My Beauty - Melynda

Melynda

Her Daddy did a great job of naming her, for you see, the way he says it in Spanish means "my beauty!" What a perfect name for our daughter.

11 years old, 7th Grade

I love this picture of her! She's just so gorgeous!

It's a soft picture and shows all her lovely facial features.

She had fun with this one. It's a "bird's eye" and she giggled when the photographer put the flowers all around her head. I went over and tickled her tummy and she just erupted in laughter!

Melynda is really a sweet young lady. She is much prettier than I was at this age. I was a little awkward and had braces so I think she's just amazing! Muscular tan arms and the best long legs! She's really a beauty. On the inside as well as the out. Yes, we have our bouts but she's a doll. Everyone loves her. She's a natural first born daughter and loves to boss, I mean mother, the younger girls. Needless to say, they don't think much of her bossin'! One on one, we do great together. I love it when we can spend time with each other and not have other factors, like life, getting in the way. However, we make the most of it and keep going on.

Here is a full-length picture of our darling daughter. Can you believe how she's grown up? She's nearly as tall as me now and has the most contagious laugh.

If you look closely, you can see the tan lines on her feet - she giggled about that, too. In fact, she giggled about most things today!

This is the dress she and Tay got to wear to my nephew, Erik's, wedding in July. Aren't they fun?! And, they were on sale to boot!

In 2 weeks, we'll take another kiddo in and pick up Mel's pictures and get the others taken. We do this cycle until they're all complete!

More pictures from her photo shoot at our website! Enjoy!

Coleslaw Recipe

As a non-coleslaw eater, I was shocked to find one I liked! The secret, of course, is in the sauce:

1/2 c mayo
2 T Red Wine Vinegar
1/3 c sugar

Mix well with a whisk and pour it over cabbage. Double recipe for a large head of cabbage. You can adjust the sugar and vinegar proportions to accommodate your tastes. We like a bit more vinegar than this states but this is the place to start!

For now I have this bowl to use:

But look forward to having this set to make my "slaw" in:

I just have to say, "I love Pampered Chef!!!"

We're off to God & Country Rally tonight so hopefully I'll have pix to post tomorrow!

Could This Be It?

LAND

All along we've wanted to find some dirt and build our own home... then along came the other property and we thought maybe something else was in store for us.

Well, we have found dirt! It meets all of our criteria for land:
~ Close to major highways for Roy's work
~ Close to a Friends Church
~ In the area of our families
~ Adequate school district
~ Large enough parcel to build home, shop and more!
~ Room for kids to run and play
~ Don't have to build immediately
~ We can be the builders (saves bucho bucks!!)
~ In our price range

So, we have contacted our realtor and asked her to see what's next!! It's in Homedale and 12 miles from my parents' home but easy driving. Near the Snake River and gorgeous sunsets over the Owyhee Mountain Range. We can see Homedale Friends Church from the parcel. While the acreage is long and narrow, we think we can work it out just fine - all 2.5-3 acres!

So, please continue to pray for us as we need to get something done sooner rather than later. Prices continue to climb and waiting another year will NOT help us "get a better deal."

This is the view looking north east from the land. Hwy 95 runs to the north (left) of the picture. The tiny stretch of road you see at the bottom is the little Lane the land is off of. It runs east to west. The land is to the right and behind the picture. Hope that makes sense.

Close to town - close to highways to get to Caldwell. We like it the best of all we have seen (many).

We shall see!

Potty Training 1-3

Day 1: Saturday

Wonderful day of training. A few accidents, none that were "pooey" and many successful trips to the potty.

Day 2: Sunday

Still a good day! Had a few accidents, one being pooey at night but all in all a good day! Great news being that he went standing up like a big boy at our friends' house, baptizing their bush and trying to make his mark on all their bushes! Also, went #1 and #2 in a strange bathroom on the big pot!!! WHOO HOO!

Day 3: Monday

So far so good. No accidents yet but I know there will be. We've gone to only cotton during the day and pull-ups at night. We've tried several times to go standing up but to no avail.

