Loving Their Daddy

Gina's 30 (for real)!

My kids were NOT HAPPY that they weren't invited to the ocean beach house for Gina's birthday weekend.  Not happy at all!  They were, however, happy that they got to go out and celebrate Gina's actual birthday with her today! 

This afternoon, Gina, Emily and I went to the mall to do some very necessary shopping.  Emily was so happy that Auntie Gina gave her a pair of the fun sunglasses that we wore while at Gina's party!  This necessitated a photo shoot in the parking lot.  We are such a normal family.

Then, that evening we took Gina to Aqui for dinner and enjoyed our amazing Auntie and sister in the warm summer evening.  What a great day!  Happy Birthday (again) Gina!

Good Behavior Charts

Let's just say that there was a Mom who stayed at home with her kids every day who was starting to lose her leverage with her smaller children.  Slow nice explanations on why we shouldn't do things didn't deter the kids from their bad choices, time outs became laughable, and small threats to take away privileges were as funny as knock-knock jokes. 

When Michael and Claire were younger, I made Mr. and Ms. Friendly charts to motivate them to make good choices which eventually led to a reward when they filled up their charts with smileys.  I made the horrible decision about four months ago to throw the charts away (they were reusable with velcro) because I was delusional and thought for a moment that maybe I wouldn't have to deal with major behavior issues with the two small kids.  Let's just say that there might be a Mom who wished she had a chart to track good positive choices!

I have always had a little plastic container for stickers.  If I find stickers, I put them in there and I have quite the eclectic assortment of them!  The kids have always loved being rewarded with them so I decided to make Matthew and Emily separate charts to inspire them to be more mindful of their choices and ultimately choose good over evil . . . um, I mean bad.

I bought them each a prize ($4 cups from the Disney store) and put them high on a shelf where they couldn't reach them but could certainly see them.  I was dangling the carrot if you will.  If they went to bed without fussing (naps or nighttime), if Emily was dry during her nap, if they shared without having to be asked, if did something nice, or if they just behaved well- they got a sticker!  There were 16 boxes to fill up so this chart lasted for a good four days.  I am happy to say that for the moment, I have regained some leverage.  Thank you, God!

Life here has been better because we are all working towards something good.  Today, Matthew and Emily both filled up their charts and finally got to have their prizes!  Immediately, they filled them up with ice and juice, and went out in the sun to bask in their glory.  Oh, upper hand I have missed you.  Let's just say there might be a Mom who is feeling in control again. 

Gina's 30th Birthday... "Cinco de Gina!"

My amazing sister Gina is turning THIRTY!  In honor of her, we planned a fun girls weekend down at the Pajaro Dunes in Watsonville, California.  My Mom and Natalie flew in Thursday evening and we continued the planning and assembling process to ensure Gina's birthday weekend was going to be the best!

On Friday, Gina a few of her friends met up at our house and we loaded two cars full of all the fun that would that would take place during the weekend.  Think tons of food, fun toys for the beach, lots of items for her themed birthday nights, and a lot of other things that we just needed since we were staying at a beach house.

Fourteen of her closest girlfriends were planning to join us for the weekend.  Most of them were from either Seattle or San Francisco so we had to coordinate everyone flying/driving.  The house we rented slept fourteen so it was perfect!  The view from our private deck was unbelievable and the beach was only about 400 feet away!  Not to mention that we had amazingly sunny and warm weather all weekend!  It was perfect any way you looked at it.

The first night, the theme was 30 Rocks!  We basically combined the idea of Gina turning 30 with the television show 30 Rocks.  If any of you have seen the tv show before, you know there are a lot of little things that make this show unique.  We tried to use a lot of them in the party.  We had self made trucker hats for Gina, personalized 30 Rock lanyards (courtsey of my Dad), Tina Fey (aka Liz Lemon) black glasses for everyone, Liz Lemonheads, and a Tracy Morgan mug for Gina.  Needless to say, the night was amazing and Gina loved every minute of it.

The next day was Cinco de Mayo, hence the weekend theme of Cinco de Gina.  We had sombreros, mustaches, Gina wore a mini sombrero, and we had fun glow necklaces for all the girls to wear at night.  It was a blast.  The definite highlight of the whole weekend for me was when Gina was talking about how she hoped she wouldn't regret not going in the ocean on her birthday weekend.  It was mid afternoon on Saturday and I asked Gina, "If someone asked you to go in, would you go?"  She thought about it.  I then said, "Because if it was someone's birthday and they wanted to go in the ocean, I would totally go." 

