The Briseno Bunch

Valentine fun

2012-02-16T08:35:00.001-08:00

Here's just a few pics of our Valentines Day

my little Rocky

2012-02-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

So today Isaaac and I are just hanging out around the house, he is making Valentines cards and watched a few cartoons this morning. It's been nice to hear the sound of Elmo in the background this morning, and hear the little pitter patter of feet running down the halls, it was nice to sit down with my little boy for breakfast. I've missed mornings like this, I've missed him now that he's in kindergarten. Isaac is home with me today not because he's sick but rather because he had a run in with a barbie car. Yesterday all the boys were playing outside after school. Isaac was in my niece's barbie car, yes the hot pink one! He loves that car I think he has spent more time driving that thing around than my niece ever has. I have four wheeler tonka toys for him but he would rather drive the barbie car up and down the driveway. Well ok back to the incident, the boys were running around riding scooters and just being boys when Isaac went to turn and leaned to far over and fell right out of the car hitting his eye on the mirror on his way down to the concrete. He ran in more scared than anything, then I noticed the blood and the instant swelling of his nose and entire eye. I rushed him to the doctor who luckily with three boys has an office right down the road from us. He assured me that his eye was fine and that he would just be a total chick magnet for the next week or so with his manly looking black eye. Isaac thought that was gross and funny all at the same time. This morning when he woke up his eye was still so swollen he couldn't open it, so I thought it would be best if I kept him home today. He is having a great day, although it was music today at school so he's a little bummed about missing that. How lucky am I that my kiddos love school so much! I'm also feeling extremely lucky or I take that back I feel blessed. I feel blessed that while raising three boys, our accidents and illnesses have been few. I pray every day that He protects my children, I remember a few years ago I hear Joel Osteen talk about a prayer his mom would say every day over her children and since then I've said it each and every day. Raising boys is like living in a tornado most days and I need Him to have watch over them and take care of them because try as I might I can't stop them from being boys. So I must run now, I'm being called to play candy land and build a lego fort, have a wonderful day!

a shot of a great shot

2012-02-07T16:06:00.001-08:00

This is what's for Super Bowl

2012-02-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

Cheeseburger salad and I really wish I could just make it and eat it right now, I'm starving after an awesome and wonderful Zumba class this morning. I'm anxiously awaiting tomorrow, my boys are big fans of the Patriots and I have to admit that I don't mind watching their QB either. So tomorrow some family and friends will gather around our TV and watch, I've never been much of a football fan until this season, which I'm sure was bound to happen being that I live in a house full of boys, young men and a football loving husband. So here's what we will be eating, thanks so much to The Pioneer Woman for concocting such an amazingly simply yet wonderfully delicious meal that is a true crowd pleaser! (WWW.Thepioneerwoman.com) I know it looks yummy and it so is, the homemade croutons are the hidden jewel that just make this dish delish!
Have a wonderful Saturday, we sure will be are Peter Piper Pizza bound because Isaac's work was selected to hang on their art wall which features kid's art from all the schools in the area. Now as I type this I think it's a very good marketing strategy for them because if my little sweetheart's artwork was not hanging on their brightly colored walls I would not be going there today, hmmmm nice job PPP. Go Patriots!! or whoever just bring on lunch.

6 more weeks of winter...

2012-02-02T10:01:00.001-08:00

That's fine by me! Our winter has been so mild this year so another six weeks of this will be just fine. I absolutely love winter, especially here in norther AZ we get enough snow that it's fun and not overwhelming. We have cold days that are followed by mild wonderful sunshine filled days. No complaining here, our summers can get a little warm so I'm in no means anxiously awaiting summer time.

I still have a hard time writing February down, it's hard to believe we are already in the second month of 2012 time just seems to move along a little faster all the time. With the new year here, I've been pretty good at sticking to my resolutions. I'm still eating good and exercising A LOT, my house is getting cleaner and more organized all the time ( Thank God for my Women of Wisdom bible study we are doing one called simply organized, this has been a HUGE life saver for me). My kiddos are healthy and happy and doing great! Basketball season is upon us and that has things a little shaken up and out of routine but in a good fun way. Praise that my dad found a fantastic job here and can now be here for good, I'm reminding myself now how wonderful God is and how perfect His timing is. My mom was diagnosed with advanced macular degeneration a few weeks ago and it's shaken her and she's been having some problems so my dad couldn't have come home at a better time. Manuel and I are in a great place, I think our marriage gets better and better each year. I don't know if it's because we get older and more mature and let the petty stuff go, if we have gotten to know each other better so it's easier and we know what to expect out of one another or if we just love without expectations and have just fallen into sync with each other. I'm just grateful that I married such a great man who accepts me for all that I am, the good the bad and everything in between. Look at me getting all mushy on y'all. Must be because I'm planning Valentines Day already! On other non mushy related news I'm not 10 pounds away from my ultimate goal! woohoo I never thought that I would actually have this goal within reach. I thought that once I put on all the baby weight that that would just be the way I would be. I'm so glad that I've gotten that big ol lie out of my head. I've found myself again and I'm excited about that and maybe that is why my marriage is in a great place too, I'm finding the more real I am and the more I just honor myself quirks and all the easier and better my life is turning out. I'm not that wall flower girl anymore and I really like it. Happy Happy Groundhog day, may your six more weeks of winter be full of blessings, peace and love!

Not Me! Monday

2011-11-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

It's been a while since my last Not Me Monday post, and I haven't really done or said anything that I should put in here because you know that's not me at all. I totally didn't sleep in this morning because we had a snow day here in Arizona. It didn't take me an hour yesterday to clean out our fridge nope not me it's always clean and organized and brand new looking we are not the sort of family to have leftovers from a week ago and finger prints on the doors, nope not at all my house is ALWAYS spic and span even with three wild rambunctious boys in the house. I didn't decorate this year the day before Halloween, nope I had everything out and ready weeks in advance. I didn't squeal in delight when this past Saturday all of the boy's soccer games were cancelled because of snow and rain here in AZ, I mean I wouldn't at all be thrilled with the notion that we could possibly have one Saturday free, with nothing to do. Well that's all for now, what have you not been up to?

three boys who love soccer

2011-10-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

This fall for the first time all three of the Briseno boys are playing soccer. Although getting all said three boys to and from practices and games requires a LOT of planning and organizing this season has been wonderful. We've watched each of them learn new techniques and get so much better, we've watched them build great friendships...Manuel and I even made some new ones too. As much as I thought soccer was going to be nothing more than a burden and another thing to add to our already full to do list, it's been a blessing. Here are a few pics of the boys ahem... I mean soccer stars!

ZUMBA is taking over my life, and I love it!!

2011-10-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

So it's been a month without a single post (AGAIN!!), I promise I will get better, I promise. So for today it's mostly pictures. I participated as an instructor in a Party in Pink Zumbathon for the Susan G. Komen foundation last Saturday. The day was amazing, full of booty shaking and calorie burning fun but it was also full of some very special heartfelt tear jerking moments. Here are a few pics of a great day!

summers end

2011-09-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

With such a busy and warm August I'm so happy that fall is approaching and cooler weather is sneaking in. August was such an unusual time for our family, we had to deal with back to school for three out of three children this year, I admit right here right now a month in I'm still trying to get used to it. Every time I go somewhere it feels like I'm forgetting something, and I've noticed that I longinly stare at other moms with infants an toddlers, thinking to myself that time has passed way too fast. I am getting more done though with all this new found time on my hands. Today I will start my first of hopefully a weekly event My Monday Menu. For the last month each Monday I've been scanning the sale adds looking at PioneerWoman.com and planning our meals for the entire week and then shopping and organizing all of it. This has been a real time saver for us,and it's budget friendly I like doing this because not only are all the boys in school they are also all playing soccer and I've added two new Zumba Toning evening classes to my schedule. Needless to say I've been using my croc pot quite a bit. So here's my menu and at the top a couple of pics from our last few days of summer, Happy Monday!

My Monday Menu

Monday: Tomato & Mozzarella Tort with a side salad of arugula, red onion, cucumbers and what ever other veggies are on sale

Tuesday: (this is a very busy day I teach two classes, do reading groups at school and we have two soccer practices, so it's a croc pot night for us)
Italian chicken soup

Wednesday: Green Goddess pasta with shrimp (YuMMY!!)

Thursday: (our busiest day of the week, I teach on day class, one evening class and two of the boys have soccer putting us home after 7pm...second croc pot night of the week)
Croc pot lettuce wraps with a side of brown rice and steamed green beans

Friday: Healthy mushroom and shallot quiche with a salad.

I love knowing that my family will eat healthy and well prepared meals all throughout our busy week. With a little planning and a little organization it's possible and makes life so much easier. There is nothing better than coming home after a hectic day on the verge of starvation to find a wonderful, warm and healthy meal waiting for you. We make meal time a priority, with such busy days I think it's very important to let dinner be a time when we as a family all sit down together and talk about the highs and lows of our day, upcoming events, or topics that need to be discussed. Well I better get moving I have lots of grocery shopping to do and I can't wait for dinner!

change

2011-08-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know me very well there is really only one thing you need to know to know exactly the kind of person I am....I am a creature of habit, I love consistancy, structure, routine....I get totally overwhelmed and turned upside down when anything in my world changes. Change takes a hold of me and obviously since my last post over a week ago, it takes time for me to get used to anything new. I've had many days lately with peace and quiet. I've learned a lot about myself lately, for one that I totally do not like as much peace and quiet as I've had as of late. The quietness is my house it literally depressing and I haven't figured out just how to get used to it. I've been a stay at home mom for more than eleven years now, and to not have any kids at home with me through the day feels well weird. I don't have to make mac and cheese for lunch, I miss nap time terribly, I can just get up and go anywhere at anytime without having to find little shoes. It's just sad! My heart aches and I miss my kids so much, I know that this too shall pass and I will learn and get used to being alone all day but until then my world feels small, lonely and for goodness sakes I miss tripping over swords and stepping on legos. So I selfishly ask that you all please pray for me, pray that I get used to being with out chubby little cheek kiddos all day, pray that God will teach me what my new role will be now and that I will be open and accepting of all that He has planned for me in this new stage of my life. Thanks so much, happy Saturday y'all I'm off to go play with my little kiddos and make as much noise as we all possibly can.

First day of school

2011-08-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

I will post more later....

bruised and broken

2011-07-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

So my happy post from just a few days ago has turned into more of a post of a series of injuries that occured at the lake. So the cute pic of my mom from below well that was pre fall, thus preinjury. She took a pretty hard fall just a few moments after I snapped that cute pic and we just found out that she broke her 7th rib. She's been in so much pain, poor mom. She had surgery on her shoulder last October and it was a slow recovery and in the last couple of months she was just starting to get back to her old self again and now with this injury it will again be a slow healing process that will limit her activities a bit, mostly her doing Zumba so she's not a happy camper right now. I also managed to snap a pic of my dad just moments before he took a major head dive into the water as well. He too has been in so much pain and he saw the doc yesterday and I'm happy to say it's not a concussion but just some bruising and swelling in his neck, shoulders and head, a few days of rest and some pain meds and he should be good as new. Thank goodness because he's headed to NM to go on a canoe trip with his sister tomorrow. I'm glad it's nothing serious, that man can't stay down. I'm just so surprised with all of these injuries with all the times we've played on the toys at the lake not one has ended with an injury. I will keep y'all posted but I'm sure they will both be fine. Happy Friday.....well it's a nervous Friday for me, I take Nicolas to decorate his JUNIOR HIGH school locker today and pick up his books. I really can't believe my baby is starting middle school and my baby baby is starting Kindergarten next week. This coming week feels so bittersweet, I will post more about it in the coming days, as I journey through all this uncomfortable gunk.

2011-07-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad, and a fun lake getaway!

