The Lull Before the Storm?

Today is surprisingly quiet. The boys are in finals now and Mel is just having a fun week at school with no work or tests. Same for Taylor Sky.

I know I have a ton to do before our birthday party for Antonio but I want the house to be clean on Sunday so I don't want to do it to early, ya know?! So, here I sit - office work done for today, food cooked for today, errands ran for today... got a little nap in with Paco, went to the library and got some neat books in Spanish and some on tape for him (us) to listen to in the car.

Not sure how many to plan for the party yet but am hoping I know by my Costco run tomorrow. Last year was so much fun - the weather was perfect, friends and family were conversational and it all went great! Don't expect anything less for this, Paco's 2nd, birthday party.

We'll have a pinata again as all the kids, grown-up kids, too, love that part. There is so much to do but yet I can't do it this early! ha! Then, when it needs done, I'll be crazy busy with other things, too! ha! Can't win, huh?!

Here's the picture we used for the party invites. His little pointer fingers are holding up two - one on each hand. He's saying, "dos" for mommy!! We can ask him in Spanish "how old are you" and he says, "dos" - it's so cute!

I did hear him say "two" last night for the first time. He's also saying water now and not just agua. Needless to say, his Daddy was nearly heartbroken!

I can't believe he's almost 2. Guess that will for another post.

A Day at the Zoo

Field trips are wonderful! I love that the teachers let as many parents who want and can attend the trips tag along.

Today was Taylor's 2nd grade field trip to the zoo. Paco and I were able to go and have lunch with her and it was just a great experience. I hadn't been since last year when I met my friend and her son there for an little outing.

We couldn't have asked for a nicer day to go to the zoo. The sun was shining as you can see in the pictures and it was just gorgeous! You can see the big horn sheep between Tay and Paco's heads. We had so much fun!

Here the kids are with a nice big tiger wandering around in the grass behind them. Paco didn't know what to make of the two "big cats." He could hardly pose for a picture but as you can see, I got it done! ha!

The other tiger was laying down all sprawled out in the sun. Kids were running all over so it was obviously used to noise.

Paco loved the monkey cages and thought the little cats were neat, too. Tay really liked the penguins and the zebra rolling around in the dirt. (Paco thought that was really something!) They have a new crane and it was standing on one leg and it was very pretty.


We ran around like crazy and then stopped for lunch in the park. Remember, this is with all the 2nd graders of her school so it was pretty crazy... I couldn't ride the bus because I had Paco with me and they don't allow other children to ride their buses.

Here is a cute picture of Taylor when we breaked for lunch. She is such a doll and was so good with her brother.
I couldn't help but walking through the rose garden. It was gorgeous with all the bushes in bloom. My Grandma would love to see it but she lives in Colorado.

So, the day was hit and I think we all had fun!

Memorial Day

USS Arizona on December 7, 1941: "Pearl Harbor Raid"

Her forward magazines exploded when she was hit by a Japanese bomb. She began to burn furiously and eventually sunk in Pearl Harbor. 1,177 of the crew died on the ship.

On this Memorial Day, I remember my Uncle Howard or "Smitty" as he was known by all. He served in the Navy for 20 years and was thought to be on the Arizona on that frightful December morning. My Grandma, his mother, did not know if he was dead or alive for 6 LONG weeks. She wrote Washington D.C. to receive a letter back that he was not listed among the dead. Still, she didn't know.

Much to everyone's relief, he had been transferred to the Carolina and was alive and well.

My uncle died when I was 8 years old on December 18th. He is suvived by his wife, a daughter, two sisters and many more family whom I couldn't possibly list them all here. I am proud that he served our country and fought for our freedom that we enjoy today. "Thank You, Uncle Howard."

To my personal friends who have been deployed to Iraq - Thank You! Steve and Adam! You and your families have made huge sacrifices for me - for my family.

On this Memorial Day, I lift up US Soldiers and their families in prayer. Not all were as fortunate as my Uncle. I lift their families up in prayer.

