My two girls!

Can you spot a real smile

I got 11 out of 20. My husband got 12 out of 20. I think I tried too hard. Let me know what you get!

click here!

vacation

Saturday Siobhan had her dance class. Then we had a Family Reunion at Irvine park. Sunday I dropped Siobhan and Krystal at the Main Place Mall. Afterwards we went shopping to buy a big blow up pool. The kids enjoyed the pool Monday. I was out there with my book, wine cooler, enjoying the kids splashing me about every 3 seconds. Tuesday all of us (minus Bradley- he didn't want to go) went out for a nice lunch of Indian food. Yummy. If you will in So. Cal, check out this place, the best! Haveli's Go for the buffet!

Sam, our friendly Electrician came to install the electrically for our new bathtub. He brought his wife Judy too. Talk about a couple of fun, sweet people. Those two have it nailed. What a wonderful marriage they must have too!

Last night Siobhan spent the night at her Nana Carol's house. Today I will be taking Krystal to the bank to deposit all her graduation money she has received so far. I might take Siobhan to get her hair trimmed. I need to go to the pet store. Tonight I pick up Siobhan's dance pictures and take her to the doctor. She complains often after eating that her belly hurts. The doctor suggested to try prunes and see if it helps, if not bring her in. Well, it didn't so we are going today to follow up.

I think my hubby wants a sandwich from Mattern Sausage & Meats. Yummy! I might just have to stop and pick up a big meat filled sandwich for a mere $3 something.

And baby makes SEVEN

My husband has been bothering me like crazy lately that we should have another baby. As is, we have FOUR children. What will we do with another? I have been a mother for almost 18 years and finally, ahhh yes finally, I am actually starting to feel like a person. I do not want another child, of that I am sure. But the more he talks.. how could I not love another little Eric/Di? A beautiful little angel. He answers all my questions and concerns correctly. Where will the baby go? I am too old. blah, blah blah.

I don't think I can handle getting up "all night" long. I just don't know. Of course I would want to give my husband anything he wants. He is such a fabulous dad. I love him and all four little brats so much. The pressure!

My two girls

Siobhan and Krystal went to the mall on Sunday to buy bathing suits. Siobhan just "had" to take the pictures. Yeah, I am sure she really had to talk Krystal into it!

Last La Fea mas Bella tonight

Tonight is the last La Fea mas Bella. I think we have been watching it every weeknight for almost a year now. It was supposed to end in January but they have kept going. Tonight is the night! I just know Lety is going to pick Fernando. I know I would!

I didn't cry

I did tear up a little bit at the end when they announced the graduation class of 2007, but just misty eyed. I surprised myself!

She was so excited to be done. She thought the graduation was boring (it was, aren't they always!). We were all there, her Uncle Tony, Aunt Emma, cousin Holly, Uncle Mark, cousin Tyler, and both Grandma's. It was nice. Everyone came over our house afterwards for cake. She was so excited by her new Macbook (she photo below). She cried! Ahhh, doesn't get much better than that!

Krystal and Siobhan

Krystal is a high school graduate

Here she is, graduation night, with her new Macbook. A gift from her wonderful parents (if I do say so myself!) Ahhh, college, here she comes.

Today, I will cry

I will cry today. I will cry freely. I am sure they will be coming in buckets.

Today my oldest daughter graduates high school. It is a turning point. She is grown. I can no longer deny it. She IS grown. Still a lot to learn, don't get me wrong, but grown nonetheless. I will cry knowing she is through with high school. I will cry that she will be a college student. I will smile with the joy of knowing that Eric and I have raised a wonderfully loving, bright, caring, thoughtful and all around great kid! No one could argue the fact that our daughter is one of the sweetest girls around.

I will cry that my Dad is not here to sit with us as she receives her diploma. I will cry that I am getting older. I will cry that I will do this three more times after today.

I can not believe how quickly children grow. When you are little time is SO slow. Christmas never gets here. When is school going to be over for the summer? Will my birthday ever come? Will I ever be 10? 18? 21? Once the kids get here, time is suddenly running by. Who said my kids could grow up in a blink of an eye. Because that is JUST what it seems like, a blink. A mere second, and all is changing.

Today I will cry. I will cry with pride as I know my daughter will attend and complete college, more than likely with an advanced degree. I will cry because I am so proud of who she has become.