Here's a picture of Paco talking on the phone last night. He walked away from the crowd, walked around while he chatted with Reggie's girlfriend AND then, got in his car to drive - all while talking on the phone. It was so funny!!! Troy took this picture as he kept moving make it hard to capture!

We had a great day yesterday. After church, we went to my parent's home for lunch and there were friends there. A most enjoyable time was had. Then we came home and took naps - aahh. Glorious Sunday afternoon naps. After naps, we went to the friends' home where Paco went pee pee like a big boy! Had a great time swimming. Paco jumped off the diving board all on his own and loved the water.

We then hit Mickey D's, got the kids a Happy Meal and Luigi. Now we have several Ramone, Flo and one Luigi each kid. Lots of fun!! Topped off the night with a game of Mexican Train Dominoes with Melynda.

Summer Lovin'

Summer lovin, had me a blast

Summer lovin, happened so fast

I met a girl, crazy for me

Met a boy, cute as can be

Summer days drifting away …

oohh, ahhh....Oh those summer nights

"Grease" debuted in 1978 and grossed more than $340 million at box-offices around the world, becoming the biggest grossing movie musical in film history, a record that still stands today.

While I was too young to remember the premier in 1978, I can't remember not knowing the songs and watching it with my girlfriends! I remember my crush on Danny, wondering about Rizzo, the innocence of Sandy and how she and Danny met in the middle to be together. I don't agree that Sandy had to change to a "bad girl" to be with Danny but man, don't they look hot together?! A movie that spans the generations, it is a classic but not "old." Classy - classic.

My daughters LOVE going to Parma Drive In and watching it. What started as a one-time showing has them begging to go back year after year! They giggle when the guys are dancing and strutting their stuff and can you blame them - I mean, just look at these guys in their tight pants and leathers... and the girls, in those cute little skirts - while I'd bet money that my sons like the movie, though they may not admit to it - they go along "for the ride."

Grease is magical - hitting on today's issues 25 years ago. From drinking, smoking and sex, it covers it all. Graduating, dropping out, what color of hair to piercings (okay, it was only ears but still!) Grease is a timeless treasure that I can't wait to go see this year!

Ya llego el verano!

Summer is here!

Today is the first official day of summer and with it comes a barbecue at my parents' home tonight! YEAH! I have my FANtastic beans cooking now and they smell so good!!!

The big boys are off to high school camp and Roy is driving Troy up now after driver's ed class. As a surprise, they took Paco, too! So, I can work, blog and clean for our party tomorrow night.

Speaking of, don't you just love Pampered Chef products?! If you don't live close enough to come to my party, or you can't make it, you can order from Holly's website. There you can view the new catalog, order and have it sent to your home! Roy got the jumbo turner for Father's Day and LOVES it! My Dad got it, too, and was pretty excited about it. tee hee.

Men are invited tomorrow night so Roy is in heaven. He loves food and parties so it's right up his alley. We'll be out on the deck for the grilling of the kabobs and making icecream sandwiches. Yummy! As a plus, if you order $60 in product you get the icecream sandwich maker FREE! How cool is that?!

I've had a busy week with funeral escorts. 4 already and it's Wednesday! While it's good for my pocketbook, I haven't been home much. Thankfully, I can take the kids with me when needed and enjoy the time with them in the car. We're listening to a book on CD right now, "Coyote's in the House." Pretty good book!

Today is Spanish Camp so the girls will be home soon, ready to eat lunch. I'd best keep working on my chores today or else Roy may not be so willing to take Paco again! ha! Besides, I have to clean the bathroom as that is the only place people go by themselves so it MUST be clean!! (Thanks, Mom for that advise long ago!!!)

I'm going to try and remember to post one life lesson a day from the book, "Father to Son - Life Lessons on Raising a Boy" by Harry H. Harrison, Jr. Feel free to share this with the men in your life if you're not a Daddy reading this. As I read the book, I thought many of the lessons were too good not to share.

Five Keys: #1

Be around.

Life Will Never Be The Same Again...

Since we went to Disney Pixar's movie CARS, that is all Paco talk about. Everywhere we go now we see Lightning McQueen. On Saturday, Nana just had to get Paco a new shirt so he'd stop asking to wear his PJ's during the day of Cars. Here is a picture of him this morning in his new shirt. He willingly let me take his CAR jammies off in exchange for this one.

