Who said Santa wouldn't know what to bring?
I think these look like happy faces!
Merry Christmas Everyone!Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
No Picture Santa!
So, do you all remember when you could go visit Santa and maybe you could purchase a picture, but the main event was actually seeing and talking to Santa? Well, things have definitely changed.
I'll begin this story by rewinding about a month. An idea popped into Isaac's and Marina's sweet little greedy heads just before Thanksgiving. They wanted to make their "wish list." I just couldn't bear the thought of indulging them at this time. I know it's normal for kids to want things, especially this time of year. But, the thought of Isaac making a list 2 pages long of everything he wanted, and Marina following his example, was just too much for me. So, my response that day was, make a list of things you could buy others or make a list of all the things you are grateful for. Well that little conversation turned into several others...my children telling every adult that has asked them if they've written their letter to Santa, "No, my mom won't let us write a letter this year." Many of those times I thought about disputing this statement. (I by no means ever told them they couldn't write a letter at all, just simply that they couldn't make a long wish list, and they couldn't do it the day before Thanksgiving.) But then the idea of helping them to focus on giving more than receiving seemed better.
*Note: In previous years, my children have been taught to only ask Santa for 3 things anyway. This was to force, Isaac in particular, to really narrow down the choices. This way they would have to think about what was the most important thing they really wanted. (And help Santa be more successful)
This brings me to the present time (no pun intended). Here we are a few days before Christmas and my kids think that Santa doesn't know what they want. I've reminded them, that they have put it out into the universe many times, and that Santa has elves all around listening, reassuring them that they would get something they wanted. I guess that just wasn't good enough. So, Danny and I consented to take them to the mall to see Santa. We figured what the heck, it would be fun to see what Esaias would do with the white bearded man. (Another side note, we hardly ever go to the mall, let alone the Aurora Mall.)
Our kids walking into the mall were immediately enamored with the hustle and bustle of the shoppers and the season, the signs and decorations, exclaiming, "Wow, we haven't come here for a long time." " I remember this." "Can we just walk around and look?" "This is cool." We went the most direct route straight to Santa's line. I was pleased to see a real white bearded man. We joined the long line. I mentally braced myself for the long wait. Then was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the line was moving. About 15 minutes into our wait, Santa gets up and walks out the back door. "Oh, he can't be going for long... they would put up a sign or something...right?" After 2 trips to the bathroom, Esaias switching sets of hands multiple times and yawning, one of Santa's elves comes by to show us the picture package options. Danny looks at me with that look like really you're going to buy one of the overpriced packages. I respond with it's the baby's first Christmas. We continue to watch all the adorable children in line. Now they were adorable because they were all dressed in their best. Sweet little baby girls in fancy dresses, handsome little boys with their hair combed just right, antsy to get out of line and the parents trying to keep them looking that cute while they wait. Esaias already threw up on his very casual, not Christmasy outfit, and his red sleepy eyes, I began to feel a little out of place. After 30minutes of waiting Santa finally returns. Then we waited another 20-30 minutes. Esaias finally having enough, gave in and fell asleep on my shoulder. We had waited so long, we had to see it through.
When we finally reached Santa I informed the "elves" that we were just visiting. No pictures please! Our candidate for pictures had fallen asleep in the 1 1/2 hour of waiting. The elves didn't know what to do. They stood there looking at me funny. I couldn't believe it, all the people weren't anxiously waiting to see Santa, they were waiting to get their pictures taken. They were surprised to see children actually waiting that long just to visit. Isaac and Marina went and sat on Santa's lap, and it was actually the first time I saw Santa speak. Marina couldn't even remember what she wanted (she had to spend the hour and half thinking up something) and Isaac of course new exactly what to ask for. Santa did ask them to try and continue to stay on the "nice" list. And told them he was proud of them. Thanks for that Santa.
Lesson learned: Seeing Santa just isn't what it used to be. Commercialism is alive and well. And I think I'll just let my kids write their letter next year and avoid this!
I'll begin this story by rewinding about a month. An idea popped into Isaac's and Marina's sweet little greedy heads just before Thanksgiving. They wanted to make their "wish list." I just couldn't bear the thought of indulging them at this time. I know it's normal for kids to want things, especially this time of year. But, the thought of Isaac making a list 2 pages long of everything he wanted, and Marina following his example, was just too much for me. So, my response that day was, make a list of things you could buy others or make a list of all the things you are grateful for. Well that little conversation turned into several others...my children telling every adult that has asked them if they've written their letter to Santa, "No, my mom won't let us write a letter this year." Many of those times I thought about disputing this statement. (I by no means ever told them they couldn't write a letter at all, just simply that they couldn't make a long wish list, and they couldn't do it the day before Thanksgiving.) But then the idea of helping them to focus on giving more than receiving seemed better.