Out of the mouth of babes

When we go to Mexico, the kids spend most of the time in the pool. Yesterday Siobhan had water play at her preschool. In the morning we were putting on sunscreen when she said, "This smells like Mexico". I explained why it reminded her of Mexico. On the way to school she said "Now I smell like Mexico". oh sometimes they are too much! ha ha

My littlest man is 3

Where have the years gone? Our house is now baby free. No Eric, we are NOT going to have another one!

Siobhan after her ballet performance yesterday. So beautiful!


Siobhan with her Grandmas!

Lord help me!

My earlier blog today was how Krystal is getting so big. She will be graduating in June. NOW, Siobhan has a loose tooth. Oh my why do they have to grow so gosh darn fast. I am not ready for all this change. Diego will be 3 next week too. I must be strong!

Yep, it is finally here

My daughter will be graduating high school in a few weeks. Where did the years go? Seriously the years have flown by. I remember the night before she started Kindergarten. I cried all night in Eric's arms. My little girl growing up. Starting school. Big girl. Now this. It almost seems as though there has been no time in-between.

My beautiful girl. She really is beautiful, both inside and out. She is a sweet, thoughtful and very loving girl. She is always ready for a hug or just to hang out with her parents. Which from what I hear, we are pretty lucky!

There are a lot of graduation activities coming up. She will be so busy. I am fighting the tears even now. All I know, whoever sits by me at her graduation better NOT say anything about my crying. I cry at most anything anyway, but this! My little girl is all grown up. Not grown up enough to date, or drive, or.. well she IS graduating though!

My latest read

I am still reading this book and I am really enjoying it. All the struggles that women went through when they started to work and had the roles they played in society completely change. I think it is very empowering. Pick it up!

bliss

Please say it IS so!

HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

A : Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't
waste them on exercise . Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up
your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can
extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer?
Take a nap.
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A : You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay
and corn. A nd what are these? Vegetables . So a steak is nothing more
than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system.
Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass
(green leafy vegetable). A nd a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A : No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled
wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get
even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain.
Bottoms up!
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A : Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to
one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular
exercise program?

A : Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: A ren't fried foods bad for you?

A : You're not listening... . Foods are fried these days in vegetable
oil. In fact, they're permeated ! in it. How could getting more
vegetables be bad for you?
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A : Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You
should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A : Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable. It's the
best feel-good food around!!
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A : If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A : Hey! 'Round' is a shape! !
____________ _________ _________ __
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had
about food and diets.

And remember: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the!
intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in
the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming,
"WOO HOO, What a Ride!"

Siobhan's new kitty

Oh yeah!

I got carded yesterday. Oh yeah. Had my 17 year old with me too. I looked at her to see if she was kidding, she wasn't! Happy Mother's Day to me!

Happy Mother's Day!

I was reading this book last night. I had just started it. I got to page 36 where she is discribing what happened when her mom died. I lost it! I started crying and I just couldn't stop. It went on and on for what seemed like forever but was probably 30 minutes or so. I wanted to scream. I really wanted to scream. But I can't. I didn't want to freak Eric out, he had no idea what was going on anyway. Can you imagine? I am NOT the type of person to just scream. Well, maybe if there were a spider, but I am sure this would be more of an animal sound then anything else. I am seriously wondering when this is going to get better. Time heals all wounds don't they say? I think they lie! I actually cried myself to sleep. I am paying for it today. My head is killing me. Tears do not always heal.

for anyone having a bad day!

Yes, he IS only two!

Happy Birthday Stephanie!

I know it is a dark photo. This is Jose, Stephanie and ME! This was taken at Original Mike's in Santa Ana for Stephanie's 24th birthday. That girl would not get a drink unless someone else was drinking too. I NEVER have that problem!

Having fun?

Diego having fun (?) at the Bowers Kidseum today with Krystal. Of course she didn't stay long because he was being a brat! In his defense, it was naptime, but still. Eric and I were going to enjoy a lunch all by ourselves, just when we sat down at the table, she called to be picked up. Oh well, maybe next time.

Galaxy rocks!

Perfect picture of Donovan jumping over a Chivas USA player to go on to pass to Cobi who scored a goal! SWEET!

My husband is obsessed with these pictures. I don't get it. He will laugh and laugh!

Change?