We made eye contact and both of us ran down to our bedroom and put on our swimsuits.  With our sombreros on, we made a deal that the minute we left the house, we could not stop running until we crashed into the ocean.  It was some of the best laughing of my life.  We didn't tell anyone we were going so when they saw us from the deck running full speed, wearing sombreros- they all went crazy!  Natalie soon joined us in the waves and absolutely added to the hysterics.

I can speak for Gina and say that she had a great birthday weekend.  I am such a lucky girl to not only have her as my sister, but as my best friend.  She is always there for me.  She is honest, loving, and such a blast to be around.  A while back, I heard Oprah talking about her best friend (yes, I do love me some Oprah).  She said that a best friend is someone who will tell you the truth when it's not easy to be honest and someone who would be 100% happy, without jealousy, for you if your life suddenly changed (winning the lottery, becoming famous, etc).  Basically, a best friend is someone who loves you no matter what, who can be happy for you no matter what, and who values you as much as you value them.  Yep, that's my Gina. 

Gina . . . Happy Birthday to you!  Thirty years old.  I can't believe it.  In so many ways, I still feel like we're kids- snooping around the house, getting into trouble when we found all of Mom's hiding places.  You were and are always by my side and I thank you for always making me feel so worthy of your friendship.  You are very honest with me and have advocated for me since my first memories with you.  I know you read my diary everyday and went through all of my things, but I still love you!  My kids adore you and are so lucky to have you as their Auntie and Damien's life is certainly brighter with you in it.  We all love you and welcome you to this amazing new decade.  Welcome to the club.  Happy Birthday, Gina!!!

Say Squeeze!

My Mom made Michael this snake years ago.  We've patched it up, brought it to school for show and tell, and they've tried to scare me with it because I'm afraid of snakes.  (I'm embarrassed to say that it's worked- but only when they hide it under my comforter!)  Matthew and Emily found the snake in one of the bunk bed drawers the other night and Mr. Snakey has been out and about a lot lately!  The two little kids called me into the boys room because they wanted to show me something.  Of course I gave them the scream they wanted when I saw them!  I love these little guys and I love the phase that they are in right now.  Sweet, sweet kids and one scary, scary snake.

Michael for President?

Today, Michael came home from school and convinced me (really, he did) that he was running for 5th Grade President.  Today was campaign day at school and the kids brought home tons of pins and stickers in support of their friends running for office.  I asked Michael again, "Are you really running for President?"  He assured me that he was!  "But today was campaign day!  Why didn't you tell me so I could help you with your pins, stickers, and slogan?" I told him.  Just then, he handed me a pin and told me he had taken care of the whole thing himself!  I almost died, seriously died, when I saw his slogan on the pin.  Vote for Michael, he won't make you recycle!  Hilarious and creative?  Yes.  Going to help you win an election?  Well, that's up for debate.  I tried to be supportive while hiding my frustration that he didn't let me know he was going to run for President!  And then it happened.  He erupted in laughter!    "Did you actually think I would use that slogan to win?  I'm not running for President!" he said.  Michael got me. Darn it! He totally got me!!! Once second later, I joined him in hysterical laughter. Good one, Michael. Good one.

Jamba Juicin'

I am enjoying my quiet time with Matthew and Emily.  I know that soon enough these kids are going to be in full day school and I will be left to sit and day dream about the good old days.  Today, for no reason, we went into town and just walked Lincoln Avenue and took in the sights and sounds around us.  The kids were so happy to be enjoying the relaxation they found between moments looking for ants and caterpillars.  Life is good.  Life is precious.  Life is sweet . . . especially with a Jamba Juice in your hand.

Oh, Sweetie Pie

I resisted getting a cat.  I didn't want the hassle, the hair, the cat food, the hair balls, the scratching, and certainly didn't want another living being to take care of.  But, my kids did.  While over the past few months I have had my high moments and low with Miss Sweetie Pie- I am beyond thrilled that we decided to add her to our already crazy family!

The kids absolutely love her.  Sweetie is a lovable, patient, and sweet kitty who is so friendly and a joy to have around the house!  She did have about a month of crazy energy where she might have chewed up one of my plants, eaten one of the kids Nerf swords and then barfed it up, and gasp clawed (ruined) my Pottery Barn curtains in my dining room.  We have since then transitioned her to an indoor/outdoor cat and she loves to go outside and burn off some of her kitty energy.

