The BAYLES Bunch

re-routing

2009-05-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

I have abandoned this blog and started another.
Who knows why- but if you want to check out our family...go to In A Nut Shell

See you there-

We are still kickin'

2009-01-25T09:46:00.000-08:00

If you are still checking- then you must love me awhole lot, (or you have a bit too much extra time). I have given up on blogging, though I still enjoy checking others. It took me 10 min just to sign in; I had forgotten my password. I figured that Sadie- cute as she is- might appreciate a break from holding that position over the grocery cart and being the first thing anyone sees on my blog.
So here we are in 2009. The Bayles Bunch are expanding (baby girl due in April) and happy. We don't have much to tell except that we are pretty blessed. Maybe that is why I don't blog anymore; there is not much I feel I can add to the big, wide, blogosphere. We get through the days and count each smile and snicker and nap as the blessings they are.
If I do start to blog again- I will start all over. You will see an new and improved site, complete with pictures and stolen creativity. My very wise sister-in-law reminded me the other day that there are people around us (outside of our all consuming daily bubble) who love us and need us. Sometimes it's just easier to shut everything else out but what is wiggling and screaming right in front of me. I take great comfort in knowing there are angels out there who go through the same days as I do and that every once in a while we can connect and give a spark that will help us through until the next once in a while. Thank you for that.

Little Sis

2008-07-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

I have a sister.
She is fun.
Mostly she's just is funny.
We don't hang out much; but when we do- I always end up laughing out loud.
Our last adventure took us to Sam's Club on a lonely Wednesday night. We are two mature almost adults going grocery shopping at the local surplus store. No big deal.
Until Sadie decides she would rather ride than walk ("those babies have it made, I'm doing this their way!") So I watch in hysterics as my 13 year old sister climbs on in.

Sadie attempting to climb into the grocery buggy

Sadie happily settled in the grocery buggy

I could not take pictures of her getting out because I was laughing too hard, and I had to lift her out myself. I guess they should put an age limit on those things. How else are other mature adults going to know that they don't get to ride?
I love hanging out with my nutty sister.

Camping- in style

2008-06-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

I love to camp. I love to be pampered. I never really thought the two went together. But at our girls camp we were all spoiled. It was a resort outside of San Antonio, that was really nice. The cabins were very nice, with comfortable beds and all the amenities. The food was fantastic- served to us three times a day. The horseback riding, lounging at the pool and even serenading around the fire by professionals combined to make a pretty sweet vacation for me.
WAIT! IT'S NOT VACATION- IT'S GIRLS CAMP!!
What ever happened to the girls camp of my childhood; sleeping bags, and cots. Fires, that we built and food that we cooked and suffering and latrines? Camping is not supposed to be cushy. I will admit that being a leader had drawbacks. So much drama! I had forgotten living with little children, how much there is to complain about as a teenager- even at a resort. It was time away from my life into a completely different one of young women and their suffering. My response to 90% of all their wining became DWI (deal with it!). And yet it did give me ample time to see these girls as they will one day become. It was humbling to see such strength and fear together. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I'm not sure I'm ready to repeat anytime soon.

We are being attacked with cuteness

2008-05-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

AHHHHHHHHHH! She's comming for you next. Just open your arms and welcome all that cuteness in.

To blog or not to blog...

2008-05-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

I can't help myself. I have held off for quite awhile... but my kids are too cute, my house is too mine, and my fingers are bored. So BLOG ON! and where it goes from here- no one can know. Pictures of the house are comming. really.

It's all a blur

2008-04-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

If anyone does check this site any more- I have a huge apology.
I've become so lost in the frenzy of our life that blogging no longer seems to find a space. I had pictures from Easter and our short lived new pets and new hair cuts and Gran and Grandad fun- but I have packed all the wires that connect the camera to the computer. I just can't find the time to blog adequately between the packing of junk and showing of house, and wiping of noses and meeting with agents and all that other stuff we all do every day. I do love to stay in touch, but I'm currently out of touch. Sorry. I will probably be shutting down this blog soon. I don't need the reminded guilt of another thing I'm not doing.
So if you are reading- it was nice while it lasted, but with our move next week- some things are are more important than my personal computer time. Fangs for the memories.

Don't Pray for Patience!

2008-03-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

Ho hum. We are just sitting around, watching our toe nails grow. Life is on the verge of changing for us, and there is NOTHING WE CAN DO TO SPEED IT UP! It feels a lot like those last few weeks of pregnancy (love you EM) when you know it's coming, you feel like you're going to POP, but you just have to wait it out.