*Note: In previous years, my children have been taught to only ask Santa for 3 things anyway. This was to force, Isaac in particular, to really narrow down the choices. This way they would have to think about what was the most important thing they really wanted. (And help Santa be more successful)
This brings me to the present time (no pun intended). Here we are a few days before Christmas and my kids think that Santa doesn't know what they want. I've reminded them, that they have put it out into the universe many times, and that Santa has elves all around listening, reassuring them that they would get something they wanted. I guess that just wasn't good enough. So, Danny and I consented to take them to the mall to see Santa. We figured what the heck, it would be fun to see what Esaias would do with the white bearded man. (Another side note, we hardly ever go to the mall, let alone the Aurora Mall.)
Our kids walking into the mall were immediately enamored with the hustle and bustle of the shoppers and the season, the signs and decorations, exclaiming, "Wow, we haven't come here for a long time." " I remember this." "Can we just walk around and look?" "This is cool." We went the most direct route straight to Santa's line. I was pleased to see a real white bearded man. We joined the long line. I mentally braced myself for the long wait. Then was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the line was moving. About 15 minutes into our wait, Santa gets up and walks out the back door. "Oh, he can't be going for long... they would put up a sign or something...right?" After 2 trips to the bathroom, Esaias switching sets of hands multiple times and yawning, one of Santa's elves comes by to show us the picture package options. Danny looks at me with that look like really you're going to buy one of the overpriced packages. I respond with it's the baby's first Christmas. We continue to watch all the adorable children in line. Now they were adorable because they were all dressed in their best. Sweet little baby girls in fancy dresses, handsome little boys with their hair combed just right, antsy to get out of line and the parents trying to keep them looking that cute while they wait. Esaias already threw up on his very casual, not Christmasy outfit, and his red sleepy eyes, I began to feel a little out of place. After 30minutes of waiting Santa finally returns. Then we waited another 20-30 minutes. Esaias finally having enough, gave in and fell asleep on my shoulder. We had waited so long, we had to see it through.
When we finally reached Santa I informed the "elves" that we were just visiting. No pictures please! Our candidate for pictures had fallen asleep in the 1 1/2 hour of waiting. The elves didn't know what to do. They stood there looking at me funny. I couldn't believe it, all the people weren't anxiously waiting to see Santa, they were waiting to get their pictures taken. They were surprised to see children actually waiting that long just to visit. Isaac and Marina went and sat on Santa's lap, and it was actually the first time I saw Santa speak. Marina couldn't even remember what she wanted (she had to spend the hour and half thinking up something) and Isaac of course new exactly what to ask for. Santa did ask them to try and continue to stay on the "nice" list. And told them he was proud of them. Thanks for that Santa.
Lesson learned: Seeing Santa just isn't what it used to be. Commercialism is alive and well. And I think I'll just let my kids write their letter next year and avoid this!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Sandoval 2010 Highlight Reel
Article written by Sports Writers' Vycci & Danny Sandoval
This was an exciting and eventful 2010 game.
No instant replay please on Esaias being born. I am always happy to be on the other side of pregnancy. It's been a little bit of a journey to full recovery after this pregnancy. I've had some thyroid issues, but hopefully with time, this has corrected itself. I have been feeling better and stronger lately. I am really enjoying my time that I get to spend with Esaias with the extra days off of work. I also love that Danny gets to be home on Fridays with Esaias. It makes going to work that day so much easier. After being home for 4 days in a row, I have a hard time leaving the baby, even for just the 2 days. So being home with Danny is a huge relief for me, and even better for the baby and the kids. Danny gets to take the kids to school and pick them up, just like I do on Mondays and Tuesdays. It gives the older kids more time to get school work done, and have more time at home. It's been a nice change in our lives. Also, with only working part-time, I get to spend more time with my sister. And since her "baby" started kindergarten, that's worked well for us. Getting my master's gives me a little more to do on my days off then I would like, but I think it will still be worth it when it's all over.
With Danny's new calling and regular busy lives, it feels like we do a lot of lateral passes or hand offs. I am really glad that we are such a good team. I miss having time alone together, but Danny reminds me that some day in our future, we're going to have lots of time to just be together. I am not sure I see that future so clearly, but for now I'll take his word for it.
3rd down and long in the first half, brought us our Esaias. He definitely tops the charts for this years events. Already 7 months old he's working on crawling, and cutting his first tooth. He is loud, and a little rowdy like his siblings. He is a pretty happy child, except for the fact that he is very opinionated and knows what he wants. If he's not getting what he wants, he lets you know it. Mostly he wants to move! He becomes happier everyday now that he can do more. He sure doesn't want to stay a baby for long. No matter what his mama and dad say.
