Simon's first haircut

Last Wednesday (on his 14-month birthday), Simon had his very first haircut! My sweet friend Christine came over and gave it to him. Thank you Christine! He looks so adorable!

He did great! We put him in his highchair and fed him yummy snacks to keep him happy. He still has his cute curls in the back, but no more hair in his eyes!

What a cutie!

More "new happenings:"
Simon says, "Thank you" (gank-you) -- he has such good manners! I hand him something he wants and he replies, "Gank-you"
"Here you go" (hih-go) -- when he hands me something
and, "Hey"
He has TWO more teeth (totaling 14 now). I just noticed this two days ago and was surprised! (One was out a little further than the other, so I was surprised I hadn't noticed it until then! They are his canines.)

You already knew he could say "Mama" and "Dada," but now he'll call for us a lot. When he's looking for us, or wants to say hi, etc.

He waves at us all the time (with a big smile on his face).

Just the other day, he was trying to say "Hi Dada" while he waved at him.

He LOVES swimming! He has no fear of the water! We went to a swim party yesterday and he lived in the water with me almost the whole time (breaks to eat and sleep). :) And during that time in the water, he was kicking and splashing and laughing and just having the best time!

He's a quick little guy (quite the runner).

He's also a monkey. He climbs up on everything!

He still likes to snuggle and give loves, hugs and kisses (sugar). And those kisses are still those sweet open-mouthed kinds where he opens up right on your lips. So sweet!

When we sing "ring around the rosy," he goes around & around in circles. He falls because he is dizzy.

He likes to copy his sisters (whether they're screaming, running around or whatever).

He will blow you a kiss.

When he eats something he likes, he says, "Mmmmmm."

He's trying to say more and more words.

He still steals our hearts everyday.

The haircut in action...
(boy, I sure am video-happy lately, aren't I?)

Here Comes the Sun!

Julia was in another musical theater/dance production for the spring. They had their final performance last week. It was all about summer fun! She did a great job!

Doesn't she look so adorable?!

She loved the flowers we got for her. She had a few friends in the production with her and some friends who came to watch! Thank y'all! Afterward, all the kids had fun playing on the stage. Liliana loved it! She'll be a natural when it's her turn for such endeavors!

Just a little snippet...

Music to my ears

I love to hear my girls sing!

Another triathlete in the family

A week ago this past Saturday, Julia got to participate in her first triathlon. She absolutely loved it! She swam 25 yard, biked one mile and ran 1/3 mile to complete the local Kids' Triathlon. She really had the best time! Two of her friends also participated. They all did a great job! We're so proud of our Julia. Liliana can't wait to do one too! Next year she'll be old enough. She did a great job cheering for Julia this year though!

When they finished, they got medals and doughnuts (a winning combination for sure).

It's exciting to imagine that one day, all of us might be able to compete in a triathlon together!


{Later that same day, Julia participated in her soccer tournament. They did great! They had fun after the game, playing with the water guns their coach gave them. It was a busy day, but they had fun!}

Enjoying the rental

We all are enjoying the extra space the rental minivan is affording us...

Hopefully, this week, we'll be on the road to getting our own!

Flippin' Cars Pancakes

My dear, sweet, loving husband made breakfast for everyone on Sunday...pancakes. Yum! He usually likes to make letters, animals, or other shapes for the kids.

Well, this week, he made me one of my very own.

He set this down in front of me...

and then said, "Oh wait, it's upside down."

Then he gave it back to me like this...

He said, "Since you flipped your car like a pancake...I thought it'd be fitting."

Once again I say...what a crack up! :)

I'm glad we can ALL have a sense of humor about it.

In her own words...

Goodbye old friend

Friday was a busy day. A VERY busy day. As I mentioned in my previous post, Julia had field day. Afterward, we went to get Lili and Simon from our friends' house, dropped by a fellow Kindergarten mom's house to give her pictures from field day, then went home to get Julia ready for her second performance of "Here Comes the Sun" (a musical theater production). I also needed to go by the bank to have her "medical release form" notorized for her soccer tournament the next day. I was doing awesome! We were running on time and everything. I got to the bank, but didn't have my license (oops!) and had to run home to get it. I did (Lili had fallen asleep and we still had plenty of time) and then we were on our way again. I had just turned on to the second street away from our house when it happened.

