Making A Life Of Our Own

DANCING TWINS

2012-01-24T19:28:00.004-05:00

We went to Louisville this past weekend and on the way there we had such energetic boys! Pandora happened to play Emma's favorite song, Alejandro, yes, my kids dance to Lady Gaga. They danced and danced for a while but the scene soon changed to this:

STAND STILL

2012-01-20T22:38:00.000-05:00

Today I thought about how much I would miss these days if they were suddenly gone... I thought about all the things I want them to know before they are all grown up... I thought about all the games I want to play and the laughs I want to share with them before they turn into teenagers and no longer think I'm fun... I listened to a song by Hilary Weeks last week, "Stand Still" and it completely expresses the way I am feeling right now... it's about our little ones growing and the days passing so fast and never stopping and the desire to hold on... Time stand still...

MISCHIEVOUS BOYS I HAVE

2012-01-16T15:38:00.000-05:00

These two are driving me crazy! They spent two hours on time out today, including Emma. I am the meanest mom. I am also tired of their unnecessary messes. Today they thought of a new one and opened some therma care patches that I would have liked to use and completely wasted them. I put them all in time out and started cleaning their rooms. Two hours later they were all tired and almost falling asleep. They are all still napping and I get a break. But how can I not love them and smile when looking at these pictures? These pictures were taken on a better day.

DIA DE LOS REYES MAGOS

2012-01-14T23:24:00.001-05:00

We celebrated 3 Kings' Day last week. My mom called me to make sure I taught the kids about it and I was too tired to care really. I just wanted everybody to get better. You are supposed to put your shoe by the window the night before and in the morning you would find the present they brought you. Well, morning had come and I had not mentioned it. I was feeling a little guilty and like a terrible daughter to my mom and disloyal to my own traditions. That very morning they were showing the 3 Kings special on Dora. Thank you, Dora! It was so much easier to quickly explain it to Emma and told her that we better hurry and put our shoes by the window. We all got one shoe, even the boys. Emma quickly concluded that maybe if she put all her shoes they would bring that many presents! Clever little girl! But no, it does not work like that. So, we waited patiently all afternoon. When daddy came, we made sugar cookies since we didn't have a rosca. The kids loved it anyway and maybe next year we will not be sick and I will actually make a real rosca with nice plastic babies in it and invite the family to celebrate. Then... the magi came! They brought each child a present. An awesome memory number matching game for Emma, a birthday cake for Ben and shape puzzle for Alex. It was so fun and I was relieved I would be able to tell my mom that we did have a good Dia de los Reyes!

CATCHING UP SOME MORE

2012-01-12T11:35:00.002-05:00

I feel like we have had so much going on in the past weeks that I have not shared but we have mainly been sick. The boys were sick the week before Christmas, Emma got sick on Christmas Eve and right around the 28th of December everybody seemed to be doing just fine. We did have a good New Year's eve and had high hopes of a great start of 2012. We made it through the first of January and then right at 2 am Benjamin woke up sick. Alex was sick the next day and Ryan followed. Emma and I had some discomfort but thankfully that was all. Last night I was feeling pretty good and not as exhausted as I have been. This morning, Emma woke up with "annoying boogies" she said. Hopefully it will not turn into a cold and lets pray it will not spread! I am sick of sickness!I have been pulling out my camera from time to time so I have something to show for those sick days...Here we go...

IT'S GENETIC

2012-01-11T14:12:00.000-05:00

What else can I say?... It runs in the family...

SHORT VIDEO

2012-01-11T07:49:00.000-05:00

This is Ben and he is a puzzle genius! First time he was handed a puzzle, and he was not puzzled.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

2012-01-09T16:32:00.000-05:00

Pretty much right after Santa came, the flu came. We had just gotten to bed when Emma, who was sleeping in our room, starts puking! We gave her a bath and got her in bed with us. She puked a couple more times until she fell asleep. Morning came and we had to wake her up and convince her that Santa had come. They all came out and got so excited when they saw the presents!I captured the opening of presents on video but I am unable to post those because Ryan was somewhat naked. Emma was so excited to see her pink camera! She kept saying" Just what I wanted, mom! A pink camera just like yours!" I kind of wish mine was pink also.Santa was generous and got her a cool Dora book with projector and a music player too.Alex got an awesome tool bench. And they just broke it last night. It's still fun I guess. Ben got shopping cart with lots of pantry and refrigerator items. The first day they went shopping in my freezer. Just what "they" wanted according to Emma.The rest of the morning was spent like this...And maybe a time out...Or two...

CHRISTMAS PART TWO

2012-01-06T23:25:00.000-05:00

I meant for this post to come right after part 1 but we have been sick, sick, sick! The Holidays hit us terribly! Tonight it feels like we just may have survived it! I shouldn't get all optimistic and excited just yet... We didn't have too bad a day... It was 3 kings day too. My mom called last night to remind me to teach Emma about the holiday, I was too tired to care really. This morning Dora had a 3 kings day special... it helped teach Emma. This post though, is about Christmas so the 3 kings will have to wait their turn!
So, this is Christmas Eve with my family. We got together as every year and had a really nice time. We talked to our family in Mexico via google TV. (awesome little device I got for Christmas). The children loved their presents and Ben and Alex loved ~~opening~~ helping others open their presents! They both loved Christmas!
And after a good night, everybody went to sleep... except for Santa.Part 3 will hopefully come soon!

NEWBORN CASTING CALL

2011-12-29T09:07:00.003-05:00

I posted a newborn casting call in my photography blog and you can check it out through this link: http://modishphotography.blogspot.com/
Please pass it along if you know people that might be interested! I would greatly appreciate all your help!

SANTA GOT IT RIGHT THIS YEAR! PART 1

2011-12-28T16:09:00.001-05:00

This is the Christmas post. We had a blast with both of our families and it was so much fun for the kids, they seemed to understand what was going on, more so than last year anyway.We had an early Christmas with the Jacksons. We had a delicious breakfast and then gathered for a little program my mother in law does every year. It was kind of hard to get all the children to cooperate but as soon as we moved to the opening of presents part of the program everybody was ready!This year Ryan and I shopped online for most of our gifts and I will say that we ordered mostly everything at the beginning of the month! Way to go Santa's elves! (One night I tried to go shopping to the mall and all the while I was there going from store to store I wondered what exactly I was doing there... I. do. not. like. crowds.) My sewing room also acted as Santa's workshop! I whipped up a couple of handmade gifts, since Sarah demanded handmade this year. I was happy to oblige. So, I started snapping and my favorite subject... Enzo! He's already crawling! I then went around the room and found some funny people mingling...Then the real fun began!Ryan's favorite present! And maybe mine too... Emma got a piggy bank! She loved it! It was exactly what she wanted! Thanks Lucy!And she felt very protective of it! Nobody was going to take it away!Oh how I wished I had captured Emma's face when she opened this present! She was ecstatic and almost couldn't believe it! She said: Just what I wanted, mom! (She had been watching the commercial on Nickelodeon and stood up every time to dance, every. time.)She ran and gave Grandma a big hug! And then there's Alex playing with Dad's present!We made a little book for Grandma with all her grand kids and a little calendar for Grandpa. I think they may have liked it a little...It was a nice day. It was full of fun and new toys. I, by the way, got a super cool little wireless speaker for the Ipod from Matt. LOVE IT! Even more now than I initially did...And this, concludes part 1.

CEREAL

2011-12-19T11:28:00.001-05:00

I have been neglecting this blog a little too much lately. Life has been busy and I wish I could blame it on holiday shopping and enjoyment, and while there has been some of that I cannot recall exactly what this month has been filled with! I have been exhausted to say the least. These children have been sucking up all energy out of me! Even rigth now, I forgot what exactly it was I wanted to write about, and it's only 11 am!. We have been sick around here too... The boys caught some kind of bug or maybe a stomach infection and we didn't make it to church yesterday. Emma and Ryan did though, and only because it was Emma's last official day in Nursery. My baby girl will be with the big kids starting next year! I was telling her that she would love it, so much to learn and new friends. I also told her that that boys were going to stay in nursery until next year and that she would not play with toys or have a snack anymore. She said to me, but who is going to love my brothers when they cry? Her next thought was, no toys or snacks? She wasn't sure what to think anymore.Today is a better morning. The kids "seem" to be past the little bug and are back to their normal energetic little selves. I too, feel better and feel like I'm so behind with all the housekeeping! So, instead of feeling overwhelmed I'm taking a break (even before startng) to breathe and do something more fun. And since I cannot think of all the things I wanted to write, these pictures will have to do! The boys have "learned" to eat cereal.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

2011-12-02T09:02:00.001-05:00

We decided to give the countdown to Christmas a try this year and see how the kids liked it. We added an activity for each day and a little treat. On the first day we started making pinatas! Hopefully we will finish them in time for Christmas!First time the boys posed for me! How cute are they!?Everybody got to look in the bucket for their little treat. I think having dad lift them up in the air was their favorite part! Crabby patties were nice too.The kids really got into the pinata making, there was paste tasting and painting of the desk and computer screen, some in their hair and clothes, but mostly on the balloon.And this, is what our first layer looked like!

FRIDAY NIGHT

2011-11-18T19:06:00.001-05:00

I'm a little bored tonight and wishing I could go to the movies and watch Breaking Dawn... Emma makes me happy and takes the blues away...

SILLY GIRLS

2011-11-11T14:01:00.001-05:00

These two have been enjoying some time together this week, in fact, Kita should be here in about thrity minutes and maybe spend the night. Emma gets this silly laugh and excitement when she sees Kita. Emma does have other wonderful cousins too whom she's best friends with too. It would have been nice to have girl cousins that came and played with me. They are so silly together. They talk about Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber, they play dog school, they chase each other around the table for minutes non stop! They make a good pair. I made them some quesadillas and we talked about silly stuff. I think, I too, like Justin Bieber.

TIME OUT

2011-11-07T11:29:00.001-05:00

This is Alex in time out. He was being mischievous, really pushing my buttons. How is it that these two little punks have so much power! I went and got my camera and took a few.He was not happy when he realized I was taking pictures. I love his little upset face!And for the first time, Ben was not in trouble. He and Emma were hanging out in my bed and laughing at Alex.

HALLOWEEN

2011-11-05T12:17:00.001-04:00

Emma really wanted to be a cowgirl. Mom had the best intentions but ran out of time. She was a witch, the cutest purple witch. Tia Dutsika took her trick or treating with Kita and Amaury. The boys didn't get to dress up this year. I promise to be more organized next year and actually care about these holidays. I know, I am a party pooper. I did pass out candy though. I set up my bucket on the sidewalk ( I am too antsy to wait for the kids to make it to my door, especially for all those toddlers! It was taking them too long!) Ryan brought me the rocking chair, a blanket and a hot chocolate. I think I might like halloween. I was known as "the lady with the good stuff". Yes, I passed out some awesome candy, no smarties in my bucket!