2011-07-26T14:33:00.001-07:00

a few more because I can't help it

2011-07-26T14:22:00.001-07:00

more vacation pics

2011-07-26T14:10:00.001-07:00

California

2011-07-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

We are just back from a wonderful and much needed family vacation. We made the six hour drive west to San Diego where we spent a fabulous five days. We hadn't been on a family vacation for four years so it was a much needed break from our usual routine. We were able to meet up with some of my hubby's wonderful brothers and their families. Our first night there we went to a Padres game, that was fun, Isaac had never been to a MLB game before and at the end of the game was a wonderful firework display, coming from our little town it was the best I've seen in years. We also went to Sea World, spend a wonderful day at the beach and went on a boat and road excursion. We had such a great time, makes me wish we had more family around so that we could all get together more often. Here's a few pic of our week.

A day at the lake

2011-07-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

What a fun day we had....just sitting and playing at the lake.

Good morning Monday

2011-06-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

Remember all those posts about having such manic Mondays? Well I think those days are over at least for a little while. Here it is just about ten in the morning and I'm drinking my second cup of coffee, browsing the internet and lounging in my Pj's ahhh life is wonderful. Mondays from now on will be my free day, I don't teach or attend any other classes on Mondays it's so nice. Part of me feels like I should fill the day with errands, or cooking, or cleaning, or totally exhausting the kids with playtime and outings and then the rational sane part of me loves sitting here listening to my kids play and lounge around in their pj's too. I think I will for once listen to the rational sane part of my brain and just let the day happen instead of having each hour planned out in my daily planner, imagine just one day with no rushing around well that's what today is, a beautifully boring, no to do list kind of day and I couldn't be happier about it.

Today was the day

2011-06-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

So it's finally the moment I've been dreading since May, today is the day I finally turned on the AC. I was hoping to make it until at least July before we had to turn on that money stealing cool air blowing machine, but I just couldn't do it. Today is also the day I've been saying would come for a while now, our spring was unusually cold and the wind still hasn't stopped, I've been waiting for eternity to put on my flip flops and shorts or slather on some SPF 1000 and hit the pool but it just hasn't happened, until today. Today is the day where for the next few months I question our decision to live in AZ, I hate the heat, I despise rattle snakes that scare me to death, I have horrifying nightmares of scorpions, so why oh why did we chose such a place to call home...well in a few months when we dip back into the 70's and stay that way for much of fall and have a winter of only enough snow that it's fun I will remember why AZ is our home, but until then I will continue to complain about the heat and spend my days at the pool trying with all my might to avoid a sunburn. So with that I should run or rather drive because it's just to hot to walk to the pool. Happy Saturday!

Shiri Briseno's Zumba Profile

2011-06-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

Shiri Briseno's Zumba Profile

Santa Fe

2011-06-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

So we've been in Santa Fe, NM the last couple of days and it's been so relaxing and wonderful. I don't know what it is about this city that just makes the busyness of the day slow down. The kids have spent their days either visiting with my Grandma (who feeds us all the most wonderful food, I wonder how many weight watchers points are in skin it chicken?!?!) or playing outside in the lush green beautiful backyard at my parent's house here. And then there is just something wonderful about still being able to visit the house I grew up in, and watching my boys climb the same trees I did, play basketball on the same court my brother and I played on. This morning I enjoyed my coffee outside, had some computer time and watched my kids play I am feeling so blessed this week, I have such amazing family ( I got to meet the newest member yesterday) and friends here. Missing my hubby this week but enjoying our trip to land of enchantment. Happy Wednesday everyone, I hope you are able to slow down and enjoy the day.

2011-06-20T11:37:00.001-07:00

Santa Fe bound...see y'all soon!!

fear and letting go

2011-06-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

As a mother I am protective sometimes almost over protective, I care way too much about trimmed clean nails, high fructose corn syrup, flossing, fish oil I could go on and on. The bottom line is I want my kids to be safe, healthy and happy. I pray every day a prayer I heard years ago I pray that God will bless and protect them and keep his hedge of holy protection around each and every one of them. To be honest mostly I started praying this when we lost our health insurance, that kinda freaked me out, with three boys in the house I know it's when and not if one of them will get hurt or sick. I am learning however in the last few months a very simple but very hard faith building lesson. I'm learning to let go a little more of my kids, to let them venture out a little more. I let my oldest go on a four day road trip with my dad last week, that's something that scared me so bad. I think it's because I feel that if my children aren't with me they aren't as safe, mostly I think it's a control thing. And that is what I think this fear with my children is all about, I can't control everything and them ( mean to a certain point I can, we all have to be cautious with children but things are going to happen) and the older they get the less control I have over them and situations. I really want to find that balance of being cautious but also letting them be free. I really really don't want to be the mother that is the root of 25 years of therapy for them down the road. It's so simple it reminds me of something I hear on finding Nemo....If you don't let anything happen to them nothing will happen to them. Wise words out of that fish face, if I'm constantly trying to control their world, protect them from everything...I'm really hurting them, they won't learn important lessons, or have amazing experiences, or more importantly realize that mom is right, ok ok maybe not so much that one but I will be hurting them and keeping them from experiences that might be some of their most precious memories or from incidents that will teach them priceless lessons they will remember all their lives. So I will continue each and every day to pray for them but in that prayer I also pray that God will help me let go of my fear because with faith there can't be fear.

My first ever Zumba chartity event

2011-06-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

So last weekend I conquered one of my biggest fears, I went up on stage and taught Zumba to a crowd of people. It was a charity event that Costco was sponsoring May is for Miracles, for Children's Miracle Network. I was very nervous about it but as soon as I was on stage and the music started all my nerves went away and I had a blast I could have stayed on that stage all day, I LOVED it!! The woman on stage with me is one of my fabulous students and she has lost over 100 pounds by doing Zumba and eating healthy. She is also head of T.O.P.S (taking off pounds sensibly) in our area, she is such a wonderful and inspirational woman I was very thankful to have her up there with me. That's one of the wonderful things about my job, I absolutely love it and I get to share it with others and see significant changes in their lives too. Well it's time to get going the boys have a VBS party to go to and then we may go enjoy the pool and jacuzzi for a little while. It sure feels weird having only two kiddos this week, I'm missing my Nicolas terribly but I know he is having a wonderful time with his Pa.

bad bad blogger, but for good reason

2011-06-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

So it's been almost a month since my last post, I know bad bad blogger. In my own defense it's been kinda crazy around here. Since my last post my sweet Nick turned eleven, we celebrated that milestone with a party at home and a huge sleepover with all his friends. The boys also finished up their school year and Nicolas was awarded two very prestigious awards at school one came directly from the oval office signed by the president himself. This award was given to Nicolas because of his academic excellence, he has made the honor roll every quarter k-5, he was very excited about this award and the two pins that came with it, we are all very excited about it. The other award was Outstanding citizenship award he was voted by all the kids at school to receive this award, he was awarded this because he is a model citizen, has outstanding academics (he was on honor roll every quarter throughout his k-5), he is a leader among his peers, he is friendly and outgoing and teachers and kids alike love him. Needless to say we are very very proud of him!! Isaac finished up preschool, and we are still undecided as to whether or not he will start kindergarten in the fall. Academically he is ready but socially and emotionally he may still need some time before school especially all day Kindergarten. So we will wait and see, and I'm not stressing about it anymore, he's registered for five day preschool and also for kindergarten so we have all our bases covered and I know that God will put Isaac exactly where he is supposed to be so my worrying about a decision is no more.
Nathan also finished up the school year on a wonderful note. I shared many many months ago that Nathan has always struggled with reading he has been seeing a reading specialist several times a week for the past two years and she just informed me that Nathan is reading at a fourth grade level and he will be in third grade next year, that makes me so happy and brings much relief. I am a reader always have been and I see how important it is to have a solid foundation at a young age with reading, I've seen so many children and young adults struggle later on because of their reading skills.
We are all just taking a few moments to catch our breath, relax and unwind after a very busy month. Nicolas is on a road trip (first ever!!) with my dad at the moment and the two younger boys have been at Vacation Bibles school this week, so it's been a nice quiet week. We have play dates and sleepovers starting next week and we will slowly go back into the world and start enjoying summer, well that is if this darn wind would stop. And speaking of wind, if you wouldn't mind please pray that our state (AZ) gets some rain our state is battling several very big fires right now and many people have had to leave their homes. So please pray for rain, for the people that have been evacuated and for all the wonderful firefighters that are working so hard to put the fires out. Thanks!! Happy Happy Thursday, Happy June, and happy Summer!!

Eleven years ago today

2011-05-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

was the best day of my life. It was the day our sweet Nicolas was born. He was six days early but big enough to be a week or two late 9 pounds one ounce. Eleven years ago today my heart and world changed I became a mom, eleven years ago today I held life's most precious blessing our first child. Thank you Nicolas for choosing me to be your mommy and to share your precious life with me.

Shiri Briseno's Zumba Profile

2011-05-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

Shiri Briseno's Zumba Profile

my dad's retirement means lots of extra work for me

2011-05-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

So I mentioned a couple of months ago that my dad decided to retire a little earlier than he had planned. Since his retirement a couple of months ago, it's been a bit of a whirlwind change your life kind of pace around here. You see, if you didn't already know my parents live right up the street from us, it works well for us actually really well. We learned right away to have some boundaries like no coming over usually without calling first and so on, so we love it. OK back to the point...my dad is a keep busy at all times kind of guy he has to have projects every single day that will take up the whole day. Thank God for this because if he was a lay on the couch and watch westerns all day kind of guy I think I would be searching the yellow pages for a good divorce attorney for my parents. I love it, he takes the boys hiking and fishing and some mornings he takes them to school for me or picks them up, I'm starting to wonder what I ever did without him. I love it and all but boy does he keep me busy, all this week we have been at my house pulling weeds, cutting bushes, digging out dead bushes (have I mentioned that I absolutely hate gophers and moles right about now). I feel at this point I could give our local landscapers a run for their money, but I won't it's really hard on my back, ouch! So as I pour scoop upon scoop of Epsom salt into my bath and sit there until I'm as shriveled as the raisins in my cereal I feel ever so grateful to have such an amazing dad who helps me in so many ways, I feel blessed that he is such a wonderful pa to my boys. Tomorrow on the other hand when I can't get out of bed, but he insists because it's planting day I will curse (quietly of course, I do have my manners) his name and will politely hand him the want adds.

Absolutely a manic monday

2011-05-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

Today has just been one of "those days". After not sleeping so well last night I woke up feeling groggy and exhausted but up and off we ran. I dropped all the kiddos off at school went to Zumba, had absolutely no energy I'm glad I wasn't teaching today! Then had to go back to school to do reading groups with Nathan's class and totally forgot that I had promised to stay for lunch with him today but couldn't because I had forgotten to sign Isaac up for lunch bunch at his school. So instead with the whole five bucks I had in my wallet I took Nathan from school picked up Isaac at his school and darted over to little Cesar's pizza, and at this point starvation had kicked in so yes I succumbed and at two slices of peperoni pizza, I'm totally going to kick my own butt at soon as I log off. Then it was home to shower and squeeze in a nap for Isaac. All was going well and we were actually going to be on time to pick up the boys from school and take Nicolas to the dentist, well that was the plan until Isaac woke up sick to his tummy, we got all "that" cleaned up and I still thought we would make it out the door and then Isaac got all pale looked at me and in about five seconds or so we were both covered in his puke, I know TMI I told you at the beginning it was one of those days. So with ten minutes to pick up the boys and be at the dentist my whole day changed. Called my mom to pick up the boys, called and rescheduled the appointment and brought out the hazmat cleaning equipment and cleaned it all up and took yet another shower. Isaac is now resting in my bed with a puke bag handy along with some gingerale and crackers. I've been doing this mom thing for quite a while and yet it still somehow surprises me how quickly a day can change. Sometimes it can be hectic and stressful but even on days like this I wouldn't trade my life or being a mom for anything else in the world. So tonight we will have a quiet and much needed restful evening and hopefully all will be back to normal tomorrow. I absolutely need a terrific Tuesday after this manic Monday!!