GOD BLESS THE USA!

Sweet 16

Sweet 16

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Troy, happy birthday to you!

I can't believe that Troy is 16 years old today! He was such a gawky lanky kid at a whopping 9 years old when I met him for the first time. Sheesh, time does fly!!!

We are going to celebrate by leaving for Idaho Falls to my nephew Ty's wedding. We'll have dinner along the way and ooh and awh over Troy and then celebrate the next day (Sat) with brunch and my bro Uncle Troy & Aunt Em to honor both my Dad's bday (the 23rd) and Troy's (today). Since he doesn't read this, we got him a Letterman's Jacket in his school's colors. It still needs all the extra's added but he has the coat and can now get the goodies on it. We don't usually spend that much on gifts but figured since we wanted to get it for him anyways, we might as well only get one thing! Cha-Ching! $$

Do you remember your 16th birthday? I do. It was a snowy-Sunday. I was SO looking forward to going on my first date that night. Boyfriend was Jesse and he took me to see Aladdin. Then we went to his familie's Christmas party (lame) and drove him in a snow storm. I was so worried we'd be late and I'd be in trouble but I guess we made it in time as I don't recall any punishment! ha! I can only imagine now how hard it was for my Mom to let me walk out the door with him on my birthday!! Wow. Things do change when you're a parent. Oh, I remember a Chicago tape (yes, tape) playing...

"Those were the days... When we did what we wanted!!!" Sing it, honey!! :) Can't you just hear the Bunker's singing in your head? I sure can!

I got my nails done this morning in time for Ty's wedding and am getting my eyebrows waxed and a make-up application done this a.m., too. YEAH! Wish I could have got them scheduled in synch to not come home in between but that's okay. Now I get two breaks.

We're coming home tomorrow night after the wedding festivities so we'll be here for church Sunday. Think we'll do a camp-out in our yard Sunday night. We'll see how the weather is. On Monday, I think we're building a fence! YEAH! A corral for Paco!!!

What are your weekend plans? I'll have pictures to share from the wedding later. Be safe and have fun!

Soapbox: "How is NOT working?"

The dreaded question: "So, Joy, How is not working?"

What can one possibly say to that question? Uh, it's hard! I don't get to leave at 5:00 or get an hour lunch break, or two-15 min breaks a day... I look forward to the times I can actually go to the bathroom by myself and to shower or bath without a toddler in there with me??? I dream of those times.

Oh, did I mention I have 5 children (6 counting my hubby) that I care for? Can you imagine cooking for 8-10 people every single night?!?! Yep, not working is GREAT!I get up a few times a night to care for my babe, sleep in with him and go-go-go all day long, into the evening and sometimes clear until 10:30 when he crashes in bed - with us!

Don't get me wrong, I love my life and I can't imagine doing any of this while holding a job outside the home, but it's the question that gets me... NOT WORKING?! Are they insane??? I got the question yesterday at the YMCA - "Hi!!! Are you still not working?" I laughed and said, "I am not sure who you have been talking to, but I am working - 5 kids and our own business that I do all the books for... did I mention I have 5 kids?" With eyes popping out, she did reply that she just meant "not outside the home" and I said, "Oh, okay, yeah, I'm still home." All the while, smiling sweetly and replying in a kind tone. Promise!!!!So, this is my soapbox topic today. Not as H-O-T as last weeks (see:http://mamacitalujan.blogspot.com/2006/05/soapbox-nurse-here-now.html) topic but one that came to my mind as I thought of a post for today.

I just wished people thought about their questions before hand, you know? I work more hours now than I ever did at the College. MSNBC has the great article, "Stay-At-Home Moms Would be a High Paying Job"

Employed mothers reported spending on average 44 hours a week at their outside job an 49.8 hours at their home job, while the stay-at-home mother worked 91.6 hours a week, it showed. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12613676/ for the full article.

