The Contreras Family

Flat Stanley

2012-02-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

The kids were so excited to get a letter from their friend with a special request... take care of his "Flat Stanley." Flat Stanley is actually a book, which I was familiar with from my teaching days. Flat Stanley fits in an envelope, which means he can travel far and wide, exploring new places and enjoying time with a host family. It's a great project for the classroom because it allows kids to explore different places without having to ever really leave. Here's our letter that we sent back to him (and his class) about Flat Stanley's travels.

Dear Ricky,
Thank you so much for letting Flat Stanley come and visit us! Crue checked the Flat Stanley book out from his school library so we could read all about him. We’re so glad he didn’t get hurt from the bulletin board! We also thought it was pretty cool that he flew like a kite!

We had such a great time showing him around northern California. We live in the small rural town of Garberville, which doesn’t even have a stop light! It’s about 200 miles, or four hours, north of San Francisco and home to many deer, wild turkeys, cattle ranches, horses, and Redwood trees. We have the south fork of the Eel River that runs through our town, and is lots of fun to swim in during the summer months.

When Stanley first arrived, we took him on a hike through the Redwood trees. He loved balancing on the fallen logs and hiding behind some of the large ferns. We had to warn him of the poison oak that was around, and would make him REALLY itchy and give him a horrible rash! We also took him to see the river, which was really full and muddy from the recent rains. After awhile, Stanley’s legs got tired from all of the walking, so he hitched a ride on our dog Cali’s back.

Next, Stanley got to visit Redway School and spend some time in the third grade. He watched the students take a multiplication test and then got to go out to the playground for a little fun.

That afternoon, we took Stanley over to Bapa and Nanas’ (our grandparents) house and Stanley met their goat and horses. They have five miniature horses and one regular horse. Stanley couldn’t stretch his legs around the horse in the normal riding position, so he rode on the horse’s ear, which he fit perfectly on. I think he might be allergic to hay, because Stanley could not stop sneezing! He was also a little afraid of the goat’s horns!

On his last day with us, Stanley came to Crue’s first basketball game. They are called the Lakers, and they won 22-12! Stanley sat in the stands with Summer and Broc and cheered for Crue. After the game, we took Stanley for a walk around the campground near our house. Stanley went down to the river and we tried to teach him how to skip rocks.

We’re so sad we have to mail Stanley back because we’ve been having so much fun with him. I hope your class learns a lot about other places and enjoys the pictures and postcards.

From,
Crue, Summer, and Broc

It's actually kinda fun to have even fake visitors join your family because it forces you to get out and explore what you take for granted on a daily basis. I don't think we take it for granted, it's more that we get to see it from a different perspective. Flat Stanley was such a fun project and it was actually hard to see him go!

Mt. Shasta

2012-01-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, after the basketball tournament, Chris was excited to see that there would finally be some snow! He has been waiting and waiting to go snow boarding, so in his typical fashion, he decided we should go...right now! After a little convincing, (and complaining about how I would have to pack for four, not one person) we decided to leave the next morning (Sunday). On the way to the mountain (about a 5-6 hour drive)we stopped to get some snow attire that the kids had outgrown, then got to experience it really snowing. It was so neat to see lake Shasta, where we're usually wake boarding in the summer, with snow-covered banks and white shorelines. The kids were so excited when we got to the hotel and couldn't wait to swim. Chris dared them to go from the hot tub to running outdoors to make a snow angel...in their bathing suits! Of course, they all did it! For dinner, the kids still think it's a special treat to have pizza delivered, since we don't have that at home, and it was ice to just relax in the hotel room for a quiet night in.

The next day, they were layered in tons of clothes, uncomfortable snow boots, and mittens that kept them from being able to zip or tie or buckle anything, and were loaded in the car heading for the mountain. Crue and Broc both decided to snowboard for the first time. They tried skiing two years ago, but were not really into it. Summer wanted to ski again, so we rented equipment and practiced with them. Chris went for a few runs on his snowboard, and I was fine just hangin' with the kids. Crue and Summer both did ski school for an hour, but Broc was to young, although he was the one catching on the quickest. I stayed on the mountain with him as he begged me to let him go down alone...until he crashed! After being checked out by first aid and determining that his arm was NOT broke, I decided that maybe just playing in the snow and building a snowman would be less stressful and worrisome for Mom! I love that the kids want to try all of these fun activities, but after Crue's wake boarding accident, Summer's recent concussion, and Broc being taken off the mountain by First Aid, I feel like sitting on the sand on a warm beach sounds like a much better idea!

My lil' snow bunnies!

Broc

Summer

Sweetie

Sweetie

Sweetie

Crue

Broc

Crue

Crue

Broc

Broc

Broc

Broc

Daddy and the kiddos

Broc

Broc

Broc

Snow kids

I made this snowman with the kids while Chris was still on the mountain

Snowball fight!

Basketball Begins

2012-01-29T07:02:00.001-08:00

Chris is coaching Crue's basketball team, and when asked what team they'd like to be, of course he said the Lakers! Somehow I was talked into being "Team Mom," which is actually a nice break from coaching. Scheduling the snack shack, making phone calls, and even keeping score once in awhile sound pretty good. What I would really like to do is just sit on the sidelines and snap photos and watch the game, but somehow I know that won't happen!

It's the first year Crue is old enough to play, and at this age, it's co-ed. Last weekend was the opening tournament, and with only two practices prior, the team did pretty well. Today is the first 'real' game, as well as picture day, so we're looking forward to the big day! We'll be busy every Sunday for the next few months... until baseball begins! It's funny how our life is not measured by the actual seasons, but rather by the youth sports that are going on at the time. This season will be pretty "easy" if I dare say so, since Summer and Broc are both too young to play and there's not really anything else going on for them during the winter months. Let the basketball begin...

Sunday Freeze

2012-01-16T17:46:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we went up north and went for a bike ride along the coast. It was freezing and we were tempted to turn around, but we decided to go for it. It started sprinkling right as we were headed back to the truck, but by that time our fingers were already numb and our noses were red. After the ride, we warmed up in the movie theater watching "Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked" and then went to dinner before heading home. It was so nice to get out of the house for the day!

MLK Day

2012-01-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

Kids were home from school, Crue wasn't feeling well, it was freezing outside, and the kids were getting bored. I decided it was craft time! I helped the kids make toilet paper roll Martin Luther King Jr. figures. They came out so cute and I printed out the "I Have a Dream" speech for Crue so he could read it and pretend like his figure was talking.

After we made our figures, the kids and I watched part of his speech. Pretty incredible speaker...especially the part about "little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls." It was also cool to show them the size of the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument in the video, and how many people came to hear him speak. Broc asked why everyone was wearing black and white (because it's not in color) and I explained that he didn't really have "a dream" like you do when you're sleeping and wake up. Instead, he had a wish, or a hope.

Frozen Fingers

2012-01-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

10am, 35 degrees, 3 miles, 10 frozen fingers (despite 2 pairs of gloves!), 1 whining dog, 1 determined four-year-old, 1 cold Mama!

Uncle Mike

2012-01-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my dad's brother visited and they were really happy to see each other. Of course, I made them pose for a few photos.

Tooth #2

2012-01-13T15:49:00.000-08:00

Summer lost her second tooth on Jan. 11th, 2012. It was a hanger...it had literally been "hanging" in her mouth for a few days before it finally fell out, blood-free. She was hoping the Tooth Fairy would leave a little fairy dust or a crystal, but she was happy with the silver half dollar. She decided she liked it even more after Crue showed an interest in it and told her, "No fair! I want one of those! Summer doesn't even care about coins and she got this really cool one! Did you know she just stuck her wheat ear penny in with her regular coin jar AND her gold dollar coin?" Yeah, after that, Summer loved her silver half dollar a whole lot more!

Era Alaska

2012-01-13T15:41:00.000-08:00

Not sure if you guys are fans, but every Friday night we sit down as a family to watch "Gold Rush" and "Flying Wild Alaska." We love learning about the bush planes and the entire Era Alaska terminals. While the big kids were at school the other day, Broc and I made our own Era Alaska Lego airport. He is really into airplanes right now and has an entire fleet of them! We made light towers and a huge hangar to store some of the planes, plus a helicopter landing zone.

Dog Bed

2012-01-13T15:39:00.000-08:00

Broc has taken over the dogs' bed and acts like it's his own mini couch!

Summer's Motor Home Trip

2012-01-11T16:59:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, Summer finally got to take "her" motor home trip with Bapa and Nana. When Crue was five, they took him alone for one night, and promised the other kids that they would take them once they turned five. Summer has really been looking forward to her own trip and was excited to say "yes" this weekend. She had such a fun time for two nights...she saw two sunsets, collected shells, driftwood, and rocks, walked the beach, and got more comfortable around the dogs. Most exciting? She got to miss school on Monday! I missed her so much while she was gone! I let her take my little pink camera though and it was so fun to go through the pictures with her when she came home. It's so cute to see what's important in HER eyes. My parents said she was a little photog the whole time and LOVED having her own camera. I think I might have to give it to her!

Beautiful sunsets

Summer's baby

She liked the seagull on top of the sign

My parents' dog, Lily

My lil' poser

She wanted her trip to be at the beach

My parents' dog, Sadie

An "earring" Bapa found for her

A few of the rocks and shells she collected

Drift wood hide-out

She loved the sunsets

Love this one of her horse

Double Award Winners

2012-01-07T20:10:00.001-08:00

Yesterday morning, both of the kids' teachers told me they would be getting an award in the afternoon at the monthly assembly, so that afternoon, Broc and I got ready and hopped in the truck with the camera...and it wouldn't start. Seriously? I had ten minutes to get to the school and a dead battery. Thankfully, my friend Tami saved me and gave Broc and I a ride. When we got there, I had already missed Summer getting her award and was soooo disappointed, but she was still standing up at the stage so I snuck a picture. A few minutes later, Crue got called up and was recognized for "writing excellent stories and paragraphs and for having exceptional knowledge of historical facts." Summer's award read, "Exemplary citizenship and a model student of learning." It was such a special day to have them both awarded at the same time and I was one proud Mama! After school, Summer was looking forward to having her friend, Olivia, over for a play date. I loaded up all the kids, and on the way out of the school parking lot, Clover and her boys invited us to have smoothies with them at the local Juice Jungle. The kids cheered at the idea and we had to accept the offer. After all, we had reason to celebrate!