Mother's Day tea

2011-05-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I was invited to have tea at Isaac's preschool. It was such a wonderful morning, the kiddos sang sweet songs and read us their favorite books and then we all went upstairs for fellowship, cake and tea. Happy Mother's day to you all!

thinking about what may have been...

2011-05-03T17:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Johnathon,
28 years ago I became your sister, your big sister. 28 years ago I went from being an only child to a big sister to you a precious seven pound little bundle of joy, who was perfect in every way. You sweet perfect baby boy you were my brother, my baby, my love and our family's world for six short weeks.
Today I can't help but miss you and think that we were supposed to grow up being two peas in a pod, we were supposed to be best friends who would share wonderful childhood memories. We were supposed to ride bikes and build forts and walk to school together every morning. You were supposed to be in the stands on my graduation day. You were supposed to be the one I called to tell I had met the man of my dreams. You were supposed to be there when I had kids and I in turn when you became a father. Today we should be hosting a party to celebrate your 28th birthday, but instead I think of all the should haves, I wonder about all the would haves. Most May 3rds I'm OK that you aren't celebrating your birthday with us, but with Jesus I mean come on I bet He throws a much better birthday party, but today well it feels different. I feel sad, very sad and selfish wishing I was the one putting candles on your birthday cake right now. Selfishly wishing I could see your face if only for a moment, wishing I could hear what your voice would've sounded like what my name would sound like coming out of your mouth. Today I miss you very much. Today I'm wondering what you would look like, how tall would you be, would your beautiful hair still be blond? Would you be married or have kids? Would you be funny like our dad, or quiet like me?
(Would he...would he..would he? the list goes on and on) Well I do know one thing your life on earth with us was so short but you will live in my heart every day of my life, until one day I will get to see for myself if your hair is still blond, if you are quiet like me or funny like dad. One day there will be no would haves or should haves only forever making new wonderful memories with you. Happy Birthday Johnathon, I love you!

Love,
your big sister

Zzzzuuuuuuummmmmbbbbaaa!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-18T13:06:00.001-07:00

It's officially taken over my life, or I should say our lives. My poor little family I think I've been really neglecting them since I started teaching. They are all such good sports about the whole thing, they never complain in fact all of them are being super supportive. Isaac asks me everyday "Momma how was your zumba today? so incredibly cute and my husband is my absolute hero right now he is my number one cheerleader (minus the short skirt). He has really stepped up in helping me make this a career, he offers to help me out when he sees that my schedule is really tight, he doesn't complain when we eat leftovers for three meals in a row and one of them may or may not include cereal. He never complains in fact he is full of compliments and wonderful words of encouragement. Something I desperately need right now as my confidence still tends to waiver a little bit.
Well I better run I have two classes to go teach like I said earlier Zumba has taken over and if you happen to be living under a rock and you just haven't ditched the workout and joined the party yet you really should try it. Happy Happy Monday!

Happy 5th Birthday Isaac!!

2011-04-10T11:48:00.001-07:00

Mmmm...mmmm Good!!

2011-04-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

The weather out here in AZ this week has been crazy, our high temp last week was almost 80 and today we are expecting snow!! I heard a friend of mine say this week that mother nature must be suffering from a sever case of PMS. With all this crazy weather it sure is making everyone really sick all three boys and my darling husband all missed some school and work this week. It's been really yucky! So I thought I would show some love and hopefully help them all feel better so I made my man's favorite meal and since he loves it so much I thought I would share it.

Chicken Soup:
2 Tbsp Grape seed oil
1/2 a large onion or whole small onion, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
6 carrots, cute into bigger pieces
28 ounces reduced sodium chicken broth
28-32 ounces warm water
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
Salt and Pepper to taste (I don't usually add much salt because the broth has so much in it already)
Heat oil in pan once it's hot add in all the veggies and let cook about 7 minutes or until tender. Add in the tomato paste and mix well, then add chicken broth and water mix well making sure there are no lumps of tomato paste then add the bite size pieces of chicken. Bring to a boil and then let simmer about 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. You can garnish with thyme or rosemary ( I usually don't and it's still wonderful, my garnish is usually a big hunk of yummy bread). Serve and enjoy, it's even yummier the next day.
I don't usually eat meat so when I'm making this for me I add quinoa and tofu instead of chicken and use vegetable broth instead of the chicken broth, my family loves it vegetarian style as well. I hope your family enjoys this as much as mine does. Well I have to run I have noses to wipe, medicine to dispense (Nicolas has a sever ear infection at the moment) and pillows to fluff. Have a wonderful Friday!

Trusting Vs. Texas

2011-04-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

I write this with a heavy heart, I'm absolutely not forgetting all the many great things and huge blessings that are happening in my life right now, I couldn't! However today my heart hurts today I wrote out all the invitations to Isaac's big 5th birthday, he's really excited he told me last night "Mom when I tell how old I am I just give them a high five or a wave because that's five fingers right I'm five fingers now". So cute, he is absolutely precious and has the biggest imagination and the mouth to go with it, he makes me laugh all the time. I wrote out fifteen invitations for his party and this year I couldn't write one out to my parents or my brother because they are all out of town and won't be here for his birthday, this my friends is a first and not one I'm at all happy about. I love family, it's probably the biggest part of my whole life, in a perfect world I would have every relative living within 100 miles of us. I'm really afraid that those days are over, my parents are on there way right now to Texas and they are really considering moving there, it's full of opportunity for them and with the recession and all our little town is just not recovering as quickly as we need it to so my brother is considering taking a job in either Colorado or New Mexico and that means we will be out here all alone. So this may be the first of many birthdays, and holidays that will be celebrated without any family. I have to just pray and have faith that God will work this all out and all of us will be taken care of and be happy, I know we will all be OK and eventually all will work out and I do trust that everything happens for a reason but it still hurts my heart. I wish I could just pack us all up and move with them but I'm learning as I grow in my marriage that, that just isn't fair to my poor husband. He is my world and I love him more than anything and I need to put him and his needs first and put my feelings and wants on the back burner at least for a little while, this is something that will take time for me to get used to and he doesn't understand why this is all so hard for me, poor guy I guess he just doesn't understand the bond between a daughter and her mom and dad.

feeling like spring but...

2011-04-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this time of year, I quote a friend of my directly when I say our little town looks a little like Narnia right now, with all the beautiful trees blooming and bursting with color. The grass is green, dafodils and tulips are in full bloom it's just gorgeous around here and you can't beat this 75 degree weather. If it could stay like this year round I would be one happy camper, I dislike being too hot or too cold so I love love love spring!

Yesterday I had a house full of kiddos and I was a bit nervous because there were MORE than I had expected but thanks to my good friend spring they played outside the entire time, they didn't come in the house once it was amazing! And today my sweet friend blessed me with another gorgeous day and we spent most of it at the park on a wonderful play date with Isaac's friends from school. I'm trying to soak it all up because before I know it I will be complaining that it's once again hot in AZ.

Loving life and this glorious weather

2011-03-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

I've been having just the best time recently, it feels like things are really falling into place for our family and I couldn't be happier. It's been VERY stressful for a while now and it has really rocked our little family. I don't deal with change and stress very well, I am a creature of habit and love structure and routine I do love spontaneity as much as the next gal but for the most part I love to know what my day will look like. I feel like all of my praying has been working, it may have taken a while but it is indeed working I'm reminding myself now to remember that everything is in His time not mine and patience is something I'm constantly working on. I will go into detail at another time I promise because trust me when I tell you, it will absolutely blow your mind how great our God is and I'm seeing how faithful and loving He is and how when something (hint hint)even from your childhood has been taken or destroyed he is so faithful in restoring it when you least expect it. So on this Thursday as I prepare to go teach my wonderful women and enjoy the afternoon with a house full of children (my husband is teasing me at this very moment saying I always seem to have all these extra little kiddos around) I am overwhelmed with joy, gratitude, and love beyond measure.

officially can shake it now!!

2011-03-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Our kiddos had spring break last week and all I can say is that it had the most perfect timing this year. My dad recently retired and they are working on getting their house ready to put on the market, so they decided they would load up the truck and trailer and take some of the stuff they don't use very often and leave it at their house in NM. They asked me and the boys to join us (Manuel had to work), so we did. I taught a zumba class on Monday and we left right afterwards, it was a long drive longer than usual funny because it was just my mom and I and I think that trip consisted of more stops than any other time I've driven that long stretch of I-40. Oh well. During our quick trip there I was able to see all my girls and eat some yummy Santa Fe food, what can I say I think it's the best in the world. I was able to visit with most of my family, we had a wonderful corned beef and cabbage dinner for St. Patrick's Day, it was absolutely wonderful although mine was tofu and cabbage:) I was also able to attend several Zumba classes there and I learned so much, each teacher has his/her own style and I think it's so much fun to see how other people teach it. Then my mom and I zipped home on Friday because we had to be in Phoenix all day on Saturday, it was our big day. We are now both certified/licensed Zumba instructors!!! It was the funnest Zumba I've ever done but also the hardest, we danced out booties away for seven full hours and then had lectures for another two hours, it was such a wonderful and really hard day. Here are some pics of the day, what can I say I look EXHAUSTED!!

Not so good at saying goodbye

2011-03-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

Today I helped pack up my friend's house, and I'm very sad. She's been such a great friend to me this last year and I'm really going to miss her. She is one of those people that you meet and feel instantly connected to, someone who you can totally be yourself with. Her family is moving to NM, it's only a four hour drive from us, but with how often we get out of town I know it will probably be a long time before I see her again. So today I'm sad and a little sore (dang moving boxes!).

I'm a working mom now, wow!

2011-03-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of this year I knew I wanted to venture out, try different things, push myself a little more, accomplish a little more and learn a little more about myself. I've been a stay at home mom for eleven (YIKES!!) years and I've loved every bit of it, but recently I'm coming to the realization that my time at home is dwindeling very fast. Our youngest, Isaac will be five (another YIKES!! and where does time go?!?!) next month and that means he will likely start school in August, and out here in AZ kindergarten is full day, so it has me thinking that I need to figure out what my next step is, where my next journey begins so to speak, one without toddlers.
I've been doing Zumba for a long time now and I've always loved it, I love working out anyway and Zumba just added something different and fun into my workout routine. I kinda mentioned that I would love to teach Zumba to a couple of women in my life and let me tell you, I've really had no other choice but to teach. I am not a certified instructor until March 19th but Since last week I've taught 10 classes! I think today was my best class yet, with each class I notice I get a little calmer and a lot more confident. I practice all the time and I think it's paying off, I'm feeling very prepared when I walk into the room instead of like back in my school days where I had to get up in front of the class and give some sort of presentation. I'm enjoying this way more than I ever thought I could and I'm picking up a lot of work, more than I had initially wanted but I love it so much that at this point the more the better. I'm starting to think that something that I like and do could possibly turn into a career for me and that is exactly what I wanted. I started this year just having turned thirty feeling like I was good at nothing other than being a mom and wife, I had no skills that I could use in the real world if heaven forbid I had to support myself and my children and that scared me. I'm figuring out that yes I am good at it, I can do it and the best part is that it's fun and I'm making money, and the added bonus is that it's getting me in better physical shape every day, and I get to pay it forward and help other wonderful ladies reach their goals too! I could go on and on at this point I just hope that each of you find something that you love and makes you happy!

party at my house

2011-02-24T08:45:00.001-08:00

A Zumba party that is, I am having a Zumba party all day in my living room today. Not only because I had a bad eating day yesterday (those dang McDonald's fries, that Nathan didn't eat), but because I have exactly one week to have my routine down before I teach my first Zumba class all alone. I'm nervous and excited and can't wait to see how it all turns out. So if you're in the neighborhood stop by, the door is open, don't ring the doorbell because I won't hear it I will be moving my cadera!

sledding on the 8th hole

2011-02-21T12:17:00.000-08:00

So with this latest winter storm that has dumped all of this wonderful glorious snow, we wanted to take full advantage of it. The roads were in no condition to drive yesterday morning so I canceled child care at church and we took the morning off, my sweet hubby made us all blueberry pancakes, eggs and for all my little carnivores some Jimmy Dean sausages. I stuck to the pancakes and coffee:) Then we ran to the grocery store to pick up a couple of things so I could make my man his very favorite meal, and then we picked up the sleds and hit the slopes...ahem... I mean golf course. We had so much fun, we stayed there for hours, watching the kids sled, taking our own drastic turns praying all the while we wouldn't break a hip or dislocate something, and sipping on some hot cider and hot chocolate, it was a marvelous day and quite a good workout, so although the rest of my fellow Arizonans are tired of the snow, I enjoy it and would welcome a lot more of it.

