Sleeping Pictures

Awake and Alert at Jocelyn's

The last couple of days have given us a preview of cooler weather. I think there is something splendid about dressing warmer and watching the seasons begin to change. The cooler weather also creates better sleeping weather.

We got some pictures from Esaias's day care provider that told the story of Esaias disappearing on the stairs and moments later going silent. We then started to reminisce about how innocent sleep can be. Here are some pictures of sleep.




















Esaias alseep on the stairs at Jocelyn's

Danny and Isaac napping when we live in Grand Junction (along with the cat).

Marina asleep in her saucer, sometimes we just go until we drop.

Picture perfect of how we all should fall asleep.
















We just love his little feet tucked up.














Here's to Autumn coming, Football season, and good sleeping weather!

Last Year of Childhood!

Oh too be young! Isaac just turned 11 years old yesterday! Yes, on Mother's Day. Isaac my first born made me a mother 11 years ago the Monday before Mother's Day. I felt so inadequate that day, to be called a mother. I remember Danny wanting to buy me something for Mother's Day and I about had a full meltdown in the store. I know much of it had to do with the changing hormones. Nonetheless, I struggled with being included in what felt like an awesome honor! Well, I guess I grew into it. Esaias was born exactly 2 weeks before Isaac's birthday. Both of my boys are spring babies. The celebration of there births will always be in connection with Mother's Day.I have to take time to share what an amazing 11 year old boy I have. He can't wait to grow up, and being 11 for him means no more kids menu when we go out to eat! Since next year will bring 12 years old and the priesthood, this kind of is the last year of childhood. He is going into middle school and just on the brink of many changes to come. I know that he will do well in this new phase of life. He is an intelligent, kind, and charismatic boy! I'm going to use the term boy as often as I can, since it seems as though we might be unable to use this term next year. He is an incredible reader and writer. He loves to learn. And is great academically. He has a terrific imagination! He can play by himself for long periods of time (I owe him part of the credit for my achieving my undergraduate degree). He is always positive and optimistic. He loves life. His hope for the future is unbelievable! He has a testimony of his Savior Jesus Christ, and looks forward to serving a mission. His confidence and unwavering belief that he can change and become anything, is either insane or inspiring! People love Isaac. He was born oldest in our family, because he can be a leader and an example. He loves babies and can't wait to start babysitting. There are many other things he can't wait to..."have a cell phone and drive." I can wait for both of those, and many more. But I have to admit the future is exciting when I look at it through his eyes. I love you, Isaac! Happy 11th birthday!

Isaac's cross-over ceremony from cub scouts to boy scouts.

Finally, Spring Into Blogging!

Spring is going to get away from me, and summer will be here before I can blog about all the events. We've been keeping ourselves busy as usual! Never a dull moment.

This is us, playing at Murdock's! For those of you that don't know Murdock's is a "farm" store in Grand Junction. We actually have a couple here in Denver, but this one is very close to where we used to live, and so we try to visit when we take a trip to Grand Jct. We ventured over the mountains the last part of our spring break It's kind of our make-believe cowboy life resurfacing. This trip to Murdock's in the spring is so much fun, because they have their spring chicks and ducks newly hatched for sale. We had a blast introducing Esaias to all the fun. Especially his first time riding a horse.

Yes, there was a couple bunnies too. The sign said do not handle, but I guess we couldn't resist! Bad Dad!

You betcha, there really are live ones in there!

Grand Junction is all about visiting our friends! This is Esaias eating from the serving spoon, on Brooke and Brian's kitchen table. Thanks for always hanging with us, and making time for us when we come!

We planned on 2 nights in GJ. We didn't plan on the extra night in Eagle. A spring storm went through the mountains and closed I-70 for a bit. We opted to stay in Eagle versus sitting on the highway in a car with 3 kids for who knows how many hours. It was a relaxing time, even if it was a surprise.

Isaac has been playing soccer. He has done well, and although his team never won a game, I think he learned that he wants to pursue playing in a more competitive league. He proved to us, that he can actually play. He needs to work on some fundamentals, but he hustles and seems willing to put in the work it takes to learn and improve.