I am not known for my patience. I'm the girl who calls you on the phone several times in succession, until you pick up. Children are supposed to help develop this virtue; but I find they are only aggravating my condition. Everything is going in slow motion, like we are underwater- and I'm completely sober!

So don't pray for patience, because you're bound to get lots of practice. Instead we pray that our house will magically close tomorrow! See how practical I am? In the meantime, we trim our nails.

Drumroll, Please

2008-03-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

So I didn't want to disclose our exciting news until everything was signed and certain. But as you see, that could take a very long time. We are currently in the process of buying our first home, and are very excited. It has been nearly ten years of renting, and I believe the time has come for a bit of escrow. The home is perfectly placed .4 miles from Shane's work, and the boy's school, and our church. We feel very blessed to have found our little dream house. Things are still in process, but we are pretty sure that all will go through. Call it stupidity or faith; we're definitely counting our chicks.

This may be a bit of a let down to you, if you were expecting some earth shattering news (not quite a skinhead, but I did cut NINE inches off my hair); but we are pretty elated. Wish us luck in the mad world of mortgages.

Hold on....Something's bound to happen

2008-02-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

I am reluctant to post until I have concrete evidence of something exciting. So we may seem boring- but really all the good stuff is in the works. Just be patient my little amigoes, and hopefully I'll have a hand-clappin' good post in the near future. In the meantime we are all flouishing in the Texas winter and lovin life. Even when it's hectic, crazy, loud and looney; Life is good.

Is trying enough?

2008-02-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

Every year I set the same goals; more or less. I see so many holes that need to be filled. There is a mammoth pressure to be more than I am now. I have been reading inspiring posts from dear friends who aspire and inspire. I want to catch their vision of a positive, productive future. Yet, too often I am just plain stuck; stalled in my own quick sand of fatique. I feel like my intentions are good, like I really am trying as much as I can; but we inevitably fall short. Are my goals too high? Possibly my thoughts are too low. I just don't think that trying is enough anymore. There are people, cute, little people who depend on me, and a network of friends and strangers that I am meant to lift. Am I enough?

I don't think mine is a singular experience. And though self perception plays a role- it is not the only qualifier. We all struggle in different ways, and the ebb and flow of our lives brings us to different places. I don't need reasurance that I am special or able. I know that. I just need to vent and allow that I am far from my original goals. They are the same- but I am not. I guess our ladder to our potential is so long that we're not always sure if we have made any progress. It's still just one rung after another. I am trying and I guess that has to be enough, because there isn't anyother option.

Move on. Move on to where? And when does the moving stop?

2008-01-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

This line from my childhood seems appropriate as I look at my family; particularly, my baby girl. She's a walking fool! She actually kind of waddles in a bowlegged kind of way. We wondered when she would decide to move vertically. With her it is not a question of ability- but motive. One day at 16 months she was ready, and BAM! My baby grew up. It's just a bit odd to look around and see this tiny little doll baby walking with the big boys.

I can't get enough of this girl!

Sniff, Cough, Blow- repeat.

2008-01-22T18:32:00.000-08:00

We are all sick. It started with one and then it went down like dominoes. I'm not sure what to call it- maybe just the just leave me here to rot virus. I can't even muster up the energy to take us to the doctor. So I have to diagnose myself. Symptoms are: fever, cough, runny nose, sinus pressure, ear aches, body aches, irritability, loss of appetite, sour throat, excess mucus, lethargy, and overall bad attitude. I think that covers it. We are treating with vapor rub (on feet too!), Ibuprofen, saline, triaminic, orange juice, Diego, peppermint tea, and Leave it to Beaver. So far only one recovery. Seth was able to come through to the other side and even went to school today, after a full 6 days of sickness. So I figure we have another three weeks to go before we can all face the day snot free. So far 2008 makes my head hurt.

I have a disease!

2008-01-14T08:47:00.000-08:00

I don't know how I got it. I was so careful, avoiding any contamination from anyone else who had it. I washed my hands after even coming into contact with the idea. I even was on a strict daily treatment. And I still caught the disease. I am now a Grey's Anatomy junkie. I am addicted. I thought not having a television would keep me from it- but no- thanks to the blasted collection of the series that you can buy (or borrow from a friend in my case) I'm hooked. I can't even watch just one episode at a time. I watch the entire season! Now the other symptoms are becoming apparent: the bags under my eyes from staying up all night watching, the ever increasing feeling that I know and understand the practice of medicine and surgery, the haunting feeling that my new friends are around me all the time (fictional characters do not exist!), and the intense desire to lock my children away so that I can watch more without corrupting their young minds. Help me! I'm so very sick. I'm currently lost in the middle of season 3. There is a long road of healing in store for me.