A snowy Sunday & Chocolate chip snow cream!

2011-02-20T11:53:00.000-08:00

I have a hot date today!

2011-02-17T10:00:00.001-08:00

I know I know what a lucky lady I am, I have the hottest of dates today. What can I say, to know what awaits me this beautiful Thursday afternoon! It's cleaning day, so let the hot, soapy, scum scrubbing action commence! On days when I'm not so excited about cleaning or doing laundry, on days where the beautiful weather outside is screaming my name, I just have to remember being a stay at home mommy is my number one job, I just have to remember that little boys need clean underwear or else they go commando and well that just grosses me out, I just have to remember that the toilet doesn't clean itself, although I wish it would, and remember that by me doing my job I am blessing my family. Blessing them with clean whitey tightey undies, pj's that are so comfy and soft and smell of downey, the same ones that will cuddle them as they say their prayers and drift off to sleep, and my time over a hot stove is in preparation of the healthy wonderful food that will nourish their rapidly growing bodies. I love my job, I do, with what other job in the world could I each and every day bless the people I love the most. So with that I'm off to my hot date with Mr. Clean, and yes my husband approves of the time I spend with that super clean, bald hunk of a man! Happy cleaning day, well that is for me I hope you all enjoy whatever this beautiful days has planned for you.

Home Cooked Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

This year since Valentine's Day was on a school night, we thought it would be fun to celebrate it at home as a family. The hubby and I usually go somewhere romantic but we thought it would be a lot more fun to turn our own dining room into a fabulous Valentine themed restaurant. So there were balloons, heart shaped lights, a heart tree, and much much more. The kids and I decorated it all afternoon and they helped me make a simple but super yummy dinner (spaghetti & meatballs, with a salad) they also got to use the grown up wine glasses to drink their sparkling cider, it was wonderful we all laughed and talked about the day, the parties they had at school and about the gifts and candy they had each received. Then after putting the kiddos to sleep my hubby and I danced the night away thanks to our cable box that had a certain channel that was playing valentine themed music, it was so simple yet probably one of the best Valentines ever. It was about our family and how much we all love each other. I hope that this occasion leads to more nights just like this one!

Science fair fun & a happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T15:02:00.000-08:00

So a few days ago I promised some big news regarding Nicolas, well drum roll please....He won first place at his school's science fair. We showed up to school bright and early last Thursday morning, the school was hosting the parents and feeding us pastries so we could mosey around and check out all the kid's projects. These kids are so intelligent and ask the most amazing questions, I really enjoyed walking around looking at each project. When we finally found Nick's I thought he was going to pass out, he looked at me with this huge smile and it took a few seconds for any words to come out, "Mom, Mom, Mom I won I got 1st place, I told you it was good!" It was such a great feeling to watch my son feel so proud of something he had accomplished. He worked very hard on it, and deserved that beautiful blue ribbon. So enough bragging I'm off to celebrate Valentines Day with all my little Valentines, I have a little something up my sleeve for them just a little something special I planned for them so I will show all of you later. In the meantime I'm off with eleven pounds of sliced oranges for Nathan's second grade party, 12 sweetly wrapped preschool gifts for Isaac, and nothing more that a warm hug for Nicolas (his teacher thinks they are too old to celebrate Valentines Day, I say bahh humbug to you, no one is ever to old to celebrate love) Happy Valentines Day!

Finally

2011-02-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

So it's been almost an entire week since my last post and I must admit I'm a little saddened by that fact, my goal was to blog daily or every other day. I read this wonderful woman's blog and she said that blogs are like plants and they need to be watered and nurtured on a constant basis, so that's been my goal and I'm slacking already. It's absolutely not because I have nothing to post about, it's the complete opposite I could write an entire novel of our activities each day. Although today happy to say is not going to be one of those busy, busy days Isaac doesn't have preschool today and Nathan is home sick, not too sick but sick enough he felt he needed to be close to mom today. I'm allowing it, first because we have been so busy that I think some rest will do his body and his spirit some good, and second because he is doing amazingly well in school, if I didn't share he received a big award at school last week for being a leader, an excellent student and overall just an awesome kid, and last but not least because I've missed having some quiet cuddle time with him. So today I got up early finished my to do list before 8:30 am and the rest of the day can just fall into place as it happens, we don't have to do anything or go anywhere today, how flippin cool is that?!?! I too needed a day like this.
I have some really exciting news about Nicolas I will share with you all later, I have to get a picture first. So until then Happy Thursday.

La Caipirinha is my new favorite

2011-02-05T17:28:00.000-08:00

So I totally did it today!!!! I co -taught my very first zumba class ever. It was way more fun than I ever thought it would be, I messed up but my co teacher is just the best and saved me quite a bit, she is just such an amazing woman and teacher and I am so very grateful to her and how she is helping me. She is wonderful she is letting me just pick her brain over and over and I always leave feeling inspired and overjoyed with all of tips that she so generously gives me. A friend of mine showed up to support me and at first I felt really nervous about her being there, like it was ok for me to do it in front of strangers but to actually really know someone that was there made me nervous, but after a few minutes I was having so much fun that I was just so appreciative that she was there to support me. I will have to call her for lunch or Starbucks soon! Well we are off to a super busy day, two basketball games and a baby shower for my sweet friend who is expecting her first baby, I get to shop for a girly today, Yay! Happy Happy Saturday!

So I'm really going to go for it!

2011-02-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

In my last post I talked a lot about wanting to do something very different from the usual, explore my options, step outside my box. Well it must be God moving in my spirit and guiding me because right after I posted last week I've been bombarded with Zumba stuff, I was offered two jobs teaching, every time I turn on the TV I see the Zumba infomercial it's a constant in my life these days. I often pray that God will be with me in very obvious ways and talk very loud to me because I don't think I can always hear Him. Well I couldn't miss Him if I tried. So I'm going for it, I'm co teaching my very first Zumba class this Saturday (with the most awesome woman who has even offered to be my mentor through this whole process!) and I will be getting my Zumba Certification on March 19th. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. I'm a pretty shy and quiet person so this is a HUGE step for me, I mean shaking it all in front of a group of strangers, I'm hoping this not only helps me step out but also helps me with my confidence. So the whole butterfly thing has started, now let's just hope I totally rock it!

I have a song in my heart

2011-01-26T15:17:00.001-08:00

Happy Hump day Y'all I hope it's going well so far. I've been extremely busy the last couple of days, the hubby and I are hosting a wine tasting at our house tomorrow night, so I've been running around getting everything ready for that. We are having such a great turn out that sadly to say I may have to practice saying no sooner rather than later, the wine consultant can only get so many pours out of each bottle and we have met our capacity, so I'm crossing my fingers that no one else calls to come. I am excited about it, we've never hosted anything like this before so we will have to just wait and see how it goes, although I think it's going to be great!

I was washing the dishes the other day and listening to the radio, while I watched the kiddos play outside and terrorize the neighbors. I wasn't really paying much attention to what he was talking about until I heard him say "Most people die with their music still inside them". He went on to talk about how so many of us have God given talents that we don't use or share with others because we are too embarrassed or we are waiting for the opportunity when we are good enough at it or simply waiting for our anxieties to dissipate so we can step out into the spotlight. I loved this and it struck something in me at such a deep level that it brought tears to my eyes. I pondered this question to myself the entire sink load of dishes. What is my music, and why am I keeping it inside, do I want to be one of those people that let it die inside of me just because I don't have the guts to let it out, because of my fear of what others will think? I have lots and lots of things I want to do, but I'm constantly waiting for the opportune time to do it, but as I get older and life gets busier I'm realizing that tomorrow is never promised and if I am blessed with tomorrow do I want to fill it up with busy work or with moments I will remember for the rest of my tomorrows. I need to start getting out of my own little bubble and starting figuring out what exactly my music is and how I can share it. So I came up with a list of a few things I will do before the end of this year, nothing big like traveling the globe, but little things I can do to take a step of my comfort zone, help others and get to know myself a little more. So the first is (drum roll please) I love to work out, I'm at the gym at least five or six days a week, zumba is my favorite class and I'm good at it, so why not learn to teach it. That is absolutely stepping out of my comfort zone (for those of you who don't know me very well, I'm kinda shy), so this March I will be flying to San Diego to get my certification and then I can start teaching! The second is that I'm absolutely in love with photography, I think that's why I've stayed hooked in the bloggy world for so long, I love photographs and I would love learn to do it myself, so in August Isaac will be starting kindergarten and I too will be going back to school, I'm really excited about this one. I also want to take a vegetarian cooking class, I love to cook and being that I'm a newbie at the whole vegetarian thing I would love to learn to feed us all in a more healthy way. And last but not least I want to start listening to the subtle nudges God gives me everyday, I want to do good things for others, I want to buy total strangers desert on night just because, I want to help little old ladies cross the street. I think this one hits home because right now I see how much Manuel and I model behavior for our children and I want them to see that we are all connected and we need to love each other and take care of each other. I want my children to see that their mom lived, I mean really lived, took chances, loved so deep it hurt, prayed so hard her knees were sore, and danced until she couldn't pick of her feet anymore, and really folks isn't that what life is really all about, LIVING, so I ask what are we all waiting for. There is always going to be carpool, and basketball practice, but one day that final day will your music die still inside of you?

Daddy got a new toy!

2011-01-24T13:36:00.000-08:00

My husband works horrible hours and a lot of them. He usually ony gets Sundays off, so that time is so precious for us. After church yesterday we came home and he went straight to work, a good home kind of work. He put together a gift the kiddos got for Christmas, a big indoor basketball thingy. We have an unfinished room in the basement that the kids have taken over for themselves, and little by little we are making it a game room for them. They have a hockey table, and a TV with their video games systems hooked up, a train table and now the basketball thingy.
So yesterday with all of them downstairs playing or working on projects I had a lot of quiet time upstairs, it was very nice. So about five or so, (I thought he would be so far into the football game that I wouldn't see him all evening) he comes running up the stairs...Hurry Hurry I really want to make it to Costco before they close, which I replied OK well what's so important that it can't wait until tomorrow?

Well this was what he wanted, a new toy for his man cave! I thought it was totally sweet, and they all enjoyed it last night. I think he told me this morning that they ate like 24 cups of popcorn between the four of them last night. I loved it! He was totally into the kids and they were equally just soaking in this precious time with him. Oh how I love my man!

Buying diapers...again!