Who am I? Who are you? We have our titles or course. Daughter, sister, wife, mother, employee... etc. They mean so much and they mean so little. Being a wife (daughter, mom, etc) can mean everything in the world or nothing at all. How is that? How can it change so suddenly. Maybe once you are and then you aren't. Your a wife, then you aren't. If your title is gone, what else leaves?

How do we decide who we are going to be? What defines us? I thought I was someone. Someone who could verbalize every thought, feeling and desire that entered my head. But what I found is that when it really matters, I won't let those thoughts loose. I keep them. Hidden. My mom once told me "You will be okay when someone you love dies because you will talk about it". I thought she was SO right. No. We were so wrong.

I wish. I wish I had been someone different that night. That night that my dad died. It changed me. It changed me forever. It changed every single thing about me. It made me question who I was. What was important. That night... that night I realized I wasn't who I thought I was. I would do things so different. I would have left my husband be there for me like he wanted. I would have refused to be strong. I would have accepted long tear filled hugs from my brothers. I would have been so different.

What I did was deal with things. Which is so odd. That is not me. I am the youngest, not quite a princess but I expect to be taken care of. That night, I took care. What I wish I would have done... Let my husband go with me to the hospital. Cried on him, screamed in his arms. Let go. Yell! Scream! Cry! Anything but what I did.

You can never go back in life. I only hope I am more prepared to be there for someone else or will be who I think I need to be (for myself) next time. No one knows how they are going to react. No one. I think I would feel more... well just feel more had I been different that night.

I can no longer allow thoughts to just flow through my head. My mind needs to be busy at all times. Free time equals pain. If I lay in bed awake, tears will come. They are not healing tears. I don't even believe in such a thing anymore. I have always hated crying myself to sleep, now I fear it. I read a book until I am ready to pass out. My sleep is less and less lately. I am staying up later and later. Sometimes I fear it.

I know things will get better. They have gotten somewhat better. I don't know if they will ever be good. All the things my dad won't be here for... Krystal's high school graduation in a couple of months, Bradley trying out for football, Siobhan in a kindergarten play, Diego out of diapers.

I am a mom, sister, wife and a daughter. I am less of a daughter because I have less of a family to be a daughter too. Change. I never did care for it.

HE DID IT

Diego went pee pee in the potty. Oh my gosh! I am so excited. Everytime we even ask him if he wants to sit on it he says No. We have had him sit on it a few times in the last couple of days. He was sitting there and he said "It's working!". ha ha He was going! Oh yes! Big boy!

I did the most unthinkable act

I put Windows on my Mac. I ONLY did it for work, but oh I am so sad. I feel like I crossed over to the dark side! The program we use for work can only be used through Internet Explorer 6.0, the Mac version only goes up to 5 something. I can't believe I have to use Internet Explorer much less WINDOWS!

Ahh, my mac please forgive me! I promise to only switch when I HAVE to work. Please forgive me!

What time is dinner?

Ever wonder why we eat lunch and dinner when we do? If so, click here to find out!

Save the cheerleader, save the world!

Yeah! Heros is all new tomorrow. I enjoy that show. I always notice that when it ends, I have been sort of holding my breath. Intense!

My tub

Well it has taken weeks and weeks but the tile is off, the tub is out and I finally went and bought the new tub today. Ahhh, okay, there are no promises on when it will actually be IN, but at least it is here at our house. We have to wait for the electrician and the plumber. Hey, my part is done! Oh shoot, I guess we still have to pick tile, but well... that should be easy enough. Oh and paint the restroom. Shit! We will never be done. ha ha

Our sweet Siobhan!

Copied from Eric's Flickr page


I was sanding our pinche front door today and noticed Siobhan walking around holding something delicately in her hand. She came over and told me she had found a Ladybug that didn't go away when she picked it up. She LOVES ladybugs, but never can catch them because they fly away.

This one didn't fly away, so she caught it and carried it around for a bit before she came over to me.

When she showed it to me I noticed it was not moving. It was dead. How do you explain death to a five year old? She and her Big Brother Bradley buried it in the yard and said a prayer for it.

vacation- is OVER

Diego asleep in his car seat. He NEVER falls asleep in there!

My vacation is over and I did nothing. Nothing exciting. Nothing different. Nothing! What a waste. I could have been at work and been sick. geez My head hangs low!

