summer vacation tradition that he has introduced to his little Vegas family. We love it here as much as he does and my kids are now making similar memories he made as a child. I love that!

The Atlantic, with a view of the boardwalk in the distance.

Sassy pants with her new watering can.

The stud enjoying his freshly caught Maryland Blue Crabs.

My blessings relaxing with a snack.

I am in heaven, thank you Lord for summer vacation.

She

2011-04-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

SHE wakes up happy just about everyday and almost always asks to crawl into our bed with us.

SHE has very strong opinions about her clothes. Poor thing wears a uniform to school so the first thing she does when she gets home is change into something pretty, usually one of her princess dresses.

SHE wants to do everything herself. She is strong willed and very independent.

SHE loves imaginative play. While we were at the dollar store the other day she picked out a crown with earrings and then a new princess wand. I have enjoyed listening to her play mommy. She told me several times to be quiet her babies were sleeping. I can often hear her singing random made up songs while cooking dinner at her Dora kitchen.

SHE says “yes, please” & "no thank you" more often than not – some of the best words in the English language.

SHE loves the colors purple and pink and blue.

SHE has the best giggle. She finds humor in so many things and laughs right out loud.

SHE loves to try and read books and has even started reading some on her own. Her current favorite to try and read aloud is Go Dog Go! She loves to listen to me read to her this gigantic princess book.

SHE is sassy, soft, curious, cuddly, creative, confident, courageous, and wonderful.

SHE is an awesome little four-year-old.

Idea borrowed from Ali Edwards blog

Happy Earth Day

2011-04-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

How are you going to spend such an awesome day? The weather here is amazing, so we took a walk to the dollar store and Dunkin Donuts this morning. The kids ate their doughnuts outside and played make believe princess and pirate with their new items from the Dollar Tree. We moved around a few plants for daddy to plant and then made meat, cheese and crackers for lunch. Once again we ate outside and had a blast giggling and laughing the whole time. Daddy and Reece went to Feldman's to landscape and swim while Raine and I rested here at home. Now I am off to take my daughter shopping for some new Easter sandals and going to give some old flip flops to Old Navy. They will collect your old flip flops and turn them into the bottom of playgrounds. You could also go for a nice hike in and around a National Park for free! Go play outside today!

Family Movie Date

2011-04-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

Look what we went to see today!!
It was such a cute movie; we all laughed right out loud!

These boys had so much fun dancing to the songs at the end of the show.
Reece was excellent at shaking his booty and rocking out!

Raine enjoyed the movie the most.
She would laugh so loud and say,
"This is my favorite part, this is where they shake their booties!"

Reece & Daddy played Angry Birds Rio while we waited for our delicious sandwiches.

We decided to enjoy some lunch after and what better sandwich to have than a Capriotti's Bobbie and Capistrami. YUM-O!

Spring Swimming

2011-04-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

She is so sweet, I just love her hair.

Reece has been learning how to dive, he almost had it last summer but a winter without swimming and he's forgotten what to do. Now he's back at it and loves it as much as I do.

He really is a fish and loves the water.

We are so blessed to know and love the Feldman family. They are even joining us for a week of our summer Jersey Shore vacation this year. I can not wait for that. It will be so much fun sipping yummy adult lemonade on the beach with Tina. Today, she let me bring the rascals over to swim all while she prepared herself for a staycation at The Four Seasons. What a life huh?
I sat on my tush and enjoyed watching the kiddos splash in the pool. Sunny 86 degree weather lends itself well to a relaxing by a pool on this Tuesday morning. We will definitly head back there a couple more times this week.

Today

2011-04-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Life moves so freaking fast, take your time and note down what you did TODAY.
Today is very important.
Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't certain.
The best day to live is TODAY.

Here is what I did today:

made homemade cinnamon vanilla waffles

3 loads of laundry

opened a Easter package from Noni & Pe Pere

played with new dancing Easter bunny

read about Princesses and rock climbers

1 puzzle

read lots of blog posts and Facebook status updates & comments

chatted with friend on the phone & made plans to swim

explained what free will is to my 6 yr old son

listened to a lot of Justin Bieber music

tickled, kissed and hugged the little people in my home (a lot)

vacuumed

watched a very frustrating hockey game

called my sister

attended an amazing bible study and ate a delicious brownie

shopped for more Easter goodies at the dreaded Walmart

I enjoyed the first day of Spring Break and am trying to appreciate the little things this week since I can not have my way and spend a few days in California. What did you do?

Someday...

2011-04-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

I will go on vacation during spring break.

I will not have to save money for it because there will be extra money in the blow fund for it.

I will get to go a shopping spree for a new spring/summer wardrobe.

I will get to be a stay at home mom.

I will have new floors and counter tops.

I will be cheering on my son as he runs around the bases or steals the ball from the other soccer player.

I will encourage my daughter to keep practicing her ballet dance.

I will be able to fly up to Reno for a girls weekend without a plan or budgeted trip.

I will be soaking up the rays and playing in the waves in Maui.

I will be free from grading papers.

I will have an extensive collection of stories to tell my children's spouses.

For now I will appreciate the blessings God provides.

LOVE

2011-04-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

At service this morning the pastor spoke about all the sacrifices Jesus made for us. Upon the close of service he asked us to go out and love others like Jesus loved us. I cry every Sunday morning while soaking up all the pastor has to share yearning to hear more; this morning though, I wept. My heart was aching as I watched the images of the road to cross. The relentless amount of pain Jesus endured for me, a sinner who doesn't deserve his love. It was good Mo wasn't there because I have been quite somber all day.

Then I was reading a friend's blog and she said this:

I came up with this quote and I hope you enjoy it. "You are worth more than the sum of your choices, more than the value that the world places on you. You are a priceless gift to this world and the impact that you make in this world will be evident in the lives of those who met you and truly knew you. Use your time, words, and actions wisely"

I pray that as you go through this life that you are moved to make a difference in this world. Sometimes I think we all believe that we have to do something HUGE to make a difference, but really all we're called to do is love and to love without expectations or boundaries.. Love unconditionally.

I cried again. Easter is horribly emotional for me. Every since I became a mother, I can not look at the images of Mary & Jesus without sobbing. I couldn't imagine watching my son go through something that horrific. I am so very blessed that God sent his only son to live as a human with desires and temptations and to prove that God is the almighty father. But why oh why did God have to have his son die that way? I guess so we always remember what a sacrifice he made for us. During this Easter week I hope you reflect on how truly blessed you are. And if you don't know Jesus, I pray you will come to know him because having a relationship with him is such an amazing experience. God Bless You!

