Look Ma - I CAN STAND!

Noah has really starting to move around more and scooting and getting ready to crawl AND STANDING. He is just so proud of himself in these pictures. I adore those cheeks and that smile he flashes. He just squeals with delight when he stands now. He can't seem to get himself back down so then he cries but while he is first up he is very happy! He is experimenting on his knees and hands doing the rocking thing so it won't be long before he is actually crawling. Look out, I will have to be much, much better about the dirt and legos that end up on the floor. Ugh, just another push to be a better house cleaner....

Project 365 - Day 150

Can you tell yet that Laura likes to help? I think it is the age because I remember Nathan wanting to help a lot too but she does have this sweetness about her. Papa (my dad, grandpa) told her she couldn't help pressure wash since things could spray up and hit her in the eyes and a little while later Laura comes to the sliding glass door with goggles in hand ready for action. He was great to let her help although I don't know how she sees anything with the curls in the way. She is going through a faze where she doesn't want to wear a clip. Anyway it made for a great picture of the day.

Nathan's Kindergarten Program

I was nervous how I would deal with this night. I was thinking I would be sad and reminiscent and all emotional. I couldn't stop smiling during the whole show - I had a great time. It was just so cute to see all these little faces singing their hearts out (well some of them wouldn't sing at all) but it was still cute to see. They would check in with the teacher in the front when they got lost in the song and would flash a smile at their loved ones in the audience and the songs were pretty cute too. My mom and dad joined us so it was fun to have them there too. We promised Nathan we would go out to Applebee's for dinner since it is his favorite and he just felt really special the whole night. And yes, the matchy-matchy thing continues. I just love dressing them up in the same stuff. Is there a 12 step program for this thing I have? I was just wondering, not that I would give in and stop anytime soon. Nathan now asks if he is going to wear something that matches Noah, so I wonder how long he will be on board with my fettish.

Nathan and Ethan. They are best little buddies in class. They are really into Star Wars Legos, Lego Agents, Lego Batman and Indiana Jones Lego - basically anything legos they love.

Mrs. Andrada has been so good for Nathan this year. He really did get a wonderful first teacher and I feel blessed she is so caring and down to earth and kind and flexible and just all around good for Nathan (and me) and a wonderful kindergarten teacher.

Nathan talking to Alexis. I think he has a crush on her. He thinks her hair is pretty.

This was the last song of the night and they all sung and swayed arm in arm. It was the perfect end to the evening.

Project 365 - Day 149

Nathan's Kindergarten Program. This was such a cute event. The end of the year program was packed with all of the songs the kids have learned this year in class. Nathan is in the back row under the "J". He has been talking all week about who he stands with in his row and the songs he is going to sing. It was a joy to see all these cute kids sing their songs.

The Little Helper

Laura was pretty good about the job of picking up the leaves, but then again she is the little pleaser and my little helper afterall. My dad decided this would be a good job for her and told her he would give her 25 cents for keeping it up. She is supposed to take all the little growth off of the "trunk" of the tree when she sees it. Now everytime we are back there she inspects that trunk and rips any smidge of a new leaf she sees peeking out. My little girl, what can I say, she always wants to help - let's see how long it lasts....

Project 365 - Day 148

Child labor is in full effect around here. I told Nathan and Laura I would pay them each $1 to pick up the leaves the neighbor's tree has so wonderfully fallen on our new black bark. Laura was pretty okay with it but once they got about half way they were done. I remember doing stuff like this when I was little. Sweeping the gutters had to be the silliest job I could think of but I do remember picking up my fair share of leaves but my dad wouldn't let us be finished until they were all picked up. I guess I need to work harder on the enforcement part.

The funniest thing was their request for chocolate chip cookies and lemonade like the landscape guys got when they were here working. I swear these kids remember everything!

I love this little baby boy of mine...

More on the pictures of Noah thing...

I know you are supposed to love your kids equally and I do love them ALL tremendously but in such different ways. I get so emotional with Nathan, he was my first baby and even though he is not a baby any more he will always be MY baby. With Laura I am so grateful to have a daughter - it is something my mom talked to me about but I never really got until she came along and in all her wonder and even frustration she brings joy to me that I didn't even know I would or could obtain.