Back to Broc

2012-01-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

Well, the kids are back to school, so for Broc and I, it means back to "home" work, bike rides, and baseball. This winter has been unusually dry so far, so we've been taking full advantage of the outdoors, however cold it may be. We've built Lego garages, colored, read books, exercised, and counted down the time until Crue and Summer get out of school.

I am thankful every single day for the opportunity to be home with Broc. It's pretty special to spend so much time with one person...and aside from a quick shower, he rarely leaves my side. It's so sad to think about him, my baby, going to school next year. Just last night I was telling Crue that when he was Broc's age, 4 years and 9 months, he was starting kindergarten. With Broc's birthday falling later in the school year, I get to keep him a little longer. But really, what will I do without him? I'm going to be one of "those" moms on the first day of school... you know...the ones who won't leave the classroom and are a crying mess. Ugghhh...I don't even want to think about it!

Leftover "Christmas Candy" math

Broc rode his bike and I ran a three-mile loop around the park trail

I promised him if he made it all the way around the loop, I'd take him to visit the chickens after

My lil all-star. We have been practicing baseball everyday this week. Don't let his shorts and tshirt fool you...it was freezing!

New Outfits

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

Just a few of Summer's new Christmas outfits. Don't mind that it's the weekend and all we're doing is hanging at home and riding bikes and scooters, she's still got to dress up and rock the boots and high heels and cute outfits. Hula hooping? No problem!

Trinidad

2012-01-07T19:31:00.001-08:00

After visiting Baby Leo, I took the kids to the beach for a bit to run around amongst the rocks and waves...

Baby Leo

2012-01-07T18:56:00.001-08:00

On the last day of the kids' vacation, I drove them about two hours north to Trinidad to visit my friend Karen and her new baby. Trinidad is California's smallest incorporated city and boasts a rocky coastline and beautiful property. Karen, her husband, and their two boys welcomed a new baby into their family just the week before, so the kids and I were really excited for the visit. I have been having major baby cravings lately, so I couldn't wait to hold a tiny little newborn.

Before we got there, I explained to the kids that the baby would be really small...tinier than our puppy, Cali. The night before, we watched a show on babies and Broc was determined to check out the whole belly-button thing, but Leo's had already came off. Nothing could prepare us for how perfect he was... it was so special to hold him, and Summer, Broc and I all took turns. Summer was in heaven...literally she could not stop smiling. Broc loved him too, and said, "Mom, I wish we could have one." It was sooooo sweet. Crue proclaimed, "I'm not much of a baby kinda kid." and had no interest in holding him. He tells Chris and I all the time that he doesn't want to have kids and that he wished he were an only child. I'm hoping someday he will appreciate his brother and sister.

Anyhow, once the kids returned to school, I volunteered in Summer's class to help the writing groups. Their job that day was to finish the sentence, "The best part of my vacation was..." Kids wrote about opening presents on Christmas morning, visiting family, sleeping in, staying in their pajamas, not going to school, and getting new toys. Summer thought about her new microphone, her cute boots and new outfits, and most of all, about visiting Baby Leo. It was the best part of her entire two week vacation. It's good to know she will give me grand kids someday!

How perfect is he? I sent Chris a picture message when we were there visiting that read, "I want one of these!"

The best accessory...

Broc loved the baby. When we got home he said, "I wish we could keep him."

Look at that smile. Not sure I've seen her happier.

Summer's paper from school

Christmas Morning

2011-12-27T09:02:00.000-08:00

The kids woke up around 6:30am to a letter from Santa and a few cookie crumbs, along with a new bike for Crue, a desk for Summer, and a battery-powered quad for Broc. They each had a stocking full of goodies as well...gum, DVDs, jump ropes, matchbox airplanes, etc. and a new comforter for each of their beds. Crue called Bapa and Nana over to watch them open presents, Dad brewed some coffee, and Mom baked homemade sticky buns. This year I made a conscious decision to NOT buy a bunch of toys that I would end up taking to the thrift store a few months later, but instead to buy them things they actually needed and would use. The kids each got really nice luggage, Crue got a laptop, Summer and Broc got portable DVD players and headphones, and they each got a musical instrument, which they had been requesting. Crue got a Paper Jamz microphone, Broc got a small keyboard and flat drum set (which can easily be stored under his bed), and Summer got a real microphone, stand, and amplifier. They also got new winter clothes and shoes. For the grandparents, Chris and I bought them digital picture frames and I loaded tons of my favorite 2011 photos of the kids on a memory card so they could have a slide show at home. Chris and I don't typically buy for each other, but this year he surprised me with a laptop, which will be great once I figure it all out. We are so very thankful for the gifts we received this year and for Chris maintaining a busy work schedule to provide for our family.

Cookies for Santa

2011-12-27T08:25:00.000-08:00

This year the kids baked chocolate chip cookies on Christmas Eve. They each took turns measuring and pouring the ingredients, using the mixer, and fighting over who got to crack the eggs. The other problem with having three kids? There's only two mixer things to lick. We had to create a three-lick rule...and then toss them into the sink so there wouldn't be arguing. We took some of the cookies over to Bapa and Nana's house for dessert after our tamale dinner, and of course saved some for Santa. The kids also left out carrots for the reindeer, which we found Christmas morning nibbled on up on the roof.

Did You Remember Charlie?

2011-12-22T08:06:00.000-08:00

How did I forget to mention the happy return of our little worker elf, Charlie? Yes, that magical "Elf on the Shelf" who returns each Thanksgiving and keeps tabs on the kids and their "naughty" or "nice" behavior and reports back to Santa each night. You know, Santa who lives at the North Pole, that same place that Crue happened to be watching a Discovery Channel special on that reported there are NO inhabitants. Yeah, that Santa. As if it weren't bad enough that Santa is mysteriously watching over them everyday, now he sent an elf specifically for our house. My kids must be extra bad to have added supervision this time of year. The magic of Charlie is that he cannot be touched, which makes for a problem when he's hanging on the ceiling fan and flies off onto the ground and has to be secretly rescued and shoved down an anonymous adult's pants before being spotted by children who so fervently watch out for him. Each morning he returns in a new spot, which is kind of like a fun game of hide and seek when the kids wake up, except for those mornings when parents bolt up in bed realizing Charlie "forgot" to fly the night before. Apparently, there seems to be some nights when it must just be too cold for him to fly, or he must've been feeling under the weather. Jokes aside, if you don't have an elf, I strongly recommend you request one from Santa (or pick one up at Target) because having an elf is a quick behavior reminder. All I have to do is say, "Charlie's watching!" and the kids magically behave (not really!) Anyhow, Charlie has been everywhere throughout our house, bedrooms, cubbies, kitchen cabinets, even the bathroom! Last week the kids came running in laughing to tell me that Charlie was watching Daddy poop. There's just no privacy in this house, is there?

Ferndale's Tractor Parade

2011-12-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

Ever since we moved up here, I've been wanting to take the kids to the tractor parade up north. It's such a country folk, hometown kinda thing that the thought of people decorating their tractors and mowers and cruising them down Victorian Main Street sounds completely absurd. I swear, every year it rains the night of the parade and deters us from heading up there to see it. Well this year, the weather was promising and so I had told the kids we could go and had invited my parents to come along. The day of the parade, Summer had the stomach flu, but the boys begged to go, so Chris (happily) stayed home (to watch football) with Summer and the boys and I rode up with my parents to watch the parade. We were able to see all of the tractors up close prior to the start of the parade, then watched as participants threw candy and dressed their tractors up in their finest Christmas lights. Tweens drove tractor mowers with trailers attached, and the "Dairy Queens" (young beauty pageant winners) leashed an adorable calf that rode on their float. As we watched the parade, I couldn't help but lean over to tell my parents, "Wow...we went from watching boat parades with huge expensive yachts cruise through Naples and Newport, to watching farmers drive their tractors and lawn mowers." Hahaha!

Look at the calf riding on this float

Comforting Prayer

2011-12-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

I came across this in O Magazine and thought it was worth sharing. Simple words of wisdom in a comforting prayer.

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

Class Parties

2011-12-21T07:48:00.000-08:00

This year, I am the room parent for Crue's class, in which I am required to plan and organize a few parties throughout the year. I also help with Summer's class too, so the days of the parties are usually pretty hectic, running from one class to another, passing out food, doing crafts, and snapping photos. Since Crue's class is getting older, they decided to not really have a "party" and instead just have a movie this time around. They wore pajamas to school and brought pillows or stuffed animals to rest on at their desks and had popcorn as they watched "Mr. Popper's Penguins." For Summer's class, Broc and I made cupcake-shaped brownies per her request. He did a great job helping me and enjoyed eating one at the party.

Helping Mommy bake brownies

Sweetie dressed up and ready to party

Broc and his buddy Takoda at Summer's class party. To think they'll be in school next year and I'll have three parties in one day to go to!

Crue and his buddy Ryan at their class pajama party

Thirty-two

2011-12-18T16:06:00.000-08:00

As you've probably seen in a previous post, I celebrated my birthday by having my friends over for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party the weekend before my birthday. It was such a great night and so fun to be relaxing and entertaining at home. On my real day, Chris came home from work mid-morning to bring me flowers and a card, and to let me know he made dinner reservations with my whole family. I had lunch with a few of my book club girlfriends and we celebrated with my favorite dessert... fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream atop angel food cake. Yum! Broc drew me a really cute card, and we all got dressed up in the evening to have dinner at The Groves, about 20 minutes north. Best of all, on our way back from Thanksgiving, Chris and I did a little shopping... and I got my early birthday gift. A beautiful new ring. I love it!