Day three of vacation

Literally slept all day. I missed the first home Galaxy game (watched it on TV, they lost). Donovan sucks. I don't care what people say. He is only a good player when he is all alone with the ball, no one within 15 feet of him. Otherwise, he is.. not good! Here is a picture I took from Eric's flickr page of Siobhan, Diego, Krystal and Elizabeth (K's friend) at the game.


I had such plans for the day too. Instead it was wasted sleeping. This whole "vacation" has been wasted. Shame!

Day two of vacation

Sick. My oldest brother came over so I rushed home from Mervyn's to see my nephew. He is so cute! I went out later and bought a mattress for Siobhan's new bed (she photo below). Then took her out for a while so her older brother and sister could get it all ready for her!

Siobhan's new bed

She finally has a big girl bed. It was a surprise and she was SO excited. She is still excited. Ahh, why do they have to grow up?

Day one of vacation

We hung out. I made a trip to Target to get some stuff and picked up some sandwiches at Mattern's (yummy). Siobhan spent most of the day with her Nana. We went and got the Wiiplay for the Wii. We have been looking all over for it and finally one store had it. Thanks to Mark, it was free. We used our Christmas gift card.

Still fighting this cold or whatever it is.

Congratulations Andrea and Jeremy! What a beautiful little girl!

Where have I been?

trying to remember my stupid Google password. Finally!

Eric, the kids and I took the Metro-link train up to Olvera Street on Saturday. It was great. Round trip tickets were $6.50 and SIobhan and Diego were free. The ride was only about 45 minutes. We made up the difference on lunch, but well, it was fun!

They had the blessing of the animals. Eric re-fell in love with the hairless dog see here. I think we will have a new addition soon!

Eric has been sick since Wed night. I have a really bad sore throat. We both work today but then we are off the rest of the week. The kids have spring break, so we will all be home together.

Easter went okay. Really didn't feel like doing much. My mom came over for a little bit to watch the kids hunt for eggs. She brought her new boyfriend. He seems really nice. Spoils her and that is what she deserves.

I gotta get ready for work now. A one day work week, oh how will I make it through? I have to leave at lunch, Krystal and her friend Elizabeth are taking Siobhan to Chuck E Cheese. They are so excited about it (Krystal and Elizabeth!). You would never guess these girls are 17!

from Mary

1.) How do you handle so much nice weather? Starting to get jealous of you Cali people.
ha ha, it is real tough! Let me tell you. Actually it can get a little bit hot and it never rains enough, but other then that, it IS great!

2.) How do you make time for all of your kids, while working full time? It seems like you have endless time/energy.
Ha ha. I really don't do much. I really don't. I love my job and I love my family, luckily we seem to have gotten a great combo!

3.) If you could only watch 1 TV show for the rest of this season, which would it be?
Man, tough! I am so into Grey's Anatomy but I have been watching Eastenders for years, so I guess I would pick Eastenders.

4.) Do you sleep with your feet under the covers or outside?
Most of the time under

5.) If you could change 1 thing about yourself, what would you change and why?
Oh my gosh, my weight. I am so not focused on losing weight. I wish I were, but no. If I were to pick something else, it would be my temper. I am pretty easy going but you never know when POW I might freak out!

Thanks for asking Mary!

Books

I have been taking the kids to storytime at the library for the last few weeks. I have been reading 3/4 books a week and thought I would put them on here.


You Don't Know Jack


The Wrong Man


The Road to Home



Scoop

My obituary. Will anyone read it?

'What will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Mackey did it. I did it too!

happy, sad. happy, sad

Well my friend of about five years is leaving work. There is a 10 year age difference between us (me being older) but you would never know it. We get along so well. We agree on so many different topics. We enjoy talking politics and have most of the same views. We agree on child rearing which is great because we are strict like her parents and she turned out great! We are both completely down on Wal-mart! We LOVE going to Target! We talk about everything! Kids, movies, husbands, money, anything.

She is going to leave and she is going to work somewhere else. I know this won't be the end of our friendship. It never could. It will just be harder to see her. We go to lunch together every single day. Now we will have to arrange time to see one another.

I am SO happy for her. This is a great opportunity for her, but I will miss her so much! It will be really weird. No Natalie at lunch. No Natalie waiting to get in before anyone else is there and staying until everyone else leaves. No Natalie to tell everyone else they are "racial", one of our favorite things to do. Watch what you say around us.