It's bound to be a good day

2008-01-12T07:46:00.000-08:00

Growing Up

2008-01-12T06:51:00.000-08:00

Our family is changing. It's not something I can see every day - just all of a sudden I woke up this morning and saw that my kids are bigger, brighter, and baby free. We have spare baby suits handy, just in case; but I'm pretty sure they won't go backwards. My gang is moving forward and growing up. It is truly an amazing thing to look back and see the milestones already sped past. I'm not ready for teenagers- but I hear that comes up on you pretty fast, whether you're ready or not.
Until I can manage the time, money and ambition for a professional family picture- this one will have to do.

It's Infectious!

2008-01-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

This whole crazy blogness is spreading. My sister and college room-mate just caught the disease. Check them out :
Megan Keck
Cyndi Selim
She has the cutest video that every mom must see- just to make your day brighter

Peace on Earth

2008-01-05T07:04:00.000-08:00

I'm back! So I took a short sabbatical- 6 blog free weeks. I may have lost all my readers, but my sanity is intact. Why is it that the holidays are so very crazy? I knew that if I sat down for two minutes, then I'd be lost. Now that is passed, school has started and I can finally enjoy Peace on Earth, (at least my acre of it).

We have been so busy that I haven't even been reading blogs. I have fallen off the planet- completely lost. Wow- you guys are busy! What a wonderful thing to have friends and to be able to share in their triumphs and losses through the computer. If you can't be there with them, at least you are thinking, laughing, praying with them at home.

I don't have a lot to report- the past 6 weeks are a little blurry. We have been fighting illness, time, and rodents- yes, rodents. We found traces of what appears to be a very evil, vindictive rat in our minivan. We set every trap known to man, and baited it with endless options to appeal to the vermin appetite. He responded with severing my driver's side seat belt in half and decapitating two beloved stuffed animals. Like I said- pure evil. I accidentally left a neck wrap that was filled with flax seeds in van overnight. Inevitably, the plague-carrying, sewer-dweller chewed the neck wrap, feasting on flax seeds. So now his traces are everywhere and he has a healthy heart. Now he will never die! I just wanted to drive the entire vehicle into a lake and watch it sink. Instead... we called an exterminator. We believe we are now rodent free- but I live in constant fear. I'll never feel safe in that car again. I am rerouting all spending to the rat-free car fund. Currently taking donations in the form of cats- mean ones.

I do love vacations. It's so good to have a husband around, and having an excuse to stay in your pajamas all day- but.... I'm so grateful to get back into a routine. I need a set schedule and so do the little people. Hope 2008 finds you all hopeful and happy. We all deserve a really great year.

Count my Blessings

2007-11-25T18:39:00.000-08:00

Why do we need a special day to give thanks? I love a day committed to food with friends and family; but why can that not be every day? Why should we feel the need to rush around in a baking frenzy to be thankful for our daily blessings?

I feel overwhelmed with blessings. It will take much more than one day for me to count them all. I plan on spending the next year or so.

Just some cuties I found outside on Thanksgiving day.

The Duality of Motherhood

2007-11-14T15:08:00.000-08:00

My kids are growing up. There was a time not too long ago in the not so far away world that is mine, when I actually wanted this to happen- was urging it on even. I now have a five year old, a three year old, and a one year old. My babies are not babies anymore. I sat just last week, begging them to grow up. In my head that just meant that we could play more and wipe bums less. It doesn't work that way.

Seth is such a big boy. He talks to me(in Spanish and English) really talks about how he sees the world, what makes sense to him and what leaves him wondering. He tells me plans and ideas about the future. I have come to depend on him so much for help: deciphering confrontations with other children that ended in tears and possibly bloodshed, to get things picked up and put away, to "watch" the babies while I hurry right back. Is he supposed to be so responsible? So mature? So self-sacrificing? I only know that my first born is growing up so fast- it will only get faster still.