Gingerbread Houses

2011-12-18T15:17:00.001-08:00

My friend Becca bought the kids gingerbread house kits for Christmas and the kids were begging to get started on them. With the houses being pre-made, they required little effort on my part. They came with plenty of candy and icing for decorating, and the kids loved making icicle and gumdrop roofs and mint-covered windows. Summer and Broc did one at home with me, then took their other one to decorate with Nana on the night of their sleepover. Crue did not want to share his (or get help from his brother and sister), so he chose to save it to do with Bapa. All three came out really cute and have since had bits and pieces of candy sneakily removed from windows and walkways!

A Few of Our Favorite Things

2011-12-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...

Well, here's our list.
Crue-reading, basketball, baseball, soccer, history, geography, dogs, the Queen Mary, the Titanic, going on trips, Lake Shasta, spaghetti, Gold Rush, Flying Wild Alaska, Pawn Stars, Coast Guard Alaska, french toast, real oatmeal

Summer-(this literally changes by the day and she really doesn't have anything that she's super into besides horses, but here's what she came up with) soccer, horses, dancing/ballet, singing, Barbie texter, being with Mom, soy sauce noodles, doing arts and crafts, carrots & ranch, Baby & Blankie, apples, cuties (mandarin oranges)

Broc-momos, dirt bikes, airplanes, trucks with trailers, doing homework and flashcards, Cali, gum, his bike and razor scooter, knee boarding, wake boarding (he wants to try again)

Chris- boating, Lakers, snowboarding, television, Broncos, Angels, spending time with family, working out, carne asada, Marinos, Ma N Pa's beef jerky, wake boarding, water skiing, watching sports center, making money to provide for my family, Coors Light, staying in hotels

Me- taking photos, planning parties, decorating, my kids' drawings, hiking trails, celebrating and dressing up for holidays, charity work, boating, wake boarding, adoption, babies, taking trips, kids, my hair straightener, unsweetened iced tea, Mexican food, Ma N Pa's beef jerky, coffee with Creme Brulee creamer, flip flops, Stella Rosa wine, kettle corn, plain New York style cheesecake, raw almonds, the ocean, beach, sunshine, traveling, mowing the lawn, gardening, going out to eat, blogging, writing, reading, berries, bike rides

Eureka Trucker's Parade

2011-12-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we took the kids up to Eureka for their annual Trucker's Parade. It was FREEZING, but the kids were determined to stick it out and wait. Fire engines, tow trucks, big rigs, and everything in between get decked out in lights and honk their horns to the tune of "Jingle Bells" as onlookers cheer (and get hypothermia!). That night we were thankful for no rain, seat warmers, and a night off from cooking dinner!

Our Family Photos

2011-12-17T17:42:00.000-08:00

This year I took the opportunity to finally get some pictures of my parents with the kids, and some of just them, which is a very rare occasion! The weather has been so cold and damp and foggy in the morning, that by the time things dried out and warmed up a bit, we ended up with some crazy shadows for our family photos. We still managed to get some good ones though, and the kids were rewarded with huge lollipops for their fake smiles and feigned interest in getting the perfect shot! Broc loved playing horse with Bapa, and Summer always loves being near the horses, she just wasn't sure about sharing her lollipop with them!

Goodbye to Mitch-Oh

2011-12-15T19:38:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, we lost our beloved fish, Mitch-Oh. He was given to Broc for his third birthday by Bapa and Nana and was a great pet. I had just cleaned his bowl and placed him outside (in the cold garage) so I could have the counter clear for my party, and a bit later the kids came running in with the bad news. I don't know if it was the chemicals in the water, his age, or the cold air that caused him to die, but the kids definitely blamed me. Crue simply said, "Broc, you could just get a new fish and name him Mitch-Oh Junior." Broc begged to call everyone to tell them the news...Daddy, Bapa & Nana, and argued with Crue that HE gets to call everyone because it's HIS fish. After a few minutes of this, Broc came inside and said calmly, "Mom, why's Summer crying under the tree?" I immediately ran outside to see poor Sweetie hiding and crying. She was so upset about Mitch-Oh's death that she cried for at least an hour straight. We decided to bury him in a potted plant, said a prayer as a family, and eventually added a cross that Nana made for him. The kids wrote him notes and left them at the "grave" and the next day Broc teased Sumnmer that we was going to dig him up (which he probably would have had i not stopped him!). Hence, our first official experience with death.

In Happier Times...

Broc getting his fish on his third birthday

The kids were so excited for a new pet

Ugly Christmas Sweaters

2011-12-13T11:41:00.000-08:00

For my (32nd) birthday,I decided to have a Girl's Night In and make it extra fun by having everyone wear an ugly holiday sweater...the more glittery, sparkly, cheesy, the better. It was soooo cool to see everyone dressed up in bulb earrings and light up necklaces and even huge candy cane antlers and funky holiday hats. It was such a fun, festive night that I want to make it a yearly tradition. Since it was just girls, Chris took the kids out of the house for awhile and went to dinner and a movie... and even took Summer's friend along so her mom could come to my party. When he returned, he thought it looked like so much fun that we may do a co-ed one next year. Start arranging those babysitters now!

Family: My brother's girlfriend, my mom, and my sister-in-law

Third grade moms

First grade moms

My friend Phoebe and I

Totally cheesy Christmas get up!

We ended the night with a fun game of LCR

Bulbs and Ornaments Oh My!

2011-12-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

It's always exciting to get our Christmas tree...and this year was no exception. However, I usually take forever to find the perfect tree...having Chris prop up and spin each one, only to search for another. For some reason, this year I was not in a picky, try-a-million trees kind of mood, so we settled on the second one. It fit perfectly in the house...no need to trim branches or anything and the star sat rested on the top as if it had always been there. Amazing! The kids and I decorated as Chris sat on the couch and watched (or pretended to watch as he really watched football!). It's always hard to hold back and not keep telling the kids to spread them out, or not hang ten ornaments on one branch, or better yet, to "fix" it once they fall asleep. But I didn't...I let it be just as they left it. And it's still perfect!

Picking out the tree...

Never-Ending Smiles

2011-12-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

Here's to more glitter,
more paintings,
More kites in the sky.
Here's to more hide and seek,
More hopscotch,
And a twinkle in every eye.
Here's to bike rides
and pony rides,
And memories for miles.
Here's to nursery rhymes
And fairy tales,
And never-ending smiles.

Country Christmas

2011-12-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

This year, I decided to go for a rustic, country Christmas feel for our family photos. I usually avoid the traditional red, but since we did blue nautical last year, I thought it would be a good choice. I took these "practice" photos of the kids at Bapa and Nanas' house with their horses, which the kids love to visit.

Fairy Dust (and a little blood)

2011-12-11T19:47:00.000-08:00

Summer lost her first tooth...or shall I say, "Had her first tooth pulled out" on November 29th, 2011. Check out this video! She was soooo excited to have the Tooth Fairy visit, who ended up leaving her a gold one dollar coin and a $10 bill. Lucky girl!

Slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Undie-Head

2011-12-11T19:44:00.001-08:00

Giving Thanks

2011-12-11T18:36:00.001-08:00

For Thanksgiving, my sister-in-law, Nina, had the entire Contreras family over
for dinner. When we first arrived, Cousin Gentree curled Summer's hair, which came out adorable, and the kids rode scooters as the adults mingled. Later, we sat down for a traditional turkey dinner, followed by pumpkin pie. We ended the night with a fun game of left, center, right and a short game of Bingo. As we left that night, we realized that it may be the last time that some of the elder family members will be with us for the holidays, and I was so glad to get so many pictures.

Crue

Chris with his great aunt and uncle

Crue and Uncle Craig (Chris' brother)

Chris' grandpa eating with Crue and Summer

Cousin Chasen and Broc

Chris' grandma, mom, and great aunt

Papa Lou (Chris' dad) with Crue

Me & Chris

Summer with her Cousin Gentree and Grandma Debbie (Chris' mom)

The kids in the middle of a game

Contreras family photo

Long Beach Turkey Trot

2011-12-11T18:11:00.000-08:00

Before we left for LA, I talked the whole family into doing the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning and signed up evreyone online. I thought it would be a great way to start the day, and the kids love participating in events like these. Chris' parents seemed into it, but Auntie Nina and the teenage cousins were a little hesitant...especially with a 7am start time. It ended up being really fun though, with Crue running the entire event, and Chris and I taking turns carrying Broc on our shoulders with short bursts of him running. Broc and I came in first, followed by Crue and Chris, then Auntie Nina and Summer, and finally Grandma Debbie followed by Papa Lou, Gentree, and Chasen. There were over 6,000 participants with three different start times, and the Long Beach Press Telegram picked a picture of who? Yep, Broc and I made the newspaper the next morning... soooo cool!

Huntington Beach

2011-12-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

My favorite place to be... a perfect sunny day, with just our fam, enjoying a little chill time during our busy, hectic trip.

El Dorado Park

2011-12-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

Chris was getting bored at home alone, and with rain on the way he decided to change his flight and come in a day early. The kids and I were missing him, so I snuck off to the airport and picked him up and brought him back to his parents' house to surprise them and the kids. We all went to the playground, then we picked up my friend Dawniel's daughter to come to El Dorado Park with us. The kids had been playing with her the last few days and wanted to invite her along. The kids had fun doing the two-mile loop on their scooters while I did a little speed-walking to keep up with them. Chris and his parents followed (slowly) behind and took a short cut to catch back up with us. The kids were excited to feed the ducks around the ponds, and Chris' grandparents showed up too, so it was the perfect opportunity to snap some family photos.

