1-31-12

Big mommy blunder today. Heard a teacher say last week that today was pajama day, so I marked my calendar. I also told my carpool buddy. Picked her up normally this morning and her and #1 were all decked out in pajamas. Got to school and was told by a teacher, oh, pajama day is Thursday, we switched it! And I was supposed to know that how?!? I was a little irritated, but then decided that I would not assume anything unless verbally told or given a note. The worst part was, #1 noticed that he was one of two kiddos wearing pajamas and wouldn't walk in his classroom. The principle offered some clothes that the school keeps for 'accidents'. #1 conceded. The clothes were a little outdated and #1 noticed. He still didn't want to enter the classroom for fear that the other kids would 'laugh at him'. Kill me now! That broke my heart. We said a prayer and I gave him a little 'who cares what anyone thinks' pep talk, he finally went in. On my drive home, upset, the Lord brought to my memory the story about David and the verse about God being concerned only with the heart. On my way to pick the kids up, David Rosales was teaching on that very thing. Confirmation. When we got home, while #1 ate his lunch, I told him the story. I don't know if he understood or not, but it was important for me to tell him. Guess I'll go mark the calendar again. Carpool playlist picture above. Can never go wrong with a little KOC.

1-30-12

Worked, then got ready for dinner with friends. I made lasagna because our friends are a family of eight. I made 1 veggie and 1 meat. My recipe needs a little perfecting. Now that they have those no-boil noodles, I need to make it more often. I've mastered spaghetti, now onto lasagna. Had a great dinner, no running today. Gonna try and get my runs in Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday this week.

1-29-12

Today is all about catching up and preparing for my upcoming week. Church was great this morning and then we went out to lunch together as a family. One of my favorite things, a little family time, no one else, just us. We are having the K clan over tomorrow night for dinner and I didn't want to do take out, so I'm going to make lasagna. Gotta go to the store, and pay bills, and clean up the house. Daddy just left to go lobstering, so I'm on my own. Lord, help me. Catching up on the blog as well. Got a couple hours to kill right now, while the boys sleep. Hmm, what to do? Read, movie? Maybe a little of both.

1-28-12

What a beautiful service today for Gramma P. I was privileged to sing, it was difficult, but the Lord got me through. Such a great picture of the body of Christ coming together and honoring one of their own. Everyone brought their quilts or any other creation that P had made for them. The place was covered. There were so many people there, she had such an impact on so many. I hope I can do the same with my life.

1-27-12

Got this sucka in the mail today. I had a light day so I tried it out a little. One word: MAJOR! I can't wait to use it during a real worship set. The boys and I had a lazy day watching movies and then I cleaned up the house for our babysitter the next day. Gramma P's service tomorrow. Not looking forward to it.

1-26-12

Lunch with Baba and Papa today. Afterwards, the boys and I snuggled up together in my bed and they took a nap. I did worship and hubby taught for Abide tonight. We have been so attacked this week because of it, but God is faithful. Everything was wonderful. The Lord blessed. After it was all over, we were as giddy as two schoolgirls. Funny thing that is...

1-25-12

Krystal called me today, or the principal of Krystal called me today. They are now utilizing the waiting list again! So, after siblings are enrolled, they will enroll the waiting list. Praise God!

1-24-12

Happy birthday SM and Auntie J! Got this cute shot of the kids as they race to see who can open the door first at school. I told you I was gonna take better pictures. Very proud of this one! Had a meeting for work with a family and a local Sped teacher. I work with such great people. All faced with the same challenges of balancing mommyhood, family and a job. I should start a support group, but I don't think any of us would have time to attend!!! The meeting left my mind racing about all that I have to do tomorrow. Just need to pace myself and trust that the Lord is going to equip me. I will get it all done, I will. I got a run in last night, no time for one today. I really need to get up at 5, but it's so hard! I will try again tomorrow, but tonight looks like it will be a late night. Have some projects on my mind as well as work. Putting all my music on my iPad, deleting files off of my computer to help with its super slowness, and photo books. I want to take all of my photos from iPhoto and create photo books. My mind is racing right now. Here's to an early start!!!

1-23-12

Busy work day today. Catching up from being on vacation for about a month, but so blessed to have a good job where I get this time off. The boys watched a couple movies today. Couldn't do preschool time because I couldn't find his new homework. Gotta be better about homework. I'm almost always a couple of days late getting it in. Hopefully I'll get my act together before Kindergarten, which is coming up so close! I'm excited for that next chapter.

1-22-12

Church, then went to Sizzler for Auntie J.'s birthday.  I realized that I need to get better about my pictures.  I wanted to post a pic of me and Auntie J., but I forgot.  Goal for this year:  Take better blog photos!  Gonna try to clean up the house tonight, we'll see how far I get...