2011-01-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

Now before you jump to conclusions, yes I am buying diapers again, but no I'm not pregnant. I'm buying diapers today because of a sweet little girl named Riley who today is celebrating her 8th birthday. She is in class with Nathan and her mom and I have known each other for years, we met at bunko long before our kiddos were ever classmates. This year for Riley's birthday she decided that she doesn't want any gifts for herself and instead wants all the kiddos to bring either canned goods to donate to the local shelter or diapers to donate to the Crisis Pregnancy center. What a sweet girl! So yes I am buying diapers today, and what a gift they will be.

Isaac misses his friend

2011-01-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

My sweet Isaac, oh where to begin. He is in preschool this year at the most wonderful school. It's the kind of place that wraps you in its arms the second you walk through the door, it's been such a huge blessing for our family to have him there. Isaac has an extremely hard time in social settings, he tends to be very shy and he tends to isolate himself and suffers with anxiety and over stimulation (he's been seeing a doctor for it since last spring). At the beginning of this school year a sweet little girl named Savannah took him under her wing and they became the best of friends. She was his first friend ever, and he need her so very much. Each day he had school he would jump up and get ready as fast as he could so he could get to school to see her, she was the reason he liked school so much. She taught him how to play games, share toys and play with the other children. To me she was an angel. Her mom and I began planning play dates on a regular basis, it's like they just couldn't get enough of each other, it was so sweet. Well S's dad is an opthemologist and he took a job in Utah, so over Christmas break their family moved. My Isaac has been devastated ever since. Each day he asks if he has school and pouts when I tell him yes, and now most of the time gives me such a hard time when I try to leave him there. He has other wonderful classmates who want to be his friend and a wonderful teacher but he misses his friend so very much and I do too. It's such a hard thing as a mother to see your children hurting, and in your heart knowing that there isn't anything you can do to help them, only time will heal Isaac's heart.

High Maintenance

2011-01-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

Two years ago our beloved pug Sara, passed away. This was the first pet my husband and I had together. We always laughed at the way Sara joined our family. My husband and I had just gotten engaged and we went to the mall to go look for our wedding bands. I was completely overwhelmed at the selection and at that point didn't know much about diamonds or rings or even jewelry if I'm totally being honest. You see I was only eighteen ( my husband and I got married, three days after my 19th birthday). So feeling totally overwhelmed I told him that I needed to think about it and it would be a good idea to take a walk. Being that we were in Flagstaff and it was winter time we decided to just walk around the mall and see what stores there were, we were still pretty new to the area. So we walked past this tiny pet shop and I glanced in, as I usually would (see I'm not a big dog or cat person). And low and behold this sweet crinkly face ugly thing captured my heart. I turned right around and went in, and I was instantly in love with her, and had to have her. So that night my husband and I went home with a puppy instead of wedding rings. She was such a great dog, as we had kids she just became that much better, she would let them poke her and pull her curly tail, she never snapped or barked at them. She had the sweetest disposition about her, we couldn't have asked for a better dog. Well like I said two years ago, but now that I think about it this summer it will be three years ago our beloved Sara passed away, and I was just sick about it. Sick like I've never been before, I cried for days. I had people tell me that I needed to get a new dog right away but in my heart I new that no other dog could replace her, so I didn't and just began to move on. Well that's when someone decided that I needed a dog and gave me one, his name is Kingston, he's a three year old Yorkie. He and I share a love hate relationship, nothing like I had with Sara. He is super high maintenance and some days like today, he makes me crazy, and just when I think about giving him away he is the sweetest cutest thing ever. So is it that after a whole life of thinking I'm not a dog person I am, or is it I'm just a sucker for a cute face?

Yup I made that!

2011-01-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

So in the case that you are still living under a rock, I thought I might pass along a wonderful blog I came across a while back. The Pioneer Woman (www.thepioneerwoman.com ) is absolutely phenomenal, she is a mom, a homeschooling mom at that, and a fabulous cook. I've been using her recipes to feed my family for a little while and let me tell you not one of her recipes has let me down yet. Some of my favorites are remakes of old classics, like tonight I made her meatloaf, and yummmo!! Nathan immediately asked if we could please put it on the make again list, and probably in the top three. He said it's the best he's ever had. I should've been sad that he didn't like my recipe better but hers has Parmesan cheese in it and hot sauce who wouldn't love it? So just a little FYI, have a great night!

What a Wednesday, and it's only noon

2011-01-19T11:40:00.001-08:00

Today started off great, went to the gym, did my weekly weigh in ( I lost seven pounds so far!!). So at this point my confidence level is high, my chin is up, nothing in the world can beat me now kind of attitude. I get home, things are at this point still running smooth. I decided to shower and get ready, although didn't have to do much, we got to wear our workout clothes to bible study today ( I will get more into why in just a sec). We are just about out of the door and on time when Nicolas frantically runs into my room and lets me know he can't find his jacket and it's probably at the park we visited yesterday. I'm lacing up my sneaks thinking well that's just great, because I still have to find Isaac's shoes, run over to my mom's to pick something up, go find this lost jacket, and make it to school on time. That's it, well usually. I would've gone into panic mode at his very second even just a week ago. So we pile in the car, Isaac has on a pair of shoes two sizes two big, but oh well we are out the door, I'm in and out of my mom's house in under a minute and we dashed to the park to find Nicolas' jacket patiently waiting for him on the bench. We are cruising once again listening to great music, saying our morning prayers and low and behold we are even two minutes early to school. Yay me, I rock at this whole mom thing. I get to Isaac's preschool he goes into class nice and smooth and then finally, finally I get to focus on myself again just for a second and as I'm walking up the stairs to my bible study I realize I forgot my book, my pens, my pencils, my highlighter, my bible well everything! All of this brings me to my point, do you think as a culture of moms/parents we have allowed ourselves to get just too busy. I mean I just wouldn't feel right if my kids grew up and didn't know how to play an instrument, be a world class athlete, know a foreign language and have gained every sacrament a good child should. I sit in my bible study group and listen to all of these moms and realize how similar we all are, have we all just become too busy? (yet each time I take away such profound new ideas to try out on my kids). My question is are we too busy trying to raise what the world sees as good kids instead of raising really great kids, who know what a board game looks like instead of a video game, who can retell their favorite bedtime story, who play outside and get dirty but more importantly love God too? Am I the only one outside of my bible study group who feels such pressure to be so perfect, and for my kids to be so perfect? I mean would the world stop spinning if we didn't let our kids join every sport know to man? Would my husband still love me if my house wasn't always perfectly clean, and a gourmet meal waiting on the table, would he love me more if I was thinner. Would my kids be happy and content having more time at home, or more so do I even know how to do that in the first place? So I'm rambling I know, but with how busy our life is I tend to ramble and be a bit of a whirlwind because well that's what a busy life looks like, never have enough time to be fully present in the moment, in any moment. So the work out clothes, well toady's lesson was all about taking care of ourselves, I know long story for such a concise ending. I guess that's what it really is about though, how much time and energy that I spend on everyone else that my needs, wants and all are so limited. Well like I said it's only noon, so I think I will take a much needed nap, and enjoy some cuddle time with Isaac because of course don't you know, we have a very, very busy afternoon!

A risotto and wrestling kind of day...

2011-01-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is just the best being a mommy to all boys, and well other times I feel very out numbered! Last night we went to see the Harlem Globetrotters, it was so much fun, we all laughed a lot and had a great time. It's amazing to see how Isaac is able to join us for such outings now. He laughed and ate popcorn until I thought he'd puke for sure. Today we all slept in, well except for the hubby he is at work today, so it's just me and the boys. We must of all needed the sleep because we slept until almost ten, which is unheard of in this house, my boys are all early risers, I usually hear their little feet hit the tile about seven. We got up and got busy, we have a lot to do today. So instead of being unprepared like I was last night when it came to feeding us all I decided to cook today although I can't complain those Digorno pizzas were pretty good. However I don't think frozen pizza is so good two nights in a row. So I made wild mushroom asparagus risotto for lunch, which will actually be dinner. I used the usual risotto rice but I've had this bag of forbidden rice in my pantry for a while so I decided to mix them. It was so yummy and so colorful. The black rice turned the risotto the most beautiful purple color and combine that with the mushrooms, asparagus, onions and pecans and it was colorful and yummy! I am a huge fan, no pun intended ( although I would like to be a smaller fan) of the show The Biggest Loser and I remember Bob saying that the more colorful your food the better it is for your body, Americans are so used to eating everything and all things beige, and at this point I couldn't agree with him more. My plate was beautiful, colorful and disgustingly clean and yummy. I think I will need all the energy my wonderful lunch gave me too, remember how I started this post with how much I love being the only girl in the house, well tonight...well it's just not going to be one of those kinda nights. We are going to see live wrestling tonight. I know yuck, well for me anyway. I think I would rather stay home and scrub the toilets until one could eat off of them, but I guess I just have to suck it up and join in on the "fun". So I would love to have any and all prayers passed my way, I will absolutely need them to stay awake through it, or keep my lunch down. Oh well, and if my memory serves me right I think the Home & Garden expo is coming up so all is fair. Happy Saturday!

Attitude is everything...

2011-01-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

Today I had to relearn an old lesson once again. A is for attitude and attitude especially mine is a choice. A choice I choose to make at the beginning of each day. I can choose to be cranky (like I did this morning!)or choose differently and see what blessings will be brought before me. This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. When I get in this funk it's admittedly hard to get out of. I think it's my let down after the holidays. With all the hustle and bustle the holidays bring it's hard for me sometimes to look at my calendar and only have a couple of have to's on my list. I am a very structured person and I don't think I do so well, or change that it takes me a while to get used to not having a bazillion things to do. I know that sometimes I complain about the business of it all sometimes but then again I think I like it, the constant adrenaline of it all.
2011 has taken it's sweet time moving in. I can't believe we will be entering the third week of January and I haven't posted since November. I could do a recap but that would take so very long so new year new blog, and we'll just start from here.
WOW started back up last week, and I couldn't be happier about that. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it's Women of Wisdom and I feel liked such a blessed soul to share my Wednesdays with such a wonderful and blessed group of women. This time around I'm doing Effective parenting in a defective world. Wow, what a fabulous book ( by Chip Ingram) so powerful. Although after last week's session I was convinced that I was ruining my children and it would be for there own good if I just left them off to be raised by a pack of wolves, obviously they could raise my children far better than I ever could. This week however much better, thank God, I was really nervous! So far I've learned (sorry I know this post is winded, but I guess that's what happens when I let two months go by) that the best thing I can give my kids is the real me, flaws and all. However the real me should also be more Christlike and the more Christ like me is what I want to become, because the more Christ like I become the more they will too. So as I see it, it's a win win opportunity for all of us.
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40
So since I haven't yet...Happy Happy New Year, I hope it's full of blessings, love, good changes and good attitudes, because as I learned once again today attitude is everything!

A Tasty Tuesday treat...

2010-11-30T10:17:00.001-08:00

Being that it is Tuesday, one of my least favorite days of the week so I thought I would start sharing something that I found pleased all the little and big eaters in my family. Plus I have found that happy bellies make very happy families, at least it works for my husband it is absolutely true that the way to that man's heart is through his stomach. Today's Tuesday treat is a repeat of something I made last year but it was so good I couldn't resist making it again, plus it was freezing outside and baking this in the oven heated up the house so nicely.

2010-11-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

I am so glad I posted that cute fall picture of my darling little family before our first snow fell overnight. I am so excited that winter is steadily approaching, what can I say I probably should be living somewhere that gets tons of snow because I love it so much, and maybe I just say that because we get enough snow where it's fun and very manageable, who knows! This last week we went to Phoenix to spend our very first ever Thanksgiving with my in-laws. It was absolutely wonderful, I really hope that as a family we start spending more time together.