Summer, Broc, and Jayden on their scooters

Feeding the ducks

Love this one of the girls

The kids with their great grandparents

The kids with their grandparents and great grandparents

Spikes for Santa

2011-12-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

The kids and I drove down to LA for Thanksgiving, with Chris planning on flying down a few days later. While we were there, my best friend, Dawniel, and I took our kids to see Santa and do a little shopping. Crue reported that he would like a Golden Retriever puppy, Summer asked for a real, all white horse and a microphone, and Broc asked Santa why he doesn't spike his hair, in which Santa replied he was too old! Broc requested a green bike and a piano after cracking up at the idea of Santa having spiky hair like himself.

Carpet and Coons

2011-12-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

We have been putting off getting new carpet because it is so much work, but I had no idea what it really entailed. New carpet in the bedrooms meant clearing out the garage to store everything, cleaning out closets, taking apart bunk beds, moving furniture, the list goes on. Wow...what a nightmare! However, it did give me the perfect opportunity to throw out and donate a lot of the kids' toys, clothes, and things that we just don't use (or have room to keep) anymore. We set up beds in the living room and the kids looked forward to having a slumber party, jumping from one mattress to another and showing off their flips and somersaults. The dogs loved it too... hopping right up onto the comfy blankets and pillows and making their way around stuffed animals. It was a rough night's sleep for Chris and I, feeling disoriented and waking in the middle of the night to what ended up being three raccoons who made their way through the doggy door and into our garage. Luckily, Cali was too scared to go out, but Chris (wielding a shovel in his pajamas), and Molli, finally scared them off. Chris and I couldn't fall back to sleep after the ordeal, and the kids were scared the raccoons were going to come in the house, so at 4:30 in the morning we decided to wake up and begin the day. The carpet came out great and Chris and I had the fun job of putting everything back in the house and putting beds and furniture back together.

Our slumber party in the living room

Broc and Molli chillin'

Can you spot Cali?

Afterschool Walk

2011-12-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

Since it was the end of the trimester, the kids had minimum days at school leading up to Thanksgiving break. One afternoon, the kids and I walked the 2-3 mile loop around the community park trail and brought Cali along. It was a beautiful fall day, and one of the first times the kids all made it around with no complaints of tired legs, being too hot, or too thirsty. Just a simple, nice, afternoon stroll. Ahhh.

Broc Lately

2011-12-06T17:43:00.000-08:00

Broc's best friend

His family portrait : Mom, Broc, Summer, Dad, Crue and above is our dogs Molli and Cali and his fish, Mitch-Oh. But best of all.....????

This! He gave me a baby in my arms because he wants a little brother. How sweet! This sure made Mommy happy. And Daddy? Yeah... not so much!

Picture Day

2011-12-06T17:16:00.000-08:00

Concrete

2011-12-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

We (finally) fixed our broken asphalt in the front and replaced it with concrete. Chris did a job trade with a buddy who was able to bring over his lil excavator and dump truck and tear up the asphalt for us. Of course, we had to leave our handprints!

Happy Halloween

2011-11-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

What a busy day...preparing ghost cake pops, bat and pumpkin-shaped cheese and salami and cracker platters, and art projects for the kids' class parties took up most of my morning. Then Broc and I headed down to the school and visited their classrooms as they celebrated. After school, it was a rush to get home and changed in time for the Community Halloween Festival. It begins with a costume contest (in which we won!), followed by a scream contest and trick-or-treating. Instead of people going house to house, our town merchants pass out candy from their store fronts on the main street. What a crazy, hectic, fun, sugar-induced, stomach ache kind of day!

Summer decided on a cute Halloween outfit instead of a costume for school.

Since he couldn't wear his "real" costume because of the mask, Crue was determined to be the state of California. Strange, I know, but it's sooo Crue. I made this the night before with felt left over from the soccer banners and he was perfectly satisfied.

Now for the "real" costumes:

What started as five beach balls...

with a few coats of paper mache...

some primer, paint, felt and pipe cleaner hair, and painted costumes...

ended up as the Peanuts Gang.
Here's Charlie Brown (Crue), Sally (Summer), and Linus (Broc)

Our silly family photo...Pig Pen, Sally, Charlie, Linus, and Lucy

Broc won 1st place for his age group at the costume contest, and our family won a special group award. We also made the front page of the newspaper!

Sunday Family Funday

2011-11-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

Chris did a work trade with a buddy of his and on Sunday we were able to get our driveway repaired...finally! Chris poured new concrete to replace the asphalt and the kids enjoyed watching the action. After a long day's work, Daddy passed out and the kids used him as a pillow as they watched the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.

Goodbye to Soccer

2011-11-10T10:42:00.000-08:00

Well, the days of five soccer practices and three games a week have come to an end...at least for this sports season. Crue's team had a great season, only losing one or two games. Broc scored at least one goal (sometimes three or more!) in every single game of the season except one. He was amazing to watch. Summer's team won only one game...a disappointing record but a great group of girls. Summer has so much potential and is great at practice...fast, agile, aggressive, but in the game she hates the attention and definitely doesn't put forth her best effort. I'm hoping as she gets older her confidence will improve and she can play at a level she's capable of. As for now, this Mama is enjoying a little bit of free time after school and not having activities everyday of the week. Oh, and actually being able to cook and eat dinner at dinner time! That is, until basketball and Girl Scouts and everything else begins!

Family Carving Night

2011-11-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

We brought in reinforcement this year to help us carve pumpkins with the kids. I invited my parents and my brother and Jazi over and we ordered pizza and got to work on a few HUGE pumpkins. Uncle Trevor was Broc's carver, and after drawing the face Broc wanted nothing to do with the ooey gooey stuff inside. He washed his hands at least three times in the middle of carving time and couldn't stand the smell or touch of the seeds and insides. I remember Crue being the same way when he was that age. They carved pumpkins at preschool and Crue wouldn't participate because he didn't want to get his finers dirty. Jazi blinged her pumpkin out with flowers and rhinestones, and Bapa and Crue worked together to carve another huge pumpkin. Daddy helped Sweetie, Nana washed and roasted the pumpkin seeds, and I carved a butterfly out of a small pumpkin and took lots of photos. We all had a great time!

Crue's Field Trip

2011-11-09T10:25:00.000-08:00

So the next day, Broc and I went back to the pumpkin patch with Crue's class...and I have to admit I'm glad they stop going at third grade. There was attitude, tears, meltdowns, etc. about the size of their pumpkins, the groups they were given, blah, blah, blah. This was the fifth time I've gone on this same field trip...and still have two more years with Summer and four more years with Broc. Let's see if I last that long!

Fall

2011-11-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

Summer's Field Trip

2011-11-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Last week Broc and I walked with Summer's class to a private residence to pick a pumpkin from their garden. Each year they plant hundreds of pumpkin seeds and invite the kindergarten through third grade classes over for a field trip. In addition to the pumpkins, they show the kids their horses and also do a short dog show, where their dogs weave around poles, through a tunnel, and balance on a teeter totter. The next day, Broc and I returend to do it with Crue'c class.

Cousin Blaze and Sweetie

Red Ribbon Week

2011-10-30T18:31:00.001-07:00

"Put A Cap on Drugs" (Crazy Hat Day)

"Sock it to Drugs" (Crazy Sock Day)

"Team Up Against Drugs" (Team Jersey Day)

"Shade Out Drugs" (Sunglasses Day)

Patches and Rashes

2011-10-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took the kids up north to a fun pumpkin patch where they each picked out a HUGE pumpkin. The only problem? Broc is super allergic to hay, so the hay ride and the jumping from hay bale to hay bale...not a good idea! He started itching immediately after we left, and has been broken out in a rash ever since. Good times!

Halloween Party

2011-10-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

Last week our friends had a fun Halloween party for the kids. It was right after school...no costumes or frills...just fun games, cool crafts, snowcones and hot dogs. Kids decorated pumpkins, made Halloween placemats and masks, and ran a bone relay race. The kids had so much fun and were exhausted when we got home!

They stopped to visit with the horse on the way in to the party

An Extra 50+

2011-10-30T14:40:00.001-07:00

After dropping Crue and Sumemr off at school I went on a 6-mile morning bike ride...with the addition of a four year old, a dog, snacks, a blanket, and a trailer. Makes the workout just a wee bit harder, but wouldn't trade it for anything!

Horse Love

2011-10-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

After Crue's trip to SF, we came to pick up Summer from Bapa and Nanas' and she was with the horses. She looked so cute out there leading the horse around the round pen and riding him. She's such a natural around the horses, and after watching her for a few minutes, Crue asked to get on him. He's much more cautious and nervous. Next came broc, who immediately decided to show us how he can do it "no-handed." My wild child...daring and brave and never thinks about the consequences.

Blue and Gold Fleet

2011-10-30T10:50:00.001-07:00

Crue's last request was a boat ride around the bay. We took the blue and gold fleet, which took us under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz Island, and around the shoreline of city. It was FREEZING, but really cool to see the bridge from underneath. Best of all, we got to stand in front of a green screen before boarding, and once we arrived back to port, grabbed these fun photos as a keepsake. I had to scan them, so they're not the best quality, but worth the share.

In the mall...cheesy photo booth!

San Francisco Zoo

2011-10-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

After we walked the bridge, Crue had plans to visit the zoo. This was the first time we went to a REAL zoo. The kids had only been to the Eureka Zoo, which is basically a glorified petting zoo, with the addition of a few flamingos, some monkeys, and a half dead bear that never moves. We took them to the zoo in Sacramento a year ago, which wasn't much better. So as soon as we arrived, Crue was excited to see a giraffe's long neck above the zoo roof, and see animals he had never seen before in real life. Lions, zebras, gorillas, tigers, bears, it was pretty amazing. The zoo was really nice inside too...clean, not very crowded, full of huge Eucalyptus trees, nice animal enclosures. Lots more walking, but I know Summer and Broc would have loved it. Crue's favorite animals were the giraffes, and on the way out he picked up pressed pennies for his brother and sister and a coin with a giraffe on it for himself. After the zoo, Crue chose Chevy's Mexican Food for lunch...yum!

