He Said She Said

Gabriel:  "Today is not a fun day!"

Mom:  "Of course --  It's not supposed to be fun when you're grounded!"

He Said He Said

When Gabriel became frustrated with Jojo because Jojo could not understand what Gaby was trying to show him, Gabriel said, "You don't get it, Jojo!" 

And Jojo replied, "No, I don't forget it."

Each time Gaby repeated "You don't get it," Jojo's response was the same, "No, I don't forget it."

On Parade

Handsome Christian

Today was the kick-off of Arts in the Alley festival in our suburb.  Instead of watching the parade, we were in the parade with Christian's Cub Scouts den.

Why trash? I guess I see the park theme with the bench, which is made of trees.  Recycling bins...maybe?

As we passed some of the other floats on the miles-long path to reach our spot, I took some pictures.

You look lovely, dahling!

The boys loved that rocket car.

Not sure why an office theme for this float.

The only thing missing on the Cub Scouts float:
running water

The scouts handed out candy to the crowds lining the streets.  Jojo enjoyed doing that, too.  Gaby rode on Daddy's shoulders to take in the view. 

 

 

Gabriel then took these photos while riding on Daddy's shoulders.

Later in the afternoon, Christian and I helped sell food at the Cub Scouts booth.  I warned them that I could not handle the cash register, but they let me do it anyway.  My anxiety increased when I remembered my disasterous two-month waitressing stint back in college because it is difficult for me to both a) listen while taking an order and b) remember what the person just ordered after keying it into a machine.  I was supposed to remember which kind of sauce people ordered with the chicken tenders and holler it out to the cooks on the other side of the tent at the same time as entering the order number into the machine.  Christian and the other kids handled the drink orders.  I was fired from my job as cashier after the second time the cash register went on the fritz for some reason, so I became the 'holler girl' after that. 

Although the menu was simple, one could order an adult or kids' meal, or order the same food choices a la carte...but whenever I hollered, "One two-piece with medium sauce!" someone on the other side would always want to verify whether it was a meal or not.  Whew!  Got that straightened out.  The drinks available were Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, or water.  Someone ordered a "pop" and Christian looked for that drink.  We southwesterners are used to "soft drink" or "Coke" before we specify which kind. 

Mike found the junky fried food section.  Deep fried cinnamon rolls are interesting.  I didn't try the deep fried Snickers (Mike's rating: "It's alright.") or the deep fried cookie dough (Mike's rating: "Very good.").  I had the fried cheese on a stick, which did not compare to Cheese on a Stick at our mall in Albuquerque. 

Lean on Me

This was sent to the boys, especially for Christian, from Nana and Papa -- and timely, too!  Poor Christian has been anxious about school and says that he misses being at home.  He said his stomach feels "funny", too.  I remind him that even when he feels alone, his guardian angel is always close by. 

Grandma G.G.

Grandma -- Grandma G.G. (great-grandma) to the kids -- turned 92 this past June.  I miss taking the kids to visit her and Aunt Patsy.  Grandma loves children and laughs constantly at what they say.  She should've been a teacher and, in fact, wanted to be one, but life took her on a different path. 

During our first year living in Albuquerque, I'd bring Grandma to our house once a week and we'd have lunch when Aunt Patsy came to pick her up.  I wish we could've shared more of those moments, but life became hectic once I began taking classes and then Mike's job loss.  I was too stressed to make more time for my dear Grandma.  And even though we saw each other regularly, I wish we could've spent more time alone together like that first year.

Grandma and Aunt Patsy's dogs, Lucy and Ethel, finally warmed up to the boys.  They protect Grandma and check on her if she's been away too long in the loo. 

Grandma used to send me cards and 'pin money'.  I remember when I moved to Phoenix after college I'd receive thoughtful surprises in the mail.  At that time I would hardly find her at home when I called -- she was either busy conducting a T'ai Chi Chih class for the "old people" at a rehab facility, running someone to the doctor, or numerous other activities. 

A few years ago we interviewed Grandma, and out of that recorded interview my brother Sergio and sis-in-law Kyla transcribed it into a book that we each have and into a video which was shown at her 90th birthday bash.  Dad later used much of the material and combined it with a geneological history of our family that was researched by Grandma's brother, Uncle Frank.

Each time we talk she says, "We miss you so much!"  And we miss her, too. 

An Errand

Today Gabriel is home from school and we needed to return a movie we had rented, but instead of driving he wanted to ride bikes to the store.  So we set out on our long ride.  What a gorgeous semi-overcast day.  Jojo, who neither has a good bike for longer rides nor the stamina, had to ride in the bicycle seat.  As you can see, he was not so thrilled.

We stopped at a little playground along the way. 

I was relieved because we were almost to the traffic light where the store is located.  Gabriel did a fine job following me and stopping at intersections and cross streets.  As we were preparing to walk our bicycles across a busy street two cars cut us off, so Gaby learned why we need to walk - not ride- across busy intersections. 

Then we hoofed it home, but I needed to stop to figure out the gears on the bike.  Finally, I removed the cute little basket on the front to fix the problem, but lost my balance and down went the bike and Jojo in a slow free fall as I tried to hold the now detached basket and bicycle with him in it.  Jojo learned why he needs to wear his seatbelt at all times, and I learned that the kickstand is not very reliable when anyone is sitting in the attached child seat.

Gaby said, "Watch, Mommy!" He tried to 'pop a wheelie', and his next trick was to ride with one hand. He really likes his bicycle.  Both he and Christian want skateboards, but I'm not as worried about Christian riding because he's more cautious. 

Then we got home an hour later and we had a nice lunch.  The route we took must be around three or four miles, and I was impressed that Gaby kept up.

After lunch, Jojo went outside for awhile to ride his bicycle.  He informed me that he told some barking dogs to "shut it down".  He must've heard that phrase from his friend, the dogs' owner.  For some reason "keep it down", which I say about 20 times a day around here, hasn't resonated with him.

Far Away

Last week we spoke with Grampa and Yaya via videophone before they left for Spain.

Christian told me, "No fair that they're going to Spain!  Can't we go?"

The boys still remember their visit two years ago.  Believe me, Spain is the first major trip we'll save for once I am working!  I miss my second home and family there.  My cousin Maria is pregnant with twins and is due anytime now (she's at 34-35 weeks gestation).  She looks great!

Cousin Alberto sent us this photo from last night.  Pictured is Rosa (Alberto's wife), Javi (Maria's husband), Maria, Alberto, Mom, Dad, Tio Alberto (my mom's brother) and Tia MaAngeles at a terraza in Madrid where I'm sure they had the best tapas.  The only one missing was Diego, Rosa and Alberto's 18 month old son.