Camping with Daddy

2011-04-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

Ready to sleep in the tent.

Reece fell in love with Arthur the dog
and hung out with him as much as he could.

Raine was supposed to be taking an afternoon nap.

Sweet, sweet blessings from the Lord!

I love this picture. It shows the innocence of my children and the joy they have within them, especially while camping with daddy and his friends. I had planned an all day scrap event at church from 9 until 9. Mo put on his super dad cape and took the kiddos to a huge Easter egg drop extravaganza, then out to Lovell Canyon for the a little spring camping. The had the best time and didn't want to come home. All three of them wanted to stay and camp another night. They loved playing in the dirt and made swords with sticks. Raine said she loved the smores the most. Daddy loved every minute of it. I was spoiled by how much mommy time I had to myself, Mo should probably take them camping at least once a month. Glad they all loved it!

New Position

2011-04-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

YEP, I found a new career, well not really. I will be moving into the Special Education Department. I will be one of two resource teachers in our building. Not quite sure which grades I will be working with yet, I think 4th & 5th. We are still working out the placement of students for next year. I will be attending several meeting throughout the end of the school year and will have to brush up on my special ed laws and IEP writing over the summer but overall, I am excited. It is unfortunate though that I can not show my excitement because we are losing 5 regular education positions from our building. While I am cheering for my latest teaching adventure, two of my dearest colleagues and friends who teach in the classrooms on my left and right are having to find new schools to work in. Why is it we have to cut so much from education but can fund other dumb things?

Playing Life

2011-03-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

What we play is life.~ Louis Armstrong

I am playing Life right now and it is a very busy one. I like playing life and am enjoying it but am eager to really play. Spring break can not come soon enough. Summer is much too far away.

I just want to sit around and play.

Play with my kids. Play with my hot hubby. Play with my camera. Play with pictures. Play with the Wii. Play with itunes. Play with my family. Play at the park. Play in the pool. Play on the trampoline or our bikes.

Why is there never enough time to just play? I need to make more time for that.

Super swimmer

2011-03-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

Reece started taking swimming lessons this past Tuesday He enjoys it but is struggling with the length of the pool and how much strength it takes to make to the end and back. He is a fish, but has never been challenged like this. I enjoy watching him learn the proper technique and try the strokes. He is learning how to put his face in the water, turn his head to take a breath and continue on with his stroke. I am very proud of how hard he works at it. I don't expect him to master the front crawl or back crawl in four weeks but I like the idea of him learning. While eating dinner later that night he was so calm and peaceful. It was a totally different Reece, worn out from all the exercise. I think swimming will be a good activity for my lil guy.

Mumford And Sons

2011-03-21T23:34:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy do I love this band! I can not get enough of them! I wish to see them live sometime. They will be in Denver, Co on June 18th. We are driving through CO then, but I bet the show is already sold out. They sell out venues in 15 minutes. Crazy huh.

In the song Awake My Soul, one of their lyrics says:
In these bodies we live, in these bodies we die, where you invest your love, you invest your life.

I LOVE this so much because that is where I am at right now. I want to invest every minute on my family especially my kiddos. I miss them so much during the day. I am so blessed to have Reece at school with me and can't for Raine to join us next year. Sometimes being an underpaid, overworked teacher has it's perks. ;)

YouTube Mumford And Sons, I promise you will love them, if you don't already.

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY MOM

2011-03-18T22:41:00.000-07:00

Today my mother turned 60 years old. She is not old, she is fantastic. I hope I can be half the mom she is. Barbara Ann has lived a very blessed life and I bet she looks forward to another 60 years. I cherish my memories of the good and bad time spent with her. I can not wait to make more awesome memories. I know my kiddos miss her dearly and look forward to seeing her this summer and for their birthdays in the fall. Hope you had a wonderful birthday celebration mommy dearest.

Spring is here!

2011-03-16T20:59:00.001-07:00

We love the spring and nice weather that we are having around here. It is unseasonably warm around here and we are loving it. Daddy finished our front yard and it is so fun to sit out front and enjoy all of the color. Raine was given this fun dress yesterday and couldn't put it on fast enough. Raine is a dress girl, she loves them and changes into them the minute she gets home from school. I asked her a few questions the other day and her answers were so sweet. I'm so proud of her and who she is becoming. Tonight before bed we each said a prayer and she prayed for the homeless people. It was so sweet. She is growing up too fast, where does the time go?

11

2011-03-11T23:11:00.000-08:00

Sept 11th-NY

Jan 11th-Haiti

March 11th-Japan

Luke 21:10-11 "Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Nation will rise against nation, & kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, pestilences in various places, & fearful events/great signs from heaven. 'Jesus says for behold I come quickly'."

I never even realized all those events happened on the 11th.

I wonder is Jesus will return on the 11th??

Saturday Sleepover

2011-03-07T21:49:00.000-08:00

We love have kiddos over to our home. Amaya & Gavin are two of our favorite friends who have been coming over for a few years now. We swap babysitting services with their parents. Mr. Joe has watched Reece at least five times this school year and I owe the Lucero family about a week of babysitting.

Check out how tall Reece looks in this pic!

Gavin growling at me because it was time to come in and eat.

The BATCAVE made especially for sleepovers.

Look how happy our heros are.

The girls didn't want any caves and wouldn't cooperate for pics.

After a very entertaining pasta dinner we loaded all four children into Mo's truck and headed to the 6 o'clock service at Canyon Ridge. Amaya and Reece had a blast in their class. Amaya said she wanted to come back again. We returned home and started getting everyone ready for bed. They had a blast monkeying around and giggled for a long time before falling asleep. My kiddos were a bit shocked when they woke up and their friends were missing. Rebecca & Joe picked them up at about 10pm. It was the easiest babysitting night I have ever had.

Numbers

2011-03-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

AHHH, my life is a bit full this weekend. Just take a look at all I have to complete...

2 kids to feed something for lunch

4 children to entertain while getting dinner ready and off to church

3 classrooms I must drop children off in

1 sermon I will try not to cry during

4 giggling children who will need to sleep

17 two and three year olds I will have to teach about God creating the sun, moon and stars

2 bulletin boards I need to hang for the Silent Auction at CCA

2 wild children who will need to be watched while stapling

1 evening meal that will need to be prepared

79 photos that need to be uploaded

2 lunches to be packed for school

1 body that will need to go on a 3.1 mile jog

3 weeks of project life to catch up on

5 loads of laundry to finish

7 blue polos to iron

9 pairs of khakis to iron

120 papers that need to read and graded

Wouldn't you like to come have some fun with me?

