Saturday, September 18, 2010
Festival de Balloons
Today we made our Annual trip to the Clovis Balloon Festival. With money in hand, Mom stood in the cinnamon roll line that was super long when we arrived at 6:30am. I looked at the line, then looked at my family, and said, "Fine, I will stay in line." I mean, what is the balloon fest without a yummy cinnamon roll?? I think that is the main reason we all woke at 5:30am anyways! And let me tell you...it was sooo worth the wait, and I didn't miss too much of the festivities or photo opprotunities. And since we go every year I try to not take the same pics every time. So this year, I decided to take a picture of the coveted cinnamon rolls (and that way they last longer). This year there seemed to be A LOT more people. And while we were busy eating our cinnamon rolls, the line got a whole lot longer. I enjoyed this tradition as a little girl with my dad, and I am enjoying it even more now with my boys.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Ode to an 11 year old
Today Damien got his new glasses, pretty sharp, huh?! I swear I've seen a picture of my Dad in some glasses like these.
As a sixth grader Damien can now be a student crossing guard after school. After 5 years of watching others, Damien was so excited to finally be able to sign up. He volunteers twice a week. Well, you all know what that means, I just HAD to get a picture of him in action, hopefully without embarassing him. I stood off a ways and took a few pics.
As a sixth grader Damien can now be a student crossing guard after school. After 5 years of watching others, Damien was so excited to finally be able to sign up. He volunteers twice a week. Well, you all know what that means, I just HAD to get a picture of him in action, hopefully without embarassing him. I stood off a ways and took a few pics.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
My Boys
Now that Max and Jesse are in Preschool they like to learn now, even at home. Sometimes it is in short bursts, but I will take whatever I can get. As of lately they like me to draw their names with little dashes, then they trace them. On this particular occasion, they wanted me to take a picture.
I'd like to title this picture above "A child after his mother's own heart" and I do heart Fresno State Football! Last night Fresno State played their first game and it wasn't televised, but that didn't stop us from tuning in on the radio for the whole three hours!! And we were all actively listening, especially Damien who begged to wear my red Fresno State shirt. He even sat down and drew a Go Bulldogs sign that he happily placed on top of the radio :) I smiled as I watched him eagerly listen to the game and even texted his dad to tell him. Hopefully, we'll be able to go see one live this season. So back to the picture, we remembered that Damien had a Bulldog shirt from when he was little, so he went and dug it out of the drawer for Max, who happily wore, just like his big bro did 7 years ago. To explain the bandaid over his lip, before this picture was taken him and Jesse were in the bath and well, Mom and Dad were not supervising these little ones as we should have and well, Max looked into the trash and noticed one of Mom's old razors. Since he wants to be like dad, he sat and showed Jesse how to shave. He started bleeding and crying. Jesse consoled him telling him it would be alright as blood oozed down his face. I enter, after Damien altered me to what was going on. After investigating, I found the culprit, (the razor)lying in the bath water behind Max. He insisted on having a bandaid, so we found one small enough. He liked to call it his "mustache". I asked him if he was going to do that again and he said "no". I told him that he can shave when he is a daddy. Probably sooner, but I didn't want to say when you get older and he trys this when he was 5. So I am busted, I do not supervise my children 100% of the time.
Max and Jesse, particularly Jesse loves to wear suit coats. He affectionately calls it his "Mish-mary" jacket (Missionary Jacket). When he says things like, "I want to be a missionary when I grow up" I want to get out the recorder and have it handy for future use. They love our Ward missionaries and like to "gang up" on them with all their energy. They love to go up and say hi to them, and play with them when they come over for dinner. It is my hope that one day they do decide to go on a mission, and they giggle and laugh with other four year olds wanting to be like them. I love Sundays, where my boys can get all dressed up. They look so handsome and grown up. Speaking of Sundays, today, on the way home from church Max and Jesse receited the new scripture from Primary which is, as they said it, "If you love me, keep the commandments." It was so cute, and unexpected. Mike and I just looked at eachother and smiled. Some of the things they say just surprise us, sometimes in a good way, and it's moments like that where there is true "joy in our posterity". And I am so thankful for those moments, they keep me going. They are learning so much these days it is amazing. Like their letters, now that they are in Preschool, they are noticing letters everywhere. And thanks to their teacher, they associate certain letters with kids in their class, like A is for Abrahan and O is for Oscar etc. It is fun to watch them point out letters and make these connections.