While at the mall on Saturday, his sisters took him into the Disney store where he was once again bombarded with CARS. Turned out to be a good deal though - they all got free CARS trading cards! Paco loves looking at the pictures and wants us to read the backs to him.

So, to get back to the title of today's entry, our son, being the neglected abused child he is, has never had a McDonald's Happy Meal! (gasp now) He had NO idea that inside that little box he'd find a toy. And, not just any toy - THE toy. Being the Mexican boy he is, Ramone is his favorite Car... or maybe he's mine?! Anyway, that is who he got in his first ever Happy Meal - RAMONE!!! Ramone who raises and lowers and is all that and then some... he is in heaven!

We may never get away with a simple dollar burger or chicken sandwich again. Right now, I would say it's worth it. The sheer delight he got from finding Ramone is unforgettable. Hopefully, when the Car phase is over and the toys change to something not so cool to him, we won't have to get Happy Meals anymore. I'm not holding my breath, though.

We'll go back to Mickey D's tomorrow between 5-7 p.m. when all Happy & Mighty Meals are 50% off and get another car - one can never have too many cars when you have a son. Besides, I can see him & his brother & Dad fighting over who gets to play with which car so the more the merrier, right?!

Aaahhh - truly, a moment worth remembering. All for a mere $2.68; which includes the soda for me! Pennies - truly priceless.

Daddy

Walk A Little Plainer Daddy

author unknown

"Walk a little plainer, Daddy" said a little boy so frail.
"I'm following in your footsteps And I don't want to fail.
Sometimes your steps are very plain,
Sometimes they are hard to see.
So walk a little plainer, Daddy, for you are leading me."

"I know that once you walked this way many years ago.

And what you did along the way I'd really like to know.

For sometime when I am tempted don't know what to do.

So walk a little plainer, Daddy for I must follow you."

"Someday when I'm grown up, you are like I want to be.

Then I will have a little boy, who will want to follow me.

And I would want to lead him right and help him to be true.

So walk a little plainer, Daddy for we must follow you."

I love my Dad. He has always been a great Daddy. Any man can father a child (or sire as I like to say) but it takes someone special to be a Daddy. It takes time. Patience. Love. Forgiveness. He is a man of integrity, one of unchanging character. Who you see on Sunday is who I have seen (and lived with) every day of my life!

I could go on and on about my Dad and how great he is. However, God has blessed me with a husband who is also a great Daddy. He got a rough start and made a few mistakes along the way (haven't we all) but who he is today is night and day from who he used to be. He is all the things good in a Daddy. He loves spending time with his children, playing with them, reading to them, bestowing gifts on them. He takes pleasure in bathing Paco, doing the girls' hair and hanging out with Troy. He is a father to many - not just his own children, but a role model to our youth, to his nieces and nephews and to our "adopted son" Reggie. He is DAD.

See, Roy grew up without a Dad. The father figures he had were not kind and good men to him. They did not teach him the ways of the Lord nor guide him to be a righteous man. When he married me, he did not know how lucky he was! He got a DAD! To see the two of them together can bring tears to my eyes. Roy loves my Daddy so much. He is the father he has dreamed of having - never thinking it possible. God is Good and will provide for us what we need - what we desire. Roy has a Daddy now - Roy is a Daddy now.

I can't imagine Father's Day without my Dad. It's my sister-in-laws first one without her Daddy and she is having an awful time. How could one not, especially when they are really good father's?! So, I'll save these tears of sadness for another time and instead shed tears of joy of being so blessed to have a great Dad and a great husband.

Daddy’s Hands
I remember Daddy’s hands folded silently in prayer
and reaching out to hold me when I had a nightmare
You would read quite a story in the callouses and lines
years of work and worry had left their mark behind.

I remember Daddy’s hands how they held my mama tight
and patted my back selfishly for something done right.
There are things that I’ve forgotten that I loved about the man
But I’ll always remember the love in Daddy’s hands.