Left Tackle Danny has been protecting the blindside of everyone at work the last several months. The grant he is working on expires in September of next year and with the state budget shortfalls he is hesitant in putting full hope that his program will receive the funding it needs to sustain itself. Though he is blocking out as much skepticism as he can he has also faced the reality that he better have a plan for himself in case budget hearings don't go well in the spring. He is embracing his free agent status and applying for other opportunities that are more permanent in nature. Danny has also submitted three pieces of writing for possible publication. We will keep you posted if anything pans out for him. He enjoys serving in the Bishopric even though it takes a lot of his time and energy (even in this first month). Most importantly he cherishes the time he has with family and takes advantage of his time on the light rail. He has read who knows how many books, but his most treasured book he read this year was "Jesus the Christ" by James E. Talmage. His testimony of the restored gospel grows continually and is especially grateful for this wonderful time of year when we have so much to be grateful for.
First string quarterback Isaac says, "This last year has been great. I have been interested in soccer and love it. I play it everyday at recess. I have been getting better and better at reading because I have read all the books of Harry Potter twice in less than 5 months. Now I am reading The Hobbit and Inkspell the sequel to Inkheart. I hope to become better at history. I also hope to become better at typing, real better! I have gotten a pet of my own, a hermit crab. This is really exciting because I have never had a pet of my own. His name is Quidditch, after the game in Harry Potter. Our new baby brother is growing as fast as lightning. I feel this guy is going to cheer me up a lot. I also feel he is a tiger, because he can scratch you. Thank you for everything you've done for me and love you show for me. Plus have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year." Love, Isaac
From the sidelines cheerleader, Marina comments, "This year I tried out for team gymnastics and made it! I will be competing in gymnastics meets this next year. I am in 2nd grade. I only like school because I can see my friends. On Saturday I put up the Christmas decorations. Thank you for everything you've done for me. Thank you for supporting me. I love looking at picture books. I love watching Disney channel. I love watching Christmas movies. I write little notes to my mom and dad. At church my dad got a new calling. This year I had a new baby brother. Have a great Christmas." Love, Marina
Just before half, life gave us an unexpected onside kick with Grandpa Martin's passing. I am so blessed to have known him, and what a blessing it is for my kids to have known him so well. Marina frequently expresses her desire to see him again. And we are so blessed to know that we can see him again someday. I love to remember his good sense of humor, and I love to think about him watching over my family from heaven. Merry Christmas Grandpa!
It's always a mad dash from now until Christmas. And there is never time to catch your breath between Christmas and New Years. So we'll embrace the forth quarter with gratitude in our hearts, to have played another game. We are so blessed to have a sideline full of cheerleaders, coaches, trainers, and other team players who love us and support us. Thank you and Happy Holidays!
This was an exciting and eventful 2010 game.
No instant replay please on Esaias being born. I am always happy to be on the other side of pregnancy. It's been a little bit of a journey to full recovery after this pregnancy. I've had some thyroid issues, but hopefully with time, this has corrected itself. I have been feeling better and stronger lately. I am really enjoying my time that I get to spend with Esaias with the extra days off of work. I also love that Danny gets to be home on Fridays with Esaias. It makes going to work that day so much easier. After being home for 4 days in a row, I have a hard time leaving the baby, even for just the 2 days. So being home with Danny is a huge relief for me, and even better for the baby and the kids. Danny gets to take the kids to school and pick them up, just like I do on Mondays and Tuesdays. It gives the older kids more time to get school work done, and have more time at home. It's been a nice change in our lives. Also, with only working part-time, I get to spend more time with my sister. And since her "baby" started kindergarten, that's worked well for us. Getting my master's gives me a little more to do on my days off then I would like, but I think it will still be worth it when it's all over.
With Danny's new calling and regular busy lives, it feels like we do a lot of lateral passes or hand offs. I am really glad that we are such a good team. I miss having time alone together, but Danny reminds me that some day in our future, we're going to have lots of time to just be together. I am not sure I see that future so clearly, but for now I'll take his word for it.
3rd down and long in the first half, brought us our Esaias. He definitely tops the charts for this years events. Already 7 months old he's working on crawling, and cutting his first tooth. He is loud, and a little rowdy like his siblings. He is a pretty happy child, except for the fact that he is very opinionated and knows what he wants. If he's not getting what he wants, he lets you know it. Mostly he wants to move! He becomes happier everyday now that he can do more. He sure doesn't want to stay a baby for long. No matter what his mama and dad say.
