Thursday's Things I Always Want to Remember. . .

We are not used to the rain.  And boy, has it rained a lot this week!  Today's short day called for my rain boots and plenty of rain puddles to jump in.  The laughs it brought were contagious.  A fire and hot cocoa were the perfect remedy after all the fun was had by Janessa in our back yard puddle jumping!

Last week we ventured to Pasadena for Dragon's Breath.  I never want to forget these kids' exressions as they crunched down on cereal and smoke escaped their lips and noses.  It was something Lene had wanted to try for a long time.  Oh, their faces!! Such laughter. . .so glad we wandered on the weekend and found some fun!

 The best part? When we were finished,  we found a Carholic church and no one complained when we went to mass!

Our monthly book club met again.  This time the subject was penguins.  So blessed to gather with four other mamas and our first graders to create fun memories together and instill a love of reading!

Last, but not least, we went to Disney on Ice and took the a couple of the nephews.  It was such a memorable night together.  The ice skating was neat, but their faces?  Priceless!

These are the moments I want to fill 2017 with. . .moments together, creating memories. . . expanding our circles: laughing, loving, and learning! I think we're off to a pretty good start!

Summer Storm

It's not often that a summer storm rolls into California.  With the drought in full effect, we thanked God for the blessing of the wet weather.  I was even more happy, that it was clear for church and then sneaked back in later in the day.  We were missing daddy who was working hard in the areas that were most effected by the downpours...but again, thankful he's home safe and sound and able to tuck the little ones in bed.

Saturday's Storm. . .

Rain Testing during Sunday's Storm

Sewer Stroll

Before the storm rolled in again. . .

Lat Night Snuggles with my Snugbug

A wet, weary, humid weekend. . .but perfect for reading and relaxing!

Friday Five

Summer is in full swing over here.  I don't know what I was thinking, scheduling so many swim lessons, eye doctor, ortho, dentist, and hair appointments within the first two weeks!  To say our schedule has been a little hectic is an understatement but those summer nights make up for it!

1.  We took the train to Olvera Street.  It was quite the adventure with a variety of personalities on the metro.  It was a people watchers delight but then I wondered why we just didn't drive. . .I had to keep telling myself the experience for the kids was worth it.  And I must admit, the ride back when Ernie was playing the guitar and singing to keep people away from us was hysterical.  We were all nearly in tears!

The food was not nearly as good as I had remembered, but again. . .it was all part of the experience.

2.  Swim lessons are in full swing.  This little lady has the same private instructor that her sister and brother had.  I can tell that this is the summer.  Her confidence and coordination are going to make her a swimmer. I'm sure of it.

3.  I started a new bible study this week.  I am going through the book of Proverbs.  Getting up and digging in to the word by myself has been good for me.  I think as much as I miss my on line study and the girls at church, sometimes you just need the silence of your heart and His words speaking their peace over you.

4.  We've been spending a lot of time over at my parents.  Sometimes it is just a quick visit to give papa something to look forward to.  The kids are learning how just the gift of their time can mean so much to the elderly.  I am reminded that my kids will always have the memory of their great grandpa because we make time.

5.  We had some pretty crazy weather but I think it was just an opportunity for God to remind us of his promise.

EnJOY

I'm not sure how I haven't gotten to documenting Janessa's first trip to Knott's Berry Farm, but I haven't. The trip took place almost two months ago now!  The day before St. Patrick's Day, a friend asked if we were up for a visit to the amusement park.  Two things about me:  I think Disney passes when the bigs were little absolutely burned me out.  I see no amusement in the park itself.  My first instinct was to say, "thanks but no thanks."  I mean, we really did have bible study that day.

But something made me take pause and I realized these spur of the minute adventures will be few and far between when she starts kinder next year.  So even though I didn't want to go.  I went.  And I'm not sure who had more fun--her or me!

There was just something about seeing the park through her eyes.  Something about watching her explore with her friend by her side.  Something about not having to focus on any other child except her that made this trip an absolute JOY.  And isn't that what I've been seeking this year--JOY!  It truly is anywhere I choose to see it.  And really, it is so easy to find the negative in everything.  So joy is a choice.  The easier one?  I'm not sure really.  The heat, traffic, cost, and crowds could have kept us away from an adventure that was more a lesson for me and a precious memory for her.

We enJOYed the day.  I made the right choice this time.  I love when that happens!

Busy is as Busy Does

The days keep coming.  Time stands still for no one.  As we near the finish line, a sense of sheer exhilaration and exhaustion wrap me up and push me through.  There aren't enough hours in the day to do what I want to do for everyone, to be who I want to be, and to be in the word so I'm properly fueled.  Sometimes at the end of the day I'm electric with all that went right in my world; yet, there are nights where sleep doesn't come because my mind won't stop with people to pray for or situations that are exhausting with no immediate solution in sight.  And such is this life:  striving to be the best version of me I can be, urging my kids to be world changers and desire to know their heavenly father, and walking the balance beam of friendships new and old and all the woman issues in between.

And blogging takes a backseat to living the life I've always dreamed but know only God and I can co-author together.  I'm letting him lead and enjoying the view from the passenger seat!