Front Yard ReBeautification Project

2011-03-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

If you have not met my hubby he is a wizard with a shovel and pick ax. It was finally our turn to have some landscaping done at our house. He has been working diligently for a bout a month now on this monstrous project and it is just about finished. Reece has helped hold the plants and dig holes too. He loves to work in the yard with his daddy. I can't wait to see it all complete!

Super Saturday

2011-02-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

Reece and Jalen played Disney Sorry but made up their own rules.

Reece taught Jalen how to build the Lego Ben10 guys.

Good friends!

Yay for Friday night sleepovers and Saturday play dates. Raine was super excited to be invited over to Kaylee's house. She hasn't been feeling well but this is such a special treat that I couldn't say no. She was so excited she helped pack her backpack with all the necessary supplies. Except a pull up and her toothbrush. I woke up at 12:00 worried she was going to pee all over her girlfriends. Thankfully she told Deidre she needed a pull up for bedtime.

Raine was anxiously waiting for me at the car.

The girls were ready for dinner, decorating cupcakes and a movie.

Reece was bummed but we arranged for his friend Jalen to come over on Saturday for a fun boys only playdate. Daddy worked on our front yard while the boys played. I had to run out and pick up Raine. Then we met a friend and her youngest kiddos for lunch and play time at BK. It was great catching up with her, poor Raine was so exhausted and fell asleep within 3 mins of our car ride home. Deidre said she asked to go to asleep at 8 pm when all of the other girls stayed up until 9 or so. All in all she had a blast. Reece and Jalen were starving by the time I made it home. They created their own lunch menus and then checked off what they wanted to eat. It was very cute and they sure did pick a lot of food. The boys jumped on the trampoline, built a fort, created Ben 10 aliens with legos and ran around like wild little animals. It was very fun and I would have Jalen over again and again.

The best part of the day was the fact that we found a babysitter and had a super fun date night. I called about 6 girls and they were all busy until one of my old students Shelby came through for us. We haven't seen her in a while so it was a real treat! Mo and I raced down to Firefly to meet Jenn and Mark for some delicious food and sangria, then it was off to the movies. We saw Just Go With It, which I found to be quite HILARIOUS!!! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. It was a great date but an all around perfect Saturday!

Imagination Movers LIVE

2011-02-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

Once again we were blessed with free tickets to see this excellent show! The kids were surprised and ready to dance. Well Raine was anyway, Reece said this is for babies, but then danced all night long. We used to watch Choo Choo Soul & Imagination Movers all the time when we had the Disney channel. Now the kids watch it online. It was a a very fun evening out as a family.

The kids were jumping around dancing when I asked them to turn and look at me,

this is what I got. Silly faces indeed!

Cold Season

2011-02-24T10:28:00.001-08:00

YUCK! It sure is hitting our house hard this winter season. I was finally feeling better but only because I passed all of my germs off onto my innocent little girl. She came home from school yesterday with the saddest looking bloodshot eyes, coughing and all stuffy. Raine climbed up onto my bed and requested to watch Beauty & The Beast. I snuggled with the poor thing for a bit then made some leftovers (Noni's not here to cook anymore). Before putting her to bed, I gave her a shot of medicine and prayed her cough would subside and let her get some much needed rest. No such luck, she was up all night long coughing and crying. At one point she was so warm I couldn't tell if she was breaking a fever or just to bundled under her covers. Either way I started calling friends to see if they could sub for me today. Two strikes and then I finally found one, third time is a charm. So here we sit watching Sesame Street and coloring. I hate that Raine feels terrible but I love snuggling with her.

P!nk - Raise Your Glass

2011-02-23T21:07:00.000-08:00

Sigh

2011-02-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

"I realized that I already know the things I need to do, which is different from all the things I could be doing. And here’s the trick: it’s more important to actually do those things that need to be done than to pursue the shiny new idea right around the corner.

Do fewer things.

Do them better.

It’s become my personal motto for the year. And the really great thing is that it extends to every area of my life: Work. Home. Personal life. Family."-Meagan Francis

I just read this on the Happiest Mom's blog and it made take a deep breath in relief. I have been trying so hard to focus on finding Peace and doing only what is necessary in 2011.

President's Day weekend was spent with my in law's visiting but was very uneventful. If I was feeling better I would have loved to venture out and play in the snow or take a hike at Red Rock but nope, I napped and layed around quite a bit. I didn't even go to church on Sunday but I did push myself to get up and meet the family for breakfast at Ihop and go out on a double date Sunday. We introduced the rents to Aliante Casino and saw Liam Neeson's movie Unknown then headed to dinner at Outback. We checked out the restaurants in the casino but they were a bit too pricey and the elder Hauguel's love Outback. It was a fun date but I had to call it a night at 9:15 because the sangria was kicking my tush and I could hear my bed calling my name. I carefully drove Syd the sitter home and crawled into my cozy bed (because mo bought me a new fuzzy green blanket) with my hot hubby.

On Monday I wasn't feeling very well at all. I stood in a steamy hot shower, ate some cereal and then crawled right back into bed. Mo was very busy creating a masterpiece in our front yard the entire weekend so after making the kiddos eggs in toast he went right back out to play in the dirt. Shortly after lunch, the grandparents loaded my kiddos into their rental car for a trip to the Shark Reef. As a mom, I was a bit taken back because it was the first time my kiddos had gone anywhere alone with their Noni and Pe Pere. I wasn't worried, just unclear of what I should do with myself. I curled up on the couch with my laptop and did what every good mom should do, watched some missed episodes of TV!!! It was very relaxing and just what I needed. I did feel guilty I was missing a fun trip with the kiddos but extremely glad they were able to have that special time with the grandparents from P.A.

Everyone came home happy as can be and with little souvenir turtles in hand. Pa Pere quickly offered to assist his son with the yard and Noni was headed to the store to buy food for dinner. I put Raine down for a nap and joined Noni for a trip to the food store to purchase some staples for the short school week. She was in search of all the ingredients to make a ham and baked mac n cheese dinner but had no luck finding a canned ham so she switched gears and bought a roaster chicken, fresh green beans, stuffing and rice. A meal we all know very well and love even more than ham. I ran around the store grabbing things here and there, feeling a bit of pressure to hurry up. After unloading the groceries, we started preparing the evening meal. I always enjoy cooking with my mother in law because she has super yummy meals made with the simplest ingredients. Reece can't get enough of her cooking either; he raves about them every night. The meal was wonderful once again and we all found some coloring or bible lessons to complete afterwards.