1-21-12

We're all a little wiped out from our few days away.  I had to run to pick up produce in the afternoon, then Auntie A. came over and watched the boys for a couple hours while I went to a bridal shower.  Hung out with old friends, it was nice :)  We bought the boys a tent in Vegas and they wanted to sleep in it for the night.  So cute.  Wore my turban headband from Free People today.  Can I still pull this stuff off?  I hope so.  Someone please tell me if I can't... ;)

1-20-12

Last day in Vegas.  Woke up early and worked out, then headed to Mesa Grill for lunch.  It was delicious.  I had the smoked shrimp tacos for lunch and Daddy had the Mesa burger.  Our appetizer is on the top right.  It was fresh tortilla chips with this goat cheese dip, it was amazing!  We then headed to stateline to play some slots and outlet shop.

1-19-12

Today was filled with shopping and donuts!  Took a trip to Dunkin' Donuts and a couple of malls.  I got to visit my favorite clothing store, Free People.  Bought some stuff and headed to an outlet mall.  I found some good deals and had a good time.  I'd been saving my money for a while to go to this store.  We came across the Pawn Shop from the show 'Pawn Stars', so we stopped and walked around.  Not very exciting, but we can say we visited.  What a good day together. 

1-18-12

First day of our trip today.  We dropped the kids off at Grandma and Grandpa's in the morning then headed off to Vegas.  First thing we did when we got there was go for a run.  Our hotel had a sweet gym in it.  Had a good talk about having one more baby <3  We'll see what happens... Walked around the strip for a while.  Scary.  Vegas is an interesting place.

1-17-12

Today was all about preparation.  We are leaving for Vegas tomorrow and leaving our kids for a few days.  We are going for our 10 year anniversary.  Never been to Vegas longer then just waiting for a flight, so I'm looking forward to it.  And, no kids for three days, I'm looking forward to that!

1-16-12

Picked up my guitar today and visited with Baba and Papa.  I also cleaned out my car, out of control!  Should have taken a picture of that!  My sweet baby.  Posted this photo on Instagram today.  I can't believe he's almost two.  The question remains and crosses my mind every day.  Do we have #4 or not?  Some days I say yes, and some days I say 'Heck no!'  It's those moments when all three boys are behaving and everyone's getting along, and the house is beautifully clean.  Those are the moments when I think, 'Yes, it could be possible.'  But then the uncontrollable days come.  The days when the work is piled up and all three boys are screaming, when the fighting starts first thing in the morning and doesn't end until bedtime.  These days, I don't think I can take much more.  It's a 50/50 deal.  I have heard many things about going from 3 to 4.  Mostly what I hear is that it's not much different.  I've even heard from one person that it gets easier.  I don't know about that one.  Bottom line: I want another baby.  I want to have a newborn in the house, one more time, I want to have another one attached to me at all times, depending on me for every little thing.  But should we have another baby?  Is it the right time?  Will it ever be the right time?  Will I be able to do it all, with 4?  That's a completely different issue.

1-15-12

Lazy Sunday.  Couldn't go to church because the boys are still sick.  Went for a treadmill run, got 3 miles in.  The house was a crazy mess, so #3 got a hold of a Christmas card of one of our friends with a little girl his age.  Carried it around all day, very sweet.  So glad I was able to run toady, in peace...

1-14-12

Woke up to a phone call that Gramma P had passed away.  I will miss her everyday, but I am glad that she is no longer suffering.  She fought to the bitter end and I can't wait to see her again.  We were all a bit sad yesterday, kind of off, but relieved that she is all better now.  Daddy brought me breakfast as I got ready for a worship leaders meeting.  Had a great turnout for the meeting today and lots of good discussions.  Finally, Dad's vision is being fulfilled.  I came home for a couple hours and let Daddy go for a run and I got ready for a wedding that I sang at.  It was the last of the three Trujillo girls from church.  I sang at all three of their weddings.  It was special to me :)  Came home right after the wedding and had dinner with friends.  It was a fun night, I love our friends.  

1-13-12

Busy work day, finishing up report cards, mailing report cards and tying up loose ends for my vacation next week.  I took the whole week off!  I met with a new family in Fontana, then headed back up the hill for a wedding rehearsal.  Came home and ate a Subway sandwich with Daddy, then put the boys to bed and watched movies on T.V.

1-12-12

10 years today, I have been married to the love of my life.  We will be celebrating next week with three days in Vegas, no kids.  I cannot wait.  Daddy brought home some treats and a sweet card.  #3 came down with a fever today, so I had to stay home from study.  I was bummed because Papa taught tonight. So the boys and I looked at our wedding album, a yearly tradition.  As usual, they began to fight, so we had to promptly put it away.  Someday a page will be ripped out.  I've been watching the show 'Malcolm in the Middle' on Netflix lately.  Hilarious, I can totally relate.  