So, I'll get of my soapbox, for now, and go back to "not working" since the kids will be home soon and Paco will awake before that!

Ta-Ta for now!

Cafe Mexicana

Wednesday's Recipe: Roy and I had this many times on our trips to Mexico. It is a really nice drink that you can have any time of day!

As Jon Butt says, "Even the term Mexican coffee has a sense of holiday, sunshine and fun about it. You'd imagine. With Colombia just down the road, that Mexican coffees would be of the strong, full-bodied variety. Well, you'd be wrong. Read on.

Of the five million or so bags of coffee produced in Mexico, they consume just over half themselves before selling the rest on, mostly to the USA. Organic coffee is a Mexican speciality and, with most of their beans grown on small farms, you can be assured of a consistent quality without any of the mass-farming additives to dilute the taste.
Although the majority of their Arabica coffee beans are grown in the Vera Cruz region of Mexico, it's the Altura farms in areas like Oaxaca that wow the taste buds of coffee aficionados. Why do you think they keep most of it for themselves?"

Cafe Mexicana

After a hard morning's toil why not relax with this Mexican coffee recipe:

1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
6 wedges of Mexican chocolate (or 1/3 cup cocoa powder)
6 cups boiling water allowed to cool for three minutes
2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup ground coffee beans (ground coarse for press pot) - Mexican preferably!
whipped cream to garnish

Combine the milk, vanilla, chocolate and sugar in a saucepan and heat gently whilst stirring together. Don't let it boil.

Meanwhile, add the coffee grounds and cinnamon in a French press coffee maker and add the near boiled water to make coffee as usual.

Add the coffee to milk saucepan and mix together. Serve in cappuccino glass cups and add whipped cream and cinnamon sticks to garnish. Enjoy!

*Not too sweet but makes a really nice treat!

Scary Monday

Well, what started off as a normal crazy Monday became even more so when I got a call from Roy... let me back up a bit.

Thursday - Roy didn't feel well. Thinking he got too much sun. Friday - Still not feeling well. Stayed home from work, read, rested and napped in his chair (very unusual for him) all day. Sat - No complaints from him. Sunday - He grabbed his chest once and said, "It just hurts so bad!" Huh?!?! Monday - Still lots of pressure in his chest. He is terribly uncomfortable so I tell him to call the doc.

He left a message and FOUR hours later he gets this message, "We send all patients with chest pain (of any kind) strait to the ER since they can monitor you there, perform tests, etc. I'm assuming you're already there since you didn't answer your phone. If you're not there, go there immediatley." Okay, then!

He calls me and I agree he should go. So it's now 3:00 and he heads to Meridian's ER from Boise and I head there from Caldwell.

After many tests (EKG, chest x-rays and blood work) the doctor tells him he's free to go home! There is nothing "wrong" with his heart or lungs. YEAH!

What is it, you might be wondering?!?! Either stress or something viral. More likely, stress.

So, that was our fun afternoon and kick-off to our already busy week.

He's still in a little pain but at 800 mg 3x/day for 3-5/days he should be better in no time. Off to work this morning so we're just going to keep praying for him and his stress levels.

Poor guy - we got to find some stress outlets for both of us!

My Garden

Jesus, I want the garden of my life to be a beautiful and bountiful as You. Create in me a rich and fertile soil, O God, and clean out every weed that keeps me from enjoying Your presence and bringing You glory. Your Book is full of inspiration for gardeners of the heart. There I come to know and love You, the Master Gardener, and delight in Your wisdom. (With help from Karla Dornacher's book, "Down a Garden Path.")

Today I planted my garden. YEAH! My Dad and Roy went and got the rototiller, peet moss and some railroad ties to make it all nice. While they did that, with Paco's help, I ran to the nursery to buy some plants.

We planted tomato plants of different varieties, a variety of cucumbers, summer squash, butternut squash and jalapeno of course! 13 tomato plants, 4 nice cucumber hills, zuccini and squash to boot! Still to plant: lettuce, radish, carrots and basil to boost productivity in the tomato plants and also a natural repellant to bugs.

