Finally....I can say to the kids

"Yes, honey. You can go swimming today."

In fact, you can swim five days a week for the next 14 weeks. Swim Team Rocks!

Past Stories: Where are my children?

Note: Written in past tense - August 2008. Near There. Or near there. Or maybe near there. All I know is that they are on the road with my parents heading to LA for a 4 day/3 night vacation. Bittersweet. Scared until they return safely in my arms and happy to spend a few days with the husband. Whether we are working on the house, eating dinner, watching TV or going to the bathroom - we will get to do it in peace and quiet. Wait a second....phone is ringing....Merced. They are leaving Merced. So far so good. They are happy and healthy as of 2 minutes ago. And in those two minutes the fear of tragedy has returned. Here are a few ideas I gave my parents: keep lane changing to a minumum, drive the speed limit, and call every hour or so. Of course, it is a bit much but you have my "double dose of happiness" in your hands. My goal is to enjoy the quietness of the house.

Past Stories: T-Ball and Keven

Note: Written in past tense - January 2008.

Yesterday we signed Keven up for T-Ball. Not something I was entirely looking forward to due to the amount of dirt it involves ... the sliding, the dust, the dirty pants, the dirty hat, the dirty shirt, the dirty shoes, the dirty Keven. Breathe in - Breathe out. Repeat. I need to remember Keven needs to be a kid, it will make him happy. What is 3 months of mental hell anyway compared to my son's happiness? Just ask Steve. I am completely terrific to live with ... there is no where else he would rather be. And for the BIG NEWS - Kindergarten Registration was completed today. He will have to focus on learning in school and at home. Homework will be the best part of our night. Start your homework, please. I don't want to mom. Keven, please do your homework. But moooom, I'm tired. Keven, kindergartners need to do their homework so the teacher knows how smart they are. (tears are forming) But, mom ... I can't do it, I'm sweaty mom, I have a headdick. Apparently, doing anything academic wise causes him to be sick. Great times are definitely going to be had by all ...

As of today, Keven is focusing on swimming and soccer not baseball. Darn it. And we are improving on the homework situation. Now he only has a sweating problem. Apparently thinking is a physical activity.

Past Stories: Rewind Monday - Isabel No Longer Speaks Spanish...But we do???

Disclaimer: Writing in present tense over 3 years ago. In the van, going home from grandma's... Mommy: "Keven, how come Isabel won't say mama". Keven (5): "Because mom, Isabel doesn't speak Spanish". A few months earlier, Isabel was babbling away and I told Kev, "Talk to her Keven...your sister is talking to you." His reply, "But mom, I don't know how to speak Spanish."

Past Stories: Rewind Monday - Dumbfounded

Disclaimer: Writing in present tense 2 years ago.

Dumbfounded by the genius and dumbfounded by the lack of genius a kid can exude on a daily basis. There needs to be a prerequisite question that can be asked to figure which identity is in present. Over a month ago, it appeared Keven's shoes should have been feeling a bit snug. So we had ourselves a conversation...

Mom: "Keven, do your shoes fit?"
Keven: "Yeah"
Mom: "Tell me when your toe starts touching the front."
Keven: "Why?"
Mom: "So I will buy you new ones that fit better. If your toe touches the front it means your shoes are too small."
Keven: "Ok"
Mom: "Are your shoes too small?"
Keven: "No"
Mom: "Will you tell me when they are too small?"
Keven: "Yeah"

so time passes.....and passes....and passes

Yesterday I decided to let him wear a new pair of Vans. Size 13 1/2. And what are his initial words ...... "Wow, Mom! Now my toe doesn't hurt." Me. Speechless, scratching my head, and chuckling.

However, he does know that blood keeps you strong and healthy. It also helps you grow big and tall. All this according to his blood story he told me in the car. Hmm. He. Learned. That. Somewhere. But where?

Past Stories: Rewind Monday - Losing Teeth Is A Family Affair...

Disclaimer: Writing in present tense about 1 1/2 years ago.

As Keven's parents, we feel the need to help our child with any obstacle. His left top tooth had been loose for months. Since the tooth behind it was cutting through, his baby tooth had been pushed down and out. Snaggletooth 2009. Thankfully due to a family friendly game of basketball, I helped loosen the tooth by accidentally passing a ball that hit him in the mouth. The next morning it then fell out while he chowed down on some cheerios.

After that incident, Keven accidentally hit Steve's knee with his mouth. After taking one look at it, I knew it was time to step up and pull it out. In one fluid motion, I pulled out his second tooth. As he walked away, I celebrated with "Yes! I pulled my first tooth. That wasn't mine." In that split second, Keven started crying saying it hurt. Talk about a delayed reaction. The only reason he started crying was because I scared him. Kids sure know how to be dramatic.

I can't wait for the other 2 loose teeth to fall out. How will the story unfold...

Signs of Kinder Readiness

Let's just say I was NOT ready to register Isabel for Kindergarten today. Isabel will be entering Kindergarten 6 months earlier than Keven due to their birthdays. Even though Isabel is beginning to read, yearning to do homework, she is still in that 4 year old world sometimes. You know when the mind veers to the left and then veers to the right. Or one second she is a genius and the next second sheeeee isnot. Plus she is my baby girl...my last baby. With Keven it was much easier because I had Isabel.

My thoughts about Keven were so different in February prior to school starting that August.

Lo' and behold, Keven wanted to go to school yesterday and today. Plus he wanted to go on Friday and Saturday. He is also doing some homework during the week without the tantrums. I am so happy to finally see the eagerness.

