Paz en la Tormenta

Philipians 4:13

2012-01-23T19:49:00.002-07:00

It's so easy for me to forget that I'm not the only one making a sacrifice during this time in our lives...

Sure, I'm the one that has the responsibility of tending to the kids on a daily basis, ensuring they are clothed, fed, and taken care of. That they do their homework after school, they meet their responsibilities and obligations, that they get to practice on time and that I'm there to pick them up afterwards. I'm the one that meets with the teachers, and deals with the frustrations of pleading cases before the superintendent and principals for the betterment of the children. I enforce rules, change tactics, barter and dictate, as well as deal with the reprecussions of being the mean parent, the strict parent, the one that doesn't have fun and probably never did as a child. It's hard. I'm doing the best I can on my own. It's not easy parenting single. And it's hard. It's hard to be on this side. The grass definitely looks greener on his side.

I never stopped to consider what it's like to work day in and day out only to come "home" to a empty hotel room. No familiar surroundings, smells or commotions. It's not a home, it's just a room with a bed, where you put your day to rest with thoughts of a faraway family that you can only hope loves you and misses you, just like you love and miss them. I never stopped to think what it must feel like to miss out on events, happenings, joys, sadness, celebrations and lamentations that you fiercely want to be a part of. I don't know what it's like to call upon fond memories to help you through the day, only to have the bitter reality steal them and bring you to a lonely present. To hear your children carry on with their days only by phone and not be able to be a part of it. I never stopped to put myself in those shoes. How hard it must be. And I imagine he is doing the best he can to provide for us on his own. And it's hard. It's hard to be on that side. The grass probably looks greener on my side.

God, this is hard.

Scrapbook Giveaway!

2011-02-23T11:03:00.003-07:00

Leah over at Life As Lou is having a great giveaway with tons of goodies...

All you gotta do to enter the giveaway is check out her post and leave a comment....

Follow this link to Leah's blog and tell her I sent you --> http://lifeaslou.blogsome.com/2011/02/05/1149/

Check out her designs while you're there! They're AMAZING! :0)

Always Charming...

2010-10-04T06:04:00.002-07:00

I love this kid. She reminds me of ME in so many ways. Poor kiddo is going through some sort of cold/bug that makes her deal with boogies. I hope she gets over it soon so she can be her normal peppy self. :)

Nuts about you...

2010-10-03T09:00:00.003-07:00

I was recently going thru my flickr photos and realize how much Emma has grown. It's so weird to look back just a couple of years and see my chubby cheeked baby girl.

Dreams...

2010-09-11T16:49:00.002-07:00

The first three pregnancies, I dreamt of my grandfather. He was there, with his powerful presence, smiling at me. When my grandmother passed away (I was three months pregnant with my fourth) she joined him in my dreams. In my dreams they would play with my children, laugh their hearts out at the things my kids did and just be merry and happy. This pregnancy, I should have known something was wrong when neither of them appeared in my dreams. Just last night I found out that there is no baby. A blighted ovum they call it. Nothing to "miscarry" except an empty sac. I'm sitting here, cramping and with back pain waiting for my body to take care of itself as naturally as possible.

Gone are the dreams and hopes of having another little one running around. No more will I daydream about this baby's features. I can only hope that this baby visits me along with my grandparents in my dreams.

South Padre Island... (March 2010)

2010-05-15T17:33:00.003-07:00

Did I tell ya'll that we went to South Padre Island for spring break? No? Well, I did.

Mostly, we went because Emily had a dance competition that weekend. I had to get up at the crack of dawn to have her in school by 6 a.m. and help with apply the costume/dance make-up

to over 30 little girls.

Thankfully I had my sister help, and we were able to get them all ready by the proposed time. If only the bus had shown up on time, then everything would have gone off without a hitch.

The buy delay didn't keep them from dancing though. Those girls danced their little heart out! I was so proud, I couldn't help the hooting and hollering (and cheering) that came from my

corner of the auditorium.

After Emily was done dancing we took everyone down to the beach.

Mind you, the water is still freezing in March, but we had fun walking up and down the

shoreline looking at all the interesting things there was to see.

The skies were clear as far as the eye could see. Nothing but blue for miles...

We saw a couple of dead jellyfishes too. We all stood around and poked them to see if they'd do something. THANKFULLY they didn't and we went on our merry way.

At one point, Jesse had us convinced that the little clump of mud rolling around the beach were pieces of whale poop. You can bet the kids didn't go near one after that. LOL

Oh, and a crab too. I don't think there was much life left in it. It was still interesting to see. By this point I think my sister was getting hungry. Nah... she was just teasing.

Seagulls were there of course. Hovering over us in case we dropped anything that resembled food. Unfortunately for them, there was nothing to be had but they made for pretty pictures.

It was a good day. I'm glad I have pictures to remember it.

Emma's 4th Birthday - April 20, 2010

2010-05-15T16:26:00.004-07:00

The most perfect third baby bear anyone has ever seen

turned FOUR.

I tell you what, this kid is by far the spunkiest of them all.

She is all girly, pinky, glitters, unicorns and rainbows this one.

She loves to dress up, to tend to her chickens and to plant seeds whenever she can.

She is the kid that makes me laugh and pull my hair out all at the same time.

I love her to pieces. I'm so blessed to have her in my life.

Usborne Books $50 Gift Certificate!

2010-04-20T09:53:00.003-07:00

The end of the school year is rapidly approaching and if you are looking for a way to keep your kids busy, LOOK NO MORE!

Leah over at Life as Lou is promoting literacy by hosting a give-away for $50 worth of Osborne Books! All you gotta do is comment for a chance to win - easy as that!

So what are you waiting for?! Go over to Leah's blog and leave a comment. Tell her I sent ya. ;)

(Photo taken by everydaylou)

Here we go again...

2010-04-01T10:01:00.005-07:00

As the end of the school year rapidly approaches my attention turns to what opportunities will be available for my children next year. I have already established myself in my children's school as being active in their academic and extra-curricular activities. Most of the schools staff know me by name, and those that don't know me personally have heard "stories" of me and my children. My children are the brightest of their classes and I'd feel confident saying they are probably some of the brightest in their grade level. I know for a fact they are the top readers for their grade level with a word count that many children in higher grade levels aren't able to achieve. I pride myself in being available to my children for their studies and in encouraging my child to excel in every area.

This month, Emma turns four which means she is of age to enter the Pre-K program this upcoming August. In the past, I had no success enrolling Emily in this school's Pre-K program due to the fact that she is NOT Spanish-dominant and she is NOT academically challenged. Our income in the past has not been within the bracket that they set for this program, and my husband is no longer active military. It seems all my avenues of approach are road-blocked one way or another. This year, I'm gonna take a few extra measures to make sure that Emma get the education I know she is ready for and deserves.

The guidelines that the district has placed for the Pre-K eligibility confuse me...

PRE KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

ECISD will provide Half-day Pre-Kindergarten classes for all eligible students for the 2009-2010 school year.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the Pre-Kindergarten Program, the child must be:

• Four (4) years old on or before September 1st

• Unable to speak and comprehend the English language or

• Educationally disadvantaged; or

• Homeless, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 11302, regardless of residence of the child, of either

parent of the child, or of the child’s guardian or other person having lawful control of the child.

• Children of active duty military members, including members of the armed forces that have been

injured or killed while on active duty.

• Have ever been in the conservatorship (foster care) of the Department of Family and Protective

Services (DFPS) following an adversary hearing.

(Source: http://www.ecisd.us/143310107105280/lib/143310107105280/0910StudentHandbookENG.pdf)

I understand that the school system is trying to lend a hand to those kids that are academically challenged, but it makes no sense to me that those that are ready and eager to learn are cast aside and ignored in this particular district. Other neighboring districts have an open enrollment Pre-K program such as P.SJ.A.

It seems that I might have a window by exploiting the military family "option"

The groundbreaking passage of House Bill 1, which expands pre-k access to children of military personnel, would not have been possible without strong support from its sponsors: Representatives Lois Kolkhorst, Dianne Delisi, Dennis Bonnen, Toby Goodman, Gene Seaman, Joe Straus, Veronica Gonzales, Aaron Pena*, Mark Strama, Carlos Uresti, and Michael Villarreal; Senators Kip Averitt, Florence Shapiro, Steve Ogden, Judith Zaffirini, Leticia Van de Putte, and Eliot Shapleigh. This bipartisan group of legislators understands the importance of pre-k, and the passage of this bill represents significant progress towards providing voluntary pre-k for all of Texas's children.

(Source: http://www.preknow.org/resource/profiles/texas.cfm0

* http://www.aaronpena.com/contact.htm

It seems that this kind of "discrimination" happens with lots of frequency in the RGV. By what I've researched so far it looks like I've opened a huge can or worms for myself and those that might get involved by supporting me. If in fighting for my daughter to get a Pre-K education, I have to fight for others that are in my shoes, I will gladly do so. I will not allow that opportunities be denied to my children or doors closed for them because I've take the time and effort to prepare them for their academic future. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step... consider this the first one.

Around...

2010-03-30T13:47:00.002-07:00

Well, it seems that Spring is definitely HERE. Mornings are cool and crisp, days are hot as all get out, and our evening are rather enjoyable. Today I began the process to go back to school... as in college. Again. Gotta transfer whatever credits I can, try and get that scholarship I was awarded back in 2000 and apply for as many scholarship and grants to supplement.