I remember Daddy’s hands working till they bled
and sacrificed unselfishly just to keep us all fed.
If I could do things over I’d live my again
and never take for granted the love in Daddy’s hands

Daddy’s hands were soft and kind when I was crying
Daddy’s hands were hard as steel when I’d done wrong
Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle but I’ve come to understand
There was always love in Daddy’s hands.
~Unknown

My Big Boy

ANTONIO DON
~ aka Paco~

Antonio Don

2 Years Old

33 lbs., 37"

Bilingual in English & Spanish

Hardworking Little Man
Who also knows how to play hard:

With wagon from Granda & Nana - "Every little boy needs a wagon."

More pictures from our sitting at our website!

Banana Cake

A friend of mine, Brenda, brought this cake to one of our church's "Soup & Salad Suppers" and boy was it a hit with my family. So much so, that I had to ask her for the recipe! Each time we have a get-together or a dessert is needed, my kids - especially Troy, beg me to make this one. Since anything banana is a fave of Roy's I thought I'd make it tonight as we kick-off Father's Day weekend!

We don't normally have all our kids on Friday night so it is a special occasion, indeed. To finish off our T-Bone Steak and Potatoes with Fettuccini Alfredo dinner, we will have this glorious dessert, served warm. Delish!!

Banana Cake

1 1/2 c sugar
1/2 c softened butter
3-4 mashed bananas
1 t. vanilla
3 eggs
2 1/2 c flour
1 1/4 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
3/4 c buttermilk

Cream sugar and butter then add the bananas, vanilla & eggs. In different bowl, mix dry ingredients together. Divide in half. Add half the dry flour mixture to the batter, add buttermilk, add remaining half of four mixture. Pour into a 9x13 pan.

Bake at 350 for 30-40 min, until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

To make buttermilk:
for each 1/2 c milk, add 1 T of vinegar. For 3/4 C buttermilk, use 3/4 c regular milk, add 1 1/2 T to the milk, stir and walah! Substitute Buttermilk! Good for any recipe when baking!

Frost cake as desired, cream cheese frosting is always a hit, as is chocolate!

Another Day in Paradise

I love my life!

Today is Thursday, just another day in the week for me, really. I was able to sleep in until 8:30 this morning because we didn't have Spanish Camp, VBS or any other pressing thing first thing. Antonio slept until 9:00 and Melynda to 10:00! I had my cup o' joe, devos and e-mailed my Moma before little man came pitter-pattering out to find me. Aaahhh.

With one (or was it 2) cups of lead in me, compliments of my dear hubby who follows scripture and makes the coffee each morning (HEbrews), I was ready to face the day! With 4 to 5 kids in the house, I need all the help I can get some mornings...

Having the big boys home enabled me to work on the accident report I have to file for an employee and start payroll, a longer process now that we have 10 employees that get paid weekly. Thank you, boys!

My good friend, whom I have known since 2nd grade, came over at 11:30 (sharp, I could add) to have lunch and let our kids play together at the park. I was SO excited to have actual plans with an adult that I was all ready to go sans shoes on. We quickly loaded up and in one car, mine, headed to the park for FREE LUNCH! Well, free for the kids. She had actually packed a lunch so she and I ate her lunch and the kids had sloppy joe's, cheese crackers, potato chips and chocolate milk for lunch. Yum Yum!

I forgot the camera but we had a blast, playing on the toys and running wild. We came back to my place, visited while the kids played more and just enjoyed adult conversation. Fabulous!

Time passed too quickly and I had to get Troy to driver's ed and Paco down for a nap. Good-byes were said with hopes of getting together again sooner than later. How great to have friends who love the Lord and have the same desires for their children as we do.

Now, with Paco napping, Troy driving (scary, I know - don't come to Caldwell!!!) and Mel doing her chores, I got payroll done and still have a moment to post here.

Life is grand, right now. I am happy and really am enjoying being the "little ol' lady who lives in the shoe who has so many children I don't know what to do!!" From playing Mexican Train dominos at night with our kids to falling asleep during the news, does it get much better than this? Roy would say a new bed would come close... "yes, dear, I hear you, we'll get a new bed SOOON!!!"