All of that to say we had an amazingly relaxing visit with the grandparents this past week. I feel like it was more meaningful than other visits they have had with us. I guess I am doing well doing fewer things and doing them better. Let's hope it continues ;)

Faith

2011-02-21T20:04:00.000-08:00

‎"A little faith will bring your soul to heaven,

but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul"

~Martin Luther

Visit from Noni & Pe Pere

2011-02-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday Noni & Pe Pere flew in from PA. It has been a wonderfully relaxing visit so far. We met them a for dinner at Outback and enjoyed some yummy food. The kids were starving from a long day of school and a visit to the eye doctor. They gobbled up their dinner and chatted with their grandparents.

Thursday and Friday I was blessed with homemade meals, Chicken Paramsian and London Broil made by Noni. I love to come home from work to a home cooked meal that I didn't have to prepare! It is so nice, I would have no problem hiring a professional chef to cook me meals nightly.

Saturday we ran earned as a family and ended up at Mimi's Cafe for breakfast. It was busy but productive morning. Mo bought me a new fuzzy fleece blanket for our bed. It used it to take a wonderful nap. The grandparents visited and hung out and Noni made us my favorite meal fried flounder, veggies and rice. It was so fantastic.

Raine is starting to read

2011-02-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

Raine wants to learn how to read so badly that at night she asks Jesus to help her learn how to read. I am so excited for her. I asked her future kindergarten teacher for some books for her to start with. She said those pictured at the bottom of this post were too easy. So I grabbed her some level 1 books from our school lit lab. Raine was thrilled, she has read all 7 books every night this week. I guess I better get her some more...

Life is Good

2011-01-30T13:51:00.000-08:00

We have had an amazingly blessed January. I have begun scrapping again and am finding so much peace and joy while creating. I have cleaned out all my stuff and have it as organized as I can get it. I have assembled my kiddos school days kits that I bought 2 years ago and have also been doing Project Life. I hope to continue it a few nights a week and maybe every Thursday night with the ladies at my church who craft. I am so excited about enjoying the hobby again but the best part is how excited my kiddos get to see a page added to their books. Now if only I could invest in uniform scrapbooks and get rid of all those post bound Scrap in Snap albums.

I am reading an awesome book right now called The me I want to be. It is about becoming the person God called you to be, like the latest and greatest version of you. CR is doing a 5 week study on it and it has been very spiritual and fulfilling. I am very happy with our new church and like sitting back, getting fed. Every week I weep and can totally feel God's presence. Guess I have really needed that. We are wrestling with going to a friends small group also but we are waiting for God to tell us when to go. Reece & Raine are also enjoying the children church program. Reece came out of class last week saying it was such great worship. I love that they have the same teacher each week and they know my little ones names and welcome them with such warm open arms.

I have registered for my third half marathon. I will be running the San Diego Rock & Roll Half with my dear friends along side me. The best part is that it on my 37th birthday. I have always seen the signs for this race hanging all over the city while chaperoning the 5th grade Sea Camp trips. Every year I said I would love to run one, this year I will with 3 of the 6 bowlies! I can't wait, I guess I better start training and stop eating all the chocolate in my house.

Praise God for all of our blessings, we tithed more this month than ever before, which in turn means we made more. Trust in the Lord and He will provide...We do!

Super Citizen

2011-01-27T17:23:00.000-08:00

Reece was awarded the super citizen award for Non-Violence this week at school. I found this quite humerus at first, thinking his teacher was just giving it to him because she couldn't think of anything better for my rambunctious lil man. Oddly enough, she told me he was the only one who knew what it meant and that he is so kind hearted. No matter how annoyed he becomes he never reacts with violence. Good for him, I thought. I guess going to church has taught him more than I realize. I was a proud mama.

Las Vegas Tourists

2011-01-18T16:33:00.000-08:00

After dropping Amber & Aubrey off at the airport we decided to be tourist for the afternoon. Our kiddos have never seen the Bellagio water show so we walked around the conservatory for a bit, ate the most delicious gelato and then went outside to see the show. We had prime spots for viewing except that the sun was right in our eyes. All in all it was fun playing tourists; from Red Rock to the strip it was a good way to spend our day off of school.

Yay for the kind old tourist who offered to take a picture of our family.

3 out of 4 smiles work for me!

Disney on Ice

2011-01-17T19:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the tickets Uncle Travis, we LOVED the show!

Raine and Aubrey dressed up for the event.

She was quite a sassy skater during "The Princess and The Frog" skit.

It was a pretty amazing Fantasia skit too.

Raine's favorite part! She was so excited that the Beast was a prince.

We all had such an awesome time sitting 3 rows from the ice watching the fantastic show! Our friends the Surettes sat with us and then Aunt Amber and Aubrey joined us for the second act. I think I was more impressed with all of the exciting skaters than my kiddos. Well Raine was pretty focused on the show because her snow cone was melting all over her dress because she seemed to forget all about eating it. The kiddos picked out cotton candy and snow cones to purchase with their Christmas money. They were so excited because they now have two Mickey head cups and Raine was able to buy a pretty purple Tinkerbell cup. We concluded the night by meeting Mo at Olive Garden to enjoy a yummy pasta dinner. It is the kids favorite food, so it was a perfect choice. It was an extremely exciting Saturday afternoon and evening.

Trip to the Park with Aunt Amber

2011-01-14T21:30:00.000-08:00

Aunt Amber and Aubrey came to visit us for the long holiday weekend. They arrived late Thursday night and we hung out and chatted for a little bit. Mo & I had to work on Friday but I let Reece & Raine stay home from school to play with Aunt Amber & Aubrey. Did I mention what a super duper fun aunt she is? Amber asked me where the closest park was so I drew her a map. She packed a picnic lunch and had the kiddos grab something to ride on. Reece and Raine grabbed their Batman and Dora big wheel things and Aubrey borrowed Reece’s scooter. Little did Amber know that the trek to the Dinosaur park would be such a grueling experience.

When I came home from my training, Amber was on the couch and shared all the details about their trip to the park especially what went wrong. Raine closed the sliding glass door on her finger while getting ready to go. Amber had trouble keeping up with the kiddos; they rode too far ahead of her. She dropped Aubrey’s camera in the sand, twice. Raine and Aubrey went flying down the yellow slide way too fast and landed on their butts. While walking home from the park, the kids took off their jackets and Amber dropped Raine’s on the side of the road. Luckily, she called Mo and he found it on his way home. Amber said she was glad they went to the park but it was quite an adventure!

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today,
because if you enjoy it today you can do it again tomorrow.

I am hoping to post this so
mewhere in
my ho
me because it
may just help
me
with that horrible act of procrastinating. Yet, I'
m not sure I will want to scrub the toilet to
morrow.