Marina & Isaac both performed in the Variety Show. Marina sang "Lollipop Lollipop" with her class. And Isaac danced to "Dynamite" in the 5th grade performance. Both did an incredible job, and had lots of fun! Couldn't get it to upload....sorry!

Marina had her first practice meet. Her next one will come this weekend, and then onto the real deal. She's excited and nervous. Stay tuned for updates on how her first season goes. Take a look

Marina finally lost another tooth. And Isaac has begun round 2 of braces. He's starting with an expander again. I thought I would spare everyone the inside look at his mouth. However, he will get his braces on this summer. We'll take pictures then.

Esaias got his 1 year old check up and is still growing tall. He took the 5 very slow shots (new nurse) like a trooper! And don't forget walking has been in our spring line up. It's so hard to catch it on camera.

I wrapped up both spring classes and have just under 2 weeks before the last 2 start up again. But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now!

Danny's new job is going well, he seems to like it. We are very blessed that we pursued this endeavor early. Some people that he used to work with, just got the notice that they will not be continuing the program, and that they need to look for new jobs. Thank goodness, we don't have to worry about that!

New Pets for Family Home Evening

Isaac has been asking for ...well probably years to have a pet of his own. I am adamently opposed to most reptiles, amphibians, and rodents. That doesn't leave much to choose from. So finally we negotiated a hermit crab, but we insisted that he must pay for it himself, and take care of it himself. With this he also had to have already researched all that he could about what it would take to have one. Well after a very long wait, and even longer because his sister got sick. He finally got to go get his hermit crab. He named it Quittich, as he is obsessed with Harry Potter (he will have read the entire series twice by the time school starts). And he did get pinched the very first time he tried to hold him. But he didn't freak out or drop the crab, so I suppose he's on his way to embracing this to the fullest. And I, as his mother, will try to be supportive and not rebuke the crab.
Marina had to be a part of this also, but we told her she wasn't old enough for a crab. So, we negotiated a fish. She saved and spent her money to buy a beta fish named Phineas (yes, from Phineas and Ferb, and she's having trouble with why she can't buy two, so that there can be a Ferb). She set it up and we're looking for a cute little plant stand that's sturdy so, we can put it in her room (like Isaac).

We are officially a family of 5 with 2 dogs, 1 hermit crab, and 1 beta fish. I'm glad we don't have the cats anymore. I couldn't take it all!

Baby Esaias

As most of you know we had a new addition to our family earlier today. Esaias Paul Sandoval was born at 1:35 pm on 4-24-10. He was 8 pounds and 20 inches. He is the biggest baby we have had and seems to be in good spirits thus far. Vycci is also doing well and I am here with her at the hospital tonight as I share these first pictures of our new blessing from heaven.

We started this adventure 2 1/2 years ago when we felt that another spirit was waiting to come to our family. After two unsuccessful pregnancies we were a bit apprehensive to try again but the Lord spoke to us through scripture and the spirit and told us that Esaias was still waiting to come to earth. We can't express our gratitude to everyone who helped with the spiritual, temporal, and emotional support that we have benefited from through this oft ever winding gauntlet.

We love you all who keep tabs on us through this blog and pray that you will feel the appreciation and gratitude you all deserve.

Grandma Chris and Papa Joe w/ grand baby Esaias

All 5 Sandoval's (Vycci, Isaac, Esaias, Danny, Marina)

Big brother Isaac w/ Esaias

First Bath

Danny and new baby Esaias

Esaias Close Up

Auntie Risa and Esaias

Esaias being weighed

Snow Delicacy!