I'd like to title this picture above "A child after his mother's own heart" and I do heart Fresno State Football! Last night Fresno State played their first game and it wasn't televised, but that didn't stop us from tuning in on the radio for the whole three hours!! And we were all actively listening, especially Damien who begged to wear my red Fresno State shirt. He even sat down and drew a Go Bulldogs sign that he happily placed on top of the radio :) I smiled as I watched him eagerly listen to the game and even texted his dad to tell him. Hopefully, we'll be able to go see one live this season. So back to the picture, we remembered that Damien had a Bulldog shirt from when he was little, so he went and dug it out of the drawer for Max, who happily wore, just like his big bro did 7 years ago. To explain the bandaid over his lip, before this picture was taken him and Jesse were in the bath and well, Mom and Dad were not supervising these little ones as we should have and well, Max looked into the trash and noticed one of Mom's old razors. Since he wants to be like dad, he sat and showed Jesse how to shave. He started bleeding and crying. Jesse consoled him telling him it would be alright as blood oozed down his face. I enter, after Damien altered me to what was going on. After investigating, I found the culprit, (the razor)lying in the bath water behind Max. He insisted on having a bandaid, so we found one small enough. He liked to call it his "mustache". I asked him if he was going to do that again and he said "no". I told him that he can shave when he is a daddy. Probably sooner, but I didn't want to say when you get older and he trys this when he was 5. So I am busted, I do not supervise my children 100% of the time.
Max and Jesse, particularly Jesse loves to wear suit coats. He affectionately calls it his "Mish-mary" jacket (Missionary Jacket). When he says things like, "I want to be a missionary when I grow up" I want to get out the recorder and have it handy for future use. They love our Ward missionaries and like to "gang up" on them with all their energy. They love to go up and say hi to them, and play with them when they come over for dinner. It is my hope that one day they do decide to go on a mission, and they giggle and laugh with other four year olds wanting to be like them. I love Sundays, where my boys can get all dressed up. They look so handsome and grown up. Speaking of Sundays, today, on the way home from church Max and Jesse receited the new scripture from Primary which is, as they said it, "If you love me, keep the commandments." It was so cute, and unexpected. Mike and I just looked at eachother and smiled. Some of the things they say just surprise us, sometimes in a good way, and it's moments like that where there is true "joy in our posterity". And I am so thankful for those moments, they keep me going. They are learning so much these days it is amazing. Like their letters, now that they are in Preschool, they are noticing letters everywhere. And thanks to their teacher, they associate certain letters with kids in their class, like A is for Abrahan and O is for Oscar etc. It is fun to watch them point out letters and make these connections.
It's Never Too Late
I must preface this post with a bit of history about me. 13 years ago I was a Laurel in the Young Women's program at church. I had every opprotunity to earn this award just like every Young Woman, but when I looked through the book I found daunting projects and value experiences that I really could not connect with and felt were of no real significance to do. Plus, I was friends with others who felt the same way as I did, and I received no motivation from them either. Not that I blame them. I felt empowered by making my own decisions by myself and what I felt to be right and good for me in the moment, even while trying to hold on to some of the Gospel principles. Which, over time, I learned you cannot do. You cannot serve two masters. So, I turned my back on the Personal Progress Program, leaders, parents, maybe, even at times, my sisters, all for what I felt to be right. Fast forward through 12 years of ups and major downs, I am called to be a leader in the YW program in my ward. I was very excited to serve with the Young Women, and be able to share my experiences with them. Meeting after meeting, the Spirit would confirm to me the different reasons why I was in this calling, many I know, some I am still learning. I know that I am here to be an example to these girls, share my experiences and encourage them to choose the right. Then one day I found out that leaders could earn their mediallions, the Spirit rushed through me again. I was soo excited. I grabbed my book, and set to work. I set goals, learned how to garden, sewed a blanket for my sister, and read the entire Book of Mormon. Reading the Book of Mormon was the final requirement that I needed to complete, which stretched me the most. After 2 years of working on my Personal Progress, I found myself standing