Tired but having fun

Summer is coming to and end :( Not that I had much of one but is was fun.
This last week I've been having trouble sleeping and my kids don't wake during the middle of the night! But still having trouble. I should say one night A did have this weird waking every hour to hour and half. All she wanted was a hug and then went back to bed. I hate laying in the bed awake... it does no good. I remember Sara's post about insomnia. One of the comments I thought was to eat berries when having trouble. At 1am I was like ooh! I have strawberries. So I ate some and shortly remembered that it was supposed to be cherries. I had a good snack and decided to continue the snack with a red velvet cupcake mmmm! At least I was happy awake? Fell asleep around 3ish [yuck] and had to wake up at 615 [[double yuck]].
I think part of this is because Alyse and I haven't made it to the gym in a long while both busy and I'm tired. Besides the sleepiness we've had some fun playing, exploring and going out.


See us having fun at Universal... I love picture booths

The OC fair






Wed night I took the kids to market night. It was western night. Gav panned for gemstones, stagecoach with 4 big horses pulling it around and a live fake shootout.






Last night we went to the AV fair. There's a mutton bustin contest and out of a series of wins the child could win a savings bond for $5000. Gav was excited to ride the sheep. He did wonderful and in true rock star Gavin fashion, he tried riding with one hand. It was great! He would have won or took second if kept that hand on but the kid is all style =) That's my baby!






Side note. Boom rolled his ankle a couple times during his soccer game last week so the left ankle has been swollen :(

School time

Checked out two schools today for Gav. I cannot believe my baby is starting pre-K. Yes his old school has a pre-K program but I wanted to check out some other programs. Gav's preschool felt more like a day care. There is actual instruction but all one big room. The two schools were an actual school! If that makes sense. An actual campus with an awesome curriculum. I work hard with Gav and he didn't use any of his skills at the old school. He was the only one in his class who stared in the fall able to write his name and ABCs and the teachers knew but didn't have him write it. It took numerous talks for them to get it. First was Redlands Christian School. We know a few people who send their kids their and enjoy it. The facility was nice and the class rooms were as well. The program was half dyd with a daycare til 3. Gav needs all day with his energy. You know how you give yourself choices but secretly know what you want already... hehe. We went to RCS first. It was nice and we were impressed. Then I took them to Valley Prep and blew Gav and Boom's mind =) The pre-K curriculum all the way to 8th grade is phenomenal. First semester the kids learn Spanish and the second French. BTW... there is an actual science lab and even at Gav's grade level they will do a science project. The Headmaster (such an official title) had to show me it on the tour and well as an art class, music class, language class, a publishing lab, computer lab and etc. The stuff Gav will be exposed to is outstanding! At first the Headmaster was going to schedule another appt with us for Gav's assessment to make sure he meets the level because it was late in the day and hot. Oh no my baby was ready to go! Of course he was more than ready =)

The school is a bit pricey but doable. Saying that, I'm still collecting cans and bottles and accepting donations to help out =) Now I need to teach a few extra classes or find a real job [[eek]]!

Texas

Texas was great. Though you know when you go on vacation and you feel like you need a vacation from the vacation??? That is what happened here! The only time I didn't feel like this after a vacation was when Gav and I went to CO =) Maybe it was because Jolie, Sara and I were all pregnant? Maybe because Sara and I had a child already? Maybe we just knew what we needed... rest and great company =) I cannot wait to visit again...

For starters, I LOVE my parents house in TX. It has to be on an half acre+ lot, with a huge lake (McRae Lake in Conroe, TX) steps away from the back door. It was serene (minus hot, humid weather that didn't go away at night). We were about 40min away from Houston (where my mom's family is located). Gav enjoyed fishing, watching papa burn trash (yes burn... so against my beliefs but enjoyable and anything seems to go out there), run around, find insects (as Gav says) and lizards. The neighbor kid was real sweet to let Gav tag along as they cleared around the lake and he, Lamar, collected critters for Gav to see and pulled out his fishing pole to fish with him. A ran around in the grass and pointed at the water saying "wa-wee" over and over. She looked so tiny in the middle of the lawn.

