New Year, New Hope

2010.
Wow, I remember as a little girl just thinking about what I would be like once the year 2000 came and thinking that being 28 years old at that time would make me sooo old. Man, now 28 sounds mighty nice.

2010.
I am so hopeful. I am hoping for big things this coming year. But, the one thing I am most hopeful for is that Tim's back surgery be successful. If you recall back in May he did a trial of the neurostimulator and it went so well, we decided to go ahead and have it implanted. So, the surgery is set to happen tomorrow morning. Here we are over 3.5 years since the accident and hoping that this is the light at the end of this very long and dark tunnel.

Tim will be immobile after the surgery for 4 days or so. They need to do an incision long enough to implant the device and it will be done directly down the middle of his back. Then, during recovery he is to not lift anything over 5 pounds, which means pretty much nothing. So, as little as he holds the baby now, he will not be able to hold her through the next 3 months of her life. It breaks my heart to think of it, but if it means that he will be able to hold her from then on after... well, it is worth the small sacrifice, right?

Please, keep our family in prayer because it will be quite an adjustment and it will take a lot of patience and love and sensitivity towards Tim. We are hopeful that by this time next year he will be off all his medications, holding his children, and basking in the joy of being pain free.

Thanks to you all for your continued support through this time. I started my blog because of his first surgery back in May of 2007. And I recall when we first talked to a doctor about the neurostimulator, we decided it wasn't worth it back then. However, God's plans usually going to differ from ours. We just have to be willing to trust HIM. And trust in Him we will! Please, join us!

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


Goodbye, cane!
Goodbye, little-run everyone over in the grocery store-cart!
Goodbye, PAIN!

10 Reasons That Make Me A Mountain Mama

Mountain Mama... just another way of saying, and put a bit more nicely, that I am a little bit hillbilly. This coming from a girl that just 2 years ago would still go to Costco in her high heeled boots. A girl that didn't like to even go grab a gallon of milk from the grocery store without make-up on. A girl that thought dirt was intended only to be on the soles of your feet. Things changed when I came to the mountain. And when yesterday, my Dad came to tell us the well was running very low, and that it may dry up soon, and we need to conserve water, (We get all our water from a well on the property. Drinking water, bathing water, cleaning water, etc.) my head went to a funny place about what to do to conserve and I realized that I am a little bit hillbilly, a lot mountain mama... and yes, I know this is a run-on sentence, but that is not a Mountain Mama characteristic, it is just something I rather enjoy doing, so there.

1. You know you are a Mountain Mama when... you hear "Conserve water" and you think to yourself, "Have the boys water the trees instead of using the bathroom, to conserve water... GREAT IDEA!" (If you don't know what I mean by having the boys water the trees... then you are not at all hillbilly. I know my good friend and fellow Mountain Mama, Tara, FULLY understands.)

2. You know you are a Mountain Mama when... you find the fuzzy Ugg like slippers at Target and do your very best to convince everyone around you that they are in fact SHOES, not slippers, even though your family has made it a point to show you that the tag that came on the shoes, YES SHOES, said 'slippers'.

3. You know you are a Mountain Mama when... the floor of your minivan is littered with gravel, pebbles, dirt clusters and you learn to accept that is just part of your mountain mama vehicle's appeal.

4. You know you are a Mountain Mama when... your suburban mom minivan has transformed into an all terrain vehicle and drives like a 4X4.

5. You know you are a Mountain Mama when... your 3 year old has been missing for 1/2 an hour, you don't notice, your mom at the bottom of the mountain points it out to you because he showed up on her doorstep, and you don't even seem to mind that you didn't notice to begin with. (How'd you like that run on???)

6. You know you are a Mountain Mama when... you consider water from the well, in a tall glass, the most amazing drink (an aphrodisiac, if you will.) IN THE WORLD!

7. You know you are (The husband of..) a Mountain Mama when... you can wear your nice, classy leather jacket around the house on a laid back Sunday and no one asks if you are going somewhere because they know it is just because it is so stinkin' cold up on the mountain!

