You Spin Me Right Round

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In Other Important News....

Christian lost both of his front teeth last week one day apart; The first one fell out when he was at school.  The school bus driver, George, teases him and calls him Toothless, which is fine with Christian because Toothless was also his favorite dragon from the movie 'How to Train a Dragon'. 

Christian is enjoying first grade thus far.  When asked if he likes it as much as kindergarten, he said, "Well, kindergarten was more fun. But in first grade our teacher says we have to do 'important' work.  But recess is fun."

Christian's Big Week

Yoda and the gang helped celebrate Christian's 7th birthday.  He received many new Wii and DS games related to Star Wars, Mario Bros., Despicable Me, and Harry Potter.  Christian's time spent on such games has to be severely limited, though.

I can't believe he's 7 already!  Christian, what a special boy you are.  As a baby, he did not play with toys.  He did not like stuffed animals, noisy toys, trucks or cars. Cars and blocks were for lining up by color or shape.  But we discovered he liked puzzles, and so he started working on them at the age of 2. We also started reading to all the boys when they were babies, and now he reads to Gaby at night before going to bed.  Christian received some pretty terrific level 1 Star Wars books to read.  I like listening to him read to Gaby because if Christian can't decode a word, he makes it up as he goes along.  He's still reading and using his imagination, and that's good in my book!

Today was Christian's first day of first grade.  He slept with his Star Wars backpack near him, and as soon as the alarm went off, he and Gaby got out of bed and dressed themselves.  "Come on, Mom! I don't want to miss a thing at school!"  He enjoys being responsible, but Gaby is responsible for turning off the alarm clock (Christian still hates loud, buzzing noises).  Here he is (above) at his desk with his birthday rice krispy treats to give out to his classmates later. 

Last night we went over the rules -- and I stressed on thing:  If you do not understand what the teacher says, raise your hand and tell her to please repeat the instructions. Christian also informed me that in first grade they no longer have sticks to move when they do not listen: Mrs. B. told the kindergarteners last year that first graders go straight to the principal's office if they are bad.  Christian is on the lookout for those stamps, too.

"The bell is going to ring and I have to go in!"  Chill out, Christian, we still have five minutes for a few photos before I start to bawl. You're growing up too fast and I want these moments to last -- the ones where you actually want me to be around and when you still need me.

Things are going to get busy around here.  In the next couple of weeks Gaby and Christian begin soccer, and this will be Gaby's first year playing.  Christian will also start religious ed. at church (what we Catholics used to call CCD). Gaby and Jojo will begin preschool in September, and my classes start next week.  Busy days are ahead, but at least not everything is happening at once!  And after months of completing computer certification classes, Mike started an internship today, and hopefully this will lead to a permanent (paid) position.

Two Score Years

Last week was a fun week filled with birthday plans with family and friends.  In our family, birthdays seem to go on for days.  We learned from my mom that birthdays are always fun and worth celebrating, no matter how old you are. She's the 'glass is half full' type, whereas at times I'm the more curmudgeonly 'glass is half empty' fool.

My mother-in-law got me a wig and it fooled everyone.  It was fun hearing some of the reactions: "Hair extensions?" or "Wow, your hair grew out fast!" Mike is clearly enthralled by my new look.

My brother Sergio sent me a gift certificate, and the message was: "Happy Birthday! Order more books from my favorite bookstore.  The only rule is:  You are not allowed to order a book by Newt Gingrich or Sarah Palin." 

The party at Mom and Dad's was real nice.

And thus my 40th year has begun on a high note with much cheerfulness and gladness to spare.

A New Decade

Christian said, "See Mom? It's your favorite color - blue!"

Wow. I can't believe I'm 40 years old! Alot of people asked me how I felt today (Sergio joked, "It's all downhill from here.") Well, I had the entire past year to think about my impending birthday, and it's not so bad.

For my 20th birthday I wished for a (serious) boyfriend.  It took awhile, but Mike found me in Phoenix and we were married when I was 29.

For my 30th birthday I wished for a child.  I got one a few years later and then some! What a blessing.

For my 35th birthday I wished for a chance to start on a Masters.  It took awhile, but I started down that path last year and am hoping, wishing, praying to St. Joseph of Cupertino that I get accepted into the program next year.

Triple Chocolate Bavarian dessert for my birthday lunch with Mom and Dad -- yum!

My 40th birthday wish is for more sweet dreams to become vivid realities. And there are some, but I'll let you know about them when I turn 50. For now, I'll continue celebrating with friends and family this week! It's a real joy and blessing to have made it this far.

Amen.

Tennessee

We went to Tennessee two weeks ago and returned yesterday.  One of my favorite parts of the drive on I40 east to TN is crossing the Mississippi River into Memphis. My least favorite part is when you cross the Mississippi from Memphis into West Memphis, AR -- it's like cold water in your face.

I really try to take better pictures, but I'm not a photographer like Mike.  Either that or it's my camera. 

The boys love to splash around in the creek behind Nana and Papa's house.  Getting there is half the fun!

Grandpa Kenny and Karen came from Indiana to see us, too. One day, Great-Grandpa Clo (Poppy) had to check on something at the golf course, so Gaby went along for the ride and did some driving himself with Grandpa Kenny.

We had fun seeing the tractors, too!  

We went with Nana to see 'Toy Story 3' (it brought a huge lump in my throat). We also went swimming at her friend's house -- a most beautiful house on a hill.  Nana also prepared many home cooked meals and Mike and I both gained some weight!  What I love about Nana & Papa's house is the deck with her blooming flowers, the deer in the yard, and the fireflies at night ('lightnin' bugs'). 

Nana and Papa also had friends over to visit.  One night we went to Nashville to see our friends Jeff & Karen along with other old friends Bryant and Linda.  The kids had so much fun jumping on the trampoline (all three got over their fear and bounced away for most of the evening).  But what was most exciting was watching 'Meet the Robinsons' outside on the huge screen.

Last weekend Nana and Papa kept the boys so Mike and I could stay the night in Nashville.  We met up with our friends and went to Printers Alley and other fun places to hear great live music, something I've been craving for awhile.  We also got some much needed relaxation. Later that evening Mike asked me, "Do you hear that?" I said, "I don't hear anything. What is it?" And he said, "Silence." 

The Stogie Boys

 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN...

Sleepy Jojo's foot

I wish I had taken more photos of everyone.  We had a great time and can't wait to see everyone soon.  Nana and Papa will be here for the Balloon Fiesta in a couple months and we're looking forward to their visit.

Oe, Oe, Oe!

Here's our little Spanish cutie, Diego (with friend), cheering on the World Cup Champions!