I love playing in the dirt. I love seeing things grow and to be able to eat food we have raised! I can't wait to have such an abudance that it is time to make and can salsa, tomato sauce, jelly, pickels and to taste the butternut squash dessert at Thanksgiving... yummy!

I will try and get a nice picture of my garden and post it. It's still a work in progress but at least the weeds are under control - for the time! ha!

Kids

Raising teenagers is not easy. Why did I think it might be?!?! I love my children - all five of them. But they are all challenging in their own ways at all these different ages.

Take Troy for example. 16 years old next week and wanting nothing to do with his folks. Did I go through this? I sure don't remember wanting to stay home rather than go on vacation and seeing extended family... Needless to say, emotions flow and tempers flare so quickly anymore in conversations/arguments. Please keep us in your prayers as we deal with the daily trials and triumphs of raising a teen boy. I have to remember it's not me personally - nor does it have anything to do with being his step-mom. He hardly ever wants to go to his mother's anymore... I know he loves me - he's just growing up and venturing farther from the nest. It's just hard when he's a jerk about it and disrespectful to us.

Then there's Melynda. Remember the sweet little 7 year old? Replace that image with a pre-teen, forgetful, talks-alot, knows-it-all eighteen year old!!! Seriously, where has time gone and what one earth has happened to my daughter? Yes, she's still a delight she's just growing up way too fast.

Little Taylor is still that. She's a cutie and we love all the time we get to spend with her. She adjust well to being bounced back and forth between her two homes. Pray that she makes wise choices in the things she has a say in.

Antonio is two in every sense of the word and what that implies. "No" is a new favorite word but he also loves to pray and snuggle so we're balancing out on the fits and loves.

Reggie - our newly claimed 16 year old son is a blessing to our family. While it has been said that he is blessed to have us in his life, we are blessed as well. He keeps things real and is a hard worker - no complaints in doing the work, either. He LOVES Paco and the two have become good buddies. He's a huge help to me with the other kids, the house and yard work. Continue to pray for him and his family as they work through things.

I am honored to be mom to these children. I have to rely on God more and more each day for strength in dealing with issues and concerns that arise. How blessed I am to be home full-time to care for these darlings. So much would be sacrificed if I was working outside the home. As one of the trustees where I used to work told me, "Your worst day at home will be better than your best day at work." How true this statement has been for me. I think of it on the "bad days" and more so on the "good days."

My cup over flows with gratitude today even as my heart aches with the pains that come with raising children.

May God continue to Bless You!

Soapbox: Nurse Here. Now.

Mamacita's SOAP-BOX

I guess you could say I have become somewhat of a lactivist. Lactivist meaning: lactation activist. I am an advocate for women's rights to breastfeed her child(ren) in public; wherever she may be. Keep reading if you want to see how I am making a difference in the life of my son - and everyone else I encourage to breastfeed or keep breastfeeding.

Most people I know would say "breast is best" when addressing an infant. That perception changes here in the States once the tyke is walking and for sure talking. Research shows, however, that extended nursing - that is nursing past one year of age, is very beneficial and encouraged by the World Health Organization (WHO). "Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. A recent review of evidence has shown that, on a population basis, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond. Breastmilk is the natural first food for babies, it provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one-third during the second year of life."http://www.who.int/child-adolescent-health/NUTRITION/infant_exclusive.htm

In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:
29% of energy requirements
43% of protein requirements
36% of calcium requirements
75% of vitamin A requirements
76% of folate requirements
94% of vitamin B12 requirements
60% of vitamin C requirements -- Dewey 2001

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html has more links of interest to me.

If you're still reading, BLESS YOU!!! Don't stop now but keep reading as there is more! The research is astounding when listing all of the benefits both to mother and child for continued nursing. Please, join my in protecting breastfeeding nation wide. http://www.lalecheleague.org/promote.html has information on how to support, encourage and protect breastfeeding. You might be surprised to hear that in some states it it against the law to breastfeed in public! Help change these ridiculous views that only the USA has!!!

