blessed

We found out some very sad news last night and I ask all of you to pray with me for our dear friends. Our dear friends who had tried very hard to get pregnant for quite a while found out they were expecting not too long ago. Well she delivered ther couple's very first child, a son at 25 weeks, he weighed in at barely a pound. Although small he has been very courageous and strong in his fight for life, small in size huge in spirit. He is now almost three pounds at almost two months old. He has been blessed by miracles everyday, he has defied every odd. The doctor told this beautiful baby's mother yesterday that his brain is not growing, and hasn't grown since birth, while his head (skull) continues to grow his brain isn't developing, there is fluid between the skull and the brain and it is likely he will have cerebral palsy. I ask you to pray for this amazing family, they have been on such a roller coaster full of good days and bad. The baby is in a hospital over 100 miles away from home so there is constant travel. Please pray for baby Drezdin his beautiful mommy and his wonderful dad. Healthy babies are something I've taken for granted until now, I realize how blessed we are. I pray that this mother will soon hold a healthy baby in her arms and in her own home.
P.S The Ronald McDonald House has been allowing the family to stay, the house is across the street from the hospital, I never realized how much they do for families I will now use the donation boxes I see, they are such an amazing group they have provided so much.

Blessed is the man who trusts in The Lord Jeremiah 17:7

Oh what a day...

Nathan lost his
first tooth, yipee

Our little wishbone

What a fun filled day we've had today. I woke up older, but hopefully wiser today and had a great day. It started off with a great work out with Cody whom I just adore, thanks again Dad for the session. Then it was off and running for the rest of the day. Nathan had a Thanksgiving program at school today and he was the wishbone, just adorable. They sang the cutest song about gobble gobble and a wobble wobble, it was at this moment I wish I knew how to put video on my blog but anyway it was great you'll just have to trust me on that one, the pictures just don't do the little wishbone any justice. Then Nathan's darling teacher served us pumpkin pie in her classroom.

Then it was off to the Doctor's office for Nicolas he unfortunately was diagnosed with migraines, I'm so sorry for passing them on, I hope he doesn't suffer near as much as I have. So we have to start a log about them, like when, how often and what he has eaten when they occur and then we may have to see a neurologist I'm hoping that it's something we can take care of by means of diet. It's amazing how much kids health, behavior and so on is influenced by what they eat. That's it I'm moving to a farm and growing my own food, it's so hard to read every box, bottle and container I bring home. Oh and Nathan lost his very first tooth today, he was so excited he's been waiting for a long time for this, all of his friends have already lost several teeth. He's even more excited to have the Tooth Fairy coming over tonight, that's a big deal in our house. The first tooth is worth the most.

Now it's time to celebrate my birthday, we are having cake at my parent's house and then Manuel and I are going out for a drink. What a great day I've had and thank you to all who have called, sent cards & emails I love you all dearly.

Planning Christmas...

For the first time in a long time we are going to be away from home for Christmas. I've been on the Internet all day trying to find a flight for my hubby so he can meet me there on Christmas Eve and then fly out late Christmas Day. I'm sad he won't be able to spend much time with us but I also understand that it's an important time for him to be at work, I'm super excited that I get a Santa Fe Christmas though, and snow would just put the cherry on top for me. I haven't had snow on Christmas since I left SF and came to the dessert. So come on Santa I've been really good this year and all I want for Christmas is my family and a little or a lot of snow and maybe a sled!

With Thanksgiving being next week our little town kicks into overdrive and becomes the cutest little town on the planet. There are huge parades, light parades, caroling, courthouse lighting, valley of lights and the list just keeps going and going. It's during holidays that I really appreciate where I live and how lucky I am to raise my children in a small town. Leaving SF was one of the hardest things I thought, but now I feel it was He who grabbed my shoulders and guided me here, I am blessed in every way and blessed to be here. May the blessing of this coming season surround all of you and all of those you love.

Sick Day

How fast the flu can arrive, well I learned all about that yesterday. I was just going about my day had just finished up at Costco when Manuel called that Nicolas was in the nurse's office at school and for me to go and get him right away (Nicolas has Manuel's cell number memorized good boy!). When I got to his school I could barely walk in the office it was so full with sick kiddos. Nicolas was on the cot falling asleep, pale as a sheet and could barely keep his eyes open, far from the kid I had dropped off at school only a few hours earlier. The funny part is he is absolutely fine today hopefully we all stay healthy. Reconsidering getting us all a flu shot, love to all :) Happy Anniversary Laura & Marcos we love you!!

AWANA Annual Derby

Nicolas had sooo much fun, he was so excited to go show off his car. His car did pretty well until the very end. The end was good too though because he got to race his car against one of his best friend's car, so he was sad his car lost but excited that his friend was taking home a trophy. Overall the experience of doing a car with his dad and then getting to race is something I'm sure Nicolas is looking forward to doing again next year.