We started the transition to have her be outside slowly but she took to it immediately!  Now she poops, pees, climbs trees, collects rubber bands, visits the neighbors, and chases bugs in the grass all day long!  When she comes inside, she is worn out and usually naps in Emily's crib or Matthew's bed.  She still loves to groom the kids and loves to come over and lick their hair and their faces. I am so happy that we adopted Sweetie Pie and I am even happier that my kids finally have a pet that doesn't live in a fish bowl. 

In Support of Their Siblings

We play and have fun during their activities!  The kids do like to watch each other play sports but let's be honest, at times it can get boring.  I must say that my kids are awesome at just playing and not complaining while we wait for the practices/games to get over!  Here are just a few of the latest pics of them enjoying the sunshine and having some fun as they wait!

Michael and the Orioles

Michael has been LOVING baseball this Spring.  He was drafted to the Orioles this season and the coaches and players are all a great group of people who are truly interested in the development of Michael not only as a baseball player, but as a young man as well.  It is a great fit for Michael and I am so happy that he ended up with the Orioles!

The team is loaded with kids from St. Christopher and all four coaches are parents of kids that we know!  Damien is helping out this year and helps coach at all of the games.  I love seeing the two of them out there together on the field.  It truly makes my heart swell and makes me think of my own Dad and how involved he was in my sporting teams. 

Michael has been playing short stop, second base, and first base this year.  Where he has also been extremely valuable for his team is on the pitching mound.  Michael worked really hard on pitching at pitching clinics and putting in extra time to improve.  I love watching him play but can hardly handle my nerves when he pitches.  It is so nerve racking!!!  But he looks cool, calm, and collected out there and has proved to everyone that watches the games that he can handle the job!

Buddy, I hope you continue to love sports and remember that while it is awesome to win- it should always be something that is fun.  I love seeing you intense one minute, and then smiling the next.  Your smile is so genuine, so contagious, and so adorable.  While you are growing up so fast, I hold on to the fact that you are still my eleven year old little boy.  Have fun out there, Mikey!!!

Spring Soccer for Claire

Claire is absolutely loving playing Spring soccer!   She is playing with the same team as she did in the Fall (same uniforms) and just enjoying being outside with her friends, kicking the ball around, and battling it out on the field on Saturday mornings!  Claire has been improving dramatically every season she has been playing.  I absolutely love watching her play and look forward to seeing her get physical out there!  It is so much fun to watch!

This season, Claire has really developed a lot of great little touches on the ball.  She also figured out how to properly kick the ball and kick it a great distance!  She has been playing middle defense and forward every game.  They need her desperately in the back (because they are playing against mostly fourth graders) but also need her to score goals!  She loves switching positions and doesn't take the job lightly when she is out there!

The thing I love the most is that she actually loves the game.  She wants to be out there, she wants to work hard, she accepts any challenge and has grown to be pretty fearless out there.  One game this season, we only had seven girls for the whole game (they play with 10).  Oh, and it was 97 degrees out!  Claire had four breakaways in a row and she was taken down hard all four times just as she broke free at the half line.  Every time, Claire got up.  These were not little take downs, either.  The defense knew if she broke through, she would score so they took her down.  Not a bad strategy but it sucked for Claire.  The fourth time she was taken down, she fell hard.  She stayed down for a minute and was crying a little, knees bleeding, but I knew she would pull it together and stay on the field.  Claire was MAD when she got up.  You could tell that she had had enough!  It was a free kick just outside the 18 yard box.  Claire insisted on taking the kick and cracked a shot which the keeper was barely able to hit back towards Claire.  Claire followed her shot and kicked it in the goal with a vengeance!  I have never seen her so pumped!  It was a great moment to watch and a moment where I think Claire decided that she wasn't going to take any one's flack anymore!  And, she did it with class which was awesome.

I can't wait for Fall soccer when we get to do this all over again.  Good job Claire!  Way to go!

Claire's Crucifix

Claire brought home an art project that they did in class before Easter.  I wanted so badly to look at the cross with reverence but I just couldn't get past the fact that Jesus' was fashioned out of aluminum foil.  I tried to get in a serious and reflective place while enjoying Claire's work, but I couldn't!  The words Reynolds Wrap and foil just kept screaming at me!  I think she did an amazing job in her sculpting and my giggles had nothing to do with her crafting skills.  It's just, I've never seen anything like this before!  I guess there is a first time for everything!  Which reminds me, I need to go pray and ask God's forgiveness for my ridiculous giggling today.