by the pulpit at church while the Bishop read my certificate, tears welling up in my eyes, as I awaited to receive my Young Womanhood Recognition. I have a strong testimony of the Personal Progress Program and the Value Experiences the YW, Leaders, even their Mothers and Grandmothers are asked to complete. I learned more about myself and my Savior. I often have flashbacks, wanting to feel, what these YW feel for the program, mutual, Girls Camp, Temple Trips etc., but when I look back, the excitment they have wasn't there. But, now it is. I am thankful for this time being in YW and being able to replace all those memories with happier ones, and to top it off, the void of not receiving my mediallion has now been filled. I was able to share this day with the YW I serve (3 of which also earned their mediallions too), and most of all I got to share this moment with my husband and my boys. I know my Heavenly Father was smiling down on me, I know I couldn't have done it without him. Even though I've earned my award the principles I learned, I am still actively striving to be better at.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
School's IN
This was the first week of school and as a tradition that I started when Damien was probably in the 3rd grade (once his brothers started sleeping through the night and I wasn't so tired) I make a yummy breakfast which usually consists of pancakes, eggs and bacon. This year I added blueberries to the pancakes, which were a HIT! Since it was Dad's first week back too, he wanted in on the action too, so I woke up EXTRA early for him. To Damien's dismay, I took a picture of him eating his first day of school breakfast...silly Mom :) In the past, for fun, I would carve an H into the pancake standing for Heaton (the school Damien goes to). This year I forgot...oh well, he didn't seem to mind. So from here on out it is cereal and milk, or breakfast at school.
And here's the big 6th Grader Class of 2017
Then, FINALLY Thursday rolled around and it was First Day of School take two....and not just cause I have twins :) So today was an extra treat for Max and Jesse cause Dad took some time off of work to see Max and Jesse off on their first day. In case you are wondering where a picture of Jesse in the classroom is, well, I didn't want to take a picture of him pouting in the corner. I wasn't mad, just know sometimes it takes Jesse some time to get used to new situations and people, especially large groups. Max washed his hands and sat right down and grabbed a book to read, while Jesse was uncertain of this whole thing. After a few minutes of him sitting off to the side, I said to him, "Why don't you go sit next to Max." He looked and found his safety. So for now, looks like it might be a good thing for them to be in the same class. Glad he didn't cause a scene. Next it was time to see who was there, and the teacher would hold up a strip of paper with a name on it, she would spell it out and hopefully the kids would recognize their name. First name up, was Max, he looked at the strip, then down at his name tag, and smiled, realizing it was HIS name. Then a few names later the teacher held up Jesse's name, took him a bit longer to realize it was his. Then after that, Dad and I left. Took Dad to work, and I went shopping...IN PEACE!!!!
And here are the big Pre-schoolers Class of 2024
So, for the record, Sunday night I had my mommy moment. Thankfully I had a caring husband who let me unload on him. He listened as I cried, and talked about my boys growing up, all between breaks in tears. I don't know if other Moms out there are like me and can't wait until their little ones grow up and move on to new things and then go and cry about it, well I am one of them. No more diapers, toddlers, park trips in the morning, burping babies, naptimes etc...etc... This, IS a good thing, and as a teacher and Mom, I am excited about all the things they will be learning, me running errands without help, and going to the Temple to name a few. However, they are "out in the world" now, where everything good we are teaching them at home really comes in to play. And hopefully soon Jesse and Max will learn that they have to CLOSE the bathroom door when they use the Preschool bathroom. During hand washing time, I saw another Mom come out and close the door, and I knew it was because one of MY boys just dropped their pants to go pee. And for the first time ever, I was able to WALK to my child's school to pick them up. Every year Damien's school is always far away, so I walked to pick them up, and they were a little shocked that I didn't have the car. Seeing that our neighborhood is off a busy street this was a BIG test, and I really didn't want to show up to Preschool with a stroller, even though they still ride in one so I can keep track of them in public places. So, Max cried all the way home, and thankfully Jesse took this new experience in stride and walked ahead of us. 10 minutes later we were home. They tried to tell me about some of the things they did, but the only things I gathered were playing outside, and eating. Two things these two love to do. And playing with toys was the first thing Max asked about when we got to Preschool, and I told him he was going to have to wait and see what the teacher says. Well, I am excited about all the new opprotunities this brings, field trips, volunteering in their classroom, watching them learn and being excited for them as they master a concept. So stay tuned for me bragging about my SCHOOL AGE children :)
