Update on weightloss attempt

Well...here is an update on my workout-weightloss attempts. I haven't been able to do the Jillian Michaels workout the past few days as I did something to my knees and they make it difficult to walk at times, I can't even imagine working out. But I am sticking with the calorie counting and I've lost about 5 pounds in 2 weeks. That isn't huge, but it is still pretty good for me. I can feel a difference already. I just hope it becomes noticeable to everyone else soon.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Wish me luck as I battle with all the horribly delicious foods that Thanksgiving has all around. I LOVE PIE...PLEASE HELP ME RESIST!! :)
Happy Holidays everyone.

Analise now has earrings

Analise has been asking for weeks and weeks about earrings. Especially when I am wearing them or when someone we know is.
She is the ultimate girl!! She loves everything girly including makeup and earrings. So, we decided to go ahead and let her get them pierced. They look so cute!
And she did great. She cried at first once they did it, but then she looked in the mirror and saw her pretty earrings and was so happy. She has loved showing them off to everyone we know. Can't wait until we get to change them and start her collection of cute earrings!
Here are some pictures of her getting them done.


Being silly while waiting.


Getting her ears cleaned for it. She thought it was funny and cold!


Getting them done. such a brave little girl.


Afterward still in the store. Such happy girl!


Showing them off for Daddy.


See, Daddy? :)


And showing them to Mommy.

Halloween

Like I mentioned in my last blog...I'm a few behind! So, here is my update about Halloween.
On the Friday before Halloween we had a party at Katie's house with several friends. The kids, and some of the adults dressed up and we played games, trick or treated around the yard and ate dinner. It was so much fun...and I think the kids had a good time too.











Then on Halloween night, we took the kids trick or treating around to family homes. We have so much family here and they get so much candy from them, there really isn't a huge need to go anywhere else. And of course, we stopped at the Hammond's house and at the Lindberg's. But who are we kidding, they are just like family to us.

Here are some pictures of the kids from Halloween. It was so fun this year, I imagine next year will be even better!

Setting Goals

I have several blogs to catch up on, but that will have to be for another day. For today, I wanted to let everyone who reads this know that I have a goal. I don't have a set number of pounds that I want to lose yet, but I know that I want to lose weight. And, I want to tone up and get into better shape.
Ideally, I would just love to get down into single digit pants again!! But mostly, I just want to have more energy to play with my kids whose energy level seems to grow exponentially by the day. And I want to feel better about myself. Right now, I just don't like how I look and it effects to much of my mental state somedays, so I want to look better so I can feel better about myself. I have so many people who love me tell me how beautiful I am...now I just want to feel that way too.
Thank you to those who have given me support so far. It helps like crazy!! But please, keep it coming.
I'm working on eating between 1200-1500 calories a day, closer to the 1200 mark but every once in a while a few more will be ok. And as of right now I'm doing Jillian Michaels' 30 day shred. It kills me!! But I always feel better after I do it.
Again, I'm begging for support because it is way to easy for me to say, oh...what's one candy bar? And that turns into pizza for dinner and ice cream. And, if I let myself slack a day on exercising it will be too easy for me to just slack daily. So, please keep checking in on me and make sure I'm sticking to it. And if I try to offer you an excuse as to why I'm not...kick my butt...please. :) Cause I'm sure it would help. I will let you know my progress as it goes. Thanks again everyone!

Oh so excited!!

I can hardly contain my excitement!! I just bought tickets for Analise and I to go see the Nutcracker in December. Ever since Analise watched some of our friends' kids do a mini ballet performance at Harvest Festival, all she talks about it is being a ballerina.

So I know this will only enhance that desire. She is so girlie, and I love it! But, she can also be tough and play ball and run and get dirty. She is the perfect combination. She is perfect (of course, I am her Momma talking so I might be a bit biased). Anyway, it is going to be awesome.

I have always loved watching the ballet. I used to go watch the Nutcracker when I was little. I am so excited to take her. I think this is going to be our yearly tradition together. Going into Vegas, grabbing a bit to eat, and then off to the show. It is going to great. I can't wait to watch the amazement in her eyes. I hope she loves it as much as I think she will. Oh so excited!! How am I going to wait for two months?!?!

Hope everyone has a great day!

My Kids Are Hilarious!