Bite for you and a bite for me...

Isaac is just too stinking cute! He loves having babies around because he eats their food and then to top it off steals there bottles, mind you he doesn't even take a bottle anymore. He will even drink formula YUCK!! Poor McKenzie only gets about half her food Isaac takes the other, he did the same thing when "Showpeea" was here too. I should reconsider putting him back on baby food it seems to settle his stomach we haven't had any stomach issues this month, (he suffers from outbreaks of c-dif and is probably gluten intolerant).

Last night I had bunko and Manuel was left at home with all the boys to build Nicolas' derby car for AWANA that he will race tonight. When I got home the car was done and it looks great Good Job Manuel! I hope it's fast enough to win, that would just make Nicolas' night even if it doesn't win Manuel and Nicolas still had a great time making it, I will post pics of the big event tomorrow hope everyone is having a great day :)

Bring The Rain: 7x7 Button

Bring The Rain: 7x7 Button

Better late than never...

Uncle Juke helping Isaac put his
life jacket on the night before
the big fishing day. Oh what fun!

My mom and dad enjoying Gramps

and the wonderful scenery.

Give me a kiss...

Nicolas caught the first fish of the day

Dorky me trying to keep my

balance as the wind picked up.

All of us just enjoying our time

and eachother. Thanks Patty, Juke,

Mitch & Grandpa for the wonderful

weekend.

Just goofing around with auntie

Patty

We LOVE you gramps...
The pictures are from August but I just had to share. This was over Labour Day weekend and we had a ball. We drove straight through to Eagle's Nest which is really close to Angel Fire, New Mexico, to my aunt and uncle's cabin. I had never been so I was super excited. It was really nice spending time all together like that. We had just found out but didn't know the specifics of what was/is wrong with my grandpa so good quality time felt wonderful.

The boys went fishing and caught a ton of fish that we put right on the grill, living out in the desert it's rare to eat something so fresh, it was delicious. The boys had a great time on the boat with uncle Juke, Grandpa, Pa and Mitch. The Lake itself is soo beautiful and the mountains nearby are gorgeous. It was a short trip but a great one, one that left lasting memories for me and the boys ( I know this says nothing about Manuel, he unfortunately had to stay in AZ to work, we missed him, I'm sure he would have loved catching all those fish!)

Being Happier Every Day...

Holy Father please place

your hands on him and heal

him, all for your glory. We

pray in your son's holy

name.

I absolutely love Wednesdays, these are the days I go to bible study and just become a soaked up sponge with the Lord's word. I find so much inspiration, gratitude and love when I study His word. Today I found inspiration in being happy with the little things in life. The first is giving thanks, give thanks for everything big and small and start the moment my eyes open in the morning a positive attitude leads to a beautiful day the second is do unto others, do something for someone else that will make their life a little easier it not only helps them but the doer as well studies show that performing five good deeds a week can significantly elevate your mood "what you give in time or energy, you'll get back in gratitude, third is get involved. I know in this economy it's easier to stay home instead of go out and most often when the economy tanks our relationships do as well and that's a huge mistake. "Two of the top five factors in determining happiness are family relationships and community". So get out there and socialize! And last but not lest in being happier is to choose, choose a healthy happy lifestyle 10% of our well-being is determined by circumstance that means we choose a whole lot of what happens in our life. I hope this brings inspiration I know I left bible study with a new outlook on the day and feeling a sense of power that I can make my day as good as I want it to be. Happy day to all:) Praying always with all prayer (Ephesians 6:18)

Simply Sunday...

Mikie & Her hubby Matt flying a kite in the sunday wind...

my cute dad enjoying his

day off

My wonderful husband

enjoying his boys

trying to keep the kite in

the air and out of the trees

Isaac wanting more Halloween

candy...don't think so the

sugar coma has just worn off

cute but I said keep the

kite out of the trees...

I love you Manuel

I am superwoman hear me roar!!

What a GREAT day!! What a wonderful weekend! We had my lovely cousin Michaelene & her wonderful family in town and we had a great time. They arrived early friday so we go to go trick or treating together and we hadn't done that in years. We went up to Mount Vernon it wasn't as crazy this year as it has been in years past although I did lose Nathan for about fifteen minutes. So proud of him though he found a Police Officer and told him his name, age and phone number we were happily reunited a few minutes later without many tears. Isaac was a little overwhelmed by the whole thing and was very cranky.

Sunday was great, my day to work nursery and I didn't have a single child other than Isaac so I got to have some alone time with him it was great that doesn't happen all that often a chance to just play, no laundry or cleaning it was great. The rest of the day felt like fall so we stayed close to home and my mom's house just taking in the day. The day ended with a family dinner of posole, red chile, tamales and tortillas a great way to end a week and an even better way to start a whole new one :)

Halloween

My little Toucan Isaac

Me & baby McKenzie cutest cow ever!!