We only spent a couple of FULL days at the house. Most days we would wake up and the kids would explore outside while we waited for everyone to wake up (A was up by 7-730 everyday). Usually around noon we headed into the city to visit family and back home around 6 or 7. At night we'd hang outside watching trash burn with the neighbors or watch a movie. We didn't call it a night til around 11ish.

Some of the highlights was at Grandma Gena's and papa Tommy's house. Most of the family came there and it was kid friendly. Gav played on the swing and Bella and A were in the dirt. Anything that kept the kids happy and I didn't ave to worry about them breaking anything was great! We also spent 2 days in Mississippi. That is where my Grandpa Lee lives. This was A's first time meeting him and Gav's 3rd but he was too little to remember. With more open land and 2 cousins to play with, the kids had a ball. Gav had a great time riding on the back of my grandpa's powered wheelchair around the property and A spent her time pressing the button to honk the horn on it. Back in TX, we were supposed to take a trip to Galveston (beach) but the weather was hot and no shade at the beach so we went to the Banana Bend. Its a big lake with a beach side and covered picnic tables. I didn't see Gav much that day. He was a fish with all his cousins and A preferred the sand and ice chest... the water in that chest was a beautiful mess at the end of the day.

I forgot to mention the BEST part... My mom and I DROVE to TX. Yes we are crazy but it was crazy fun! We left Thur after I gave my class their final. Made to El Paso that night, stayed in a hotel and drove 9 more hrs the next day to the house, and did the same on the way home. The kids were awesome. We stopped for gas and maybe 1 or 2 extra potty breaks (definitely a lunch break). The kids watched movies and colored. Gav and I made sock puppets the night before so they were a big hit in the car. Sheila kept me company while everyone slept when I drove... the only time they napped was when I drove [[ugh]]. On the way home we enjoyed River Walk in San Antonio and stocked up on a few fireworks in New Mexico (the only place that sells them year around).

It was a great 12 days, not a dull moment. I can't wait to go back and sit at the house. I thank my parents SO much for this awesome trip. It involved me turning in grades immediately after the test, dealing with a few whiny students because they didn't like their grade and finding someone to cover my lab while I was gone but it was all well worth it =)

The Texas album is up

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who sent the FB, texts, emails, phone calls and birthday cards. I had a wonderful day with family. Jer, Dreaa, Clarissa and Thomas =) spent the day with us. Then I realized I didn't take any pictures of him. Imagine Jeremy head on an infant lol. Looks just like him.

I can't wait to see everyone tonight at Thai House =) Don is closing it down for the party... yea!

He's here =)

Congratulations Jeremy, Dreaa and Clarissa!

Welcome Thomas! Born last night at 11:15, 6.14 lbs and 19.5 in.
I hoped he would wait for me but babies have their own schedule. Can't wait to visit the cutie.

We are enjoying Texas... a post to come when we return.

Summertime

When I think of summer, I remember never being home has a kid. We spent all our time outside playing, staying with cousins or fiends and vice versa...

Those days have come with Gav now :( He seems so grown sometimes. He wants to be out playing, have friends over or stay the night somewhere.

I haven't seen my baby this weekend. Gav went to lab with me on Friday but kept asking to play with Izel. Finally Ivan calls and the boys talk. After their convo, they decided Gav was going over to stay the night. I take Gav to Ivan's and I hang out there for a few hours too. We went to pick Gav up and came home with Izel around 1pm. They played all day and I took them to Target. Ivan shows up around 6 and guess who decideds to leave again. Gav left with them to stay the night with Izel. Izel's parents are not together, so Ivan sees Izel every weekend. I know I'm sad over a couple days. I would be selfish and not want to share my son! Ivan is awesome dad!

We've been having a great summer. Last weekend my mom DJ, Gav and I saw Rihanna, Trey Songz, Timbaland and Keisha in concert. We had fun and of course Izel was there so Gav had the best time with his buddy. I wonder if A has been feeling a little neglected from Gav but he makes up for it with the time he does spend with her. The last few days they been coloring together and he builds bionicles for her. She LOVES to be with her big bro. I hope it stays like this forever

For Mommies with boys or soon to be Mommies with boys...

I discovered tonight how to help when IT hurts...

If an incidence shall arise when your son hits the corner of the coffee table or just hits IT. This is what you should...

Tell him to lie down on his back and put his legs in the air (90 degree angle). I assumed you stand up and jump up and down... but was quickly corrected. Next grab at their ankles or knees but their legs needs to stay locked so I found the knees to be easiest because Gav did not get locking his knees. Basically, you pull them up and down, making sure the pelvis leaves the ground or couch (as was for me) to Shake IT Out!

For some reason this feels better to them and ultimately makes you laugh and then your son. And then, of course, they milk it and want you to continue shaking and bouncing them around.

The things you can learn in a day!!!

Thanks for the life long lesson Boom and Gav xoxo

mmmm....yogurt

Horizon yogurt blends are good! It is yogurt mixed with a vegetable and a fruit. A like the strawberry and carrot.
Darn Zack and Cody have Gav hooked on the crush cups and the 2 in 1 fusion yogurt

Catch up

So I didn't think I was going to be busy this summer. I figured a couple days at school and the rest of the time hanging at home... that hasn't been the case. I forget anatomy takes a little extra time, I need to prep my cat and review before hand. Also I need to be doing research. I need to research on teratogens that stop neural growth. Oh and last Thur I got to teach Adult Stem Cells for my advisor. I had to prepare the lecture myself. One hour of lecture with a 25min video and then lead a group discussion. I was nervous for the first 10min and then I fell into the groove.

Gav is having a nice break from school. He is doing his journaling about what he is doing during the break. He is also enjoying being with his friends. He stayed the night at Izel's house (first time at a non-relative's house). Ivan is a good family friend so I was ok with it after a couple hours passed =) We brought Lee back from Vegas and he stayed for 4 days. Him and Gav fight like crazy but won't leave each other alone. I don't get it! He also has been requesting lots of backyard campings so we've been doing that quite a bit. He is growing up TOO fast. I will admit the boy can have a smart mouth and is quick with the come backs. Besides that he is still goofy Gav who loves to sing, dance and play all the sports. He is all about making as many friends as possible where ever we go. He likes going to the daycare at the gym so he can meet new kids

Austen is something else. She is incredible socialable. Everyone she meets she tells them Hi and starts talking. The girl knows what she wants. She will tell you when she is ready to leave. She grabs your hand and says "GO." Demanding, she won't let up til she gets what she wants or until she throws a fit realizing she can't have it. Loves to be outside, playing in dirt or water usually but very girly at the same time. She caries babies and a purse around. She's a dancing machine just like Gav... it must be in the genes =) A is a big ball of joy with a contagious smile. Her kisses and patting my back makes my heart melt. One other not about this crazy girl... she has a blow up EVERYDAY! One week I washed her bedding everyday because of the mess. And she lost that baby smell LONG time ago. Even her farts have you guessing who did it and was their poop involved?

Boom is doing good. He is home during the day with kids holding down the fort when I'm gone. It can be a little chaotc when I walk through the door but they are all having fun. He has been cooking dinner for us... actually preparing most of the meals throughout the day. He is like a big kid with them. He has started playing softball on Sundays with Jonny. I can say, I can't wait til soccer is over tomorrow. World Cup has dominated, we even play soccer in the backyard after the games (I kick Boom's butt... he can't hang with me lol).


Gavin's end of school year program and Ms. Debbie



Lots of swimming this summer at Grandma's and Papa's house


Movie night and camping




Family Reunion





Our volcano. It took a week to construct


Universal Studios... King Kong was awesome on the studio tour



Happy 4th of July




Hanging at the park

Family Celebration

Happy Birthday Momma! We love you
We are ALL (boom, Gav, parents, siblings, aunt, uncle, cousins and bestie) in Las Vegas tonight. We are going to have a wonderful night.