Left Tackle Danny has been protecting the blindside of everyone at work the last several months. The grant he is working on expires in September of next year and with the state budget shortfalls he is hesitant in putting full hope that his program will receive the funding it needs to sustain itself. Though he is blocking out as much skepticism as he can he has also faced the reality that he better have a plan for himself in case budget hearings don't go well in the spring. He is embracing his free agent status and applying for other opportunities that are more permanent in nature. Danny has also submitted three pieces of writing for possible publication. We will keep you posted if anything pans out for him. He enjoys serving in the Bishopric even though it takes a lot of his time and energy (even in this first month). Most importantly he cherishes the time he has with family and takes advantage of his time on the light rail. He has read who knows how many books, but his most treasured book he read this year was "Jesus the Christ" by James E. Talmage. His testimony of the restored gospel grows continually and is especially grateful for this wonderful time of year when we have so much to be grateful for. First string quarterback Isaac says, "This last year has been great. I have been interested in soccer and love it. I play it everyday at recess. I have been getting better and better at reading because I have read all the books of Harry Potter twice in less than 5 months. Now I am reading The Hobbit and Inkspell the sequel to Inkheart. I hope to become better at history. I also hope to become better at typing, real better! I have gotten a pet of my own, a hermit crab. This is really exciting because I have never had a pet of my own. His name is Quidditch, after the game in Harry Potter. Our new baby brother is growing as fast as lightning. I feel this guy is going to cheer me up a lot. I also feel he is a tiger, because he can scratch you. Thank you for everything you've done for me and love you show for me. Plus have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year." Love, Isaac
From the sidelines cheerleader, Marina comments, "This year I tried out for team gymnastics and made it! I will be competing in gymnastics meets this next year. I am in 2nd grade. I only like school because I can see my friends. On Saturday I put up the Christmas decorations. Thank you for everything you've done for me. Thank you for supporting me. I love looking at picture books. I love watching Disney channel. I love watching Christmas movies. I write little notes to my mom and dad. At church my dad got a new calling. This year I had a new baby brother. Have a great Christmas." Love, Marina
Just before half, life gave us an unexpected onside kick with Grandpa Martin's passing. I am so blessed to have known him, and what a blessing it is for my kids to have known him so well. Marina frequently expresses her desire to see him again. And we are so blessed to know that we can see him again someday. I love to remember his good sense of humor, and I love to think about him watching over my family from heaven. Merry Christmas Grandpa!It's always a mad dash from now until Christmas. And there is never time to catch your breath between Christmas and New Years. So we'll embrace the forth quarter with gratitude in our hearts, to have played another game. We are so blessed to have a sideline full of cheerleaders, coaches, trainers, and other team players who love us and support us. Thank you and Happy Holidays!
Monday, November 29, 2010
1 down 4 to go!
I decided since I was working part time this school year, that I should finish getting my masters. I am not really motivated, I have definitely reached my limit or had more than my fair share of schooling. Between Danny and I we have been in school about 10 of the 13 years we've been married. So, it is more than time to be done!!! I finished my endorsement a couple years ago, and so with only 5 classes to get a masters, it would be dumb not to finish. That is my only motivation!
Well, today marks the official end of the first class down of the last five! Hallelujah!
Well, today marks the official end of the first class down of the last five! Hallelujah!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Attitude of Gratitude!
As a family, we have been focused on trying to "show" more love to one another, and in doing so work on having an attitude of gratitude, as President Monson challenged us to do so, in last months conference talk. Having an attitude of gratitude means living life in a way of constant thankfulness, not just on Thanksgiving Day. It means expressing to others and especially Heavenly Father how grateful we are for the blessings we have, and the things that we do for each other. It means showing gratitude, through our actions. Lastly, emulating our Savior in constant remembrance of gratitude in all we say and do.
This all takes conscience effort. So as a family, we've worked to remind each other to be grateful. A couple weeks back, we were driving in a neighborhood we don't frequently drive, and I was looking at the houses at expressing aloud things I liked and didn't like about the homes. I made mention a few times about things I might someday like to have with our home, when Isaac spoke from the backseat, and said, "Mom that's not having an attitude of gratitude." Spoken from the mouths of babes. We have to be careful what we teach; they might expect us to "do what we preach." Isaac was right...I wasn't being ungrateful, but in my comments of wanting more, we can easily forget to be happy with what we've got. We've had lessons in Family Home Evening about how we are thankful for our bodies, and our homes; and discussed how we show our gratitude by taking care of ourselves, and our homes, how to keep them pure and worthy of the spirit.
Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite holidays. It is truly about spending time together, and thinking about having an attitude of gratitude. It's always fun, and necessary to kick off the Christmas season, by remembering first to count your blessings. I wouldn't let my kids start making their Christmas lists before Thanksgiving; telling them that before they could ask for more, they had to first take time to be thankful for what they had. I guess those lessons apply to all of us.