I will miss her!

wow

Link

UCLA Fight Fight Fight

Oh yeah Final Four! I knew they would do it!

I got this in an e-mail from my cousin. Amen!

gulp

I passed by this broken fire hydrant the other day. Man that is a lot of wasted water!

ahhh So Cal

It is a P E R F E C T 80 degrees with a slight breeze. Oh yeah. This is why some crazy people are paying $400,000.00 for a 600 sq ft loft. PERFECT. Okay, well yes, there have been a few fires. A little bit of ash here and there, but other than that...

It really is a beautiful perfect day. I was driving by the beach today and there were so many people out there walking. Don't these people work? Don't they have somewhere to be? Must be nice! Wish I could have taken Cucui to the dog beach. She loves it there!

I am happy about the time change. It was so nice yesterday. Eric and I went for a walk after work with Siobhan riding her bike. That little girl likes to go fast. For a girly girl she will push the limits!

Tonight is story time at the library. I read three books this week. Hmmm, wonder what we should have for dinner? With weather like this we will have to start cooking outside. Did I mention it is PERFECT outside?

AM

I am NOT a morning person, but I recently changed my morning routine. You see I require very little time to get ready in the morning. I do not wear make-up. I wash my hair, brush it and it is done. I get up an hour and a half before I have to be at work and my work is about 8 minutes away. Last week I decided I was going to stop taking Krystal to school which meant I had to leave the house by 7:40. Now I leave by about 8:10. That half hour makes all the difference. I have time to eat in the morning if I want. I have always taken the time to lay with the little one's in the morning but now I don't feel rushed at all. It is wonderful. I am actually making sure Siobhan (and Diego if he decides to eat) get a good breakfast before we leave the house, it isn't always cereal. I have never been one of those crazy people in the morning (the kind you can tell are late by the way they drive!) but now, oh man, I feel like I could accomplish anything in the morning. Of course I rarely get anything extra done. I might do a few dishes but I don't FEEL rushed. That is the key I think. Isn't that often why we lose our tempers or things go wrong because you are in such a hurry. You hurry and you spill something. You hurry but your kid isn't so you yell. You hurry and your car has a flat, okay, maybe not that one.
Ahh, the bliss of time in the morning (notice: time to blog!)

Hey, Good Morning!

Beyond

It's funny. Sometimes you think life has given you more than your fair share. You know what pain is. You have been through it. Then something else hits you, and you realize you had no idea at all what pain was.

I have experienced pain. Pain that before I knew it would bring tears at the thought of it. Now that that pain is here, it is beyond tears. Beyond explanation. Beyond words. It is beyond, but it is also right here.

The absence of someone is never easy no matter the reason. The failure of someone to ever be able to return, beyond. Beyond knowledge. Beyond dreaming. Beyond comprehension.

What if there were no heaven? What if there is nothing after? I remember Philosophy class. Man created Heaven because we are scared of "after". I believe in heaven. But what if? What if there is NO chance of seeing my dad ever again in all eternity. What if he is beyond? Nope, can't be. If there were no hope, well...there would be nothing.

Each day, my pain is here. Most times it is so strong, it threatens to take over, so it must be pushed down. Pushed to where it can't escape. On it's way, maybe a tear is shed. Maybe a stray thought. Maybe just maybe I can actually put together some words that are the tip of how I hurt. But not usually. Usually, push! harder and harder! The more you can push your pain down, the less you have to think of it. No pain no gain? No thank you!

Beyond words. Although I continue to try. My dad is beyond me. Maybe he is here with me. Maybe one day my dam will break. Maybe one day, maybe...

Happy Birthday Daddy

Today would be my Dad's birthday. I am sure he is up there eating a HUGE cake and watching football on a TV so big that we can't imagine it. Or maybe he is there in person watching but in a super comfortable chair.

I miss you so much. I miss you each and every minute of each and every day. I used to cry when you were alive just thinking about losing you. I had no idea how much it would hurt.

Tonight we will eat cake, in your honor. My love still belongs to you! I am still your little girl.

What is that wet stuff coming from the sky?

Oh my gosh! It is rain. I mean real rain. Not a few droplets, but actually drive carefully rain. Measurable wet rain.
We get storm watches over rain like this. It is glorious. I love when it rains. Probably because it NEVER does. I mean, they write songs about how it never rains in California and they aren't kidding. I actually drove my son to school today because I didn't want him to be soaked all day.