And then there is my raging obsessive compulsive disorder at a time like this...

My anxiety. My stress. My worry. Getting them there continually M-F is going to be harder on me than them. One big uncontrolled environment. Obsessions come on in to the freaking mind of wonder, leading me to the the hell bound party of fun. Who sat in the desk last year? Who sat in the desk the previous 20 years? Is that good dirt or bad dirt? What jobs do the other parents have? Are they going to step on something bad? Will they be safe? Will someone kidnap them? Will they be happy? At any time during the school day will they have to pass a dumpster? Where did those dirt tracks come from? And so on.

Uhh...Is there a cure yet?

Past Stories: Rewind Monday - FIRST GRADE

Disclaimer: Writing in present tense about 1 1/2 years ago.

Kev,

First of all, I am so proud of your ability to take new things in stride. Your social and outgoing personality will serve you well in life. While other kids were nervous about the new school year and/or being at a new school, you were as cool as ever. Relaxed. Happy. Outgoing. And Ready. As your mom, I am looking forward to the change that comes with growing up. First grade is a big year. I promise to help you along the way. I suspect you will be reading chapter books and writing paragraphs with 4-5 sentences.

Love, Mom

Past Stories: Rewind Monday - Keven's Travel Plans

About 3 years ago....

One night on the way to indoor, Keven thought of a great way to visit Hawaii.

Keven: "Mom, I know how we can get to Hawaii."
Me: "You, do? How?"
Keven: "We can take that Hawaii bus. See? That Hawaii bus will take us to Hawaii?"

The bus in question was white and had green palm trees on it. It looked like a senior citizen bus. Over the years, wisdom came with age and Keven ;earned the logistics of traveling over oceans...so I am sure we now can take a plane or boat.

Past Stories: Rewind Monday

(Isabel - 10/3/06)

Disclaimer: Speaking in present tense over 4 years ago.

Well MissElle, it looks like I spoke to soon about you being an extremely easy baby. You have become EXTREMELY clingy. For about 4-5 days, crying unless you were being held at all times was your new hobby. Is it because of --- an ear infection-nope, a cold-nope, teething-nope --- finally I believe you are experiencing separation anxiety and the desire to be stimulated more. With such things as playmat time, people watching and conversation. You love to be in your stroller at the mall. Daddy put together your playmat and you now spend more time exercising --- even on your tummy. You are close to rolling over and you are pushing up on your hands during tummy time. On Saturday night (woke for a 10:45 feeding), after a tough day with you you made my day by letting me into your world. While I was talking to you you were smiling and cooing trying to stick your fingers in my mouth. It was your first sign of physical interaction with me and it made my day. Thank you so so much. I can not wait for your hugs and kisses.

Mr Kev, you are experiencing your first day of preschool. There are no words to describe this feeling. Let's just say after 1 hour and 15 minutes I went to check on you and you were having so much fun playing with two boys and some worms. To say the least your worm was dead but I am sure he would of liked the feeling of sliding down the plastic play dome. The other kid knew but he must not know pretend play when he sees it...

In my related news, my OCD decided to rear its head. No surprise...I know. You had another kids jacket on and a bit of dirt on your pants. Mommy is trying to keep calm and relaxed. It took alot of effort not to tackle you and rip it off your body in order to put yours on.

Must do this again - Amateur Photoshoot

New Year's Day 2008 - Where does the time go? I need to make time to do this again. New Year's Day Coloma, California: Amateur photoshoot with our new D80 Nikon. Pictures with great clothing, natural light, soften background, frozen action, and colorful landscape. Must admit I did good for the first time. However, back flashing, shutter speed and aperture setting needs work. That photoshoot which included quality time with the family made me happy. Nothing materialistic about it. A great start to a new year.....

Keven

I ask myself, where do I begin?

Keven, my first baby... the one that launched me into the mommy world. He is the one that sparked the fire that now burns fiercely inside my heart for my two little angels. Peering over your crib as you slept only a few weeks old, I was overtaken by this thing they call a mother's love.

Anxiety. Fear. Love. Joy. And happiness that consumed me all at once. A collection of emotions that simply made me cry.

At first we called you our little mexican pistol...a bundle of energy that could turn from angel to hellion in a split second. But to my surprise, as you grew you became my little casanova so charming and sweet; kissing and hugging me everyday, telling me "I love you, mom" and "Mom, you are so cute", and letting Ms Coretha, your teacher know that you like her new hair (newly highlighted and cut). Amongst the description of Casanova, you also are a smooth talker (lawyer style), street smart, comic, and savvy. As I write more about our life you will know what I mean.

At 8, all of the above still applies. Teachers and parents alike are so pleased with your kind, generous and helpful ways.

Even though I have a glimpse of the person you are becoming, I still wonder who you will become.

Keven and Isabel

You two are my "Heaven On Earth". I miss every moment that you are absent from me. My love for you will always be with me wherever I am. Being your mother is a dream come true, I only hope that I become better with time. I want your memories of me to be filled with adventure, laughter, hugs, kisses and unconditional love. But at the same time, I hope you can say that I was a good listener, a helpful teacher, a fun playmate and an understanding mother. As your mother, I hope I can say that I taught you to be a well-rounded person; kind, generous, loving, social, energetic, hard working and respectful. You may make mistakes and bad judgements but learning comes with error. Despite what wrongs may come along in your life, disappointment will be extremely short-lived but my love for you will never fade. No matter your age, you will be my baby boy and baby girl now and forever. Remember, my love for the both of you can only grow. Loving you forever, Your Mom