On that note, I'd best keep the laundry moving.

Book Review: The Effects of Light

The Effects of Light by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore

I read many books a year and thought I'd share a few with you as I finish them and think on them. Some books are just reading books for me, "trash novels" I call them, not that they are trash but just a filler and not a book that has any meaning to me. This particular novel made me think.

There were two sisters, Myla and Pru, who were raised by their father since their mother's death when Pru was an infant. He was an academic in Oregon and was very much "into" himself and his philosophical tangents.

Enter a family friend/photographer, Ruth. She started shooting the girls when they were very young. Many/most of her photos of them include nudity, innocently taken, not as pornography.

Through the years, the pictures gain national attention through Ruth's exhibits and their pictures are given the black mark for containing nudity.

For me, this book was a walk through Myla & Pru's self discovery of themselves, their bodies, other people's perceptions (and thus their reality). Myla dives into her father's life after his death, does some real soul searching herself through destructive behavior (drinking) and through love - real love, true love.

I had to think about the effects of such pictures: their beauty, downfall and rising again. Were the pictures wrong? Did Ruth go too far? What was the father's role in this? Is there something wrong with taking pictures of our bodies, of our children's? What if we have permission? Does nudity = porn? Is it only porn if someone else views it as such? Is it bad if someone else says it is? Is there a fine line with pictures and if so, how fine? Could I cross it myself, unaware? What about the baby pictures in the sink and tub? What about my girls when they were young playing in the sprinkler without shirts on... and I took a picture. If it got in the wrong hands and someone "liked it", would that picture become black? I don't know. I do know I was challenged in my thinking and beliefs and because of that, I have say it was a good read.

Available at most public libraries and on-line.

Dreaming of Our Own Home

I can't wait to be home owners! We are a long ways off but the ball is rolling and we looking for either land or a spread large enough for our home and business needs. What I am looking forward to most right now is the fact that when an improvement is made, it is for us - long term.

See, I have lived in a church parsonage nearly all my life. I might be shy a year there but that would be pushing it. A parsonage, for those who don't know, is "church housing." Next to or near the church there is a home, owned by the church, for the current pastors and their family to live in while they are the pastors. When there is change in pastors, the previous ones move out and the new ones move in - repeat cycle for decades.

Well, growing up, we were the pastors for 23 years so I more or less thought of that home as OUR home. We renovated, remodeled, built a fence, garden, etc. as though it were our home - for 23 years it was! Then, when my Dad resigned, I was forced to face the fact that they would be moving and my childhood home would be my home no more - all at the ripe old age of 24. When we moved from there, we essentially left all the equity we (okay, my parents) put into their home. So, they did not want to live in the other church parsonage we were going to but BUY their own home for the first time in their life, after 40+ years of marriage!!!

Enter my little family into the picture - we were renting a home, working with the youth group and here sat this abandoned parsonage. We were offered the house in exchange for coming on board and working with the youth group on a long-term basis.

3 1/2 years later, we are still here, working with the youth and loving it! With these years have come home improvements, some of the costs were paid for by the church and some were not...

(fall of 2002) Thankfully, prior to moving in, we did some major updating and restoration to the place: original hard wood floors were hiding beneath awful carpet. There is now hardwood floor in our dining room - gorgeous! New carpet in the living room and hallway upstairs and the entire basement and bathrooms were painted. Beams were wrapped in quality wood, things were trimmed and an all around face lift was given.

2004 - We added a deck to the west side of the house - very nice. We built this ourselves as an investment to the future of our church and future pastors who live here. Painted the outside a butter cream color and dark green trim.

Back indoors in 2005 we got new vinyl in the kitchen, laundry room and back stairs. I got to pick it out and the church used their budget money for improvements for this project. Anything over the budgeted amount we picked up.

Head on out back in 2006 and we finished a new dog wood cedar fence over Memorial Day weekend. Also, we invested in the garden spot and framed it in with railroad ties and put up a 6' cedar fence on the north side to protect the garden (from basketballs) and also to beautify that space.

From perennial flowers to annuals, the place looks great! As our clerk of the Elders told me, "I've never seen the parsonage look as good as it does!" We get compliment after compliment on the improvements to the property. This is as it should be and I wouldn't want it any other way!