Owen has battled from the beginning. He was born battling a shriveled, wasted kidney for his very life. He grew to battle each of us in turn. A tad bit obstinate, we knew that if we asked him to go one way- he would run in the other. I have held this little boy wondering where he got so much strength, endurance, and will. He has held out for nearly four years- refusing to use the toilet. I have yelled, cried, and washed everything we own in bleach. And then the other day, after I gave up and did what I said I would never do (buy pull-ups), he does it. He goes in the toilet now without a fight or fuss every time, day or night. And as much as I want to shout HALLELUJAH!, part of me wants to cry that my little baby is no longer little. He will now grow up even faster.

My youngest, Lucy was born with rocket boosters. The biggest, the loudest, and fastest of the three- she has almost shed her babyhood already. How is it that this little angelic girl is already the master of the house? It is impossible to look into her big blues and not see the teenager, or mother in her future. I celebrate her and miss her at the same time. But she is a baby no more.

I would have never guessed that it would be so gut wrenching to watch your children grow. And though I am with them every step of the way, I see them moving increasingly farther away from me. My greatest prayer and greatest dread is that they will leave me and be their own person. This duality of motherhood: the pride and pain, should really be included in the manual (Not that I would have read it or had any concept of its truthfulness.)

This time is so very hard- when they are young and so dependent. But I wish that I could stay here forever.

What Pet Next?

2007-11-08T07:14:00.000-08:00

My boys have become big animal activists. I think I am responsible because I encourage them to check out animal nonfiction books at the library (though Diego has some influence too). At the end of every one; there is a plea to help the Bengal Tiger, or Great White Shark, or Big fat killer snake. My boys are taken in- hook, line, and sinker. "Mom we have to save the marsupials!" (Seth's eyes were wide and about to spill over with concern.)

The latest and longest lasting worry for my five year old is the Manatee. This gentle Sea Cow has stolen his heart. He wants to find a Manatee in need and provide it a home for Christmas. Our friend has a new pool, and Seth is convinced that her family NEEDS a manatee for Christmas. It was the only comfort he could find to go to sleep: imagining that his new pet would be happy for the holidays.

*Note: Manatees can be as long as 13 feet, and weigh as much as 3500 pounds. What backyard pool can support a beast of this size? Not to mention the intake and output. We may need to find a solution- the happiness of a very sincere five year old is at stake...and an entire endangered species.

Friendship

2007-10-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

I have the most amazing friend. I have a few, actually. People who see a need and fill it. People who love me for who I am. Truly amazing women. One particular friend really came through last week. I was throwing this big birthday party for my son, and it got a bit out of hand,(not most capable hands, just my "I don't do party" hands), and I was going a bit Out Of Control. When the panic sets in- it tends to take over and I keep revving in neutral: lots of noise and energy but stuck in one spot. I call my friend; spill out my list of all my worries; and she shows up at my doorstep. Without any preamble or excuses she comes and rescues me. Nothing fancy, just an honest friend who is not afraid to see the underbelly of my house. She scrubbed, and organized, and cooked, and tended kids, and even brought along her sister to help. She cleaned my laundry room that has not been cleaned since we moved in:TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO! (sad but true)
The party turned out really good- fifty or so people, fed and entertained. I will post pictures when I recoup. I am so very grateful for friends. I could not function without them. I just hope I can be like them. Thank you Linzie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

just me

2007-10-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

I have blogged every day this week- but they all come out way to whiny and personal that they remain in the draft box. I am a worrier by nature, and I can't seem to get all the anxiety out of me lately (no matter how much medication I use). But I am blessed with beautiful children and a super hero for a husband so I really can't complain. I just wish sometimes that I was more than just me.

There's a Snake in my boot

2007-10-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

I live out in the country, in a little country house; I should have been prepared. We have had a menagerie of visitors in the two years we've lived here; I should have seen it coming. Possums, armadillos, gigantic spiders, crawdad communities, water fowl (a heron lived here for 10 days), snapping turtles, frog and toad and their amphibian villages. Why did I not know that inevitably the next would be a snake? I look outside my window, and there it is dangling from the top (how do they do that?) and stalking the innocent little tree frog below him. My boys are in a trance with eyes glued on the animal planet moment. They loved every minute. The hunt, the strike, the feast. I am surrounded by barbarians! It was sick!... and kind of cool.

My Very Own Sweet Potato

2007-10-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago I would have only thought "Gross!". Today- I think: Beautiful. My life is very very good.

I'm going down!