All the little critters on their way out to trick or treat. We all had a ball.

White Horse Lake October 2008

Oh what fun we had! We spent a glorious three days in the mountains of Williams Arizona. We went with several other families and had a blast. We went riding and hiking and played games. Isaac roasted his first marshmallow and made his first smores he LOVED it!

Our new baby

Meet the newest member of our clan, Kingston ( and no I didn't name him). He was given to us by Manuel's boss. He is sweet the biggest fluffy dog in the world. I've never had a dog like this before he has to sleep in my bed and ride in the car on my lap no less!! I've become Paris Hilton minus the blonde hair!

"This is the day"

"this is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24) Yesterday was one of those days were I just wanted to go back to bed pull the covers over my head and hope I would either wake up to an entirely different day with different circumstances or sleep the entire day away like it never happened.

My Gramps was diagnosed with lung cancer yesterday. I was at karate with the kids and my phone went dead but I had remembered to bring the charger so I plugged the phone in and not a minute later it rang I knew who was on the other end and what this call was about I had been waiting for it all day. I picked up hoping for the best and my hope and positive thinking was gone in an instant my mom was crying so hard I could barely hear her but I knew it wasn't the news I was hoping for. My eyes teared up immediately and all I could hear her say was "this is just like my mom, this is happening just like it happened to my mom". In an instant this enormous weight fell on my shoulders I kept thinking no no no this can't be, this can't be happening again please God no not again. Somehow God's grace filled me as quickly as the bad news I had heard left. Grace, it's amazing how it happens. This is the day the Lord had made right? He makes good days and bad both however are ways we can be in his grace and allow his love to embrace us. I heard God speak to my heart no regrets he said and immediately I said yes no regrets. I've loved my grandpa since day one and have been lucky enough to have the relationship with him that I tell him often how much I love him and how good he is to me. We have always been close, he sometimes is the first person I tell when something is going on. He knows everything about me the good the bad and the ugly as the saying goes. Grace and a deep breath got me through the rest of the day.
Today I went to a Women of Wisdom brunch and by God's mercy I was sent there it was all about tragedy, mercy, grace and love. The woman who spoke had lost her ten year old son two years ago. I cried through the whole entire thing, not only did her story resemble so much the day I lost my brother but it also helped me focus on what is happening right now. Cancer is bad yes but is it the end? not always and hopefully not for my grandpa. This is the day the lord has made...I will rejoice that God is giving this day, a day I can call him and laugh with him or just call him to tell him I love him, I will rejoice that today is an opportunity an opportunity to make this day wonderful. Sure God makes good days and bad ones he makes birthdays, anniversary days he makes everything each day good or bad is a day He has made for us. Please keep my grandpa in your prayers:)

Gone Fishing

What a wonderful weekend we all had. Saturday we spent the day doing our chores so we could enjoy the rest of the weekend. After we were done the boys went with their "Pa" fishing at Lynx Lake. Isaac and I were able to take a much needed nap. Saturday night we went to Angela and Tye's house for a BBQ it was wonderful. The kiddos had tons of fun playing Angela and I enjoyed our pomegranate martinis and the boys played pool.

Sunday we went back to the lake the boys caught crawdads and minnows we had sooo much fun. Pa and Daddy taught them how to catch and release all the little bass. Isaac was like a mad man running up and down the shore he "accidentally" fell in the water only a couple of times. What a great weekend:)

Blessed are we

I find myself sometimes getting so caught up in the tasks of the day...run here..pay this...wash this...what time is that appointment that I often forget the little things that make each day extraordinary. Isaac reminded me of that today.
After I finished working out I walked over and got him from childcare where they were playing outside. I held his hand and we began our trek to the car. On our way he saw a tree and lay ed on the grass beneath it and said "mama look" as he pointed to the clouds and then "come sit minute". We lay ed there for a long time watching the clouds pass and pointed out different shapes, then as we got up and walked we reached the gate there is a bench there and he wanted to "sit minute" and we drank our water and just sat there. And for those few minutes we just sat and sat in the moment everything else that I thought I had to do just vanished then we walked further and he did somersaults in the grass. In all we stayed at the club for an hour after I finished my class, it was wonderful to be reminded to just enjoy the moment and have some fun. My hope is to do that more often because as I think about my boys I realize that time is just flying by so I hope to have more small precious moments and hope to "have to" less :) P.S I just ordered a new camera and it should arrive in just a few day and then I will have wonderful pics of our wonderful life to share.

home sweet home

Nice to be back home and back to our routine. We made an unplanned very fast trip to New Mexico over the weekend and it was wonderful. We left early Saturday morning and drove straight through to Eagle's nest. I hadn't been there since I was a kid I had forgotten how beautiful it was. The weather was crisp and cool and the rain was amazing. The kiddos went fishing and were really excited about how many they caught and then we grilled them up and ate them for brunch. After a wonderful night and day at the lake we headed to Santa Fe. We visited with some family. My aunts, grandparents and cousins it was great I felt really spoiled being able to see them again so soon, we were just there in June. It seems the longer I live in AZ the less I go to NM. I loved seeing my family again, it was really nice because when I really thought about it, it had been almost a year since I'd seen my grandpa. I think that's the longest amount of time I've ever been away from him in my whole life. We had a great time together at the lake we sat outside and just talked away. I was mixed with emotions I just pray that nothing is wrong with him.