It's gonna be a stressful couple of months while I try and get this under control, but I would like to think that the reward will be greater. Let's hope I finish this degree(s) by my 30th birthday. I won't tell you when that is, cause I'll be turning 25 for the next TEN years. Ha!

Things are good. We are blessed... ☺

How to PROPERLY eat a Duvalin...

2010-03-28T17:17:00.004-07:00

First you make sure you look MIGHTY CUTE...

Whatever you do, DO NOT remove that leftover frosting from the donut you ate this morning...

Next, dive into your Duvalin with your plastic little spoon/spatula/whatever it is...

Smack your lips and make sure you get all that yummy goodness.

You need to get a proper mixing motion going on with your spatula. This makes for more robust flavors.

Bring the spoon back to your lips and repeat until it's ALL GONE.

Dr. Seuss Reading Extravanganza

2010-03-27T12:04:00.003-07:00

Dr. Seuss' Birthday was celebrated earlier this month across America. In the children's school they had a whole week dedicated towards literature closed with a Reading Extravaganza with guests reading to the children. The whole community was invited for birthday cake and partake in the festivities.

State Representative Aaron Peña read Green Eggs and Ham to a cafeteria full of kiddos. We were in the audience too and I managed to get a couple pics of that.

Evelyn saw that I was taking pictures and proclaimed herself to be the subject of my photos with a loud "CHEESE!" - enough to make the whole cafeteria turn and look at her while I snapped the picture. Oy. notice the cake crumbs on her face...

My son's class decided on the book Giraffes Can't Dance as the one to portray and they all wore little giraffe crowns/hats. It was rather adorable.

I really enjoyed participating in this event with them. I hope next year is just as fun.

Happy 2nd Birthday EVELYN!

2010-03-24T12:00:00.002-07:00

Evelyn turned TWO!

TWO!

Wow... Can you believe it?!

Let's take a photographic trip down memory lane....

Here she is as a wee newborn...

A few months old...

Silly girl!

About a year old...

Here she is NOT getting her way...

With freshly trimmed bangs. Too bad her momma isn't a hair stylist.

At her ladybug party, collecting loot from the piñata.

My kid has a heart of gold...

2010-02-17T07:46:00.003-07:00

I'm constantly amazed at what a huge heart Emily has. This is just one of many things she does for her sibling and others. I could learn a thing or two from her...

Dear Toothfairy,

Here is some money I found under the ladder. My brother Jesus lost one his teeth and acadently swallowed it by acadent. Do you think you can still give him something? Here is something you can do with the money. Give it to the people who have lost their teeth. Give one coin to others and if there is a few coins left keep it for later.

Scincerly,

Emily Castillo

P.S. Have a good time delivering the things! Jesus will fell bad if you don't give him something. Give him something that he wanted.

TO: toothfairy
From: Emily + Jesus

Helpful information when trying to incubate eggs...

2010-02-16T13:24:00.005-07:00

Well, for the last couple of weeks I've immersed myself with anything that has to do with CHICKENS and incubating them. I think I have a new addiction! LOL

I've found some really useful information and am placing it here for reference and so that I don't have to scour the internet for the same things all over again...

Back Yard Chickens FORUM

Egg Candling Pics: Progression through Incubation

Hatching Eggs...

2010-02-16T13:09:00.002-07:00

I'll be chronicling our first attempt to hatch our Rhode Island Reds' chicken eggs. I'm a member over at the Back Yard Chickens Forum and will try and update this post with entries posted over there.

02/04/2010 7:56 pm

Well we're trying our hand at incubating a couple dozen eggs that our chickens have laid. I've read and read and READ SOME MORE everything that everyone has had to say and I'm LOST.

Our incubator is store-bought - A Little Giant STILL AIR incubator. No automatic turner cause it's a little too much of an expense for us at the moment. I am fully prepared to turn those eggs as recommended. My only concern is the whole humidity/temperature suggestions EVERYONE HAD. The incubator just came with a regular cheap-o thermometer. Where do I get a better one? How do I measure humidity? Where can I find what I need to ensure a high success rate?

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. ANY HELP you can provide is greatly appreciated. Right now I have all the eggs inside the house coming up to room temperature as suggested and am test running the incubator. I don't plan to put them in until TOMORROW. If there is something that needs to get done BY THEN... Please help a newbie out. I'm so excited at the idea of raising new chickies, I just want to do it right. I'm so nervous about it all, you'd think it was ME that was going into labor (or something). LOL

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

02/05/2010 7:26 pm

Loaded up the incubator - FEB 5TH - With as many eggs as I could find (about 28). Is there a limit to how many I should put in there? I put them in at 4:00 p.m. on Friday Feb 5th. I'll be turning them at 8 a.m., 2 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. Hopefully it's enough to keep the chicks from sticking to the shell. The thermometer is set to 100-102. I guess from here on out I can only PRAY and HOPE that I get a couple of chickies from the whole experience. Cross your fingers for me and wish me the best of luck. If we have success with incubating them, we'll keep doing so until we're overrun by chickens. LOL

02/08/2010 6:14 pm

Our Little Giant incubator has been set between 100-102 degrees. MOST of the time it's closer to the 102. (We were aiming for the 101.5) I candled some of the eggs today and all I can see is this little mass that floats to the TOP of the egg. I tried moving the position of the egg, and the mass goes to the top again. I *THINK* I saw a little dot (eye) in ONE of them, but I'm not sure. Is it too soon to candle? Am I doing it wrong? Is this what I'm supposed to see. My flashlight is running low on batteries, so I'm trying to tell myself that I can't be sure of anything without getting new ones, but ANY HELP/SUGGESTIONS/COMMENTS would be greatly appreciated. I am scouring the BYC forum for other pictures of candling, but I'm lost as to what I'm supposed to look for (on day 3).

Thanks in advance.

02/09/2010 8:26 pm

So, I've been worried sick about the temperature in the stupid incubator for the past few days (still air). I've checked with ya'll here and searched online and was convinced that the 102* I had it set up would be OKAY for the eggs.

Today I went out and bought the thermometer many recommended from wal-mart. I put it in the incubator and waited for it to reach the right temperature. It stayed steady at 102.2 - Okay, right?

Well I was CONFUSED because my regular thermometer (those old school ones) said 101. ONE of the thermometers HAD to be wrong. I mentioned it to DH and he came and took a peek. TURNS OUT THAT EVERY LITTLE LINE COUNTS FOR TWO DEGREES -- NOT ONE! The thermometer had been set for the past couple of days at 104! 104!!!!! ONE! OH! FOUR! And he waited until TODAY to tell me this. (Day 4)

OMG. I think I killed the eggs.

Should I throw them out and start anew? Should I wait until day 10 and see if any of them survived? DO I WIN STUPID OF THE YEAR AWARD?

All i wanted was baby chicks... looks like I might not even get that.

02/14/2010 6:30 pm

..::DAY 8::..

Well, what do ya know. We didn't actually kill the chicks! Hooray for that.

I candled them last night and saw little embryos moving in there. IT WAS TOTALLY WICKED!

I pulled out an unfertilized egg. It was nice to actually be able to distinguish between the baby eggs (as my daughter calls them) that are viable and one that isn't. One egg's air sac/cell was WAY smaller than the rest. I could see SOME veining in there, so I am gonna give it a few more days before culling it. A second egg I could see what I assumed to be a blood island and some dark little floaties in there, but it didn't seem like the embryo was moving in there. At this point I would hate to throw any out, so I'll wait a little longer before deciding to give it the boot.SUGGESTIONS? IDEAS? COMMENTS?

I made sure and traced the air cells on all the eggs. If the information I've gathered is correct, I should be able to see the air cell increase as the embryo develops. Is this something I can base their development on?

EITHER WAY, I'm pretty happy that out of 38 eggs, only ONE was unfertilized, TWO are iffy and the rest were thriving. We did have some temp spikes/fluctuation so I'm crossing my fingers that it didn't affect them too much. At this point I'm convinced that the eggs are hardier than I assumed them to be. After FOUR days of being under TOO HOTT temperatures they've still managed to come this far.

08/15/2010 7:11 pm

I have candled my eggs and noticed that TWO have some dark blobs that float to the top no matter how they are positioned. They are at day 10 (beginning of day 11) and the others all show little swimmers in there. I don't want the eggs exploding on me and contaminating the rest of my hatch, so should I cull them? Do I crack them to make sure that there was no development. Or just toss them in the trash can and never look back. I guess I feel a little bit sad throwing out what could have been a baby chick. I know I can't let them contaminate the rest of the healthy eggs, but I just need a talking to....

ANYONE?

08/16/2010 8:47 am

I turned my eggs this morning when a horrible smell attacked my nostrils! I put my nose down to the eggs and was able to identify the culprit. There wasn't as much movement in it (I'm not even sure I saw any movement) as I've seen in others. Could it be a residual smell from egg-laying or do you think it's gone bad? I'm trying not to toss eggs until day 14 when I should see a definite difference between eggs that are still developing and those that have stopped, but would hate for this ONE rotten egg to ruin the batch. What to do?

Please advice on what to do... Thanks in advance.

Valentine Tote Bags in my etsy store...

2010-02-04T09:12:00.006-07:00

I will be stocking up my etsy store over the next few days. To start off the re-stocking process I'm listing these two adorable tote bags/purses. They are small and are perfect for little hands, but are too cute to pass off for adults.

First up this tote made in a floral fabric that I simply LOVE. I'll tell you a secret. I have held on to this fabric for so long now because secretly, I wanted to use this as the inspiration for my daughters' room. I love the colors in it THAT much!

