Gonzalez with a Z

Elianna's photoshoot

2011-02-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all!

2010 was a big year for the Gonzalez's

Carlos: Got a new job.
Heather: Had a new baby.
Abby Grace: Started Kindergarten
Charlie: Had strep throat 8 times, so he finally had his tonsils removed (fyi: Abby did also!)
Elianna: Laughed for the first time on Christmas day!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Sending love from our family to yours!!!!

Elianna's Blessing Day

2010-11-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

It's been so long since I have updated my blog, it's a bit overwhelming to figure out where to start playing catch-up.

If you missed the big announcement, Elianna Lynn Gonzalez joined our family on September 28th (several days later than expected!) Big sister LOVES her, and big brother is finding new and exciting way to demand his fare share of attention!

This past Sunday we blessed little Ellianna, and as it happened to turn out her Grandma Sandy and Grandpa Tom were in town. As by shear coincidence my Aunt Carol and Uncle Gary were visiting cousins Kat and Jenn from Oregan. So we had quite the family gathering! It was really a fun day!!

The whole crew.

The Glades and Gonzalezs

All the Gonzalezs

And our little family, who isn't so little anymore!

Tractor Days

2010-05-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

The kids love getting rides on the lawn tractor. As it turns out the neighbor friends were over and they each waited patiently for their turn to have a ride on the tractor around the house.

FHE

2010-05-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

These days my kids favorite TV show is "A Minute to Win it!" For FHE the other night we came up with our own challenge to play. On top of the pile of flour was a fruit loop. Each family member had their turn to slice of a portion of the flour, until the flour pile falls. Then the person who caused the fall has to retrieve the fruit loop with the mouth. It was great fun!

Easter, better late than never

2010-05-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

What is Easter without Easter eggs? Good thing we made them!

Abby was thrilled that the Easter bunny left her a Merliah doll!

Looks like Charlie was in "a mood". My favorite part of this photo are his green hands from coloring eggs!

They clean up pretty nice!

Sure do love these cute kids!

Pre-Easter Fun

2010-04-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

For both of my blog readers, I'm sorry for my lack of blogging as of late. I have not done a great job fitting in any non-essentials in our life. Good news in that we are all quite healthy and happy.

Today the kids both had Easter parties at their preschool classes. I saw these cute cupcakes several weeks ago, and have been waiting for an occasion to make them. The Easter Party was the perfect occasion!

Look at my cute helpers!

Aren't the colors amazing! :)

The finished product!!!! It was a great hit!

Abby Grace hunting for eggs.

Wow, she did well for herself!

Good friends.

Cute girls!

Charlie's party spread!

Charlie's face as he spots the eggs for the first time!

Don't we look like twins? ha ha ha

The whole class

There you have it, proof we are alive and kicking! On top of it all, we are having fun this Easter holiday season!

2010-02-24T07:35:00.001-08:00

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My cute kiddos

2010-02-21T15:28:00.001-08:00

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The Holiday Report

2010-01-02T17:10:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe how quickly we flew through the holidays this year! The Glades got together this Christmas, and in true Glade style it was complicated! Most of us flew into Wichita and spent several days at my parents house.

Here we all are at Scotch and Sirlion, which by the way has the best prime rib you will EVER eat!

My brother Rob and his family recently moved to Oklahoma City. Due to Rob's work schedule and lack of seniority, he was the lucky ENT on call the entire week of Christmas. It would not do to have Christmas without Rob, Mel and TJ. . . so we packed up the party and drove down to their house.

We have decided that the Glade's have magical powers! Christmas of 2007 it snowed 11 inches the day we all arrived. On Christmas Eve day Oklahoma City had 14 in of snow, which is the most snowfall in one day in recorded history! AND it was the first White Christmas since 1844. The city was so unprepared for the storm pretty much everything was shut down for DAYS! I cannot think of a nicer group to be stuck with!

Here is Rob and Mel's house on Christmas Morning.

My little Georgia babies could not wait to get out there to play. Notice Charlie signature "lean" that he does all the time these days. Funny kid!

California Hailey even had fun out in the snow.

Christmas morning was hectic and magical. The traditional Glade stockings were started by my Grandma Glade. As we have added family members Grandma Sandy has kept up the tradition and made similar ones.

Abby must have been a very good girl this year.

Charlie's last minute good behavior paid off! Notice the nervous dog hiding behind Carlos while Charlie had the controls of the remote controlled dinosaur.

Mel made these CUTE aprons for us, problem is that I don't want to get it dirty.

The 14inches of snow in an area that does not typically get snow resulted in 4 days of being stuck inside. Good thing the boys had Rock Band!

The casualty of the game was the drummer's chair. I really wished I had my camera out when Rob broke it. PRICELESS!

Look how excited we all are to finally be getting out of the house!

And finally I could not resist posting this picture. Charlie was sent to our room for time out, and when we went to check on him 5 minutes later we found him fast asleep (sticky face and all.) It is in these rare quiet moments I am reminded that he is a little angel.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! I look forward to hearing from you in this new year, if only to check in on your blogs!

Merry day after Christmas

2009-12-26T18:22:00.000-08:00

As y'all have noticed, I have really let my blog go. Since Halloween we have moved houses, celebrated Charlie's 3rd birthday, celebrated Abby's 5th birthday, went on a trip to Orlando and all the parks, celebrated Carlos's birthday, flew to Wichita KS and are currently in Edmond Oklahoma. Clearly it has been a busy time, and since I have yet to unpack all my moving boxes I have not been able to justify blogging. Instead of trying to take on the daunting task of getting completely caught up, instead I am going to try to do better from this point forward. Thanks friends for continuing to follow the Gonzalezs despite our long blogging absence! Love to all, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!

Halloween Teaser

2009-11-01T17:49:00.001-08:00

Here is just of taste of our Halloween festivities. More to come. . .

For Family

2009-10-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

Because I don't think anyone else cares to watch videos of my kids, I titled this post as a disclaimer.

Chattanoooooooga

2009-10-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun day yesterday.

The one and only Shannon West was in Chattanooga, TN for a Stamp It Up Conference. Since I can barely remember the last time I was able to see her, it was a no brainer. . . we were going to drive up to see her. It was so great to see her, but it made me realize how much I miss my great friend! She is like an injection of crazy fun energy!

BTW: Shannon is single, MIND BLOWING I KNOW! So if any of my blogosphere readers has an awesome brother or friend you would like to set up let me know (Georgia would be preferable so she could live closer to me!). Problem is trying to catch this busy lady. With her awesome job she is constantly flying off to Australia, Canada, Tennessee, ect.

After catching up with Shannon we went to the Tennessee Aquarium. I know Atlanta has the biggest aquarium in the country, but bigger is not always better. I really love this one because it is so family friendly and so much less crowded.

Look, Nemo is all grown up with a family.

Just look how much fun Charlie is having!

The touch tank. Abby was all about it, but Charlie chickened out last minute.

Looks like that alligator is sizing Charlie up for lunch.

Just the girls.

The butterfly garden was Abby's favorite part of the day. She is literally the BUTTERFLY WHISPERER! From the moment we walked into the room the girl just had to stick out her finger and butterflies would just land there. It was AMAZING, and she LOVED it!

Charlie on the other hand scared them all away with his yelling and grabbing at their wings. He was getting really upset that his sister was having all the fun, so Mama Bear had to step in. I finally coaxed one onto my finger, and ever so carefully transferred it on to Charlie's. Here we are slowly walking over to dad to prove it happened.

He could not have been happier!

Girl time at the Salon

2009-10-14T12:38:00.001-07:00

As I was getting ready to get my hair done, it occurred to me that I should take Abby along with me for a little girl bonding time. I myself have only trimmed her hair once, and I cut too much off. I have felt so bad about it for the last year and a half I haven't dared do it again. But the time had come, and brushing through it had become a daily battle.

She was really excited to come along with me. She even packed up her pumpkin with treasures to take along with her.

Before the haircut

After with Miss Kaye

Finally home, and showing our new dews to dad.

Princess Abby Grace

2009-10-09T14:15:00.001-07:00

We seem to be in the middle of birthday party season around here. We have had our weekends booked out all month, and the kids are in heaven! The parties have been quite unique, and one of Abby Grace's favorites has been the makeover party at the salon.

The girls were able to pick out their costume. Abby had to try out 3 different one until she found her favorite dress and shoe combo. They decorated purses. They got their hair and make up done. And then they had a runway show.

Here Abby is decorating her bag.

This poor hairdresser had no idea what she was getting into with Abby's full head of hair!

About 10minutes into the hair curling Abby decided to get more comfy in her seat and sit crossed legged!

LOOK AT THE FINISHED PRODUCT! AMAZING!!!!

After about 25 minutes, the finished product!!!

All the princesses together.

Abby's pose during the runway show. Man she is growing up so much faster than I am comfortable with! SLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW DOWWWWWWWWWWWNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!

Braves Game

2009-10-01T12:05:00.001-07:00

Last night just to shake things up we went to the Braves Game.

Charlie was excited to meet Hommer the baseball.

From the look of it, I was most excited to meet Hommer.

They even have an area set on top of the stadium for the kids to run a mock base.

We got the kids nice and tired by letting them run the bases about 5 times.

Before things got started

Abby likes to go just for the cotton candy!

Carlos and Charlie both were excited also!

View from our seats. Abby got a hold of the camera.

Abby took this one.

Charlie took this one.

My funny Charlie!

2009-09-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

Cheaha

2009-09-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

I know I am a little behind the times, but I need to document our camping trip last weekend. We went to Cheaha Alabama for the long Labor Day weekend. We had a great weekend with our friends the Hills, Thompsons and Johnsons.

The Thompsons were sweet enough to take Abby with them on their paddle boat ride.

The lake was a bit cold, but Charlie was bound and determined to get in.

We climbed the fire watch tower so we could officially say we visited the highest point in the state of Alabama.

We thought it was a great idea to take a family photo at this scenic overlook, but after 3 days of camping I am not sure it was such a stellar idea.

My Carloses

The kids called this the rock slide. They thought it was fun to climb up and slide down on their toushies. Even more fun after it rainend. At one point I said to Carlos that the kids were in "kid heaven" because they were able to run around wild with other kids. Carlos told me he was in adult heaven because he did not have to enterain the kids.

Wendy and Julie were so on top of things they even brought all sorts of arts and crafts for the kids to work on. . . Abby loved it!

Here is the Gonzalez site. We had a WONDERFUL time, and look forward to our next camping trip.

Almost made it

2009-09-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

Abby was sent to her room to, "think about what she had done." When we went to check on her about 25 minutes later we found her like this. So close to making it into bed. . . so close!

First day of school, first day of school!

2009-08-18T12:45:00.001-07:00

It just seems so early to start school, but this week BOTH my kids have started preschool. I know I should be old hat at this, but I still find myself teary to drop my kids off.

Here is Abby her first year of school August 2007

August 2008

August 2009

Today was Charlie Bear's first day of preschool. He only goes two days a week, and is so lucky to have the same sweet teacher Abby had when she was 2. We love Ms Marsha! We have been preparing him for school all summer, so when we dropped Abby off at school yesterday, and he had to come home with me he was not happy. I am sure he thought I pulled some sort of bait and switch on him. So today when we got him ready and packed up his backpack he was more than excited!

It appears that he is more interested in the acorn that he found than posing for a picture!

CHEEEEEESE!

With the backpacks

When we got to his classroom he ran in and did not look back! Selfishly I must admit that I got a little teary that my baby does not need me anymore, but am so excited for him to have a great experience at school!

When I picked him up at school I first noticed that he had different pants on. Ms Marsha told me how he would not let anyone help him use the potty, which is funny because he is not potty trained. She was shocked because he used the potty twice today on his own (one time more successfully than the other!) She also laughed and told me he is definitely going to be the alpha-male of the class, and that he is COMPLETELY different then his sister. SHOCKER I know!!!!! But she did say he is VERY funny and that he was a good boy today. I bet we are going to hear lots of funny Charlie stories this year!!!!!

This is a picture of Emma, Autumn and Abby the first day of school last year.

Here are those sweet girls today. Time seems to be passing too fast!

Abby and Autumn have been great friends since their first year of school.

We are really excited because Autumn's little sister Ansley is in Charlie's class. Charlie and Ansley have known each other since they were babies and play really nice together.

As you can tell it has been a very exciting couple of days around here!

I need to go to work

2009-08-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

Carlos has an office here at home. Yesterday Charlie announced quite seriously he needed to do some WORK. It was the end of the day so Carlos decided what the heck, let's move his desk into the office and let the little guy get some work done. Of course Abby wanted in on the fun.

They started off like this:

Rearranged to this:

But later I found this:

Not quite so productive for Carlos!

You know what they say. . .

2009-08-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

Don't judge a man til you walk a mile in their shoes.

Maybe it should be changed to squish a beetle in someone's shoes without pants!

The biggest beetle EVER!

2009-08-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Carlos found this MONSTER in the garage. I am fairly certain the critter is a beatle, and if you think differently I just don't want to know about it! The kids thought it was the greatest thing ever. I was happy to keep my distance and just take pictures!!!!!!

By the way, you should have seen Charlie's shirt that night after we had spagetti for dinner! And yes, every one washed their hands several times before we ate.

My good boy

2009-08-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember, I have told Charlie that he is my good boy. The other day Charlie and I were hanging out. He looked up at me and said, "You're my good girl mom, you're my good girl." Sure do love that kid!

This picture was taken after Charlie fell on the driveway and skinned his knee. After I cleaned him up I propped his little leg up on the couch and turned on his favorite movie Cars. A few minutes later I found him like this. Don't they look like angels when they sleep?

Fabu Fourth!

2009-07-05T13:21:00.001-07:00

I honestly think that the Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Just good clean summer fun!

Being the Texas girl that I am, I decided it was time to take on my first brisket. I pulled Carlos out of bed at 5am to get this hunk of meat started. It slow cooked/smoked all day to produce this heavenly mesquite favored masterpiece. All right all right, I learned a few things for next time around, but all in all it was SO yummy! I so wished I had a bottle of Rudy's sauce for the occasion!

Abby and I worked on a little project before our friends arrived to try their first brisket.

Aren't these the cutest?

These are our willing taste-testers!

We even got to see Papa Carlos for a while.

My kids love having a party and especially being outside!

What childhood is complete without sparklers?

And then we moved to the big bigger pyrotechnics!

Happy Birthday USA!

Family Fun

2009-06-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

Because Carlos has spent ALL his time working lately, we decided we needed to do something FUN with the family this past weekend. It was pretty much a spur of the moment plan, and our friends the Meadows are ALSO up for spur of the moment FUN! We went to Tanner State Park in Carrollton, GA. Who knew this gem was basically in our backyard??????

Abby said her favorite part was sleeping in a tent.

What cute kids!

Abby had control of the camera.

One of our favorite people, Ashlee.

Izzy even got in on the family fun!

Abby at one with nature.

What cute friends.

Waiting on the SLOW adults to go swimming in the lake.

On the way to the lake.

Isn't she the cutest?

Abby is giving Charlie some pointers.

Such a cute bathing beauty.

Spending some quality time with my baby.

And as if the Meadows are not tall enough, they found a way to even be taller!!!!

Car washing, welcome home and the private pool

2009-06-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

While Carlos washed the cars, the kids decided their cars also need a good clean.

What a SHOCKER, Carlos is on the phone!

Everyone is very busy!

Abby has been doing her own hair lately. . . can't you tell? Love that smile!

We were THRILLED when Mamita and Papa Carlos told us they were moving home to Georgia. The kids and I thought a HUGE poster was necessary for the occasion!

What better way to welcome them back in town than life-sized Abby and Charlie on their garage?!

While we were in Florida we spent all day in the pool. When we got home we decided we needed our own private pool. The kids were so excited they couldn't wait for us to fill it up. . . afterall there really was no reason to wait. We have had a great time with this little pool. Wish me luck in keeping this thing from turning green!

Second Annual "The Glades take Destin"

2009-06-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

Summer was in the air, so it was time to pack up and head down to Destin Florida! We met up with the rest of the Glades/Sullivans/Bagleys from California, Utah, Kansas and Arkansas. Months and months of planning went into the trip! For more detailed reports visit:

http://katieandelliot.blogspot.com/2009/06/missing-beach.html

http://ammonandbeckysullivan.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-love-my-family.html

http://robandmelglade.blogspot.com/2009/06/florida-family-fun.html

Here is the proof that we had a great time!

Schools Out

2009-06-20T06:13:00.001-07:00

I am playing a bit of catch-up!

Last month Abby finished up another year of preschool. She has NEVER been a public performer. Usually her school programs end is tears or paralyzing fear. She did much better this time around. She sang all the songs, did all the actions and even smiled every once in a while.

Then we had a end of the year party

On a totally unrelated topic, breaking the passy habit is not going so well!

There is always fun to be had!

2009-06-20T06:02:00.000-07:00

Soon after we moved into this house I heard loud screaming coming from the driveway. I went running preparing myself for another one of Charlie's head wounds. Instead I found this:

(So he is still in his PJs. . . don't judge!)

Cliff's Notes

2009-05-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

I sat down with the intent to catch up everyone up on the last month. Then I realized it was too overwhelming, so here is the Cliff's Notes version.

We got a contract on our house and moved. It was a total pain, but all in all it was one of our best moves yet. We were more organized, we had GREAT help, and I really felt the love from our ward and our friends during the process.

We are currently living in our "Summer Cottage." It is cute and clean. The owner of the house bought it as a forclosure with the intent to flip quickly. His timing could not have been worse, and he has been trying to off-load it for 18 months. Everything inside it is new, and we are the first renters in it. . . perfect situation for us!!!!

I had a birthday. It was a great day. My husband and kids spoiled me, and my friend even took the kids off our hands for several hours so Carlos and I could go to dinner.

Since most of our free time has been consumed with all things moving, we have not done many fun things with the kids recently. We decided it was time for some good old clean family fun. Last night we went and got the kids some fishing poles. This morning Carlos took the kids out to dig for worms.

And then we headed out to the lake for a little fishing.

My favorite part of this picture is Charlie's hands. You can just see the excitement in those little expressive hands.

We all had a great time, and I sure we will be doing it again really soon!

These boots are made for walking. . .

2009-03-25T18:59:00.001-07:00

Last fall Charlie found a pair of Abby's hot pink boots and refused to take them off. That day Carlos requested (demanded) that I find our little guy a pair of appropriate boots. So after searching every store in town I found him a pair of black cowboy boots. Pretty much those two have been inseparable! There is really no situation where cowboys are inappropriate!

I love my little boy and his boots!

My next post just might be about his Thomas the Tank Engine helmet.

The dangers of having a little brother

2009-03-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

This past week Abby and Charlie collided at Jumping Jellybeans. Charlie hit Abby's eye with the back of his hard little head. The result was a black eye for Abby, and a headache for Charlie. My perfect little girl has looked awful all week. It is finally to the yellow/green stage, but for some reason I just have not been able to get a good picture of it! No worries, school pictures are this week, and I am sure they will be able to able to catch the gruesome bruise.

Not to be out-done by Abby, Charlie took on the driveway yesterday. . . and the driveway won!

Blogging Apathy

2009-03-01T17:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know what my problem is with Blogging these days. Maybe it is the cold weather resulting in the winter blahs. Maybe it is because my siblings have finally provided my parents with additional grandchildren, so the pressure to provide them with weekly photos has been alleviated. What ever my problem, I apologize.

We are still alive and kicking. It has been a tough winter. The nurse at my pediatricians office recognizes my number on caller ID, and greets me by name when she answers the phone. . . followed by "which one is it this time?"

February is particularly icky in Georgia because it is generally brown and ugly. Well today we had a special treat! It snowed here in Georgia! The kids LOVED it, and somehow the fluffy white stuff lifted my spirits!

It started snowing this morning while we were at church. It was a really odd storm because it was accompanied with thunder and lightening. Weird huh?

Abby was really antsy to play with snow, and it was killing her to wait for the lightening storm to stop. So this was our solution, a tupperware full of snow at the kitchen table.

Once Carlos told her it was time to go outside, we could not get her snow clothes on her fast enough (poor Charlie missed out on all the fun because of his afternoon nap!)

What a pink princess!

Carlos thinks that Izzy had the best time of all running around in the snow.

Here is the finished product. Not bad for a Georgia snowman!

Flu Fest 2009

2009-02-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

My sisters , mom and I planned a fun all girls week. Everyone was going to fly in from California, Utah and Kansas, and the plan was to sit around and gab, play with each others kids, eat good food and catch up. My dad even found a way to sneak away for the weekend. The flu had another idea. The day that everyone arrived in town Charlie came down with the flu. Then the nasty bug visited every one of my house guests. Wow I know how to throw a great party! :(

For more detailed updates visit here: http://www.ammonandbeckysullivan.blogspot.com and http://katieandelliot.blogspot.com.

The rare moments everyone was feeling well we had a great time.

e

Once again, I am SO SORRY! Miss y'all! Next time let's get together in the summer. :)

Jumping Jelly Beans

2009-02-14T09:48:00.001-08:00

Once a week a group of friends and their little ones get together at Jumping Jelly Beans for a big play date.

My kids love it, and I think I enjoy the adult conversation even more. To make it even more fun, we got the little girls in the playgroup matching shirts. Fun huh?

The morning of this play date Abby insisted on wearing her crown. I just did not have it in me to battle it out with her over a hair accessory, so she spent the day as a princess. Isn't it fitting?

Ahhh, bestest friends!

No idea

2009-01-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

Carlos had no idea this morning when he planned a quick trip to the city dump, it would end up like this!

He smashed his pinkie finger with a metal barrel he was unloading into a tractor bucket. That is what you call BAD LUCK! And of all places to get a flesh wound. . . the nastiest dirtiest place on earth. . . the dump! It was too jagged to stitch back together, so they ended up gluing it. EWWWWWWWW!

Holiday Update

2009-01-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

I have really neglected the blog lately. Sorry Mom! I will try to make it up to you by posting lots and lots of pictures! This year was a Gonzalez Christmas, so we packed up the car, kids, dog and presents and drove down to Orlando. We stayed at Carlos's sister's new house. One of the best features of Cendy and Robb's place was that every night at 9pm we had a clear view of Disney World's fireworks! And once again so sorry that Charlie tried to kill your dog!

On Christmas eve day Mamita and Papa Carlos surprised us with tickets to Sea World.

Here is all the gang before the Shamu show.

The kids LOVED Sea World, and we were able to stay all day because Charlie took a great nap right in his stroller.

Our very cautious Abby somehow talked her dad into taking her on this ride in the kiddie park.

Quickly she changed her mind!

The Merry-Go-Round was much more her speed.

Here is the under 48 inches bunch who could not ride the big roller coaster, and got to go home early for Christmas Eve dinner.

Christmas morning came around, and let's say that these kids must have been VERY good this year, because Santa treated them really well!

Christmas Day we went to Aunt Rina and Uncle Danillo's house for family fun. Here is proof my kids really do love each other. By the time I got around to take a picture from the front the moment was OVER!

Here is most of the gang. We had a great time together. Lots of great food, laughing and catching up! The Latin side of our family is very fun and LOUD!

While in Florida Carlos and I celebrated out 6th anniversary. We took advantage of Mamita and the aunts, and Carlos surprised me with a get-a-way at the Peabody Hotel. It was a great surprise and so nice to sleep-in the next morning!

Before we left town we visited Downtown Disney. With our kids being so young, to them it was as good as Disney World itself (and it's free!)

Here we are taking the Ferry from one side of Downtown Disney to the other.

Notice that these dogs ae made out of legos. Here is Charlie trying to climb on.

Abby got a kid proof digital camera for Christmas. Here she is taking pictures. Abby asked if she can put her pictures on the blog. I think I am going to have to start her own blog to showcase her talents.

The 7 hour drive home took us over 12 hours, we are excited to be home!

We had plans to go to a New Years Eve Party, but Charlie came down with strep throat. He really is the most pathetic creature when sick!

Charlie is on the mend, and we are looking forward to 2009!

How did this happen???????

2008-12-17T07:55:00.001-08:00

My brother Rob and his family were in Houston this weekend interviewing for a job. They spent the greater part of Monday and Tuesday in the airport trying to return home to Arkansas. In a last ditch effort to get home they flew to Atlanta hoping to connect here and get home. Well, as fate would have it. . . they got stuck in Atlanta.

Needless to say I was thrilled! This meant that I got to meet my new nephew TJ! They were able to stay and visit most of the day today, and I had so much fun. It was really fun to see my brother as a parent, and also to see how interested Abby was in the baby. Here's hoping you get stuck here again soon!

Abby Grace and TJ

Charlie, TJ and Abby

Nutcracker Birthday Party

2008-12-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

When Abby informed us that she wanted a Nutcracker Birthday Party, I got a little excited with the possibilities!

What Nutcracker party would be complete without a bunch of ballerinas? So Abby and I made tutus for all her little girl friends.

Here is Abby waiting at the front door for her friends to arrive.

Once everyone was here we walked through the Nutcracker story, but made it into a scavenger hunt. There was the holiday party where they found a toy with their name on it, next they found their sword (candy cane) to fight off the mouse king. We also visited the enchanted forest, the castle, and were visted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. (We took some major liberties with the story.)

Here are all the ballerinas with their bags of loot from the scavenger hunt.

Next the girls painted their very own nutcracker. It didn't end up too messy. And our little ballerinas were REALLY into it!

Thanks to everyone for helping make Abby's birthday week so fun and memorable!

Charlie ouchie update

2008-12-11T17:03:00.000-08:00

I have had several questions about Charlie's eye . It is starting to heal nicely, but he has developed a black eye from the injury. :(

Whenever he looks up and the mantle and sees the stocking hangers, he touches his nose and says, "ouchie!" So sad!

My Abby Grace is 4!

2008-12-09T18:25:00.000-08:00

It is the end of an exhausting day, and I don't have the strength to write out a detailed narrative our the birthday festivities. Plus, pictures speak a million words!

So cute of Charlie I had to add it in!

Since Mamita and Papa Carlos drove all the way up from Orlando to be with Abby for her birthday I thought it would be nice to take a photo of them together. Abby didn't think so! On the other hand Charlie was cool with it.

Today

2008-12-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

Today started out with so much promise. We woke up early to start our Christmas decorating. The kids were really excited!

Bad picture, but two really happy kids.

Abby wanted to help put the star on top.

And if Abby did it, Charlie wanted to do it also!

Here is the finished product.

But this is where our story takes a turn for the worse. Notice the very beautiful but HEAVY stocking holders on top of the mantle. Well, our Charlie decided to take a tug on the snowman stocking held up with the letter "Y". Of course the stocking holder went tumbling, and hit the bridge of his nose. . . OUCH! :(

He took it like a CHAMP, but it looks aweful! This is about 30 mins after the incident. Yep, that is still a smile.

Doesn't that look ouchie?

Here he is tonight before going to bed. The photos just don't capture how swollen and icky it looks.

And after a tough afternoon, he found his smile for the camera tonight.

My Carlos

2008-11-30T11:57:00.001-08:00

Let's face it, this blog exists to post photos of my kids and talk about the cute things they are doing.

As a departure from the norm, I would like a moment to highlight my cute husband.

Here are my two Carlos's together. Just like father, like son.

This weekend Carlos decided to tackle a home improvement project that has been irritating him since we moved into this house. In my mind I thought it was a small project. When I came to inspect the progress I found that he had completely taken the door (frame and all) off trying to figure out why everything was not square.

I got really nervous that the trim had been taken off and the carpet had been pulled back. I mean really, who just takes their house apart???? Carlos just calmly told me to relax, and reminded me that he was not my father (no offense dad!)

Unfortunately, I did not think to take a picture until he was putting everything back together.

This morning he was trying to get me to make cookies for his home teaching families. I told him if he wanted cookies to make them himself, so he did. So if you get a plate of cookies from Carlos today, know that this is the first batch of cookies he has ever made on his own, and he did it just for you!

The kids wanted in on that action.

What a sweet cute man. I sure do love him and all the funny things he does.

Twilight

2008-11-21T11:11:00.000-08:00

If being such a huge fan of Twilight that I stayed out til all hours of the morning to see the midnight movie premiere is wrong,

I just don't want to be right!

My baby is 2!

2008-11-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

On November 12th our Charlie Bear turned 2. Since I just don't know how to do anything on a small scale, his birthday festivities went on for days.

On the morning of his birthday he woke up to a new Thomas the Train set from Grandma Sandy and Grandpa Tom.

Big sister was there every step of the way to help him out!

In true Charlie fashion he discovered it was much more fun to crawl on top of the train table.

The only way I was able to get him up to the table to eat breakfast was to bring the new train with him. In fact he and his Thomas the tank engine were inseparable all day. Thomas came with us on our errands, napped with him and ultimately went to bed with him that night.

We had our family over for a little birthday party that night.

Mamita and Papa Carlos sent him a diablo rojo (red devil) just like the one his daddy used to terrorize the neighborhood on when he was a toddler. He LOVES it!

To protect his little noggin. Carlos has joked about keeping a helmet on the boy at all times. Now that he has a pair of wheels under him I decided it was time.

After a day of excitement, this is how I found my baby. All but falling asleep, but finding just enough energy to play with his train for just a few more minutes. Notice his Thomas the Train jammies.

AND THEN. . .

Abby and I made a pinata. We dug down to our Latin roots and created a great balloon shaped party toy. It was messy and time consuming, and Abby loved it!

It took days for it to dry, but no fear. . . it was ready in time for a get together we had with some friends.

Young and old had a great time taking a whack and our creation.

I think Charlie had more fun helping his dad with the rope.

Then it was time for cake and ice cream again. It just never gets old!

We had a had a great time this week. Thanks to all who have helped us celebrate!

Beautiful Day

2008-11-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

For all our East and West Coast friends, I have to brag a minute. The weather here in Georgia is perfect right now! It is a crisp 60 degrees outside, and the leaves are just now turning colors. The kids would spend the entire day outside if I were to allow it, so it was no surprise that after church today I could not get them inside. I gave up trying, and just grabbed the camera to get a few "Fall" shots of them.

The real Halloween

2008-11-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

Another Halloween has come and gone, and it was full of parties, candy and trick or treating. My kids are on an amazing sugar high.

Halloween day I was finally able to force Charlie into his scarecrow costume. I was only able to do it by promising lots of candy.

The hat was only on his head for about 30 seconds, and I was never able to get a shot of him smiling with it on. . . the things I ask for!

Here is my princess Belle. Being almost 4 Abby completely understood the concept of Trick or Treating, thus the smile!

Here are some better pictures of her amazing hair.

View from the back.

We went to old downtown Newnan for Trick or Treating around the town square Halloweeen morning. We went with our friends Noel and Ashlee Meadows. It was really fun to spend time with them and see the hundreds of kids in their costumes.

Here is proof that I was there also! Charlie was too busy on his 15th lolly of the day to look at the camera.

Here we are ready to go out for the evening, and my last attempt to get a good picture of the two of them together. Not really successful!

Attempt #2

And to cap off the Halloween experience, we had dental appointments this morning. When I scheduled dentist appointments on November 1st, I TOTALLY did not take in account Halloween being the day before. I guess that means I need to throw out all the candy. . . right.

Halloween Happenings

2008-10-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

We have many Halloween events happening this year, and today I finally decided I should take a few pictures.

Here is a preview of what the Gonzalez children will look like tomorrow.

Today was Abby's Halloween Party and School. Here she is with Miss Carrie and Miss Tracy.

Here is the masked beauty with her girlfriends

I wish you could see how amazing her hair is! I am NUTS to spend so much time on a 3 year olds hair!

Here is one of the "Mummy Dogs" I spent the morning creating.

The entire class reading a Halloween story

Belle and Ariel eating their treats

This is not "the end," just "wait until tomorrow!"

Saftey First!

2008-10-20T09:42:00.001-07:00

Abby is really mov'in and grov'in on her tricycle. After crashing and burning a few times we decided a helmet would not be a bad idea! Since it is purple with huge pink flowers Abby thinks it is pretty awesome!

Lucky Abby, the set came with elbow and knee pads.

Charlie likes to hop on for a ride.

Pretty dang cute!

Wanna good laugh?

2008-10-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.peteyandpetunia.com/VoteHere/VoteHere.htm

Halloween ruined

2008-10-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

Halloween is going to suck this year!

(I stole this from my friend Kelly's blog!)

Photo update

2008-10-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

I just don't have it in me to come up with witty commentary on my photos. For now just enjoy updated pics of the kids.

Birthday party at the park

Ready for church

Conference Sunday cookies:

Chuck E Cheeses

Sunday afternoon arts and crafts

Hope you all have a great week!

County Fair

2008-09-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

The Coweta County Fair is a pretty big deal around here, so I talked Carlos into taking the kids this afternoon. Today was the bovine competition, so were a LOT of cows, big belt buckles and boots! Funny, but I don't think we got one picture of a cow!

I pretty much think the kids were in heaven.

We asked Abby to pose for the picture and she decided to kiss the chick. Cute, and a little gross.

Charlie was delighted to find an egg in this chicken cage. While I had my head turned to take the picture he reached in and picked it up. OUPS!

The highlight of the fair was the nasty stinky petting zoo. Here are the kids feeding the rams.

This camel was VERY aggressive and bit Carlos's finger when trying to take the entire cup of food from his hand. Charlie, like with all things in his life, had no fear and stuck his entire hand in the camel's mouth.

And here is my "Oh so cautious" Abby.

I don't think I have ever seen a Kangaroo at a petting zoo.

Abby has this thing lately of naming things. Watch and witness.

And what fair experience would be complete without cotton candy? Don't worry, we all washed our hands SEVERAL times, and used germ juice (anti-bacterial) as backup!

What a fun day!

I love him already!

2008-09-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

On Thursday September 26th my brother and sister-in-law had their first child. Congratulations Rob and Mel! At 8lbs, 9oz and a day overdue I have no idea how Mel did it.

Rob and Mel NEVER discussed their short list of baby names. Secretly we were all afraid they had some horrific name selected that they did not want to get flack about from the peanut gallery. Who knew the secrecy was for the big surprise! I am pleased to welcome Thomas Jaden Glade to the family! The name is especially special because he is named after my own sweet dad, Thomas Glade.

Don't you think he is just perfect?

Grandpa Tom

2008-09-13T13:11:00.001-07:00

We were very very lucky to have a quick visit from Grandpa Tom this week. He was in Atlanta for meetings, and extended his trip to visit us. We all had a great time with him, and Abby was heart broken when we dropped him off at the airport.

Abby was super impressed that Grandpa sat down in the middle of the driveway to do chalk art with her.

Grandpa did "dad art" on the left, and Abby's self portrait is on the right.

We decided to take the kids to the aquarium. He is a brave man to go anywhere in public with these two! He was so fun and patient that we all had a great time. Grandpa wanted Abby to see everything up close. She loved the attention, and especially loved her Grandpa Tom!

Thanks for a great visit dad. We miss you all ready!

Labor Day at the Park

2008-09-04T17:04:00.001-07:00

All last week we were cooped up inside with our Abby. Sometime during her first week of school she picked up a stomach virus and strep throat. The child who stopped taking naps a year ago, did not get out of bed all day long. A few times I picked her up and moved her to the couch, but ended up napping the day away there. She was just the most pathetic thing you have ever seen!

We finally got the right medication on Friday, and by Monday she was really feeling better. Over breakfast on Labor Day Monday, Abby said to me, "Mom, let's get out the house and go somewhere today!" We were all ready for a fun outting! And what is more fun than the park?!

I love this series of action shots
1.

2.

3.

I love her committment in this one!

He really is my little monkey!

"Dad this is kid stuff"

Just hangin out!

So. . . we are still working on getting rid of the passy! But what a handsome boy!

I have failed!

2008-09-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

As I wrap up the second of two really challenging days with my children, I have the overwhelming feeling that I am failing as a parent. I am talking about public temper tantrums on such a grand of scale that I wanted to crawl under a rock and DIE! Charlie's was at Target and involved flinging of popcorn, and Abby's was at school this afternoon. Abby's was particularly mortifying because it was in front of her entire pre-school and their parents. D id I mention that I feel that I am failing as a parent? Sure sure they are clean, groomed and well fed a majority of the time. Where I get the big fat F is in discipline.

Before I had kids I would watch misbehaving children with a critical eye. I made mental notes of all the behaviors my own children would never display. And since I didn't enter motherhood until I was almost 30, I had compiled a lengthy list! What I did not take in account was the personalities with which my children would come hard wired. They are NOTHING like me! They are not motivated, nor intimidated by the same things. I whole heartedly say they both take after their father, which is not a bad thing. . . just one I don't always understand!

Today while I was discussing my woes with Carlos, I found myself saying that I just want to love the kids and not have to be ugly with them. It wasn't until the words came out of my mouth that I realized what I was saying. So unfortunately for the Gonzalez children, mom is turning over a new leaf!

Any good advise you have to share about disciplining headstrong children, pass it along please. :) Are there any books out there that have helped you?

I am sure you have a hard time imaging either of these two cuties misbehaving!

First Day of School

2008-08-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

It's that time a year once again when parents world over rejoice at sending their children back to school! Although we have had a fun summer with beach vacations, pool time, arts and crafts and lots of play dates, I am eager to get back on a schedule!

Here is Abby this morning before we left.

Notice the cute new school shoes!

What a cutie pie!

After school with a few of her good school friends. From left to right: Emma, Autumn and Abby.

Looking back to last year, here is Abby on her first day of 2-year old preschool. Makes me a little sad she is growing so fast!

We love the Olympics

2008-08-19T11:21:00.001-07:00

I have pretty much stopped watching TV (aside from the Disney Channel and PBS.) I am so sick of listening about our crappy economy, the war, the upcoming elections, and endless crime. The state of our nation pretty much depresses me!

UNTIL the Olympics started. I have been glued to the TV every night. Every time one of our athletes does well I have a swelling pride for the country that I have not felt in a while! Yea for the Olympics!

I have discovered that Abby enjoys watching the gymnastics (just like her mommy!) So I have been taping them and replaying it for her the next day. Take a look!

Elmo Slippers

2008-08-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Our Charlie has a thing about shoes. The other night he found Abby's Elmo slippers, and thought he hit the jack-pot! We got such a kick watching him run around in them, we had to take these videos!

It's been a while

2008-08-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

My blog was been rather neglected lately. I know the family is regularly checking for updated pictures of the kids, so here you go!

The other day I went outside to find my family huddled up around something.

The kids were very interested with something in daddy's hand!

After they lost the rolly-polly, they decided to take the bike for a spin around the driveway. Charlie jumped on for a ride.

I pretty much think they are the cutest (Carlos included!)

Bye bye good friend

2008-07-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had to say good bye to our friend Ava Alm who left for Ohio. We will miss you!

Abby and Ava were good pals at pre-school last year, and along with friend Autumn have continued to play over the summer. Lucky for us we were able to fit in a couple extra play dates while Ava's mom was packing and loading up the truck.

Ava's mommy once said to me, "I think Ava and Abby are kindred spirits." I know she is right. These are two headstrong, smart and SWEET little girls!

But they do differ in their desire to preform in front of an audience. Abby is not too keen on the idea, and Ava LOVES it. . . take a look! She was always the best part of the school programs.

Miss you already, and please stay in touch!

Yesterday

2008-07-31T12:42:00.000-07:00

Yes we are still alive, and surviving a sultry Georgia summer! We have stayed busy busy busy with play dates, trips to the swimming pool and whatever else we can think of to stay cool and have fun!

Yesterday I hauled myself and the kids to the gym. Afterwards I decided to make a quick stop by the gas station to pick up a Gatorade and a little treat for the kiddos. As we were checking out I noticed the lady in front of us looking over the kids, and then me. Because of my fair skin and blue eyes, and the dark brown color of the kids hair and eyes I get this a lot. I KNEW what was coming next. She said, "they are beautiful. . . are they yours?" I of course reply, "yes, thank you. We think so too!" But I could tell that was not going to be enough with this lady, so I felt compelled to add, "they take after their father." That seem to satisfy her and she was on her way.

Minutes later as I was strapping the kids into their car seats, she approached me again and said, "I only asked about the kids because I did not think you were old enough to have children. I thought you were a teen-ager." NOT EXPECTING THAT! I quickly let her know that she made my day, and that at 32 I was definitely old enough to have kids. I immediately called Carlos to tell him the story! She really did make my day yesterday. . .come to think of it today also!

God Bless the USA

2008-07-13T07:12:00.000-07:00

I think I am finally able to discuss our trip back into the country after our exciting trip to Costa Rica. Whenever we have told the story of our chaotic adventure the response has always been, “You have got to write that down!” So here goes!

We were on a 7am flight out of Liberia, and we were staying about an hour away requiring us to leave the house at 4 am to return the rental car and get checked in at the airport on time.

Everything on the Costa Rica side was very uneventful. During the three hour flight the kids only slept about 30 minutes. I really had hoped for longer so I could sneak in a nap myself. No such luck! Our flight had a stop in Houston where we were to go through Customs, and then on to Atlanta. We had about an hour and a half layover, so everything should have been fine. . . right?

The Justices and Alba were ahead of us in Customs, and because of the need to hurry they went ahead. When we got up to our Customs Officer he welcomed us into the country, and that was the last thing he said that I appreciated. After fiddling with our passports for what seemed like and eternity he turned to us and said to Carlos, “Unfortunately you have a common name. I am sorry but I am going to have to detain you.” He then explained that I was going to have to take the children to the other side of the secure area, and then called an officer escort for Carlos. We agreed to meet on the other side of the ropes when Carlos was done. Carlos did his best to give me a reassuring look trying to let me know everything was going to be fine.

Rewind one year earlier: When we went through Customs after our cruise Carlos and his father whose name is also Carlos were questioned, but quickly released. An inconvenience, but in the end it was no big deal. Then last summer we found out Carlos’s builder’s risk insurance had lapsed because the underwriter had flagged Carlos as a potential terrorist. That’s right TERRORIST! My sweet, kind baby-faced husband!

Back to Houston Customs: I do my best to keep my two very tired children happy while my husband is being questioned as a potential terrorist. After about ten minutes of course the kids start to get restless. But this is when my story takes a real turn for the worse! Charlie at this point gets EXPLOSIVE diarrhea and blows out every direction of his diaper. OK fine, I am an experienced mother, I can deal with this. There is no bathroom in sight, and some how his change of clothes were not packed in my carry-on-bag where I thought they were. Well I do the best I can to clean him up right there on the airport floor. Nothing else I could do.

This would be a good point in the story to let you know that neither Carlos nor I brought our cell phones on the trip. Really when you think about it we should not have needed them. After all, they would not even work in CR and we would always be together.

I estimate it had been about 30 minutes since we had been separated when Abby started telling me she needed to go potty. Reminder, no restroom in sight. I assure her that daddy will be back soon, and then we can find a potty. About every thirty seconds she whines and tells me of her potty needs, but then it escalates into her stomach hurting. So after ten minutes of her crying for a potty I call an officer over to where I am waiting. I explain that my husband is being detained and that my daughter REALLY needs to use the restroom. She starts to explain the only restroom we can use is on the other side of security, and then she looks down and my sweet beautiful little girl crying and holding her belly. The officer takes pity on us, and takes us back into the Customs area, and into a holding room that happens to have a restroom. GREAT! Well, I am sure you can tell where this part of the story is going. Abby’s belly felt about the same as Charlie’s. I cannot imagine how she held it in for so long. The girl was really sick with sweat chills and all. I just felt awful for her.

When we finally emerge from the restroom, ten minutes had passed. I know this because I asked an officer in the holding area if they could tell me the location of my husband. Bothered by my question, he informs me that he was released ten minutes prior from that very same room. Carlos and I figure that it was just moments after I entered that area, and he was released from the back room were he was questioned. OH GREAT! We were not in our agreed meeting place. So I nearly run to where we were to meet, no Carlos. I knew he would go down to luggage claim looking for us. I knew that because there logically NO WHERE else for us to be. So I drag my two sick kids down to luggage. It was a complete ghost town down there. NO CARLOS. An employee runs to me from the other side of the room to tell me that my husband had just been there, but just left. Carlos was assured there were no other restrooms than the one on the other side of security; his only thought is that is where I had to be.

So I follow in the direction that the employee points. Problem is that I did not have the declaration form necessary to finally pass through Customs. One form is needed per family, and Carlos had ours. As the officer start harassing me for not having said form I interrupted him by asking what I needed to do (I was in no mood to be scolded.) He eventually admitted that he had OUR form right in front of him and that I was free to go. FINE! Next I have to get the three of us through security. Shoes off, stroller broken down, and all bags on conveyor belt. Done. Now I have to reassemble everything (I mention this because I depend on Carlos to help me get this task accomplished in a timely manner to not form a huge line behind us. Well I just did the best that I could.)

Once I join all the domestic passengers there is still no sign of Carlos. I know we have missed our connecting flight to Atlanta, but decided to make my way to the gate it left from hoping to find Carlos there. I make my way down a very long corridor, and still no sign of him.

I realize my best bet is an airport page to help me meet up with him. I can see no courtesy phone, information center or any sign of help! The info desk I did was deserted. Being very tired, with two sick children, and frustrated to unspeakable levels I loose it! By the time I found a security guard I am sure I was a sight! I explain the situation, my husband was detained, my children got sick, yadda yadda yadda. The guard was very nice and was ready to page Carlos when I heard a page for me to meet my party at security at gate E. I was at security at gate E. Suddenly I had 5 different guard yelling, “Carlos Gonzalez.” That is when I found him rounding the corner. I have never in my life been so happy to see anybody!!!!!!!!!! YAY!

Once reunited the diarrhea saga continues but I will spare you all the details. If you are truly interested I we be more then willing to go into detail about the women's bathroom in Terminal C that will never be the same thanks to Charlie.

Obliviously we did eventually make it back to Atlanta. It has taken some time to find the humor in the story, but I think I am there. I am just not eager to travel out of the country for quite some time!

Why I cried myself to sleep last night

2008-07-03T06:09:00.001-07:00

I have never been able to give Abby a real hair cut. I have always loved her baby ringlettes.

But after three and a half years of growth it was time. The bottom 4-5 inches of her hair had become impossible to brush through, causing tears every time I would try to tame that mane. I finally admitted she was looking a bit ragged, and the truth of the matter is that she never wore her hair down because it no longer looked cute.

So yesterday she started the day off looking like this:

And ended up looking like this:

Once we got all the dead ends cut off it was MUCH shorter than I intended. I spent all evening on the verge of tears, but waited until she went to bed to loose it! Luckily she loves her new haircut, and tells me how beautiful she looks. She is so adorable!

Costa Rica part 1

2008-07-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

We spent a wonderful week in Playa Grande, Costa Rica. It is about 1 hour away from the Liberia airport. The area was quite rural with cows, goats and horses around every turn (and often in the middle of the road!)

We went with our in-laws the Justice's and Carlos's mom Alba. We had such fun family time. We spent all day playing with each other because we had no TV and one van for travel. Those factors insured plenty of togetherness!

Costa Rica is known for it's surfing, especially on the Pacific side. The water was warm, the sand was squishy, and had lots of shells. Abby was in heaven!

Somehow we were even able to talk our cautious Abby into giving it a try. The first couple of times she loved it, but by the time we got the camera out there her face was telling another story!

The beach had yards and yards of shallow water where the kids were able to run around and play on their own. Charlie was fearless! A wave would knock him on his face, and he would get back up and keep going.

Every once in a while I like to prove I was on the trip by taking a self photo.

Abby really bonded with her Tia Claudia. She always wanted to sit next to her in the van and dinner, and basically followed her around.

Oh look, I really was there!

Mamita loved all the FRUIT! She spent lots and lots of time in the produce section picking out fruit that simply is not available here in the states. I tried lots of new things. My favorite was called grenadia otherwise known as "snot fruit." It was really disgusting looking, but very tasty.
I think Carlos and Claudia were most excited about the green mangos. One day we pulled over on the side of the road, picked about two dozen little unripe mangos off off the tree. When we got home we cubed them and ate them with salt. I am being completely honest when I say they were the MOST sour thing I have ever eaten in my life! Claudia and Carlos just could not get enough. I think ate them out of peer pressure!

On the way back into town one day we decided to stop in the nicer grocery store, unfortunately we had all the kids with us. They were pretty much driving us crazy as we tried to stock up on the essentials for the rest of the week. Uncle Jared rounded them all up, bought them all an ice cream, and then lined them up on the floor. I rounded the corner and saw this! It was much funnier in real life!

Somehow the day always ended like this for Charlie!

The house was really open with critters always crawling across the floor. Carlos noted that when you sit still, the ground was always moving. Mamita taught Abby that the hermit crabs do not pinch, so Abby started collecting them. Daily she would get a pair of tongs and a pot and collect crabs. She would name them, feed them, and play with them. Who would have thunk it???

There are a ton of pictures I need to get from Jared and Claudia. I don't have any pictures of the zip-line canopy tour that we took. It was amazing and SO FUN! So stayed tuned!

Beach House

2008-07-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

This was our beach house.

YES!!!!

2008-07-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

YES we are back from Costa Rica! YES we had a great time! YES I will upload more pictures soon! STOP YELLING AT ME!!!!!

This is just steps away from our beach house. Not to bad is it?

My little fish. . . kindof

2008-06-16T18:00:00.001-07:00

For the last two weeks Abby has been attending swimming lessons. I thought it would be a good way to let her get more confident in the water. Before the lessons it was hard to coerce her off the steps. The first week of lessons she cried the entire time we got her ready for lessons, the car ride over, and the entire 30 min lesson. I suspect Miss Tiler has had unhappy students like Abby in the past, because she ignored every tear and would just dunk her in the water!

As we started the second week the sobs and tears were not quite so severe, but present. The last two days of lessons I think she finally started having fun. She learned to pull herself out of the pool (handy for when she accidentally falls into the pool,) to kick, to scoop water, to blow bubbles and to go under water.

This weekend we went over to Aunt Claudia and Uncle Jared's house. If I knew then what I know now, I would have skipped the lessons and thrown Abby in the pool with Uncle Jared. Within 10 minutes he had her swimming to him from 6-10 feel away. I was amazed!

Notice Abby negotiating with the teacher. Then her cute friend tries to reassure her that it is fun. Miss Tiler finally gets tired of Abby's antics and ends up pulling her into the pool. Classic Abby!

Can't help it!

2008-06-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

I just cannot resist sharing this photo of Charlie. Isn't he the cutest ever???

Big Boy Haircut!

2008-06-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Carlos decided it was time to give Charlie a military haircut. When I agreed to let him do it, I was assured that it was just going to be a trim. By the time I realized what was going on, all the curls were all ready gone. :(

As sad as I am about the curls being gone, I have to admit he does look rather handsome! It's a great haircut.

Da Beach

2008-06-04T11:12:00.001-07:00

The Glade Family (actually the Bagley, Glade, Gonzalez and Sullivan Families) spent a wonderful week and the beach. We all met down in Destin Florida and rented a beach house together. The weather could not have been better, and it was so so so so so fun to be with family!

Here we all are on Grandma Sandy's birthday.

The Gonzalez's looking nice and tan. I could not believe how quickly my kids browed right up! Really should not be a shocker, but it still was!

Katie, Becky and me. . . can you tell we are sisters?

What a cutie!

Grandpa Tom

Our house had a pool, so when the beach got to dirty and sandy, we had a great outdoor alternative! Nice hat Becky!

As long and ducky was nearby, Abby enjoyed the pool.

The last day of the trip we gave in, and took Abby to ride the train that drove around the shopping mall. THRILLING! But Abby liked it!

It was so hard to leave, and I am already missing my sisters!

IIntendedToBlogAboutItitis

2008-05-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

There are so many little things that occur during my daily activities that I think would make fun blog entries. As I go about my tasks I mentally write entries, and I might add very clever and funny ones at that!!!

Here is a taste of what you are missing:

Dutiful due to the Dentist!
You all would have really loved the one about my kids first trip the the pediatric dentist. And since that time how they are obsessed with brushing their teeth!

Stage Fright
The one I composed about Abby's stage fright at her end of the year program was priceless! During the practices leading up the program her teacher told me she was really into it, and was the "loud child." But when performance night came along it was a different story!

For those of you that have followed the story during the school year, Ryan is the boy on her left. Also notice how much smaller she is then the other kids in her class!

She was very serious during the entire program. She did everything she was instructed, but did not once crack a smile.

We Crashed the Class Party!
The entry about Abby's end of the year school party was only so-so but I had good pictures as filler.

This is Abby's bestest friend Autumn. They were pals at school since day one. We have a theory that it is because they were the only little girls in the class with brown hair!

This is Abby's sweet teach Miss Marcia. WE LOVE HER!

Flowerpot Fiasco!
But, I would have totally redeemed myself with the blog about making our end of the year flower pots. The gist of that one was what a colossal bad idea it was to paint on the back deck with a 3-year old, a 18 months old and the dog. Really I have to question my sanity from time to time!

I am so sad that I didn't get a picture of the dog with blue paint all over her head (thanks to Charlie!)

The end result was pretty cute if I say so myself!

So really I have not neglected my blog at all recently due to all my mental entries. I have just forgotten to transfer them over to the blog! I have named this disorder: I-Intended-T0-Blog-About-It-itis. Bad for the blog, but not fatal. I fear the only treatment is to find a few more hours in the day. So I fear this condition is chronic!

Lucky Me!

2008-05-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

I have had the greatest day!

I got to sleep in til 8:15am because Carlos got up with the kids. When I did get my lazy buns out of bed I was treated to a waffle breakfast. YUM YUM! Abby made me this masterpiece at school. Look closely and you can see the art it made from Abby's palm, finger and thumb prints. I love that she is old enough to make me art presents!

It only gets better from here!

Then my dear friend and old roommate Shona and her husband Brant arrived on my doorstep (OK, I knew they were coming.)

We spent most of the day together and just sitting around and visiting. Funny enough Carlos and Brant know each other from their missions. What a small world? It was so fun to just see them, and talk about what they are doing these days up in Portland. Although our lives have taken such different paths, fundamentally we are doing the very same things; working, running after two kids and just doing our best to be good people! Shona, if you ever read this. . . please please please come back soon! Love your guts!

This evening we went to Mamita's house for dinner. I don't think I have posted much about my in-laws, but let me just say they are the most easy-going people EVER. LOVE THEM. It was so nice to sit back and relax and have the kid run crazy around us. Charlie escaped the day without any major injuries, but we did find him playing in the litter box for Mamita's cat. YUCK!!!!

Mother's Day was a true delight, and now I am exhausted! Off to bed for me! :)

Dear Crayola

2008-05-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

To Whom it May Concern,

I recently purchased your Tadoodles from the Beginnings for toddlers product line because of your claims that they are "mess free."

I beg to differ with that statement!

Sincerely,
Concerned Consumer!

Birthday Fun

2008-04-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

I just recently had one of my more memorable birthdays. Not that the age was a milestone or anything like that, it is just that Carlos went out of his way to make it fun.

I slept into 8am that morning only because the kids slept in, and since we were down one car that day I was not going anywhere. Carlos kept on nudging me to get out of bed. I was a bit irritated until I saw why we was so eager for me to visit the kitchen. He had done a bit of decorating and shopping.

Who thinks we wrapped these himself?

Later that day he showed up with this delectible delight!

I set it down on the counter, and a few minutes later caught Abby helping herself!

That night a friend watched the kids, and Carlos and I went out for a steak dinner. Yu-ummy! All and all it was a great day. Thanks to all for helping make it that way!

Catching Up

2008-04-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

Spring is a beautiful time in Georgia. After what seems an eternal winter, my kids just cannot get enough of the great outdoors!

Doesn't Abby look "so cool" in her Dora sunglasses!

Grandma Sandy was here last week. I am not sure who was more happy to have her here, me or Abby. Grandma and Abby can snuggle and read books for hours! I loved having adult company and an extra pair of arms to help me save Charlie from himself!

Speaking of Charlie, he is his own worst enemy! He is into, and on top of everything! Last week he climbed on top of the kitchen table, emptied the salt shaker and made finger art. He did try to eat a handful, but quickly regretted the decision!

But I can never stay upset with him for long. . . look at those big brown eyes!!!!!

I found the greatest toy this week. It is a battery operated bubble blower. It has provided our family with hours of fun so far.

Charlie is even saying "bubble" because he loves it so much!

But at the end of the day, there is nothing better than snuggling up with daddy on the couch!

Official

2008-04-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hilltop Homes looks so official now!

Doesn't it make you want to build a new house or landscape something????

Conference Sunday

2008-04-06T12:15:00.001-07:00

There are so many things I love about Conference Sunday:

1. You are allowed to wear your PJ's all day! It is now 3:30pm and yes Charlie is still in his jammies.

2. We get to stay home all day, and not be expect to go anywhere (which is especially nice for me because Spring in Georgia does terrible things to my allergies!) This is our backyard today. We had no idea that we had flowering dogwood trees. Beautiful and deadly!

3. Cookies. Abby and I have a tradition of making cookies together on Conference Sunday. This is what happens when your 3-year-old takes control of the speed on the mixer! We had a nice dusting of flour everywhere, but the cookies are sure tasty!

4. Conference. I got a bit misty as Abby stood with our family to sustain our new prophet yesterday.

I love these inspiring talks, and more importantly the spirit I feel in our home. Hope many of your are enjoying your Conference weekend also!

My Erin

2008-04-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

A year has come and gone since I lost one of my best, always honest, most loyal friends Erin Roberts Rolfson. http://erin-roberts-rolfson.blogspot.com/

She passed away from cancer just days after delivering her third child. I have missed my friend terribly and have yet to filled the whole in my heart that was carved out when she was taken from us.

Erin and I met our freshman year of college. We were in the same Dance Aerobic class and lived in the same apartment complex. Our class started at 8:30am. I am sure it will not come as a shock that I had a hard time getting to class seeing that I am neither a morning person or an avid workout fan. Erin would come and pull me out of bed and get me to our class. The next semester I moved with her. Erin made Rexburg, Idaho fun. She introduced me to fun friends, and was always organizing fun activities.

When the time came we both decided to transfer to BYU in Provo. We found a condo together with a few other girls. We felt like the outsiders because it seemed that everyone else in the complex had lived there for years already and were already friends. That certainly was not going to stop our "Little Erin!" That girl was a force to be recon'ned with! She organized dinner parties, was at every ward activity (including ward prayer) and pulled me right along with her. The best plan that we hatched was to make homemade ice cream outside. It was amazing how many people ventured out of their condos to come visit with us to guarantee a taste. In no time flat we were IN! She even met and eventually married one of our great friends Boyd that we met right there in Stratford Court.

For four and a half years we were buddies, at times enemies and always sisters. We had classic BYU "room mate dating issues." We shared our clothes. We were each other's loudest cheerleaders. Erin studied social work and ended up getting her Masters and eventually worked for LDS Social Services as a counselor. Erin would listen, I mean really listen and had the gift of helping you see things in a new light or different perspective.

After I graduated from BYU I left for DC to tackle the world. But Erin was still my greatest cheer leader from thousands of miles away. She celebrated my successes with me, and spent hours on the phone with me when I thought my heart could not have been more broken. In the spring of 2002 the Rolfson clan came out to DC.

They met the guy I had recently started dating. Erin instantly decided that he was one of the "good guys," and I was not to let him go. She kept up with our blossoming relationship. When Carlos and I got engaged she was as excited as any other member of my family. She even arranged her schedule and coordinated a babysitter in order to go wedding dress shopping with me when I went to Utah to plan our wedding.

Right after Carlos and I were married we moved to Georgia. I felt so alone in my new home, but my Erin was still there on the other end of the receiver.

My heart broke when I found out she had cancer. She put off telling me for a couple of months because she told me she knew she was going to fall apart telling me. And we did. That day we were "undone." These things don't happen to my 30 year old health-nut friends! But I never thought it was going to take her life. Erin was so strong willed and had an unshakable faith that I knew she was going to beat this thing. I was convinced that she was going to have one of those unbelievable faith promoting stories told in general conference.

Erin was nearing her due date so I called to check on her. I was not prepared for what I heard on the other end of the phone. My Erin was in such pain. She explained that it was pregnancy pains, but I know she knew they were not. She knew that cancer had taken over her body. She was scared but strong. That day more than anything I wanted to hold my Erin. I wanted to be with her. In some way I wanted to give just a little love and compassion back to her that she had given me for over 10 years. Why was this happening?

Everything happened so fast. I didn't get to tell her goodbye. I hope she knew I loved her. I hope she understood how much I appreciated her presence in my life.

I still don't understand why it had to happen. Why?

Although the faith promoting story did not end as I had expected, it is still a faith promoting experience. I know without a shadow of a doubt that we will embrace, cry and laugh together again one day. That's is if I can become half the woman she is. I would like to think in the last year I have held on to my husband a little tighter, that I have embraced my children longer. I want to believe that I have tried harder at making those I love know I love them. And thinking about her today has renewed my resolve to be a better person in order to be with my Erin.

I love my Erin.

I am a sucker for these things!

2008-04-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

I saw this test on my friend Laura's blog, and had to do it myself.

I rec'in it's fitting that our Izzy is a Labrador Retriever!

btw: Abby took this picture herself.

Mel and Rob do you think you're a greyhound?

Overheard

2008-04-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

Carlos: Abby I love you. Will you always be my little girl?

Abby: Yes, giggle giggle.

Carlos: Will you take care of me when my hair is white?

Abby: Yes! Daddy will you take care of me when my hair is pink?

Carlos: Definately!!!

Overheard tonight at dinner.

Carlos: Abby you have to eat to get big and strong.

Abby: But then I will not be your little girl.

Abby finds every opportunity to get outside to play with her sidewalk chalk. I love this last photo the best because you can see the picture she drew of herself. She was so proud. I especially love the hair on the top of her head. What an artist!!!!!!!

All right, I am off to watch American Idol!

Easter Fun

2008-03-23T18:48:00.001-07:00

Pre Easter Fun

2008-03-22T18:59:00.001-07:00

Today was our huge and amazing ward Easter Egg Hunt (I am the ward activities leader, can't you tell?!!!!) We started our morning doing this:

,

Charlie was pretty funny, he would pick an egg up, open it, take a bite of the candy, chuck the candy, and then start the process again. Abby on the other hand was on a mission! She seriously was RUNNING from egg to egg. Shocker!

This is what we did in the middle of the day:

We make sure to have arts and crafts time with Abby every day. Decorating egg took it to a whole new level. I tell you the girl was serious about this project.

And sadly, this was the end of our day!

Amazing that the bowl did not break when Charlie pulled it off of the table full of eggs.

More to follow tomorrow.

Hope you and your loved ones are having a fun and safe Easter! When I take a break from all these pagan traditions I am going to reflect of the resurrection of our Savior. This time of year I feel joy not only that it is warming up outside and Georgia is once again getting green, I feel joy because Jesus lives! And because of him I too will have the opportunity to live with my Father in Heaven again someday! Life is so great, isn't it?

I have proof my kids are still alive

2008-03-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

I was just downloading 3 months of pictures from my memory card onto my computer when I realized I have not been sharing these gems with my blogging fans.

Charlie loves playing outside, especially in the car. I know, I know, his hair is a bit long. Don't worry, he got a mommy haircut. Might we a few weeks before you see any updated pictures of him! (you know, to let it grow a bit!)

Last summer Grandma Sandy let Abby pick flowers, a habit I have not broken yet!

Teaching Abby the art of self photos. I am sure I put makeup on that day, who know where is went!

When Carlos got home from his hunting trip, Charlie helped him unpack. He was especially excited about the big gloves!

On Monday we all wore green. I was teaching Abby to say Happy St. Patrick's Day, but that was a mouth-full, so we shortened it to Happy Green Day. She asked me if the next day could be Happy Pink Day. WHY NOT!

And me. I think I have recovered from the many diseases we have had in this house. I am even sporting a new dew. Don't I look exactly like Katie Holmes? I thought so too!!!!

Yippie. . . i've been tagged!

2008-03-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, how in the world did Kari know I wanted to be tagged more then anything in the world! I usually don't do these things, but I want her to think I am cool.

A- Attached or single: attached
B- Best Friend: Los
C-Cake or Pie: chocolate cake pleaz
D- Day of Choice: Saturday because that normally means Carlos is home to help with the off-spring.
E- Essential Item: a stash of fruit snacks in my bag
F- Favorite Color: blue
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: bears, they are a much more manageable size
H- Hometown: Plano, TX
I- Indulgence(s): chocolate and diet coke. This time of year I am obsessed with Cadbury Mini Eggs!
J- January or July: July for sure. January is depressing because it's cold and the holidays are over. And July is green and pretty and best of all there are the 4th and fireworks!
L-Life is incomplete without: Family
M- Marriage Date: December 28th, 2002
N- Number of Siblings: 3
O- Oranges or Apples: oranges
P- Phobias or Fears: I am terrified of heights. I also have a huge fear of bees and things that can sting me.
Q- Quote(s): I stole this quote from a friend's blog because I loved it!

"No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good. A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. This is an obvious lie. Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is. After all, you find out the strength of the German army by fighting it, not by giving in. You find out the strength of a wind by trying to walk against it, not by lying down. A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later. That is why bad people, in one sense, know very little about badness. They have lived a sheltered life by always giving in. We never find out the strength of the evil impulse inside us until we try to fight it: and Christ, because He was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means - the only complete realist." C.S. Lewis

R- Reason To Smile: my kiddies when they do something cute.
S- Season: summer
T- Tag Three: I'll go with my sisters: Becky, Katie and Melanie
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I was in the FFA in high school
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: I love me some red meat!
W- Worst Habit: leaving my clean laundry in the dryer (sometimes for days!)
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: ultrasounds
Y- Your Zodiac: Taurus
Z- ZWHERE did it go? huh?

Color Correction

2008-03-09T08:42:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I asked my adoring public for help. I think it was because of my short deadline that you all were of NO HELP, and I went ahead and picked Loyal Blue as my dining room color. Look at the disastrous results:

All I can say is . . . gooooooo cougars! WHAT WAS I THINKING???? I think it was the flu bug messing with my mind.

So, Carlos went snow goose hunting in Arkansas this weekend (what a redneck!!!!!) I decided to play "While you were out." So after I put the kids to bed and night I taped and painted. After several coats of paint I think this is much better!

I mentioned that I had to tape and paint at night because this is what happened when I tried to tape during the day. But look at that face, how could I possibly be mad!

If you cannot see, Charlie took a pencil to the wall.

As a follow up to the painting story, when Carlos got home last night he walked past the dining room at least 10 times and did not even notice the DRASTIC color change. When he took the trash out to the curb he noticed the paint can I stashed in the garage. It was then he asked me if I painted anything. I lost it at that point because he was standing in front of the dining room as he asked. He was delighted with the change, and is even up for the challenge of all the touch up work!

Go for Green!

2008-03-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

Years ago when Carlos and I were just dating we traveled down to Orlando to meet his family. It was a great trip, and his family was so warm, fun and friendly. I did however notice something about the Gonzalez's. . . they love all things green! Their house was a shade of green. They drove green cars. The room I stayed in had green carpet, and was painted just days before I got their from green to yellow. At that time Carlos drove a green car so I started to joke with him about Gonzalez's loving the color green.

The love of the color must come with the name. Many of you have asked for a photo of the new Gonzalez homestead. This house was built as a spec home. When Carlos asked me to pick colors for it I gave him two options. One was in the gray family and the other in the brown. He picked the grey, but somehow when it got up on the house it looks GREEN! So yes, we are once again in a green house. And we love it because we are GONZALEZ'S!

Logos

2008-03-04T07:44:00.000-08:00

Any one want to put together some logos for our companies:

Hilltop Homes
and
Shenandoah Landscaping

I know I know, I do marketing. But my strength is the broad strokes, not really logos. We need really easy simple logos for these two companies. I have a feeling we have some really talented friends out there, or at least friends who know talented friends.

If we use your logo, I will even send you a logo'ed t-shirt! Imagine the satisfaction of knowing your work would be displayed all over the Southern Atlanta area!

Love at Home

2008-03-02T15:18:00.001-08:00

Good news, I found the carpet. Yes, this house does have nice flooring that we have barely seen this week!

Tonight after dinner Carlos turned cartoons on for the kids. When I walked by Abby was cuddling with her brother. It was a really sweet rare moment. I ran to find the camera, but by the time I got back the cuteness was over. I did snap these photos anyway.

Charlie not looking so pleased.

Here is their compromise. . .

And once the boy noticed that I had the camera out, he decided to ham it up. Sure do love that kid!

It's like the desert

2008-02-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

Really, I feel like I have been in the desert for the last week with no water. Since the move, we have had no internet or TV! It doesn't sound that bad, but try it sometime!!!! I didn't mind the lack of TV until I realized I was missing American Idol, but internet on the other hand has been killing me!

So today after many failed attempts and poor customer service, we are once again connected! I think I could spend all day going through everyone's blog updates, but the unpacked boxes and general chaos are calling my name.

I will update more later. Just know that we are moved in, and everyone is doing well now. I came up with a new theory on moving. Moving is like childbirth. It is so traumatic that your mind blocks out exactly how awful it really is. . . and that is the only reason you are willing to do it over again! Ponder that women.

Facebook

2008-02-20T05:57:00.001-08:00

This is what you do when you cannot sleep and you are up with the flu:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1106167488

Fun, and a bit addicting! Sign up. . . come on, you know you want too!

My Funny Charlie

2008-02-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

For those of you keeping track, we still have the flu but hopefully on the mend.

Charlie is starting to come out of his sickly trance and feeling better. I know this because he once again wants to wear his shoes. Normally he insists on wearing his shoes all day long. I was happy tonight when he grunted and whined until we put his shoes on over his footed PJ's. He is such a funny little guy.

Footed PJ's and shoes, nice look Charlie!

Once Abby realized I had the camera out to take pictures of Charlie, she wanted to smile. Stinker! (Notice Charlie admiring his shoes!)

Awwww look, she really does love him!

HELP!

2008-02-14T17:57:00.000-08:00

The house we are moving into is one color. Any of you that have been to my current house know I love love love to decorate with different colors. I often reference the movie Fools Rush In and say, "My people love color!"

Back to the new house. It was built as a spec home, so I picked out a very nice neutral color, and it is wall to ceiling. http://sherlink.sherwin.com RAMIE

Because we don't plan on living in this house forever we don't want to put too much into it, but Carlos has agreed to paint the dining room. I am a little stumped.

My last dining room was Red Bay. So I don't want another red dining.

I am thinking maybe blue. Loyal Blue to be exact. Has anyone else seen a dining room they loved recently? The room has really beautiful trim white trim 1/3 the day up the all with judges panels. Any other ideas or suggestions? I've gotta decide tomorrow. Any input to would great!

Happy V Day

2008-02-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

Despite the entire family being sick with the flu (after 6 days of sickness and fever I have decided it's the flu,) we managed to have a nice Valentines day. The kids and I stayed in our jammies until noon. Carlos came home for lunch with these lovlies!

He even let me know he ordered them in advance, and that's why they looked so good. Good job Carlos, you must really love me!

I am a sucker for these little quizes, so if you have 2 minutes take it yourself!

Love you all on this day of love!

Your Candy Heart Says "Hug Me"

A total sweetheart, you always have a lot of love to give out.

Your heart is open to where ever love takes you!

Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a surprise romantic evening that you've planned out

Your flirting style: lots of listening and talking

What turns you off: fighting and conflict

Why you're hot: you're fearless about falling in love

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

Happy Birthday Rob!

2008-02-11T08:05:00.001-08:00

Today is my big brother's (my only brother's) birthday. Happy birthday big guy! Hope you have a wonderful day. And once again congratulations on your big news! You and Melanie are going to be GREAT parents!!!!!

We are sick

2008-02-11T05:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry there has been such a lack of new postings. The kids started off a little under the weather, and like any good family that teaches the need to share. . . Carlos and I now have raging colds.

Stay tuned, we should have posts on Valentines Day, the BIG MOVE, painting, and getting settled in the "green house."

What a sweet tribute

2008-01-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

Funny to use the word sweet with Glenn Beck, but I really loved the way he was able to share his feelings about our dear prophet with a mainstream audience. Vanessa, thanks for finding this!