Golden Gate Bridge

2011-10-30T07:49:00.001-07:00

Crue's birthday present was a trip to the city...without his brother and sister, per his request. Chris and I tried to talk him into all of us going as a family when Summer said, "I don't even want to go. That's waaaayyy too far! I want to stay with Bapa and Nana and play with the horses." This was followed by Broc's, "I want to go to Blaze's house and go swimming!" Yeah, not really swimming weather. Summer responded with, "Horses are way more fun than swimming!" So...for the first time...three kids were in three different places. Really weird, but it was their choice. The next morning, Crue walked up to Auntie Stacy at school as we were doing drop offs and said, "I know what your could get me for my birthday...you could babysit Broc so I don't have to bring him with me!" Then he called Nana and asked them to watch Summer. We decided to leave Friday after school and returned Sunday afternoon. A quick trip for a long drive, but well worth it for Crue. I knew Broc would have a hard time by night two, without Crue or Summer, but I felt like we needed to let Crue have his time alone.

Sure enough, the first night, at about 9:30, my parents called to tell me Summer had gone to sleep, but had woken back up with a fever and was crying in her sleep. All I wanted to do was be with her...kids always want their mom when they're sick. Instead, I was in the pharmacy at target sending my dad picture messages of the kind of medicine she could have and guessing her approximate weight. Of course, our hometown store didn't even have children's Tylenol or Tylenol meltaways that I had sent him pictures of, so after calling back and forth, we decided on a Pedia Care fever reducer. By night two, while we were at dinner in a loud restaurant and Crue was being sung "Happy Birthday," Broc called me crying so badly he couldn't even talk. He was so mad and sad and just kept saying, "I WANT YOU! I WANT YOU!" Yeah, real fun. I hate being without the kids...it makes me want to cry when you get phone calls like that! Chris can easily turn it off...he's not even affected by it emotionally. He's always saying, "They're fine!" and doesn't even think about it again. I wish I could do it, but I just can't! Anyway, we did have a great trip with Crue. He's so mature and easy when he's alone.

Crue had a whole agenda, had researched "Top Ten Things to Do in SF," and was absolutely set on walking the ENTIRE bridge (because last time Summer and Broc's legs got too tired and we only walked to the middle!). So, first thing Saturday morning we walked the bridge...3 miles round trip. It was really fun and cool to see so many people up early running the bridge in the morning fog. It was cold and not ideal for frizzy hair (hence my hood!) but it was easy...no fighting over who's in the front, arguing, whining about tired legs or cold bodies, holding hands...just plain old walking. After the walk, we went to the souvenir shop where Crue picked up a "I walked the Golden Gate Bridge" pin and a coin with the bridge on it. It was the strangest feeling having just one kid.

Yes, this is how excited he was when he had the whole back seat to himself!

Search History

2011-10-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

I know people often delete their search history, and now I know why. Not that I have anything to hide... no dating or porn websites for me...but it does tell a lot about a person and what's going on in their lives. So here it is...my latest searches:

-Halloween Words (planning for Crue's class party)
-Fall boots (helping my friend Dawni decide on a cute pair)
-Audible.com (ordering Who Was Johnny Appleseed for Crue's kindle)
-Wording for team sponsorship plaque (it's almost the end of the soccer season)
-Multiplication timed tests (for Crue to practice)
-San Francisco Calendar of Events (planning Crue's birthday trip)
-greatschools.net (comparing test scores, teacher to student ratios, and dreaming of sending kids to a new school)
-Humboldt County Author Festival (working on my PTA event)
-Scrapblog (creating a new fall collage for this blog)
-Realtor.com (need I say more?)
-Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown Fall 2011 air date (setting the DVR for Thursday Oct. 27th on ABC)
-Paper Mache recipe (it's a surprise!)
-Soccer party favors (planning our team party)
-Bulletin Board Ideas (Decorating a classroom for the new teacher the school hired)
-Upcoming Mud Runs (dreaming of having time to actually train for something!)

8 Candles

2011-10-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

For a special treat, I picked Crue (and Summer) up early from school and we went to lunch at Meadow's Cafe. Crue had asked Bapa and Nana the night before if they could come, and Chris met us on his lunch break too! At lunch he opened a few more presents from Bapa and Nana (a shirt and cool United States travel book) and one that came from Auntie Nina and Uncle Craig just before I left the house. He was so excited to get rare collector's coins and an itunes and amazon gift card. After lunch he had the special treat of being brother and sister-free for a few hours and came home with me to relax for a bit before soccer practice. After soccer (which ends at 7pm) I made spaghetti and garlic bread, his favorite, and we had planned to have ice cream sundaes for dessert. Thankfully, Tami Boughner saved the day and waiting on our porch when we got home from soccer was the perfect sized, delicious chocolate cake with 8 candles...a wonderful surprise! Cake and ice cream it is! And Crue forgot to make a wish when he blew out the candles so we had a re-light and a do-over. Hope his wish comes true!

Too Cool for Cupcakes in Class

2011-10-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

Crue is usually really excited for me to bring a birthday treat to his class. In the past I've made bear muffins, shaped fruit skewers, and last year spice muffins. This year when I asked him what we should make for the class, his response was one word. "Nothing." Seriously...you're in third grade and already Mom's not cool enough? When I asked him why he didn't want to celebrate with his class, he says with MAJOR exaggeration, "Because then everyone's gonna say 'Oh my gosh you have the best mom in the whole world!' and it's so annoying." Yep...I got denied. So, I offered to make something that he could bring to school in the morning so I wouldn't have to be there at snack time and make a big production. Turns out, I guess Mom's ARE still cool in third grade, because the night before his birthday he changed his mind and ordered up 27 pumpkin muffins. And yes the students loved them (and loved me for baking them!). AND I got to bring them afterall... and sneak a picture of him passing them out!

(Thank God for Costco's Krusteaz Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread Mix. If you haven't tried it, it's delicious! You can make pumpkin bread, muffins, cookies, even waffles with it!)

Birthday Morning

2011-10-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

Crue was so excited for his birthday that the night before he actually woke up at 10:30pm, just as Chris and I were heading to bed, and thought it was morning. He came out of his room carrying his Lakers blanket and was ready to open presents... it was so funny! So when morning actually came around (he woke up at 5:45am!) he was excited to see the decorations and gifts. Half asleep and still in his pajamas, he opened a few presents before school and requested cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

Broc made him a card... so sweet

So good to see him smile

Trying on his new hat... he's obsessed with colleges (more than the sports they represent)

An ipod from Grandma Debbie and Papa Lou. We had been teasing him all week about how they were sending him beef jerky from our favorite place in Long beach (which he also would have loved) and he was worried about getting to it before Daddy, who he knew would eat it all!

A real smile and look of delight

His breakfast request

Another Game, Another Goal

2011-10-13T22:17:00.001-07:00

Broc's Saturday game was cancelled and scheduled for Wednesday night. He scored the first goal of the game again and continues to amaze us. He hangs back and doesn't get involved in the pack, but instead predicts where the ball is going to go and gets there...fast. He has scored at least one goal in every game this season and loves to play. He still won't show excitement when he scores, just looks over at the sidelines to make sure we saw it and gives us this shy/embarrassed/proud look, but definitely NOT a smile...because he's waaaayyyy too cool for that!

Running through the parent tunnel after the game

Grasshopper

2011-10-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

Before Broc's soccer game, Bapa had a surprise for him and his little (girl)friend. On the way over to the field, Bapa caught a grasshopper, then handed it to Broc, with him not knowing what he was being handed. It was so cute for me to watch from afar, and definitely one of my favorite "sequence" shots I've ever got! Check it out... aren't these two adorable?

Tooth Fairy's a World Traveler

2011-10-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Crue lost his 8th tooth just two days shy of his 8th birthday. The dentist told us at his last appointment that this would be his last tooth he'd lose for awhile, so we thought about firing the Tooth Fairy. However, seeing that Summer is six, I'm sure the Tooth Fairy will be pretty busy around here for the next few years. Apparently, this tooth fairy is a world traveler, bringing Crue awesome coins from all over. Thinking back to my childhood, the Tooth Fairy must have since gotten a passport because back in my days it was a fifty-cent piece or two-dollar bill! Around this household, we're wondering what the Tooth Fairy will be bringing for a little girl soon. We've heard rumors around school of the Tooth Fairy bringing everything from Nintendo DS games to My Little Ponies. I mean, don't kids get a crimped neck from sleeping with a horse under their pillow all night? Don't know about you, but I thought special coins or crystals and maybe a little fairy dust is about all a fairy can carry. Well, that and a bag of shiny white teeth!

Soccer Saturday

2011-10-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

Broc's game was cancelled today and rescheduled for later in the week, so we only had two games today. Crue played first and I was able to get lots of great pictures of his team. The boys won 2-0 and it was one of those games where Crue was so close to scoring so many times but just couldn't get it in the goal. This last picture is of Broc being a spectator at Crue's game and hiding from me behind a rusty goal post. After Crue's game, I coached Summer's team. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get any pictures, but Summer did score a goal. Her team tied 1-1 and is slowly improving. Summer needs a little confidence and a lot of aggression...two things that can't really be taught. She's a great player with good ball control but seems to give up at the end, passing it off instead of taking the shot herself or "giving" it to the goalie instead of the physical confrontation. I think as she gets older, she'll grow stronger and more confident. As of now, she's our top goal-scorer and I'm still very proud of her! I just can't wait to see her in the future!