I am so grateful for my family, good friends, our jobs, our home, being members of the gospel of Jesus Christ, our callings in the church, challenges that make us stronger, the temple, the scriptures, the privilege to live in a country that allows free choice, men and women that fight to insure that freedom, my Savior, the Atonement of Jesus Christ that allows me the opportunity to make mistakes and be able to repent, the blessings of heaven that are poured out on me and my loved ones. I am truly blessed far beyond the ability to count. Thank you to all of you that bless mine, and my family's life; for the love, support, sacrifice, and service that you extend to us. Happy Holiday!
This all takes conscience effort. So as a family, we've worked to remind each other to be grateful. A couple weeks back, we were driving in a neighborhood we don't frequently drive, and I was looking at the houses at expressing aloud things I liked and didn't like about the homes. I made mention a few times about things I might someday like to have with our home, when Isaac spoke from the backseat, and said, "Mom that's not having an attitude of gratitude." Spoken from the mouths of babes. We have to be careful what we teach; they might expect us to "do what we preach." Isaac was right...I wasn't being ungrateful, but in my comments of wanting more, we can easily forget to be happy with what we've got. We've had lessons in Family Home Evening about how we are thankful for our bodies, and our homes; and discussed how we show our gratitude by taking care of ourselves, and our homes, how to keep them pure and worthy of the spirit.
Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite holidays. It is truly about spending time together, and thinking about having an attitude of gratitude. It's always fun, and necessary to kick off the Christmas season, by remembering first to count your blessings. I wouldn't let my kids start making their Christmas lists before Thanksgiving; telling them that before they could ask for more, they had to first take time to be thankful for what they had. I guess those lessons apply to all of us.
I am so grateful for my family, good friends, our jobs, our home, being members of the gospel of Jesus Christ, our callings in the church, challenges that make us stronger, the temple, the scriptures, the privilege to live in a country that allows free choice, men and women that fight to insure that freedom, my Savior, the Atonement of Jesus Christ that allows me the opportunity to make mistakes and be able to repent, the blessings of heaven that are poured out on me and my loved ones. I am truly blessed far beyond the ability to count. Thank you to all of you that bless mine, and my family's life; for the love, support, sacrifice, and service that you extend to us. Happy Holiday!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Harry Potter & Shrek
What do Harry Potter and Shrek have in common?
Only one thing, the Sandoval's got to see them in the same day. We had a fantasy filled Saturday. We started it off by being able to attend a private showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, sponsored by Isaac's orthodontist. It wasn't quite the midnight showing, but I think it was just as exciting a surprise. We loved it, even Marina who insists she didn't get scared (I know better I was sitting next to her).
Then immediately following the movie, we were off to see Shrek downtown at the Denver Center of Performing Arts. We didn't even have enough time for a real lunch, we had to grab Burger King and eat in the car, making it just in time to park, use the bathroom, and find our seats. Marina had already sat through a 2 1/2 hour movie, so she had a hard time sitting again through the musical. Even Danny & I had a couple of sleepy moments, but all in all it ended with a "bang" and confetti, so the kids had a good time.We then picked up Esaias, who spent the day with Grandma Chris & Papa Joe. And we couldn't get dinner and home fast enough. It truly was a fun day, we just were pretty wiped out.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
My Sweet Husband!
I have to write this, and I have to be careful not too embarrass Danny too much. We both our pretty private people when it comes to real feelings about spiritual events. However, there has been a pretty significant change in our lives, or at least there will be. Today, Danny was ordained a high priest, sustained and set apart as the new 1st counselor in the bishopric. The calling was extended to us last weekend, so we've had a week to ponder and absorb the reality of this. But I have to say that it truly is a humbling experience. Whoever thinks that this makes you feel more righteous or to assume that we are more righteous...is insane. It has the complete opposite effect. I am 100% sure that we (or at least me) are not qualified. I know that the Lord will have to make up for our weaknesses. But I am grateful to the Lord that he has called upon us at this time.
I am always overwhelmingly surprised to have been so blessed to have married such an amazingly righteous man. I know all or at least many of his weaknesses, but I know even better all his strengths. I know that the Lord has called one incredibly generous, spiritual, and insightful man to do his work in this ward. I am honored to be his wife, and privileged to take this on with him, as a team. I recognize that in many ways this calling might seem to take away from us being a "team." But I know that this calling presents us with the chance to become an even stronger, more effective husband and wife team. I love my husband and am proud when he is called by the Lord to do anything. He is an amazing father and companion. Without his friendship my life would be...who wants to describe that? I am just so grateful for his righteousness and love.