On Thanksgiving night we decided it would be best to drive the hour and a half home so that my hardworking hubby could be at work for his black Friday sale. Well I'm so glad we did, because we realized that the fabulous outlet mall that is in between home and Phoenix opened at ten. We were caught in traffic for a while and finding a parking spot was a bit of a challenge but we finally made it. Isaac and I took a quick look around oohed and awed over the beautiful decorations and then hiked it back to the car where I turned on the heater and my heated seats and comfortably watched the Karate Kid ( for like the millionth time). Within about oh two minutes Isaac was fast asleep. I've never been out shopping like that and it was kinda fun, although if I seriously needed to get something I may have been a little frustrated.
Yesterday was absolutely perfect as well, snow was falling in AZ and we put on Christmas carols, had a roaring fire in the chimney, dinner was baking in the oven and happy little kids and super happy parents decorated our Christmas tree. What can I say I guess I'm a bit of a gusher but I've been feeling extremely blessed recently. So with a wonderful memory maker of a Thanksgiving behind us I look forward to a very blessed holiday season for our family as well as yours.
Oh and in case you were curious or if you wern't and I'm telling you anyway... I had a fantastic week being 30!!

Walking through fall...

2010-11-23T12:01:00.001-08:00

It feels as though winter has made it's arrival here in the desert, and I couldn't be happier because as most Arizonans know that the lower the temperature goes the closer Christmas is and I can't wait.
This week is so full yet will be so fun. The kiddos have a very short week at school and then we are off to spend Thanksgiving with my husband's family. It will be the first time in all of our eleven years of marriage that we will spend the holiday with them. It should be fun! I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving, I hope your holiday is filled to the brim with God's blessings and I hope they continue into and throughout the holiday season.

Goodbye 20's you've been great but...

2010-11-19T17:39:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe that in less than 48 hours I will be a thirty year old woman. I now know and feel how time really does fly. I guess the hardest part about turning thirty is that I have to close that chapter of my life. My twenties were a time of being newly married and having children. Two of life's greatest blessings. Now as I move into my thirties that is all over with, my husband and I after eleven years of marriage have decided that we will not be adding anymore little critters to our bunch and in the back of my heart I ache a little. Not that I want to ever again go through childbirth or night time feedings or diapers ever again, I think it's mostly because I've had infants and toddlers and preschoolers now for almost eleven years and it feels really strange to leave that stage behind, especially because it felt like it would last forever at the time and now looking back it's all gone so fast, too fast. I will be thirty and my baby will start kindergarten next year. Where has the time gone?
My twenties were a time of self exploration. I was lucky enough to get through my first two year degree, although it took me four, and I am eager to go back to school, that is when I decide what I want to be when I grow up I'm hoping my thirties will help me with that. It was also a time of great trials that would shake me to my core. The first would be a test of my faith in the Lord. That test came at my twenty week ultrasound with my second child. The day I found out that he would be born so severely handicapped that he wouldn't make it to his third birthday. I learned to have faith in a God that had a plan and that loved me and that would take care of me and my son not matter what the outcome would be. I learned to trust and have faith instead of trying to control everything on my own. He is now a healthy and thriving eight year old, who is our hippie child that literally melts my heart daily with his kind heart and quirky personality.
My twenties were a time when my love and commitment to my husband and marriage would be pushed to it's limits and tested beyond my understanding. My husband whom I love with all my heart and soul and I would decide to put our marriage on hold for almost a year to figure things out. We separated for nine months, for nine months during my twenties I lived alone for the very first time. In my twenties I found out how much effort it takes to save a marriage and also what huge blessing it is. In my twenties I realized how much I am loved and how much I can love. I learned a lot about compassion and patience. I learned that I am worth loving and I deserve to be loved and in turn can give love, the kind of love without expectations the kind of love that had eluded me for so long. In my twenties I learned that it's important to save for rainy days. To say what's in my heart and to act on my instincts. I also learned how to so say goodbye to loved ones, and cherish sweet memories and remember the lessons they taught me. I've learned to cherish friendships because the older I get the more I realize how important they are and how it's not like kindergarten where I have a new best friend every day. Friendships are important and need to be treated as such. I've also learned to let go of some friendships or be ok with how they've changed, I've learned not to expect so much from people. I've learned to say no and to mean it and my kids have learned that no is a complete sentence and a nice one at that. I've learned how great God is and how important my journey home to Him is and that has been one of my twenties biggest life changing moments.
I've lived, learned, and loved in my twenties and I hope my thirties bring even more love, more joy, more laughter and much much much more faith. So to you my twenties I bid adieu as I close the book on you, it's been great, it's been fun but I really must run.

Happy Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

What a wonderfully spooktactic week we had around here, I'll share just a few little pics of all the fun.

Halloween school fun

2010-10-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

This week was sooo much fun, if I haven't mentioned it lately I think Halloween is one of my absolute favorite holidays. I think it's mostly because of my sweet little trolls and the absolutely adorable town we are lucky enough to live in.
This week Isaac was able to celebrate Halloween/Harvest time at his preschool. The kids went on a pumpkin hunt, Isaac was thrilled to find his hidden behind a huge tree, we've never done a pumpkin hunt before and I really liked the idea of it. Then the next night it was Daddy and child pumpkin carving night at his school. I must admit I was totally excited that my darling husband got to do something special with him and have some one on one time but I was a little jealous, and I totally missed out on pictures, oh well. Then the next day all the kids at his school dressed up in their costumes and we went across the street to go trick or treating at a nursing home, it was so sweet and the kiddos really enjoyed the whole day. The older boys also got to have some fun this week, each day this week they got to have crazy hair, mismatched clothes and pj day, it was cute. Then on Thursday they all got to dress up and have tons of candy and fun at their class parties. We are all still in pj's as I write this (the kids don't have school today) I think we are all feeling the effects of our busy busy week. Although it was super busy and I felt exhausted at the end of it I wouldn't have it any other way, my kids are my life and I feel so blessed that each of them picked me to be theirs. Happy Happy Friday!!

AWANA crazy hair night

2010-10-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind of a week, we have been so busy this week. I am literally hitting the ground running every morning this week, I finally understand the term not enough hours in the day, because literally this week there wasn't, which meant late nights and really early mornings. Whew! I'm exhausted but it sure was fun. Here are some pics of the boys on their way out the door for crazy hair night at AWANAS.

Bunko angels & devils

2010-10-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

What a fun bunch of girls I get to play with each month, always so much fun!

We're still here

2010-10-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

After months and months of not blogging it's kind of hard to decide where to begin. Hmmm I guess the beginning is always best. August brought the wonderful relief of the structured school year for all three of the Briseno boys. Nick started 5th grade (that one is kinda hard to believe), Nathan is in second and Isaac started preschool. They are all loving their new class and their new teachers. Isaac is loving school and meeting new friends, he is convinced that his new friend Abby should come spend the night at out house, hmm when is it appropriate to tell little boys that little girls can't come spend the night?!?
My darling husband has been on two trips to Virginia since my last post, I think I am finally getting used to him being gone once in a while. I think this last trip has been the easiest, actually slept really good and wasn't afraid at all, that my friends is a HUGE HUGE step for me. You see I am working on being independent and I do very well during the day but every night well that's an entirely different story I seem to have myself convinced that my address is somehow sent to every sex offender and murderer in the area, I know how dumb that sounds, where is my faith right? I know I'm working on it. You'd think that God and the fact that I live in a super safe gated community would ease my fears but it doesn't or didn't we will have to see what his next trip brings up for me.
Fall is definitely in the air around here and I love it, this summer felt unusually hot and I am ready for cool days and cool nights. I love our area this time of years, it's absolutely gorgeous. With all of the holidays coming up our house is buzzing with excitement, speaking of I must run I have Halloween costumes to make. And since I missed it Happy Fall Y'All!!

God's Masterpiece

2010-07-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

My family and I saw God's masterpiece today, it was amazingly beautiful. The Grand Canyon is such an inspiring place. While I stood there I felt such peace and felt inspired by its beauty. The sheer size of the thing is truly amazing to witness, this was my second time there but the first time I was there it was really cloudy so I couldn't see very far, today however God surprised us with the most glorious weather. Words just don't do any justice but the pictures do, enjoy! We sure did.

summer fun

2010-07-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Summer is going by so fast, and we have really been enjoying it. I think I have finally settled into the routine of it, go figure at the end of it! We have been really busy but it's all been really fun. Here are just a couple of pics of the boys being boys. Happy Summer!!

Not ready to let Daddy go...

2010-07-13T08:56:00.001-07:00

So my darling husband has started traveling to the east coast for work, he goes every other month for a week. At first I was really nervous to be alone with the kids for so long, and at night, you see I'm a big chicken who totally loves being married so that I am not alone at night (well I love being married for lots and lots of reasons, but the night time company is on top of my list). The first night I don't think I slept at all, I heard every single cricket chirp and every single car that passed by made my heart skip a beat or two. The next morning I woke up and read my daily devotional and it hit me over the head like a ton of bricks, how can I have fear and faith in the Lord all at the same time, it's not possible if my faith is even half the size of a mustard seed. All that day I prayed and prayed that I would enjoy this time alone with the kids instead of being so afraid. That night I slept like a baby, with all my babies in my bed. It was awesome! The rest of the week flew by and we filled it with lots of awesome memories. My kids ate their very first frozen meal (we called them t.v dinners when I was kid but now I guess they are frozen entrees) they all now know what a salbury steak is, how funny is that?!? We also just ate cereal one night for dinner so we could hang out at the pool a little later than usual. We had a great week and we were all very excited to see daddy come Saturday. I'm a mush but I had tears in my eyes as we drove to the airport to pick him up. After not being so thrilled about this new venture my hubby is starting, I'm actually really exicted about it. It gives me the chance to spend some really good quality alone time with the kids and also gives me a chance to miss my husband and get exited to see him again. It also more importantly made me realize that I need to give all things to God, even those things I see as small and unimportant, I need to see that He loves me so much and cares for me so much that no problem or fear of mine is too small for Him. What a good lesson for me. Happy Tuesday everyone. (The pics are of Isaac not wanting Daddy to go, and trying to sneak away with him, too cute!)

Not Me Monday

2010-07-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

I didn't let our youngest totally get inside the mouth of a geat white shark this week, and if he did I wouldn't then proceed to take a picture of it and post it on my blog, so don't even think that. I totally did not forget that it has been Monday all day until now, so nope not me I would never forget to publish a Not Me Monday. I so didn't leave the house without making my bed today so that I could fit in extra play time on a super fun play date with old friends today, nope I think that would've been so lazy of me I mean come on how long does it take to make a king size bed with all the extra fluffy girly pillows anyway. I didn't let my kiddos drink sodas on our picnic play date today and totally embarass myself in front of the other type-a mom because I didn't think to buy juice boxes when I was at the grocery store lastnight, I do not even allow my kids to drink sodas nope not ever ever, not even once, I don't buy them and I sure don't ever keep them in my house. Well I haven't done a lot of things this week and it hasn't just been tons of fun, Happy Happy Monday all!
You can check out what others have not been up to this week by simply clicking on the Not Me Monday box on the right:)

a little late but...

2010-07-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Our Fourth was wonderful this year, although it passed by way too fast. Prescott is such a wonderful place to be during this time of year, we all just love it. Our 4th of July lasts for about a week and it's jam packed full of things to do, so much in fact it's kinda hard to decide what to do and what to leave out. Prescott is home to the world's oldest rodeo, we got to do that this year and all of the boys had a wonderful time. There is also a huge craft fair at our local square with tons of vendors, there are boot races for kiddos and adults, street dances, and ok I'm going on and on and at this point my blog is sounding more like a travel brochure but there is more. There is also a huge (three hour long) parade and then an all day event at our local park with huge water slides, climbing stuff, carnival rides, food stands, live music and of course a huge firework display that evening. I love living in a small town, a small town with huge character. I hope you all had a wonderful 4th.

P.S Happy Birthday to my firecracker Grama!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T10:19:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day, to my dad, my husband, my grandpa and my papa!