The kids are getting funnier and funnier as the days go by. Antonio has learned his whole name and these days doesn't want to be called anything else. He was outside playing basketball. He can shoot the full-sized ball into the hoop which stands a foot or so taller than him. Granted it isn't regulation size, but for a two-year old, I think he is pretty great. Anyway, he kept making basket after basket so I started chanting "Way to go Toe." He proceeds to tell me, "My not Toe, my Antonio Levi Veloz." He is so funny when he does that!

Analise loves to dance around the house. She is constantly telling me she wants to be a ballerina. And what an opinionated little girl. She rarely lets me pick out her clothes anymore. She has to have a say. She will say no to every outfit I pull out of the closet until I find the one that she wants to wear. Slightly annoying but completely hilarious!

One more story...yesterday Antonio was coloring in his coloring book. It was wide open and he stood up and tried to jump in it. He kept jumping on it saying, "I can't get in there!" He tried some more and finally said, "I guess only Dora and Boots can do that." It was so funny it made me cry I was laughing so hard. They are so funny and so sweet. I just love them to pieces!!

Here are a couple of pics of them this morning before school. They looked especially cute today so I had to snap a couple pictures. Enjoy!

San Diego 2009

My parents came for a visit last week and we all took a trip to San Diego together. We had plans to go to Sea World and the Beach. Other than that, we would just play it by ear. It was so much fun. We went to the beach twice and to Sea World for the majority of one of the days. It was so much fun and so relaxing. The kids had a blast and they keep asking to go back to the beach. I can't wait to take them when it is warmer.

Here are a few pics of our adventures.



My family on the beach.



Mom and Dad at the beach.



Ben taking the kids to put their feet in the freezing water.



Running from the water. (So cute!)



Analise checking out the dolphins.



So sleepy, Analise fell asleep waiting for Shamu.



Shamu's Believe show - so awesome!



Antonio loved it!



Antonio getting a lift from Papaw after the Shamu show.



Mimi and Antonio checking out the stingrays and giving them a pet. They felt cool!

Mickey Mouse Live! Roadshow

Last weekend we took the kids to see the Mickey Mouse Live! Roadshow. We had been planning to take them since the summer when we found out they were coming to Vegas. It wasn't just Mickey and the crew, but they were going to perform a talent show and needed friends to help. So they brought in Tigger, Cinderella, and the gang from Toy Story - Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie.

The kids LOVE all those characters so I knew it was going to be amazing. They were so excited to go once we told them where we were going.

When we got in to the Orleans Arena, we got them each one souvenir. Antonio decided on a Woody hat and Analise of course chose Cinderella.


We got in, found our seats and got all settled. The 15 minutes it took for the show to start took forever. The kids were getting so antsy they could hardly wait. Finally...it started!



Their friend, Bridget, went that night too. She wore her adorable Minnie Mouse costume! :)


(Our family waiting for the show to start)

They sat there and watched in awe. I thought they would act more excited, but the truth is they were awestruck. They watched in amazement. When it came time to get up and dance they stood on our laps and danced. They loved it. It has been a whole week since we went and Antonio is still talking about! I love that they are getting to the age where we can take them to things like they and they truly enjoy it. I love it! :)

So impressed!

I just wanted to brag about my kids for a second. I am so impressed with how smart they are! Not that I doubted for a second that they would be smart, they have just really been throwing me off lately. Some of the stuff they are coming up is so awesome!

Last week, on two different trips to and from preschool, I worked with them on knowing right from left. I am turning right, now I'm turning left. Which way is this? Etc. Well, yesterday on the way to preschool I said, which way am I turning now, and they answered...and it was correct! They answered every turn correctly, to and from preschool! Then, on the way home from preschool I had to kind of hit the brakes as a light had changed colors and I needed to stop. Antonio asked "what's that Mommy, a big bump?" I told him no that it was a red light and when you a see a red light it means that you have to stop. He so brilliantly told me, Green says Go. :)

I was slightly shocked and then told him, yes it does! Then they continued to tell me turn for turn the rest of the way home. I am sure there are many other kids that know all this and maybe even know it earlier than mine did, but it makes Mommy proud when they say stuff like that! I've met first and second graders that can't tell their right from their left. So the fact that my 2 year-olds can, impresses me.

And they are so sweet and loving. I asked Analise for a kiss yesterday and she gave it to me, held my face in her little hands and said "I love you so much, no matter what." Which is what I say to her, but the fact that she did it unprompted was awesome! Melted my heart!