New Years Eve Snow Day

2010-12-31T16:40:00.000-08:00

We spent the last day of 2010 playing in the snow. It was super-duper cold up at nt. Charleston. The temperature in the truck read 9 degrees. I knew it was going to be bitter cold so I brought extra everything for the kiddos so they wouldn't have any excuses. We had it all extra hats, mittens, socks and even a change of dry clothes for the kids when we were all done. We invited our friends the Russo's to join us. Even though we were frozen it was a great time.

The snow was so fresh and new, we found a great spot no one had touched yet.

Reece was dragging the sled up the hill, he didn't even complain.

Raine held on for dear life as she flew down the hill.

She was so light she went farther than anyone.

Fun family photo after changing the kiddos out of wet clothes into warm dry ones.

Raine loves climbing up and down the huge mound of snow.

Reece packing a snowball ready to throw it at his daddy.

The girls having a snack on the bed of daddy's truck.

The Batcave By: Reece Hauguel

2010-12-29T15:39:00.000-08:00

Reece was given this awesome present from Pe Pere & Noni. He and his daddy have spent a few hours building all the different parts of it. Yesterday, Reece started reading the direction book and followed each step in hopes of building the Batcave all by himself. Daddy went into his bedroom to help him but only on a few parts. Reece's replica wasn't the same as it said in the book but he was so proud of his creation. Today when it was time to read books and rest, he decided to journal about it on his new white board. I love his inventive spelling of 'stuff' and 'guys' and his messy left-handed penmeship. I love that he took the time to write six sentences about something he loves, Batman. I love this creative kid sooo much.

SPOILED

2010-12-27T09:48:00.000-08:00

Our kiddos are very blessed, or shall I say spoiled! Whenever someone asked Reece what he wanted for Christmas he would say, "A DS but if Santa can't make that then I want a skateboard." Good thing Santa made the DS because it probably cost less than the visits we would have to make to the emergency room. Except Santa didn't make this one; Ma Mere, Mom Mom, Uncle Travis, and Uncle Andy all sent us Christmas money or gift cards. We told Reece this was a very special DS because it was from everyone who loved him.

"HOLY COW, I can't believe it, a DS!" he shouted.

I couldn't spoil my son without getting something just as awesome for my daughter. Black Friday online shopping was a success when I found the pink Leapster 2 for half price. Raine was just as excited as Reece.

She shouted, "A Leapster, I didn't even put this on my list."

Now look at what we've created; zombies who stare in to their magical little machines!

Christmas Song

2010-12-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of the best songs ever written. I love it, almost as much as I love Reese Peanut Butter cups and pretzel m&m's. Listen, read the lyrics and enjoy on the Eve of our Saviour's birth.

She was his girl, he was her boyfriend

Soon to be his wife, make him her husband

A surprise on the way, any day, any day

One healthy little giggling, dribbling baby boy

The Wise Men came, three made their way

To shower him with love

While he lay in the hay

Shower him with love, love, love

Love love, love

Love, love was all around

Not very much of his childhood was known

Kept his mother Mary worried

Always out on his own

He met another Mary who for a reasonable fee

Less than reputable was known to be

His heart was full of love, love, love

Love, love, love

Love, love was all around

When Jesus Christ was nailed to the his tree

Said "Oh, Daddy-o, I can see how it all soon will be.

I came to shed a little light on this darkening scene.

Instead I fear I’ve spilled the blood of our children all around."

The blood of our children all around

The blood of our children’s all around

So I’m told, so the story goes

The people he knew were

Less than golden-hearted

Gamblers and robbers

Drinkers and jokers

All soul searchers

Like you and me

Rumors insisted he soon would be

For his deviations taken into custody

By the authorities, less informed than he.

Drinkers and jokers, all soul searchers

Searching for love, love, love

Love, love, love

Love, love was all around

Preparations were made

For his celebration day

He said, "Eat this bread, think of it as me.

Drink this wine and dream it will be

The blood of our children all around,

The blood of our children all around.”

The blood of our children’s all around

Father up above,

Why in all this anger do you fill me up with love, love, love?

Love, love, love

Love, love was all around

Father up above,

Why in all this hatred do you fill me up with love?

Fill me love, love, yeah

Love, love, love

Love, love, and the blood of our children all around

Parenting

2010-12-22T23:13:00.000-08:00

Today while we were eating lunch Raine said, "When I grow up I want to be a clown." Trying to hold back laughter, I responded with, "Really, why is that?" Smiling she said, "Because I get to be silly all the time!" I turned and chuckled to myself and then she said, "No, I am going to be a heart and star and a rainbow."

I love this girl so very much. She makes me laugh right out loud, smile ear to ear and frustrates the heck out of me all in one day. She is very independent and strong willed just like her mother. ;)

During our holiday shopping she had a serious meltdown in Target because she couldn't get lip gloss. One where I had to carry her out of the store while she screamed and kicked her shoe right off. I was a good mom sticking to my guns but boy was I embarrassed. I know all of the other people watching had been there before but seriously, Raine is 4 and 40lbs. That was too heavy and hard to carry out into the parking lot; where she continued to yell, "Your hurting me!" Rightfully so, I was squeezing her legs so she would stop squirming and kicking. I finally was able to set her down in a dark spot and beat her. No, not really, but I asked her if she was ready to walk to the truck or not. While standing there with an ugly look on her face, I said you can stand there and pout while I walk to the truck. She didn't like that, she screamed wait for me and ran up along side of me. I took her hand and tried to make her walk fast with me because the parking lot was really busy. She purposely walked super slow. I scooped her up and carried her again. She wasn't real fond of that. When we got to the truck I beat her, no not really, but I was so annoyed. I really wished I had a wooden spoon in my purse.

Why is it I have to have parenting moments like this?

Gingerbread Houses

2010-12-21T21:48:00.000-08:00

I love to watch my 5th graders make these tasty little homes in school, so I thought I would start a new family tradition. Reece made them in his first grade class so he knew what to do. Raine was very excited about the patterning of the m&m roof. We built snowmen out of marshmallows and even added some Phineus & Ferb gummies to play in the snow surrounding the house. Daddy would come in from welding a cool Christmas present for a friend and add the peanut butter cup shrubs and Hersey Kiss chimneys. It took the kids a good amount of time to perfect their masterpieces. I wonder how many pieces of candy they ate when I wasn't looking.