Summer time fun

2010-06-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

Summer has been in full swing around here and we as a family are trying to capture and enjoy every single minute of it. I love these summer days where the kids and I can just go with the flow, especially love the days where we can come and go as we please with no to do list in sight. These moments with the kids are so precious and as I've noticed recently are going by much faster than I ever anticipated. I remember when the kids were really small I felt like my days would forever consist of changing diapers, making bottles & scrubbing baby food stains off the walls. I can't tell you how some days my heart aches to have those days back. Well enough mushy stuff for today we are off to VBS and well whatever else we decide to fill the day with.

VBS Monday

2010-06-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

I feel like even though the kids have been out of school for a little over a week that today is the actual start of summer for us. Two of the boys started VBS this morning, they were so excited about going, they woke up super early and were dressed and ready without me having to even say a word. I am enjoying that they are a little more independent this summer, they are able to get their own cereal and dress themselves and with all of that I find that I have a few extra minutes for myself. Isaac was a little sad to say goodbye to them he wanted to stay so badly with them and that is wonderful because he gets to stay next week.

I survived our very first all boys sleepover, I was so amazed at the boys my son has chosen to be his friends. I am so proud of his choices, all of the boys were so well mannered and really polite. I wasn't looking forward to the sleepover at all, I thought it was going to be loud and wild and I would secretly hide in the bathroom and try desperately not to pull out all of my hair ( I just got highlights so that wouldn't be such a great idea!). But it was the complete opposite in fact I would love to have them all over again maybe even a few times through the summer.
Isaac and I went to the grocery store and bought tons of summer produce this morning and we are chopping it all up and organizing it so that we have plenty of fresh and yummy snacks on hand. Other than that we have a very relaxing day planned, a nap, some playtime, maybe even a little pool time and then we are having a sweet sweet family over for dinner. Speaking of dinner...I was wondering what some of your favorite summer recipes are I would love to try out some new menu items. Happy Monday!

Yikes...what did I get myself into?????

2010-06-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

So last month my oldest turned ten, and it just happened that his birthday landed smack dab in the middle of the two busiest weeks in the entire school year. So we decided that it would be a good idea to postpone his birthday party until you guessed it today. So tonight we are expecting seven little boys to appear on our doorstep ready for swimming, pizza, video games, play, fun, hopefully sleep and whatever else happens. Nicolas is so excited, he has never had a sleepover before, and because of this we don't really know what to expect. Live and learn I guess! I will let you know how it goes tomorrow, that is if I survive.

We are also going to try out the new children's museum that just opened up, that should be fun and something different. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

P.S Happy Happy Birthday Sophia, we love you!

picking cherries...

2010-06-03T13:58:00.001-07:00

Today marks one week since the kiddos started their summer vacation. We have had such a great week, it has been so nice not having to run around all over and be in a bazillion places in one day. We have really just been going with the flow of the day and it has been so nice and relaxing. We have been hanging out at the pool each day (I am trying really hard to get rid of my glow in the dark legs, at least for the summer). We did the summer movie program yesterday, can't beat it $2 to see Charlotte's Web. I had forgotten what a great movie that is, little Isaac cried when Charlotte died:( In this last year unfortunately he has had a lot of death to deal with.
Next week the kids will start two weeks of VBS, and we are all very excited about that. Isaac will get to participate this year. I ask all of you to please pray for him through this. He is on some new stuff that the new doctor gave him and we have changed his diet, I however have not seen any new changes, good changes I should say. We have had a rough couple of days with him, he isn't taking naps and is having the hardest time falling asleep at night, he has been wetting the bed almost nightly now and yesterday during a play date was really hard to calm. OK back to my train of thought, please pray for him, he usually doesn't do well in social situations, I plan on staying the first morning with him and then leaving him on the second to see which scenario works best for him. I pray that he is happy to join in on the fun. I want him to learn to be happy and play with other children minus the meltdowns. So please if you all don't mind please keep him in your prayers next week.
So I am off to do whatever the day brings about for all of us (how nice is that! Love it).

Out of the mouths of moms

2010-06-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is going to be so much fun, because I catch myself saying exactly what my mom would say or sometimes the craziest things. I always thought that whatever the kiddos were saying was funny but I do the same thing, maybe talking insanely comes with the territory when raising children. Some things I've been saying lately...

please don't spit and then slurp it up, it's kinda rude not to mention really gross.

Honey please please please don't poop in the hamper, that is where dirty clothes go, not poop.

We DO NOT pee in the pool, no it's not funny, I really think you can make it to the potty, you can't because it's gross, they will have to put even more chemicals in the water to make it pleasant for us to swim in, yes I do believe that other kids with goggles on can see you pee! If you pee in the pool why do you keep getting mouth fulls of the water to spit out, YUCK! Yes if you pee in the pool eventually you will probably drink it if you keep opening your mouth.

Hot dogs are not an everyday meal, because I said so, because it's really important to eat your veggies

Please stop shaking your brother, you are going to give him a headache

please put some clothes on, we do not walk around the house naked just because it's hot outside.
To hear some of what the other crazy talking, kiddo raising moms have been saying head on over to http://mycharmingkids.net

Angel on isle 8

2010-05-25T10:00:00.001-07:00

I think sometimes I get so caught up in my own life in my own world, with my own things and my own activities that I lose sight on what else is going on in the world. I have never thought of myself as being selfish but indeed I am. I don't get out of my way very often to call a friend or invite one to lunch. I tend to be the invited and not the one extending the invitation. I always say I have so much going on, the kids need this or have this or that going on. When I stop and realize what I've been doing I realize how often I isolate myself. I have to ask...do I isolate myself to protect myself and if so from what? What am I so afraid of? I know that if I am not careful I will land up pushing everyone away. So being the isolator I am, the self centered in my own world kinda gal I am I found God or should I say He found me. He found me the other day on check-out isle number 8. I am a God loving, Christian woman. I go to church regularly, work in the Sunday nursery, go to weekly bible studies, pray all the time, I look like a good Christian woman from the outside. But I have to wonder if I was such a good Christian woman would I still do all this isolating or would I feel good enough in every situation I find myself. I believe I would because I believe that I would love myself as much as my Father loves me. To prove His love for me He shook me to my very core at the very heart of my little world, the grocery store. Like I mentioned before I go to lots of bible studies and I have heard wonderful stories of everyday miracles happening to other people. Of course other people, things like that don't happen to me. I am nothing special. While having a usual day at our local down the street grocery store a young man in front of me was about to pay for his few groceries. He didn't have a club rewards card I overheard his conversation with the clerk and offered him mine. He looked at me in such surprise, really I thought no big deal. The clerk than offered him the brochure so he could get his own card he turned around and asked if that was ok and I said sure in fact great because I forgot something and while I ran back to get it he could fill out the card. He was new to the area and I told him how having a card would be better than using mine, he could earn discounts on gas and other things. So I ran back and grabbed the box of brown rice I had forgotten and when I came back he was just about done and handing the cashier his cash. Then I heard the woman say "are you sure, sir? He turned and gave me a huge smile and waived and walked out. He had handed the cashier money to help pay for my cart full of groceries. I at first said oh no I can't take it, but the young man was already out the door. My eyes filled with tears. The cashier was about as astounded as I was. The reason I had to share this is because later that day I posted this on face book and a friend of mine sent this back to me... "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it" Hebrews 13:2
He was indeed an angel, an angel sent by God to shake me up that day. To show me that I am special and good things do happen to me, I need to stop being so afraid and let life happen and let life in. He loves me and that is all that I need to be good enough, because if I am good enough and so loved by the Lord who gave his life for mine than I am good enough.

Not Me Monday...

2010-05-24T11:38:00.001-07:00

Another Monday already??? Geesh where does the time go these days? Well this week I didn't show up late to Nick's baseball game only to realize that we were at the wrong field, nope not me couldn't be, I am totally on the ball and have every time, date and event in my planner. I totally didn't look at the wrong date :) I didn't let Isaac where his cowboy boots and hat and batman cape to the game either, me of course not. On Friday I didn't take Nathan to Sonic for Happy Hour and let him eat an entire banana split by himself, that would just be way to much sugar for his seven almost eight year old body, and I didn't totally enjoy an ocean water as well and then proceed to walk around with blue teeth for an hour or so. I didn't lay on the couch for two hours last night so I could watch the series finale of Lost, geesh on the couch for two hours that would be impossible. I didn't wake my darling husband up in the middle of the night on Saturday so I could ask him where the monkey was on the I spy game and then continue to have a conversation about the game while completely asleep, nope! I never talk in my sleep, that could be soooo dangerous and really embarrassing! (Note to self don't play I spy with Isaac before bed time....I wonder if he looks for clues in his sleep too?) Well what have you not been up to this week? Happy Monday all!
Check out MckMama's blog or click on the "Not me Monday" box on the right to see what others have not been up to this week!

May....

2010-05-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

Well what a month this has been. Full of ups and downs with tons of loops and twists thrown in as well. Isaac has not been doing so well. His behavior is getting harder and harder to deal with. I pray every morning when I first open my eyes before my feet touch the ground that God will teach me to be the mommy that Isaac needs. I thought that the older he got the more he would understand and the easier it would be to calm him. Nope I couldn't have been more wrong. The older he gets the more severe his meltdowns are. I think I have been walking around like a sort of zombie for a few months without even realizing it until the last week. I feel exhausted to the very core of my being, and naps just don't cut it at this point.
He went to see a new doctor last Friday, Doc S. is an amazing and wonderful person. Isaac is usually very temperamental with strangers especially strangers that are doctors and have waiting rooms. We walked into the office and the atmosphere was wonderful and as soothing as a spa. There was soothing music on in the background and everyone there spoke in quiet calm voices. The paint was even neutral. I loved it...there were a few toys in a basket in the corner for him to pick over, no overwhelming cartoons blasting on the usual mounted tv ( totally not knocking those either, they provided my other children with hours of entertainment at our other pediatricians office in the past), no bright colored paint or heaven forbid a colorful mural, and no other children in the waiting room. Isaac and I sat on the floor to play for all of two minutes until this calm and collected doctor came out and greeted us. Isaac stood up shook his hand and walked us into his office. I was very ready for this appointment, I started packing for his days in advance. In Isaac's bag were crayons, coloring books, sketch paper and blah blah blah. Everything and anything I could think of that would keep his attention long enough so that I could maybe have a conversation with this new doctor. I was put at ease instantly, I think Isaac was too, his mood and behavior were beyond awesome! For the first time in a long time maybe ever...someone understood me, understood what my days are like, validated me and didn't want to pack me up and ship me out to the looney bin. Finally and I think Isaac felt it too, someone understood us! After (drum roll) two hours, yes two hours in a teeny tiny office he gave us a few recommendations. Isaac is now on some amino drops another drop that has an extremely long and hard to spell name and is on a glutten free diet (again!). I am so happy and optimistic about this new journey. Today was a week on the diet and drops and today was an extremely difficult day, but we are on our way and that is a great start!

Brotherly Love...

2010-04-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

a couple of firsts...

2010-04-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

Since Easter Isaac has been a busy busy little bee of new activity. He went to the dentist and had his first ever cleaning and check up, all went great. No cavities his teeth are in tip top chewing condition, music to my ears because the rest of the boys have extremely soft teeth and are very cavity prone.

Isaac also started t-ball this past week, and he loves it. And I mean all of it, the bugs, the grass, the clouds making funny shapes in the sky, and I'm not totally convinced he doesn't think it's soccer. I do however see running in his future. Things are going great around here. We've been busy as usual, the boys have about five weeks of school left and the teachers are jamming them with swimming lessons at the YMCA, really cool field trips to meteor crater and some other really cool northern Arizona destinations.