And I love watching them play with their friends. Yesterday we were at a friend's house (Katie) for Monday Night Football, and Antonio was playing with Jackson. I always call Jackson by his full name. I never really shorten it. Well, Antonio was playing with him with the soccer ball saying, hey Jack, catch! Hey Jack. Hey Jack. I just thought it was so sweet that he already has a little nickname for his friend.

Even when they are pushing every button I have in an attempt to make me nuts, they turn around and 2 seconds later do something so sweet, or cute or funny. It makes me forget I was mad a second ago. And I just love it. They are so sweet!!

Pure Joy

There is nothing like seeing pure joy on the faces of your children. That is what I was able to experience this weekend with mine.

This weekend was the Fall Festival in Pahrump, or known to many as Harvest Festival. This was the first year we decided to take the kids to go on the rides. They had such an amazing time!! I wish we had gone on Thursday and Friday to do the rides, but we only went on Thursday. They absolutely loved it!

They were so excited to ride in the cars and the airplanes and Analise LOVED the little roller coaster. Antonio didn't like it as much. In fact, when we were finished I looked at him and asked, "wasn't that so much fun?" He put his hands on his hips and looked at me and said, "that was NOT fun!" It made me laugh!

They loved all the rides and on nearly all of them they smiled and waved at us as they went by each time.

We ran into a friend that Ben works with who was their with her daughter, and Analise rode many of the rides with Bridget. They are so cute and had such a good time. I just loved it. You can tell in their faces how much fun it was!

On Friday night we went to the rodeo. The kids liked it ok, but weren't as interested as they were last year. To be honest, neither was I. I had a good time, but it wasn't as entertaining as it was last year. We will have to think hard about it next year before we decide for sure if we are going to go.

Saturday we got up and went to the parade. Antonio LOVES fire trucks! And the big line of fire trucks was the first thing we saw. He loved it! After they were gone, however, he kept saying "I want more fire trucks!" Analise sat there and waved at everyone who went by. EVERYONE! She has truly perfected her beauty queen wave! I loved watching them. It was such a fun weekend. Here are a few pictures for you to get an idea of how much fun they had!!


Driving the firetruck and Analise with her beauty queen wave. :)




Look, I can drive and wave!



Analise and Bridget driving Antonio. Analise waving, of course!



Antonio driving his "beep beep bus"! :)



Analise and Daddy on the roller coaster. She had her arms up the whole time!



Antonio flying his airplane!

Oh what fun they had. I almost can't wait for this time next year...ALMOST! :)

Tiny signs of growing up

I don't know if it is coming from preschool or hearing what others call their parents, but our kids are showing us tiny signs of growing up. The last couple of days, Antonio has been calling us Mom and Dad...instead of Mommy and Daddy. I know for some that might not mean much, but to me it is the world. I don't want to be just Mom yet. I want to be Mommy for several more years. And they do still call me Mommy, but more and more it is turning into just Mom and Dad. And that makes me sad.

I can't believe how fast it is all going. And as crazy as it sounds...it makes me want to try to have another baby. The fear of having two again and what it could/would do to my body still outweighs the desire, but the desire is definitely growing. Especially when all my friends around me are having more babies.

There is absolutely no guarantee that it would be two, but the thought of it still scares me. I was so blessed and lucky the first time. I was able to rest often and had two beautiful healthy babies that were able to leave the hospital when we did. But, there is no guarantee that that would happen again. Chasing two two-year-olds might inhibit my ability to rest. And, then what if I have two infants again? That was really hard. But two infants on top of two toddlers. Two toddlers who are a lot of work. Don't get me wrong, they are great kids, but I'm not sure how I would manage an infant or two all day, every day with the other two. I'm afraid one or the others would get neglected. I don't know how parents with so many kids divide their time. It is beyond me. Maybe I would understand more if I had more, but it is still scary.

The only thing I know is that before I know it my babies are going to be off to college and then what? Do I want them to be the only two kids that I have? Unfortunately the answer is still...I don't know!

Kids Have Gone Crazy!!!

I don't know what has gotten into my children lately, but they seem to be going nuts!! And on top of that, they are making me nuts! They have gotten into things that they hadn't in the past, and I honestly thought we were past the "getting into stuff" stage.