And here's the big 6th Grader Class of 2017
Then, FINALLY Thursday rolled around and it was First Day of School take two....and not just cause I have twins :) So today was an extra treat for Max and Jesse cause Dad took some time off of work to see Max and Jesse off on their first day. In case you are wondering where a picture of Jesse in the classroom is, well, I didn't want to take a picture of him pouting in the corner. I wasn't mad, just know sometimes it takes Jesse some time to get used to new situations and people, especially large groups. Max washed his hands and sat right down and grabbed a book to read, while Jesse was uncertain of this whole thing. After a few minutes of him sitting off to the side, I said to him, "Why don't you go sit next to Max." He looked and found his safety. So for now, looks like it might be a good thing for them to be in the same class. Glad he didn't cause a scene. Next it was time to see who was there, and the teacher would hold up a strip of paper with a name on it, she would spell it out and hopefully the kids would recognize their name. First name up, was Max, he looked at the strip, then down at his name tag, and smiled, realizing it was HIS name. Then a few names later the teacher held up Jesse's name, took him a bit longer to realize it was his. Then after that, Dad and I left. Took Dad to work, and I went shopping...IN PEACE!!!!
And here are the big Pre-schoolers Class of 2024
So, for the record, Sunday night I had my mommy moment. Thankfully I had a caring husband who let me unload on him. He listened as I cried, and talked about my boys growing up, all between breaks in tears. I don't know if other Moms out there are like me and can't wait until their little ones grow up and move on to new things and then go and cry about it, well I am one of them. No more diapers, toddlers, park trips in the morning, burping babies, naptimes etc...etc... This, IS a good thing, and as a teacher and Mom, I am excited about all the things they will be learning, me running errands without help, and going to the Temple to name a few. However, they are "out in the world" now, where everything good we are teaching them at home really comes in to play. And hopefully soon Jesse and Max will learn that they have to CLOSE the bathroom door when they use the Preschool bathroom. During hand washing time, I saw another Mom come out and close the door, and I knew it was because one of MY boys just dropped their pants to go pee. And for the first time ever, I was able to WALK to my child's school to pick them up. Every year Damien's school is always far away, so I walked to pick them up, and they were a little shocked that I didn't have the car. Seeing that our neighborhood is off a busy street this was a BIG test, and I really didn't want to show up to Preschool with a stroller, even though they still ride in one so I can keep track of them in public places. So, Max cried all the way home, and thankfully Jesse took this new experience in stride and walked ahead of us. 10 minutes later we were home. They tried to tell me about some of the things they did, but the only things I gathered were playing outside, and eating. Two things these two love to do. And playing with toys was the first thing Max asked about when we got to Preschool, and I told him he was going to have to wait and see what the teacher says. Well, I am excited about all the new opprotunities this brings, field trips, volunteering in their classroom, watching them learn and being excited for them as they master a concept. So stay tuned for me bragging about my SCHOOL AGE children :)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Summer 2010...In review
Well, Summer 2010 is coming to an end and last night Michael and I were listing all the fun things that we have been able to do as a family and I thought for the record I would list them here.
1. Island Waterpark - having seasons passes was a great investment, lots of good memories, especially Damien conquering all of his fears by going on "scary" waterslides, and sometimes it would be AFTER his brothers went on it themselves. We had fun staying until the last possible moment going on new "favorites", and leaving after only a few hours and it not being a waste of money. However, I do not like the sunblock routine, and getting everyone ready, and loading up some food to take BLAH! If we could fast forward past all that, it would be awesome, nevertheless that is part of the whole experience...RIGHT?