Nick (as he wants to be called now) started baseball too! He is in the minors and I will post pics of his first game soon, he is the pitcher. We are so proud of him. Well that's all for now, hope you all have a blessed week!

Had to enlarge this one because...

2010-04-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

I love this picture and when I saw how it came out on the previous post I had to repost the pic just a bit bigger, Isaac is holding the reason for Easter in his hand and I just love it!

our very colorful Easter

2010-04-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic Easter this year, one of the many reasons it was good is that Manuel got to spend his very first Easter at home with Luis. Last year we in Mexico with him for Easter but didn't really get to celebrate so this year we did it all, the who kit and caboodle. We dyed eggs, had two ok three egg hunts, grilled outside, opened easter baskets, you name it we did it. I think there was a different feel this year but a great one, more of a complete one. Sometimes it's really neat to watch Manuel celebrate all these firsts with his son. Well here are some pics, sorry so brief but these kiddos have me running lately. Have a great day!

Not Me Monday

2010-04-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Well well where do I begin. I've absolutely not been slacking on my blog I would never do that, I am the picture of perfection at multi-tasking so I would never ever let more than a month go by without a single post, Nope not me! Isaac turned four on friday and I didn't let him put his entire face into one corner of the cake and eat up, nope that is disgusting and would be horrible manners, I teach my kiddos way better than to do things like that. I didn't let all of them stay at Peter Piper's Pizza until closing time nope they are always in bed by bed time. That would be so silly of me. I haven't yet again let my laundry pile up into mountains I swear are higher than Everst, nope couldn't be me. I haven't been running all the kiddos around to their many practices that I dream of being in my car and I actually want a Sienna after seeing how the mom can take a nap in it with her feet reclined, nope not me I never ever want to get rid of my SUV! I didn't this morning barely make it to the gas station...I never ever drive on fumes. I told you earlier I'm so organized and on the ball it's amazing! So please share don't leave me hanging out here all alone what have you not been up to? Click on the "Not me Monday" box on the right to see what MckMamma and everyone else have not been up to this week.

Upward

2010-03-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

This winter the boys have been participating in our local Upward basketball program. This was the first year the boys have participated and I have only the best of things to say about it. Nathan played on one of the kindergarten and first grade teams, he was one of the older kids and totally took advantage of it. He was taller, faster and his motor skills were way more developed. He loved it and was the highest scoring player on his team. Nicolas played with the older kids, fifth and sixth grade kiddos. He did an amazing job, he may have found his calling folks! He was aggressive, competitive but more importantly had great sportsmanship. At each game the kids are given a star to put on their uniform. Each star is a different color with a different meaning, the green is for participation, white for most Christ-like, yellow for sportsmanship and so on. This has been a wonderful sport and we are sad to see the season end. Last night at the Upward end of season celebration a Christian magician ( as featured on Oprah!!) came to perform for about 200 or so of us. He was amazingly talented and really funny. The reason I mention this is because at the end of the presentation he began to pray over all of us and asked all those who were unsure of Christ to come up (all the rest of the crowd had their eyes closed, so those going forward would not be embarrassed), then he asked if all of those in need of prayer would come up, when all was said and done 44 people accepted Christ into their hearts or with prayer mended a tattered relationship with Him, it was an amazing and loving experience. I love to see people find the Lord, it is so inspiring to me, and the feeling in the room as it happened was overwhelming in a loving way.

As soon as this snow lets up it's on to baseball for two of the four kiddos. Isaac will get to participate for the first time in something so he is super excited and I'm sure we will all enjoy watching this little wild child out on the field.

Snow, snow go away

2010-03-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

Yummy Yummy thanks Grandma

2010-03-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

This is for my Grandma, thank you so much for the magazine. This is one of those look what I made pics. Monkey Bread...it was....DELICIOUS! So delicious in fact I had to make two of them. I made the first one for my lovely ladies at WOW and the boys and I were all salivating over it so bad I had to make another one for us to eat that night. This is one recipe I will absolutely make again it was wonderful, thanks Grandma! Love you:)

Not Me Monday

2010-03-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

So this is my very first "Not me Monday" so here it goes, I hope to read some of your too, don't leave me hanging here all by myself.
I absolutely did not take a two hour nap with Isaac today nope not me that would be so lazy of me. I did not watch television last night while my darling hubby cleaned the kitchen after dinner. Me? Are you kidding I ALWAYS clean the kitchen right after dinner with absolutely no help from anyone. I do not have a mountain of laundry to move today, nope not me I always keep up with all the dirty stocks and stinky clothes all these boys accumulate. I didn't leave the gym today in such a hurry that I forgot my keys in my locker, nope wasn't me who could ever be that forgetful! And right now I do not hear my children arguing over who gets the next turn on the PSP, I wouldn't allow that, I would be right in there dissolving the situation. Well that wasn't so embarrassing go ahead what did you not do this week?
MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.opy.jpg"/>

Growing pains...

2010-03-01T14:52:00.000-08:00

As we close in on April, I find myself preoccupied with all these feelings. It's been a very difficult 11 months. In case you missed it I will do a short recap. Last April my husbands teenage son came to live with us, less than a month later my grandfather passed away, and only a few shorts months after that my other grandfather passed away. So so many changes have happened. I feel so blessed with all that has been given but I still feel such loss and change in my heart. I love my stepson dearly and pray every day that God will teach me to guide him and be supportive of him. I feel completely lost sometimes raising a teenager, and sometimes long for the days when most days I felt like I knew what I was doing. Making pb & J sandwiches and singing along to Barney. I miss when life felt a little less complicated. I was so naive before he came to life with us, I expected it to just be a smooth transition in our lives. He would jump right in and life would continue as usual. Wow what a surprise, I guess I just could have never imagined all of the changes that would happen. I know I'm really on a tangent here but I feel like I have to be honest about my real feelings about this. I love him yes, I love that he is here yes, I love that my husband gets a chance to know his son and my son's a chance to know their brother. Yes, yes and yes I am very grateful for all of this, however at this moment I feel lost and overwhelmed and I feel a little dismayed that it has almost been a year and I still don't fell like this transition has been completed.

Lots of Love,
Shiri

February already??

2010-02-04T09:01:00.000-08:00

Well it's almost Valentines Day and I haven't updated my blog since Christmas, wow time sure flies these day.

Christmas was fantastic, maybe that's why I hadn't changed anything yet. I guess a part of me still wants to hear Christmas carols each time I sign in. Well our new year has started off as fast paced as ever. Nicolas & Nathan are both doing the Upward Bound basketball program this year. I have to say I'm loving it so far, they begin each practice and game with prayer, they receive stars of varying colors to put on their uniforms. Each color represents something different like good offense, defense, most Christlike during the game and so on. They also receive a new bible verse each week. I also have to say that the boy's coaches are fantastic.

Isaac started preschool and he is just loving it. He goes two mornings a week. He is just such a ham about it, he wakes up those days and jumps right in the shower and is dressed before most of us have brushed our teeth, he has become extremely independent lately. I think school is also helping with his social skills and his behavior. All is all it has been a huge blessing to him and our family.
Luis ran the PF Chang's half Marathon in January and finished under two hours. That was super exciting. He now wants to run all the time, it's nice to see a teenager that has found his passion and a healthy one at that. He is also carrying a 3.0 grade point average in school right now and he is eligible for graduation in May. He is excited also unsure if he is ready to leave high school so soon. Decisions...decisions.
Manuel is chugging along at work, hopefully the economy lightens up as the year moves forward. And me well I'm enjoying every minute of this busy bustling family, trying to enjoy all of it as I've noticed how fast time seems to be moving these days. WOW (women of wisdom) is totally rocking my world right now. The first hour is all about fear and insecurities, it's hits me over the head each and every week. Sometimes I sit there wondering if this woman speaking has been living in my head my whole life and sharing my story. It's an amazing fellowship and I just love it!
All in all 2010 is off to a great start! Can't wait to see all the wonderful things it has in store for us all. Happy February to you all!

Hanging out with the boys today

2009-12-28T16:02:00.001-08:00

I think we all started to feel the rush of Christmas today, we all woke up exhausted today. After my early am workout I showered and went back to bed to cuddle with Nathan because I was cold and landed up sleeping until 9, how great is that! So the rest of the day the kiddos have been playing with their gifts and watching movies, it's really cold out so a nice relaxing day indoors is exactly what we all needed.
So as the new year approaches I can't help but smile. I like so many am eager to see this year behind me, it's been unusually hard with lots and lots of changes. The first big ( I mean HUGE!) change was that my teenage step-son came to live with us, and that was a huge change all in itself in less than a month I would lose my beloved grandfather, and just a few short months after that another huge loss, my papa. I am eager to start a new year and a new decade, I can't wait to see what this new year hold for us and what memories we will begin to make. I wish you all a very very Happy New Year!

let it snow...let it snow!

2009-12-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

This week we were very blessed to receive enough snow to play in. That doesn't happen for us very often so we took full advantage of the situation, by staying home to play in it all day. Here are some fun pics of the boys enjoying the day.

Gingerbread Heaven...

2009-12-09T17:44:00.000-08:00

A picture of the train
that circles around the whole village

This one was the kid's

favorite, it is from the

movie UP

I liked the more traditional

looking ones like this.

This creation won first

place in the church theme

Christmas Parade

2009-12-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

Me & the boys enjoying the parade
and not minding the really cold weatherThe kiddos loved this car...
a Rudolph slug bugThe kids are begging us to get
them one of these for the front
yard, hmm next year will it be for
the parade?I love when Christmas comes to our little town, it seems as if our little town comes alive with the spirit of the season. Our town is the state's official Christmas city. Here are some shots I took of the parade, I'm still learning how to use my new camera and the parade was a huge learning session, I still have so much to read and so much to learn but I figure the practice won't hurt either. Tonight it's off to the Courthouse lighting and tomorrow after church a walk through Bethlehem, what fun! What a blessed mommy I am to be surrounded with these wonderful boys throughout this wonderful holiday season.

Time to get into the holiday spirit

2009-12-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

My mom with Gramps
last year.

it's hot chocolate I promise!

Missing him tons this year

but I'm sure he had a much

better view of it this year

plus I'm sure the weather

is so much warmer in heaven!

Me & the love of my life

taking it all in:)

Some pics of last year's annual Christams Parade of lights....missing my gramps this year.

I will post pics of this years parade soon, I just got a new camera and I haven't figured it all out yet so they are coming just as soon as I can.

T...is for turkey so crispy & brown

2009-11-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

T..is for turkey so crispy & brown
H..is for ham with it's sugary crown
A...is for apple pies that grandmother makes
N..is nuts & sweet little cakes
K..is for kinfolk who come to break bread
S...is for sauce made of cranberries red
G..is for gravy enjoy not the least
I..is for Indians at the first feast
V..is for voices of young & old
I..is for ice cream so yummy & cold
N..is for nonsense that makes the day bright
G..is for games we play until night
Nathan was in a school play last week right before Thanksgiving it was so sweet, he was a Pilgrim Minister and his famous line was "Praise the Lord" it was so cute here are some pics.

what a wow of a day...

2009-11-25T19:09:00.000-08:00

The boys with their daddy

they were so excited &

proud of him back on the ground,

safe & sound

Going up, up & awayToday, one day after celebrating ten years of marriage my husband still takes my breath away. This thanksgiving I am so thankful, thankful to him and thankful for him. I am thankful that he loves me the way he does, quirks and all. I am thankful for all that he does for me, he is our provider, protector and rock. I am thankful for all that he has given me, like his heart, a home, our children and countless moments in between. I am thankful that I get to share my life with such a generous, selfless, loving, caring, affectionate, intelligent and wonderful man. This has been one of the most difficult years our family has faced and it was so nice having someone to be with me through it all. Ten years later I am thankful that as much as I think I know him he still inspires me and surprises me. Check this out...