They never put stuff into their mouths before, now, I find myself telling them to "get that out of your mouth" more than once a day.

And all the time they were learning how to walk and learning what was okay and what wasn't, they NEVER got into the toilet. Now, I have found them playing in the toilet twice! And...Analise has been potty trained since last December, that is almost a year. But, in the last few weeks, she has pooped her pants numerous times. And twice, she ended up rubbing it all over the bathroom. She also pooped in the front yard! Like I said, they are making me nuts.

Then, yesterday, they got into an open bag of cement and ended up covered from head to toe in it. I had to spray them off with the hose and then put them in the tub. I just can't understand...why now? I feel like I've been going around the house all day cleaning and saying to myself, oh...better not leave that there. They might get into it. If this is a test from God...I think I might be failing it!

If anyone has any advice...I'm all ears!

Taking it for granted

Sometimes, it takes someone else's tragedy to see that we are taking it all for granted.

Today was a hard day for me. My kids pushed my buttons at every turn and really worn on my nerves. From playing in the toilet, to rubbing yogurt in their hair shortly after a bath and whining ALL DAY, I had just about had it come bed time.

And after an extra long nap, Analise was giving us a lot of grief over going to bed. She would cry for one or the other of us, we would go back to her room and she would try to quickly tell us a big long story. We would kiss her goodnight, go back to the living room and shortly after the cycle would begin all over. Ben and I were both getting frustrated.

I know they are just kids, and life can't be perfect all the time, but tonight I just felt like I needed a break!! Then, as we were watching The Biggest Loser, it all came into perspective. One of the contestants was telling "her story" to the group. She told of her amazing husband, five-and-a-half year-old daughter and her perfect little two week old son who were taken away from her in an instant in a car accident. I immediately broke into tears, as I'm sure many watching did. How horrible! I can't even imagine losing my wonderful husband and precious babies. I just can't. It makes me cry typing this.

It also made me take pause and think, gosh I am sitting here wishing for a break and this poor woman wishes every day, all day for just one more moment with her kids. It really makes you stop and think. It is so unfortunate that it takes seeing someone else's tragedy/loss to realize how lucky I am. I am so lucky to have my family all sound asleep in their beds and safe. I feel so horrible for even wishing for just a few moments of silence, as it could all be taken away in an instant.

Tonight I am going to bed feeling blessed! I pray for that woman that she will find peace and an inner strength to help her accomplish her goal of doing good. I also pray for me to have more patience when dealing with my two-year-olds and the gentle reminder ever so often that I shouldn't take them for granted.

Scorpion!!

Ok...if anyone that reads this KNOWS me, they know I hate ALL THINGS creepy crawly! I hate bugs, mice, spiders...anything like that that is disgusting! Well...I have officially seen the newest thing I HATE THE MOST! Today, I came home from taking the kids to preschool and running a couple of errands, when as I was walking in the front gate to my house, I happened to glance down. And there it was!



This nasty, HUGE, ugly scorpion! I don't know why...but I always thought scorpions were black. Makes sense that it would be tan, so it could BLEND IN! I can't believe I didn't drop everything I was carrying and run screaming! I managed to stay calm. In fact, at first I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me and that couldn't possibly be what I thought it was. So, I went out and took a picture with my phone to send to Ben to confirm. Then, still being calm, went in and grabbed the camera for a better shot, so I could put it on my blog. Then, fear set in. Because as I was leaning over the gate...I wasn't getting too close, the gate creaked and the scorpion raised its tail. Ok, that is when I KNEW it was going to EAT ME! So, I calmly, turned off my camera and headed inside. I emailed Ben that he MUST come home on his prep and remove it! Then, I went back outside, walking into the rocks off my sidewalk, as to not get too close to the gate, to keep an eye on it until he could get there and... IT WAS GONE! That is when I squealed and started looking around in a panic to make sure it wasn't by my feet or something.

I stepped into an open area and squatted down to look around and under things to see if I could see it. NOPE! No where to be found. Now, I am officially terrified. Ben assured me that it was way too big to get into the house without the door open - not very comforting!

I think I'll carry a shovel with me when I go back outside to get the stuff I left in the back of the truck!

Blessed

I am feeling very blessed tonight and just wanted to share that with everyone. I love that my marriage is a partnership. That Ben and I both participate in all aspects of our relationship. He helps with the kids, he takes turns preparing dinner with me, he cleans up around the house. I am so lucky.