Second, this too-cute-for-words tote inspired by the upcoming V-day. Hearts of all colors (even some polka dotted ones) are combined with HOT PINK. Seriously, could it be any more adorable?

Both totes come with removable BOWS that can be used as hairbows. They are placed on fully lined spring clips can be easily removed (without damage to the bow or the tote) or interchanged with other colors.

Shipping is a flat rate of $2.75 and there are limited quantities available, so make sure you get yours before they're GONE!

A Tale of Two Trophies

2010-01-21T10:22:00.006-07:00

Two trophies. One of them actually belongs to me. One belongs to Emily. Mine was getting dusty and old in our storage and Emily decided to rescue it. DH says that when he told her it was mine, she wanted to bring it inside the house.

How did I get mine? I won at State while participating in DECA under the "full service restaurant management" category. Went all the way to Nationals. I was pretty proud of myself, back then.

How did Emily get hers? Photography contest. She's seen me snap pictures of just about everything and really wanted to try her hand at it. She won 2nd place in the "pee-wee" category. Blows my trophy out of the water.

I'm glad my rickety old trophy, has hers to keep it company. I hope they become great friends and share many adventures together.

Our Chickens... and Roosters.

2010-01-19T13:00:00.001-07:00

Boy, our chickies have grown! Remember when they looked like this...

Well, those tiny little fluff balls are long gone and have been replaced by these beauties...

*This post was just interrupted by Emily's screaming. I ran outside to see what was wrong and lo and behold Sunflower (a rooster, she named him) was chasing her about the property. According to her she wanted to PET it and he pecked hand and then proceeded to chase her. Bad rooster!*

It's hard to get a decent picture of them, since they seem to crowd around me thinking that I've walked out to feed them. Sunflower is especially guilty of tripping me and pecking my boots. That little rooster sure does have a lot of spunk for being the runt of the litter. The name Sunflower is a whole 'nother story. Emily named him this when they were still chicks and we couldn't distinguish between male and female. Turns out, he was a male. LOL

Since the beginning of this adventure we've lost THREE chickens. Two of them at the hands of our own puppies, and the other we're still not sure WHAT took it. We also added THREE chickens... so we're pretty much where we started. In total we have FOUR roosters and SIX chickens. The chickens are nice and fat... er, plump. Their offspring will make great meat chickens. The roosters... well, they're a pain in the butt to deal with. We'll have to get more chickens because they don't seem to want to be nice and share. Men... can't live with them, and can't live without them. Right? Right.

Just this past weekend we found an EGG! Our very first!

We then debated on whether we should eat it, or build a homemade incubator. Turns out making an incubator is rather easy, but the chances of one egg making it to the other side... well, that's not so easy. We'll have to keep our eyes open and see if they keep laying more eggs and where it is they do. If we can get a decent amount of eggs, we might try our hand at incubating them.

It's turning out to be a fun experience for ALL of us. I can't wait for Spring to get here so that I can take pictures of the chickens with their baby chicks. *squee*

These are our sheep...

2010-01-18T12:29:00.004-07:00

We have TWO sheep once again. It is our hope that they will mature and eventually mate, producing more baby sheepy for us to, um... play with. Right now they are mostly kept so they can eat all the green stuff in the back. This keeps us from having to mow, saving us time and money. Eventually, we'll try and get a few more females and breed them for meat and/or milk/cheese.

In my mind we're slowly working towards becoming self-sufficient. We have the chickens for eggs and meat, the sheep and with time we'll work in some goats. I have to start planning how or what I'm gonna garden and look into canning/jarring/preserving whatever fruits and vegetables we're able to harvest. We didn't set out to be farmers/ranchers/crazies... but it's been a fun ride getting to where we are now. Let's hope the rest of it is just as enjoyable. Remind me I said that when I step into a pile of chicken crap for the umpteenth time.

Will be back with pictures of my chickies! I can't believe they are laying eggs! It seems like yesterday they were tiny little chicks that I had to check their butt to make sure their poop hole wasn't caked with feces. FUN TIMES! FUN TIMES!

Answers...

2010-01-15T11:38:00.003-07:00

That's really all we wanted. And we got them.

I gotta learn to turn to God for everything in my life. It makes it so much more easier.

A silent prayer of "thanks" was offered to Him.

Thanks to those who said a prayer...

❝We all need sheltering trees

Friends in our lives who'll get down on their knees

Lift us up before the King of kings

We all need sheltering trees❞

-Newsong

Thanks.

Remember...

2010-01-14T08:35:00.002-07:00

What's the title of this blog? Paz en la Tormenta. Peace in the Storm in English. Throughout the years when things don't go as I want them to or how we planned for them to go, I remind myself that in the midst of the storm the Lord is with us. I remind myself that I need to let go of my troubles, my worries and let Him take control of the situation. It's hard to remember those things.

This week has been a hard one. It seems that our year hasn't started off as we would have liked it. There are a lot of things that are up in the air, and waiting to see or hear how things will turn out is making us a little antsy. Part of me tells me that maybe this is just a test of unwavering faith. That when a door closes, God opens another. Gotta keep moving forward, gotta place our trust in Him, gotta look at the big picture... It's hard.

But on days like today, I come sit at the computer ready to forget my sorrows by logging on to facebook, reading blogs or the news or anything else that might be entertaining on the internet and the title of this blog catches me.

"HE REPLIED, "YOU OF LITTLE FAITH, WHY ARE YOU SO AFRAID?" THEN HE GOT UP AND REBUKED THE WINDS AND THE WAVES, AND IT WAS COMPLETELY CALM."

Peace, in the storm.

Nothing too hard...

2010-01-05T08:02:00.001-07:00

I am the Lord, the God of all mankind.

Is anything too hard for me?

Jeremiah 32:27

Fresh Start

2010-01-04T06:25:00.004-07:00

Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past...

I, even I, am he who blots

out your transgressions,

for my own sake, and remembers

your sins no more.

Isaiah 43:18,25

Bawl-ing!

2009-12-29T21:50:00.004-07:00

Today we went BAWL-ING. That's how the little kids say bowling around here. We never correct them because we think it's so stinkin' adorable. We love to hear them say their mispronounced words. I guess you could say that we even encourage it, since we use the words ourselves. Jesse is determined to make the most of the kids' winter break, so bawl-ing we went.

Kids were excited as all get out. We hadn't been bowling since the day before school began, and they were eager to get back on that horse. There were some glitches with the overall experience however, beginning with the person in charge (at the bowling alley) not allowing Junior to use the bumpers. At first I didn't think much of it, since I figured maybe Junior could still bowl without the assistance of bumpers. After his first try though, he was pretty upset with only making gutter balls while his sisters were able to use the safety of the bumpers. I went back to talk to the lady and she refused to budge on her "guidelines" of no bumpers for children that were taller than the counter. We tried to encourage Junior to try it one more time, but it was the same thing: gutter balls. This time, Jesse went and talked to her. He returned determined to end the afternoon of bawl-ing and get a refund. Fortunately, Junior realized that he was giving up too easily and declared that he would bowl without the bumpers. I tried to take a few pictures of the action, but eventually had to drop everything and entertain Evelyn.

While looking after her, the little bugger made her way onto a bowling lane. I swear, by the way that kid was walking on that floor you would never have been able to tell that it was as slippery as it was. I walked onto that lane to retrieve her with such confidence, I never would have expected to fall so fast and so hard on my butt. LOL. I laugh thinking of what a spectacle it must have been. I scooted my way out of the bowling lane, with Evelyn firmly within my grasp.

After several quarters and a bruised butt later, I returned to our assigned lane to find that the owner of the establishment had showed up and tried to make up for the disagreement we had with the person in charge. She gave Junior some ice cream, since he was forced to bowl with no bumpers and offered us all a second free game, this time with bumpers for all the kiddos. DH and I switched places (he was the one bowling with the kids) and he watched Evelyn while I proceeded to get my fingers stuck in holes too small for my digits. After a few broken nails, the lowest score of the afternoon (mine), a bruised butt, not to mention - ego, we called it a day and headed back home. I'm glad the kids had fun today.

Christmas Day BBQ

2009-12-26T16:54:00.009-07:00

Christmas Day got off to an early start. TOO EARLY if you ask me. We had just hit the bed when the kids were poking us to see if they could open the presents under the tree. Or so it seemed. We got home so late that we just tucked the kids into bed in dress clothes and all.

Evelyn was a pro this time at opening her presents. The night before she had had plenty of practice, and went to town tearing off paper. She squealed "BABY" when she saw the packaging for her toys. (Ignore the UNFLATTERING picture of me... at least I was awake!)

Emma anxiously waited her turn and pleasantly surprised with a dress-up chest. Later, when all had opened their gifts, all three girls would retire to their bedroom and don the fairy outfits.

Emily and Junior opened their gifts at the same time. They promptly put on their new skates and proceeded to leave scuff marks all over my nice wood floor.

After picking up some of the mess and getting the kiddos ready we headed out to my parent's house again. We stopped on the way there to get some "tripas" for the BBQ. Grandpa was there!

I tried to take some pics of him, since he is my last surviving grandparent. I noticed that all my brothers were there and I managed to convince them all to pose for a picture with Dad and Grandpa. I'm glad they did.

