Loser.

Although I won the push up contest, I lost the sprint race. Now I am taking out the recycleables (for a week) while my 11 year old gloats. He can't help his awesomeness.

Speaking Your Mind.

I've noticed lately how difficult it is to get Max to share what is on his mind. He holds back more often than ever. Yay for pre teens! This change in the game has just required more strategy on my part, but it usually pays off in him spilling his deep vault of secret thoughts. Yesterday was another one of these days. He was being evasive as to why he didn't want to join the new track team at school. He had an answer for everything and it still didn't satisfy. I asked who was on the team...most of his good friends. I asked who coached the team...one of his favorite teachers. I asked if he liked running...yeah. I told him he could do it for fun and not compete...no. Was there a bully...no. Was he afraid of losing...no. A zillion questions and answers later I gave up and Max then looked at Leon and I and said, "I just don't like running in circles." Enough said.

Since I am on the topic of speaking your mind...

While I was in Lowe's the other day with the little boys, we took an emergency detour from the hardware section to the bathroom. Why do all of my boys wait until the very last second?!!? While I was waiting with Zac outside the stall, I could hear Sam inside the stall hitting his legs and laughing! Being under some serious time constraints (8 1/2 minutes 'til pick up for Max) I told him to stop playing and finish up. Sam then yelled, "But, Mommy! My legs are squishy and bouncy like yours!" Nice. And yes, all of the other women in the Lowe's bathroom found it amusing as well.

Where Love Is.

Heart shaped dinner.

Sharing.

We have been working a lot on sharing.

So far bath time has been the only hour there is full cooperation.

Style.

Track pants...check.

Race car t shirt...check.

Reversible vest...check.

Spider Man gloves...check.

Self expressing 3 year old...check.

Winter Break 2010.

Honestly, it doesn't feel like the holidays until we take a road trip up to visit family in Napa. While we were there, we went ice skating on polymer "ice" in Yountville. It was actually quite fun and came with the occasional slip and fall...even being that it wasn't real ice.

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!