I am a nursing mom.

I am an intelligent, independent woman.
I don't need to be told how I can make others
more comfortable when I nurse my baby.
I don't feel responsible for the comfort of the general public.
I am responsible first to my family, my children. No more patronizing, shame-inducing discussions about what kind of cover-up works best to hide breastfeeding or how to make
onlookers more comfortable.

I deserve to be supported when I do what is right for my baby, not told I need
to hide it or cover it up or take it elsewhere.

That's what Nurse Here Now is all about:
Empowering breastfeeding moms to nurse wherever we are, whenever our babies need it, in spite of the fact that our culture would like to pressure us into thinking it is a shameful and impolite act. We know that breastfeeding is not a shameful act that should be hidden, it is a normal everyday parenting activity, and we are passing this message on to all nursing mothers.

We won't allow "peer pressure" from society to change our thought and behavior and cause us shame and embarrassment. We will do what is best for our babies and ourselves. We will reject the pressure to make breastfeeding invisible, we will reject the oversexed idea that breastfeeding uses "private parts", we will reject the disapproval and let it roll off our backs like water off a duck. We will empower ourselves to reject adopting the inaccurate views of our culture.

We know better.
We will nurse. Here. Now.
Wherever and whenever that may be.

http://www.nurseherenow.com/default.php

Thank you for reading my views on extended nursing. Yes, my son "asks" for it and yes, he will be 2 years old very soon... and your point is??? I will wean when my son is ready - not when others deem appropriate.

Beans a la Thyme

Wednesday's Recipe: I thought I would borrow a great idea from good friend, Heather, and post one of my fave recipees each week. If you ever stop by Caldwell Friends, thank Naomi for sharing her recipe with me!

Beans a la Thyme

1 lb ground meat
1/2 c. green pepper, chopped (those who know me well, know I don't add this!)
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/2 c. celery, chopped
1- 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1/2 c. water
1/2 t. thyme
1 t. dry mustard (or more to taste)
2 T. vinegar
1 T. brown sugar
salt & pepper to taste
1 clove minced garlic (I use fresh)
1 can baked beans (1 lb, 12 oz size)

Brown the meat, onion & celery (& green pepper if you choose). Skim off any extra fat. Add tomato sauce, water and seasonings. Simmer a few minutes then add the beans. Bake in covered dish for 45 min @375. Serves 4-6

Really good served over tortilla chips for a very healthy nacho dish!

Enjoy!

Sobriety

May 11, 2006 was my five-year mark of being alcohol-free. We celebrated by going to dinner at Golden Corral after Troy's district track meet. When Roy told the hostess, who was going to seat us, what the occassion was, she surprised us by saying, "Congratulations, I have 15 years now."

Everyone is proud of me and more important, I am proud of me. My daughter, Mel, said it so sweetly when she cried and told me, "I am so glad you are my mom. I love you so much." Priceless. I wouldn't want to trade those moments for any amount of "fun" out drinking (or at home!). What I have today is because of God. How could I ever think I could make it better myself? I don't know but today I am glad that 5 years ago, I stayed sober, "One Day At a Time."

On this day, I also had a tearful experience. My first friend and later sponsor died. I was able to go to her viewing, and with Roy at my side, place my five-year chip in her hands. I can't say that I wouldn't be here without her being in my life but I can't say that I would be, either. Suffice to say, she made a difference in my life and for that, I am grateful. She taught me the prayer, "God, I offer myself to Thee - to build with me and do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of Life. May I do Thy will always!" Amen.