FAMILY

2011-10-28T11:06:00.003-04:00

Today I'm just feeling thankful (and tired from not sleeping last night, but that's besides the point), I'm thankful for my mom, for loving me and taking care of me and supporting me in every way possible. I'm thankful for my family, my brothers, Samir and Ramiro, and my beautiful sister, Janely, for helping me and watching me grow up. For teaching me how to be a good and happy girl. They are truly good people. I'm thankful for my husband, Ryan, for his love and the three sweet babies we have together. Families are a complicated matter, I tell ya... and sometimes it gets rough... but we're all we've got, and we've been very happy together many a times before...and I'm sure we will continue to be happy even when distance and misunderstandings are hard to overcome, we just got to...I'm thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all the promises and blessings we have been given through Him. I guess I have been thinking about families and how much I love mine. And before I get too sappy, I just loved these pictures of my little punks! I took these two days ago while the boys were in time out!Emma thought it was picture time!Time out didn't quite serve its purpose... it was fun time!

LA ESCUELITA- PART 2

2011-10-27T19:14:00.001-04:00

It's the boys' turn! They love blocks. They get busy building towers as soon as I pull them out of the closet. Emma said to me on the first day of school "momma, the boys don't know how to follow directions, do they?" No, they don't. They hopefully soon will... I just keep praying!

LA ESCUELITA

2011-10-26T15:56:00.002-04:00

It has been hard to entertain my kids lately. They truly have been driving me crazy. I mean that. The boys decided to stop napping. The last two times they made a mess, literally. I had to go buy more packing tape and wash the carpet. I still put them in their cribs hoping they will nap. They just play and empty the drawers and jump from crib to crib. They lost their fear of heights and climbed out, even though the short sides were towards the walls. I decided to institute La Escuelita. I set up a table and chairs and gathered some supplies. Emma loves it! She calls me teacher all day! The boys, well, they're boys. Anyway, here is Emma, loving school time!

AT THE PARK

2011-10-20T22:16:00.001-04:00

We had awesome weather last week and I am missing it badly. It has been raining way too much. It's cold and dreary. Have I mentioned how much I dislike (I'm trying not to use the word hate, amongst others, because of the little copy cat I have) cold and dreary days? Well, I do. They make me tired and melancholic, not that melancholy is necessary a terrible feeling. But anyway, I do. And so tonight I remembered I had not posted about our day at the park last week. It was so much fun! I actually thought of not taking my camera and just play with the kids. I am so glad I took it with us! Ryan does a good job of swinging and lifting and catching. I do much better pressing the shutter.As soon as we parked the car, they pointed at the slide and became very excited! Next, the swings.There was running and I got to chase them a little.Ben spotted a football team and loved watching them. He kept pointing at them and just wishing he was older to be able to join them!I know, it's time for a haircut. Emma tried to hopscotch but her leg was not helping. She is now walking almost normally. The time flew by and the kids did not want to leave. Benjamin did not want to leave.So, they all got one last turn at the slide, more like two really.The end.

THE SHORT NAP

2011-10-16T19:05:00.000-04:00

Friday morning Emma had her doctor's appointment and since I had been very "busy" the last few days I thought it would be good for me to stay home with the boys and do a little cleaning. Ryan ended up taking Emma to the office with him after the doctor said her little bone was healing perfectly. After a morning of cleaning, afternoon came and I was looking forward to some peaceful time. I put the boys down for the usual three hour nap and headed downstairs with a few items in my photography to do list. After about thirty minutes I could still hear them talking, laughing and jumping. Soon the laughter became crying. And soon after, there was silence. Not ten minutes had passed when there was more crying. And it didn't stop. I went to check on the crying baby and there he was, naked, wet and probably cold. Alex was still dressed and asleep, thankfully. I took Ben with me and the mommy time soon became, well, mommy time!We pulled out the tools and some shape blocks and had a fun one on one, mommy and Ben time!

PET SHOP PARTY

2011-10-12T17:17:00.001-04:00

Last weekend we ran into this awesome pet shop house and pets deal! We found them at a yard sale for twelve dollars! It really was a deal considering they wanted twenty but a little "I really want it mommy" plus one of Emma's sweet faces, talked the lady into twelve dollars, all the cash I had on me. Emma and even the boys have been really enjoying them, me? not so much. Picking them up is not my favorite activity lately but they sure look good in pictures! ;)And this, is momma sheep. She has "a lot of honeys". Bird is another momma but she has "a little honeys".

SEPTEMBER

2011-10-08T22:39:00.000-04:00

This post is one more of my little "catch up" posts. I just don't seem to be able to juggle all my apples right! September was an eventful month. Somewhat stressful, somewhat growth-ful, somewhat exciting, somewhat melancholic, somewhat filled of doctor's appointments. Looking back I think it was also filled with accomplishments and milestones. One of them was the boys' second birthday! I tried to take more pictures but I was somewhat tired and stressed out! {not about the party, just stressed}. Here they are, my two little monkeys! They are such monsters but I love them! Here they are with some of the cousins!Emma eating her cake!I love these ones! They were having such a good time together! I LOVE seeing them play nice and a little stress melts!At the Doctor's office. Benjamin kept peeking out and flirting with the nurse! Alex's appointment was on a different day. And he did the same thing! I did get a few more shots of Alex; he was more independent... until he got shot!My mom had a birthday also. We went to Texas Road House and she got on the donkey!Samir, Dutsika and the kids.We had a little cake at home and she almost set the house on fire!There was also some napping...And some oompa loompa style bathing...Overall, it was a good month. To say I'm exhausted is an understatement! But we're ready for the events and challenges of October!

EMMA'S LUCKY DAY

2011-09-28T00:49:00.001-04:00

This morning Emma had a "progress" appointment. She was to get an x ray and see how her tibia had been healing. Well, we got there and she was a happy girl. They called us for the x ray and Ryan took her in. I only heard the technicians laugh and say "yay Emma". I think she must have been perfect during the x ray. She got three stickers. When they sent us in to the room, the doctor's assistant came in and the only thing I remember he said was "three stickers? wow! today must be your lucky day!" Emma was way too excited about those stickers. One of Care Bears, one Strawberry Shortcake and a Snow White one. She was truly excited. Can't you tell?Emma was too excited that she thought it would be great to peel the stickers and stick them on herself. She then thought it would be fun to stick two together. She asked me to un-stick them and I promise I gave it my very best and only meant well. Strawberry Shortcake was in perfect state while Care Bears, well, not. She was so disappointed. Her smile disappeared. All she could think about was her ripped stickers and kept accusing me of ripping them. The doctor then came in and started talking to Emma but she would not answer; she was too focused on her loss and I think she may have wanted some kind of revenge.Doctor Haller soon figured out that she would not listen to him and thought he would give the sticker a try.I thin he was almost there, I could almost see Emma's smile on the left. He did it! And Emma is my smiley girl once again, on the right.Then the Doctor was able to deliver his message. Emma's x ray looked good. Still healing. We had two choices. Cast on for two more weeks but would surely come off then. Cast off now but she might experience pain and cast would probably come on again. She heard the cast off option and she wanted it off. She has been talking about new shoes. I knew that if the cast stayed on, she would be unhappy and would make the two weeks somewhat difficult. Ryan thought she could handle pain well if she did have it. Yes, off was the only option we were really considering. She promised to be really good and not jump, run or climb. The doctor approved. We took a few last shots of the infamous cast!Off we went to Coach Kim's room! She is the same lady that put it on. She's just now Coach Kim Mac. Very nice lady. So, here we are.Coach Mac pulled out her tools and explained to Emma how she would go about cutting the cast off. Emma payed close attention.Almost off.I love this picture! Daddy's keeping her safe.It's off!And this... is freedom! Emma's freckle is uncovered! Oh, how I missed that freckle!Wouldn't you say this was a super Lucky Day!!? And to top it off, Miss Noble came to see her in the afternoon and brought her a super cute photo book from their nursery time and playdates! What a lucky girl!

CATCHING UP WITH LIFE

2011-09-23T23:31:00.001-04:00

Life has been hectic, or so it seems. So much to do. So little done. I never felt the overwhelming power of the terrible twos like in the past few weeks! Overwhelming I tell you. Today, Emma said to me:"Mommy, my brothers are always getting in trouble, right?" (They have spent at least a couple of hours in time outs already!) I said: "yes, Emma, they are ALWAYS getting in trouble". Emma says: "They are like the Bobo brothers, always getting themselves in trouble!" (The Bobo Brothers are the two little monkeys from Go! Diego Go!). We laughed and laughed. We played. Emma "read" a book.The boys wanted Emma to "read" to them.Oh yeah, they got thirsty and tired. Oh how I love it when my most terrible two year old calms down for a minute and gives me a couple of quiet images!I truly meant "a couple".And there was more playing... We truly had a good time catching up with the real and good life.

EMMA'S FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT

2011-09-13T21:26:00.001-04:00

Well, we went back to the doctor last Friday and Emma's tibia is healing and looking great. She remains in this long annoying and super heavy cast. The short cast would not provide enough protection for her tibia to continue healing and so the ugly long cast gets to stay for the rest of the time it seems. She's doing just fine though. She now crawls and drags her little self all over the floor, she even came up the stairs once all by herself! I was so surprised to see her in the kitchen when I had just left her downstairs playing. I asked her who had brought her upstairs and she said, I did it myself mommy! (with a huge smile filled with pride and accomplishment!) Nothing is stronger than her spirit. She's awesome! We have an appointment on the twenty sixth of September and we shall see if she looks good enough for no cast, or at least that's what I would love to hear...I was playing around today in my basement with my little flash and Emma was so kind to pose for me and help me practice.

A SWEET GIRL AND HER LOVELY PINK CAST

2011-09-07T21:38:00.001-04:00

Ten days ago we were celebrating Amaury's second birthday and we were all having a good time. We had set up the bouncy house for the kids to play. I had snapped a couple of pictures before I left. I had to go make a visit while everybody enjoyed the party. This is my sweet little girl right before I left. When I came back I found my little girl crying and I was told she had jumped from one end of the slide onto the bouncy house and landed on her knee. She wouldn't walk on it. Daddy carried her and she took a little nap in the car. We went home and after a couple of hours she still wouldn't walk and complained that it hurt. Being Sunday we had no option but the ER. So off we went and waited from eight pm until almost one am to be seen. Emma got an x ray and by this time, I was still wondering what exactly we were doing there. She had been watching movies on the iphone and she wasn't having too bad a time. Except, she would say "ouchy" when we touched her leg and would not stand. The x ray came back and to my surprise, she had fractured her tibia. They put a splint on her leg and immobilized it. We finally got to bed at two am.Thankfully, the iphone still had a bit of battery and I was able to snap a few pictures in the emergency room.The next morning we went to the orthopedic center and the doctor explained to us that the splint would be replaced with a cast and that we were basically looking at six to eight weeks. She chose the bright pink cast, of course. This is Emma and Dad while we waited for the doctor.After speaking with the doctor we were sent to see this lady. She was great and did a super fast job! Emma watched the whole thing and behaved perfectly.All done!And on our way home!It has been ten days now and tomorrow she has an appointment and most likely she will be getting a short cast instead of this big thing. She has been perfect. She has not complained once and her spirit is as sweet and cheerful as always. She's pretty proud of it and all the cool drawings she's gotten. We've had to carry her everywhere and she absolutely loves it! She will say "can somebody carry me downstairs?, can somebody take me to the potty, please?". I love my little girl and she loves her pink cast.

OUR KY VACATION

2011-09-05T00:49:00.000-04:00

Last month we had a chance to go to the temple and spend the weekend in Louisville. My mom and the Comadre came with us and we all had a really nice time. And since it has been three weeks I will not try to summarize the trip but will rely in the images for a recount of the fun we had! And I do not have images of everything we did but mostly of what the kids did. We did go to the Temple with Sarah and Jesse. We had dinner with the whole family. We went on a little fabric shopping trip. We visited the Spanish branch and ate way too much!On our way there Friday afternoon...All checked in!Alex needing room service.My mom and the Comadre.Saturday morning, right before going to the temple.At the end of the day...Sunday afternoon, right before heading back home!And this is Ben and Nana enjoying dessert!

IMPERFECTLY PERFECT

2011-08-15T16:00:00.000-04:00

Nothing has been perfect lately. It has been good, really good, but not perfect. We have been busy, very busy indeed, but not so productive it seems. Raising children is hard. Raising sweet and quiet kids is hard. Raising mischievous kids is harder. I was in the midst of craziness and frustration a few days ago and right before I lost it, we got in bed and played. I got my camera and took a few less than perfect shots and life and love came back to me!
These are by no means technically good photographs but I love them and they mean perfection.

LIFE IS JUICY

2011-08-10T15:37:00.000-04:00

That's right. Life has been juicy around here. Ryan got a fancy juicer, a bunch of fruit and vegetables and started juicin'! So far we've had cucumber, dandelions, orange, grapefruit, strawberries, kiwi, pineapple and apples.
They have been pretty good actually, some have been tasty, some not so much. And they all, for sure, have been healthy!
So, here they are, Emma and Dad, enjoying a little and not so little cup of juice!

SUMMER IS EXHAUSTING

2011-08-07T21:20:00.000-04:00

Where have we been?

Well...

Enjoying the summer time and learning from its bumps!

And eventhough we are EXHAUSTED, we have managed to still smile!

AT THE PARK

2011-07-21T23:10:00.001-04:00

Sunday night we joined the family at the park. Emma and the Primas were at Dutsikita's house so they missed out on the fun! The boys had a sweaty good time!
As soon as we got there Ben, Alex and Caleb hit the slide!

Alex quickly learned how to go up the slide and save himself some time. He was too cute! He gave me some sweet expressions!

Ben got the hang of it pretty quickly also. He's too silly though, he would not look up at me for a picture!

Caleb found something else to do.

Avery gave me a couple of free shots. She was too busy playing that it was hard to keep up with her but she actually stopped and posed for me!

Sarah and Enzo were enjoying the action! Well, maybe Enzo not so much!

All three boys found a better thing to do.

Grandma and Grandpa couldn't help themselves and joined the slide fun!

They then moved to the swings and as soon as Ben sat in this big chair he got so sleepy!

There were no baby swings so Ryan put the boys in the big kid swings and they did amazingly!

AMAURY'S UNBIRTHDAY

2011-07-19T15:51:00.005-04:00

Nineteen days without blogging! I have been super bad at this. I have missed it very much and I have tried but ever since my family arrived I have been busy and/or my computer has been unavailable.
Today is a good day though. I decided that I would spend some time editing pictures and posting. I have been here for almost four hours and I am finally ready to post something!
Last Saturday, Amaury had his second un-birthday party! His grandparents were here visiting and my sister in law though it would be a good idea to celebrate while they were here even though his birthday is not for another month. We all had a good time and even when it was hot and humid at the park we enjoyed some family time and made some sweet memories!

I sometimes forget how identical they are!

MY SWEET EMMA

2011-06-30T18:49:00.000-04:00

I took some pictures of Dutskita and Amaury last night and Emma HAD to go so I of course told her that if she NEEDED to come so badly, she would then let me take some pictures of her. She was bribed.
Once we got there she forgot of her deal and would not look at the camera!
But I still love the ones I got!

She's gotten so big and smart! She almost knows the days of the week and can really count to almost twenty! She will spend her day counting everything if I listened to her!

RYAN'S BIRTHDAY

2011-06-28T11:10:00.000-04:00

Ryan turned twenty nine on Sunday. Saturday night we all went out for dinner to Ruby Tuesday to celebrate. That same morning he and the boys, Ramiro and Aaron, worked in the yard and cut down some trees. Sunday morning we went to church, came home and rested. I made a meat loaf with potatoes and vegetables. Samir and Dutsika came over and we sang Feliz Cumpleanos and ate some Tres Leches Cake!

Later we went to my mother in law's house and she had made Ryan a delicious Peanut Butter Pie. He blew some candles once more.

We had his tribute and everybody said nice things about him. Some of the things that were said: Ryan is calm and emanates peace. He's a good dad. He is loving and kind of cool. He leaves work at work and loves to relax doing yard work. He's a good decision maker. He's empathic. He is in control of his emotions.
Everyone shared his love for him. I love you Ryan and I hope you had a happy birthday, even though your love for yard work gave you poison ivy and you have been miserable for a couple of days, happy birthday!

MODISH PHOTOGRAPHY

2011-06-24T14:30:00.001-04:00

I have spent nights (sleepless nights), days, months really, hoping to make this announcement! And now that it's here I can hardly do it. I don't know how to express in words how excited, and nervous, and anxious, and blessed I'm feeling right now.
It has been two and a half years since we first got our DSLR. From day one I wanted to learn how to use it and take beautiful pictures of my daughter Emma. I can tell you it was not as simple as I thought it would be. And it has been quite a journey for me. Photography has kept me sane and filled my insatiable need of learning. It has helped me preserve the childhood memories of my sweet and crazy children! I was trained as an Engineer and never truly felt a connection with it as I do with Photography. I know I have found my true passion and I hope I will continue to grow and develop my skills.
And I just want to thank my dear Ryan for supporting all my crazy and expensive hobbies! For being excited whenever I got a good photo! For researching cameras and lenses and spoiling me! For being so wonderful to me and wanting me to be happy.
For now, let me introduce you to Modish Photography by Rigel Jackson and Lori Ann Horowitz.

Please feel free to check it out (click on the logo) and leave us some love! oh yeah, and book a session with us! ;)

THE SUMMER HAIRCUT

2011-06-22T21:52:00.001-04:00

They just needed a haircut desperately. I love the curls and crazy hair though. My babies look so different (like big boys) but so much more alike now (as in it's hard to tell them apart)!
Ramiro also got his haircut and it's much much better, he looks clean and more handsome (not that it's a very manly look, but definitely cool).
Upon arrival, everybody was happy and smiling. Just enjoying themselves!

Then we walked in.

Alex went first. He cried and dad had to hold him.

Janelle was so patient and wonderful with our punks. She did such a good job too!

In the mean time Ramiro and Ben were playing.

Ramiro's turn was up.

And Ben discovered his reflection. He thought it was so funny and tried to reach in the mirror to see if he could touch his hand!

Ramiro and Alex were done and looking good!

Ben's turn. He did not like it. He suffered but Dad was right there holding him.

The end result.

MORE FATHERS' DAY

2011-06-21T14:15:00.003-04:00

Last Sunday while the adults talked about fathers the kids were outside playing and I spotted this little boy {Alex} playing by himself and minding his own business, having a blast!
I had to leave the adults to come get these!

Ben was riding the little bike, after we had to fight Emma for it.

Emma found some bubbles and the boys thought it was the funnest game! I loved watching them play and run and laugh!

And I just had to get some of Emma. She looked so cute wearing Avery's dress. I guess Emma got her dress wet, while I was watching Alex, and Sarah found her a new dress {thanks Sarah}.

FATHERS' DAY

2011-06-19T23:33:00.000-04:00

I don't think I got a chance today to say how much I appreciate everything you are and everything you do for us baby. You truly are a good father. You love your children dearly and they know it and feel it every day.

Ryan,
Thanks for changing diapers.
Thanks for baby sitting.
Thanks for giving the kids their vitamins.
Thanks for giving them baths on Sunday mornings.
Thanks for playing with them.
Thanks for getting the stains out of their clothes.
Thanks for disciplining the kids.
Thanks for being so handsome.
Thanks for fixing meals when I don't.
Thanks for being a responsible provider.
Thanks for being a loving father.
I'm so glad we took a few minutes this afternoon to get these shots! I can already see myself, in a few years, looking at these and remembering the wonderful and stressful days of parenthood.
We first started with Ben and Dad.

Emma and Dad.

Then we tried our group shot. It reminds me of mothers' day.

And then we got a couple decent ones.

And last was Alex and Dad.

Happy Fathers' day BeBe!!

MISS NOBLE'S GARDEN PARTY

2011-06-16T14:04:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday I attended Miss Noble's birthday celebration. Nancy Ellis threw a super fun and fancy Garden Party for her sweet friend. I was one of the hatted attendants (I don't own a garden hat, but Nancy had a few spare ones).
Everyone had a great time. We got to celebrate with Nan and even got to know each other better. We had delicious food too. Nancy set up a spot for pictures and all the ladies got to pose and show off their fancy hats!
Lady Nan Noble, the birthday girl!

Lady Mariah Noble

Lady Nancy Ellis, our lovely and gracious hostess!

Lady Regina Hiatt and Lady Becky LaTour

Lady Kaileen Knapp

Lady Me

Lady Kristen White

Lady Kim James and Lady Kim Hall

Lady Laura Ridge

Lady Nancy killing a squirrel.

The group.

The sweet friends.

The birthday Lady and the delicious cake!

Happy birthday Miss Noble!

EMMA AND AVERY

2011-06-15T23:08:00.000-04:00

I thought it would be fun to have a little cousins date so I took Emma and Avery for ice cream. We went to Ritter's because they have a nice spot, unfortunately they didn't have very many flavors that little girls care for. Luckily they had some sprinkles! Emma loves sprinkles.