I went to set the form (yes, the same one that needed to be notorized) down in the seat next to me, and looked down as I did so. I drifted a bit wide and jumped the curb a little bit (with my front passenger tire). The problem was that there was a big, solid brick mailbox there. I hit it with my car (I did not even have time to hit the brakes or anything).

Well, as we know, with every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

The reaction was for my car to roll...

all the way to its roof.

It was terrifying. Thankfully we were all okay, just a bit shaken (no pun intended).

I climbed out of my shattered window, through the broken glass, but stopped, crawled back in, turned off the car, crawled back out, then went to Julia's door. I opened the door, she unbuckled herself and fell to the floor, er, roof. All the kids were crying. It was NOT comfortable to be upside down.

When it happened, Liliana screamed and then started crying saying, "We're upside down! We're upside down!" (what a horrible way to get woken up!)
Simon was just crying (a fussy cry mostly).
Julia was just upset, saying things like, "Oh no Mommy! We're upside down! Our car! Our car flipped! Are you okay Mommy?" She was so worried about me the whole time.

Anyway, after I got Julia away from the car, I got Simon out. I unbuckled his bottom buckle and he still didn't come out (the top buckle was not yet undone). Once I realized that was keeping him in, I pulled on it from the side (it was weird with it upside down), he came undone and I pulled him to me. He stopped crying once I was holding him. I got a little blood on him (my hand was bleeding from the glass - nothing serious), which the paramedics had to make sure was mine and not his when they got there. Then, when I ran around to Liliana's side, a neighbor was already there helping her. By then, we were quite surrounded by all the neighbors. Thank goodness everyone was okay!

The police, paramedics and fire department all came. So did several neighbors and close friends (thank you all so much)! Eventually, so did the wrecker service. They turned the car (it sounded awful - like fingernails on a chalkboard), then flipped it right side up...and then hauled it away. But, not before I filled four or five Target bags with the junk I had inside it (yes, another embarrassment). All my neighbors were so helpful. They brought water, juice, and gummy bears for the kids. The police officers gave them stuffed animals and everything too.

During the ordeal, I felt like I had mulitple personality disorder. One minute I'm calmly talking to the kids, hugging them, telling them things like, "Wow, look at our car, it's upside down." To which Julia replied, "It's not funny Mommy." I said, "I know it's not funny sweetheart, I'm just so glad we all got out of there okay."

I'm sure it helped a lot that I was going maybe 20 mph! My airbags didn't even deploy!

Anyway, as I was saying...the next minute a neighbor or friend would come over to me and I'd start crying while I hugged them. Then, I'd see that it was starting to upset the girls, so I'd switch back to "calm Mommy." Whew!

I declined the ambulance and sat there and waited 'til Nate arrived (surrounded by loving friends and concerned neighbors). Several friends offered to take the girls, but Julia DID NOT want to leave my side. She was so sweet. Lili had been so quiet, but finally started talking when people she knew were there. She ended up going to the neighborhood pool with some friends for a little while.

I had a really bad headache and started to feel nauseated. So, by the time Nate got there (and ironed out the details of where the car was going, what would be done about the mailbox, etc.), we decided I should go get checked at the hospital (the kids too, just to be sure).

We went to our friend's hospital and got in really quickly (and were treated very nicely I might add). The doctor thought I might have a slight concussion (he had me stand with my feet together and close my eyes - I was all over the place! I thought I might fall!) They gave me a CT scan and it came back normal, so that was good. I was glad I got checked. They gave me a couple shots to help with my headache and the muscle soreness to come. Let's just say I was quite loopy after that! And, within ten minutes of the shots I was ready to sleep!

I keep finding new bruises and bumps! When I took a shower I realized I'd bumped my head in more than one place. Nothing like shampooing your hair to find that out!

Sorry to ramble on, but I wanted to get "the whole story" out, complete with all the details. If I forgot anything, I'm sure I'll add it!

There you have it...the very long-winded story to explain these pictures...

{thank you for the pictures Xela!}

My poor, poor Outback! You were a good car! But, now I guess we'll have to get a minivan! Nate jokingly told me that I didn't have to go to such elaborate measures to get the minivan (hahaha). He's such a crack-up!

Okay, I admit...it was funny.

Anyway, the moral of the story?

NO MULTI-TASKING IN THE CAR!

Enough said.

Last week...

We sure had some fun moments last week. My computer was having issues, so I have some catching up to do...