The afternoon was spent mostly outside chowing down on BBQ chicken and tripas with rice, flour tortillas and pico de gallo. Sorry there are no pictures of that. I was too busy eating to stop and take a pic. Jesse left later in the day to go visit with his parents. Since my mother-in-law is still trying to recover from her knee surgery, we try to keep the kids away so as to not bother her too much. Our girls can get rather loud and disruptive so when we do take the kids the visits are short and sweet. One can only take so much of the girls screeching and fighting over who gets what.

Either way, it was a nice way to spend Christmas Day. Later in the evening my Aunt Esmeralda and her husband (Uncle Ricardo) showed up as well as mom's brother, Uncle Jose Luis. After they left we made our way home to try and catch up on our sleep. Merry Christmas y'all... hope ya had a good one!

Christmas Loot

2009-12-25T08:00:00.006-07:00

We spent a nice Christmas Eve at both our parent's (Jesse's and mine) houses yesterday. There was a HUGE amount of gifts at my parent's house. And at the inlaws, although things were low key, they were still fun. Kids made out like bandits! Jesse and I even got a gift card to Tony Roma's! We handed out bags upon bags of grapefruit and oranges from our own trees and tins full of homemade goodness. Both grandma's also got a nice gift that is sure to come in handy with the huge families they both have.

Tamales were eaten.

Ojarascas were wolfed down. (Jesse kinda closed the lid on me while scarfing them down.)

And let's not forget the nice silver cross necklace my little brother gifted me. It's beautiful.

All in all, I'd say it was a good Nochebuena and we are all happy and thankful to have our families close this year with which to share it.

Momma's got a new pair of shoes!!

2009-12-23T21:13:00.007-07:00

Look at these beauties! Aren't they irresistible? I thought so, and that's why I snatched them up the second I laid eyes on them. I'm pairing them with a red shirt for the festivities tomorrow. I'll likely bring along some back-up shoes since I doubt I'll be able to wear these ALL DAY LONG. Hmmm... I think I have a pair of comfy flats around here somewhere...

I'll be ROCKIN' these shoes tomorrow. You just wait and see!

(Sorry about the picture with flash. It's late and I couldn't get a decent picture without using the flash.)

Orange Blossoms in December

2009-12-21T22:31:00.003-07:00

It's five days 'till Christmas and one of our orange trees has blossoms on it. It smells divine, but I have no way to explain this anomaly. Since I got the charger for my camera's battery yesterday, I figured it was a good a time as any to document this sort of thing. I'll be sure to come back with plenty of pictures of our holidays. I pray the Lord gives me strength and patience to survive visiting with my family. I'll keep focused on the blessings that He has bestowed upon me instead of complaining of things I know I can't change.

Hallway Bath... Almost DONE!

2009-09-10T12:03:00.003-07:00

The hallway bathroom is almost done! Hurrah!

I'm having a hard time finding the stain that matches the cabinet/vanity for some molding I plan to put around the border. If I could have that done by today, then I could officially be DONE.

Also, you'll notice that the towel rod is missing. I stupidly bought a towel rod that is entirely too small at only 18". With four kids that will be using that bathroom, it just doesn't cut it. I have done a search and other stores in my area carry the double towel rod that I'm search of, so I'll have to hit those up later.

I went to about 5 different stores to find the PERFECT shower curtain and didn't find any that I could say I LOVED. Instead, I resorted to using curtain panels. I really like how that turned out, so I'm leaving it up. Unless of course, DH doesn't agree - then they'll have to come down.

Also, notice my baskets... I have yet to find the perfect bathroom accessories, so these will have to do for now. They do the job and they match nicely, so I won't worry too much.

Anyway... here are some pictures of how everything is coming along. My sister insisted on being a dork and being in the picture... so I'm gonna post it on TEH INTERNETZ. FOR THE WHOLE WORLD TO SEE. Half-bath pictures to follow.

Hallway Bath... Almost DONE!

2009-09-10T11:50:00.008-07:00

Almost done with this bathroom... I just need to find the RIGHT towel bar. First one I bought was 18" and with FOUR kids and an adult that will be using this, it just does NOT cut it.

I have located several stores that supposedly carry the double towel rod, so I'll be on the hunt for it today.

Also, notice my baskets... I have yet to find the perfect bathroom accessories, so these will have to do for now. They do the job and they match nicely, so I won't worry too much.

Bathroom Sneak-a-Peek

2009-09-07T11:46:00.003-07:00

Been working on "re-doing" the bathroom over the weekend. So far paint has been done, the light fixture installed and now it's time to start cleaning up and putting up the finishing touches....

The wall border isn't "DONE" yet -- but it's one less thing that has to get done. Pictures of the completed project to follow soon, but for now here's what is going on in the Castillo Home.

First Day of School - 2009

2009-08-24T09:35:00.004-07:00

This is something I WON'T miss....

2009-07-24T21:49:00.002-07:00

SANDSTORMS....

Big ones too!

Junior's 8th Birthday

2009-07-16T21:51:00.001-07:00

Nikon Self Portrait

2009-07-15T21:15:00.002-07:00

Went to the Zoo today!

2009-07-13T22:44:00.003-07:00

It was so nice to get out of the house and take the kids somewhere fun. The heat was UNBEARABLE though. Seriously, it was something like 108. Also had a few snags along the way (like forgetting my DEBIT CARD!) but we got there, enjoyed ourselves as much as we could and came back home to bask in the air conditioning.

The giraffe enclosure was GREAT. The kids could get REALLY close to them. Evelyn kept saying, "WOW!" in the most adorable voice. Won't be long now before she's talking.

Emma ran out of the tiger cave where they had the looking glass, screaming, "It's gonna eat me! It's gonna eat me!" LOL It was hilarious.

The kids had fun looking at all the animals and reading about them and just walking about. We had a lunch of hot dogs, chips and fruit punch. Also, I made it back home as a puddle in a bucket. I MELTED with the heat. It was crazy...

Tomorrow my sister-in-law leaves back to Texas. DH returns in about two weeks, so it won't be long now before we are able to meet up again. :)

GAWD.

2009-05-01T23:17:00.002-07:00

I don't know if anyone even reads this, but I need to get it out cause I'm a bit shaky thinking about what's gonna go down.

I'm bringing my little sister out here. I talked to DH and he agreed to pay for her bus ticket for her to come stay with me for a while, or maybe indefinitely. Why indefinitely? Because my mother might happen, that's why.

We've tried to get my little sister to come out here in the past. She has yet to agree to it. But this time mom is at it again. I won't say that she's gone too far because she ALWAYS goes too far. This week she broke the bathroom door in (while my sister was trying to have a bowel movement) to SCREAM at her and blame her for my little sister throwing up so hard she bled from her nose. It's my sister's fault because she failed to go drop off Melody's special lunch, thereby forcing her to eat too much from the school menu and consequently throw it up. Nevermind that this is my mother's child, therefore her responsibility. And nevermind that my mother has neglected her responsibility/child resulting in terrible eating habits that are borderline eating disorder. Nevermind her lack of parenting and involvement. This is clearly my sister's fault. Because she's unemployed, uneducated and unworthy of living under her roof.

She unemployed and uneducated because mom took the vehicle she was using to drive herself to work and "reassigned" it to my 16 year old brother. According to mom, Brenda had her chance and her time to pursue an education and that chance and time is long gone. The vehicle is now for my younger brother to use despite the fact that he doesn't have a license, insurance or money to put gas in it.

And eating FOOD? Where does my little sister get off eating so much food when she doesn't even have a job or provide to the household. Where does she get off having BASIC NEEDS? Who does she think she is? A MAN? If she had two testicles and a penis dangling between her legs, then this would be acceptable. But she has a useless vagina... she does not RATE basic needs.

Mom, is crazy. I don't know what her problem is. I wish I did, so I'd now how to address it and address HER. I can only hope to give my sister a glimpse at life without someone always bringing her down, always telling her she's not worth anything and how she can't do anything right. I want her to have a better chance at happiness and a better outlook on life than what she has right now. I want her to understand that just because life sucks within those four walls and with those people surrounding her, that it doesn't mean happiness isn't out there. I hope she learns to love herself and realizes she's worth a lot to many people. I hope she learns to be happy with herself and chooses the right people to have in her life. Even more, I hope she learns to cut off people that bring her down, even if that person is your mother.

My brother's wedding.

2009-04-22T16:04:00.001-07:00

Hero...

2009-04-12T09:17:00.004-07:00

For some reason, this really spoke to me. Maybe I'm not as strong as I would want or need to be. Maybe I'm just a sap. But a part of me is truly sad over the fact that I missed my brother's wedding. I wish I didn't have the heart to care. He doesn't deserve for me to care about him.

Huggies - FREE Sample Offer

2009-04-08T21:11:00.001-07:00

New HUGGIES Pure & Natural Diapers include natural materials. Organic cotton and a touch of Aloe & E. Plus, they're happily hypoallergenic.

See for yourself with our introductory FREE sample offer.

Painting...

2009-04-05T10:29:00.002-07:00

Painting hurts... I have the body aches to prove it.

Bealls * Stage * Palais Royal 20% Off

2009-04-01T19:34:00.000-07:00


Starts Wednesday, April 1


Extra 20% Off All Your Purchases with your Shopping Pass & Store Credit Card or Extra 15% Off with any other form or payment
		Click here to view Anniversary Sale Catalog

Gap 20% Off

2009-04-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

* Offer valid April 2-12, 2009 at any Gap Outlet store in the US only. Offer not valid at Gap brand stores or online at Gap.com. Qualifying amount applies to merchandise only not value of Giftcards purchased, packaging or applicable taxes. One coupon per customer per transaction. Offer card is good for multiple use within the offer period stated. Offer is non-transferable. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. No adjustments on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts including Gap Inc. employee discount. Gap Inc. is not responsible for lost or stolen coupons.