It is my prayer that the Lord will bless us to be effective in our callings, those within the ward, those within our family, and anything that the Lord sees fit to ask us to do. I pray that we will be ready. I leave these thoughts along with my testimony that I know this work is truly the work of God the Eternal Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. In the name of my Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
I am always overwhelmingly surprised to have been so blessed to have married such an amazingly righteous man. I know all or at least many of his weaknesses, but I know even better all his strengths. I know that the Lord has called one incredibly generous, spiritual, and insightful man to do his work in this ward. I am honored to be his wife, and privileged to take this on with him, as a team. I recognize that in many ways this calling might seem to take away from us being a "team." But I know that this calling presents us with the chance to become an even stronger, more effective husband and wife team. I love my husband and am proud when he is called by the Lord to do anything. He is an amazing father and companion. Without his friendship my life would be...who wants to describe that? I am just so grateful for his righteousness and love.
It is my prayer that the Lord will bless us to be effective in our callings, those within the ward, those within our family, and anything that the Lord sees fit to ask us to do. I pray that we will be ready. I leave these thoughts along with my testimony that I know this work is truly the work of God the Eternal Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. In the name of my Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Annual Tradition
Here's a picture from our annual leaf raking Saturday. Marina exclaimed, referring to jumping in the large pile of raked leaves, "This is the best thing about fall!" I am sure they are not quite as enthusiastic about picking them all up. Nonetheless, they helped fill all 13 bags in 2 hours. Yes, we have quite a mess in our yard every year to clean up. But, it was a beautiful day to be outside working, 70+ degrees. How often does that happen on November 6th?
I just had to throw in some more pictures of our growing boy. He had his 6 month check up at the doctors and measures in at 86% in height: a whoppin' 28 inches. His weight and head circumference are more average. But he sure is tall. In fact, every time I think he's going to fatten up, he just gets longer again. Danny said that when they came into measure him, the little tape measure they use, was too short. When I shared the statistics with Isaac that research shows that the 2nd boy in the family is usually taller than the first born. He was outraged. Of course, we laughed about it, but I truly think Isaac hopes he has some power, when telling Esaias, "You will not be taller than me!" Isaac was even more concerned when I told him that this was true for his dad's family, my family, Papa Ken's family, and both his uncle's families, Uncle Marcus and Uncle Ryan. Oh well, he'll be in good company. And no matter how tall, they are both such handsome little boys! Okay, Isaac's a big kid now. He'll be mad at me for saying "little." ;)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Why...
do projects always take double the time you plan, or are told it will take?
The flooring project sure did a number on us. We started it on Wed., Oct. 20th when told that it would take 3 days, so that we could give them time to get finished, and take care of things by the weekend. Needless to say, we were forced out of our house for 3 days (all weekend) due to fumes, and the workers were still at our house Monday when we returned. To spare you all the miserable details, let's just say I wouldn't recommend this business to anyone. To say our house was a mess, would be majorly understated. I am still working on getting to the point where we can appreciate our new floors. But we still have a long way to go. Don't get me wrong, the floors are very nice, we've just had so much cleaning and fixing to do, that we just aren't to the point of enjoying them yet. I will post more pictures when we finish putting things together.
do you get sick on vacation?
So after this major project mess, and our family being displaced, we all ended up sick. We passed the stomach flu around from Tuesday thru Friday. So, we spent our fall break vacation sick. It's one of those times, that we are grateful to not be at work and to have the time to be sick, but not exactly what we planned on doing for our time off together.
do I have such cute kids?
Even with all our craziness, we managed to pull off Harry Potter, Hermione, and a very cute lobster. We did get to Danny's Haunted Harvest work party for a couple hours, and out to our friends Jen & Chad's neighborhood for a quick "trick or treat" and visit.
do my kids look so much alike?
I wish I had the time to scan in the pictures of Halloween's gone by...you can hardly tell the difference between my kids at this 6 month age. Isaac and Esaias are both about the exact same age this time of year, Isaac being born in May, and Esaias in April. Marina was born in Sept. but even at a year old, because she was so tiny, looked just about the same size as her brothers at 6 months. Isaac is actually the most distinct looking, with his huge, round brown eyes. However, despite the eyes, wow do they all look alike. Who would have thought???
This is Esaias wearing one of Isaac's old jammie's. I didn't keep very much from Isaac, but I did happen to have this dinosaur bag. I just love putting babies in bags. They don't like them at all once they can crawl, so I have to get in my fix before they get too big. Esaias moves around so much at night that he kicks out of his regular snap pj's...and then he gets cold. So a bag works much better right now.
Why ask why?