Rodeo Clown

2011-10-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

Me: "Hey Broc, do you want to try and write a sentence?"
Broc: "Yeah"
Me: "Well, what do you want to write about? Maybe soccer or Cali?"
Broc: "How 'bout a bull?"
Me: "A bull? Do you even know what that is?"
Broc: "Yeah those things you ride and try and stay on for a minute and they go around and around and act all crazy."
Me: "OK, well what do you want to say about them? That you saw one at a rodeo?"
Broc: "No, I want one, like for a pet!"
Me: "What do you mean? What would you do with it?"
Broc: "I'm gonna learn how to ride it and try and hold on and be those guys that rides a horse nest to 'em and catches 'em with a rope!"
Me: sigh...yep, that's my Broc!

So we decided on "I want a pet bull." I helped him with the "a" in "want," but otherwise he completely sounded out the other words and did the rest on his own. After we did the first one together, the next day he made another picture when I thought he was just coloring. This first sentence totally explains Broc's personality...completely fearless, confident, and willing to try anything. Who else would want a bull for a pet?

Pumpkin Poser

2011-10-08T20:21:00.001-07:00

Dark Clouds Above

2011-10-05T17:13:00.000-07:00

Broc's latest artwork...can you tell it's started raining here? LOL So funny for him to notice the seasons and display it in his art. I'd really prefer him and I standing under suns and rainbows surrounded by hearts and flowers, but I guess rain clouds are what's in store for us.

Pumpkin Pile

2011-10-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

Summer ran to the store with me the other night to get some milk and we were surprised to see that they had pumpkins already...a whole pile that we just had to take a picture in front of!

Birthday Girls

2011-10-05T16:33:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, a group of us girls celebrated my friend Becca's birthday. We had an early dinner up north at a Mexican restaurant and were home in time for the kids' bedtime. Best of all, little Sweetie was waiting up for me with a surprise. When I walked in the door she led me with excitement over to the whiteboard where she had colored a beautiful butterfly and left me a special note. She is just so sweet and thoughtful!

Three Readers!

2011-10-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

Broc has moved from letter sounds to actually reading CVC words now! It is so amazing to listen to your kid put sounds together and form words for the first time. He's doing such a great job and getting smarter by the day. We've also been practicing spelling, and he's able to sound out three letter words and write the appropriate letter. To make it fun, I've been drawing pictures, then he fills in the word. He loves to learn!

Last night I sat and listened from the living room as Summer was doing her nighttime reading in her room. She is such a great little reader and I LOVE how she reads with such expression when words are in quotes. She's such a natural little teacher and loves doing flash cards with Broc. In the playhouse, she pretends it's her very own school house, and has folders and books for her pretend students and uses the whiteboard to teach them. She even writes blue slips for bad behavior! The other day I heard her talking out there, and knowing she was alone, I walked out to see what was going on. When I peeked my head in, she was sitting in a chair reading a book to her imaginary audience on the rug. She even had the book turned out for the students to see! She loves to teach and help others. After school the other day, her teacher told me that since the aide was out sick, she put Summer to work as her helper and she did a great job filing papers, emptying homework folders, setting up centers, and helping other students. She's very responsible and focused at school and always wants to do what is right. Lately, however, she's been complaining about being bored and having to do "baby" work and has been asking to be home schooled. I'm really hoping that they'll start getting into some harder curriculum or that she can be challenged because she loves to learn. Today was the first day of homework and she was SO excited! It was the first thing she said when we got in the car and she finished her entire week's homework in about 15 minutes. Honestly, the math she's doing is what I've been doing with Broc at home. It's such a hard decision to make...home school knowing that next year she'll be even further ahead or keep her in school and know she's bored and not being challenged. I've really been struggling with this decision the last few weeks!

Crue is an avid reader. He loves reading anything non-fiction and informative... almanacs, books about presidents, history, state facts, geography and maps. He is not at all interested in wizards or dragons or anything of the sort. He can remember dates and facts like crazy, but can't remember to put his clothes in the laundry. He loves to stay up later than Broc and read, so last Christmas we got him a lamp that attaches to the top bunk. The other night, he looked so peaceful and content as he read in bed...no siblings to annoy him, a quiet room, and new facts to learn. What's best of all is the quizzes he gives me...like, "Mom, do you know what year the Declaration of Independence was written?" or "Who was the 13th president?" Yeah, my answer is almost always, "Crue, I have no idea!" It's funny that history was the subject I absolutely hated in high school and college, and hated teaching to my seventh graders, and it's the one subject my kid absolutely LOVES!

Softball

2011-10-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Chris played in a men's league softball tournament a few weekends back and so on Sunday the kids and I came with him up to Eureka to catch a game. Chris was a little disappointed they came in fourth place, and the kids were disappointed the snack shack didn't have sunflower seeds, but it was fun for us to watch Daddy play.

Soccer Update

2011-10-03T13:12:00.001-07:00

Broc has scored two goals both last weekend and the weekend before, and Crue has scored one goal each of the last two games. Summer's team is still struggling, with only one win so far, but they have shown a lot of improvement since the first game.

Fall Has Arrived

2011-10-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

Crisp autumn air, light breezes, changing colors, and hot chocolate. As much as I'd love to say that the smell of the first rains and sweet spice of cinnamon make my heart happy, I'm really not feelin' it. In actuality, I feel like we got totally ripped off as far as summer goes...it was really mild weather and definitely not long enough. But I'll put on my Uggs and turn on my defrosters as I drive the kids to school and dream of sunshine and boating and warm sand between my toes and all things summer.

I took these "fall" photos of Broc in our garden on the first day of October.

Happy Girl

2011-10-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

Goooaaaaallll!

2011-09-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Broc scored at least five goals at his last game...and had to be told by his coach that he must pass it to someone before he could score to slow him down a bit. So...he would have another break away, dribble it to the goal, then stop. It was so funny! His games are really fun to watch because he's such a natural and just understands the game and has the confidence to succeed. He doesn't cheer or yell or jump or act excited when he scores...he's way too cool for that. Instead, he looks over, gives a little smirk, and tries his hardest not to smile.

Summer's team won their first game 2-1 last weekend, with Summer scoring both goals for her team. It was so exciting and she's such a natural little scorer...she's not as aggressive as I'd hope, but I think as she gets older she'll get there.

Crue was playing defender for part of the game and is a very cautious player. He chooses to ignore Mom on the sidelines because "he already knows it all," but is feeling a little jealous that I always go to Summer's games and have missed quite a few of his (That's whats been the hardest about coaching Summer's team is missing many of the boys' games.)

"Home School"

2011-09-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

Broc did NOT want to go to preschool this year...he wanted to go to REAL school..with Crue and Summer. I knew he would learn a lot more from me at home, but wanted him to make the decision to go or stay. We talked about it quite a bit over the summer, told him his cousin would be there, and told him about all the cool toys and things that he would get to do. Here's pretty much how it went down:

Broc: "It's just a whole bunch of babies in there and they make you stay in that cage and play on that baby playground!"
Me: "A cage?"
Broc: "Yeah, you know that fence?" (around the play yard).
Summer (with a fake tone of excitement):"Broc, they let you play dress up there and you get to pretend to cook pizza and play in a tent."
Broc: "Yeah but I don't even like to dress up...that's for babies!"
Crue: "You can paint there and play on the slide and ride trikes and pour your own milk."
Broc: "Trikes are for little kids who don't even know how to ride bikes without training wheels. And I don't want to get paint on my cool clothes or even eat that food."
Me: "Well, you're gonna have to come with me to volunteer in Crue and Summers' classes and you're gonna run errands with me and go grocery shopping and stuff."
Broc: "Fine, but do I still get to wear my new school clothes and new shoes?"

LOL...yep...that pretty much summed up our preschool decision. So once school began for Crue and Summer, it began for Broc too. We usually work on flash cards and writing and math every morning and do some sort of exercise...a hike, stroller ride, bike ride, soccer. He's also getting a lot of great life lessons...how to mow lawns, slide a credit card and pump gas, wash a truck, mop the floors, etc. Here's our last few weeks in pictures...

Helping mom wash the truck

Writing and identifying letters and sounds. He's even reading three letter words like cup, fin, lap, etc.

Hanging out in his blanket fort

His first time mowing the lawn...and he did not want my help!

Our morning hike up the hill

Writing his numbers...we also do number flash cards and math worksheets

Bike ride through the redwoods

A little bit of fun in the sun...and a lot of playtime with Cali

He learned how to tie his shoes

Drawing lessons and working on coloring, cutting, and following directions

Blocks, puzzles, games, and more...this day we built a castle then made a garage to park his hot wheels in

Sweetie

2011-09-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

This face just cracks me up! It's her exaggerated wink and she knows it makes me laugh everytime she does it!

She wanted me to take her pic in this outfit...I think it was the second or third day of school.

Lil poser

Heading to Back to School Night...she loaded up her purse full of books, chapstick, a wallet and a ton of other stuff and headed out the door!

Summer Leftovers

2011-09-21T11:48:00.001-07:00

Just went through some pictures that were on my phone and old cameras and came across a few I thought I'd share. Random pictures from the summer on days that I didn't have my good camera, but still wanted to capture a moment in time. I hate leftovers...they're never as good the next night and always get tossed at our house, but these are worth tasting again...

Labor Day weekend...met some friends at their houseboat and borrowed their slide!

Boys playing boats...finally found a big blow up pool at the end of summer

Broc's swimming so well now in the pool...his first summer floaties-free!