** 25% discount valid on in-store purchases on the day you apply for a GapCard. Approved cardmembers must use their GapCard or Gap Visa Card as pay type.

We sent you this email because you asked for updates about new products and promotions. If you'd rather not receive email updates from Gap, you can unsubscribe from our mailing list by clicking here.

If you have any questions about our privacy policy, contact gap.com customer service via email at custserv@gap.com, call us at 1-800-GAP-STYLE (1-800-427-7895) or write us at gap.com Customer Services, 100 Gap Online Drive, Grove City, OH 43123-8605.

Tommy Hilfiger $15 Off and $30 Off

2009-04-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

Untitled Document

PLEASE VISIT TOMMY.COM TO FIND A COMPANY STORE NEAR YOU

BE THE FIRST TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROMOTIONS
BY SIGNING UP FOR OUR PREFERRED CUSTOMER LIST.

*Original Company Store price.
**This Offer expires on 4/14/09 and is redeemable for the discount stated above only in-person at Tommy Hilfiger Company Stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. It may be used only once and must be surrendered at purchase. The Offer may not be combined with any other promotion and has no cash value. It is not valid for previously purchased merchandise, the purchase of toiletries, fragrances, watches or gift cards. The value of the Offer is forfeited upon return of merchandise. Reproductions of the Offer will not be accepted. Not valid in department stores, Tommy Hilfiger Specialty stores, Clearance stores or Tommy Hilfiger Canada.

Please add info@letters.tommy.com to your address book to ensure email delivery from Tommy Hilfiger.

Tommy Hilfiger U.S.A., Inc.
Tommy Hilfiger Company Stores 601 W 26th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10001-1101.
© 2008 Tommy Hilfiger Licensing LLC. All rights reserved.

Shopping Coupons - 03-27-2009

2009-03-27T09:09:00.002-07:00

The weekend is here, which means -- SHOPPING TIME! Yes?

Here are some of the deals I've scoped out for this weekend...

Kohls

15% OFF - TAKE15NSAVE

20% OFF when you buy $100 or more PLUS free shipping - BUY2SAVE

Old Navy

They are having a sale right now offering 40% off - that's the best I can do for now. If I find something I'll be sure to update.

Bealls * Palais Royal * Stage

20% OFF Printable Coupon

Limited Too

30% OFF - 776

SEARS

$5 OFF $50 - SWELCOME07298

That's all I have for now... will let you know if something GOOD comes up.

Happy 1st Birthday Evelyn

2009-03-24T08:16:00.004-07:00

Evelyn is turning ONE today.

Let's look back on her first year...

Here's to another kid surviving in our household. Happy Birthday Baby Girl... I hope you keep being the sweet spunky little thing you are.

Love,

Mom

Emily - School Brag

2009-03-23T12:02:00.002-07:00

We had parent-teacher conferences last week. I'm really happy with the kids' progress. I'm sure there is more I could be doing to help them do better in school, but maintaining the household on my own drains me... so I'm just happy they are doing well.

Emily is doing awesome in 1st grade. In the beginning I was apprehensive about it because I tend to focus more on reading with the kids when they are at home. Even though we do math exercises of sorts, I don't really focus on it. I'm proud to report that Emily exceeds all benchmark target goals. She got a perfect score on BOTH benchmark test. 100%! I'm so happy she caught on so quickly and even happier that she is not struggling with it because of my lack of instruction.

As far as reading goes.... well, almost every teacher that knows about her scores are in awe. The school district uses the DIBELS benchmark testing. DIBELS stands for Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills.

"Phoneme Segmentation" - she is supposed to separate the individual sounds within a word. The target for this time of the year is 35. Her score is 64.

"Nonsense World Fluency" - she is supposed to use her phonics skills when given a list of make-believe words. The purpose of the test is to see if the student has the ability to put the sounds and letters together to form words. The target for this time of year is at least 50. Her score is 71

"Oral Reading Fluency" - this measures how many words per minute she can read. The text is unfamiliar and the are expected to go in and read. The target for this time of year is 30. Her score is 119. (This is where JAWS DROP. Her oral fluency is that of a fourth grade student at least.)

"Word Usage Fluency" - this measures her vocabulary and oral language abilities. At this time of year they expect the child's score to be above the 40th percentile. Her score is in the 72th percentile... which is OFF THE CHARTS for 1st grade.

As far as her report card goes, she has O's (for Outstanding) for almost EVERYTHING except one subject. Her number grades are all 90 or above (88 for writing this time around - she had a 92 last quarter). Her teacher can't tell me enough what a joy she is to teach because she "has a great curiosity for learning."

As far as socializing with other kids -- she has a bunch of friends in both first grade and kindergarten and is quite popular with both groups. The teacher tells me that her kinder classmates will spot her in the cafeteria and run over to her to say hi and give hugs. I'm so proud of her and I hope she keeps this up.

Okay... bragging over. Thanks for reading.

Trying to encourage art...

2009-03-15T11:05:00.003-07:00

I'm a very artsy person. Which means it's super important to me that the kids get some kind of exposure to the fine arts. Back in junior high, I used to play the bass clarinet. In high school I was in choir (soprano) and the whole time I loved to draw and doodle and dabble here and there. I'm thinking of getting Emily started with voice lessons, since she insists on singing the high notes in the national anthem. I'll have to pull out that sheet her music teacher gave me and see what I can do for her.

The following are paintings done by Emily. I'll try and get pictures of the birdhouses we painted as well. Lots of painting going on this week. The paint drops are still stuck to my table as proof.

"Self-portrait"

"Jesus"

Shopping Coupons - 03-13-2009

2009-03-13T10:15:00.005-07:00

I love to shop. I love to get a great deal even more.

Stage * Palais Royal * Bealls

$5 OFF any $30 shoe purchase.

25% Any single item.

Gap * Banana Republic * Old Navy

30$ OFF on total purchase.

Kohl's

15% OFF $100 or more
CODE: ADVANTAGE 15

FREE SHIPPING
CODE: SHIPNSAVE2

10% OFF
CODE: NEW8177

JCPenney

20% OFF
CODE: SHOPPER

$10 OFF $10 Purchase
CODE: BUDDING

The Children's Place

15% OFF entire purchase

That's it for now folk... go out and have fun shopping.

Frugal Living

2009-03-09T16:45:00.001-07:00

I just got back from Walgreens.

I bought FOUR of the Huggies JUMBO pack on sale for $10 each ($40.00)

TWO (2) $5.00 Off Coupons

ONE (1) $3.00 Off Coupon

ONE (1) $10.00 Register Rewards

( Go to www.coupons.com to print your Huggies coupons. You can print them up to TWO times each for a total of FOUR coupons)

TOTAL OFF -- $23.00

Paid $17.00

NOT BAD... Not bad at all.

Newbs

2009-03-08T19:16:00.002-07:00

Long before the economy took a crap, I was already living a very frugal life. So frugal in fact, that I was featured in the ARMY TIMES...

We still follow every single on of these things. What else could I possibly do to cut back expenses? NOT EAT?! (I'm even on a diet! LOL). I have to admit I feel pretty smug about the fact that we've been responsible in our spending since forever. And when I see that commercial about people bragging on ways that they've saved... I just smile to myself and think, "Newbs". LOL

oy...

2009-03-07T15:34:00.001-07:00

This is so damn stressful for me. Every day it seems like I get less and less time to myself, to collect my thoughts, to take a SHOWER, or even to just go to the damn toilet without an audience. The kids bicker incessantly and whine or complain just about everything. On the weekends, they are uncooperative and restless since there is not much to do.

This damn diet/weight thing is making me miserable to. I want to be skinny DAMMIT. But the stress of everything prompts me to eat MORE. I wish I could get a few minutes to myself to go run, jog or workout - but it's impossible. Even when I'm trying to do the workout videos at home, it never fails that they want or need something and they interrupt or altogether stop me from doing any form of exercise.

The economy seems to be getting worse by the second according to all the news coverage and the world itself seems to be going in a downward spiral. I just feel like I'm suffocating in this bleak present. I try to look for things that will bring me hope or inspiration of some sort and to tell you the truth I come up short. The moments that make me smile or laugh are far and few.

Ask Me Anything MEME - FRIDGE!

2009-03-05T08:24:00.001-07:00

Rules are:

Ask me to take a picture of any aspect of my life that you're interested in. Leave your choice here as a comment, and I will reciprocate by taking the pictures and posting them. That way you get to know a little bit about my life, if you're interested in it.

Sherri said, "I'd love to see a pic of the outside of your refrigerator :) . Wonder if it's as bad as mine, lol?"

Here's what it looks like! (I included picture of the rest of the kitchen, just in case you were curious.)

Ask Me Anything MEME - Laundry Room

2009-03-02T12:12:00.002-07:00

Rules are:

Ask me to take a picture of any aspect of my life that you're interested in. Leave your choice here as a comment, and I will reciprocate by taking the pictures and posting them. That way you get to know a little bit about my life, if you're interested in it.

Loreen said: "uhhhhh, I like to see a pic of your laundry room, lol :0)"

Here it is! Enjoy.

Ask Me Anything MEME - Laundry Room from Peace in the Storm on Vimeo.

Talked to DH today...