Life just is meant to throw us some curve balls now and then. I am so grateful to have survived this one. There were a few days, I wasn't sure we'd recover...But back to school and the regular routine proves otherwise. Marina who was even tired this morning, still expressed that she was happy to go back to school. All is well :)
The flooring project sure did a number on us. We started it on Wed., Oct. 20th when told that it would take 3 days, so that we could give them time to get finished, and take care of things by the weekend. Needless to say, we were forced out of our house for 3 days (all weekend) due to fumes, and the workers were still at our house Monday when we returned. To spare you all the miserable details, let's just say I wouldn't recommend this business to anyone. To say our house was a mess, would be majorly understated. I am still working on getting to the point where we can appreciate our new floors. But we still have a long way to go. Don't get me wrong, the floors are very nice, we've just had so much cleaning and fixing to do, that we just aren't to the point of enjoying them yet. I will post more pictures when we finish putting things together.
do you get sick on vacation?
So after this major project mess, and our family being displaced, we all ended up sick. We passed the stomach flu around from Tuesday thru Friday. So, we spent our fall break vacation sick. It's one of those times, that we are grateful to not be at work and to have the time to be sick, but not exactly what we planned on doing for our time off together.
do I have such cute kids?
Even with all our craziness, we managed to pull off Harry Potter, Hermione, and a very cute lobster. We did get to Danny's Haunted Harvest work party for a couple hours, and out to our friends Jen & Chad's neighborhood for a quick "trick or treat" and visit.
do my kids look so much alike?I wish I had the time to scan in the pictures of Halloween's gone by...you can hardly tell the difference between my kids at this 6 month age. Isaac and Esaias are both about the exact same age this time of year, Isaac being born in May, and Esaias in April. Marina was born in Sept. but even at a year old, because she was so tiny, looked just about the same size as her brothers at 6 months. Isaac is actually the most distinct looking, with his huge, round brown eyes. However, despite the eyes, wow do they all look alike. Who would have thought???
This is Esaias wearing one of Isaac's old jammie's. I didn't keep very much from Isaac, but I did happen to have this dinosaur bag. I just love putting babies in bags. They don't like them at all once they can crawl, so I have to get in my fix before they get too big. Esaias moves around so much at night that he kicks out of his regular snap pj's...and then he gets cold. So a bag works much better right now.Why ask why?
Life just is meant to throw us some curve balls now and then. I am so grateful to have survived this one. There were a few days, I wasn't sure we'd recover...But back to school and the regular routine proves otherwise. Marina who was even tired this morning, still expressed that she was happy to go back to school. All is well :)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Can u believe it?
- A 5 month old drinking from a glass! Yes, Esaias wants to do everything we all do...eating big people food, drinking from a glass, walking...you name it, he wants to do it! Of course he can't really, but man does he want to!!!
- We're finally getting rid of some of that country blue carpet! We decided to forfeit our trip to Arizona to work on some home improvement items, we've needed/wanted to get to since we moved in 5 years ago. We will send some update pictures as we get them.
- A skeleton that glows in the dark! Danny went down to give Esaias his pacifier in the middle of the night, and "you could even say it glows." Esaias is moving around so much that you have to feel your way in the dark to find him and the pacifier late at night (or early morning.) It was pretty funny to not have to feel your way to find him that night.
- Our own personal Halloween decorations in our front yard. The kids were kind of bummed when we informed them that we would not be putting up all the regular Halloween decorations, due to the floor project. So, it was very fitting and good timing on the part of the crows to decide to come into our front yard in numbers. The pictures don't quite do it justice. Crows are huge! And there were so many of them! However, getting pictures before they left or we scared them away, was a challenge.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Finally...Fall!
I tried to think of some cute snappy name for this post, "Rolltober" or "Rocktober" but since I didn't like the sound of Rolltober and Esaias has been rolling over since September, that didn't quite fit. And stealing Rocktober from the Rockies just didn't seem right, while trying to convince you that it fit because Esaias' was rocking back and forth; from front to back and back to front...I don't know it just didn't work for me. Marina would have titled it 10-10-10. She thinks that today is a great day because of that.So instead, I am naming it after this wonderful cloudy cool morning; finally our first few days of fall weather. We have been having such warm weather, that even though the calendar said it was fall, it still felt like summer. 80 degrees everyday...come on it's time for a change. I think it's just that too. I have to have change. I would sure be sad to move somewhere they don't have all 4 seasons. And we could use some moisture. I've been hoping for cooler weather for a while now. My students usually settle in better to school when we have some cooler weather. And I just love the colors of fall, and with semi-warm days still great for a walk or a bike ride and cool nights great for sleeping and cuddling up on the coach, who can complain???
Here's my cute boy. Yes, he is wearing a hat because our house is about 65 degrees this morning. And since we've just been fighting not turning on the AC for the last week or so, I can't bear to turn on the heat either. Marina just thought this was too funny that I put a hat on him in the house. He doesn't seem to mind. Playing with his toys happy to roll over, roll over, and roll over again. Marina is evening wearing some new warm hand-me-down jammies. Just the other day she was wanting to wear nothing to bed, and having me put a fan directly on her. And she keeps asking for it to be winter. I don't know if we will see anymore 80 degree days, but I am happy that fall is finally here.