Okay, so now it seems to have stopped, but maybe just maybe it will start up again. That is how it goes here. Off again, on again. One thing is for sure, lots of kids will have wet shoes and socks today. Our storm drains (in the streets) always get backed up when it actually rains. Which means the streets are wet all the way across. Poor kiddies walking to school.

Rain, Rain, don't go away. Stay until another day.

Mother/Wife of the Year?

I have prepared dinner two nights in a row. Yes, two! I know that sounds like nothing, but for me... you have no idea. Not only did I prepare (and I mean cook, not just heating something like usual), I have plans for about 3 or 4 more meals. I actually am serving three things I never make. Oh yeah. This is huge for me. The best thing, I feel like the evening goes so much nicer because I don't have to worry about what to eat. Usually around 7pm, I am thinking, "hmm, I guess I should get something for dinner", which is why I usually go out and pick something up.

Here is what we had tonight.

check out this recipe

If you try it out, let me know. We used the whole box of shells and it fed all six of us.

Me and my girls

something on your mind?

Mine seems to be blank. Driving in my car, I think of a million things to blog about. Sit down at the computer, nada. Weird how that is. Maybe I need one of those little recorders to carry around.

I think my iPod died. I have to take it to the Genius Bar and see if there is anything I can do. Maybe I should just get a little Nano. Eric said the video one's are on sale. ahhh

Family minus one

Yesterday (Sunday) we took the family except for Diego up to Hollywood. We were going to take him but decided that with all that walking, he was, well, going to be a pain. So we packed him off to Grandma's.

Our first stop was Audrey Hepburn's star.


Krystal was very excited. She LOVES all her movies.

After that we just walked around. We went to Graumanns where they are setting up for the Oscars. We did some shopping. Krystal bought a Audrey purse and the owner of the store gave Siobhan a Betty Boop purse for free! How sweet is that!

Siobhan was lucky enough to see the star of one of her favorites.


Perfect picture!

We went for lunch at a little pizza place. Siobhan wanted to know how they flatten the pizza crust. It was a great day! As we were walking back to the car, this guy offered to draw the kids. Okay, I know, toursity but still. For $10 the guy did a great job with a sharpie. I will post it after Eric scans it. So there we are, the guy is drawing the kids, he looks down at the star we are by. He tells me to look down. OH MY GOSH, it is fate! Greg, eat your heart out!

From Yahoo! News- Associated Press

Ramona Montoya, center, and her husband Manuel Munoz, left, kiss their daughter Marina inside the jail of the module F1 of Aranjuez prision, Spain, Tuesday Dec. 19, 2006. Welcome to a jail Spain says is the only the one in the world with cell units for families: Disney characters on the walls, a nursery, a playground for toddlers. The idea is for kids to bond with their imprisoned parents while young enough to be oblivious to their surroundings, and for inmates seeking rehabilitation to learn parenting skills. The prison in this town 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Madrid has 36 cell units for families, although now only 16 are occupied, most with Latin Americans. The units of the special F-1 section are known in jail jargon as 'five-star cells'. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

excuse the dust

Okay, not a great picture I know. I took it with my cell phone. It is a picture of Eric on the floor surrounded in plastic as he sands the cabinets.(Kinda like the bubble boy but not as sad!) Not fun (or so it appears!). Sorry babe!

Got tile?

Then I SERIOUSLY suggest you splurge and get one of these. We have white tile with white grout in the kitchen. We have tried everything to get it clean. Bleach, comet, using a toothbrush (sorry Bradley, hee hee) using a scrubber, using bleach pens and nothing worked. I thought, well, here is another $20 down the drain. (It was only $12.99, but I bought all the attachments too).

Of course I have had it for about a month. Yesterday I made a little comet paste and thought "Okay, let's give it a go". OH MAN! I kid you not, our tile looks great! It actually looks beautiful. I don't even want to put the stuff back on the counter because it looks so good it is a shame to cover it up.

As I promote anything that Apple Computer makes, I am all for the Sonic Scrubber. It has a bunch of different heads that can be used for different things. A+

shhhh

Must have been a morning thing (my throat hurting) because I feel fine now. Today at Siobhan's dance, right before it was time to leave, there were kids there for the next class. Older kids. LOUD kids. I was seriously having sensory overload. They say people sometimes snap and kill over noise. I believe it. It was hot too. I was thinking, "I have to get out of here!" Finally she came running over. "Let's go!"