2009-03-01T19:03:00.002-07:00

We got to see the base camp where he lives. Kids all got to say hi, and fought over who sat in front of the webcam.

KIDS!

2009-02-28T13:48:00.002-07:00

Managed to take a few pictures of the kids looking mighty cute. It took FOREVER to get them ready, but at least I have PROOF.

Sick...

2009-02-22T09:29:00.001-07:00

Emily has been sick for the past couple of days. It's stressing me out. I hate to see the kids sick, in discomfort or pain of any sort. Monday can not come fast enough so that we can go to our family practicioner.

PLEASE SEND PRAYERS that she gets better soon. Thanks

Letter to DH...

2009-02-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here typing to you once again, since it seems that if I don't I forget the things I want to tell you. I really hope that you are able to read these, if not at least it helps me solidify what I'm thinking about.

First, Ben called last night after I talked to you. I was already asleep when the phone rang and scared the crap out of me. I guess he was checking up on us or something. Asked if there was anything I needed. I reassured him that we were fine. He said that he was just checking because there had been some incidents with his wife when he was away, and just wanted to make sure we were okay. Again, told him I was fine and didn't need anything and if an emergency arose I'd be sure to take him into consideration when asking for help. He was really rather annoying. But whatever.

The following is more of a mini-bitch session.

I was talking to Brenda when she mentioned that mom was going to Dad's rancho for ALL of spring break. A whole week-long visit. I didn't say much at the beginning but then it started to nag on me. I thought I could share with Brenda my disappointment in having mom place priority on people that are not even BLOOD relatives over her own daughter and grandchildren. She dismissed what I had to say with, "Pues, yo no se nada." Which infuriated me further because I've been nothing but empathetic with her providing advice, solutions and if nothing else a listening ear when she's dealing with mom. I really felt like she was trying to tell me that my complaint wasn't valid.

Later in the day she called again and asked me to take a picture of my anniversary ring. When I asked her what for, she said that mom wanted to see it and I flat out refused. I simply told her, "NO." My question is, if MOM wanted to see it, why didn't she ask herself. Why did she put Brenda on the phone to ask me? I see now that cutting mom out of our lives was a smart decision. I cannot deal with the drama and hurt that comes from dealing with her.

I have yet to confront Brenda on the way she acted towards me today, but if she is gonna be just like mom -- using me whenever she needs something and refusing to be there for me when I need her -- then she can just go her own way as well. I don't need this.

It really affects me immensely but I refuse to let these people get the best of me. I keep telling myself that if this was anybody else but family I would have long ago cut any ties to them. I don't want to see my kids get hurt by the same lies and rejection that I have been subjected to. I don't plan to take any measures to mend this relationship unless they are willing to step forward first and apologize. ::sigh::

Well, I guess that's it for now. I ordered pizza for the kids and they seemed to enjoy that. The funniest thing happened on the way back. We were driving down the road and all of a sudden Emma says, "LOOK! It's Papa." I frantically looked around to see who she was referring too. I saw a red Coca-Cola truck and figured she must have mistaken your pick-up truck for it. Behind it was a man in t-shirt and jeans. The kids must have seen the same thing because Junior said, "That's not Papa." To which Emma responded with, "Up there, he's in the plane." Sure enough, there was a little trail in the sky of a plane flying by. Once I saw it I agreed with her that Yes, your papa is in the airplane - up in the sky. I thought it was cool how she connected the fact that you are gone, with the fact that you got on a plane to get there. That little brat is gonna be a smart one, you'll see.

Well, it's almost bedtime so I gotta give the girls a bath. I hope to talk to you later tonight. Maybe I'll remember some of the things I just wrote to you. Love ya and miss ya. TTYL

Hi-yah!

2009-02-19T18:45:00.003-07:00

Emma is imitating Junior who just mentioned that he wants to take Karate lessons.

"Hi-yah! Hi-yah!" She exclaims with every kick.

"Hi-yah?"

"Yeah," she explains, "I get to kick people."

"You get to kick people? Why would you kick people?" I ask.

"Because I'm super."

And everybody knows that when you're super you get to do anything you want. Just ask Superman.

Houston, we have a signal.

2009-02-19T16:50:00.002-07:00

DH was able to get a signal out in the middle of nowhere. Apparently the mess hall is where it's all happening....

It was nice to talk to him.

Almost two weeks down... six more to go.

Nothing exciting happened today.

2009-02-17T19:01:00.002-07:00

We had a regular ole boring day today. I cleaned a good portion of the house. MY GAWD, you should have seen the crap that I took out of the kids bathrooms.

Emma is going through this phase where she wants all the attention. She will push the baby out of the way or trip her if she sees her coming towards me. She wont accept no for answer and will pout or cry when she doesn't' get what she wants. She also isn't eating very well. I can't figure out if it's just her being a typical 2.5 yr old or if something is wrong. Usually I have to sit her down and practically force some food into her.

This past week she has said things that really break my heart. When she or I can't open something she'll say, "I know! Papa can help!" When I try to tell her that he's "at work" she cries and refuses to acknowledge it. So now I just agree with her and she seems happier that way.

Well, Idol is on. I'm gonna watch what little Evelyn will allow. TTYL.

Totally pissed off!

2009-02-15T15:14:00.003-07:00

I was able to talk to DH today, and no that is not the reason I'm pissed off. I'm pissed off at a bit of information I got from him. He asked if MINE (my BIL's wife) had called to let me know that DH was waiting for my phone call. I said NO, she hadn't. Why does this piss me off? Because throughout the course of the week I've been asked by my BIL to call his wife and let her know that he was online so that they could chat. Each and every single time he asked for that favor, I would call her and they would be able to communicate and all was dandy? Why would she NOT return the favor? WTF? I had half a mind to call her and ask her what her friggin' problem was. I didn't. Instead I called my MIL and told her what has transcribed and let HER know that I would not be delivering messages for her - and that she should find someone else that was going to call her. Knowing my MIL I'm sure she'll pass it on -- she's communicative like that. I called my sister and toldher about it and she says I have every right to be upset. Of course, she is my sister and would take my side even if I was dead wrong, but whatever. The point is I'm pissed and there better be an apology or some ass kissing of some sort if they want to get on my good side.

Despite that, I did talk to DH (only for 8 short minutes) and I was able to tell him that I love him and miss him. I have his cell phone number for the Congo (it's Zaire based) and once he finds out if incoming long distance calls are free, I'm sure I'll be calling him at least once a day.

SIGH...

Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way.

2009-02-14T21:52:00.002-07:00

Gosh, can you tell that I'll be typing a lot during the time that DH is absent. I apologize, but I have NO ONE to talk to, and instead of going crazy talking to myself I might as well put it down in writing.

Anyway, I was thinking that maybe I'm looking at all of this distance/absence thing the wrong way. Tonight I let the kids share a room and sleep in their sleeping bags, a mini-camp out if you will. Before I would probably not have considered that and enforced the rules... rules. Maybe I'm depending too much on DH to be the other half to my parenting -- he was the fun parent, the one that would comfort them, talk to them, play with them -- while I was the one that made sure their needs were met in regards to food, clothing, education and all that jazz. With DH gone I gotta step up my game and do both parts of the parenting. I have to be more fun and involved in their playful moments. Anyway... I'm just thinking here... I took a pic of the kids, it's cute.

I forgot to post about this...

2009-02-14T14:59:00.004-07:00

DH was able to call this morning from the Congo. According to him they got in last night. I understand there was a series of unfortunate events. From the airline losing his tools (probably thousands of dollars worth) to the vehicle they were supposed to travel in breaking down and having to ride a bus. I really hope the airline comes through and finds/returns the tools. An FMI representative was put "on the case" so to speak. I have little hope of his tools actually finding their way back... this is from their website (South African Airways).

"SAA does not take responsibility for the loss of items in checked luggage such as money, passports or visas, PC equipment, electronic devices, Cellphones, fragile items, business documents, valuable items and jewelery. Our general conditions of carriage refers to our baggage liability"

So what are they RESPONSIBLE FOR? I'd raise hell about it, but I don't think it'd make DH happy.

Anyway, DH is in the housing they have provided. He is rooming with two other co-workers. His brothers all got ONE house to themselves. I so would not want to be rooming with them. They'll be receiving cell phones and trucks for work and I'm hoping they allow incoming calls so that I can at least talk to him once a day with a calling card. There is no internet, although the company says they are working on it. He will also be working alongside some of the best engineers he's encountered and worked with in the past. I look forward to his many stories, but even more so to his arrival.

His closing words were, "Tell the kids I love them and miss them." *sigh*

Well, we also went to that party but I totally spaced out and forgot to bring the camera with me. Oh well, maybe another time. The important thing is that we actually made it out of the house. I have more later... but for now, this is good enough.

Happy Valentine's Day...

2009-02-14T08:59:00.003-07:00

Missing my honey on this highly commercialized date...

Sharing with ya the nice roses he got me and the plushie.

Today we'll be going to a birthday party at the local Pizza Hut at 1:00 p.m. -- I'll be taking lots of pictures, and I hope to post some of them later. Enjoy your loved ones.

Three day weekend ahead.