How many have husbands that sit around and expect their wife to do it all? How many have husbands who think "they work all day, and house work is a woman's job"? I don't know the answer to how many, but I feel sorry for the wives of those types of husbands. I love that Ben is so active in our children's lives. I love that he respects me and can see that I need a break from dinner and cleaning up sometimes. Now, granted, my house is NEVER spotless...but he does take his turns cleaning up the kitchen and any other room that is in desperate need of a pick up!

He truly is amazing. I don't know how I got so lucky. When people talk about things they would go back and do differently, I can't help but think I wouldn't go back and do anything over. I am afraid if I went back and made even one different decision, my family wouldn't have moved out here and I would have never met Ben. Now, I am not saying there aren't great guys out there and that there aren't other lucky women. But...I am very lucky!! And I just wanted to share how blessed I feel. I love my man!

What A Week!!

Whew! I'm so glad it is Friday and we are moving on to the weekend. Just trying to get back into the swing of doing the all day stuff by myself is exhausting!!

I LOVED having Ben home this summer. Loved it! I love that he is so active with the kids and it is so obvious how much he loves them and so obvious how much they love their Daddy! In fact, since he has been back working these last two weeks - he subbed janitorial for the few days before school started back - they wake up crying every morning, "Where Daddy Go?!?!" And it breaks my heart when I tell them he went to work and they cry harder. Because they know that back to work means he isn't going to be home all day. I hate to see what next week brings.

This week, he has been home shortly after school. He has gone to they gym right after a couple of times, but is usually home right around 4. Starting next week he will be doing SAFE after school, which usually keeps him there until 5:45, 6 ish. They are going to be highly disappointed when they wake up from nap and Daddy isn't home shortly after. But....you gotta pay the bills.

Needless to say, I'm bummed that summer has come to an end. We are going to try to squeeze in one last vacation before summer completely disappears. We are going to try to head to Reno for Labor Day weekend. Labor Day weekend brings our favorite outing to Sparks - The Rib Cook-off. We love the Rib Cook-Off!! Tons of people, but lots of awesome food! My favorite place is the Kentucky Bourbon booth! I'm going to have to eat really good for the next week, so I can enjoy some yummy ribs and pulled pork without feeling too guilty!

We mainly be going to visit with Levi, Kristy and their family. And of course, Grammy Ellen and Papa Jay! We got to spend some good time with them before the wedding this summer, but it just didn't feel like enough. So, we are making another trip north to visit, so that it won't be until next summer before we get to see them again. They are our adopted family...and we love them just like they are blood. I can't wait to go visit again!

The kids are enjoying preschool. Antonio seems to be doing some better with drop off. This morning he cried when I was trying to leave, and the teacher took him. I rounded the corner and stopped at the open door to talk to one of the teachers, but was out of his sight and he had already stopped crying. That is a good sign to me! I think he just turns on the tears to try to get me to stay, but once he knows I'm gone, he is ok with it. I'm so happy for them, because you can tell that the social interaction is helping them. And it does give me a chance to get a little more done.

Boy, I knew trying to get my own business started would take a lot of work, but trying to do it on top of all the other work I was doing...I feel sooo busy some days. Like I said, I'm glad for the weekend. I still have a lot of work to do this weekend, but at least I will have Ben's help with the kids and will hopefully be able to get some of it done! Well...back to work!

Quiet Reflection

As I sit here and listen to only the clattering key board, and the dryer through the wall, I wonder where the phrase "silence is golden" came from. Does anyone know?

Some days, as I'm sure any mother would attest, all I want is five minutes of silence! Just some time to clear my mind and have thoughts that don't surround work and/or taking care of two toddlers. But other times, I love the noise. I love the sounds of laughter coming from the kids. I love hearing what they are going to come up with next. I swear, I need to start writing the stuff they say down so that I can share it with them when they are older.

Tonight, in the bathtub, Antonio was being a little cranky. I told him to be nice to his sister. He said, "no, my don't want be nice." Analise turned at him and screamed, then she said, "my scream at you, be nice me!" It was so funny. I had a hard time not laughing out loud. I don't want her to yell at him, and I don't want to be mean to her, so I know if I laugh when they are doing it, it is going to promote the behavior. But, gosh! It was funny.