Looks like they ate a lot of candy when mama wasn't looking. ;)

A Visit to Santa at Bass Pro Shop

2010-12-19T15:34:00.000-08:00

After a joyful musical at church this morning, we headed south to Bass Pro Shop or BPS according to Reece. Santa's Wonderland is a really neat place to play while your mama stands in line for an hour. Seriously, I earned some major mom points today. I joined the line at 11:10 and the kiddos sat on Santa's lap around 12:13. Yes, I timed it because I would call the hubby and tell him to bring the kiddos over to join the line. At least I was able to follow the Eagles game and enjoy their amazing comeback.

Daddy had no problem letting the kids practice with the Red Ryder Rifle,

yep the one from A Christmas Story.

I guess Daddy has the magic touch on how to get the kiddos to pose nicely for pictures,

look how sweet they look.

Santa had some serious words for the kids, look how intently they are listening to him.

All that time spent in line was well worth this priceless picture.

I will be one sad mama when my kids are too big for Santa's lap.

Christmas Decorations

2010-12-14T19:56:00.000-08:00

This is the little Christmas Tree Reece made from a branch of our real tree. He came in with this branch and asked for some paper so he could make the ornaments and candy canes. I love how it turned out. Reece enjoys drawing, coloring and crafting all the time. When I went into his room to see where he placed it, this is what I saw...

I love that he set up all of his little stuffed animals to sit in awe and splendor. I had to zoom in to get a close up of the detailed candy canes.

Below are some pictures Reece took before we started decorating the tree. We were enjoying Sunday night football the Eagles beating the Cowboys, when he asked to take the pics.

Cute huh?

I bet your house looks just as festive. I love this time of year, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Our visit to magical forest

2010-12-13T21:19:00.000-08:00

We headed over to Opportunity Village after school on Monday and had a very interesting visit. The kiddos were a bit tired after our very busy weekend, so they were somewhat cranky. Daddy and Raine had to wait for Reece and I to get there after my parent teacher conferences. We were all feeling a bit stressed; so much for joyful holiday fun.

YAY for the stuffed doggies on display.

They loved petting the reindeer in their cute little stable.

This is how the kiddos pose when I tell them to get ready for a photo opp.

This is how they pose when I tell them to stand and smile nice.

She wanted to sit by this super tall dude. Reece did too but his pic looked a bit too silly.

A crazy tall balloon guy that loved chatting with the kids while making their balloon creations.

Reece and Raine waited a long time to ride down this super slide

and then said they wanted to go again.

Crazy poses on the pretty red sleigh. Why oh why won't they cooperate?

Two cute snowman who are almost as cute as my kiddos!

All in all it was a fun night, lots of people and lines but the weather was perfect and the kids had fun. Hope you are doing something memorable with your family

Decorating the Tree

2010-12-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when we finally picked out our tree and brought it home to decorate. We went to Star Nursery (daddy's favorite place) and picked out the cutest tree for $20.00. We are on a strict Christmas budget this year and didn't want to spend that much on a tree anyway. Someday I will have a huge Douglas Fir and hardly enough ornaments to fill it. For now, I have the perfect tree, just tall enough for my peanuts to reach every branch and fill it with all of our fun craft ornaments. Raine was very sad, every time she went to hang one, it would break. I think we had to super glue 4 of them back together. Reece loved putting all of them on the same branch or one general area. They also liked hanging them off the bottom branch, so the ornaments hung down to the ground. I was very teary when I saw that because it reminded me of how Dublin Dog loved laying under the Christmas tree; whenever she would get up three or four ornaments would fall off the tree. We sure do miss her this Christmas season.

Reece is singing, "Oh Christmas Tree". He loves listening to Christmas music, probably because it's all I listen to in the car and it's the first thing I turn on when we get home.

I love my little elves in their Christmas jammies!

Raine getting ready to hang Pluto and Nickey before she broke him.

Reece with his trains, ready to hang.

Daddy took all the pictures so we don't have any of him. He was very cozy on the couch watching all of the excitement and snapping away the silly moments. It was an awesome evening full of laughter and a few tears.

Cozy Christmas Proofs

2010-12-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

I love my friend Jess so much, but especially because she took these amazing pics of my precious little ones. She has the cutest studio and makes taking photos so fun for the kids. These are just a few of the tons she took. I really love these four and will buy copies for our home and the extended family for sure.

I am so THANKFUL for

2010-12-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

an extra day off yesterday because Reece was getting over a 24 hr flu bug.

lunch with daddy at his school and then some fun holiday bargain shopping with my lil man. We scored some great deals!

a super fun Christmas Card party last night. I sat by my friend Jenene for the second year in a row. We ate a ton of yummy treats and laughed quite a bit!

my kiddos are getting their Cozy Christmas pictures taken by the best photographer in the land today. They are wearing their new Carters feety Christmas jammies and Santa hats.

that I got to lay in bed while my hot hubby took care of the kiddos.

yummy Starbucks Breakfast Blend coffee with delicious peppermint creamer.

Christmas music sung by my favorite artists.

my kiddos love to jump on their trampoline at all hours of the day, not matter how chilly it is outside.

my hot hubby who planted a beautiful Palo Verde tree in our backyard.

the fact that we have saved enough money to buy out the lease on my Saturn Vue; due to the various extra tutoring opportunities, landscaping jobs and GOD.

my very blessed little family who bring me such joy and laughter.

for the weekend...

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

We hope your Thanksgiving was as relaxing as ours was. We watched the parade, painted a super cute Turkey craft from Auntie Tina, watched football and ate HAM!!! We wanted something different this year, the kids and Mo love ham so we cooked that instead. Well, Mo cooked that. I made the simple side dishes. Everything turned out to be super delicious. It was a very low key but oh so enjoyable holiday!

Thankful Thursdays...member these

2010-11-17T22:46:00.000-08:00

I have so much to be grateful for...

life, a healthy family, friends, jobs, food but that sounds so trivial. I guess I am thankful for the simple things in life. So many people are struggling and we are blessed. God restores our blessings daily no matter how minuscule they are.

I'm also thankful for these:

I'm able to attend a super great bunco group on Thursday nights. I loved tonight, it was so fun and relaxing. We ate the most delicious soups and salads with yummy peppermint Dove chocolates for dessert. I have been playing with these teachers from my old school Vegas Verdes for 7 or 8 years now. It is a great night out for mom and dad gets to have some quality time with the kiddos.

Reece's teachers, Jensen & Smith are the kindest people I have ever met. They are so patient and loving to all their students. Reece is finally warming up to them and appreciating how awesome they are.

Raine's teachers are just as fantastic. I appreciate all they do for Raine and her preschool friends. Donna and Sheri are so soft spoken and sweet it's amazing to watch them in action.

