Wake me up...I must be dreaming!

Today, Alfonso needed to use the computer and he found Spencer occupying the office chair. When Alfonso asked what he was doing he simply replied, "I'm paying bills real quick". I wish! This little mime act is proof I do more than sit on the couch and eat Bonbons! (My accuser: you know WHO you are!)

And while I am on the topic of language, little Mia's vocabulary now regularly includes the word "Mama". Whether the word comes in a moment of pure happiness or sounding a bit like a whine, I can honestly say each time my heart just melts. She's just precious!

He's only three

We decided some time ago to forgo the whole Santa Claus business. I'm not telling you this is what you should do, but we felt it was the best choice for our family. Afterall, I did the whole Santa thing when I was little and I turned out (fairly) normal.

We naively believed we could skirt the topic of S.C. for at least another year. Big mistake! When Spencer returned from a visit with his grandma, she said he wanted to write a letter to Santa Claus to request some toy he just had to have (in case you're wondering, it was a $50 Robosapien). So, Alfonso and I have this 'deer in the headlights' look plastered on both our mugs. Like it or not, the time had come.

Alfonso sat Spencer down and told him the news. Santa Claus isn't real. He's just part of a story people share at Christmastime. And because Alfonso felt he owed it to the kid, he told him a long and far too advanced history of the "real" S.C. (he'd watched something on the History Channel). The tears immediately began to flow. I tried my very best to make out what our little man was trying to squeeze out between the sobs. You see, Spencer wasn't crying because of the news of Santa, he just thought he'd never get the (darn) Robosapien.

So now Spencer has his Robosapien; an early present from his grandma. We've coached Spencer a bunch about not breaking the news of Santa to all his buddies. With the big guy in the red suit due to arrive at his preschool next week, this discussion was a must. I'd keep him out of school that day simply out of fear of what he'd say, but his birthday will be celebrated at school that day. We'll just have to take our chances. If you're an adult you're fair game. My stepmom asked me why Spencer told her that Santa Claus was a dead pope. Lovely!

Geez, Fonz. Keep it simple. The kid's only three :)

Picture time

We just got access to our photo gallery. I LOVE the pictures! You know you've found an amazing photographer when you have two uncooperative kiddos, but great photos.

Check them out: here

Yesterday we sang the song that goes along with the verse and I was so moved by the words, I looked up the scripture it's based on. For me, this is a good reminder of my where my priority should lie.

"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere"
Psalm 84:10

Thankfulness

Thanksgiving was a good time to reflect on all that I should be thankful for. Normally I wouldn't count myself in the ungrateful lot, but I realize sometimes that's right where I belong.

A few weeks ago I heard a message that really hit home. While listening, it occurred to me that all too often I grumble about my greatest blessings. My grumbling sounds something like this: "My house is a disaster." "Spencer just won't listen!" "Mia had me up four times last night." "Ugh. The car needs an oil change again." "I'm so tired." "Alfonso's too busy to call me." The truth is, too many people are living without the blessings I'm complaining about. Ouch.

I can absolutely promise you I'll grumble again, maybe even within the next few minutes. There's hope for some improvement as I become more and more cognizant of my complaining. Thankfully, I have a very patient Savior.

Pirate Ship, Part Two

When I read that a ship was due to arrive in our local marina, I knew it was the perfect outing for our pirate-loving little guy. This ship was actually in one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. How cool is that?

The actual sailing trips were just too expensive, but we knew Spencer would enjoy a tour just the same. We surprised him and walked up to the marina's waterfront and he spotted the ship right away. When we discussed that this ship was a "real" pirate ship he seemed a bit apprehensive. We assured him that he'd be the only pirate on the ship that day.

Spencer LOVES to ask questions, so he got the attention of one of the ship's keepers and asked her if this ship was indeed a "real pirate ship". She was quick to say "no" that this ship was a "merchant ship". Alfonso and I looked at each other and were both thinking the same thought... ...Hey lady! You see our kid? Yeah, he's the one dressed up as a pirate to tour a PIRATE ship. Can't you be a bit more creative with your answer? Afterall, what is a "real" pirate ship anyhow? Weren't pirates famous for plundering and taking over another's ship? ANY ship is a pirate ship. That's our story and we're sticking to it!

Pirate Ship, Part One

Now that's just plain mean!

Last night, we had a game night. Before kids, we played games all the time, but this hobby just doesn't happen much anymore. It was nice putting hubby in his place with by outstanding Scrabble win. Ah, the joy of winning by three points!

Afterwards, I asked him to show me how to do the Roger Rabbit. Do you remember that dance move? As a youngster I could never master it no matter how hard I tried. Last night I was determined. I gave it my best shot and HE LAUGHED. And after he laughed, he laughed some more. And in between the laughter he told me that my attempt was the funniest thing he'd ever seen.

Apparently, I was not only blessed a lefty, but God threw two left feet into the mix too.

Tough love...

...is just that; tough. As Spencer has grown and developed, we've become such great buddies. He's got an incredible vocabulary (mommy brag) and sometimes it is easy to forget he's just three. I found discipline fairly simple a few months back when he'd openly revolt. It was easy to punish a child who'd refer to me as "poop" or call me a "bad mommy" (now that's a FUN stage). What I'm struggling with now is discipling my little pal.

Really, I'm glad Spencer's my little pal. Although I wouldn't change that for anything, I am the Mommy before I'm the friend. Lately, it has become painlfully obvious that Little Man's forgotten my primary role. After insisting for the gazillionth time that he stop jumping on me, I asked him, "How many times do I need to ask you to stop?". His smiling reply, "Two, three, four..." You get the picture. What appears to be cute and funny at three, can become something of a monster later.

Oh, and the Halloween candy is now gone. I warned him a few days ago to stop helping himself without asking first. I caught him trying his best to be one with the cabinet doors-he was trying to hide in the cabinet-as he snacked away on a piece of candy. It was cute, I'll admit, but he was warned before that the candy would be leaving the "building" if such disobedience took place again, and now I had to follow-through. I almost weakened as the tears flowed.

I always thought tough love was hard on kids, but now I realize just how hard it is for Mom.

Who knew?

Bored with our same-old-same-old recipes, I thought of the Shrimp Gumbo meal we'd often eat before the kiddos came. Hubby had banned the recipe some time ago because it had gone from a favorite to a "this again?" sort of meal. So anyway, I resurrected the recipe and made it the other night. I sampled the dish before heaving it to the fam, and was surprised to find it was spicer than I had remembered. Already, I was imagining the complaints that would soon come my way. Where are my earplugs?!

With little more than crossed fingers, I served up the Gumbo. Spencer started goobling it down without so much as a word. Yes! And Mia, she was eating as though we'd starved her for days (although, this type of eating is fairly common for girlfriend). Yes, again! Little Mia didn't stop there; she licked her plate completely clean. Of course, I pulled out the video camera to catch the show...I might never see that kind of appreciation again!

Halloween

Painting pumpkins is messy business

Pumpkin Patch Fun

Pirate Talk

Alfonso took both the kiddos to the grocery store the other day while I was out behaving recklessly. Not really.

When he got back home, he retold a funny conversation that took place between him and Spencer. Here goes...

Spencer: What do pirates drink?

Alfonso: Rum. (already I'm wondering why he didn't just say "water"?!)

Spencer: Can I drink rum too, Daddy?

At this point, I think Alfonso wished he had just answered "water". Oh, and this pirate talk was overheard by our favorite sample lady. At least she was laughing.

Mia's 1 1/4 Birthday, Part Two

Mia's 1 1/4 Birthday, Part One

Heavy on pictures. Light on words.

Normal's good

The kids and I headed out to the outdoor mall today. I know, I know....that alone should have spelled disaster.

So, I'm madly searching for some sort of coordinating outfit for our picture appointment next week. When I take the kids on errand outings, I try my very best to come prepared. Usually, I have snacks, toys and, for Spencer, a quick explanation of the day ahead. I decide on a cut-off time and off we go.

After my unsuccessful shopping adventure today, we went to Jamba Juice for a snack. It felt SO good to just sit down on that chair and rest my weary bones (it ain't easy pushing around a double stroller). Of course, Spencer used this relaxing opportunity to announce he had to go "potty". Normally, this would be a simple fix, but we were in an area with few places to "potty".

I decided to nix the lecture about his timing, as Daddy does those best, and we went to Starbucks and used the facilities. I figured we'd be in and out quickly, so I left the stroller, purse included, outside the restroom door. Please, save the lecture.

Alright, so now we're set to go when I realize Mia's missing a shoe. Ugh! We re-trace our steps and find that some good soul set her shoe on the concrete wall to avoid the stampede of sidewalk traffic. Too sweet! To the car we go!

We finished the trek to the parking garage and before I entered the elevator I reached for my purse. It was then I discovered my purse was missing....no, stolen! At this point, I'm in a bit of a panic and wondering how all this will be explained to my dear hubby. Before I made any phone calls, I thought I'd better re-trace my steps...again.

Yeah, so I'm a little stressed as I rushed back to Jamba Juice. By the time I reached the store, I was huffing and puffing. I'm sure I looked very cute! I asked the manager if anyone had turned in a purse. She did a mini-grill and passed off my purse. She said a "regular" turned in the purse. I could just kiss that "regular".

Who knew I'd feel so releaved to have everything back to normal?!

Here's little man with his glove we found at the flea market. We didn't go in search of anything in particular, but I reminded Alfonso that you don't go to the flea market to find "junk"..."junk" finds you.

Today is the anniversary of my mom's death. It isn't often that I remember on the actual date. Usually, I think about it beforehand and after it's passed. I guess it has been a defense mechanism of sorts. Its been sweet to think of her today.

About a week ago, I was having one of "those" days. My little guy loves to ask questions about EVERYTHING and sometimes it wears my patience thin. Alfonso got home from work and I was venting a wee bit. Just like an good accountability partner, he reminded me that Spencer won't always want to ask me questions or have my attention. Ouch! Sure the statement stung a little, but he was absolutely right. Like any good mom, I headed outside to spend some time with Spencer. At his request, we laid out a blanket on the lawn and lounged. And wouldn't you know, the questions came quickly.

This time the questions were different. Spencer wanted to know about my mom. He had asked me some difficult questions about her a few days before and I didn't know how to answer. Here was my second chance.

He began by asking me how she died and I answered honestly. Then he said this, "So, you don't have a Mommy anymore?"

Gulp.

And I said, "No, Buddy, I don't." And Spencer's sweet reply was, "Mommy, that is so sad. Does that make you sad?"

It was then I realized how important it is to just take the time. Through his questioning, I was touched. Isn't that amazing?

No, really...Thank You!

It is always a bit unnerving to come home and find a HUGE box on your doorstep, especially when you're absolutely certain there's nothing you're waiting on. I asked hubby if he had ordered anything (afterall, the package did come in his name) and he gave me this confused look. And THAT made me a bit more anxious.

He opened up the box and found a very large food basket from Delta Air Lines. At this point, I wondered if he'd signed us up for some credit card with REALLY great bonuses (one could wish?!). Inside we found a card that read, "Your medical assistance on July 31, 2007 was greatly appreciated. We thank you! Delta Air Lines Corporate Officers and the Crew of Flight 311". With all the excitement surrounding our pick-up trip, I neglected to tell anyone about what happened as we were on our way to Guatemala. Now I have the perfect opportunity to brag on my hubby.

Mid-flight a loud shriek was heard a few rows back from our seats. Immediately we both turned around and saw a young woman convulsing. It was obvious (to even me), she was having a seizure. Her poor mother was sitting next to her completely sobbing. What can be done when you're over water at 20,000 feet? That's certainly a powerless feeling.

Alfonso got up right away and directed the flight crew to get all the medical supplies available on board. He did what he could with the supplies provided and the woman stabilized. He spent the rest of the flight right by her side. Her mother sat next to me and I tried my best to comfort her. Thankfully, touch is a universal language.

While it was heart-warming to receive an official thank you, I'm certain my husband never expected any sort of accolade. And that is just one reason why I'm crazy about him.