They are so funny. That show, Kids Say The Darnedest Things, I could host the show from my house. I could be rich!! My kids would make millions laugh. Ok, maybe not all the time, but when they are being funny...they are funny!

To slightly change points, I wanted to update you on how preschool is going. Analise LOVES it! I know, if you know my kids, you aren't surprised. She is definitely the more outgoing of the two. She kisses me and goes when I drop off. Not a problem to drop off at all. In fact, a couple of times I have had to call her back to give me a kiss because she has run off to play without even telling me bye.

Antonio on the other hand, is still adjusting. I still have to peel him off me, crying to be able to leave. His teacher, Miss Jenny, assures me that he only cries for a few moments after I'm gone and then he is fine the rest of the time. It doesn't relieve my guilt when I leave and he is crying, but I know what he is learning and the social interaction is great for him. Maybe it will make Kindergarten easier, because as sad as it makes me...it is right around the corner!

When I pick them up, they are all smiles. They are happy to see me and reassure me that they want to go back. That always makes me feel better. And the work I am able to get done while they are there is great for me too. Whether it is cleaning up around the house, working on work projects, or taking the time to hit the gym...it is very nice to have some me time. I honestly think it makes me feel more relaxed when they are with me. I'm not so stressed because I do have the little break. I am so glad I decided to do this. Thank you so much, to those of you who encouraged me to do it.

Yay, 2 followers!!

Yay! Now, I have 2 followers. Thanks for following me, Ellen!! Can't wait for you to get started on here. Maybe when we are there for Labor Day weekend, I can help you set yours up.
Love you and glad you are interested in what I'm doing enough to set up to be able to follow me! :)

Watching My Mouth!!

Well...it has happened, Mommy said something naughty and Antonio has adopted it as his new phrase!! When I am frustrated, I have noticed that I tend to say "Damn it".

The other night Antonio was playing "baseball" with a giant balloon. He was having me throw it at him and he was swinging his soft baseball bat and hitting it. He swung and missed and out popped those words...damn it!

At first I didn't know how to react. I found it slightly funny at first, but knew if I laughed he would continue to say it. So instead, I told him...no no no, you don't say those words. Did he listen?? He is two, of course he didn't listen!

Over the course of the past few days he has said it a few more times. I really hope he hasn't said it at preschool. I always hated it when the kids swore at the preschool where I worked and now, I have the potty mouthed kid!!

And what's worse, I hope he hasn't said it at church! His Sunday School teachers haven't said anything to me about him saying it, but I would just be so embarrassed if he said it. Mostly because I know it is my fault! I said it first, and he copied me. What a BAD MOMMY!!

So, tonight, he said it again. In as calm of a tone as I could, I put my arm around him and said, saying damn it is naughty. If you say it again, I'm going to make you eat soap!

He stood there and pondered it for a moment and then calmly said, Mommy, my no say damn it anymore. I sure hope he doesn't. Now...Mommy has to no say damn it anymore too!! Or I guess I will have to eat soap to prove my point!

Preschool and a little guilt trip

As some of you may know, I have been batting the idea of preschool 3 days a week around for almost all summer. I want them to have more social interaction and a learning environment. It will also help me with giving me more time to get work done for both my job and around the house.

It has been a stress point for me. I know it will be great for them and great for me too, but I have this horrendous guilt about sending them to preschool (daycare) when I am home and can be taking care of them. I absolutely love being with them, even when they drive me crazy! They make me laugh every day, so to send them somewhere else when I am at home, is an awful feeling for me.

Well, I broke down and decided that this is what they need and what I need. I decided Pahrump Early Learning Academy would be the best place for them. I know the owner, and she is a fabulous lady. I know she wouldn't have someone on her staff that wouldn't do a great job taking care of my babies, so we set up to do a trial week before we officially commit.

Their first day was today and the drop off was as bad as I thought it would - for Antonio. Analise acted like she could have cared less. One of her friends that we get together with on a regular basis, Peyton, was there and the two of them took off playing together. Antonio, who had begged me earlier in the morning "Mommy, no leave me!" Wasn't as anxious to go run and play. He held tightly to me and when Pam's (the owner) daughter, Avery came to take him he screamed and cried.

After I was safely inside out of his sight, I cried a little too. The only reason I didn't just turn around and take him with me was I knew that he would be fine. And I was right.