Her Bags Are Packed

Today, Emily sauntered into the room pulling a Disney princess roller bag behind her.  "Okay, Mom.  I'm all packed for Nonna's house."  We weren't planning on flying today but apparently, Emily was ready to go!  She unzipped her bag and I couldn't believe what she had packed.  She packed what most women want to pack except we know how unpractical it would be.  Oh, Emily.  You are ahead of your time!   In the bag were:  1 pair of underwear, 1 pair of pajamas, and 13 pairs of shoes.  Yep, all packed for Nonna's.

Matthew Plays Soccer!

Matthew is more patient than I could ever dream one of my children to be.  He generally has the best intentions in most everything he does and he just means to do well for everyone around him.  Bottom line- he is one amazing kid.

Matthew willingly goes everywhere I tell him we need to go.  "Matthew, please get in the car- we need to take Michael to soccer practice."  "Matthew, please get in the car so we can go get Claire from Girl Scouts."  I could go on and on but I think you get the picture.  He just goes with the flow and doesn't cause a fuss.

In terms of Matthew having activities of his own outside of school, we told him that he could start to play sports once he was in Kindergarten.  An amazing opportunity fell in my lap for Matthew this spring.  One of the Moms of a boy who will be in Matthew's Kindergarten class next year told me about a team of boys that were going to get together on Thursday nights to just practice soccer.  No games, no registration, no financial obligation.  Just show up along with ten other boys who will be in Matthew's class and let Coach Pat teach the boys some soccer skills!

Matthew was beyond excited when I told him about the opportunity to be on a 'soccer team'.  We went and got him new soccer shoes, new shin guards, and a new soccer ball and made a big deal about it.  The first practice, he was a little nervous because he didn't know any of the boys.  But it didn't matter because Matthew was all business.  He has been to enough soccer practices to know that he needed to pay attention and work on his skills!

Both Damien and I were so impressed with him.  Matthew was so aggressive and beyond that- Matthew was just so happy.  Finally, a sport for Matthew.  We have already signed him up for Fall soccer where he will get his first uniform and be able to play with the same team full of his future classmates.  Life is looking up for our little guy and I know that this experience is going to give Matthew a great boost of confidence as he gears up to enter Kindergarten!  Go Matthew, Go!!!

A Before School Snapshot

Not an exciting picture, but this is what it's like on a school morning after the kids have gotten dressed, eaten breakfast, brushed their teeth and done their hair.  Once done, they sit comatose until I tell them it is time to get in the car for carpool.  I know that before I know it, I will miss these monotonous mornings.

Michael's Celebrates with the SJ Earthquakes!

Finally, the last event in Michael's birthday season!  Tonight, Michael and four friends celebrated Michael's eleventh year while watching the San Jose Earthquakes!  Michael loves soccer so this was the perfect way for him to start his new year!  Michael invited his friends Zach, Byron, Anthony, and Ben to his party. 

We started the night by going to Smoke Eaters (formerly Cluck U. Chicken) for some good birthday grub before the game.  I seriously couldn't believe how many hot wings the boys ate!  It is apparent by the sauce that is all over their faces that they loved it!

Then we went over to the Santa Clara University's campus where the Earthquakes are temporarily playing at Buckshaw Stadium until their stadium is built.  It was a gorgeous night for soccer.  The temperature was in the 90s today so the night was perfect. 

Before the game, the kids were able to go down the giant inflatable slides, practice kicking the soccer ball into a small goal, get tattoos, their faces painted, and check out a lot of cool vendors before we found our seats for the game.  All of the kids were having a blast and I know that Michael felt pretty cool that he was able to give his friends the opportunity to watch the Earthquakes play.

We sat right on the half line, just two rows up.  We were so close that the boys really felt into the game.  At one point, they all agreed that they wanted to be professional soccer players when they grow up.  I left at half time with Emily and Claire so that I could get Emily to bed.  The game didn't start until 7:30 p.m. so I knew that if I pushed it- she would be a mess the next day. 

The Earthquakes won and the rest of the group came home with huge smiles!  The highlight for them . . . was telling me how many swear words they heard from the people sitting around them at the game.  That is 4th grade boys for you!  We had planned an overnight for them that evening.  All was going great, until one of the boys had an allergic reaction to our cat.  Yes, I had to call his parents at 10:45 p.m. and tell them that he was wheezing.  By 11:00 p.m. his Dad came to pick him up and I urged (okay, threatened) the rest of the boys to go to sleep. 

All in all, it was an awesome birthday party for Michael.  Surrounded by his good friends, Michael had a fantastic night.  Happy Birthday, Buddy!