Welcome 2009 with memories of Christmas '08

I want to begin the new year with a photo of me and Bridgett and her precious cargo. Yes, she is having a baby GIRL and we are excited! Her due date is May 13th. She has a special glow about her and even though she is busier than ever, still has a spring in her step.

This picture was taken on our Christmas morning, the week before. We had a wonderful day as we packed in our festivities into a single day. Presents, cookie making, lots of laughter and activity. With three boys ages 2-7, there was plenty of all of it. This year the spirit of gratitude and love was abundant. Our lives are so full and crazy! Just the way I like it. I know the new year will bring more blessings than ever.

Children's Christmas Party 2008

As you can see, we knew where Jaxson was this year, in the caboose of the train with his little bro, Addison! He rode about six times. Addison lasted one. Meanwhile, Jayden was where the action was, on the snow slope.

Mommy and Dad were a big help this year! Papa and I got to enjoy ourselves much more and actually see the kids having fun. Despite a rather warm day, 80 degrees, the kids still had a blast in the rapidly melting snow that was brought in. The day couldn't have been better. No one got hit with a snowball (except MaMa, oh well) and the pizza, games to play, and Mr. and Mrs. Clause posed with the boyz for a holiday picture. They each got a gift and my gift was them!

Christmas will be early for us this year as MaMa has surgery on the 22nd. Merry Christmas, ho ho ho, jokes on me. But I plan to rally in time for our new baby coming in May. More to follow on that subject as we find out the sex tomorrow. Happiness abounds!

Thanks Giving

November brought a turkey to our kitchen table. The first one in about 9 yrs. My pregnant Bridgett made a request for "Mom's stuffing" and that's all it took. Tommy and I got busy and put together a really nice, simple, Thanksgiving feast only 2 days before. Thank you Scolari's!!

The boys were on their best behavior (for awhile) and gave us the joy of youth we needed. There's something so special about grandchildren. PaPa washed dishes for about 45 minutes while I had a tea party with Addison and Jaxson. Everyone was filled to the brim and I sent home another meal with the kids. Round two to come, Christmas!

Falling into Winter

Doesn't seem possible it is already November. This year is zooming by. I missed October posting completely, but am on it now. Halloween was the big activity for this month, of course. With Three boys, it's always busy finding just the right costumes. Pictures speak louder than words so I'll just show not tell!

The biggest news is that the boys are going to have another playmate. Bridgett is 12 weeks pregnant! Still trying for that little girl. She is due mid May 2009. More news shall follow. I had the honor of listening to the baby's heartbeat yesterday. Her midwife suggested the beats were fast, therefore possibly a girl! No ultra sound to see the sex yet.
I am taking a floral arranging class through Adult Ed. I've always wanted to know the basics and so far my first effort was really fun. We did a basket arrangement and I look forward to learning how to arrange in a vase next class. Hopefully I'll attach photos next blog. Until then, rake those leaves and don't forget to jump in!

Autumn is here!

Indiana, aka Jaxson


Addison, jokester

Jayden 1st day school

I have been very busy since the last post. My boys started school, Jaxson in pre-school, Jayden in 2nd grade. Addison is the only one home and he's loving it! At 2 he's a live wire and doesn't take any guff from his older brothers. I am blessed to have them living so close to me. We have lots of fun together and there's never a dull moment when they're around. Here, Jaxson is Indiana Jones, which works well when he gets into trouble as himself. He just says he's Indiana! And Jayden is loving school and asking a lot of science questions. I need to go back to 2nd grade to be able to answer them. What is the strongest muscle in the human body? Answer below. See what I mean?

I spent 10 days in New Mexico, reuniting with my friends and family. I also got to visit my Dad at the Atria Rio Vista, where he still goes to exercise class, church, has coffee with friends he's made there. At 91, he's slowed down a bit, but still has a feisty side.

Me and Judy Donna, Louise, and me

More to come as October and Halloween comes. Til then, Adios!

answer: the heart

More Summer fun!

Even though it is already mid-August, I had to include the busy days of July. Mommy and Boyz came over to have a picnic at MaMa's house. We settled in to eat yummy PB&J's and the gnats bombarded us. Not to worry, the backyard had amenities as well, the Playhouse! When you get lemons, make lemonade, right? Even a simple picnic is a happening when these guys are around. We all had fun despite some sand throwing, (it's enevitable), from the sand table. Adding water just made it stick, but that's what's amazing about my boyz, they can make messes with almost anything! I love it!

Our next real celebration was Jaxson's 5th birthday. He is a "big boy" now. Also, changed identities. He is now a Jedi warrior and not afraid of anything. The light saver, or sabre, (never did figure that out, ) is the must have along with Lego Star Wars Playstation game. I'm just grateful for any knowledge I have from the original movie. I can speak Star Wars language. The party was held at our local Round Table Pizza parlor where pizza is secondary to the video games (.25 a pop) and the "prizes" they can "buy" with tickets accumulated. At last, Jaxson got his birthday--his is the 3rd one and he was getting pretty tired of watching his brothers get all the goods. Bridgett and Matt now must each get extra jobs to pay for all the stuff. Just kidding, but he did get some neat gifts. All in all, it was a fun day for everybody. With the boyz birthdays out of the way we can get ready for Bridgett's 29th birthday on Aug. 22, followed by school starting the 25th.

Jayden will be in 2nd grade (by the way, he lost his first tooth, bottom, middle) and got a silver dollar from the Tooth Fairy.

Jaxson will be in kindergarten. He's ready to roll. That leaves our Baby Doll home alone. How will Mommy stand the quiet?

I finally have my craft room organized. More on that on my new blog address to be forthcoming. Meanwhile, I have gotten out my calligraphy pens, finishing a gift that I'm knitting, and writing for contests with my writer's group. Life is full. See you in the Fall with more news.

Summer Fun!

In July, I was reunited with a dear friend, Linda, from Albuquerque, NM. We were Varsity cheerleaders together in high school...Go Vikings!! Now, almost 40 years later (did I really print that?) our graduation in 1969 (we are cool, we are fine, we're the Class of '69) is but a foggy memory, but we are still great friends. We met in Phoenix, AZ and then went to the Amara Spa in Sedona, known for its spiritual heritage, and where the four "vortexes" meet. Don't ask, I read about it in a book. We did have a fabulous time, got pampered with a facial and massage, ate some awesome dinners, and caught up on the last year or so. She then came home with me to Grover Beach and experienced 103 degree weather that happens only once a year, sometimes never. She was a good sport, commented on the NM heat being similar, but they have AIR CONDITIONERS! Sorry, Linda. She went home after visiting with my boyz, and getting a private tour of Jayden's rock and Hot Wheel collection, experienced Jaxson's prowess with Playstation 2 Star Wars, and watched Addison nose dive off the couch a few times.

Swimming lessons are over! Now onto Jaxson's birthday #5, on July 27th. I am making him a Jedi Warrior robe, back to the sewing machine. Meanwhile, we have christened our new front lawn with our first picnic.

We are now moved into our new bedroom, love the extra space. When we got home from Las Vegas, our front yard was completely finished being landscaped. What a nice present! We've been here a year and a half and completely renovated the house and front yard. Tommy has worked very hard to make that happen. Before and after

I am moving into my new craft room, made possible by the renovation. I haven't gotten organized yet, but taking it day by day and trying NOT to go to Michael's to buy anything! Pictures of my office/craft room will be coming shortly.

I am tentatively planning a trip to Albuq. to see my extended family in October, just in time for the Int'l Hot Air Balloon Fiesta . More great pics. to follow after that visit. For now, just trying to get time for myself, having so much fun with the boys, and enjoying our new casa.