I can't help myself, but I'm still laughing and I thought maybe I'd be able to communicate how funny this was to me if I wrote it now. So what do you do on a snow day?....Go play in the snow. About 10 am this morning Danny was ready to venture out to begin removing the very wet and heavy snow from the driveway, and solicited the kids help to shake the snow off of the trees. Equipped with all the snow gear and a broom the kids were excited to conquer the task. I was eager to see them stand under the trees and start causing the snow to fall on themselves. There is a little vindication in watching your children get mildly abused by snow. (I know... I'm probably an awful mother, but it was entertaining.)
Anyways, while that was funny that's not the best part. Marina by beautiful daughter who thought lipstick was a necessary part of the snow gear. Was spending much more time falling in the snow then removing it from the trees or car or sidewalk. I was watching trying to catch them on candid camera, when the camera battery died. When Marina started crawling around on her hands and knees eating the snow with her tongue (yes, like the dog) I thought I must get this on camera. So I went and got the video camera...needless to say I couldn't even get it to turn on. Therefore I can't share with you first hand what I actually witnessed.
At some point in Marina's snow eating excursion...Isaac fell into the snow face first in front of Marina. He rolled over onto his back and begin begging for help. She used her snow covered mittens to spread the icy cold around. I chuckled to myself, as Isaac cried out for help from Dad. Just then Marina decided how she could help, she started licking the snow right off his face. I know disgusting, but it was so funny I couldn't stop it. Isaac made a big enough fuss that she quit, but was barely phased as she still sat there eating more snow off her mitten.
Now on a side note it might be my fault as since I've been pregnant I eat crushed ice on a regular basis. When I was pregnant with her all I did was want slushies from Sonic. What's snow, but a little slushy without flavor. Right?
Okay so she's a little disgusting...she burps, farts, laughs about it, eats snow, licks it off her brother's face, but at least she's cute. Some guy is going to think she's the coolest some day. I did win burping contest with my brothers, and knew how to spit a loogie pretty far, back in the day. And I still managed a good catch.

Moving Up!

So, Isaac participated in the Pinewood Derby last weekend. After much anxiety over whether or not his car would hold together long enough to be checked in, weighed, and race more than once...he actually moved up a place value and took 4th this year. Both Danny and Isaac were pleased with the outcome. We had fun cheering with the Gomez family. There just happens to be a Daniel (Brother Gomez), Dan (their son), and our Danny all cheering for the boys to do their best.

Congratulations Isaac & Dan!
Sisters always like to join in the fun too!

Jets Fan Sad!

Isaac was feeling a little disappointed at the loss the Jets took on Sunday. Although he took it better than I thought he would. In compensation, and because we are NOT Colts fans, (sorry Brooke) we decided to cheer for whichever NFC team won, in the Super bowl. So, we are officially cheering for the Saints, although I was in favor of Favre. Isaac has not lost his love for the Jets, but he'll have to save it for next year! I don't know if the new jersey will make it to next year. If it was up to Isaac he'd wear it everyday and sleep in it too. I've managed to hold him off to once a week. But that's at least 52 wearings, between now and then. And he probably sneaks when I'm not looking.

A First for Isaac!

I was able to take Isaac to his first Bronco game last night. Although Denver came out on the losing end we endured the terrible towels that infiltrated Mile High and watched the whole game. Marcus and Marisa came with us and Marcus was a big hit wearing his Head & Shoulder shimmery hair with a Polamalu jersey. We had fun which is ultimately the most important thing and hope we get another chance to go to a game. It's hard to find games that don't fall on a Sunday and sometimes harder to get tickets for those games. Orange and Blue to the end!!!!! Enjoy the Pic's.

Speaking of Sports!

Isaac just had his 9th birthday on May 8, 2009. He got a new basketball hoop for the driveway, and is signed up for a summer basketball camp. I have actually been pleasantly surprised at how well he is doing playing basketball. Basketball is actually a sport that both his mom and dad played. I (Vycci) loved playing basketball. So maybe we've found a sport that he can enjoy, and play well enough so as not to embarrass himself. He also got a Chauncey Billups Denver Nugget jersey. Which he sports proudly, telling everyone that his Grandpa Joe was Chauncey's middle school principal. The following pictures show Danny and Isaac setting up the basketball hoop in the rain. We bought it off Craig's List one Saturday evening, and although it was raining... they HAD TO set it up immediately. They have been out playing every chance they get!!! Happy Birthday Isaac!

The True Meaning of Easter by Isaac Sandoval...

HAPPY EASTER!!!

I'd like to share a little experience that my family had this weekend. On the way home from dropping Marina off at gymnastics Friday afternoon, Isaac asked me, "Which is more important Jesus' birth or Jesus' death?" It is always interesting when your children ask you questions like this. You often have to ask yourself, "Am I prepared to answer this?"
Our conversation spanned from discussing the events that came before Jesus' birth through the resurrection. Anyway, when I recounted the story to Danny later that evening, I made the comment, that maybe Isaac was sorry he asked his question as it led to a 20 min. conversation. But, I was grateful for the opportunity to share my testimony with my son.
It's funny how these conversations can sometimes carry over for a little while. So, it stuck with me, and at church listening and pondering on our Savior this Easter day, I realized even more that maybe the question had really been for me. Testing my faith and knowledge. And I became even more appreciative that this moment had occurred.
I then went on to share this experience with my 16 and 17 year old girls in Young Womens during our lesson. We had quite a good little discussion about it, and again I felt grateful for the inspired conversation the Friday before Easter.
Then as if that's not good enough, we were on our way home from church today, when Danny said he presented the question to his class of 14 & 15 year old boys. And Isaac from the backseat, blurted out, "Hey, I shared that story in my class too!" So, I asked Isaac, "What did you tell them the answer was?"
He replied, "Neither is more important. Without His birth He wouldn't have lived and died. And without His death, He couldn't have been resurrected." I was moved to tears, then when Danny said that one of the boys in his class first answered by saying, "Your son is smart! Maybe smarter than you, Bro. Sandoval."
Wow, how profound are the youth! I would have to agree, that somewhere Isaac's question (spanned from the innocent pondering on the differences between Christmas and Easter. That felt brave enough to ask his mom) blossomed into a great testimony building opportunity for many of us. And I would have to agree with the young man in Danny's class, "Isaac sure is smart!" Thanks Isaac for teaching us all about the true meaning of Easter this weekend.

This is what happens when you send Daddy out to take pictures for Easter! :)

Spring Break Early!

PART I:
Hallelujah! What a blessing. We got 2 snow days Thursday and Friday of last week, due to the easiest blizzard I've ever been through! We really didn't get that much snow. But, I am not complaining! Last week, was Danny's Spring Break from his internship, so it worked our perfectly to give us a long four day weekend together as a family. Also, extending mine and the kids Spring Break by a couple of days. I have been enjoying my time off with the kids. We haven't done anything major. But sometimes that's the best kind of vacation. The kids have been getting reacquainted with old toys. I don't think they will need anything new for Easter. They did get to have a sleep over with Marisa's kids. Thanks Auntie!!!

Here's a few pictures from Friday after the storm.

Marina, Danny, Gandalf, and Isaac

This was the kids idea of a snowman.
Well they were trying to create the "blob" from the new movie Monsters vs. Aliens

Everytime I tried to get a shot (without me going outside of course)
they would go behind the trees. Ugh!

PART II
Isaac raced in his first Pinewood Derby a couple weeks ago. He and Danny worked together with some friends to create the "car." Thanks to Evan and Kimball! I am not sure we would have made it happen without their help. And the boys (Isaac and Kimball) had each other to hang out with, when the other boys (Evan and Danny) took over! Isaac and Kimball both did very well for the first racing experience. Isaac took fifth place. Which as you will see was just his designated place for March.

Jacob, Kimball, and Isaac

PART III:
Fifth place again came for Isaac in his Science Fair. It was his first Science Fair, and I thought he did very well. He came up with the idea/experiment all on his own, and only needed Danny and I to make it all come to fruition. He really is a terrific kid. And does amazingly well academically. I am not sure he sees this as a talent yet. But hopefully some day he will. I think he would rather be the fastest, or the strongest, or the funniest kid in third grade. He knows he not even the smartest in third grade. But he is the most well rounded kid, I know. And his public speaking skills, don't matter to him yet, but they will!!!