LIFE IS GOOD

2011-06-12T16:08:00.002-04:00

After dinner last night, I prescribed a family walk. It did all of us much good. Life has been hectic. So much to do. Little gets done. Days go by too fast. The children are growing up and I want to savor their childhood. Children are sticky creatures. The boys are done teething. I haven't been able to sleep for three nights now. My brain is too loud at night. As unpredictable as Indiana weather is (and the whole world's right now) today is just perfect. I hate my newly found allergies (this is the second year I've had them). I'm feeling pretty random right now.
I took these yesterday. I love my little people and my big man.

Dad would push really hard and let go, Emma thought it was the coolest thing and laughed so hard!

The boys heard some dogs barking and they were quite entertained and intrigued by the noise.

We hit our destination.

Emma and dad collected leaves. They had some cool ones.

Emma used the leaves as wings and flew!.

And just right before we were back to our house the boys were playing rough and they slapped their faces and pulled each other's hair. It was fun and funny at first.

ROLE-PLAYING

2011-06-10T21:47:00.001-04:00

Emma: What's up Rigel?
Mom: Nothing, what's up with you Emma?
Emma: No! I'm Rigel (with an American accent) You are Rigel (with a Mexican accent)
Mom: Oh okay. What are you doing Rigel?
Emma: Oh just cooking and buying shoes for my boys. (I don't spend much time doing either of those two things but somehow she figured out it's a mom's thing I guess)
There is a lot of talking and singing and dancing while Emma becomes Rigel and it goes on for ten minutes or so. I then ask a question along the lines of "Why don't you pick up all the toys Rigel?"
Emma: No. I'm Emma.
If only it worked.
Today we went to buy her new shoes and on the way home she said she wanted to grow up like me and have money to buy shoes for her babies. So I guess I really must spend a lot of time buying shoes.
After we came home everybody got a bath and since Emma was trying her new outfit and shoes I thought I'd snap a few pictures.

CAUGHT RED HANDED

2011-06-09T14:12:00.001-04:00

Monday morning was the craziest morning! The mischievous twins were hard at work! While I was trying to tidy up a bit I heard them in the kitchen but since I heard them playing with spoons and plastic utensils, I thought they were safe. I walked by to check on them and they were just fine and kept on cleaning.

A couple of minutes later I went into the kitchen and noticed what was going on behind the counter.

That was the first act. On that same counter was my old glass cake stand. The boys figured they needed a cookie and decided they could do it by themselves, at the moment I was on the phone and suddenly I heard this banging and breaking and I hung up and ran to the kitchen and there they were, scared and kind of crying but stuffing their mouths!
They made all kinds of messes, spilled all kinds of drinks and this poor momma almost lost it. It hasn't been too bad the rest of the week. I hope it was just one of those "once in a while" type of days.

SWIMMING

2011-06-07T16:29:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday we took the children to the swimming pool at the YMCA. I'm not fond of swimming. I'm not fond of a swimming suit either but the kids and Ryan love it so we went.
The boys didn't enjoy it much because the water was too cold so they spent most of their time throwing the noodles back in the water or just watching from afar.

Emma had a blast, along with Ryan, Aaron and Ramiro.

ALEX

2011-06-01T15:00:00.001-04:00

You will often see him eating.

And more often, literally stuffing his face.

SUNDAY AND PINATA FUN

2011-06-01T08:46:00.006-04:00

Sunday morning I woke up and Ryan was gone. I realized that Saturday night Ryan mentioned he had an early morning church meeting but that he would be back to help me finish getting the kids ready for church. I felt overwhelmed and sort of defeated even before I fully woke up. I got in the shower and Emma walked in. It was easy to get her in the shower as soon as I said the word "nursery". We got ready and then woke up the boys and Ramiro. It was crazy to say the least. Ryan calls at 8:40 am asking if he should come and help or just stay and wait for us. The fact that he called and asked was a little frustrating. I impolitely told him to stay. We got the kids dressed and Ramiro got them in the car. I grabbed a couple snacks and off we went.
It's not easy getting three children ready for church without Ryan. As we were sitting in church I saw one of the sisters in the ward that had three children also and the husband has been out of town for several days. Then I noticed one more sister with three boys and the husband was also gone. I noticed a couple more and then felt like a total complainer! I counted my blessings. Ryan has no early morning meetings, today was just an exception. He's always there with me in church. He got all the white shirts ready before he left that morning. My in laws are always there to help with the children. My mother in law takes the little ones to nursery and stays with them so the boys get used to it. I felt so blessed and my mood completely changed. I was no longer rushed and frustrated. The rest of the meetings went well. We came home and after we had lunch the boys were laid down for their nap. I went visiting teaching. Sarah had mentioned a walk so we called her. The pinatas they had made a few days earlier were ready.
We went on a walk and they broke two pinatas. The kids had a lot of fun and a lot of candy!
Right before we went out Benjamin got himself a slice of cake. He left a mess but his face is too cute to care. That was the best smile Emma would give me.

Alex started running like the fastest and wildest toddler he is. He really is fast, everyone should see him run. I think we will train him even though he's just a small fry.

And since there was too much running, Ramiro and the stroller came to the rescue.

Ryan and Emma kept running. She loved it.

The boys did fairly well in the stroller also.

Avery and Caleb showed up and the real fun commenced.

Ryan and Ben running. They wanted to beat everyone to the pinata.

Avery and Caleb took the first turns.

Alex was next.

Ben followed.

Emma wouldn't go. And since the pinata was not breaking we called Sarah.

The pinata broke and the candy fell down.

Ben watched the action. Alex ate some candy.

The first pinata was gone and after more turns from the children it was time for the bigger kids to take a turn, blindfolded. Emma really just isn't into the hitting the pinata, but loves the candy. Aaron was really not good. Sorry Aaron but I cannot lie.

Then next came Ryan, and sadly I must have been so excited watching you be the best and fastest because I didn't get a chance to snap a picture.
And that brings us to the last two. Grandpa and Jesse. They did alright but I was a lot more interested in these guys.

I said close your eyes and I will count to three and then you open them. Caleb, that was cute.

Then, everybody wanted up on the car, so we took a few more snaps.

And that was our Sunday. And since I have a few pictures from Saturday evening after we got our haircuts (I will soon post a picture of my do)and I don't want to forget to post them, here they are.

Sarah is having a baby sometime today or tomorrow. We are so excited to see the new baby.

HAIRCUT

2011-05-28T15:41:00.000-04:00

Today was haircut day. I chopped my hair. It feels good. I liked it. Ryan liked it. Emma liked it. She liked it so much that she wanted to get a haircut also.

My sweet little fairy with her new do, which looks exactly as the old do just shorter. She loved it and I must say that she was just the perfect little client. She listened and did exactly what the stylist asked. She was just perfect.

STUCK

2011-05-26T14:29:00.000-04:00

Tuesday morning my visiting teachers came over and brought their kids. We had eight children in the house and we sent most of them downstairs to play while we visited. Emma comes upstairs saying that her baby was stuck. I thought, well, Ramiro will take care of him. I kind of ignored Emma. She insisted that her baby Alex was stuck. I told her to ask Ramiro for help. She says he couldn't get him out. I thought it was weird and as much as I tried to ignore Emma I became a little embarrassed, mostly because I was ignoring my child, and maybe they thought I was a terrible mother, so I went to check it out. This is what I found.

And yes, I am a terrible mother because I went straight to get my camera right after I laughed out loud for a few seconds. I snapped these two pictures and then worked on freeing him. He was truly stuck. Who knows how in the world he got in there! The funny thing is that he was just so calm, I don't think he understood the gravity of his circumstances. He only cried until he realized I was taking his picture and saw that he was almost naked!
I tried to pull him out. Nothing. I tried taking his diaper off, it was dirty. So not the answer. Then Ramiro pulled down the chair and I pulled him, it worked after a couple tries. He was happy to be free.

LOOK WHO'S BACK

2011-05-23T13:42:00.000-04:00

Ramiro is back. We have missed our Pinky, as Emma likes to call him. I have been waiting for this day! I needed company and he is also of great help always. And Ryan has been especially excited for him to come visit. The kids have been following Ramiro around, mainly Alex. This whole morning he has been chasing him and handing Ramiro things and smiling and playing with him.
The kids had breakfast with Ramiro and everybody wanted to sit by him.

Alex even tried some Salsa Huichol because of him.

After breakfast we did our usual thing and the kids played with these stacking boxes. These were Emma's favorite for a while and now they are Alex's favorite. Alex loves building things.

Just like his sister.

TIRED

2011-05-15T22:31:00.000-04:00

This has surely been an exciting week and weekend. We had so much going on. We are wiped out. This weekend we celebrated Jesse's 38th birthday and just counting all those candles was exhausting!

We had Dan, Gillian and the kids at our house and as always, we enjoy having them and that alone turns our home into a big party, we truly enjoy the company.The kids played nonstop. My poor Emma was so tired that last night when I put her to sleep I handed her a book and said to her that I needed to go potty but when I came back we would read the book. It took me about two or three minutes. She couldn't wait.

The celebration was a success. Good food, good friends. Today we had a nice lunch at my mother in law's home and everybody said good bye at around three p.m. We brought the kids home for a nap and I was so tired that I just had to take a nap as well. Dinner was another success tonight. I made my new creation. Chicken Poblano Piccata. I named it, yes I did. Every single particle was devoured. And who would have thought that I could cook chicken to perfection!

SO EMMA

2011-05-13T16:12:00.001-04:00

Emma has the cutest facial expressions. She communicates with her eyes and smiles. I love my little girl.

GARAGE SALE SEASON

2011-05-10T23:17:00.000-04:00

Yep, it's that time of year again! I love going to yard sales. I do. I will even get up at seven am just to go find some new treasures!
It has been a while since I have seen this beautiful morning light.

{I confess, I get up at nine in the morning. My kids are great sleepers. They wake up at around eight-eight thirty and play until nine-nine thirty. I have become a night owl. I craft at nights or get some reading or blogging done, like just now, I finished some pajama pants for the boys and now I'm blogging. I really should go to bed now.}
Last Saturday Emma caught me sneaking out of my room and asked "where are you going, mommy?" Well, I had to take her with me. We hit two sales and decided to get doughnuts instead and surprise the boys at home with some lovely sweet treats. Emma said: "my daddy takes me to get doughnuts sometimes". Now her momma does too.
As we parked I picked up my camera and snapped a few shots of my sweet girl.

ARE THEY READY?

2011-05-09T18:27:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking that I really should dedicate more time to teaching my children in a more structured and organized way. I thought I'd check for interest and readiness today.