Raine's Field Trip

2010-11-09T22:32:00.000-08:00

Raine went on her pre-k field trip to the Gilcrease Bird Sanctuary. She was very excited because mama was able to go with her. It was a bitter cold morning for us desert rats but we toughed it out. Raine wasn't all that interested in feeding or petting the animals. The birds were way too loud for her; she walked out of their little barn with her hands over her ears. She did however enjoy chasing the ducks & chickens. I was so thankful to be a mommy chaperon!

Raine was a bit hesitant about the miniature ponies.

They were so excited to check out all of the neat animals.

She would pose for a pic but wouldn't dare feed the animals.

Best Buddies

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

We had a great tine this Halloween. We carved our pumpkins and then went over to Shadow Hills Trunk or Treat. Our dear friends, The Feldmans were handing out candy from their car. The kiddos walked from car to car collecting nore candy than they could ever eat and we were finished in an hour and half. It was perfect for our little princess and optimus.

Fall In Las Vegas

2010-10-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of year; too bad we go from hot to cold with nothing in-between around here. I miss the east coast and the amazing leaves decorating the hillsides. I took the kiddos for a hike a week ago but the Aspen leaves weren't changing very much. I went back up to mt Charleston again this weekend. Reece had a soccer game so we met Jenn and her clan at Burger King and she drove us all up there.

Two hot mamas and six awesome kids were all on a mission to eat a picnic lunch and hike along the Aspen trees. It was 80 degrees in the city but as we drove up the mountain the temperature dropped and the rain clouds blew in. We were not prepared for that, not one of us had a sweatshirt. Smart mamas we were not; we decided to eat our lunch at the ski lodge parking lot and hike around the Lee Canyon Ski runs. It was quite chilly and damp but well worth it. The wind was blowing the beautiful leaves off the trees, right into our hands. Evie looked up and said, "It's raining aspen leaves!" I got chills because my man's landscaping company is called Aspen Rain.

There were several neat discoveries while playing in God's splendor. The kids had a ball and if Raine didn't have to go to the bathroom, we probably would have stayed a little bit longer. She held her turtle head as long as we could and since I didn't have any tissues to wipe her little butt we piled in the truck and headed to the nearest campground bathroom. The afternoon was so relaxing and fun, I am very thankful the Russo family joined us for our freezing adventure.

Disney Magic Show

2010-10-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

We were so grateful for FREE tickets to the Disney Magic Show! A friend from work gave Mo the tickets so while he landscaped I surprised the kids. We invited their dear friend Ava to join us. It was a very cute show, they kids were very excited the entire time. Reece loved the magic trick where they cut the girl in half. Of course, we had to buy one of those overly priced treats. When Raine was handed her snow cone in Minnie cup, she tried to take a bite and the whole thing fell on the floor. She was so bummed, luckily they replaced it and I didn't have to deal with a sad little lady.

All in all, a wonderful Saturday afternoon for only $20.00.

Reece's First Field Trip

2010-10-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

Reece was extremely excited today; he went on his very first field trip. The first graders from James Bilbray ES go to Anderson Dairy. When I taught the little first grade kiddos I took my class there too. Reece was more excited about his first school bus ride than the dairy. Then I reminded him about the delicious ice cream he was going to be able to eat while at the dairy and he became a little more interested. I was able to attend the trip as a parent chaperone. It would have been neat to see Reece on the school bus but there wasn’t enough room for parents. The students walked into the barn and learned a little bit about the dairy. Then they were allowed to go on a walking tour around the factory; checking out all of the machines and food products. The last part of the tour was the frozen section where they make the ice cream. The kids loved walking through the dry ice. I think I had a smile on my face the entire time because 6 yr olds are so stinking funny! I had an excellent time being a parent volunteer for the morning.

Reece's First Day of First Grade

2010-08-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

He is so excited to be a First Grader and to be going back to James Bilbray ES.

This is his teacher Mrs. Karen Jensen, she is wonderful!

This is his student teacher Mrs.Angela Snith, she is so sweet!

He was so happy to take a pic with his mama.

Reece was a little bit nervous about first grade, he brought his blanket into school with him. I read him a book called "The Kissing Hand" and walked him to his line. He was so nervous he complained of a belly ache. I know he had a great day because he couldn't stop talking about all the fun he had.

Raine's First Day of Pre-K

2010-08-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

She was not so happy to be back in school and really wanted to stay home with Reece & I.

I was able to take Raine to school this year because she started a week earlier than the public schools. We stopped at Dunkin Doughnuts for a back to school treat on our way.

Only 4 yr olds are all ready for school and then spill their juice down the front of themselves right before we are ready for first day of school pictures.

Reece took this one of Raine and I.

How cute is this?

Raine said she had a great day! She loves being in Miss Donna's class just like her big brother. Daddy said she was an old pro and even took a nap!

Dog Days of Summer

2010-08-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

We have had some relaxing days in the "new" old house. We seem to be settling in and adjusting to our much smaller space. It is taking some getting used to, but we are able to make it work. Raine loves playing in the sprinkler and with her Dora kitchen in her pretty blue bedroom. Reece really enjoys riding his Batman bike on flat roads instead on the hill on our old street. He has been working very hard at his reading and writing this summer. I am very proud of both my kiddos, they have transitioned very well. Thanks Lord!

Williams Wedding Day

2010-07-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

It was such a wonderful celebration. Everyone looked so beautiful and we couldn't have asked for better weather. I think all of Amber's plans for her beach wedding went off without a hitch. I can't wait to see some more of the wedding party and candid photographs.

Dancing Queen

2010-06-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

Visiting my siblings is always so much fun. We had a delicious BBQ with smores for dessert. The kids jumped on the trampoline and then played on the slip and slide. After dinner we had a little dance session in the kitchen. Raine couldn't get enough and danced for almost an hour straight. We were all cracking right up and couldn't believe how she loved to shake her booty. She must have learned her moves from pops! It was such an awesome night and a perfect start to family fun this summer!

Slip N Sliding in North Carolina

2010-06-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

The kids had such a blast playing on Casey's super soapy slip n slide. I think Aunt Jaime poured half a bottle of dish washing liquid on it. Reece and Raine have never played on one of these before, since we don't have yards big enough for them in Vegas. We couldn't pull the cousins off this fun backyard activity except when it was time for a snack or a drink. I am so glad that they could make this awesome new memory with Aunt Jaime, Uncle Brian and Casey. We sure do miss hanging out with then.

ROAD TRIP 2010

2010-06-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Road Trip 2010 Las Vegas, NV to Buffalo, NY

Day 1 Las Vegas, NV to Rio Rancho, NM

Sitting on the back of a flatbed Ford.