Shasta...aaahhh

Playdate on a hot day

We babysat my niece and nephew...and she was completely obsessed with all of Summer's make up and princess stuff

Captain Crue...he packed his own money to buy this hat

Trader Joe's in Redding...a special shopping treat for us. Grabbing some good snacks for the boat with my three helpers

Nothing but a perfect day on the lake with the kiddos

Future Pros

2011-09-12T15:20:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was exciting...the kids had their first official soccer games of the season. I drove Crue and Summer up to Fortuna for their games...both at 10am. It's such a bummer to send Crue off to his game and know that I will be missing it while I'm coaching Summer's team. The good news...Summer scored her first goal! The bad news...both teams lost. Chris took Broc to his game, also at 10am, but just a few minutes form home at the kids' school. Broc's team won 2-0, with Broc scoring both of the goals. He called to tell me he scored, and I was of course sad to miss it! Bapa and Nana went to his game though, and I sent the camera with Chris but he said it was too hard to take pictures, cheer, and ring the cowbell all at once. Yeah, welcome to my world! Anyway, he did manage to get one picture worth keeping...after a lot of cropping! My lil' pro in action...

Squeezing in Another Trip

2011-09-12T09:02:00.001-07:00

We towed the boat home after our vacation thinking it was our last trip to the lake, but once Labor Day Weekend inched closer, we realized that even though the kids were back in school, it really was our last chance to get away. It would be our only soccer-free weekend until November, and with the rains coming next month, we decided to go for it and enjoy some sunshine while we could! We left early Friday morning (eerr...I mean...the kids had dentist appointments LOL) and enjoyed a few great days on the water. (Of course I told the school the truth because my kids came back tan and talking about knee boarding!) I was subbing the other day in kindergarten and got a call over the intercom from one of the school secretaries that said, "Sorry to interrupt, but could you tell me why your kids were absent on Friday?" I replied, in front of the entire class, "Umm, yeah we were at the lake." Hahaha

I love the missing tooth!

The hubby

Muscle Beach

I may be small, but my muscles are big! LOL

My lil' poser

Isn't she a doll?

Photo by Crue

Yes, she's holding a dead fish...and we were just as surprised as you to see her pick it up and hold it!

Crue just chillin'

I love this one...unposed, natural, and actually having fun together! I had to zoom in really far. They were way across the cove and he would never admit to enjoying time with her.

Crue's favorite part of the day...kayaking around a cove. He was even nice enough to take his sister for a ride.

Aarrrgggh! Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirate's life for me!

Would love to do this everyday...perfectly smooth water

Broc just loves every sport

How beautiful is this?

One-dollar raft = perfect relaxation

True enjoyment

Yep, even Cali got a turn driving with Daddy

Thank You

2011-09-12T08:49:00.001-07:00

The other day my friend Clover gave us a HUGE box of books that her kids had outgrown...mostly picture books for Broc, but some early readers for Summer and some books that Crue was interested in as well. It's been so exciting to have new books to read, and after reading a few one morning, I told Broc we should write a "Thank You" card to let them know we were enjoying the books. Usually the kids are fine signing their names or drawing a picture, but Broc was determined to write out the whole card. So here it is...his very first "Thank You" card. It was so cute I had to take a picture of it before we sent it. Love the drawing of a lil' guy and the books!

Star Test Taker

2011-09-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

Crue came home with two of these on the first day of school. Each second grader (now third-grader) received one for taking the STAR test for the very first time, and Crue received another for scoring proficient or advanced in either math or language arts, or both. Crue still continues to do very well in school, but his favorite subjects, history and writing, are of course not part of the test.

Back to School

2011-09-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it's back to the grind...and I'm not sure I'm ready for it! Backpacks were hung in their cubbies, outfits were picked out, shoes were tried on, nails were polished, and lunchboxes were filled. The only thing missing was our desire to return to school. Our typical morning usually consists of the following quotes:
"Bye guys...have a good day at school"
"Bye, love you."
"Can you pour me some orange juice?"
"How much water do you mix with the oatmeal again?"
"Can I have something besides a sandwich for lunch?"
"Here, eat your vitamins."
"Did you pick up your laundry?"
"Shut off the TV 'cause you guys are taking too long to get ready"
"Hurry up and finish eating and don't forget to clear your plates!"
"Those shoes are fine."
"No that shirt does not match!"
"Did you pack me carrots cause I don't really want any of those today."
"I don't know where you put your shoes."
"Apple juice, vanilla soy milk, or chocolate milk?"
"Have you brushed your teeth yet?"
"Summer, you cannot change your outfit again...you're gonna make us late."
"This outfit is not even cute. You never buy me anything cute!"
"I'm ready Mom and Crue STILL didn't even make his bed!"
"Can you guys quit arguing and just get ready?"
"Just wear flip flops then if your shoes hurt your feet!"
"Cali...oh Cali-girl!" followed by, "Crue, leave the dog alone and get ready NOW!"
"Don't forget your water bottle."
"Mom, will you do my spikes?"
"Your room is a disaster...after school you're going straight to your room to clean it!"
"Who left their breakfast bowl on the table?"
"Okay we have five minutes!"
"Summer hurry up so I can do your hair!"
"Which bows do you want to wear today?"
"Do you have a sweatshirt?"
"Go get in the truck!"

So as you can see, those lazy summer mornings of walking barefoot out the front door to turn on the sprinklers seems so much more enjoyable than rushing kids out the door. What's even worse? Sending them to hot, stuffy classes packed with 32 children carrying all sorts of illnesses, to attempt to learn amid constant disruptions and eat lunch in ten minutes time after we've taught them for years not to rush when they eat. This, followed by me cutting pounds of fruit to send for snack, trying to squeeze in a morning walk with Broc so I somewhat resemble a body that has exercised, Costco shopping for graham crackers and granola bars to share with the class, putting up new bulletin boards for the PTA room, homeschooling Broc, making posters for "Back to Football Friday", making a dinner meal plan, attending a PTA meeting, shopping for the spaghetti feed for Back to School Night, making agendas for the School Site Council meeting, squeezing in five soccer practices, throwing in a load of laundry, forcing kids to read and practice multiplication flash cards even though no official homework was assigned, noticing that if I don't water the garden (and flower beds and grass and back patio) RIGHT NOW it will probably die, realizing at 7pm as we arrive in the door from soccer that I forgot to take something out for dinner, (oh...the fish...has anyone fed him?), taking the dogs to the vet for shots because the county's already sent two notices about renewing their licenses, and getting called to sub for a half day on the same day that Broc happens to catch a cold from being around all these sick kids and germs. Yep, that pretty much sums up the first two weeks of school.

The First Day of School

Summer & Cousin Blaze

Summer & Peyton

Her besties

Another Soccer Season Begins...

2011-09-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Three kids...three different teams...five practices per week...three games every Saturday...and only TWO parents! Yeah, we're outnumbered. After Crue and Summer took a year off from soccer, I was really excited when they said they wanted to play again. Broc has been waiting since he was two to have the opportunity to play, so this year I signed up all three. Broc is on a co-ed under 6 team, I'm coaching Summer's under 8 girls team, and Crue is playing on an under 8 boys team.

I was a crazy woman the week before Jamboree, making banners for each of their teams, as well as hair ribbons for Summer's team. Did I mention how difficult it is to make a shark from felt? Or that the soccer coordinator here said I need to be really careful about making banners because she received lots of complaints when I made them a few years ago? Yeah, apparently we're just too "over the top" with banners and cowbells and team t-shirts for parents. Wow, cause I thought that everywhere else in the world, making banners is like a youth soccer tradition. Apparently we live in a bubble and they frown upon team spirit because not every team can afford to make banners. Really??? Felt is $5.99 a yard. Sticks for a glue gun, and a bottle of puffy paint...man, now we're just getting CRAZY! As you can see, I decided to ignore the complainers and make banners anyway. It's not about money...it's about effort.

Jamboree is basically picture day, followed by short scrimmages for every team in the league. It's always fun to see everyone after the summer and see the kids in their new brightly colored uniforms. Crue and Summers' teams both got beat, but the highlight of the day came when Broc went out and scored the first goal of his game in the first minute. It was so exciting to see such a tiny little guy head straight to the goal like he had been doing it for years. He is such a natural athlete...but we were reminded how young he really is when he started crying because his coach made him, along with every other kid on the team, take his turn sitting out. He did NOT want to sit out...he wanted to stay in the game and play, even thought the other kids on his team were totally fine with taking a rest. He is definitely a little "firecracker!"

Summer's first practice

My team of Ladybugs @ their first practice

Our Veggie Garden

2011-09-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Peppers, tomatoes, and squash, oh my! We are overflowing with a great harvest from our very own vegetable garden! It began a while ago, from tiny seeds and starts, and has since produced everything from green onions to artichokes. The kids sneak up there to eat fresh green beans and tomatoes, or grab a bowl to collect bell peppers, corn, and everything under the sun. After re-doing all of our garden beds and adding new soil this year, we were amazed to see that as our vegetables began to grow, right at the entrance of our garden gate stood a beautiful sunflower, which neither Chris or I planted. It's absolutely beautiful...and a daily reminder of all the surprises God has in store for us.

Check out this slideshow of our garden from the very beginning...

Customize your own free slideshow

Last Days of Summer

2011-09-10T07:43:00.001-07:00

The last Friday of summer break...how sad to see it go! It felt like the fun was just beginning and now it's already over! My friend Alisha and I decided to take the kids out to the cove...which is always a guess of weather it will be covered in fog or not. The kids had a great time splashing in the waves and digging in the sand. Broc LOVED chasing the seagulls. The fog eventually lifted, kids complained of sand in every body crevice, and Alisha and I tried to figure out how to keep five sandy kids from completely destroying our cars. You know...the whole fill the bucket and clean your feet trick? Good thing for Chris' shop vac!

Our Family Vacation

2011-09-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

We were fortunate enough for Chris to take a week off of work so we could have a real vacation...not just a quick weekend trip. We were so excited to be spending a week on the water at Shasta, and were even more excited that Chris' childhood friend, as well as his wife and kids, would be coming too! They drove all the way from So Cal to our house so they could see where we lived, then we all headed out to the lake the next morning. They have two kids...a boy just six months younger than Crue, and a girl six months younger than Summer. The five kids all played great and got along really well, and it was nice for Chris and Ricky to watch their kids do what they did together as kids. We really had a great time! Crue got back on the knee board for the first time since his accident, and the boys even triple-knee boarded. Summer FINALLY knee boarded and absolutely loves it now, and her and Rochelle rode doubles. Broc, Crue, and Ricky tried out the wake board...and were SO close to getting up. Chris built a race ski from scratch in our garage, and was excited to try it out...a huge success! Him and Ricky skied doubles, just like old times, and we finally got to visit the caverns...something Crue has been looking forward to.

