Christmas Lights.

Tonight we went to look at Christmas lights.

According to Sammy, these are mustache's.

Wise Guy.

We recently put out the Fisher-Price Nativity and Sam is putting it to good use.

The mind of a 3 year old.

Merry Christmas!

Another Year Older.

My birthday was on a Wednesday this year. That alone should have been a sign that it was going to be a forgettable day. When you're 33 with kids and your birthday falls in the middle of the week it's not expected to be a celebration with fireworks and a fancy dinner. Instead, it's cleaning toilets, forgetting your kid at school, 2 hour football practice in 107 degree weather and cheese quesadillas for dinner. So August 25th 2010 came and went as expected and it's okay with me.

It's hard sometimes as a mom to say, "Don't forget to help the kids make a card for ME!" or "Maybe you could help the boys find something special for ME for MY birthday." or "Ya think you could convince the boys to do extra chores the since it's MY birthday?" or "Maybe since they have zero money, you could remind them to give me a big BIRTHDAY hug." It's hard because it shouldn't have to be done...right?!!?

But the reality is, most traditions come from us moms. We really are talented when it comes to making our family members feel special, especially on their day. Growing up, our family had a tradition that was passed down from my moms family...birthday dinner. The menu was made to your liking. What ever you wanted, it was served. I have always loved birthday dinner and so does our little family. Leon+Birthday=Tostadas (every year!)

This year was no different, even being 33. We had dinner on Saturday night at my parents with a "just surprise me" menu that turned into an instant favorite. Seriously, my Mom is amazing and thoughtful.

Beef Bourguignon with roasted potatoes

and for dessert...

Pavlova with summer berries

It turned out to be memorable after all!

Saying Our Goodbyes.

Elder Casey

My boys.

Trevor's duffle bag was a freebie from

The California Lottery...can you see the emblem?

I teased him because his tie matched it perfectly.

I wonder if he did that on purpose?

Sunday.

Sam is an insistent child. The last two days he hasn't stopped telling me over and over again that he is going to Honduras. I wonder what he pictures in his mind when he says that.

We spent Sunday in Delano. First, Trevor spoke in church...it was amazing! I have other thoughts about his talk...I'll share another time. I will say this, he has an amazing ability to connect with those who listen to him. I have NEVER been more proud of my brother.

We spent the rest of the day at my parents house. We snacked and each of us found a place to snooze. It was a perfect Sunday afternoon.

Trevor said Sunday night that I won't be even thinking about him with all that I will be doing while raising the boys. I think he won't even be thinking of me with all of the teaching and service he will be enjoying in Honduras. Fair enough.

I have been teased by Max for my tears, I wonder when it will sink in for him. Tomorrow we will be seeing Trevor off at the airport. 2 years. Tears will pour, I am sure of that.

Mas Los Angeles.

A trip to LA wouldn't be complete without a walk

around the temple while enjoying Sprinkles cupcakes.

Trip 2010.

We started out calling this a mini family vacation. I soon realized any traveling with kids is not a vacation, it is a trip. None the less, we had a good time together. We had some moments where we tried each others patience but we laughed and made some memories...

Like, playing dress up in Nordstrom. We were kind enough to use cheaper props and not designer handbags...I am sure they appreciated the gesture.

Sweet.

Summer is coming to a end...well, summer vacation that is. The heat is here to stay for at least a couple of months. Ewww. Tonight we drove through (or is it thru?) our favorite donut (or is it doughnut?) shop for drinks. No donuts today, but a large beverage with the best pellet ice in town...yes, please!

We love this place. The best Old Fashions around. We even dropped in to celebrate National Donut Day (yep, I'm for real) at our beloved Scotty's on Houston. This day was actually what kicked started our summer. See? Yum.

Tonight intended to be a night without a donut, so I thought. That was until our friendly server who always calls me "dear" filled a bag with donut holes and waved to the kids who were salivating in the back of the minivan. They really know how to keep their customers coming back for more, don't they?!!?

Speaking of yummy, check out this guy...

Enjoy!

I was looking through a box for my tattoo sleeves for my mom...yes, I have tattoo sleeves...and yes, my mom wants to borrow them. While looking for the tattoo sleeves, I found a wig. It made me think of our last Halloween. So, here you go...

Jon and Kate Gosselin.

I feel like I have been working for years trying to perfect Kate's eye roll.

I take my role very seriously!

This is the Jon and Kate after the split (notice Jon's earrings and experimental facial hair)...however if you look closely, you will see a baby bump.

Jon and Kate plus 9?!!?

I probably take my role too seriously!

Then there is this darling boy.

A young Clark Kent.

And this bad boy rockin' the tattoo sleeves.

Poor Me.

If the greatest wealth is health than I am certainly not the Bill Gates of wellness. My leg pain is back. I am more sure of myself than I was the first two times it got me down and am more hopeful than ever that I will beat this. Luckily, I have amazing friends who love me and pray for me. My family is pulling together to help me. And I have heard from many who have loaned me their strength for the meantime. My prayers are being answered.

I am not the only one. Believe it or not, this is the face of a baby with a serious viral infection.

Today it was confirmed that he has RSV. At this point it is something that we have to have monitored daily at the doctors office. He slept all night...7 hours. Meanwhile, I could not take advantage of this. I was up with worry and pain. Oh, motherhood!

And this is the face of the brother who lovingly shared his cough and boogers with the babe. Notice, he is feeling better and back to his mischievous ways. Max has been on high alert as Sam is back to ransacking his room for cars and lego wheels. This is him making a garage for those cars to go into.

I may not have my health, but as we all know money can't buy me love!

Word Association.