I know I have four children but our house is not really loud. The first time my friend Amber came over she said "I thought I would hear your family from the street". What the heck! Not us. Not that we are quiet either. When we aren't yelling at the kids, the music is off, we can sometimes hear things going on outside, ya know like the birds singing, a dog barking or the Jose next door working on a car.

Isn't it weird how sometimes you can tune things out. Like if I am playing a game they can be louder then if I am trying to hear the tv. Basically if it doesn't bother me, who cares. Uh, well, unless Eric cares of course!

I wanna blog

but my heart isn't in it. My throat hurts. We have a MILLION things to do. crap

Family

Today was Aunt Loy's funeral. It was sad but it was a nice service. I just wanted to say that I feel so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful HUGE family. Don't get me wrong, I love my family so much. I have three wonderful brothers, a SUPER mom and some cousins here and there and a couple of aunts. I love them all. But Eric's family is HUGE! I mean, his grandparents had NINE children. Those children went off to marry and have children of their own and those children had children. They are a really big bunch. They are all very loving and accepting. I have never seen such a large bunch of people love children SO much. They are ALL over the kids. It is just a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by so many people.

I am sad that it was a loved one's passing that got us all together this time. You want to see everyone all the time, but life gets in the way. Day by day we are all so busy. It is hard to plan something with so many people.

I just want to say "Thanks" to each and every one of those people there today. Not only did it make everyone feel good to have family and friends around to share the grief, it fills you with love. That love gets you through. That kind of love makes you who you are. Love, is what I get everytime I see any one of them. Thank you all!

God bless you Aunt Loy!

want a soak?

This is what our tub currently looks like. I was blown away when Eric said we had to get down to the studs. I thought we just had to remove the tile. I didn't know the whole wall had to go too. Geez. Soon that tub will be out and a new wonderful tub will be there instead. ahhhhh

water, acqua, eau, wasser, agua

No matter how you say it, we have it! We have water. No more going outside to turn on the water to wash dishes, shower or do some laundry. Woo hoo! It has been about two weeks we (Krystal and Bradley but I gave birth to them, therefore I lay claim to anything good they may do) have been tearing out the tile and the wall around the tub. Well all the tile is removed and we had the plumber out last night. He fixed the faucet. We are now regular people who can have the water on all the time.

We had such a bad leak that our water bill showed we were using (wasting) about three times the water as last year this same time. Man. Crazy. But now, all is well. We still have to finish the bathroom but having water, well, right now I feel like a queen. (A queen that can wash dishes and do laundry and wash her hands!)

oh my head

I have what I am guessing is an awful sinus headache. All night, now all day. Medicine isn't helping. I am trying to drink lots of water to help but I don't know. Maybe it is the weather. Whenever the weather changes around here (probably because it never does), sinus' act up.

Grrr, hope I feel better soon. I have had my wonderful little five year old here with me all day to make me feel better. She has been great. Playing so well by herself when I slept. Kisses make you feel so much better!

good-bye

Last night our aunt passed away. She was a wonderfully loving person. She had Ahlzheimers for many years but still managed to bring love to those around her. She LOVED children. She will be missed especially by her children, grand-children and siblings. I find myself with little words at this time.

I know she is enjoying herself up there with her parents, her husband, her sister and her son.

My beautiful girl is 5!

Yep, she turned 5 yesterday. Started off with getting cupcakes and party items for her to take to school. We picked her up early and headed to dinner at Chili Pepper. It was us and both grandma's. She opened her presents, they sang her Happy Birthday. Daddy made cool stickers for us to wear that had her picture on them and said it was her birthday and she is 5. After dinner I told her I was taking her somewhere special but I didn't tell her where.

We went to see the play Annie at The Orange County Performing Arts Center. It was great! I highly recommend it! We bought tickets last night at the door and we were in the SECOND row! (Andrea, I swear one of the kids looked like she might be related to you!) Everyone said that she was so cute all dressed up for the theatre. She was! She topped off the night by sleeping on the couch. She loves sleeping on the couch. (I don't know why!)

Happy Birthday baby girl. I love you so much!