Yep, Emma is ready and loved the idea. She tried to help her brothers but no, the boys are not quite there yet.

So we moved on to the snack. They were ready for that.

Emma said to me: Mom, you make the best cookies!
Now, the question, How do you teach your little ones? What kind of activities do you do? Any good books on the matter? Websites?

THE STATUS OF THINGS

2011-05-09T15:43:00.000-04:00

Five weeks since lightning struck us. Four weeks since I lost my computer. It died. I lost everything. Two weeks since I posted on this blog (I was able to use my laptop, but it's not the same). I lost all desire to blog. Ten days ago, I got a new computer. One week ago I got photoshop. My setup is complete and running again. I feel like blogging. I have many pictures to post.
Let's start with Easter. We talked about Easter for almost two weeks and Emma couldn't wait for the Easter Bunny and the egg hunt at Grandma's house. It was raining so they hunted inside.

El dia del Nino was on the thirtieth and we had such nice weather. We went to Dutsika's house and had some Bella's and cupcakes. The children played outside and hit the pinata.

We had a nice mothers'day yesterday. I really wanted to have a picture taken with my three punks and as soon as we got home from church I got my camera and my favorite assistant, Ryan. He snapped these and they are true to life!

Ryan and the kids were fixing a fruit platter for dinner. Not a whole lot of progress to tell you the truth, we all enjoyed some cantaloupe.

I took Mothers' day very seriously and napped all afternoon. Ryan, Jesse and Sarah fixed the most delicious dinner. It was all perfect.
The kids enjoyed a cake in the porch.

Still clean and looking handsome.

THE LITTLE RED HEN

2011-04-23T21:11:00.001-04:00

Emma has a new favorite book. The Little Red Hen Makes A Pizza. We read it every night. She knows it by heart and since I kind of just make the story up as I go now, she will remind me of the details I forget to mention, every single one. We have decided we will make a pizza one of these days. She loves the story and thinks that the Little Red Hen is so nice but not too little really. She picked up the book yesterday and found a spot {Our kitchen table. All three kids love playing on the table for some reason.} to read her book again. It was too cute and I thought it was a great chance to record her new love.

I love it that the book is upside down!

Every night she points at every single item of food in the story. And, she knows every single one, I think her favorite is the pickled eggplant.

THE TWO AMIGAS

2011-04-19T12:13:00.000-04:00

Dutsikita and Emma are such good friends. It makes me really happy to see them play ~~fight~~ and love each other. I wish I had had a cousin growing up. My mom has one sister and one brother, neither one of them had daughters and we weren't as close as we could have been. Emma is so blessed to have six girl cousins! And she truly loves them all! She talks about them all the time and misses them when they leave.

Emma had invited Kita for a sleepover. We all went on a walk and then Ryan and the boys went to Grandma's house. We had a fun time being girls!.
During our walk we saw this awesome yellow tree/bush and we had to have a shot!

We had some pictures of the boys in the stroller but this is a girly post so, we'll post them some other time.

After the boys left we played Models. These girls are good! Total naturals!

We went inside to make some brownies. They were so good and went to bed fairly early. This morning though, they woke up fairly early as well! Way to early really. And so far, they have been having a really good time.

WAKING UP

2011-04-18T09:02:00.000-04:00

A typical morning. Emma and I go wake the boys every morning. They are playing and jumping in their cribs. Emma wants to jump too. She wants everybody in Alex's crib. They all jump for a few minutes.

{By the time I got my camera the jumping and laughing was over}

Ben wants out. Party is over.

This morning, Emma woke up at seven thirty. I was not ready. She opened the curtain and the light shone on my face. I sent her downstairs to Dad. He played a cartoon on Netflix for her. She came back when the first episode was over. I had already showered. She wanted new pajamas. The boys are jumping in their cribs and we are ready to do this all over again.

MISS NOBLE

2011-04-16T23:45:00.001-04:00

Tuesday morning Emma and I made some tortillas and she said to me "Mom, everyone loves tortillas!" "I'm sure Miss Noble loves tortillas!" So I said, would you like to take some tortillas to Miss Noble? Later that day we put some tortillas in a little baggie and off we went to see Miss Noble, thankfully she was home and Emma was able to deliver her goodies.
Miss Noble, Emma loves you. She thinks you are the coolest and most beautiful lady! She loves your harp and little piano. She loves that you played the harp and piano and sang together. She thinks your flowers are beautiful. She prayed for you that night. Tonight she said she loved the flowers you gave her (she keeps them in her room), she said "Mom, Miss Noble is so nice to me, she gave me her beautiful flowers"

SATURDAY MORNING

2011-04-10T22:38:00.001-04:00

Just one of those random times when I take out the camera and shoot the kids! They were eating lunch. Ben was in the high chair, stuffing his face as usual, Emma was next to him, it's her thing now, she wants to sit next to Ben, and Alex was just running around and giving me lots of faces!

Ben threw one of his own faces here, didn't want to be left out!

He was ready to be done, no more pictures or food. Done.

Emma really loves her brothers, she's such a little mommy! I love her! She helps out in nursery too!

And this, my favorite shot. The lucky shot! He was running very fast around the table like the happy little crazy boy that he is!

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

2011-04-07T12:52:00.001-04:00

Literally. We were struck by lightning Sunday night. We had had such nice weather all day Sunday, wonderful Spring-y weather. By nighttime we had lightning and thundering. Who knows if it was three or four in the morning but Ryan and I were awoken by a loud booming sound! It was clear, lightning had struck near our home. We heard sirens and went back to sleep.
Monday morning we did our usual routine, turned on the TV and the cable box was not starting. I tried to revive it but it was gone. The Internet was not working. We went about our day, which included no TV and I can truthfully say we had a good time. We survived a morning with NO TV.
Later the heater stopped warming our house.
We slept in a sixty seven degree home and other than the boys being soaking wet in the morning, we slept alright.
Tuesday morning, Ryan arranged somebody to come take a look. They said the circuit board was fried. Then we knew. WE had been struck by lightning. We spent Tuesday at my Mother in Law's home.
Yesterday, I thought about baking to warm up the house a little. I decided to make tortillas instead. Emma made one beautiful hat. She said it was the cutest "tortilla hat" ever.

{When will this smile change? This is all she does now when she sees my camera, or say, stop mom!}

Well, besides having a cold day yesterday, it was a good one. And to make this long story short, our insurance is covering our damage and today, our furnace is being replaced with a new one!

ALMOST SPRING

2011-04-04T20:15:00.000-04:00

Yesterday felt like Spring. The children played outside and swung and ran and laughed! It felt good. Today, not so much. It rained and the sky was grey. I'm cold and hoping for Spring.

EIGHTEEN MONTH CHECK UP

2011-03-28T16:42:00.002-04:00

The boys had their eighteen month check up today. I cannot believe how big they are! Eighteen months already! I remember those long nights when I used to think they would never grow! And here we are, we have survived it and it has been wonderful really, really. I don't know, we might be ready for the next one! ;)
Alex was not excited about getting on the scale, but who is!? He's 27 lbs and 11 ounces! Doesn't he look so big!? So strong and just super cute!?

Height: 33 inches.

The doctor said he's growing just fine, oh and that he has to say about ten to fifteen words! Lets see, momma, daddy, oh no! (and other variations of NO), tickle tickle and grandma, sometimes "mas". My kids are not talkers, Emma was not very talkative either. We think they're born confused with languages!

Benjamin was doing better but still didn't enjoy it much. He weighed 26 lbs and 3 ounces and 32 and a half inches long. One and half pounds less than Alex and just half an inch shorter. Not bad!

Love these puppy eyes!
The report, both boys have a little ear infection. It really surprises me how they handle pain really well because they do not complain or cry much. I wouldn't have imagined they had one. Emma was the same way, their pain tolerance is impressive! They did not get that from me, that's for sure!.

After all the questions the Doctor asked us about their growth and development both boys seem to be growing at the same pace and every answer pretty much applied to both yet they are so different!

Emma was doing extremely well! She even watched the boys while getting their shots, then she covered her ears because they were too noisy!
The doctor took a little peek at her ears and decided that she was doing just fine and that soon her cold and coughing would disappear.

CHILD REARING TECHNIQUES THAT WORK.

2011-03-25T13:13:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling so much better this morning after sleeping for thirteen and a half hours. There has been something going around in our family. Emma started last Saturday while we were visiting Dan and Gillian in Kentucky (sorry for leaving the bug there guys). She had three days of fevers and runny nose. She kept saying she needed to go to the Doctor because her tongue hurt (it was truly cute how she kept asking to be taken to the doctor). She now has phlegm and it seems like she had a sore throat but seems mostly well. The boys have had also three days of fevers and clingy-ness, runny noses and phlegm as well. Ryan has been sick also, pretty much the same thing, including clingy-ness! So, the valiant soul has been me. The one taking care of everyone. Poor me, do I get a prize for that?

So, yesterday I had a terrible headache and nausea and since I had gone to bed at four thirty the night before, I think I was just plain exhausted. No, not pregnant, I know what you're all thinking!
So, last night, I had the best idea ever! I asked Ryan if I could put the boys down for bed at eight and put myself out at the same time. He gracefully agreed to put Emma down all by himself. We put the boys down and then took my trusty Motrin PM and hopped into bed. I wasn't sure it would work since my brain gets going at night. Well, I don't remember much. I went to sleep and woke up at nine forty five this morning. I think I could have kept going if Emma hadn't been opening my eyes with her little fingers and repeating "es de dia momma".

The boys woke up and they were so clingy and cry babies, well, mostly Alex. I held him, fed him and nothing. He insisted on being a baby today. He did not stop even while I was holding him, so I decided to try my favorite technique. Ignore them. I decided to clean the room and start the vacuum (no kid has been able to outdo my vacuum with their crying, that baby can be noisy!). At first, he chased me and cried. I kept vacuuming and before I knew it, he had found himself something to do. And just as I type this all three of my children are playing in the pen. It's beautiful. It's a good feeling and I think the day will end up a good one.

About my title? Well, I really couldn't come up with anything and I didn't want to brag about how I got to sleep almost fourteen hours! Oh it was great! So, I went with my secret child rearing technique, try it from time to time, it really works, even with the "big" boys! ;)

ORAN AND LUCY

2011-03-22T14:19:00.007-04:00

Last week I was able to take my nephew and niece out on a little picture date, just the three of us! We had a great chance to bond and become good friends, and I can now safely say that I am their favorite! Sorry everybody, don't be hurt, we all know who the coolest aunt is!
And can I just say that I cannot wait for picture taking weather! Poor Lucy was super cold but she managed to still give me a few smiles! And that lovely dress she's wearing is handmade by her Nana! So cute isn't it!?

