2010

Instead of blogging about the year 2010, which would have been an extremely long post, I decided to do this on wordle.net.  This was quick and easy.  It gets my point across, I hope. 

2011 - I'm ready for you.  

On being a "mommy"

On Being a Teacher (change teacher to Mommy) (by Emma Brown) A careful teacher/mommyI want to be A little girl follows me I do not dare to go astray For fear she'll go the selfsame way I cannot escape her eyes; Whatever she sees me do, she tries; Like me she says she's going to be The little girl who follows me. She thinks that I am good and fine Believes in every word of mine; The base in me she must not see The little girl who follow me. I must remember as I go Through summer's sun and winter's snow, I am building, for the years that be, For that little girl who follow me.

Joy:

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.  Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.  (Psalm 34:4-5)

Nap Mat (for Charlie)

Made a simple nap mat for Charlie.  He and his kindergarten class take naps everyday.  His nap mat was getting a little dingy, so we picked out some cute fabric to make a new one.  I had no clue where to begin, but I think it came out ok for not having a pattern.

Cute dog theme. Batting in between, nice & comfy.

Audrey testing out the final product.

Rolls up like a sleeping bag.

My Little Girl:

Wow can't believe my Audrey is 2.  Forgot to post something on her birthday.  She has been keeping us busy.  She talks more and more clearly everyday.  I thought we'd do something special today, just her and I.  So after we dropped the boys off at school, we headed to Disneyland.  We both enjoyed the morning by going on a few rides and having lunch together.  I know she might not remember today, but I sure will.  God has truly blessed me in so many ways.  My daughter is my little buddy.

Mommy and Audrey time at Disneyland.

With her pal Dumbo. One of her favorite rides.

Her new jacket mommy embellished. 

It's okay to cry.

Why do you cry?  Why do I cry?  

My boys always catch me crying.  They ask "mom why are you crying now...is it a good cry or a sad cry this time"?

I've cried so much lately, you'd think I would have run out of tears by now.

Today I cried because I was remembering my dad as I watched Stand Up 2 cancer.  Remembering his awful death made me so sad. Grieving is ok to do.  But remembering what a wonderful loving dad he was made me cry "happy" tears.

  

Yesterday, I cried because someone told me they were proud of me.  Proud is a word I didn't hear much growing up. Proud of myself too for facing some fears and conquering those fears has made me...yep you guessed it...CRY.

So what make you cry...the loss of someone you love, a broken friendship, maybe even your own broken heart, your child getting hurt...your son hitting the baseball, a hug from someone you haven't seen in a while, seeing your daughter dance whenever she hears music?  I hope you don't hold back those tears.  I'm learning that it's ok to let go and let my tears flow.  Such a relief.

It's ok to cry.  

     

Proud (Charlie) Moment:

What a great day.  Feeling good! Happy!  Went to watch my little guy play baseball.  Thought about my dad tonight.  I now know how he felt when he watched my brothers and I play ball.  Seeing Charlie crack that ball....was WOO HOO!  So exciting.  Can't wait till his first game.  Makes me smile that Charlie truly enjoys playing this sport.

The mouse in the dugout wasn't fun or cute...yuck!

New School Year

Summer is officially over for my boys...

Today was the first day of school.  Connor is now in first grade and Chalie is now in kindergarten.  **SIGH** My boys are growing up too quick for this momma.  Just seems like the other day we were walking Connor in to preschool at the age of 2 1/2.  

Both boys were excited to start the day and see their friends and meet their teachers.  

John and I took Audrey to breakfast and to Build A Bear.  We had a nice morning with our daughter.

Here are a few pictures from the day.

My two handsome guys.

1st grade.  He's a big boy with his own desk.

Our Char-char is 5 and in kindergarten.  Love my little dude.

Special morning for daddy and his little girl. 

Summer fun almost over:

Trying to squeeze in some fun time with my kids, before school starts next week.

Disneyland!  

Los Angeles zoo.  Hot day...lots of BEES...

This summer has been a busy summer.  I got to spend a lot of time with my 3 little ones.  I will miss my boys when they start school.  BUT it will also be kind of nice getting a little break.  Learning that it's ok to take a "mommy break" every once in awhile....time to read, write, movie, cry....pray!

Pismo Beach 2010 part 2

Fun in the sun and chilly water...brrrrr.

Amazing sunsets. 

My beautiful family.

My view from the hammock. 

Pismo Beach 2010

Pismo Beach 2010

Vacation time again. Oh how I needed this time away. Family and I drove up to Pismo Beach. We were expecting some cold weather. "Mother nature" had other plans for us. The first couple of days were so hot. Which made playing at the beach so much more fun and refreshing. The kids had a fun time playing in the sand and finding shells, rocks and sand dollars. John and I enjoyed watching them have fun together.
The boys rode without training wheels, which made me proud and sad. They are all growing up way too fast for me. Just seems like the other day we were taking Connor to his first day of preschool. Now he will be in 1st grade.
Any way...we are happy to be home now. Tired and need some rest.

*Had to be one of my most favorite trips we have taken so far. I got to have some quiet time. Laid out on the hamock and read, prayed, laughed and even cried. Love having those moments where you can just be yourself and let go. The best part of my trip was going to watch the sunsets and hearing from God as I prayed. The little signs he'd send my way made feel his comfort. I am amazed by all he does for me & how he can comfort me. I take so much for granted. But this trip made me open my eyes and enjoy it all.
**Started reading a book called Boundaries. Talk about opening my eyes...mind and heart. Bought a notebook also, so that I can look up and write down the bible verses the author brings up.

Summer Vacation 2010

We are on our way to Utah. This will be our first of many travels this summer. Looks like we will have beautiful weather this year. Our boys are excited to play with their friends and ride their quads.

The Man I Love...My Best Amigo.

John and I will be celebrating 10 years of marriage on February 5. Wow! 10 years just flew by. So many memories are going through my head as I write this.
Too be continued...need to get some sleep. Off to Hawaii tomorrow.

Hey dad...

Hello daddy. Today is the day you went "home". Seven years ago, wow how time flies. I remember that day like it was yesterday. So many bad memories of that day, I will never get them out of my head...no matter how hard I try. I try to block the bad with all the good memories. There are so many that make me laugh and smile.
Thank you dad for being the man you were. You taught me so much. You taught me how to be kind and loving to others, even strangers. I love hearing all of the great stories from others. You touched so many hearts, so many have loved you. I was so blessed to have a father like you in my life.

Here are some of the things I miss:

*Vegas & Laughlin trips.
*Watching the Dodger's games with you. (I'm now an Angel's fan...sorry)
*Your cooking! Tortillas and those fries...I can never get them just right.
*Your sarcasm
*Our car trips (even if it was just to the market)
*I miss being daddy's girl
*Your hugs
*Your HUGE smile & laugh
*The way children were drawn to you (wish my kids had the chance to meet you)
*Listening to music with you

I'm sure I can go on on...just want you to know that you are missed so much not just by me, but by so many others. I love you!