2009-02-13T17:41:00.002-07:00

The kids will be off on Monday due to President's Day. I hate to admit that I do NOT look forward to it. Weekends were DH's thing. If he was around, I'd probably be happy at the idea of spending a few extra hours nagging him. **Sigh**

On a positive note I RSVP'd for a birthday party tomorrow. I figure if we stay busy during the weekends, time will fly by. I'm thinking of starting a raised bed garden and getting the kids involved in the whole process. Also I'm gonna go ahead and get an estimate for a walkway ni front of the house. Once that is put down I can put in my rose bushes. I got six of them today - three red and three white. I'll get the kids to help me with that too. It'll be fun to dig and plant these things and then to watch them bloom. Hopefully they'll bloom by the time DH comes home. Next weekend we can go purchase the lumber for the raised bed and get a pickup of topsoil for them.

The house is a PIGSTY. I havent' done much since DH left. I was planning on sprucing up the master bath this morning, but that went to crap once the space saver I bought was put together. It was deceivingly small. On the box it looked like a large piece of furniture, but once it was erect, well -- it wasn't. I had to take it apart (very carefully, so as to not damage it) and put it back in the box. I took picture of it, I need to upload them and show ya'll.

Well, I'm gonna try and work into the night getting this place clean. It's my hope that if I start out the week with a clean house I'll be able to maintain it clean for the remainder of the time DH is gone. God help me. I find myself feeling very depressed and without the strength or motivation to do anything.

Off to clean I go.

Parenting SOLO sucks eggs...

2009-02-12T17:41:00.001-07:00

I went to the bus stop to pick the kids up and arrived there just as the bus was driving away. Junior didn't want to get in the van and insisted on walking home. Emily was already crying. I asked Emily what was wrong and was a tad upset to find out that it was because of her brother's own doing. I'm trying to take this CALM-ASSERTIVE approach to parenting solo but I don't think I am getting far with it. I asked Junior why he pushed her and was told that it was because there wasn't enough room. I'm not sure what that means, but I asked him to say, "Excuse me" instead of pushing people out of the way. It was followed by him pouting and whining that he didn't want to say that because it's booooring.

Upon arriving home he decided he didn't want to exit the vehicle, so I used my handy-dandy countdown and was able to get him out, only to have him drop his stuff and have it blown away by the cold wind. He stomped into the house and dumped his belongings on his bedroom floor. Minutes later I heard Emily crying from the bathroom. When I went to investigate, I discovered that Junior was not letting her urinate because he felt he was entitled to use the bathroom before her, despite the fact that she was in it. It was clear that he was simply instigating and looking for a fight. I asked him to leave the bathroom, and disgruntled he proceeded to crumple all of his homework worksheets and throw them on the floor. When I asked him, "What is your problem?" He responded with, "I don't want to have any sisters to take care of, not even one."

I left him along and during that time he proceeded to cry. Still remaining calm at this out pour of emotion, I tried to inquire as to what was bothering him. He said he wanted to run away because he didn't want to do homework. I tried to make him see the logic behind running away by asking him where he would sleep, how he would keep the cold at bay and what he would eat. I came to my wits end and presented him with TWO options. One: He could pick up the crumpled pieces of homework and do it, or TWO: He could could pick up the crumpled pieces of homework and put them away in his backpack WITHOUT doing them. I told him that the decision was his to make but that the HAD to make a decision about it or there would be repercussions. He decided that he would do his homework and obediently picked up his homework and sat at the table to work on it.

He is not yet finished with his homework, but at least he's not crying. He ate his plate of spaghetti and even served himself a bowl of cereal. I'm really trying to not let things like these get to me, but I lack the patience to TALK THINGS OUT when little people refuse to communicate. It's like talking to a wall.

The girls (Emily and Emma) also had a disagreement, but following King Solomon's lead I told them that they could either SHARE or that I'd put it away completely. I asked Emma to WAIT HER TURN and Emily obliged when she finished playing her game. I really, really hope that this is a sign of things to come.

Anyway, I'm pooped from this ordeal. I feel a tickle in the back of my throat that seems to be creeping up to my ears. I certainly hope it's not an oncoming ear infection, cause Lord knows that's the last thing I need. Well, I gotta try and put some sort of normalcy back into our lives, so I'm off to start the bathing....

Thank God for small favors...

2009-02-12T13:34:00.004-07:00

Johannesburg Airport - Taken by Justin Qian

DH is in Johannesburg, South Africa. I was able to chat with him via Skype (before he used all his wireless allowance) and then later on the phone. I'm so happy we had the mind to set it up before he left. One of his brothers was held back at the airport. He is not allowed to leave and therefore has stayed in a hotel located within the airport grounds. Everyone else is fine - a bit dazed and confused due to the time differences, but fine.

The airline broke DH's expensive luggage and now he has to haul around a bag full of tools without any of the nifty little wheels. I submitted a claim through the website and it said that a representative should get back to me in the next FEW WEEKS. awesome.

I thank God however, for all the small favors that have made the past few days tolerable...

Thank God for sisters that are willing to spend endless hours on the phone.

I'm so glad I at least have my sister to talk to. She has been a huge source of support and comfort for me. She empathizes with me and tries her best to help me stay afloat and not drown in my own sadness. I'm thankful for her.

Thank God for SKYPE!

I don't know what I would do if I didn't have this new way to communicate with him. The kids were able to see their father and speak to him before they left to school. It gives me a small sense of peace to know that they will still be able to see each other.

Thank God for callingcardplus.com

The last time I used this website was when DH was in IRAQ. That's over 3 years ago. It was the only source of calling cards with reasonable rates to Iraq. DH was able to send me his hotel number in Johannesburg and I was able to find a calling card quickly and talk to him. At 6 cents a minute, it's just like calling within the states with some phone plans.

Like I said, thank God for small favors.

Thank God for technology...

2009-02-11T09:57:00.002-07:00

I get to see him while he's away. He was in London during this call. I got to see him, and so did the girls. Evelyn tried to reach out to him when she saw him on the monitor. Several times she would reach for the monitor screen and encounter glass instead of her father's features. It's sad, but at least we have this....

I'm dying here...

2009-02-10T09:45:00.003-07:00

...Crying even. DH is gone, on his way to the airport (Phoenix). From there he will fly to London, and from London to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa - the name of the city escapes me. He'll be gone for the next 8 weeks. It's only 8 weeks. I know this. This is but a blink of an eye compared to the YEAR LONG deployment he did. And he's not going as a soldier, but a civilian - but it tears me apart. My heart is broken into a million tiny pieces because my other half won't be here to share in the highs and lows of everyday life. It'll hurt even more when the kids ask when he'll be home, and I know Emma will wait up for him at least during the first few nights. He's gonna be on the other side of the freaking world - so it's not like he can just get in the car and drive home to us. I'm sure I'll spend the rest of the day in a fog of sadness...

Baking Pretty Things....

2009-02-03T07:14:00.002-07:00

The Crafty Crow is having a giveaway for $50 mini-shopping spree at Bake it Pretty. The products on their website are too cute for words! And they have awesome reasonable prices. I coveted their tips for cupcake icing-->

Visit The Crafty Crow to see how you can enter and possibly be the winner! Hurry it ends Saturday!

Well that's the last time I break my superstitions....

2009-01-28T20:31:00.002-07:00

...Not cause I'm pregnant or anything, cause I'm not. But just because it's WRONG to go against rules I set for myself. You thought I was going to say that I'm pregnant. HA! HA! I'm not... or at least the pregnancy test says I'm not. I got a big fat negative on it... yay. I'm sure one day I'll be crossing every body part imaginable hoping for it to be a positive, but for right now I'm happy with my crew of four. Which by the way, is very hard to manage. Especially now that the littlest one WALKS. When did that happen?! I'll have to post a video of her walking - it's too cute.

Speaking of the little terror, have I told you what a terror she has turned into now that she doesn't need my assistance to get from point A to point B. No? Let me share an incident from today. I, trying to win the WORST MOTHER OF THE YEAR AWARD, ate chocolate cake for breakfast. Not wanting to be mean and tease Emma with my chocolate cake and milk, I gave her a small piece as well. I gave Evelyn a nice little jar of baby food (apples and oatmeal), because I'm not that bad. Evelyn, however saw the delicious chocolaty creme cake and decided that she too must have a piece. She stalked her prey (Emma) and waited for the right moment to pounce. I tell ya, the second Emma put that plate close enough for her to reach, she lunged at it and proceeded to sit down on the floor and chomp down. She left little crumbs all over the floor as she walked away from the scene of the crime and little chocolaty hand prints as incriminating evidence. Emma came back to find nothing but crumbs and said in a deep and scorning voice, "BEBELYNN!"

Superstitious....

2009-01-19T22:01:00.002-07:00

There are a lot of things I refuse to write about for fear that I'll jinx myself or that they'll come to be true. But this I just have to get off my chest.

TMI AHEAD...

I've been cramping really bad for the past few days. At first I thought maybe my body had finally started ovulating since I've been trying to get the baby to drink a bottle or two every day. I still nurse her 75% of the time but I've been slowly trying to wean her. Makes sense, right?

Well, the cramps kept coming. I then reasoned that it must be this stomach flu virus that Emma seems to have picked up. She's been puking her poor little guts for the past 2-3 days. Surely this is a sign that I'm next... but the puking has yet to happen and the incubation period for the stomach virus is 1-2 days. The cramps have been happening longer than that.

Then, I thought - AUNT FLO! It has to be. But not aunt flo, not even spotting.

So now... now I'm a bit scared that it might be implantation. As in - I might be pregnant. Haven't I been careful, you ponder. Yes I have been. Bun we're only using condoms and apparently those are not 100% effective. I went out and bought FIVE pregnancy tests from the dollar store. I took one last night and it showed up negative, but I'm thinking that IF I am pregnant, it's probably too soon to tell. So I'll be taking a PT for the next MONTH or until these cramps go away.