The kids enjoyed fun times in the back yard...
like climbing trees
or hanging from limbs
and
riding/sitting in the play car

Last week was "Student Appreciation Week" at Julia's school. They had some cute themes for each day and got to dress up accordingly (sports day, crazy hat day, silly socks day, etc.). I think our favorite was "Fashion Disaster Day." Here's the ensemble she put together...


My friend Beth had a birthday last week. A big group of us got together for a "girls' night out." We had so much fun celebrating! We had fajitas, talked for hours and played "Sing Star." We all totally loved it. I could seriously just play it at home, all alone. So you know it was fun with a group of friends. I'm already trying to figure out the next big night that would be a good excuse to play it again (maybe the American Idol finale?). So fun!


This past Friday was "Field Day" at Julia's school. A friend of mine, who has a morning Kindergartner, and I "traded off" child care so we could both go. It was so much fun! (Thanks Lori!) They had hay races, sack races, tug of war, a bubble & swatting station, a "fish fry" race, a wet sponge toss, and a three-legged race (just to name a few). The day rounded off with otter pops for everyone! Yum! I was so glad I could go with her. Julia's favorite part of the day?

"I think it was that snake thing where you ran around."

Oh, I don't think I even mentioned that. Yes, there was a "snake roundup race" too. Yes, we live in Texas, why do you ask?



It was a busy week, but it was fun!

"Smile!"

Simon has a new thing he likes to do every time I get the camera out and point it at him...

Yep, I guess he's smiling for the camera!

I love that boy with my whole heart!

Isn't that the cutest thing?

Mother's Day Fun

One of the best parts of Mother's Day. I was just sitting around, enjoying my family. Nate likes to get out his guitar on Sundays and sing songs with the kids. They have a special song where they think of fun noises to go along with it. It seems screaming was a good one for Mother's Day. :)

I really do cherish these moments...



Yes, Julia and Liliana have taught Simon to scream "like a girl." We're so proud.

It was a lovely day

I had such a wonderful Mother's Day. Nate and the girls made me a fantastic breakfast (in bed, of course) which included an omelet, turkey bacon, corn bread muffins (with honey & butter) and, my favorite, grape juice. It was delicious. They also came in bearing home-made cards, store-bought cards and a hydrangea plant. It's beautiful! The cards made me cry! I loved it all!
But, that was not all! I even got to lie in bed and read while Nate took care of getting everyone fed, bathed, dressed and ready for church. It was wonderful! Thank you sweetie!
The primary kids sang during church for all the moms. It was adorable. Liliana was up there, singing her little heart out...right in front. She caught sight of me and smiled so big! Julia was behind some of the other kids, but she looked around until we could see each other and she smiled and winked at me! Hearing them sing so sweetly always gets to me (especially since they sang "Love is Spoken Here" - a nightly favorite at our house).
When we returned home after church, Nate prepared dinner for our feasting (he had put a pork loin in the Crock Pot and we had Costa Vida-style pork burritos). It was so yummy! I didn't have to do a thing (except eat and enjoy it). The dinner was complete with strawberry shortcake for dessert! Scrumptious!

Thank you for making me feel so special my dear family! It was, indeed, a lovely Mother's Day!

A Very Special Mother's Day post

Happy Mother's Day!

Snip Snip

Yesterday began like any other day. The kids woke up, I fed them breakfast, then they decided to go upstairs to play. Great! I cleaned up the kitchen, checked e-mail, then eventually started getting everyone ready. Julia and Liliana had gotten themselves dressed. Wonderful! I asked them to come in to the bathroom so I could do their hair. I did Lili's first, then when I began brushing Julia's I noticed something was different...

me: "Julia? Did you cut your hair?" (a little frantic)
Julia: "Yes."
me: "Why did you do that?" (not super calm at this moment)
Julia: "I don't know, I just cut a little. Are you mad at me?"
(I'm talking myself down)
me (much calmer): "I'm not mad, I'm just feeling a little disappointed in your choice. That wasn't a good choice. When did you do it?"
Julia: "Today."
me: "Where? Did you just let the hair fall on the floor?"
Julia: "In my room. No, I put it in the garbage." (she seemed proud of that - I admit, I was too)
me (in a very matter-of-fact way): "Please don't do that again. I think you can see the consequence. You want long hair, but now this piece is short. We don't cut our own hair, understand? Liliana, (she was standing by watching) we don't cut our own hair, okay?"
Both girls: "Okay Mommy."
Julia: "I think you can disguise it Mom."

I think she knows not to do that again.