However, I am ready to have my own home. We are ready. We have been working hard to get some past debt taken care of and live on a budget to not only keep me home, but to save for a home. God is truly blessing our business and us and I know He will continue to do so.

While we have found a place that would more than work for our home and business needs (and wants) we are praying that if is God's will, He will work it out. It's pretty lush and dreamy but nothing is too big for God - and hard work! As my hubby was leaving for work at 6:00 this morning, he came in to kiss me good-bye and said, "I'm going to work so I can buy my wife a house!" Too cute.

If you pray, you could pray that we get the financial end worked out with the business and personal. That if this is meant to be God will work it out and that I don't get my heart set on this spread - knowing that God has something better in store for us, we just don't know what that might be.

Happy Anniversary!

June 12, 2002 - Our wedding Day

Top Row, L to R: Troy, Steph, Larry, Ty, Erik, Mahlon, Troy
Midddle Row: Emily, Mom, Joy, Roy, Dad, Brady Laura
In front: Taylor & Melynda

We were married at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2002 at Caldwell Friend Church. My Dad officiated. Friends & family made the event a success: singing, baking, decorating, sewing, altering, cleaning, you name it, they did it!

Here is a picture of our gorgeous cake made by my good friend, Heather. She used fresh flowers on the cake to match the other flowers we had. When we ate the top on our year anniversary it was still delish!

Our colors were deep purple & daisy yellow. We had lots of white lights illuminating the front of the church. Yellow bows were on each pew to frame in the aisle. There were so many people there to support us that we had to open up the accordion style walls to allow for more seating!

I love this picture showing the sanctuary. You can see the high beams, stained glass windows, lights, candles, people....

In the past four years, we have grown so much as a couple. We've matured as individuals and as husband and wife. We have become parents together, a team, partners in life.

As my parents celebrate 46 years today, my Aunt and Uncle 51 years and a cousin 29 years, all today, I thank God for the examples He gave us in them. Seeing them have their anniversaries and love for each other makes me look forward to the many years Roy and I have ahead.

Knowing now what I didn't know then, I say, "YES" all over again.

Family

I love my family! I love living close to them and being friends together. Yesterday we celebrated my nephew's marriage and it was a grand time! The kids running around playing - adults standing/sitting visiting. Chasing whose ever kid that is running away... love it! There is always food at our get-togethers. LOTS of food! The spread is never ending and only the too-busy to eat kids leave hungry. Too busy playing that is!

Today we had another BBQ w/Ty and his new wife, Lisa. We got to visit with her parents and brothers, laugh with all 3 of my nephews present and just enjoy each other - over food.

Hamburgers on the grill, watermelon running down chins, potato chips, baked beans and salad, the food was plentiful and I looked around and realized how blessed I am!

As we were all leaving, we were discussing the next get together - for Father's Day and I think I can wait a week to see them all again. If not, we call, e-mail or drop by each other's homes to say hi!

Last week was busy - the boys had football camp that ended with a huge jamboree Wed evening. I was lucky to be asked to sell water and gatorade and visit with other football moms. Thursday we had doctor appointments:
Melynda is healthy and doing great in the 60% and 70% in height and weight.
Taylor is still small in the 10 and 25% but is on the same growth curve she's been on for four years...
Antonio is a MOOSE! 98% in height at 37" and 95% at 33 lbs. Only Paco and Melynda had to get shots and both survived. Poor babies!

Tomorrow starts another week of Spanish Camp and activities. I am looking forward to the time with the girls and the fun we'll have together.

Sweet Scones

Here is a wonderful recipe for scones that I found. What I love about them is that you can use any cookie cutter shape you want to make them "festive" and change the food coloring as well!

2 c all-purpose baking mix (Bisquick)
1/3 c Craisins
2 T sugar
1/2 C half-half ( I use whole milk)
Food Coloring
2 T melted butter

Heat oven to 425. In bowl, combine baking mix, craisins, and sugar. Combine half-half and food coloring then stir half-half and butter into baking mix to for a dough. Turn onto floured surface and knead 10 times. Roll dough out to 1/2" thickness. Using a 3" cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place into baking sheet. Reroll scraps and cut out more.