DORA PAINTING

2011-03-17T14:53:00.001-04:00

Emma is potty trained, except for nighttime, she reminded me yesterday that she now could paint in her Dora book. So she did. We also read her big Dora book.

EMMA'S PARTY

2011-03-16T17:35:00.001-04:00

My little girl turned three last Sunday. I keep hoping she will stop growing. She's my baby girl and not long ago I held her for the first time. So many wonderful memories and images in my heart. A few weeks ago Emma said to me that I was her best friend in the whole wide world (exact words, too much Dora) and I truly hope that we will forever be best friends.
We decided to celebrate her birthday on Saturday and invite all our family to come join us. We had a great time and Emma loved being the birthday girl!

On Sunday we celebrated Grandma's birthday! We had a nice dinner and cake.

It was a super fun weekend and we loved hanging out with everyone!

IT'S OFFICIAL

2011-03-12T12:50:00.001-05:00

Yes, it is! Emma has gone poo poo in the potty!! No chocolate, no cake, no Popsicles and no Diego on mom's laptop worked! But above all, Daddy's watchful eye! This morning he noticed Emma needed to go and sat her in the potty. I did get the Dora seat and brought it to her (that counts too, right?)
So, there she sat for about ten minutes, whining and crying, then she went quiet and then she said, I did it! I went poo poo in the potty!
And oh we celebrated! We did a little cheering and screaming and dancing!
She's officially a big girl and we are ready to celebrate her third birthday today!

NO MORE!

2011-03-11T14:43:00.000-05:00

Even if just for today! I decided, after the first time I had to get the kids away from the TV and other electronics, that I would, instead of trying to keep the TV gated, rebuild the play pen and keep them inside. I tried this several months ago and they did not like it at all, today it was a little different.
I also put up a gate on the kitchen/laundry room door. No more washer or pantry chases! I truly hope this works, even if just for a few days. I need a break.

Emma still won't go poo poo in the potty. I canceled chocolate, cake and Popsicles, her new favorite. She hasn't missed the first two so much. Just a minute ago, she asked me if I was still mad and if I was happy now. I said, yes, I am happy. She said, be good mommy and don't spank me, OK? I said, I'm not spanking anymore. She said, good! May I have a Popsicle now?. Nice try!

YESTERDAY'S LABORS

2011-03-10T13:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning Emma went to work with Dad. I'm sure she had a great time just by having left the house for a few hours. Poor children of mine, they need more fresh air!
When she came back she asked to be bathed. I put her in the tub and thought it would be a good time to take a couple of pictures for her birthday. It was a dreary day and the light was flat but it was now or never kind of thing since she was already getting ready, right?
Well, we did her hair and put her dress on. I thought we'll just be out in the yard for a couple of minutes and there was nothing dangerous around to harm the boys, surely they would be fine for a few minutes, what damage could they really do?
So, while we were out, we got nothing, Emma was sporting her new smile and poses and things were getting a little frustrating.

We went back inside and found them unharmed.

It wasn't that bad or funny really. I figured it was a fair price to pay for the few minutes of unsupervised time.
On the other hand, some things are just getting out of control. They open the dishwasher and then take all the dishes out. They turn the TV off about sixty times during the day. Their fights are getting too rough. They take out all kinds of items from the pantry and open the boxes. They scatter toys all around the house. I'm a little tired of it to tell you the truth and I find pep talking myself quite a few times during the day. Enough venting, they are now napping and I'm going to go sew something! I need to be creative today, plus, Emma is having a birthday breakfast party (yep, I decided this was the plan just yesterday) on Saturday and being the wonderful procrastinator I am, I have not figured out all the details or anything!

EMMA'S NEW SMILE

2011-03-09T10:57:00.000-05:00

After Emma's bath yesterday, she asked me to take a picture of her. I went and got my camera and when I asked her to look at me she smiled like this:

And then she said she wanted another picture and from then it all went like this:

And some more like this:

She sticks out her tongue all the time now!I say: "Emma, you're so silly", she says: "mom, you are so silly. I'm funny".
Right after her bath her stomach started growling and I asked if she was hungry and she says: "no, I'm not hungry mom, my stomach is singing".

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

2011-03-08T15:28:00.000-05:00

When I was little I remember my mom used to make a batch of tortillas and then whoever guessed the number of dough balls she got would get the first tortilla to come out of the grill. She usually got between 32 and 36, I don't remember getting many of the first tortillas but even the second or third ones were just as good! She would fill them with beans or chorizo con papas and roll them and make a huge stack of taquitos that we would then take to our morning adventure to the beach or dam. I sometimes saved a couple to bring back home and eat my tacos paseados later that night. Tacos paseados are the best!
I was thinking a couple of weeks ago that I want my kids to have some sweet memories of her momma making delicious tortillas or bread for them and grow up thinking that her momma makes the best tortillas and rolls in the world! And just have the same childhood memories I have of my mom showing love and service to her children.
I made some tortillas yesterday. I had the dough balls ready for this morning's eggs. Not quite like my mom's tortillas but I'll get there one of these days!

Alex is the tortilla monster!

Then he just laughs and throws food at Ben, such a boy!

He's a master at stuffing huge pieces of tortillas in his mouth!

Love the way she puts her food in her tortilla since she can quite yet master the technique of using your tortilla as utensils!

Emma said, "stop mom!"

NOTHING MUCH

2011-03-07T13:43:00.000-05:00

Not a whole lot to say today, just a few pictures. I love these little ones! They make me work, oh so very hard sometimes. They make me tired, oh so very tired every night. They make me upset, and the ogre comes out every now and everyday. They make me smile, and that's when I remember why I'd do it again!

BAKING UP SOME SPRING

2011-03-02T10:03:00.001-05:00

Sunday night we made some delicious yeast rolls. Emma wanted to help shape them and since I was in a good mood I let her. She grabbed a ball of dough and started breaking it into small "panes". We put them all together and dreamed of spring!

The boys being boys.

ES DE DIA, MOMMY.

2011-02-25T14:32:00.000-05:00

Almost every morning since she has been sleeping in her big bed now, Emma gets up very early and comes to our room and says: Es de dia, mommy. Wake up! {As she opens the curtains and lets the light in}
Well, this morning it was our turn! Ryan got up and realized Emma was still in bed. {We've had a cold, Emma and I, for the past couple of days and have felt miserable} I know, bad thing to wake her up! But it was our only chance!
So, Ryan went in her room and said: Es de dia, Emma. And nothing happened, nobody came out. I came to check on them and this is what I found.

She did not want to wake up!

But when she saw my camera she sort of said, smile daddy!She couldn't smile.

A couple of hours later she gave me this silly smile!

DRESSMAKING

2011-02-23T15:59:00.003-05:00

I had been wanting to sew a dress for Emma for quite a long time but I just wasn't sure I could. I took a sewing course when I was sixteen and had made some dresses and skirts and even a formal men's shirt! But all I had done since were those dresses my mom and I made last summer for the girls.
Matilda Jane Clothing was my inspiration. I totally love those dresses, so cute, fun and so expensive! So, I decided to give it a try and see what happened! I used my quilting stash so I didn't quite spend any money. And since this is NOT a sewing blog, I'll spare you the tutorial! I found a super cute book at hobby lobby with lots of patterns!

Can't wait to get pictures of Emma wearing these! I made three in, basically three days! I'm hooked! I'm already "designing" the next ones!
So, here they are, my Catalinas! Yeah, I named them, dorky right? I'm creating a love tag for Emma. Catalina, right in the middle of the back lining!

I'm feeling pretty proud of myself and somewhat accomplished! I had been thinking that I needed to do something, even a little thing, every day that the kids couldn't undo. Cleaning was not in that category.

THE SQUAT

2011-02-17T13:21:00.001-05:00

How is this possible!? I would love to be able to squat like this! These boys are the master squatters!

Anyway, some random moments yesterday.
Emma takes a late afternoon nap almost everyday now and then she could play all night if I let her. I'm thinking no more naps will make a decent nine pm bedtime.

Emma's potty training bribes. She would love to play with them she says, just not yet, you keep them mom. Tomorrow okay? Tomorrow I go poo poo in the potty. So, they've been sitting there for at least three weeks. When will it happen? I had to buy a new set of underwear.

Dress up and more squatting. The boys found Emma's clothes in the basket and with a little help from mom they had a good little time.

Yes, they love playing in my kitchen.

TEN DAYS LATER

2011-02-16T13:28:00.002-05:00

Ten days later, Ten things later:
1. We had a great family get together last week. It was nice seeing everybody and having a good time.
2. Emma wears panties all day long but still not once has she gone poo poo in the potty.
3. Alex goes up and down the stairs standing. It's pretty amazing to watch him do it and see how in control he is.
4. Benjamin has not done so well teething. We had a couple hard nights last week and a couple more this week. He does have some cute molars in!
5. Ryan and I are not made for celebrating holidays. We had a nice Valentine's day I guess, watched a couple of bad movies.
6. My mother and father in law had their wedding anniversary. So many years of wonderful bliss!
7. Still going strong on my new years resolutions, especially in keeping a tidy home.
8. That reminds me, I have more purging to do!
9. Spring, where art thou? Cabin Fever has not been so bad this winter but I am done.
10. It's my brother's birthday today. He's old, but I won't say his age because that makes me old also.
Just a few snaps of my kids, aren't they so stinkin' cute!?

SOUP MAKING

2011-02-06T12:20:00.000-05:00

I was "working" on the computer, so when Emma said she was going to go upstairs and make soup for everybody I said okay. I suddenly heard pots and pans and cooking. I ran upstairs and found her.

"just making soup for everybody, okay mommy?" Emma said. I think I might have made too many soups last week. We're taking a break.

POTTY TRAINING AND OTHER SAD TRUTHS

2011-02-04T13:55:00.001-05:00

I had given it a couple tries before. I disliked it and then they got sick because of the weather and coming back from Mexico. So, I sort of postponed it, yeah, I gave up. Two months later, last Monday, it just happened. Emma wanted to wear calzones. Oh boy... How can this be done?, Do I want to give it another try and fail again? I thought to myself. I'm still trying to figure it out.

The first two days were awful. Not once did she pee or poop in the potty. She knew she had to go but just would wet herself. I could see it in her eyes. I was about to give up, but then I thought, well, there is no turning back, she has got to learn and we've already "done" it for two days, the worst is over. That night I went to target and got her a Dora book. Ryan put it up on her shelf and told her that if she went potty all day the next day she could read it that night. Well, on the third day she went pee pee in the potty all day long! And she has, except for maybe two accidents, gone pee pee in the potty every day since last week.