One of my favorite quotes from the Big Book, which depicts the blessing of seeing you grow is; “Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends – this is an experience you must not miss. We know you will not want to miss it.” AA p.89

A Chip In My Pocket

I carry a chip in my pocket -
A simple reminder to me,
of the fact that I am a drunk,
no matter where I might be.
This little chip is not magic,
nor is it a good luck charm,
It isn’t meant to protect me,
from emotional or physical harm.
When I put my hand in my
pocket, to bring out a coin or a key,
the chip is there to remind me,
of the price I pay to be free.

To acquire a foundation to stay sober,
I must surrender self-will,
asking help from my Higher Power,
and allow my mind to be still.
A service commitment at meetings,
and listening to what my sponsor does say,
a quiet prayer asking for guidance,
at the start and end of each day.

The chip reminds me to be grateful,
for my sobriety, one day at a time,
and to be thankful to my Higher Power,
that my illness is not a crime.
It’s also a daily reminder,
of the peace and comfort I share,
with all other sober drunkards,
who walk with His loving care.

So I carry a chip in my pocket,

reminding no one but me, that,

by turning my will over to Him,
He has brought my sobriety.

- Anonymous

Spanish Class

Each Tuesday Antonio and I go to our moma y yo class that is held entirely in Spanish. From crafts to music, games to stories, we communicate for an entire hour in Spanish. It is a wonderful time and one we look forward to each week. He knows the names of his classmates and asks for them during the week; especially Abbie. He truly pines for the girl, if that is the correct term. Several times we have walked and yesterday we rode my bike since we have the new toddler seat for Paco that goes behind my seat. It was a wonderful ride and he did very well - so did Moma.

I have a journal that I began for Paco over a year ago. I write it in, not daily, but days that I want him to remember. Not all are special days or days of importance but more things I want him to know someday since he won't remember these early days; and I won't remember them all either, sad to say. Well, the book is nearly full. I've wrote about happy times: first steps and words; mad times: the first fit he threw on the floor that landed him a nice solid swat on the fanny; cute times: being in awe of Christmas lights at 6 months old and sad times: Great-Grandpa dying when he was only 8 months old. I told him how G-Grandpa called him Pelon, meaning baldy since he had no hair for so long! I've told him about my tears of both joy and longing as he grows up and seems to be growing so fast. I've told him of things he's done with his Granda - they are quiet the duo and of working with his Daddy - that's when he really gets to be a little man. Of times with his Nana and eating cookies for breakfast and times with Abuelita and the sweets and icecream he gets when he's with her. It's a fun journal and one I look forward to keep going. It's basically my thoughts for him to read when he's an adult and I'm not sure of the time I'll hand them over. Praying I'll know that when the time comes.

I'm not sure what life-form this blog will take. Guess that is part of the fun and mystery to it. I keep wondering, is it for me or for those reading - both, I guess. Will you be bored reading this or find it interesting at times? These are just a few fears I have of letting you take a peak into my head and more tenderly, my heart.

Feliz dia de Madres para mi!

What a wonderful Mother's Day! I was served breakfast in bed by Roy and Antonio and then we all ate the waffles at the dining room table as I had visions of syrup and peanut butter all over my bed.

Had a wonderful church service, the sermon was wonderful on things we should be teaching our kids - was glad for the encouragement to keep on doing what we're doing!

Got a nap in that afternoon and then at 5:00 people showed up here, including all of my children. I miss them on Mother's Day but that's for another post. Anyway, we had about 20 here for a bbq and lots of wonderful food. I got a new bike seat from Paco for him. It goes on my bike so I don't have to pull the bike trailer all over town this summer. Also got a gift certificate from Troy to REI for a bike helmet... the family gave me a coupon book of things like, "night off from cooking," "car wash," "night of babysitting," Day of R&R, includes taking Paco"... great things. And then dh got me some money so I can go to the spa and get a facial or whatever I want. Went way overboard but how can I complain??? Needless to say, it was a great day. My brothers and their families came, along with my parents, Roy's mom, sister and great family friend, Doris and her son, Doug and then all the kids that follow us around were here, too!

Here is a picture of Paco and I on the bike with the new seat: