Wordless Wednesday

Nate and the GIANT ONION

We've been Encountered

Last weekend Naty and I went on a "retreat" put on by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, our Priest suggested that we go (I tried getting out of it with the whole breastfeeding thing and he said, uuh no) and I was a little upset that it was a prerequisite before having our marriage blessed. As soon as we get to the hotel room Naty turns on the TV and I desperately search for a WiFi signal, it was ridiculous, I was holding my laptop in the air like that was going to make it any better and Naty was cussing up a storm as he searched for the Dodger game. It was not a great start to our "retreat" and I felt very anxious about being away from Nate and NOT knowing what the weekend had in store for us.

We make our way to the conference room and are given these big ole' books with loads of info that looks totally boring. Then I start to look around the room and notice everyone looks.....weird, I mean very different from us. For almost 1.5 hours I didn't pay attention and spent most of the time thinking of the kids and writing a big ole list of Things to do. As I look over at Naty, he's being a sponge and totally into it, I started to feel bad cause I wasn't mentally there. I felt even more bad when Naty reached over, grabbed my hand and told me he loved me. That is when I started paying attention. Before you know it, they sent the men back to their own rooms and had the women stay in the conference room and the question we had to answer was, "What do I appreciate most about you?" I spilled my guts out and wrote for the entire time they gave us and once the time was up we went to our rooms to meet with our hubbies and share what each other wrote. I really thought I'd find Naty messing with the sleep number bed or watching TV but NO, I was totally wrong, he was sitting on the table writing his little heart away. We shared what each other wrote and that's when we had a moment, I feel great about what had happened at that moment. I then told myself that I was going to stop being so close-minded and take advantage of the weekend.

Over the course of the weekend we wrote "love letters" to each other and did lots of sharing. It's a great way to get your emotions out without interruptions and basically being brutally honest about your feelings. This method is called "dialoguing" isn't that brilliant?!? it's a conversation between two people, WOW! whodathunkit? it worked for us and we're happy so we'll be dialoguing every night from now on, we had our first homework last night and it was great.

Oh and the "weirdos" weren't so weird afterall, they were actually amazing people with lots in common with Naty and I. I felt bad about everything that went on in my head but I'm glad that I was wrong and it was a great experience. A lot more goes on that I won't share because I wouldn't want to "kill" the experience for anyone. But if you click on the link about (WWME) you can find an encounter weekend in your area.

Overall, Naty and I really bonded and came out feeling great. I recommend all Married couples to be "encountered".

30 in 30

Ok, I'm back.....

I'm joining my friend Sarah in her 30 day blog challenge, 30 blogs entries in 30 days. I'm sad I let this blog go and esp. all the memories that I didn't document on. My main goal for this blog was to have it turned into a book/journal for our family in the future and that is why I decided to join Sarah. OK so now.....what to write about...not sure but I'm sure it won't be brilliant :-) 

Anyway, today was a very busy day with taking the kids to the library, putting Nate's B-day invites together, catching up on the laundry, visiting the in laws, running to Costco and Staples. Then it was Alex's B-day so Naty and Bubbs went out to eat with him and caught a last minute baseball game cause Manny Ramirez was playing for the Dodger's minor league team but anyway, I'm glad I got a lot done. I have tons more to do tomorrow so we'll see what I decide to blog on.....I promise it won't be as boring as this one.

BBrrrrr- New Year Goals

Is it just me, or does it feel colder than usual? I LOVE IT! except for in the middle of the night when I've lost my blanket. I had no choice but to pump the Heat to 70, don't tell Naty! I just wasn't getting warm.

Today I wanted to post some 2010 Goals I have for myself and my family so that I stay accountable. Since "resolutions" leaves a bad taste in my mouth I'd rather call them goals.

NOT in any Particular Order

1) Potty Mouth: Ok, I have a bad mouth. In my past posts you can clearly see where I curse one too many times. I've just been so used to blurting out anything that comes to my mind that I'm really trying to keep it clean. I've been really good lately and I thank God my kids have no intentions of using curse words (they won't even say stupid cause its an evil word to them), I need to be a better example.

2) Get closer to God: This one will always be on my list b/c no matter how close you think you are to him, you can get alot closer. Maybe by teaching others about him, sponsoring a child or helping in the church. I've been taking catechism classes and I make my confirmation in May so I'm really excited about that, it is something I always wanted to do but never gave time to do it.

3) Be a better wife: This one will always be on my list as well. As much as I love and honor Naty, I know I can do alot better on those days that I'm rude or just mean to him for no reason. He's such a good guy and obviously loves us with everything he's got so he deserves the best, I'll never be perfect but it's a good thing to keep in mind the next time I blurt out something dumb for no reason.

4) Be a better Mother: Again, just one of those things that will be on every goal list because I have times that I lose it with Bubbs! I get so upset when he doesn't listen and I YELL, I hate yelling, I hate how it makes me feel inside. Audrey is always behaving and Nate is just a baby but Bubbs loves to test his momma. I need to learn to keep calm and talk to him. I also want to do more physical activities with them besides watching TV and/or playing board games, I need to get off my rear and play outside with them.

5) Eat healthier: I'm not saying, "lose weight" b/c my priority is to eat better for the sake of Nathaniel. Since he drinks my breastmilk, I should be eating the best stuff and if I lose weight...BONUS.

6) Get Physical: I really need to use my stroller. I love it and its so awesome but I never take it out b/c I'm so lazy, Nate needs to get some sunshine, he's glowing!

I would say those are my main goals for 2010--what do you call that BTW? 10? twenty-ten? O-10? heh.

Merry Christmas!

Another Christmas, came and went, time just keeps on flying by. The best thing about this Christmas is our newest blessing Nathaniel. I'm so happy to have my wonderful family, look at those kids, WOW! life is great!

For Christmas Eve we woke up super early and went to Naty's company's breakfast they do every year. They had lots of food and a good raffle (last years raffle was better), we didn't win anything but it was still fun. After that we drove around East LA and got some good carnitas and tortillas from Cinco Puntos, its the best! WE came home, ate, then I started cooking again. My mom and Steph spent the night so they cleaned the house and we just hung out and watched movies.

For Christmas Day we woke up super early for morning mass, we told the kids that Christmas is more than just presents. It's something they need to learn b/c I don't want them forgetting the TRUE meaning of Christmas. After we went to my mother in laws house and cooked there. Again, we had a lot of food, it was so good! we had all the treats and goodies too. Overall, it was great.

Now today is New Years Eve and we don't have anything planned. Naty is working and I've been here with Nathaniel trying to get things done. I better go do something now. lol

Updates Aug-Dec (Now)

August

We had our Nathaniel and everyone is very happy! In the beginning, life was really hard but it's been alot better. I was having alot of Breastfeeding issues but finally got it under control and baby and I are very satisfied with our progress :-)

September

Nathaniel turned 1 Month
-My in laws bought a house in the same city and live 5 minutes away and it's been great. We decided to move the kids to the school in front of their house so that life would be easier on me. Bubbs was really happy about changing and Audrey wasn't too thrilled and cried on her first day. Everything is fine now.

-Also, we sadly lost our dog Boris to an illness this month, we felt horrible to find him sleeping between the haystacks, I felt so awful, RIP Boris

October

Nathaniel turned 2 months!
-Naty turned 29 and was feeling sad cause he's heading for 30!

-It was Nate's first halloween and we dressed him as a lion, Bubbs as an evil joker and Audrey as a butterfly. I did my usual italian dinner for them, nothing big, it was perfect.

November

Nathaniel turned 3 months!

-Bubbs turned 9 and Naty surprised him with a vacation to Vegas and he was really happy. We all went to shakey's to eat and I bought him a cupcake afterwards and sang Happy B-day to him. He's really a good boy and has a BIG HEART, I love my lil man so much, I'm so proud of him.
-We went to Vegas for a mini vacation, it was really relaxing except for night time with Nathaniel, he decided to cry and wake up every hour and continued that when we got home! He's somewhat back to normal and waking up twice at night. We saw a variety show and just mostly chilled in the room, it felt good to get away.

-We had thanksgiving at the in laws new house and it went really good. We had everything you can think of and asked Miguel and Veronica, along with Steph to be Nathaniel's Godparents and they were really happy.

December

-Nathaniel turned 4 months and is hitting milestones left and right!

-Audrey is turning 6 this month! She wants tamales for her birthday so tamales she will get! I love my lil peppa! she's my life :-)

Currently I'm trying to keep up with these kids, they have me on my toes! Naty has been amazing and helps me alot with them, he's even been pitching in with the house! (who knew!!) We're having the time of our lives and I thank God for that, without him we'd be nothing and I seriously mean that--NOTHING.

Nathaniel is Here!

I've updated my baby blog about his arrival but I thought I'd post it here too!

Born: August 3rd, 2009
Time: 12:10pm
Weight: 8 lbs. 9 oz.
Length: 20 inches

He's a great addition to our family! we're all in love with him!

First Day of School

Bubbs and Audrey started school on the 10th, Bubbs went to the 4th grade and Audrey finally started Kindergarten! yayy! She had to wait a whole year because of her birthday and I can't believe how small the other kids look next to her, lol. Naty had to take her for her first day and she cried when he tried to leave but she stopped right away.

Then yesterday the kids started a new school, they're now going to the one in front of their grandma's house and she had to start all over again. Bubbs did really good and was so excited to move but Audrey cried her eyes out and was holding onto me. The whole plan was for me to stay there with her but since she started crying her eyes out the teacher didn't think it was a good idea for me stay. So once I left the teacher said she stopped, when I picked her up she was happy and doing good. poor thing, lol, I almost started crying with her. But everything is good now.

4th of July!

We spent the 4th at Naty's parents house because it might be the last holiday that we can spend at that house since they're looking for a new one by us. I told Naty it would be good to gather his family at his mom's house and he agreed. Also, they don't let us pop fireworks where we live and we got to do some at their house.

Here's some pics:





Naty went and bought those big ass fireworks and when he was popping them the baby was jumping so I had to go inside. The kids had a blast (esp. Bubbs), I'm glad no one got hurt!

More pics of Bathroom 2

The new wall added to fit the tub in


Tub area with hopscotch design and glass tile


Looking in from the laundry room, window goes to backyard



Looking in from our bedroom, thats where the mirrors, double granite sink and nice light fixtures will be.

NEXT (friday): tape ceiling and laundry room, caulk moulding, paint ceiling and moulding
SATURDAY: do floor tile
SUNDAY: our anniversary but not sure if we'll do anything or work on the house. We'll see.....

Bathroom 2, In progress cont.

A quick picture even though he's done a lot more than this. The walls are actually DONE! all we need is the floor, cabinet, granite top, wall lighting, and shower doors.

Good Progress on Bathroom2

Naty just stopped working on the bathroom cause he was working overtime and we had parties to go to but this weekend he said NO MORE PARTIES and got to work cause we never know when the baby is coming. Him and his dad did a lot and are almost done! I can't believe it!

Closing Ceremonies and a Champ!

Before the first game...team having "The talk"
Baseball is now officially over! AMEN! I love baseball BUT I wanted a break already, I'm getting heavy and tired so I needed a break. We had our closing day ceremonies this past weekend on June 13th and Bubbs team took 1st place as champions for the AA division. He got a nice medal to add to his last years win.

Bubbs hitting them out of the park

Bubbs stealing bases

Cubs rushing the table to pick up their AA Champion Medals

Audrey's Team
Closing day was bittersweet. I'm glad the stress of it all is over but then I'm sad that I won't have anything to do now. LOL! I was waiting for this time to come and now that it's here, I'm bored out of my mind. I have so much to do to get ready for the baby but haven't done much. I have 6 weeks left till the baby gets here and I have ALOT to do, including the bathroom I wrote about (down below), its still a mess and missing a floor. But anyway! there's a good explanation for that! My hardworking hubby has been working overtime and we've been having parties every weekend to go to so thats why he hasn't worked on it. Now this saturday is my granny's b-day dinner and sunday is open so we're hoping he'll work on it then.
My mom and Steph are still here and leaving this weekend so that is when I'll be sorting through the closet and putting Nate's clothes in there, him and Audrey will be sharing a closet, then I can get that dresser out of there and buy a new one. I just want organization and want this place ready cause I know I won't be able to do alot once my baby is here.

What else??? I really need to start looking for summer projects for the kids because they're bored out of their minds. I'll be making a trip to michael's and looking for little crafts and looking online as well.

Overall, boring!! which is better than drama, I'll take boring over drama anyday!

Angels T-Ball

Audrey had her last game on 5/30 and she hit off the pitcher! She did so good and we're so proud of how much she's improved! She's been very good since the beginning but now she's doing alot more that I can't believe. After the last game they had a pizza party for the kids and I took a pic of her little friends. These are the only 4 girls on the team. They still have closing day ceremonies were they will get their trophies.

Bubbs has his last season game tomorrow then the 2 championship games. If they win the game on June 9th, then they'll play again on the 11th, so we'll see.

I Graduated!

from CSUF with my bachelor's in Health Science and I'm glad that step in my life is OVER! I have one more step of PA school and receiving my Master's but for now I'm enjoying being a university graduate!

It was a semi-hot day and I wasn't too thrilled, at 7 months pregnant things can feel worse than what they really are. I had alot to complain about but the most important was that I had my family there with me and I was graduating!

Oh and I also forgot my damn memory card so you have to wait till I get the other pics from the disposable camera (gggrrr).

P.S. I forgot to mention how puffy my hair got! I was there since 6:30AM and the air was misty and cold and when it got hot....POOF went my hair! uuhhh