 And at the end of the day, I hang on to this:

Birthday Bonus Galore

This was quite the year for this little lady. . .and she didn't even turn five! We decided to go into party mode since we thought her Nina would be here to celebrate with us this year, but even though that didn't go according to plan, the party had to go on. Her actual birth day began at mass, just the two of us. We've been making this a weekly outing and I have to say, I feel so good sharing this with her. It has made our Sunday mass visits almost downright enjoyable as she looks forward to going and understands more about the parts of the mass. November 27th was particularly enjoyable as the school was there to celebrate Thanksgiving mass with us and we both enjoyed watching all the students in action. It brought back such wonderful elementary memories for me.

I had to capture this moment walking back from the restroom. Priceless. Anyways, since it was the day before Thanksgiving I went by my parent's to see how I could help with the chopping and dicing. Mom and I got to work and Janessa played and waited anxiously for her big surprise date with grandpa. She didn't know it but he was taking her to see Frozen. Later that evening we all met up at her Nino's house for a little apple cobbler and some gift opening. It was last minute and simple and I swear this would have been enough if the party invites hadn't already been sent out! Kendra greeted her with a boquet of balloons bigger than she is! And she was spoiled and loved on some more with presents: including her very own Mercedes, personalized plates and all! Too much, I tell you...too much.

The next day was filled with family again as we celebrated one of my most favorite holidays ever. . .more on that to come. And yesterday was the big four-year-old bonanza for our Nessa Bessa at her new favorite place: My Gym. We were blessed to have her two teachers host the party and she had a very busy two hours of fun with her closest friends. It was fun to watch her in action with so many different kids. I love the blend of our village, long-time friends, family, new friends, classmates. . .it's a beautiful array of such vastly different people coming together because we have our friendships in common. Beautiful!

I always want to remember the way Bubba practiced and performed a magic show right in the middle of the party. I love his heart for his sister and I love his creativity and enthusiasm to get up there and put on a show! It truly does take a village--and looking around at the people who were there, I was reminded of what a huge blessing it is to have people that are in the trenches of parenthood, right there beside you. The party might not have been necessary, but it was a good reason to celebrate together, for two hours, a genuinely fun time!

Week at a Glance

Last week was short and long all at the same time.  It felt like part of my heart was living outside of my body and I had no idea how it really was doing.  Lene was at Science Camp and as happy as I was that she made it there, a part of me missed her terribly while she was away.  Wednesday night got a little worse as Nessa's nina told us of her plans to leave the country for work. . .again.  I might have cried for that and for missing my girl.  Bottom line:  I cried that night.  Just before bedtime I checked my email and was blessed by these words written by a friend:

Hi Janene,

Didn't want to text you since it's late. My friend is a teacher at _____ unified and she posted something on Facebook about being in big bear for a science camp.  I messaged her that your daughter is there and she knows her. She said they are all having so much fun and your daughter is a sweetheart:) I wanted to let you know I put another set of eyes on your baby girl:)

Jen

I tear up just reading that again because it was such the biggest blessing on that particular night.  God is SO good, I can't get over His timing and peace! It felt so good to have her home safe and sound and hear her recount stories from her time on the mountain. 

While she was away, Bubba and I may have spent some special time together playing checkers and sharing a shaved ice.  It was pretty cool to have a date with my son.  The stories he tells and the kindness from this kid just pours out of him. 

I really need to learn how to take better pictures on my iphone, especially since that's the only camera I seem to carry anymore!  Maybe it's time to pull out the big one--with the holidays rapidly approaching I may just want to capture quality photos and enjoy the moments a little more!

Sunday, ended this guy's Fall football season and the tournament did not disappoint.  It totally felt like a repeat of last year, sitting on the edge of our seats, a tied game in overtime and the first team to score wins!  This year the team pulled it off and walked away as CHAMPIONS!  The stress of it was too much for my pounding head, but it's funny--I think Bubba would have been fine either way.  He's kind of like his dad that way.  He gets over the losses pretty quickly. . .but still what a great way to end a great season.  They went into the tournament in first place too.

 And this little girl's nina is off to traipse the world again.  Opportunity knocked and she has a dream to pursue so she is on the road again. 

She wanted to say good-bye and celebrate an early birthday with her god-daughter so we all ate cake.  Then we said our good-byes and wished her well on her journey.  She has come and gone so much in the past four years that we are all a little used to it.  Her career is a demanding one. An adventurous one.  A lonely one.  But God has placed a dream on her heart that she has to pursue and I'm confident when the show is over, He will show her.  It's just not now. 

A long week.  An emotionally challenging week.  A week in which I relied on prayer and gratitude immensely.  That is the life I want to live--gulping gratitude and praying my way through.

Taking Flight

I woke up to this beautiful sight this morning.  God just greeted me with it and said, "Today will be good."
And it is a good day indeed.  Two months ago, I wondered through this. And today she was brave enough to do this:

She loaded up her things and got on that bus brave face and all. She was ready for Science Camp.

The hardest parts are always good-byes.  Today was no exception.

