F R E E Z E ! ! !

For the first time in the last 18 months I found myself wishing I could freeze the boys right now!! I love their age, the way the play, the sweet way they are affectionate with each other, and how they both get the concepts of "share" and "obey". (Took a little longer for Jude to grasp than it did for Kiedis). I don't want them to grow any more than they have. I will miss this chapter in our lives, and am already saddened knowing it won't last long.

Now if I could just potty train an 18 month old......

Giving Thanks

Although we didn't make it out to the Pacific Coast this year, we found out how nice it is to start our own family traditions at home. For the first time we were able to participate in the annual Thanksgiving service at church, which includes a parade put on by families, kinships, and any other group wishing to join in displaying their banners.
Kiedis was so helpful putting our parade banner together. He and I had so much fun making it, and talking about all the things that we are thankful for. Topping his list were; Baby Jude, Chocolate Milk, School, "My" Friends, Food, "My" Toys, and "All My Things".
However much fun we had this Thanksgiving, we missed our family, and are so happy to have them safely back home.

Halloween

Kiedis choose to be David this year. Inevitably, Kimbro was Goliath. Jude went as a pilot, and let me tell you, it was hard to believe his belly didn't bust the velcro wide open.
I worked that night, so I didn't get to go to the carnival at church. I did, however, decide to participate, so I simply made a bird's nest out of my hair, and added birds. It was easy to do, but you can imagine the fun I had taking the "nest" out that night.
You may notice a little less "crazy hair" on Jude. Kimbro cut the boys hair the night before. He looks so much like Kiedis with his hair cut. He looks like a little boy, instead of a baby.

First Day of PreSchool

Today was Kiedis' big day!
After having breakfast with his dad and brother, we all got in the car and made the 10 minute drive to East Mountain Christian Academy. Kiedis was thrilled to be going to school, although he kept saying he was going to Sunday School.
When we introduced him to his new teacher, he became a little shy. But he warmed up immediately....so did Jude. Jude walked right into the classroom and started talking in baby language to one of the preschoolers. Then he proceeded to walk past him and start playing in the play kitchen with one of the little girls in Kiedis' class. I seriously wished I could have left him!
He ended up staying a full day. And when it was time to pick him up, I took Caitlin with me, and we went to Baskin Robins for an ice cream to celebrate Kiedis' first day at school.

Second Third Birthday Party

When you're three, one celebration isn't enough.
Ok, so I can't even blame Kiedis...he didn't care one way or another. But it was super fun for us, so we couldn't resist.
Here are some pics of his second party. It was a dress-up party, and his "best friend" happened to dress up like Spiderman, too!
We had a lot of fun. Thanks to you all who came, and all of you who helped make the party happen!

Special Shapes Balloon Glow

This year our favorite new special shape balloons were Darth Vader and the Choo-choo train. Kiedis has been to the balloon fiestas since he was a year old, but for some reason the sound of the balloons firing up scared him this year. Jude enjoyed the show. So did Grandpa Nal. The bus ride to the park was long, but it was fun to see Kiedis on the bus. It gave me a glimpse of future days when he will be riding the bus to school.

72oz of Steak in 1 hour

Yes people, that's 4.5 lbs!! Kimbro will be heading down the long stretch of highway to Amarillo, TX tomorrow. Destination: The Big Texan Steak Ranch- Home of the free 72 oz steak dinner. Free, if you can eat it a 72 oz steak, a baked potato, salad, dinner roll, and shrimp coctail....in under an hour.
Watch him and his buddies around 3 pm live on Monday!

Chubby cheeks!

We all say we'd like to bite 'em. But no one has....until last Sunday. Irresistable? Evidently so.
Sunday school was the scene of the crime. The perpertrator; a little girl smaller than the victim. Jude cried just a few tears, and was over it. His cheek just started looking much better yesterday. Poor little guy.

Kiedis' 3rd Birthday

Cupcakes, cupcakes, and more cupcakes.
But...it was worth it...all of it. Happy birthday, hito!

O Fair New Mexico...(we love you so!)

Went on a hike last evening with Kimbro and the boys. It's easy sometimes to forget how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place. Especially when stunning scenery and various hiking trails are literally in our back yard! It took us no more than 5 minutes to get to the trails.

Kiedis was determined to find a bear in a cave. Lucky for us, we didn't see one. He also wanted to see a snake. I'm really glad we didn't!



It has been so nice having Kimbro two days in a row during the week all to ourselves! I think by the second day he's probably anxious to go back to work.
Speaking of which, Kiedis might be starting pre-school now that he turns 3. I am only ready to let him go a couple of half-days per week. He keeps talking about going to "Caitlin's school". I hope it works out that he can go where she goes.

State Fair

This year was especially fun at the Fair. The boys were old enough to really enjoy themselves. Kiedis really liked the animals and ate cotton candy that was almost as big as he (which he decided he wanted after seeing the angora bunnies)LOL.
Ironically, Jude enjoyed watching the piglets nurse. It was difficult pulling him away from their pen. When we managed to, he would run right back. I know firsthand how that poor sow feels. I think it's time to think about weaning.
Kimbro took Kiedis to the rodeo as well. I didn't think they would make it to the end, but they did!

1907 vs 2007

The following was taken from a 1907 Home and Health, Pacific Press Publishing that I found in the front pages of one of my homeschooling books.

I liked it, and thought you'd get a kick out of it. It's sad that over time things have changed so much.

What a Little Girl Should Be Taught

• To cook plain wholesome food
• To make her own clothes
• To be neat and orderly
• To care for her own room
• To learn well the art of housekeeping
• To care for her person
• To exercise a quiet reserve in the presence of boys and men
• That all cheap talk is unbecoming
• That loose jokes about "beaux" and "lovers" are inproper
• That modesty is a priceless treasure, and will prove her the surest protector
• That her brothers are better escorts than most other young men
• That her mother is her best companion and counselor
• That her dress should be plain, and not the chief subject of her thoughts or conversation
• That she should wear only such styles of clothing as will cover her person modestly
• That it is better to be useful than ornamental
• That there will be time enough to learn fancy work after she has learned to darn stockings
• That the old rule, "A place for everything and everything in its place," is a good one
• That she should dress for health and comfort as well as for appearance

What a Little Boy Should Be Taught

• To be strong and brave- a little man
• To shun evil companions
• To respect gray hairs
• To be gentle
• To be courteous
• To be prompt
• To be industrious
• To be truthful
• To be honest
• To prefer the companionship of his sisters, over other girls
• To honor his father and mother
• To be temperate
• To discard profanity
• To be thoughtful and attentive
• To prove himself pure
• To be his sister's protector
• To refuse to listen to vulgar jokes or stories
• To use common tools skillfully
• To care for his own room
• To do all kinds of housework
• To earn money, and to take care of it
• To be neat and orderly in his habits and appearance
• To be self-reliant
• To be his father's partner

Sabrina's Homecoming Night

Well, like I promised some of you, here's a pic of Sabrina on the night of Homecoming. She had fun, and my mom and I had almost as much fun going as chaperones. Let's just say that for my mom and I, it was truly an eye-opening experience. One which made me consider homeschooling my boys longer than I had anticipated. LOL

Manzano Homecoming Game

Manzano 42, Del Norte 7
What a great game! And a fun night! Manzano is now 3 and 0...this is going to be a great football season. Not to mention how good the Royal Guard has gotten. Just in time, too; Pageant of Bands and Zia are just weeks away.
Kiedis is really getting into football, and loves to tackle anyone and everyone. Then when the band plays, he also loves to shake his money maker. This you must see in person. However cute he may look dancing, no one can get down like Jude. There is never a song or jingle that plays that doesn't arouse Jude to get down! No one around can keep from laughing out loud.

It has been nice to have "Tata Nal" around as much as he has been lately. I think he secretly enjoys doing all he has been with my parents. It's a nice change of pace for him, and it gets him out of the house. He seems much happier.

Albuquerque in the Fall

Here's a small taste of what you're missing if you're not in Albuquerque this fall: Fresh roasted green chile, the burning of Zozobra (aka. Old Man Gloom), NM State Fair, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and much more.

C'mon people, what are you waiting for? A formal invite? Do you have any idea what you're missing?!

Jesus riding on an airplane?

Last week I had to reason with my almost 3 year-old when he kept saying he wanted to die so he could go to heaven and see Jesus. Half of me was happy that I suceeded in getting him to realize how wonderful heaven will be. The other part of me felt like I must've failed somehow in my explaination since he wanted to go "now"!
So today as I fed my boys tuna fish (one of their faves), Kiedis starts talking about heaven again, and how he wants to go to see Jesus. This time, a little more prepared, I tell him that we can't go when we want, but when Jesus wants us to go home. I also explained that Jesus will come for us, and we will meet him in the sky.
Kiedis asks, "will Jesus be driving an airplane?"
No son.
"Will He come driving a car?"

Are there classes parents can take for these kind of questions???

Hug your fridge

So, we went on a nice trip to Phoenix. We get back and find our fridge died. Actually, we were given a head's up the night prior, but by then, it was too late.
Nothing was salvagable. Ok, two things. Soy sauce (it says refrigerate, but is it really necessary considering they leave them out on tables in restaurants?), and Kimbro's favorite seasoning, Tapatio.
Admitedly, there were things in there that we hadn't used in a while, though every week when I clean out the refrigerator, I couldn't bring myself to throw away. Now our fridge is bare. Empty. Sad.
We lived out of an ice chest until yesterday, when the repairman brought our fridge back to life.
It made me think how much we take for granted. How often are we thankful for luxuries like refrigerators? It's hard to appreciate until yours dies.
I love you, fridge!

Fare thee well, SISSY!

Sabrina started school last week.....High School, that is! Where has time gone? It seems like it was just a few months ago we took baths and showers together. Don't worry, it wasn't! Well, while closing some chapters in our lives, I am anxious for the new. It will be fun to see her all dressed up for homecoming. I am already anxious to see her at her first game. After just the first few days of "band camp", I noticed a big difference in her. She was suddenly a high schooler. Beautiful, composed, and confident. She's one of those girls you would LOVE to hate; if she just wasn't so darn nice and cool. If I was 14 years old again, I would want to be her best friend. And if I was a guy, I would have the biggest crush on her.

I better stop there in case she reads this and gets all puffed up.

Anyway...here's to us. I hope through all the busyness, we still find time to hang out, and continue our Sunday nights at Flying Star.

Ode to my Blog

I figure if a 12 year-old can do it, so can I. Maybe by having a blog to maintain, I won't spend so much time (and money) shopping online.

Your opinions, thoughts, ideas, and comments are always welcome.

Enjoy.