2. Millerton Lake
3. Pismo Beach
4. Library trips - My favorite were the ones where the kids were rewarded pizza coupons for reading. Loved eating yummy pizza with my boys.
5. Bike rides
6. Free Summer movies - The last one we went to was Cliffords' Big Movie and the boys LOVED it.
7. Trips to Oso de Oro park
8. Picking tomatoes from our garden - the boys ask to do this A LOT.
9. Watching fireworks from Buchanan and then coming home and doing our own
10. First trip to a Home Depot Kids Workshop
11. Michelle and her family came to visit! Lots of good times with them.
12. My Hubby's experimenting on the Bar B Q! We've had yummy chicken, tri tip, hot dogs, even pork. He loves trying out new seasonings and tasting the final product after it grills and mingles with the mesquite smoke. And to top off the delicousness we have corn on the cob and my chunky potato salad.
13. Max and Jesse completed two weeks of swimming lessons. They've come a long way in the water. Now they are little fishes. They can jump in, and aren't afraid to put their faces in the water. This has really helped at the Island Waterpark. They love to go on the bigger waterslides with a pool at the end, and they don't freak out, they kick their legs all the way to the steps. They do have assistance of a lifejacket, we aren't THAT proficent yet.
14. And in the midst of it all, I've scored some great deals too :)
How truly blessed both Michael and I feel to have done the things we have done this summer. So many good memories. August brings a new school year and semester in our home, then my birthday, then Halloween, Thanksgiving, then our party month... December. Yikes!
1. Island Waterpark - having seasons passes was a great investment, lots of good memories, especially Damien conquering all of his fears by going on "scary" waterslides, and sometimes it would be AFTER his brothers went on it themselves. We had fun staying until the last possible moment going on new "favorites", and leaving after only a few hours and it not being a waste of money. However, I do not like the sunblock routine, and getting everyone ready, and loading up some food to take BLAH! If we could fast forward past all that, it would be awesome, nevertheless that is part of the whole experience...RIGHT?
2. Millerton Lake
3. Pismo Beach
4. Library trips - My favorite were the ones where the kids were rewarded pizza coupons for reading. Loved eating yummy pizza with my boys.
5. Bike rides
6. Free Summer movies - The last one we went to was Cliffords' Big Movie and the boys LOVED it.
7. Trips to Oso de Oro park
8. Picking tomatoes from our garden - the boys ask to do this A LOT.
9. Watching fireworks from Buchanan and then coming home and doing our own
10. First trip to a Home Depot Kids Workshop
11. Michelle and her family came to visit! Lots of good times with them.
12. My Hubby's experimenting on the Bar B Q! We've had yummy chicken, tri tip, hot dogs, even pork. He loves trying out new seasonings and tasting the final product after it grills and mingles with the mesquite smoke. And to top off the delicousness we have corn on the cob and my chunky potato salad.
13. Max and Jesse completed two weeks of swimming lessons. They've come a long way in the water. Now they are little fishes. They can jump in, and aren't afraid to put their faces in the water. This has really helped at the Island Waterpark. They love to go on the bigger waterslides with a pool at the end, and they don't freak out, they kick their legs all the way to the steps. They do have assistance of a lifejacket, we aren't THAT proficent yet.
14. And in the midst of it all, I've scored some great deals too :)
How truly blessed both Michael and I feel to have done the things we have done this summer. So many good memories. August brings a new school year and semester in our home, then my birthday, then Halloween, Thanksgiving, then our party month... December. Yikes!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Can we fix it....Yes...we...CAN!!
So after years of waiting...waiting for the boys to be old enough, I finally took them to a Home Depot Kids Workshop. This is where kids can build a selected project, take home an offical Home Depot apron, plus a pin to put on the apron showing completion of said project. I took Damien to a few of these when he was younger so I was excited to enter this new phase as they are getting to be so big and sometimes mature. Special thanks to Dad for coming, or I would have royaly messed up everyone's school bus pencil holders, and bent all the nails. Damien was able to build his all by himself! Quite a contrast from the last time I took him and I was building his project, oh how did we do it?! 25 min. later 3 completed projects and no meltdowns, hurray!! These are of course free, and once a month. So stay tuned for some more Mejias building adventures in the future.
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