2007-10-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

Many moons ago, my husband and I discovered the peace that comes from not having television in the house. We decided against an antenna, cable, or anything that would give us back that distraction. It's been maybe 6 years now- we read more, we talk more, and our kids are safe from commercials. We have videos for them, but it's all pretty censored.
I have now discovered the Internet. We were using dial-up for so long that there was never a temptation. Now... Well I can't stop myself. I go to the network site and watch the shows that I have missed. I am delighted with it- and disgusted with myself. I only watch when everyone is sleeping. I feel dirty. Here of some of my favorites:

So I guess it's safe to throw all my moralistic self-righteous opinions out the window. I'm just like everybody else. I watch TV and I'm proud of it (just don't tell anybody.)

Cute as a Bug!

2007-10-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my little Lady Lou. She wasn't a big fan of the mess (wouldn't get near it). I think that means that she will proceed through life with prudence and caution. Even though all her cousins were trying to teach her how to eat it- she did not give in to the peer pressure. It may be a bit much to read into a one year old birthday cake ritual- but moms are allowed. A beautiful cake for a beautiful girl. Thank you Xiomara! This cake was perfect for table-top-diving. (not that you did any) Happy Birthday Baby Girl

Duck and Cover

2007-09-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Let me be sure all who are reading fully understand: I adore my family. I love each one of them. I love their laughter, their little bodies, their infectious smiles. However...
I find today, as the mist is clearing to reveal another humid, icky day, that I am..
officially wanting to Hide. I was once asked why I am always engaged in a book or three, watching movies whenever I can spare a moment, and continually seeking conversations with others. Aside from the obvious expansion on my mind; I find that I crave escape. I want to run from the doldrums that are mommydom. As I change the third pair of underwear before 8am on my potty training experiment gone awry, I just want to throw everything in the trash and catch a matinee. No one said this was easy- duh. But today is definitely calling for a substitute. There isn't one and nap time will come in approximately four hours, so there is hope on the horizon.
Just a little vent session for anyone who cares to sympathize. We all have days like today. It my turn.
No picture necessary- please use your imagination.

She's One!

2007-09-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

Twelve months ago, at 12:30 Saturday Morning, September 23, Our little Lucy was born. I can't believe that my baby is so big. We didn't really think we were ready for the third child, and a girl at that. Yet life is so much better with you in it, Lu. Your brothers both completely adore you. Everything from your smiles to spit up fascinates them. We love to watch you discover the world around you- even if that means that you're less anxious for us to hold you. It is just so much fun to make you laugh. Your first year has gone by much too quickly; but we're so excited to see what you do next! We love you Lulu!

Everything's bigger in Texas

2007-09-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

Minding my own business, I casually go to check the mail. I'm thinking peaceful thoughts about the beauty of our world and respecting all of the Lord's creations, when I almost walk directly into THIS! It's as big as my face, and suspended on my porch. The boys of my household (big and little) were fascinated. Especially by the bug wrapped and ready for take out. I love nature- I really do. But I have my limits!

In the Blink of an Eye

2007-09-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

We all hear stories about awful things that happen to children when the guardian just "took their "eyes of for one second...". I'll sometimes come home to my husband and the children in utter chaos and think "what were you doing?" After nearly five years of being a mother, you would think that I would realize that anything can happen, and usually happens at the very worst times.

This morning, I had the baby down, the oldest getting ready for school, and the middle one engaged in a computer game. I figured I had a good 30 minutes to get something done. So I started to reorganize my closed. (smacking head) Stupid, Stupid! Right as everything is extracted and it looks like my closet vomited all over the bedroom; lightning strikes.

At the exact same instant: my oldest drops the cell phone in the toilet (before flushing), the next one acts like a puppy and poops all over my living room floor, and my youngest dives out of her crib. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Everyone is crying, the phone is combusting, the stool is stinking- I thought for sure that I was done for. Usually, deep breaths can help restore calm to my panicked world- but the stench was too overpowering.

Just goes to show, that inevitably, without preamble, you blink and it all breaks loose. We have restored calm and a lovely meadows and rain scent. Maybe I've learned to stay on guard- but probably not.

My Hummingbird

2007-09-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of summer, I begged my husband for a hummingbird feeder. "Do we even have hummingbirds by our house?" He questioned. "No- because we have no feeder." I replied. My classic red plastic feeder with the pseudo flowers was promptly filled and hung outside our big kitchen window. Here we could get a perfect view. For two months it sat. Nothing. Then one day I noticed mold growing inside. I washed it out and filled it and hung it again. For two more months it sat. I did notice a leak of some sort, that made a lovely sugary, scarlet pool on my porch; that screamed to the entire ant population, who came and bit our innocent little toes. I have given up on my precious feeder, and let the mildew take over, watching the empty orb swing in the breeze.