Standing on a corner in Winslow, AZ.

Raine crashed out for a nap.

Reece trying to rest.

So happy to be at The Garcia's house.

Mo and I spent Thursday evening and early Friday morn packing up the truck for our adventure. We were sleep deprived and exhausted when our 4am departure arrived. I pulled the kids from their comfy beds and plopped them into their car seats. At bed time, I told them I would be waking them up in the middle of the night to start our trip. Reece woke right up and was very excited about it still being dark and finally starting our vacation to see family. Raine was still pretty pooped and crashed back out. Mo drove us over the Hoover Damn into Kingman AZ where we stopped for gas. Raine and I had slept most of that leg while Reece fell in and out of sleep. I wouldn’t doubt that Mo closed his eyes a few times as well. Our next stop was Flagstaff, AZ for breakfast, gas and a quick trip to Target for AAA batteries. We changed the kids from jammies to comfy clothes and let them play on the playground at McDonalds. After Target, Mo asked me to drive the next leg. WHAT?? I’ve never ever driven on a road trip before. I was a bit nervous, but did fine. Mo curled up with the pillow and passed right out. Reece and Raine enjoyed a new movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. As we drove along route 40 I saw signs for Winslow, AZ. Our friends just stopped here and had some cute pics, so I wanted to stand on the corner in Winslow too. Mo was cooperative and we all stood on the corner and took some neat photos. Once back on the road, Mo fell back asleep and the kids played with their backpacks full of toys. After a few more hours of driving I was getting very sleepy and could feel my eyes getting heavy. It was time to switch drivers again. I pulled into a welcome area just outside of Gallop, NM where Mo could return to his favorite place in the truck. The kiddos ran around to get some energy out and stretch their legs. I made sandwiches for everyone and we enjoyed an afternoon meal. We climbed back into the truck and headed east toward Albuquerque. Rio Rancho was our destination and we had to be there by 4:00 to visit with Vicki & Nick Garcia. They were headed to jazz at the zoo and wanted to give us the ins and outs of their house. We arrived in the city and then made our way north on 25 to Rio Rancho. Mo loves the maps and GPS feature on our new Droid phones. It has come in very handy for our journey.

Around 4:30 we pulled into this gorgeous home in AZ. There was breathtaking view of the mountains from their driveway. We jumped out of the truck very anxious to see the inside of this amazing abode. Vicki gave me a quick tour and went back to cooking us spaghetti. She had all the fixins for dinner ready for us whenever we wanted to eat. Nick took Mo on a tour of the outside of their home and the kids ran all over with them. The Garcia’s had to meet their friends at the zoo for an evening of jazz, so we sat down to eat to dinner. The kids gobbled up their spaghetti and meatballs but left a little room for cantaloupe for dessert. While Mo and I finished they watched some TV. I drew a bath for Raine and Reece joined her after the cartoon he was watching was over. We were all chillaxin on the couch when I found the movie Transformers. Reece has never seen it before but it was right at the beginning like the book he has. He shouted out that is was just like “Sam’s New Car”. He was so excited to see bumblebee. Raine wasn’t that interested but watched anyway. I only let them watch a little bit and then it was time for bed. The kids layed on the floor of our bedroom and talked and giggled for quite sometime. A late nap in the truck and the time change was keeping them awake. I crawled into bed around 9:00 because I had such little sleep and was exhausted. They were finally settling down and falling asleep. We all slept so soundly for 10 hrs, it was such a peaceful night. I was so thankful to be resting in this amazing home.

2010-06-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

Time
One minute ago, I was reaidng about races I could run this fall.
One hour ago, I was getting my kiddos settled down for a late afternoon nap.
One day ago, I was reading Breaking Dawn, listening to Enchanted on the TV and eating popcorn.

One week ago, I was doing laundry and organizing Reece's clothes.

One month ago, I was sitting in San Diego airport waiting for the 5th graders to arrive.

One year ago, I was swimming with my kiddos.

Where has time gone?

Raine's Luau

2010-06-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

Miss Gina & Raine after a long Luau of fun.

Cleaning up and setting up for the next group of kiddos.

Showing Daddy their crafts.

Raine's BFF Carissa.

Raine's preschool had a Luau today and it was so much fun. I was able to volunteer and attend one of Raine's school functions like every other parent does. I love her school and her teachers and couldn't wait to work with them. I was running late and ended up helping in the craft room. The kids were decorating a flip flop with foam flowers and fabric markers. The staff took pictures of the kids to put in the center of the flop. They turned out super cute. I didn't get a chance to say hello to Raine before we started and she was very upset wondering where I was. Lesson learned, go say hello to daughter before helping all the other children. Reece came along and was a great little assistant, cleaning up the tables and passing out more supplies. After all three groups rotated through the room it was time for lunch. Everyone donated such yummy food; we ate like kings and queens. The kiddos even tried bubblegum flavored icing on their cupcakes. I loved being a mom that could actually attend my child's school event!

Last day of school for Reece and Mom

2010-06-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

Sum sum summer time! I can't get this song out of my head. Today was the last day of school. Reece had a half day and went to play with the Manabat boys. We are so lucky they are in our lives. Reece has played with Dominic a few times this year during staff developments or after school trainings. The boys would also hang out in the mornings and afternoons at school. When I picked Reece up from Dominic's house he didn't want to leave and just walked out the house without saying good bye to anyone. I couldn't find him, looked all over and then he opened the car door and said, "Mom don't forget my booster." When I went over to talk to him about saying good bye and thank you he didn't have any shoes on. I headed back to the house with stubborn boy to get his shoes and seat.

While driving home, I asked how his last of kindergarten went he said, "It was sooooo fun, we played games all day."
"Oh, like what kind?"
"Mommm, video games, I brought my leapster and we played the WII."
"Did you eat all of your lunch?"
"Mommm, we had pizza, I told you we were eating that."

He was obviously too tired to speak very kindly so I stopped talking to him. All in all I think he had a great day!

As a teacher, mine was hectic and busy trying to get last minute things completed. We had 5th grade awards and a slide show. I took a lot of pictures of the kids this year, so I was very glad to see my class had quite a few big screen moments, if not the most. Then we had our ice cream party for most box tops and back to the classroom for organizing, autographing beach balls and the reading of "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" I cry when I read it to each class, such a sap I know! Then I pause when I get to this part because it is the most important for my soon to be middle schoolers.

You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know.

You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.

So be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.

And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

I like to remind myself of that last part too. Overall, it was a productive morning and afternoon of socializing at our speech teacher's retirement party. Tomorrow I will pack up my classroom for the summer.