1-11-12

Had a great day at home today with the boys. Started work today and pretty much finished my report cards.  I just need to print them out and mail them.  Staggered naptime today, I put #2 and #3 down at the same time and worked with #1. on some homework, then put him down later.  Worked great, plus, I got some quality time with #1.  I also had a revelation about school next year.  I forgot that a good friend is a principal at our local district, and I found out, after perusing their website, that her school is now a choice school as well!  I still need to talk to her at church on Sunday, but I'm hoping she can give me some good information and between the two schools, prayerfully he will get into one of them.  I got a lot of cleaning done on the house today too.  I took that picture of the playroom because just a few minutes before it was taken, that room was spotless.  Doesn't take long for our house to get wrecked.  As long as it's localized in the boys rooms and the playroom, I don't even care anymore!  The other pic is of the boys playing football with Daddy, so cute <3  I was also able to get about a half hour of yoga in today. My upper back has been bothering me, so I started rolling it and doing some yoga.  Hopefully, that will help.  So nice being able to work out lately.

1-10-12

Today began wonderful with an awesome time in God's Word.  I was kinda rushed because I needed to drive the carpool, but I made sure that I found the time.  I listened to a great message yesterday from James MacDonald about the discipline of daily Bible reading and how important it is.  He gave four guide questions to use as you read.  They help a lot.  I read again this morning how the Lord is a shelter, I don't need to worry about anything.  He's got it all taken care of.  I worry too much, way too much.  So, then I drove the carpool, A. went home sick, so I only had to pick up #1.  When we got home, we ate lunch and I told the boys to take a nap.  They have been playing and making a lot of noise, not napping lately.  Very frustrating.  So, after two hours of telling them to nap, #1 finally fell asleep for about a half hour, then #2 began to play in the playroom.   Nice.  Then, while making dinner, #3 screamed at me almost the whole time, hence the photo.  So, a nice morning turned into a frustrating afternoon.  When Daddy got home, I was in silent mode and he could tell.  I think I'm a little on edge about starting work tomorrow as well.  I'm pretty much dreading it.  I've had a nice vacation filled with friends, cleaning and blogging.  I'm hoping I can keep up the momentum when I'm working again.  The evening has turned out to be a good one though.  During dinner, I decided to not let my horrid afternoon ruin my day.  I cleaned the kitchen and made a good batch of chocolate chip cookies.  The first good batch in a long time.  I had to make up for my last batch.  And now, I'm about to get on the treadmill for an evening run.  I'm going to try to go 2 miles today.  Still sore from Saturday, but I need to get my runs in early this week.  Looking forward to some endorphins and thankful for Daddy who's going to imprison the children so I can run <3

1-9-12

Good day at home with the boys.  We started off the day with some classical music and homework.  #2 cut paper and #3 just got into things.  I realized that I can never homeschool because I lack patience.  Then I got a phone call.  K. Elementary School called and said that their Kindergarten waiting list is pretty much meaningless now because of a new policy.  New students will now be picked out of a lottery.  I was upset, but the Lord kept reminding me to trust in him.  He knows the outcome, if he wants #1 going there, his name will be picked.  If he doesn't, he'll show me where he needs to go.  We did out study for Thursday night tonight and it was all about Abram's faith and trust and obedience.  Then in my personal devotion time, the Psalm I read was all about Christ and his bride.  Bottom line, earthly things don't matter.  I need to trust the Lord and live for eternity.  We will see what He does...

1-8-12

Lazy Sunday, then lead worship for Sunday evening service.  Had lots of fun, played with Dad, Danny and Gino.  Ran out of time, loaded the list with too many new songs.  I just get overexcited.  Dad also gave me a new opportunity to pray about.  We'll see what happens... 

1-7-12

Went for a run today for the first time in a long time.  Went with Gilbert, so he pushed me to do 4 miles.  Two days later and I'm still sore.  Saw a dead opossum and then ate way too much at Flame Broiler.  Chris and Amy watched the boys for us so we had a nice little short date.  We stopped at Target too to pick up a gift for Justin and Martha's baby shower.  We stopped by there for a bit in the afternoon, it was an open house type setting.  Very laid back.  Jacquie sent a plate home with me since I was still full from lunch.  It was great, hearty food.  Those girls always do a great job with those parties.  Then we came home and typed out Gilbert's bible study.  He's been studying so hard.  This message will be blessed.  