Then today, through a hazy heat, I see a single hummingbird hover near the feeder. His attempts to feed were fruitless, as there was no nectar for him. I watched painfully as he flew away.

I think this is a very clear allusion to my life. Don't let me depress you, that is not my intention. But rather my own introspection. No matter how much energy I exert to create my perfect world, the bird will come and go as he pleases.

I'm a Muse- just like in Xanadu!

2007-09-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

You Are An ENFP

The Inspirer

You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.
You are also unconventional, irreverent, and unimpressed by authority and rules.
Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.
You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're quite the storyteller!

In love, you are quite the charmer. And you are definitely willing to risk your heart.
You often don't follow through with your flirting or professed feelings. And you do break a lot of hearts.

At work, you are driven but not a workaholic. You just always seem to enjoy what you do.
You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist.

How you see yourself: compassionate, unselfish, and understanding

When other people don't get you, they see you as: gushy, emotional, and unfocused

What's Your Personality Type?

Bubble Toes

2007-09-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

There's too many kids in this tub.
There's too many elbows to scrub.
I just washed a behind
That I'm sure wasn't mine,
There's too many kids in this tub.
-Shel Silverstein

Through the Looking Glass

2007-09-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

As my son and I were praying this morning he said something that struck me. "Please help me be big like Papa and not little like me."

My husband (Papa) is 6'2", dark skinned, with a fantastic collection of curls. I, on the other hand am the opposite: short, round, and fair, with strait as a board hair. I have been know to say that these physical features were the reasons that I chose mi esposo; but that somehow my children ended up looking just like me (mock seriousness).

My four year old is already aware of what he isn't. He is already praying for alterations in his appearance. Maybe his comment is sweet, and a reflection of natural observances; a desire to emulate his father. But maybe it isn't. I listen to myself and my friends regularly critique ourselves. I know the state of my self esteem is kind of like pudding; a veil coating of strength, but easily punctured and oozy (though very tasty:)). But have I passed on that self depreciation on to my son, and eventually my other children? How do we instill esteem into people? I don't know if an adult's esteem can be altered. Though I'd like to be wrong- it doesn't appear that anything will change the deep down honest opinion of ourselves (or maybe just my opinion of myself). But I desperately want my children to be equipped with the shield of high self esteem- to know with out a doubt of their worth.

My childhood memories are seared with words that shaped my self worth. Said in innocence, a parent or teacher can easily pigeon-hole a child with a single phrase. "Your best feature is your lips", "You're a homebody like me", "Some people are not coordinated enough for sports" In my young mind, these comments were twisted into absolute truths of degradation. I believed that nothing was pretty about me except my lips. That I must not like to ever be social, and to never try to dance or play sports because I lacked the coordination. The intention was innocent- the result was my personal pudding.

So a question to the blogging community at large: How can I give my children high self-esteem? How can I make them not hate to look in the mirror? How can I help them believe that they are perfect as they are? (obvious personal growth excepted)

I look Good!

2007-09-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Which Twilight novel character are you?

You're Bella Swan - You are intelligent and kind but not quite sure what you want out of life yet. You have a feeling there's something more out there for you. You're attracted to those who are real and avoid the fake. Sometimes you're a bit accident prone, but your true friends will always be loyal to you and come to your aid when you need it.
Take this quiz!

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In reality I am shaped like a skittle (small and round) with strawberry hair. But maybe I should go for this new look.

And so it begins....

2007-08-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

Life has officially began again. Being educators; your world revolves around the school year. Now with both Papa and Incognito in school, we are busy. I really didn't think he would enjoy school so much. I expected a battle every day. No frown in sight. This kid just loves being BIG! Supernan is not very impressed with being left each day- but loves to have brother home; on the bus no less. It's a bit difficult for mom.
Since he's in a Spanish program, all the paperwork is in Spanish. He was so sad that he didn't get a star on his folder because I didn't sign it- but I didn't know that I was supposed to sign it because I can't read Spanish! I guess it's official: I must learn Spanish. I know you are saying, Duh- the rest of your family speaks Spanish- it's about time you learn it too. Well I didn't know when we signed up for Pre-K that I was going to school too. Yet here I am studying Spanish daily. We are all ready to expand our brains.