When I picked up I got the report that they both did great. He was sad at first, but then picked right up and went on - no more tears. Boy, that made me feel so much better!! Analise was happy to see me and excited to know that she gets to come back on Wednesday. Antonio seemed a little unsure about that one, but in the car did say "Mommy, I want go back." So, we will see how Daddy does dropping off on Wednesday! :)
The kids on their first day.
Analise (very excited) and Antonio (not so excited)

Being a kid!

Oh the joys of being a kid. Those days are long gone for me, but I do have so many fond memories. Watching my kids run and play today and seeing the carefree feeling they put off, it makes me wish that this time would stand still for them. The joys of being able to run around naked through the sprinklers and then eat watermelon and get it all over you, is so precious to me! The laughter and smiles they have are moments I want to lock in time forever. I don't want them to ever have to know heartache, or stress. I hope that they can capture this feeling and hang on to it tightly for as long as possible!

I wish that I hadn't hoped to grow up faster as often as I did. Perhaps I could still be a kid! When you are a kid wishing to be a grown up so you can do whatever you want, you don't see the stress and responsibility that comes with being a grown up. I think if that could be more evident, kids wouldn't wish away their childhood quite so much!

Thankfully, my kids allow me to reflect on my childhood and all the happy memories I have from it. And some days, it is as if I am reliving parts of it! I am so grateful to my parents for giving me the adventures that I had as a child. And, despite current beliefs, kids can have everything they need without lots of money. They may not have everything they want, but that is okay. If they don't get that toy or shirt or pair of shoes, they WILL live! And if they have to work to earn that $53 pair of shoes - like I did - they will appreciate them more, and they may also see that one pair of shoes isn't worth working all summer for. Even though some days I wish I could go back to childhood, I am so glad that I get to watch my kids grow up. These are truly the most special times in our lives. I just hope I can remind myself to slow down and appreciate it more.

New Background

Oohh! I love it! :)

I HAVE A FOLLOWER!!!

I am soooo excited! I finally have an official follower!! Thanks, Desiree, for becoming my first follower. I can't tell you how excited I am. I have always wondered if ANYONE reads this, and now I know at least one person will on occasion!
If anyone else reads this, please follow me! That way I can know who reads this silly thing! ;)

Trip to Kentucky - August 2009

Well, we just got home from a week long trip to visit my family in Kentucky. It was a fun filled, busy week that went entirely too quickly. The kids had a fantastic time playing with their cousins Evan and Sadie Jo. I think by our Christmas time visit, watching them all play together will be even more fun.




Living in a small town has its benefits. Dad is great friends with the Fire Chief, Mark who gave us permission to stop by and see the fire trucks...even though no one was there. Antonio absolutely loved it!! All the kids loved it, but he had this look of utter amazement on his face that was so priceless. It was such an amazing experience. I wish Mark had been able to be there so we could have turned on the lights on the truck. Maybe at Christmas.



Ben and I also went to the Cincinnati Reds game while we were there, with my Dad, Carol, Beth, Matt and Evan. It was great, except that the Reds lost. It had rained all day and even the whole way to the game, until right before we got there. We were wearing sweatshirts during the game. It was such a welcome relief after the heat Vegas was having before we left!







We had a birthday celebration for everyone who had had a birthday since the last time we were together and for Beth, whose birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. The only ones we didn't sing to were Mom, Carol and Me. Since all our birthdays are in December, we will maybe sing to us next time.

We went to a family reunion that was held at my Grandma's house on the Saturday of our trip. It was great seeing extended family members that I hadn't seen in several years. I didn't even recognize some of my distant cousins, since the last time I saw most of them they were younger than 10 and now they are all teenagers or older. Time sure goes by fast.

During that visit, we were able to get a four generations pictures. One of Grandma, Mom, Me and Analise, and one of Grandma, Mom, Me, Analise and Antonio. I know those pictures will be pictures to treasure for a lifetime.


Four generations.
(Mom, Grandma, Me and Analise)


Four generations.
(Mom, Antonio, Grandma, Me and Analise)

It was a great visit, but definitely too short! I can't wait until Christmas when we all get to get together again.