Today I was talking to a dear friend that seriously brings out the very best in me. I always hang up the phone feeling refreshed, uplifted and enlightened.

Today was one of those days. We were crying (literally) to each other about personal trials. Challenges that hopefully we conquer and look back on with a sigh of relief.

She said something that really helped me.

"Guilt should only be associated with sin."

Genius.

Why do I weigh myself down with guilt?

I have always associated guilt with my inadequateness.

The dishes aren't done.

Kids eat sandwiches for dinner.

I napped instead of _______(fill-in-the-blank).

I can't seem to get around to sorting that stack of papers.

Or that laundry.

I didn't properly thank a very thoughtful person.

Yeah, so? So, none of those things are associated with sin. Why then must I beat myself silly with guilt. It's okay.

Thank you dear friend. Thank you a million times.

So, the dishes aren't done.

The kids won't remember they ate grilled cheese...let alone care that they did.

I am rested.

Yes, the papers are stacked, but lucky for me, my house isn't in the next Pottery Barn photo shoot.

The laundry can still be found, even if it's in a basket and not a drawer.

I verbally showed appreciation and was truly sincere, after all, that is my style.

Once again, genius. So insightful and just what I needed today.

More Baby Love.

I had my postpartum check up today. I want more babies...am I crazy?

Irresistable.

I am just in love all over again...look at this lovey!

My friend Jan, took wonderful pictures of Zachary.

We couldn't have been more pleased!

Not only is she talented, but I seriously think she is The Baby Whisperer...she has such a gentle and loving touch! I cannot thank Jan enough, as I now will be able to relive this tender moment over and over!

You can see more of Jan's talent here

www.janiphotography.com

Losing It.

Darn it.

I gave birth to an 8 pound 10 ounce baby boy.

Only 8 pounds and 10 ounces.

Not 30, like I would have liked...

because now I am several (okay, 30) pounds heavier

and having to face how to lose it.

Unfortunately, I have discovered something delicious and dangerous.

These cookies will never let me lose an ounce of this "baby" weight.

And yet, part of me is okay with holding onto the extra pounds...

as I nibble on a cookie or two, or three.

This is a battle, and I'm not sure how I can win!

Look Alike.

Some say Max has Leon's build...

and that Sam has Leon's coloring and calves.

I have been told Max looks just like me...

and Sam is a small version of Leon.

Zac was nicknamed "The Reyes Tie Breaker"...

It was all up to him.

Would he look like Max or Sam?

Leon and I are a little shocked to see that he resembles

someone who we never even thought of as a possibility...

Okay, just the hairdo.

Isn't his natural hairstyle so Rod Stewart?

I love it.

Zac was just born with a little spunk!

Regressing.

A few days before Zac was born, we unpacked and washed some baby clothes. While rummaging through the pile, Sam found this (size 0-3 months) and insisted on wearing it. Leon and I indulged, never thinking it might somewhat fit. He wore it all day and we laughed all day.

This is Sam's seat of choice...well this and the infant car seat.

Zachary Thomas Reyes

On Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 7:30 am I anxiously lay in the hospital bed waiting for our doctor. We knew the plan, I was there to be induced. I was anxious because it seemed like just yesterday that Sam came to us in the same way and it was the most draining experience...emotionally and physically. When the doctor walked in, he was calm and smiles. I felt ease.

According to our beloved doc, there is no award for being without pain medication and so I was on my way to having the infamous epidural. After some pitocin, I began feeling contractions...the great thing about this epidural was that I could feel enough but not too much. It was just what I wanted!

By 11:50 it was intense and my nurse came in to check on me for the first time. Her reaction was something like...

WAIT...STOP...DON'T DO ANYTHING!

30 minutes and 2 pushes later, Zac was here! 8 pounds 10 ounces and 20 inches. It was the kind of labor that makes you want to have another baby immediately. My only explanation is that only the Lord could know that with a busy boy like Sam waiting at home, I need it to be a little easier this time around!

So far...

He cries if he's hungry. He nuzzles and snuggles and melts my heart. He sleeps all day and is up all night. He is not the slightest bothered by all the noise. He is a perfect fit.

We are in love.

Old News Is Still Good News.

For those of you who were really left out of the loop...

I am pregnant.

And Due March 3, 2010.

That's in about 5 days...but who's counting?!!?

Oh yeah, ME!

It started in June when I found out because I was feeling like crap. Leon was away for the week at Boys Scout Camp...I was solo with our boys and Max's friend for the week. It was perfect timing. Luckily, I called my brother who came and stayed and entertained after I shared the secret. Oh, a couple of things:

1. No cell phone reception in the mountains, so I couldn't share this unexpected news with Leon.

2. My parents were both away and didn't have reception where they were either.

3. Did I mention how horribly ill I was?!!?

Okay, so Trevor to the rescue! Eventually I was able to tell Leon, 4 days later and it has been surreal ever since.

What we do know through this experience...

Miracles truly happen.

It is a BOY!

He is nicknamed "The Reyes TieBreaker" as we wait to see who he looks like!

The older I get, the harder pregnancy is.

I tend to not sweat the small stuff as much.

Oh, and leaving the best for last...I am really cranky.

(challenging when trying not to sweat the small stuff!)

I will be induced Monday morning if I don't go into labor over the weekend. I am ready. Everyone is ready. In the mean time I am looking back on the last few months that have left me in survival mode...there is so much to catch up on blog-wise, and I want to since this is as good as it gets for the journaling part of me.

Gotta go...Sam just got into my baking cabinet and dumped sprinkles all over the place. Part of me thinks he knows I am in survival mode and is taking advantage of the situation. He's so smart.

xoxo

Jen