Funny Face

2007-08-30T11:19:00.001-07:00

She is just SO CUTE!! We're all preping for her first birthday next month. My baby's growing up and we are loving every minute of it.

Let's Go Fly A Kite!

2007-08-30T11:14:00.001-07:00

The boys just love to fly kites. Never boring. Always windy. What a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

Training Triumph!

2007-08-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

He did it- FINALLY! My middle child has resisted the potty training for ages. Everyone said "just wait till he's three" "He'll tell you when he's ready". I found this advice to be true for other's- but not Mr. Oblivious. He's 3 1/2 and doesn't care a flying fig how full and disgusting his diaper is. So out of desperation, today became a naked day. Not me- thank you very much- naked boys (my boys must do everything in tandem). Big brother is a potty professional and loved the teacher role. To hear the words " look- it does tricks!" and "I like to hold it like this and then give it a little shake" coming from my four year old with the rapt attention of little brother; was a bit disconcerting.

We set the timer every ten minutes, spending at least ten in the Lu having a potty party. My champion bladder builder held out through the morning with me pouring all liquids down his trap. And then all by himself- he did it! Success! It was a huge break through. Now he knows he can do it and he even wants to. This is still day one- but I am not putting another diaper on him. We are going all the way!

The Next Stage

2007-08-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to Parent/Teacher orientation for my little man's first year at school. It may only be Pre-K, but this may be one of the hardest things I have ever had to do (aside from obstaining from desserts-part of my new rediculous and overrated diet plan). Truly, I look at my 4 year old and want to weep because I know that he had already started on his path that leads him far far away from me. Part of me wants to lock the doors and keep him just for me forever. The other part realizes how much I needed to leave the world of my childhood to find who I realy was.

Yes, I know it is only Pre-K. Only 1/2 of the day. Even at the same school as his dad is teaching. But it is the beginning of the next stage. He is entering a world apart from the one I have created for him; where I can't shield him from all influences deemed unworthy. I guess I just don't want him to grow up. I'm not quite ready for the next stage.

It is a completely spanish class (he really is the only caucasion!) and that will help him to build on his already amazing language skills. His Papa is oh so proud. It will be pretty neat to watch him grow. But I stil wish I could put a lid on him and save him for later. Unfortunately, my precious boy will not keep.

xanadu (long version)

2007-08-22T11:06:00.001-07:00

Why do I love it so? But love it I do

A day in the life of US

2007-08-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Anybody Out There?

2007-08-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

I realize that my blog has only existed for 24 hours- but come on people! Am I writing for my own amusement? We are not amused. I had hoped to wake this morning, log on, and find that I have a host of admirers, well wishers, and sympathizers. And what did I find? The same that was there when I went to bed. Pathetic. I think I'll delete the whole thing. I need comments fast or so help me....I'll do something drastic...maybe I'll eat cake for breakfast. Yeah. That'll show all you nonresposive, self-involved, "I've got a life" ers. Cake will fix everything.

The Vacation is officially OVER!

2007-08-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

So I just unpacked the last suitcase. Yes, we have now been home from our 3week tour of the United States (or maybe just New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho- that's most...) for 3 weeks. I don't think the trip ends until all the baggage is stowed away. So our trip really lasted a month and a half. Not bad. Some moms are organized people who enjoy clean clothes and are even able to locate what they are looking for. I find that I crave the excitement of never knowing where anything is; of creating new outfits based on what is currently not on the floor. It narrows your options and keeps the adrenaline flowing when you're ten minutes late to church and only 1/4 of you are dressed. This form of organization is something I like to call "manic managing". We all have moments- mine just last a lifetime, or until all the clothes are clean and folded.

We're Here!

2007-08-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

It was a long time coming- but we have finally made it to the wide, scary world of cyber space. Here's a picture of the boys with their Great Grandma J. It was taken just after Grandma let them touch her hair. Hee Hee.

My Little Lady Lou

2007-08-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have been so very blessed. My boys make me laugh till I cry. They are silly and smart and dangerously curious. My little girl is just breathtaking. How is it that she can be so sweet. I think she has cast a spell over us all. Even the rowdy ones are thrilled by her every squeak. They have even taught her to growl. Yes, my little lovely will let loose a guttural growl completely at odds with her visage. When ever she smiles (approximately 176 times a day) I am reminded that life is a wonderful thing.