Bake 12 mins or until golden brown.

For St Paddy's Day I added green food coloring and a shamrock shaped cutter. Valentien's Day, red and heart. Could mix colors and come up with some neat ideas using whatever cutter you desire.

All my kids (and grown-ups) love these not so sweet, better for you than most, scones! I hope you enjoy them, too!

What Was I Thinking???

I am NOT a morning person and anyone who knows me knows this to be very true. I am lucky(?) to have a toddler who sleeps in (only because he's in my bed) and I can get up when I want because I married a fantastic man who's a morning person and gets the older kids around for school, makes coffee for me each morning and does all things "morning."

Well, I have decided that this summer I am going to get up a full half-hour before I have to wake the girls so I am happy and ready to greet the day when it is time for them to rise and shine... I'm on day 2.

I am setting my alarm, getting up and having a cup of coffee, devotion and prayer time and just sitting time before I go roust the troops. As stressed as I was this morning, I can't imagine what I would have been like if I hadn't taken that time to prep! EEggads!!

I took the girls to Vacation Bible School down the road since I had a funeral escort to do in Boise. All is well until the boys (age 16, remember) tell me we only have 1 gal of milk left after I bought FOUR flippin' gallons at Costco on Thursday!!! What?!?! I was SO not happy and it just went down hill from there. They hadn't run the dishwasher, folded dirty clothes from the washing machine, etc. I just didn't do "well" this morning.

You'll be happy to hear that by 5:00 today, I am more composed, came home happy this afternoon and the girls and Paco are out eating a ice cream bar as I type.

So, please pray for me! I am stressed about finances but know it will work out. Stressed about schedules and everyone going every which way - but know that will work out, too. So, I keep playing yo-yo with God instead of letting him keep it. Tomorrow is a new day - one with two more girls, my darling nieces, in it for all day.

I love summer and the smells that accompany it. From ice cream to sun tan lotion, I LOVE IT! Help me, God, to create these wonderful memories I have for my children. Amen.

Summer is Here!

Today is the first day of summer for us! Spanish Camp began today for my girls (Mel & Taylor and nieces Shyanne and Gin-Gin). They all had a wonderful time with the exception of Paco. He did not like that the girls stayed at "class" and he had to go back home with me. Poor baby!

We're doing well - kids are napping, boys at football and I'm the computer! Paco's 2nd birthday party went off without a hitch. Missed a few close friends and family who couldn't make it but a good time was had by all.

I've update the website with birthday party pictures. Enjoy looking at all of them. Paco loves his new wagon from Granda and Nana. He got a basketball hoop from bubba & Reggie and thinks that's pretty cool. And from Dad & Mom, he got a Tonka truck, hard hat and shovel. Received lots of books and a few darling outfits! Darling for a boy, I mean.

Busy week but I have every intention of making this a summer my girls won't ever forget. That's my goal and I will do everything I can to make it come to light. So, if you don't see me on-line as much, that's why! Raising kids and making memories!

My Baby is Two!

Two years ago today, 12:31 a.m. to be exact, we got to meet our little man for the first time face -to-face! I can't believe he is 2 today. Doesn't it seem like yesterday that he was this tiny (okay, he's never been tiny) little babe in arms?!


Here is Paco at breakfast this morning - Mr. V's. He ate everything on his plate!!! Also, sat in a booster seat like a big boy. Isn't just an adorable picture, hands all folded to pray.

I am happy he is two, considering the alternative to not growing older.



Today, Paco gets to go to work with Daddy in the "big truck" so Mommy can get some rapid cleaning and cake baking done! I think they are both excited and Paco loves going with his Daddy. He gets to sit up front (the only seat) when he goes with Daddy...


What a road it has been. Thankfully, it is a journey and we can take and make as many detours as we either want or need to. I have kept a jounal that I am writng to Paco and it's neat to go back and read what I have said.

I have a ton to do for his party tomorrow and there will be pictures from that but in the meantime, I love my son and celebrate his life today and everyday!