The trip home yesterday was great too, I wasn't looking forward to the traffic, but it wasn't bad at all the kids slept a lot and the trip went fast and we were home safe and sound before I knew it, thank you God.
Our week is starting off good, the kids were excited to go back to school and needless to say I feel blessed by the opportunity to be with my family this weekend :)

Thank God it's Monday!!

I never thought I would catch myself saying thank God it's finally Monday, but I'm so glad it is. This weekend proved to be the never ending kind.
Last Wednesday Manuel had four wisdom teeth pulled, a white spot removed from his tongue and a baby tooth that was still lodged in his front gums pulled. It was a huge undertaking, he was in bed for three days he finally felt well enough to go back to work on Saturday. So our house has been somewhat different the last few days.

Saturday was nice though because my mom and dad took Nicolas and Nathan to Camp Verde to see the Wildlife Park. The kids loved it because they could get really close to most of the animals because a lot of them aren't in enclosures, only the man eating ones as Nathan would say. I'm glad they got to go out and enjoy themselves for a while because the rest of the weekend was just rainy and yucky so we had to stay inside most of the weekend.
Everything else around here is going smoothly...Nicolas has met some new friends and is starting to really enjoy his new school. I went and had lunch with him last week and I think that helped his come out of his shell a little. Isaac is still getting into EVERYTHING and Nathan is just going with the flow and being the little sweetheart he is :) Hope all are well and please please please keep my grandpa in your prayers as to the spots on his lungs.

Bunko prep

This week has been a good one so far, Nathan loves school, his teacher and all his new friends. Nicolas however isn't as thrilled, he likes his school but misses his old school and all his friends. I told him that he could be in AWANAS this year so that he could still see his friends hope that helps him a little.

Isaac is loving his one on one time with me, he is back to his good natured lovey self I love it! He gets really excited when it's time to get the boys from school, he is talking a lot now. He says or at least tries to say just about everything now.

I'm off to the mall and some other stores today, Tuesday is my turn at hosting bunko. I'm excited I've never hosted this group of ladies yet ( I just started with this group in Jan. after subbing for them for a couple of years). I'm thinking of doing a new mexican inspired menu. I think they would love some enchiladas, beans, rice all that stuff my only problem so far is coming up with an interesting cocktail, I don't want to do the usual margaritas so I'll have to really start thinking. I have to go buy the prizes today and all that fun stuff, so I hope it goes well. Well I hope everyone is having a great week and just enjoying what each day brings to us.

Back in school

I have to admit that I was a little excited about the arrival of the first day of school, I could finally get back to my routine, however today felt much different than I thought it would. I went to bed early last night so that I would wake up on time and be able to get the boys off to school with matching shoes and clean teeth. Well I laid there for a long time, I felt like it was my first day of school to. Who would I meet, would I know anyone and would I like the teachers, I laughed when I caught myself sounding like a 3rd grader or a kindergartner for that matter. Finally the alarm went off this morning and I woke up feeling wide awake but not at all happy rather kind of solemn our house was quiet not the chaos I'd imagined. I had them dressed, ready and out the door with plenty of time to get to school early enough to walk the boys to their classrooms and settle them in. I guess I forgot how old Nicolas is getting there wasn't any of that cutesy stuff just come in put your bag down and have a seat not a single tear, bye mom I love you...nothing. Then it was off to Nathan's class, we hadn't met his teacher yet so it was quite exciting to go to his room. His classroom was like entering wonderland it was amazing. Everything was so colorful and great and his beautiful teacher greeted us and showed Nathan his desk with his cute name tag and of course it was a frog cut out. Could she have known my child anymore than this I don't think so, it made his day to have his own frog on his desk. If you haven't read before we had tons of froggy adventures this summer. One of the girls cried and cried it was heartbreaking. I left the class with Isaac in tow and one eye on Nathan with a huge smile on his face. That was it the waterworks started. I tried to get out the door as fast as possible so no one would notice what a baby I was being, but I couldn't help it I felt sad, my cuddle bug days are over.
So for all the anxiety I was feeling about the kids starting a new school, well some of them are still there, I like the boys will miss the familiar faces but we are off to a great start and we'll meet new ones, life just opened a new door full of possibilities so we'll take it.