This is a picture of Esaias hanging out in his highchair playing (from last week). He's happy for a little while. He is eating new foods. We've started with veggies and he seems to like them so far. You know though, once you introduce those yummy sweet fruits, veggies go out the door. Oh well we'll try.
Saturday was a beautiful fall day, and Danny & I went to the temple to be a part of our friends, Mark and Tiffany's sealing of their new adopted baby Mabel to them. It was super great to see them, and be a part of this special day. Eternal families are what make this life worth it. I am so grateful to know that I have an eternal family, and that we can work together to return to live with our Father in Heaven.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Sweet & Sassy Birthday Party
Marina celebrated her upcoming 7th birthday today with a few of her friends. They were all very cute, and had lots of fun! (the music is in honor of this event)
Rebekah, Marina, Faythe, Jayna
Marina & Faythe chose the "Princess Style" updo, while Rebekah & Jayna chose the "Pop Star Style" updo.
Today was actually Jayna's "real" birthday, while Marina's birthday is Monday. So Marina and Jayne shared the spotlight today. It was very fun. Jayna is very quiet and shy and only whispers when she talks, which is rare if speaking to adults. But she sure likes Marina. They have been friends since kindergarten. I feel pretty lucky that she will whisper to me. Most of the time though she whispers to Marina and then Marina translates. Jayna had the loudest stylist today. Too funny!
Rebekah has been a great friend from church. She is the only girl in her family with 4 brothers. The girls were happy to have some "girl time!"
Faythe is Marina's other friend since kindergarten. I have had Faythe's older sister in my classes at school both in 3rd and 5th. So we have gotten to know them well. Faythe is very boisterous and she got the quietest stylist. It was really funny to watch the dynamics.Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Junction RV Ranch
So, I know this probably makes a sound a little "WT." Well we are of hispanic descent so we can claim "MT." But we do love going to Grand Junction and since my grandparents moved away, this is the cheapest way for us to travel...the RV park with our little pop-up. They have lots of trees and green grass, a swimming pool, and warm clean showers. It works out nicely.
Even though she's just getting older and more prettier,
Madison is still a good bud to hang out with.
These 2! They sure have become buddies too! A little wild together, but FUN!
They hold hands as they take on the adventures of the park and backyard.
Bike riding at the park was fun...hot, but fun.
Esaias content just to be outside!
Ignore me in this picture (okay, I know it's hard, but try)
We had to capture this one. Esaias officially in the pool. He wasn't thrilled about it, he just doesn't like the cold...must be a true "Martin"
Thanks B & B for spending so much time with us, and letting us crash in on you for the weekend. Hopefully we'll see you soon!
We had an eventful evening trying to get there Friday night. After several hours in traffic trying to get out of town, our little "pop-up" tried to pop-up. Yes, right on the highway traveling at about 80 miles an hour. Needless to say, when it did it again after fixing it once; and we were only half way to GJ, and it was getting dark...we decided to stop and crash in a nice hotel in Eagle. It turned out to be very relaxing! Much more so than it would've been to be setting up the camper at midnight in Jct. We were very much at peace about our decision, and actually had some funny "had to be there" discussions with our kids. Can't share them here, but let's just say "the birds & the bees" have to be talked about sometime. Why not in Eagle?
We finally arrived in GJ on Saturday, and spent the entire time playing and hanging out with our good friends...Brooke and Brian. We're always in such a relaxed state of mind, by the time we get there, we don't do as much as maybe we originally plan on. But, it sure is nice to get a way and be with people you love. The kids always have such a great time together. And Esaias loved hangin' Brooke. It was a nice break for Danny and I. He sure has them fooled, thinking he is so content. I think he was just as happy to be relaxing too.
Isaac climbing at the park!
We finally arrived in GJ on Saturday, and spent the entire time playing and hanging out with our good friends...Brooke and Brian. We're always in such a relaxed state of mind, by the time we get there, we don't do as much as maybe we originally plan on. But, it sure is nice to get a way and be with people you love. The kids always have such a great time together. And Esaias loved hangin' Brooke. It was a nice break for Danny and I. He sure has them fooled, thinking he is so content. I think he was just as happy to be relaxing too.
Isaac climbing at the park!
Even though she's just getting older and more prettier,Madison is still a good bud to hang out with.
These 2! They sure have become buddies too! A little wild together, but FUN!They hold hands as they take on the adventures of the park and backyard.
Bike riding at the park was fun...hot, but fun.
Esaias content just to be outside!
Ignore me in this picture (okay, I know it's hard, but try)We had to capture this one. Esaias officially in the pool. He wasn't thrilled about it, he just doesn't like the cold...must be a true "Martin"
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