Why am I scared, you ask. Because I still have a BABY that needs my attention. She's only 10 months old for goodness sake. And the other three need me too! I know in my heart that I'm not DONE having babies, but I also know that I'm not READY for yet another child JUST NOW. IF I were to be pregnant, I would have to get myself used to the idea -- but GOD, if you can hear me, please please please hold off on this baby for another year or two. I'll be better rested then. I'll be healthier and not as stressed, and who knows - the economy might be better.

I guess I better warm up to the idea.. and start looking for names - just in case. Especially now that I went against my own superstitions.

Sewing, sewing, sewing...

2009-01-15T12:51:00.004-07:00

If you've read my facebook status, I've been sewing and I've been tired. I'm gonna show you what I produced in a bit, first some background.

Our house has a WALK-THROUGH closet in the master. What I mean is that you walk through what would be considered a small hallway that has shelving and rods on either side that function as closets. The builder decided that closet doors of any kind were not needed. In the beginning we didn't mind this at all, since things were in plain view, but as time progressed it got on my nerves. --If I had an ounce of energy left I'd take down my sewing project and show you a BEFORE picture, but I'm beat and I don't really feel like showing you my mess. LOL-- Anyway, DH and I had schemed of several different ways that we could cover it up. Hell, I even drew a detailed plan for closet doors, shelving, drawers and a bunch of other crazy things. The economy took a drastic downturn and we figured maybe it'd be best to put out money in savings and the plans to "fix" our closet were put on the back burner. It still got on my nerves though and I NEEDED to do something about it. One of the things I brought back with me from Texas (besides killer allergies) was my sewing machine. This past weekend I went to the only source of fabric in this crappy little town and bought TWELVE yards of fabric from the clearance section ($1.50 a yard).

This is what my closet looks like now....

I made 4 eight-foot panels with a big allowance on the top sine that little bit of molding would keep me from putting the rod all the way to the top. The ruffle kinda droops but I think it looks fine overall. I am really proud of myself. LOL

Not bad for clearance fabric and two shower curtain rods, eh? Now on to the girls room...

Blooming plant on sill.

2009-01-14T07:09:00.001-07:00

The Weekend is HERE.

2009-01-10T08:07:00.002-07:00

YAY. TGIS?

DH had to work today, it's supposed to be a LONG DAY. Hooray for manning the kids alone today and losing my mind. I hope to finish all the laundry that was left from yesterday. AND I MEAN ALL OF IT. I'm gonna make some chocolate chip pancakes in hopes that the kids will like them and behave for me the rest of the day. *sigh* ONWARD!

Overslept....

2009-01-08T06:25:00.003-07:00

I woke up to an, "OH SHIT!" That would be the sound of DH just realizing he overslept. I'm not sure but I think he did so by like an hour... possible more. This is not good... not good at all.

I wish I didn't have to get out of bed...

2009-01-07T13:25:00.002-07:00

Especially in the winter time! It's so warm and cozy under the covers. Sometime during the night I bring Evelyn to bed with us so that she can nurse and be warm and cozy too. BIG MISTAKE. Come 6:30 a.m. she starts slapping my face to wake me the heck up. She'll pull my hair, poke my eyes and scratch my nose all in an attempt to get me UP! UP! UP! If I open my eyes she squeals with delight that she accomplished something. More often than not I'll pull the covers over my face and that's when she lets out a long exasperated "MAAAAAAAA!" Eventually I cave in, hug her and kiss her and get out of bed. Once down on the floor she crawls to every room to make sure there is no one left awake. She's my little alarm clock, too bad she doesn't have a snooze button.

Totally not related.

2009-01-06T11:18:00.001-07:00

Cutest pair of shoes I own

2009-01-06T10:47:00.001-07:00

This year I'm gonna try real hard to work on my appearance. Aren't these shoes cute?

Peter Piper Pizza

2008-12-31T11:57:00.001-07:00

December 23, 2008

Linky!!

2008-12-29T14:36:00.001-07:00

Leah over at Life as Lou is doing yet another giveaway! This one is for scrapbooking items worth about $150. Hurry before it's over!

Halloween funny.

2008-12-26T08:48:00.001-07:00

Do u think i should go 2 dentist or what. Darn halloween candy

En la pulga! Órale.

2008-12-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

Bling anyone?

2008-12-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

The new way to window shop...

2008-12-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

My sister baking the old school way...

2008-12-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

Braving the crowds...

2008-12-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Looking good!

2008-12-26T08:30:00.001-07:00

2008-12-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Went to look at the displays at the Festival of Lights in Hidalgo, TX. The place was packed so we just drove by. Trip is going okay so far. I can't wait to get back home.

My driving shift is over.

2008-12-20T00:33:00.001-07:00

My driving shift is over. There was tons me cops no the road making traffic stops. I warned DH and still we were pulled over. ...::sigh::...

DH got me a "Christmas Gift"

2008-12-13T22:15:00.002-07:00

DH went out and got me a gift. I can't help but think about how many times he's heard me complain about my body image for him to go ahead and buy me something like this. DON'T GET ME WRONG - I love that he got something that I would have wanted but never would have bought for myself, but I just feel.. I dunno how to explain it. ANYWAY... he got me a Kymaro Body Shaper. Guess what... I love it. It gets rid of the rolls that I have yet to get rid of since the birth of the baby. Eventually I would like to get back to what I feel is a decent weight, but for now I'm happy to have this "gift" and a husband that cares enough about me that he would like for me to have better self-esteem.

He doesn't read this, but I LOVE YOU BABE.

OMG! I won.

2008-12-11T14:47:00.002-07:00

Merry and Bright Birdie
Originally uploaded by everydaylou

I can't believe I won, but YAY. If you haven't checked out Leah over at Life as Lou -- YOU SHOULD. She has awesome things to teach regarding scrapbooking. Seriously, check it out!

How they grow!

2008-12-11T14:29:00.003-07:00

While dressing E3 to go to the store today I noticed that her clothes fit rather snug. She is/was in 6-9 month clothing. I'm not too worried since I know I have a lot of E2's clothes packed away that will fit her just right. Problem is that they are in Texas. I picked up some sweat pants and sweaters for her to wear in the interim. SIZE 12 MONTHS. She's becoming quite the chunky monkey...

Trip down memory lane... via MUSIC VIDEOS

2008-12-10T09:01:00.002-07:00

These are songs that I can recall singing/hearing back when I was in middle school all throughout high school. I still know all the words to the damn songs. LOL i'llbe back with more of my teenage favorites.

Scrapbooking How To

2008-12-09T10:26:00.001-07:00

Leah from LIFE AS LOU is offering an online HOW TO class for a Christmas mini-album. GO CHECK IT OUT. It'll get your creative juices flowing.

COLD!

2008-12-09T09:57:00.003-07:00

It's really cold, yet again. This morning it was 46 F and Emily refused to wear a jacket, sweater or coat of any kind. She insisted that a long-sleeved shirt was all she needed. I let her go to school that way - maybe next time she'll learn to heed my advice.

LOTS of snow up on the mountains. I'm hoping to get a few pictures of it. I think I may run to the store and get baking supplies so that I can send the teachers treats before winter break. I'm not fond of ONE of the teachers, but alas I have to be kind all around.

I'll be sure to bundle up and take the camera with me to take a few pictures on the way. :)

Maybe I should stop by Emily's school and drop off a sweater for her. We'll see how generous I feel.

Same ole'... same ole'...

2008-12-08T21:04:00.002-07:00

Today was not unlike every other day. Get up bright and early - actually it was still pretty dark - and get the kids ready for school. Come back home and be with the girls while trying to tidy up this place.

It was pretty stinking cold this morning, raining even. After the clouds cleared up I saw that there was a fresh crop of snow up on the mountains. I wonder if we'll get snow down here this year.

I was able to speak to both kids' teachers. Both are improving, but especially Jr. Last benchmark test he did not pass the benchmark and this time he did. It was only by 3 words but I'm pretty proud of him. Tomorrow they have the writing benchmark and I hope they do well. They'll be testing all of this week in one way or another, so I really hope they are able to perform well.

I am working on a hobby horse (stick horse) for Emily's "play." She'll be singing I Wish I Has a Pony for Christmas on the 16th and is supposed to wear overalls, a cowboy hat and don a stick horse. I am sewing it entirely by hand. I miss my sewing machine. DH says it has the ears of a rabbit and the snout of an anteater. I wanted to smack him. I'm sure Emily will get a kick out of it, and if anything it'll be unique. Unique = UGLY. LOL

The kids are officially employed now. YEP, DH hired them to do jobs around the house. Emily's title is "Laundry Assistant" and Junior's "Refuse Engineer" - they take out the trash and go dump the dirty clothes in the hamper that's in the laundry room. Hey, one less thing for me to do. We'll see how long it lasts. I think I'm gonna ask for a raise, seeing as how they are making money from the most mundane task.

Well, I was able to get the kiddo down early, so I'm gonna hit the sack too. I hope tomorrow is much warmer than today was. Peace out.

Teaching bad habits early....

2008-12-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

Evelyn has recently discovered how to stick out her tongue. It is the cutest thing EVAH! I dare you to say otherwise. She will also blow raspberries, albeit not all that well. It's still cute though. Watch her try to imitate what I am doing, you'll surely get a few laughs.

Teaching her bad habits. from Peace in the Storm on Vimeo.