Slideshow created with Smilebox

River Fun

2011-08-30T16:38:00.001-07:00

Last month the kids and I went to the river over at Bapa and Nana's house just a few minutes away. The boys had a great time squirting water guns (and listening to Summer scream when they aimed at her!), swimming, jumping off a rock, and stacking rocks. They even collected white rocks (with my help) to write out the words "BAPA" and "NANA"...the kids wanted to surprise them the next time they came down to the river.

Barn Walk

2011-08-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

We love walking the dirt trail that begins at a barn, hence Broc has named that particular hike the "Barn Walk." A few weeks ago, on a HOT day, the kids and Cali and I decided to make the loop...and pick a few blackberries along the way!

Ballet

2011-08-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer, a few of us moms were taking turns carpooling to Eureka for ballet class once a week. The girls loved it and learned a lot, but since it's an hour drive, we've had to give it up for school and soccer. The girls usually got spoiled with a stop to Claire's for a new hair bow, or Border's for a book or two, followed by dinner after ballet class. Here's just a few pictures from one of the days...

Horse Lovers

2011-08-30T11:16:00.001-07:00

Well...somehow I managed to get an entire month behind on this blog. It seems like our summer went by so fast and we did so little, but I guess between having three kids home all day and keeping up with household chores, laundry, garden, lawn, and everything in between, coming in to post pictures on the computer hasn't been a huge priority. Anyway, this was the last week of July when the kids and I were caring for the horses while my parents were away. Summer is the biggest horse lover of all, followed by Broc. Crue would much rather be with the dogs or hanging out in the shade, so that's why there's so few pictures of him around the horses!

Continue On

2011-07-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

This one's for all of us stay at home Mommys!

A few weeks ago, a story was going around on Facebook that described a man coming home from work to a complete disaster of a home. Beds were not made, the house was a mess, there was food out, the kids had dirty faces and were undressed, the dogs ran wild, and the husband said to his wife, "What happened?" The wife then responded,
"You know how you always ask me what I did today? Well, today I didn't do it!"

I thought it was a great story, and I know I'm not alone in feeling that sometimes the whole day slips by and I haven't even had time to feed myself or sit down for a second. After making meals, serving meals, cleaning up after meals, picking up the house, folding laundry, settling arguments, and saying the same thing ten times before a child actually listens, it sometimes feels like I do a million things that go unnoticed. After cleaning up inside, I go outside to mow or clean up the garage, and by the time I go inside again, it's already a mess. Once I finally make it back outside again, the flowers and garden need watered, the dog needs fed, and soon enough, the grass needs mowed again. Well, thank God that each day we are restored, not only physically, but mentally as well. As I crawled into bed after a very long summer day just a few nights ago, this is what I stumbled upon. How perfect!

"CONTINUE ON"
a poem by Roy Lessin

A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life.
She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother.
She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference.
At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated.
"Is it worth it" She often wondered. "Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?"
It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard the still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart.
"You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be.
Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye, but I notice.
Most of what you give is done without remuneration.
But I am your reward.
Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support.
Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know.
I bless him through your service and honor him through your love.
Your children are precious to me.
Even more precious than they are to you.
I have entrusted them to your care to raise for me.
What you invest in them is an offering to me.
You may never be in the public spotlight, but your obedience shines as a bright
light before me.
Continue on. Remember you are MY Servant.
Do all to please me.

Love

2011-07-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

I came across this poem the other night as I was reading, and after a long day of feeling completely overwhelmed by the constant laundry, sweeping, vacuuming, dishwasher empty-ing, and cleaning, it came at just the right time. It's great to be reminded every so often of the truly important things, and to set aside what "needs" to be done, for what the kids really "need" in that moment.

LOVE
If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love-I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love-
my children learn of cleanliness, not godliness.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.

Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.

Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.

Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love is present through trials.

Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive.

As a mother there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of all is...LOVE.

A Look Back at Kindergarten

2011-07-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my Sweetie is going to be a FIRST grader. My they grow up fast! I made a slideshow of her kindergarten year. No wonder I felt so busy!

A photo slideshow by Smilebox

1st Ambulance Ride @ Shasta Lake

2011-07-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we returned to Shasta for a little more fun in the sun...until it ended in an ambulance ride! As you can see from the pictures, we had a great time. Chris skied, I wake boarded, the boys knee boarded and skied, and Summer swam and snacked! We had planned to leave Monday morning, but with the boat already in the water, we decided to take it out for a bit and be on the road by lunch time. The boys begged to knee board and ski one last time, and with the lake pretty empty, we ended up just pulling them close to the marina, instead of in a far away cove as usual. Crue had been attempting to stand up on his knee board all weekend...it's kinda of like a knee board/trainer ski. With a few good attempts, he finally managed to get up, and stand up, for a few seconds. Next thing we know, he fell forward and the boat was dragging him. We saw he was caught up in the rope until it suddenly jerked off his neck. Chris and I raced around to retrieve him, and I jumped in the water even before the boat completely stopped. He was screaming and bloody and in a complete panic, as were Chris and I. I grabbed Crue, and Chris pulled him onto the boat, lifting him to check his neck. Chris immediately started crying, so I knew it was bad. To make matters worse, both Summer and Broc were pointing out to Crue all the blood. Right then, a sheriff boat drove by, and we flagged him down and told him to call 911. We raced to the marina and a few minutes later, an ambulance arrived. By this time, we could see the rope was caught under his neck, as well as his arm, and he had a fat lip. His entire neck was red, road-rashed, rope-burned, and bloody. Crue was talking and scared, but I knew he was OK. We were being interviewed by first responders, sheriffs, and EMTs, and Crue was placed in a neck brace and on a board to be taken by ambulance. Chris was a complete wreck and could not stop crying, as I tried to reassure Summer and Broc that Crue would be OK as I headed to the ambulance.

I had to ride up front, but could still see and hear Crue, but he couldn't see me. I kept talking to him as they gave him oxygen, hooked him to monitors, drew blood, and left a port in his arm for an IV. My entire body was shaking, but in that mode, I couldn't cry because I wanted Crue to know hed be alright. I called a friend who lived in the area and had her meet me at the hospital, and Chris and the other two kids stayed back and loaded the boat. At the hospital they checked him over and took him off of trauma status, and monitored him. The doctor told me his neck could swell due to the injury and could possible block his airway. After being given Motrin, CRue suddenly went form talking to his eyes rolling back and saying he felt like throwing u to telling me he was really, really tired. He almost passed out...and so did I. I grabbed the bed rails as tight as I could and had the nurse slip a chair under my butt. Until that moment, I thought he would be OK. Luckily, he didn't take a turn for the worse, and he ended up being monitored for a few hours before being released. I was a little scared driving four hours home through the middle of nowhere in case something went wrong, but Crue was acting more like himself and was ready to leave. He left with a a stuffed dog from the ambulance driver and a sore neck and arm, but is doing great. I didn't take pictures after the accident because I hope to NEVER experience something like that again, but I did get a few in the hospital as he was being released.
This trip made it very evident how God can line everything up just perfectly. Any other day, Chris probably would have had a few beers while out on the lake, and we would have been nearly an hour or so from the marina. It happened that immediately after the accident, a sheriff boat drove right by...an unusual sight. Crue had an amazing caretaker in the ambulance, and he was taken to a great hospital with a pediatric trauma unit. Our kids could have gotten hurt any day of the year, riding bikes, hiking, doing anyhting, and we would have been stuck at our horrible local hospital. But instead, the one time our child is seriously hurt, we are near the best medical care possible. How can we not be thankful?
This will not stop us from enjoying the lake, and Crue looks forward to knee boarding again. Unfortunatly, water sports, like any others, can be dangerous and require you to take risks. Hopefully, this will be my first and last time ever riding in an ambulance!

Vegas Girls Trip

2011-07-21T18:38:00.001-07:00

Last summer, I passed up a girls trip to Vegas, so this year I decided to go for it. The kids are older, and I felt a little more ready to leave them than I have in the past. That doesn't mean I wasn't nervous though...we would be leaving on a Saturday evening and not returning until Wednesday. This is the longest I have ever left the kids, and a little longer than I had wanted to go, but I thought I should make the most of it. With the kids staying home with Chris and being with my parents while he was at work, I knew they'd be safe and have fun.

I went with a mellow group of girls and ended up having a great time. The cigarette smoke was really hard for me to deal with, and I had a headache for the first two days...making me feel so grateful to live in California where you can't smoke in public areas. We're not much of drinkers or gamblers, so we did more sightseeing and outlet shopping than anything else. My favorite part of the trip was zip lining over Freemont Street, which is like the Old Vegas. I really missed Chris and the kids while I was there, and I think I'm getting too old to stay up past 10pm! I secretly wished for staying alone in the quiet hotel room in my pajamas and reading People magazine for a night, but I was a trooper and got dressed and went out. We saw Holly Madison's Peep Show one night and got to meet her after, which was pretty cool, and dressed in Cowboy boots and skirts another night and rode a mechanical bull.

I brought each of the kids' stuffed animal and sent pictures of them throughout the trip doing different things. Here, they're waiting to board the plane. Did I mention it's a four hour drive to the airport? And I get carsick...especially when someone else is driving. Then 90 minutes on a plane...ugghhh. I was not feeling well when we arrived!

Our first night...a casual Italian dinner.

The animals laying out by the pool.

Freemont Street

The Zip line

Yee-Haw!

Sightseeing

The Venetian

Dressed up for Peep Show