I thought we learned that lesson years ago when she cut Liliana's. I guess we were due for a refresher. Here are the pictures, "for old time's sake."
{I usually did her hair in what we call a "whale spout." And I included a picture of it down, just so you can see how much Julia cut off in the two bottom pictures. It was cut to the scalp in one spot. Yes, I did cry. It was her "1st haircut."}

"Uh-oh" & "bye-bye"

For your listening (& viewing) pleasure...two of Simon's "regulars."



{Yes, that's his first "shiner." He fell off Liliana's bathroom stool yesterday, poor little guy. And I HAVE to mention that he got the biggest kick out of sharing a drink with Julia. They both had straws and it was MANGO juice - a first for him. He usually just has water, or *milk. As you can tell, he was LOVING it!}

Where was Lili during all the fun you ask?
Taking one of her occasional
"fell-asleep-on-the-way-home-from-picking-Julia-up-after-school" naps.

*I don't mean from a cow. ;)

I'm looking forward to this...

How about you?

Touching moments

I just had to write these down, lest I forget they happened...

This past Sunday was our fast and testimony meeting at church. Now, for those of you who don't know, our church has a fast and testimony meeting every first Sunday of the month. On these Sundays, members of the congregation are invited to come forward and "bear their testimony" of Christ. So, I went forward and bore my testimony. I got a little choked up as I spoke. Liliana came forward and stood next to me. She took my hand and smiled up at me. On the way back to our seat, she said, "Mommy? Did I make you feel better?" I said, "Yes, you did sweetheart." Then I picked her up and carried her back to our seat. It just made me feel so good. Then, of course, she asked me why I was crying. I told her it was because sometimes Mommy cries when she's happy. I told her I was thinking about Jesus and that made me happy. She said, "Oh." It was so sweet.


And one from Simon...
Just last night, as we were gathered around the dinner table to have our supper, we all bowed our heads, closed our eyes, and folded our arms to say prayers. As Nate began to pray (it was his turn, after all), I took a peek at the children to see what each of them was doing and couldn't believe my eyes! Simon had his head down, with his eyes against his hands (which were gripping his tray in front of him). He stayed that way for the whole prayer!)! Can you believe that? As we all said "Amen," he raised his head and smiled. It was just too darling!

Just because...

...I think it's a cute picture. Enjoy!

The "more" about the camera

Why didn't I have a camera for a couple days? Well, it seems that it's not good for a camera when a three-and-a-half-year-old drops it, while it's on and the lens is out, onto the hard tile floor, right on the lens. Not good for the camera AT ALL.

We used some of our tax return money and got ourselves a new one (a Sony Cyber-shot 7.2)...ASAP. I felt like I was missing a limb, so I'm definitely glad we got a new one. Woo-hoo! It is money well spent ladies and gentlemen...well spent indeed!

The "Old College Tri"

After having to take time off back in February, for a double umbilical hernia repair, Nate was back in action in his second sprint triathlon last weekend. He did amazingly! I was so proud of him! It's like he didn't miss a beat!

{I made this collage from the professional photos that were taken}
Doesn't he look great?

{And here are the ones I was able to snap.}

After he finished...we're all so proud of him!

{They served up some yummy pancakes to the athletes. I caught a couple pictures of the whole "gang" of friends from church who participated. Nate runs/bikes with several of those guys. It's really great to have buddies to train with!}

Here's what we got to do while Daddy did his triathlon...
I wheeled kids around in the stroller and we made sure we could cheer for him at every "turn." Simon loved clapping too! We forgot our cow bells though, doggone it! Oh well, good thing I have a big mouth!

It was a splendid day. The kids did great, except Julia got a bit cold (see how upset she is in that one picture?). I let her wait in the building and she liked that a whole lot better. We were over there just at the right time to see Daddy cross the finish line. Liliana had a blast dancing to the music (where there is music, there will be a dancing Lili)! She just loves to dance! Simon enjoyed watching everyone and everything! Of course, it's always fun when you have other friends around to hang out with!

Nate beat his goal time by seven minutes! He did it in an hour and thirteen minutes! Way to go Nate!

Since we're on the topic of triathlons...I get to do another tri either at the end of this month or the beginning of next. I guess it just depends on whether I'm going to do another pool swim, or go ahead with the open water. That'd probably be good training for the one we both want to do in October (which is a Gulf swim).

I'm already looking forward to it!

Now, I just need to get my run faster without damaging my knees, feet, or any other muscles, etc. (am I really getting that old?)