1-6-12

Spent the day with the Hlebo's today.  Started the day off with a sandwich from Corky's, then headed over to VG with Sarah and her boy, Micah.  Had a great time with Sarah, she's such a sweet friend.  I am really enjoying getting to know her and spending time with her and Micah.  The boys were a handful though as I only had the umbrella stroller.  Will be more prepared next time.  

1-5-12

Drove the carpool today.  When I drop the kids off, it's easier to just put Harper in the front carseat and sometimes it's Anjelice's.  That's why he's sitting in a flower chair :)  Got some pink nails courtesy of sister Sarah's Christmas present.  While listening to the radio today, I heard this scripture and unfortunately thought of my Harper.  The Lord told me I need to speak this verse to him everyday.  Poor guy.  I am discovering how hardheaded he is and how much he hates instruction and being told what to do.  Praying for him everyday.  Tonight was also the first night of study.  Have a great, mature group this time, very humbling.  Excited to lead with my friend Elva though, she's awesome <3

1-4-12

Day at home with the boys.  Really enjoying my vacation.  Potty training continues to be a trial.  I gave up yesterday after talking to a friend.  I'm giving us both a break.  I'm putting the responsibility on Harper for a while and giving him things to earn.  He's so stubborn, I'm hoping that this actually works.  Scratch that, I'm praying that this works.  Silas got up on his stool while I was making lunch and told me to take a picture of him, typical.  Love that kid, our dinner time conversations are getting to be hilarious because of him.  He told dad tonight at dinner that he really needs to 'deal with mom'.  Love my boys... Been feeling very accomplished in cleaning my house this week, I hope this lasts when I go back to work.  I've got my little schedule and I'm sticking to it pretty well.  I also moved our treadmill inside our house, all by myself today.  I'm hoping to start running soon as well.  Gotta train for that Ragnar!

1-3-12

Made a bonehead move today and got Silas' first day of school mixed up.  I thought they went back next week, but, they went back today.  *Sigh, I was supposed to drive, I left my carpool buddy in the lurch, I felt bad.  The boys and I had a baking day planned already, so I couldn't change our plans, besides, it's too early to go back to school and I'm still off.  So, needless to say, he stayed home.  We made chocolate chip cookies together using our new oven.  They came out very hard, my baking track record continues to be less then perfect.  But we had fun and they don't taste terrible.  Gilbert told me when he got home and tried one, "Don't go to any cookie exchanges anytime soon!"  Thanks, Daddy.  The last shot is of the boys outside wanting to come in.  The past week or so has been very warm, it feels like spring!  It has been wonderful, the boys have been playing outside whenever possible.  It's supposed to stay like this for a couple weeks!  It's been great.  I used the oven for dinner as well, made some asian-glazed chicken with rice and peas.  It was delicious.  I've had a lot of energy today, got all the laundry done, completed my chore of the day on my schedule.  Hoping I can keep up this momentum when work starts back up.  Now if I can just work some running in there...

1-2-12

Today was Monday, I'm still not working, so I'm just enjoying my time off with my boys.  I'm enjoying it a little too much.  I have work to do, but can't bring myself to do it!  Maybe tomorrow... I dropped my guitars off today to be worked on.  Dad gave me a number of someone in Oak Hills, a guy who works out of his house.  I'm hoping he's not too expensive and that his work is good.  My guitars are really neglected.  Hoping they will come back shiny and beautiful!  Came home and watched Ratatouille with the boys and had an overall relaxing night, but we did get a new oven!   Our oven broke a few weeks ago, we tried to repair it, but it ended up breaking again.  Gilbert went on Craig's list last night and found an oven on there from Hesperia.  We went to look at it and ended up buying it for $275!  Praise the Lord!  It was a great deal, I was a little skeptical buying it from someone I don't know, but it seems to be a great oven.  The photo is of a button I pulled off of my old denim jacket.  I wore my 10 year old jacket today, love classic pieces that never go out of style.

2012!!!

January 1st, 2012.  Happy 2012!  I'm going to start fresh and try to do my photo journal all year.  My friend who inspired me to do this in the first place just finished his 2011 journal.  I'm hoping with a new year, I can stick with this.  It is fun to look back.  New Year's Day.  Spend the morning at church, Gilbert served communion for the last two services.  We all attended church for second service and hung out during third.  It was a great message, taught by Pastor Chris Mathis.  After church, we came home and ate leftovers from our New Year's Even party the night before and then I planted myself on the couch and did not move.  Auntie Jen came over and hung out with me for a few hours.  This shot was from a video that I took of Bean playing with his new vacuum.  He is hilarious to watch, he really vacuums!  I'm so excited for this new year.  I think the Lord has some amazing things in store for our family.