Then there is this little guy. I KNOW he is my last baby. He brings such joy to my heart I feel like it is going to burst when I look at him. I am soaking up every last second, every single day with him because I keep feeling like every day that passes with him will be the last day he is eight months, two weeks and four days old. I am treasuring every single moment I have with him and holding on to him as tight as I can when I am trying to let him grow and explore and discover and play at the same time.

In a blink, Nathan is not a baby and not even a little boy any longer. Laura grew up so fast and seemed to do everything early she was not a baby for very long. Noah seems to be taking his time for me and I appreciate that blessing to no end. I will not take for granted one single day that I get to be a mom to these three babies. I just feel so damned blessed to be their mommy each and every day and that I get to be there for them each and every day. Mike works hard to make that happen and in my mind and heart I will be forever grateful for that. I KNOW how blessed I am to be living the life I do and I don't tell him or them that nearly enough.

Please note that going out with your girlfriend for dinner for two hours can bring on a gratitude for your life at home that you didn't think was possible (Thank you again Donna for the last minute invite - I really needed some time away). Note to self, go out away from them more often so you can reflect like this more often!

p.s. Does anyone know how to get those awful crow's feet lines off of my face for goodness sakes! I really need photoshop classes - geeshh!

Project 365 - Day 147

I am by no means ready for the summer. I think it only got to 95 degrees here today and it felt like 120 to me. I really hate living here in the summer when it is so hot. The kids got a new pool for the backyard and today was the first day we set it up. Fun was had by all as you can see. Here is hoping they sleep really well tonight!

I have been getting a lot of queries about the number of pictures of little Noah. Not complaints mind you but a kind notice-ing that I post a lot of him. I will point out that HE is the only one that will stay still long enough to actually get a shot of and a shot in focus (at least most of the time - we all know how wonderful my camera skills are). So I leave you with that mom, I hope that explains (love you!)

Project 365 - Day 146

Ah the Little People. I have saved and saved these little guys for Noah and he is just starting to enjoy them and play with them. I think I like these little things as much as the kids do and I don't really know why. Noah will sit here and play with the figures and make the sounds work on the farm and is thoroughly entertained and that just tickles me even more! And I think he looks pretty cute and preppy in his Polo onsie - Thanks Jodi - I love it!

Project 365 - Day 145

We had a lovely Memorial Day with my parents coming over to have a BBQ. The old backgammon board made it's way out and Nathan rolled for Mike and was quite the little roller. We will be booking him a trip to Vegas on his 21st bday by the way. He kept rolling doubles and double sixes to be more exact. He has been walking around calling himself "The Master". Do I really need to say more?

Project 365 - Day 144

You would think with enough of these posts I would get with it. Just another example of how Mike is waay funner than me. He was kind enough to make the kids lunch while I took a much needed nap (thank you again) and he made the kids special sandwiches with special sliced apples and they LOVED it. I was asked to make these again for everyday. I did try the next day but they were not as good as daddy's and they were quick to point that out. Oh well, I am willing to give up the job to him so I can take a nap any day!

Project 365 - Day 143

Just another sign of spring to me. This grasshopper was really huge. Right after I snapped this he jumped into the flowers and was out of sight but I was glad to capture him hanging out in our yard.

Project 365 - Day 142

Noah has become known as "Snaggletooth" around these parts lately. His two toofers are coming in and it just looks so funny to have the one on the top and the one on the bottom. You can barely see them but the giggle he does and the flash he gives us keeps us laughing along with him all day!

Project 365 - Day 141

Oh my sweet, sweet, son. I am tearing up as I am blogging this one. He really is growing up and I am finding it harder and harder to let go each and every day. Tonight was "Open House" at kindergarten and Nathan was thrilled to have "invited" his family to his class. He took it very seriously and in true Nathan form was going down the checklist to make sure we did everything we were supposed to. My son does love him some structure and organization - if I could just get him to do everything I spell out for him. I love how he is looking at the board. The card you see of the dog in glasses was a card he picked out for his teacher not too long ago, so he thought it was very cool that it was being used again tonight. He just loved showing us his school creations and where he plays and eats his snackrecess (yes, apparently it is one word in his mind). Afterward we got to go out for ice cream so we had many treats this night.

Project 365 - Day 140

Apparently, every kid must celebrate their birthday in Kindergarten. I am not so up with this whole everything needs to be fair thing - c'mon people life is not fair. Oh well, I will get off my soap box now. My son has a July birthday, so the teacher informed me she would pick a day for Nathan to celebrate his "birthday" in the class. I really don't understand what the big deal is, we can't even bring cupcakes or goodie bags so it really is just another day with a funky hat. Nathan was happy though and I indulged and let him be the picture of the day (his request). At least he didn't ask for birthday presents or a cake.....

Project 365 - Day 139

My mom had promised Laura a trip to the Disney store for whatever she wanted once she was fully potty trained and in big girl panties with no accidents. Laura has done marvelous! She really has passed this milestone and was oh, so proud to pick what she wanted. She had been telling me for weeks she wanted a "straight, soft Belle doll". I was just hoping they had what she wanted. My kids sure do know what it is they want. She is so proud of herself. I am too baby!

Project 365 - Day 138

My good friend Dusti had a birthday celebration "Cupcakes and Cocktails" for her dear friend Laura who was visting from Indiana. I have weasled my way into being friends with her too, she is a really fun person who is uber crafty too (don't let her tell you otherwise!). Laura had joked about being the birthday princess since she was celebrating her 40th birthday, and no, she doesn't look 40! Dusti made mini almond joy cupcakes, pumpkin with cream cheese frosting cupcakes and a beautiful cake. I contributed the raspberry cream cupcakes. Dusti made the night extra special with tons of details and decorations (kudos to Kenny for the jar lanterns hung from the trees - they were spectacular). I was so glad to be a part of the evening!

Project 365 - Day 137

The motley crew. Will and Lisa hosted us and the Dobies at their house for a lunch since we were in town for the wedding. It was a wonderful afternoon and the kids all played so good together. They really do love each other and have fun playing together. It is always nice to get together. Will and Chris really are brothers to Mike and I just love their families.

Mr. and Mrs. Enos

The wedding was a really nice event. It seemed everyone had a good time and it was fun to see people long lost from my childhood. I got a lot of compliments, which was very nice. It seems people were shocked I am not "old" - I kept hearing "you look really young". I guess that is as good as it gets when you have been married for 11 years and have three kids.

Little Laura survived. She was not thrilled to complete her flower girl duties. I wasn't sure she would even walk down the aisle. She did, but not by herself and she wouldn't throw the petals but at least she walked right? I just keep saying she is three years old and it is okay.

The dudes all spiffied up...

Just loved the flowers on the end of the rows.

Tammy's son Jovanni looked so grown up. They had a special part of the ceremony where they presented him with a necklace and said vows to him. It was very touching and I think everyone cried.

Her maid of honor and bridesmaids.

This was her attitude throughout the ceremony. Her dress really scratched her and she was not happy in the sun.

The princess bride with her dad.

Her bouquet and a close up of her dress.

More of Laura having a blast....

Awwww, the bride and groom...

I was struck by one of the groomsmen holding his wedding ring and turning it around his finger during the ceremony. It was a touching moment to me.

Project 365 - Day 136

My very handsome brother waiting for his bride to walk down the isle. He is so happy he is getting married. It was a beautiful day for an outside cermony (a little hot but still beautiful). He was very dapper and I just love this shot of him.

Project 365 - Day 135

I know this is too many pics for Project 365 but I will choose one come album time. I was so thrilled that my dear friend Cristina was able to meet me at Grandma Alma's house while we were in town for my brother's wedding. I have not seen her or baby Joaquin since he was born. Noah and Joaquin are a month apart (Noah is older, Joaquin was born on my wedding anniversary). She looks fabulous and Joaquin is just a total joy and a very happy baby. He is crawling around and pulling himself up on everything. Noah just sat and watched happily. They were really cute together. Thanks to Cristina for coming to visit and thanks to Grandma and Pam for a very nice relaxing day.

Project 365 - Day 134

The little flower girl at the rehearsal. She is still very hesitant about this whole thing so we will have to see how it goes. I am nervous.

Project 365 - Day 133

Nathan had career day a few weeks back at school and announced he wanted to be an 'Air Force Police Space Pilot'. Okay, I said. Today he told me he is quitting his job because he now wants to be a Lego Power Miner. I just had to contain the laughter because he was so serious when he was explaining that he was quitting his job. These are the days I will remember forever.