Getting Going

Well, as some of you may know...I've been working for the last few months to get my own PR company going. I've been networking, setting up meetings, going on lunches and I feel like my wheels are spinning!
Just when I feel like I am making progress I come across someone who wants me to give away the knowledge and skill that I have been working on developing for years, for FREE!! What I don't understand is how I can make money when I'm working for Free?? Now, I have volunteered my services for non-profits, but that is because I wanted to help that company help the community. But to work for free for everyone...I won't be able to feed my children!
Argh! Just doesn't make sense to me!!

Lying

At Sunday School today in the class that Ben and I attend, which is called PEP - Parents Encouraging Parents, there was such an important topic that we talked about. It was basically about why you should teach your children that it isn't doing what God wants when you lie. And about how to teach them not to lie. And that brought me to a question that I'm just not sure of the answer to. When my kids are mean to each other; biting, hitting, whatever the case may be, they are asked if they did it and always say yes. Then they are punished for being mean.

What I was lost about is - isn't that teaching them that telling the truth is getting them in trouble? They are smart kids...how long is it going to be before they start lying to avoid the punishment? My good friend and adopted sister - Cassondra Lauver gave me good advice when I asked her how do I teach them not to lie when they are being punished after telling the truth. She said she always used to thank Skyler for telling the truth, but let her know what she did was wrong so she needed to be punished for that. However, is she had lied, the punishment would be double/worse. I am thankful for these words of wisdom and I definitely plan on trying to reiterate that to my kids as we grow. It makes me nervous that I am soley responsible - along with Ben of course, for shaping these tiny people into the adults I want them to be. It is so scary!! But I love them so much and want them to grow into amazing people. So, if anyone else has any words of wisdom, I would love to hear them!!

Getting a glimpse of yourself

There is nothing like getting a glimpse of how you react to certain thing through your children. As I grew up, when I misbehaved - which wasn't often ;) - I got a spanking. I never had timeout. So, new methods are confusing to me. How much help is it in showing your child what they did was wrong by making them sit down by themselves? I do timeout, I just don't always get it. Anyway, that doesn't mean I don't spank. I don't beat my children...so don't report me! But, sometimes a swat on the butt is what is necessary to get the point across that what they are doing isn't right.

As I sit here on a Sunday night trying to finish a work project, I'm watching my children play. And now that I'm writing a blog, I'm not really getting much work done, am I? :) Anyway, they are taking turns giving each other a swat on the butt, saying take my hand, then walking each other to the corner and making the other sit in timeout. I have to say it is hilarious, but each time it is their turn, their voices are getting louder and louder. It makes me see that as they repeat a misdeed, my patience is smaller and my voice level when punishing gets louder and louder. I don't want to be that parent that is constantly yelling at their kids. If nothing else, this will remind me that sometimes it is necessary to take a deep breath as I'm punishing so I can keep a calmer demeanor. I want my kids to have a good example and know that even though I am punishing them, I still love them!

VYP event

Last night I spent a couple of hours at the Vegas Young Professionals mixer. It was the first real mixer I have been to, and while I was nervous on the drive over and nervous walking to the bar, once I got in there and saw a few people I knew, I eased right in.

I made a few really great contacts, and might even get a couple of great clients out of it. If anyone who reads this is working in Vegas and between the ages of 21-39, it seems like a really great group. It isn't too expensive to join and you meet some really great people. And for Mom's like me who spend most of their time working from home, it was a great outlet to have adult conversations and meet other working people who also might have kids.

I met some great people and got to see some friends I have made through other outlets. Gina and Will are both such great people. Gina is a great lawyer if anyone needs her services and Will does web development if you need that. And from what I gather just from looking at sites he has done...he is pretty great at it. Let me know if you need their contact info! :)

I have a second contact for websites too...Nick Jones with Company Insite. He is actually building my site. He is amazing too. Not to make you fight for it guys, but I just love ya both! :)

Love

There is nothing like watching two people madly in love with each other making a commitment before God to love each other forever! That is what I spent this last week doing.
I watched Ben's best friend, Levi marry the love of his life, Kristy. I love those looks you see a bride and groom give each other at the altar. That look of nothing but pure love!



Ben was the best man, and he did such an amazing job with his speech. I was so proud of him. Because if you know Ben, you know he isn't much for public speaking. But it was so great! And once our kids pooped out, which was really early, Ben and I were able to relax a little and enjoy the rest of the night. I even got him to dance with me. It was great!



We love Levi and Kristy both, so much. And we are just beyond happy for them. We wish them a lifetime of LOVE and happiness. And know that is exactly what they will have.