She held her own until she was seated on the bus and then the tears fell quickly and quietly and all I could do was wave, blow kisses and watch as I tried desperately to hold it together.  This process of letting go is just as difficult for mama as it is for daughter.  We might butt heads and I may wonder aloud where her stubborn streak comes from or that flair for dramatics. . .but at the end of each day: she holds my heart in her hands as I hold hers.  It's a sacred thing, really--this mothering of hearts, shaping of little people who will go out and raise up this kingdom.

Today feels like a huge victory: a stretching of her wings--ready to take flight.  And as painful as it feels for a brief moment when I reflect on the life we've already lived with her. . .I am reminded of the life we have left.  I am reminded of the life she is living today--rooted in our love, our faith, and His promise of the goodness to come.  Today was a good day!

Our Final Vacation of Summer

The week before school began, we headed off to our final vacation destination:  Las Vegas.  For the past ten years we try to make the trek yearly as my sister-in-law and nieces live there.  This year it seemed like the timing was off as Ernie had just started a new job the day before.  Oh, I forgot to mention he quit?  Moving on. . .

The trip went ahead as planned and we were really excited about it because in the first time in what feels like forever, their dad (Pa) was coming to spend some time there too.  E's sister had bought a house a year ago and it would be the first time any of us had seen it--pretty cool that we would all be out there together!  In addition, Aunt Timi was there with cousin Joshua so it really was an adventure! 

We hit Circus Circus together where daddy won all his kiddos prizes. I think he may have had more fun than the kids!  I tried not to watch how much money was pulled from the wallet each time another game was attempted.  I might have been thinking, this stuffed toy is costing us how much? I tried not to let that rain on their parade. . . One night Kayla and her boyfriend babysat at the condo so we could go out for a night on the town.  Thanks to my oldest niece, Monique, we got show tickets for a Motown show at great prices!  The music was enjoyable and the buffet feast that followed at New Orleans was both affordable AND delicious!

Our days were spent sleeping in and poolside.  We had lunch at the condo and explored the new facility.  We genuinely relaxed catching up with our loved ones and enjoyed every second we were there.  We were anxious for home simply because we've been gone for three weeks of our summer.  That never happens.  Until now, when it did.  I can't get over all the incredible adventures we shared, places we've seen, activities we've enjoyed.  It boggles my mind.

Summer did exactly what all of us needed: gave us a change of scenery and rest.  I'm feeling incredibly blessed by the opportunity to spend so much together time these last couple months.  For the first time in years. . .years, I didn't open my work bag at all.  Zilch. Nada.  I feel like I truly stayed in the moment and tried to be present with the kids and intentional with our time together.

My Canon didn't get carried around too much this year.  I tried to focus on being a part of the action, not just capturing it on film and for the most part, I think I did all right.  I always want to remember that as we left Las Vegas, we prayed for safe travels.  My Nessa Bessa called out her own prayer, "Dear God, thank you for taking me to Big Bear and Las Vegas and camping and I had fun. Amen."  Ernie smiled and said, he doesn't care if she knows her colors or not, her heart is for God and that's worth more than anything.  And I smiled.  I felt like we were on the same page with our thinking in that one simple statement. 

It's hard to let go of the expectations of the world, but really that is the only way to be free.

  He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"--Micah 6:8

Summer is officially over.  School starts today.

We have a new school year to love, show kindness and walk humbly with our God.

He is enough.

He will give us what we need. 

Summer Day at the Splash Pad

Last week we finally found ourselves at the local Splash Pad.  I had only my two youngest to watch and their friends joined us so it was hours of running back and forth from water to playground.  I loved watching them have fun with their friends.  It was just another spectacular summer day that I always want to remember.

Because sometimes there are not enough words. . .

Opportunity knocked when my cousin invited my mom and I to a New Kids on the Block concert July 5.  My teenage walls were littered with posters of my favorite cuties.  A friend I met my freshman year in high school and I passed a notebook back and forth writing about our lives with the superstars.  She was Mrs. Macintyre and I was Mrs. Jordan Knight.  Those days are long gone but the boy band still (and probably always will) have a place in my heart. 

The night was loud and long and exhilarating as we watched from the seventh row.  We started in the nosebleed section like five rows from the top.  We were using binoculars to see the opening acts.  I was thrilled when Jen got a text from a friend of hers who was on the floor--I said, "Go!!!!" A few minutes later she said there was a ticket for me too--and I may have run all the way to the bottom floor to find her.  Everyone knows what a rule follower I am, so I didn't bat an eye when they told me where to go...even though I hadn't seen the tickets.  Oops.  I was in the third row. OH! MY! GOSH!!!!!!  And then minutes later was kindly (a wee bit of sarcasm) asked to move by Nick Lachey's wife, Vanessa Minello.  I had no idea who she was--but we moved back four rows to the real tickets on hand.  No big deal.  Did I mention we were at the very top before?  Drastic improvement!

 It was just a fun night filled with singing and dancing and being up close and personal with some favorite boys from my youth.   A memory I will hold on to even though Lene and Layla jokingly referred to them as, "Old Men on the Block."  They have no idea what they're talking about. . .