Now, pooping is a whole different story. I cannot get her to go, she will wait all day and then disappear for a few minutes, and she's done. I bought her a super cool Dora book as a reward for when she goes poo poo in the potty. Well, it's still sitting on the shelf. What to do? Any ideas?

I was going to take a picture of the piles of dirty underwear but thought it would be kind of gross, I couldn't even get myself to wash the poopy ones, so I threw them away. Good thing I had bought her a bunch when they were on sale! So, instead here is this one. She was reading a book and caught me taking a picture, she did not appreciate it.

More sad news. The boys got a haircut. I still can't really talk about it. It was getting out of control and we figure it was time. I cannot believe I did it. I still hurt.
Alex, my sweet boy, cried almost all through the haircut.

You see what I meant when I said "it was getting out of control"? Yeah, Ben really needed it.

This is the end result. Yeah. It still hurts.

Alex's ended up longer, more like what I had in mind, but Ben's was a total disaster, shorter and zero curls. It's still wavy and yeah, he now looks like a boy, but not what I wanted.
This next picture totally shows how I felt when we got home.

Why??? Why did you do it??

On more exciting news, I finally bound this quilt! It's done and it feels so good! Only two more to go! I also cleaned my sewing room! I'm ready to tackle the serger. I'm planning on making a skirt for Emma. My friend Kristina and I got together last Monday and decided to do some kind of sew along. We are picking a cute girly project and we'll meet again next week and do some of that together!

MAGIC MONDAY

2011-01-25T12:24:00.004-05:00

I know it's Tuesday. Mondays are usually the day I do a mental evaluation of the past week and think about the things I will try and do better this week, kind of like " I will start my diet this Monday" type of evaluation. Well, since I'm focusing on being happier I thought I would do a little "happiest moments" post from last week.

{1} Emma and I had three wonderful nights of cake and milk sharing time! {until she got sick yesterday, not from the cake, just a fever} She throws a little tantrum when I say it's time for bed, so, one night, I suggested we shared some cake and milk and then she needed to go to bed, she happily obliged. We had a good conversation, I asked about her day, if she had had fun and if she liked eating out and she was so serious answering all my questions. Well, next night came, and right after she started crying she said, we can eat cake and milk. I said, well, of course we can! And so we did, we shared a heart cake and i asked her about nursery and if she liked her friends, and she said she did, and she said William was small.

{2} I love hearing this little punk calling for "momma" when he's in need. I love the sound of it and it just makes me feel so proud and so happy to see him grow and learn. On the not so sweet side, he cries a lot, especially for Daddy and Grandma. He gets held though, so, he's definitely a good communicator.

{3} Sunday afternoon Ben and I shared a sweet moment of tickles and laughter. oh how sweet he is! He laughs and I can't help but laughing with him! He's my little independent boy! He seems to enjoy doing things by himself, especially feeding himself, can you tell by his shirt?! I shot this one this morning after pancakes.

{4} Soup. Yes, soup has made me happy these last few days. I grew up disliking soup. I never cared for soups, only Caldo de Queso and Albondigas. Everything else, was just plain boring. I think Ryan is right, maybe a weather of 120 F is not the best for soups. And since I have been freezing lately, soups are my thing. We have made potato soup, white chili, broccoli soup and tortilla soup so far. Ryan even said I had a knack for soups!
{5} My boys' after nap fun! They just love to jump in their cribs and finally yesterday I picked up my camera and recorded it!

Notice how at minute 1:30 Ben growls for the camera to look at him and then starts jumping!
{6} Ryan. We have been together in our efforts to take care of our children and each other from the beginning. We have had some rough days and nights, it's such a comfort to know I have him and that we can do it together. Emma is sick and had a fever yesterday. I had her sleep with us last night in case she got a fever. She kicked Ryan out of bed. He took one for the team! Way to go baby!
{7} Goals. Goals make me happy and staying focused makes me even happier. And especially to know that the Lord is aware of me and the things that are important to me. I taught Relief Society this Sunday and it always is a reaffirming lesson, every General Conference talk I get to teach from is just what I need at the moment, exactly what will help me grow and learn. This Sunday it was "Reflections on a Consecrated Life" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson. If you get a chance, do read it!

I have a feeling that Magic Mondays will be my favorite post every week!

LITTLE MISS TRAVIESA

2011-01-20T22:53:00.001-05:00

Emma is one crazy girl. She loves stickers. The walls and windows are decorated with them. This morning she was showing me her latest work of art.

THE MAGIC OF A NEW YEAR {Part 2}

2011-01-19T12:39:00.000-05:00

I realize that my tittle is the same as a couple of posts ago but this time I truly will write about it. Last time I got carried away with the catching up that by the time I was through with it I had forgotten the main reason for the post.
So, where is the magic? Well, it's no secret, really. I love new beginnings! I love starting anew! A clean slate sort of thing. 365 more days to work on the things that matter most. To make a conscious effort to be happier. There is true happiness in growing and knowing that you are trying.
Every year I go through my planning and setting goals {I love that part!} and I try to make a plan of action, which usually fails by the end of a month or two if I'm lucky, and it fails mostly because I put my plan away, I forget to constantly remind myself of the blessings that I will receive for doing it and it also fails because I forget to adapt my lofty goals to my changing circumstances.
When I was a missionary we worked based on six-week period goals and focused our efforts towards achieving those goals. President Wappett would give us a new set of goals every transfer. One time he taught us about Benjamin Franklin's thirteen virtues to moral perfection. He would work on these thirteen items every day and then would check them off on his chart if he had done his job that day. Well, President Wappett asked us to work on one virtue for six weeks and at the end of the day we needed to check it off if we had done it. The virtue was Honesty. It was a real task to remember to be honest every day, from waking up on time to getting your personal and companionship study done to working every second of the day on finding and teaching the gospel. I remember President Wappett telling us that he was pleased because we had tried really hard as a mission and he could see it in our countenances and the achievement of our teaching goals. I have from time to time tried to do that. To check things off my chart and it's kept me on track when I actually do it.
Now, a few weeks ago my sister in law, Gillian, told me about a book {The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin} that described what she was going to work on for this new year {she loves new year's resolutions as well! Yay for kindred spirits!}. I requested it from the library. I love it! I can totally relate to the author's experiences. I do feel though, that as LDS I feel that I have an advantage in the sense that many of the things she has learned through reading and much thinking, I have learned through gospel learning and through the Spirit.
Needless to say, I have started my own project. Twelve months to happiness awareness! I feel that when I think about my blessings and when I truly make an effort to see that I am happy, I feel happier.
January is a month of Energy Boosting! Purging is one of my energy boosters. I have been going through closets and drawers and getting rid of extra things that only overwhelm me and that have already served their purpose and it's time for them to go to a better place. I have also been finding homes for things that we still use and love. It has been quite liberating and it has allowed me to maintain a clean home since the last Clean House Day {I have a little helper come clean my house from time to time when things get out of control}. Speaking of Clean House Day which was two Mondays ago, Ryan brought me a chocolate rose to celebrate it! How sweet is that?! He gets excited for Clean House Days! Hopefully we'll be able to have a Clean House Year through our own efforts!
Even the kids were excited! They thought it was "Toy Day"! We only have about fifty percent of these toys in our closet now!

I read this verse this morning and it truly motivated me.
"But behold I said unto them that: As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us." {1 Nefi 3:15}

A BOY AFTER MY OWN HEART {IT'S JUST THAT GOOD}

2011-01-17T17:11:00.002-05:00

I was looking through some more of my Mexico pictures today and found this!

I should not be proud of this, and truly, believe me, I'm not. I do think it's funny though and it just says how much kids actually do learn by watching us! The can was actually empty.

He can even do it with one hand! He is just that good!
I also found this!
The boys drew all over Emma's face while she was napping! She must have been exhausted!

MEXICO {PHOTOGRAPHY}

2011-01-13T15:28:00.004-05:00

While in Mexico, I had the chance to photograph some of my sister's friends and some old family friends as well. It was great to take my new love {photography} to my beloved Mexico. I think people found it weird that I had a new skill that was artistic, since I graduated in Engineering.
When I was little my dad gave me a camera, it was just a little point and shoot, not a DSLR, but I remember it said Nikon. I took good care of it until it, one day, disappeared. I never learned how to use it, I never did use it, I only kept it.
When my mom was young, she took a photography class and has a couple of portraits from that time. My mom told me my dad used to love photography. He said he gave away all his equipment and just stopped.
When I was on my mission I wanted to hold on to all those memories and so I took a lot {really, a LOT} of pictures! I bet I annoyed my companions!
Then, I got married and had kids. I love taking pictures of my kids and holding on to sweet memories.
And sometimes, I dream of having a photography business and help people make memories to hold on to forever. These are just a few of my favorite pictures!

THE MAGIC OF A NEW YEAR

2011-01-12T16:17:00.002-05:00

The pity party is over! We are through with illness (pretty much anyways) and are ready to start 2011! There is magic in starting a new year. I love New Year's resolutions! I have a few that I'm ready to tackle!
But first, a little catch up! I still have so many pictures of Mexico that if I don't post I will never look at again. Oh, so many memories!
The only time Emma got to go to the beach, it got chilly right after we got there, for swimming anyways. She did not like the feeling of the sand on her feet! She loved the shells!

The boys spent a lot of time playing in these cabinets!

We gave the boys a sink bath and of course, Emma had to have one too!

Everybody enjoyed countless hours in the front porch!

We most definitely enjoyed eating all kinds of delicious meals! Oh yes, we did! This is how I like my hot dogs!

This, is how Emma likes hers!

Ben liked the actual hot dog more than anything.

Alex could do without them.

We went with my mom to the Deportivo and the kids loved running around and playing!

Alex was playing in the center of the court as my mom and her friends were playing! Silly boy!

There came this man selling candy and Emma wanted some but I could not find two pesos in my pocket or the car or anywhere else! It was sad!

Then there was a lot of fighting. They do, they fight all the time and it can get violent.

There was more eating involved. A lot more than I have pictures to show for! But, my dad took us to eat some fish tacos and they were so good! Ryan didn't care much for them but I did!

This is my dad and my half brother.

And the so awaited day arrived! Daddy came!

And then, there was more food involved! This little shop serves some good head tacos!

And also, more cabinet time!

And more fun at the Deportivo!

And there is much more to share! I may just do another catch up post later!
I also did several shoots and it was so fun; such kind and beautiful people!

WE'RE BACK!

2010-12-21T08:40:00.002-05:00

Well, we have been back for five days now, but it seems like I'm just barely recovering and getting all back to normalcy {not that it has ever been normal around here since the arrival of our sweet monsters}.

Mexico was great! I will say though, we did have a couple of rough weeks when the kids were adjusting and got sick, but why dwell on it, right?
We truly did have a blast and I'm so thankful I got to go back to see my family and friends.

And even when I know it's kind of late for a thanksgiving post I will do just that {it is my blog after all, right?}

I'm grateful for my sweet family of five; thankful for each one of my punks and especially for my sweet husband, you are loved baby.

Emma, you are the sweetest little girl. I love talking to you and making things for you {while in Mexico, a friend told Emma that she was wearing the cutest little flower on her hair, she said "my mommy made it for me, my mommy makes things for me all the time" So, I had to get home and craft her a little Christmas present, sucker!}

Benjamin, oh my! you are my little explorer! Always getting into trouble! So brave and resilient! Love your mischievous smile! Alex, you are one cry baby! Oh how I love your tenderness! I love when you start jumping and your bunny teeth showing when you laugh!

I'm grateful for my mother; for everything that she's ever done for me, for helping me take care of my punks and especially for holding Alex during the almost seven weeks we were there! For teaching Emma Spanish! She's all caught up to her age and skill level! {she has been in Spanish mode since we arrived, I just love it!}

I'm grateful for my sister Janely and my brother in law, Ramiro; for being the best big sister I could have ever had, thanks for putting up with me and my kids in your tiny but cozy home. Thanks for lining up so many shoots for me, it was so fun! Thanks to my nieces and nephews for "checking on" my punks for countless hours on these seven weeks.

I'm grateful for my dad, for being so excited and in love with my kids and for bringing them gifts and that huge fish and shrimp for me!

I'm grateful for my friend Paty, for cooking the aforementioned huge fish! And making "tacos de costillita" and for being a great friend.

I'm so thankful for all my family, here and there, for their great examples of faith and love. My heart swells when I think about the sweet relationships we have and that they will last forever.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-11-25T01:27:00.001-05:00

Dear family,
There is no thanksgiving dinner or pumpkin pie in Mexico but the boys made some music yesterday and I thought it would be a nice way to say have a loud and grateful thanksgiving!
We love you all and miss you!

MEXICO- Week One

2010-11-12T14:40:00.002-05:00

As soon as we got to my sister's house we were all happy and tired. Emma saw her primas and was so excited! The boys were curious about the new and not so new faces. We figured out were we would sleep and soon hit the hay.
Six a.m. (nine a.m. for us) came way too early. Emma and I slept in my nieces' bed and we had one pack 'n play at our feet and another one on the side. I was too tired to get up in the morning. My nieces didn't have school so they took them and played with them.

That afternoon we left my sister's home and drove to Ciudad Obregon. It was a strange feeling to be back "home" and see all these places and faces. It was nice. It was different. People can't believe I have three kids. Every body is in love with them.

The kids soon found toys and things to play with. Ben loved playing with this glass. We had to put traps at the top and bottom of the stairs and kind of child proofed the whole house. Alex still manages to get bruises though.

Emma had been so tired, she must have napped every afternoon the first week.

By Thursday everybody was sick. The kids sounded terrible. They had all kinds of boogies and fussiness. We took them to the poor people's doctor. We paid thirty pesos and got a prescription. They are doing so much better now, except for Emma, she won't take the medicines, she keeps saying "no me gusta" and spits it out. I have not succeeded at forcing it down her throat. I spanked her. I bribed her. Nothing works.

So, while we're waiting our turn at the doctor's office, I was talking to a lady and she was saying something when this woman came and grabbed alex from my arms and started walking away. I got up immediately and followed her. {Who does that!?} I was seriously freaking out! I have been freaking out since they told me about how rough the city has gotten and all the crime and sweet news like that. It terrifies me to think that somebody could just run away with my kids!
Well, she was a nice lady and wanted to show her daughter how cute and chubby Alex was and my mom says that she did ask to hold him but since I was conversing with the other woman I didn't hear her. Needless to say, I now hold my kids super tight and keep an eye on them at ALL times!

We spent the rest of the week sick. We left for Guaymas Friday morning without the birthday cake I was supossed to make for my nieces' birthday party. Instead, we hurried and bought one. It was pretty yummy I must say.

Party pictures coming up!

My nieces turned nine and my sister had a little party for them and some of her friends from school.

When we got there, all the kids wanted to see my three children, especially Emma. She felt a little crowded and didn't act very social the rest of the day.

Ramiro and Lehi kept the boys entertained, until Alex saw mom behind the camera.

Cake time! Yep, that's the one I didn't make!

And this is La Mordida!
Janely went first.

Itzel followed.

My sister served the leftover cake to the guests!

Janely and her friends.

Itzel and her friends.

What's a little boy doing in a girls' party? Well, I think she likes him.

MEXICO- One Way

2010-11-11T16:35:00.002-05:00

Where to even start writing about this adventure! I guess that, like with every story, from the begining.
About five or six weeks ago Ryan and I decided it was time for me to go to Mexico and see my family and spend some time with them. We hadn't really decided how long I would be there but we knew it was the right time. We then decided that maybe I should stay until my nephew was out of school and he could come with me and help me with the kids. So, four weeks. I got really nervous everytime I thought about it, four weeks away from home and my baby!?
Well, I got used to the idea. I would be here four weeks. Well, Southwest was having a sale and we decided to go ahead and buy the return tickets and Ryan thought that now we could afford for him to come join us! So, he bought tickets for the first of December and our return tickets for the fifteenth. Yes, six weeks away from home.

Saturday came and we were on our way to the airport. The kids were happy and pleasant. We checked in six bags, a stroller and a carseat, the other two carseats came with us, thankfully. We also had about four carry-ons.
We share our last little lunch with Dad, chicken nuggets and fries.

We said good bye to Dad and off we were! We were pretty much the last ones to board and we had to go to the very back of the plane. The carseats were fastened and Emma found a window seat.

I was terrified. I could tell my mom was nervous but everybody was friendly, at first anyways.

Emma enjoyed the flight and seeing the clouds. The boys got tired and fussy. We had no milk and when I asked for coffee cream, to try and fool them, I was told they couldn't give me more than four, that flight attendant must have been single and seemed very annoyed by us.

The five hour flight seemed to take forever. We had two stops but couldn't get off the plane at all. Yeah, it was rough. On the last stop in Alburquerque a man sat in the back by us and asked if we were noisy, I replied, oh, yes, very much. He got up and tried to find another seat. He soon came back and had his headphones on. As it turned out, this was the flight when the boys were the most pleasant.
There was another man in the very back who was so super friendly. He flew with us the whole time and smiled the whole time surprisingly. Another man sat with him during the last flight and both of them helped us get our things and carry them until we found my family. I thank Heavenly Father for sending them our way.

We finally found my sister and brother-in-law and I just wanted to cry out of tiredness and to finally see a familiar face.
We carried our stuff and headed for the hotel. We found something to eat and decided it was time to go to bed. It took the boys some crying but they finally fell asleep and stayed asleep until six in the morning the next day.

Ben always finds ways to get in trouble.

We were ready for the ride to Guaymas, but didn't leave Tucson until almost four in the afternoon. My sister had to pick up some things and I had to get Emma some diapers.

When we crossed the border, we got the red button, meaning we had to be inspected to see if we had more stuff than the law permitted. We didn't, but we still had to wait a good thirty minutes for them to make sure.

As soon as we got into town, Emma laughed and said it was bumpy! She loved it! I said, yep, we're in Mexico!

We went through customs again but this time we got the green. We drove and tried to entertain the kids for six hours. We sort of succeded, with Dora and Diego's help!

We made it to my sister's house and I finally was able to breathe and cry freely. We had arrived.

COOPER HEINES

2010-10-28T23:58:00.001-04:00

Today started great! I went to meet this little man and he was super sweet and well behaved! I just love all his cute expressions! You people need to stop having handsome little boys and beautiful little girls! I'm getting baby hungry! Not really. That's the good thing about taking newborn pictures, I get my baby fix and then I get to go home and sleep through the night happily.

BFFs

2010-10-26T00:15:00.001-04:00

Emma and Kita have been sort of inseparable lately. They play better and nicely lately. Kita has spent the night several times and they even slept in Emma's big bed together once, {I put a big bed in Emma's room to get her used to it before we're in Mexico. Yeah! We're going to Mexico!}
So, today, I wanted to get some pictures of them, while they still like each other! I know they will always be great friends and cousins though.
Kita just turned five and Emma is going on three. They love eating tortillas. They have tea parties and camp in Kita's castle. They laugh together and fight sometimes, but they always have a good time! So much that they cry everytime they say goodbye.

THE WHITES

2010-10-25T13:10:00.001-04:00

This is my friend Kristen and her Ryan. Cambridge is about six weeks older than my Emma and Brody is about six weeks younger than my boys. We have become good friends since we have so much in common! By the way, isn't her skirt just darling!? She made it! And the scarf too! She hadn't sewn much before, but she's a natural and has great style!

Little Brody turned one!

TUTTLE ORCHARD

2010-10-22T12:26:00.003-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to the orchard and I had forgotten to post pictures. I realized it had been a while since I last posted and when thinking about what to write {I did come up with a bunch of ideas, which I will soon write about} I remembered this little trip.

I had been asking Ryan to take us to the orchard for a long time and since Grandpa was here and was ready to go back home very soon we decided it was that day or never. Dutsika, Kita, Amaury and Evelia joined us.

We picked and ate apples. Delicious! And some, not so much!

Dutsika brought her handy double wagon for her kids, but my kids ended up using it {it truly saved us, thanks Dutsika} and Amaury rode in his stroller.

PARTY OF TEN

2010-10-14T18:46:00.003-04:00

You guys were overwhelmingly fun! Thanks for making my first big group so easy and enjoyable!

ROYALTY

2010-10-13T11:03:00.002-04:00

Once again, my royal friends star a blog post!
The Queen and King

The three Princesses

Cinderella

Snow White

Sleeping Beauty

Family

BUSY

2010-10-12T20:14:00.002-04:00

This has been quite a busy week already. To think it's only Tuesday. I guess it's been building up since last week. Lots of late nights. I get crafty when my mom is here. We have quilted several tops I had finished a while ago, like the one Emma is peacefully resting on. She couldn't wait to try it!

WENDY'S LITTLE MIRACLE

2010-10-07T08:00:00.005-04:00

This is Little Miss McKinley Sorensen, my friend Wendy's sweet miracle. Wendy you are such a great example of patience and love. I truly appreciate your kindness and friendship and I hope you like these although they do no justice to her sweetness and loveliness.

MY KIDS

2010-10-06T14:09:00.004-04:00

I had been wanting to get these done for a few weeks now and I finally had a chance to do it. There was a lot of chasing around and exploring involved. The kids loved being outside and Emma loved the berries.
All three kids need haircuts, I know. I have had a hard time letting go of the curls but I think it's time.

And this, is Real life, except most days is the other way around.