8. You know you are a Mountain Mama when... when you bake a birthday cake and have to use the high altitude recipe on side of the box to make sure it comes out right.

9. You know you are a Mountain Mama when...your grocery list reads something like this: milk, eggs, bread, 3 pairs of sweat pants, juice, bananas. (My boys go through sweat pants like they are going out of style up here, and on the mountain, sweat pants are always, and I mean always, in style.)

10. You know you are a Mountain Mama when... your child comes into the house with blood pouring down the side of his face and stop to take a picture so you can post it on your blog. Being a mountain mama means you get used to lots of cuts, bruises, blood, and injuries.

OH, how I am going to miss this mountain! We are moving back down into town, so my parents can have their house back. So, with this list I also want to add just 10 of the MANY things I will miss about this place:

1. ...the fresh air.

2. ...the freedom of my children being able to run around freely-sometimes in the nude when they think I haven't noticed-without worry of danger lurking near by, unless you worry about coyotes and snakes and that sort of thing.

3. ...the feeling of being one with God because all you see around you is HIS creation.

4. ...the absolute quietness. On this mountain, you can definitely be still and know HE is God. Except during football season, on Charger Sundays.

5. ...the lack of neighbors to my left, right, front, back.

6. ...the ability to walk 100 feet down the mountain and see my mom, anytime of the day.

7. ...the ease of having the best tasting water in the world at my fingertips, day or night.

8. ...the smell of rain on the mountain dirt. There is no smell like it on earth.

9. ...the smiles on my children's faces as they climb trees, scale rocks, and slide down the dirt trail on their bottoms.

10....the best landlords a girl could ever ask for... my parents. (Although they did tie for first with our last landlord's.. Tim's parents...kiss up, you say?? Not at all. They are both wonderful sets of parents, people, Godly examples. We are abundantly blessed.)


I thought you could take the girl out of the city, but not the city out of the girl, BUT I have found it is more like this:

YOU CAN TAKE THE GIRL OFF THE MOUNTAIN, BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE THE MOUNTAIN OUT OF THE GIRL.

xoxo,
Veronica...err, Mountain Mama

My Discovery On Christmas Eve

ME: (Looking in the mirror as I get ready for bed. I spot what looks like a grey hair.) Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim!!!!!

TIM: What's wrong? (He comes to the bathroom to check me out.)

ME: Look what I found? (I point to the top of my head.)

TIM: What? I don't see anything.

ME: There, the grey hair!

TIM: That's not a grey hair. It's a blonde one.




I didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or do both.
Well, they say that blondes do have more fun....
Merry Christmas.

On The First Day Of Christmas...

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
a savior to set my soul free.

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
2 pretty daughters,
and a savior to set my soul free.

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
3 pets to love on (2 turtles and a Basset Hound),
2 pretty daughters,
and a savior to set my soul free.

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
4 sons, so handsome,
3 pets to love on (2 turtles and a Basset Hound),
2 pretty daughters,
and a savior to set my soul free.

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
5 days a weeeeeeeek (to homeschool),
4 sons, so handsome,
3 pets to love on (2 turtles and a Basset Hound),
2 pretty daughters,
and a savior to set my soul free.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
6 children playing,
5 days a weeeeeeeek (to homeschool),
4 sons, so handsome,
3 pets to love on (2 turtles and a Basset Hound),
2 pretty daughters,
and a savior to set my soul free.

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
7 days to praise him,
6 children playing,
5 days a weeeeeeeek (to homeschool),
4 sons, so handsome,
3 pets to love on (2 turtles and a Basset Hound),
2 pretty daughters,
and a savior to set my soul free.

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
8 times a nursing,
7 days to praise him,
6 children playing,
5 days a weeeeeeeek (to homeschool),
4 sons, so handsome,
3 pets (2 turtles and a Basset Hound),
2 pretty daughters,
and a savior to set my soul free.

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
9
8 times a nursing,
7 days to praise him,
6 children playing,
5 days a weeeeeeeek (to homeschool),
4 sons, so handsome,
3 pets (2 turtles and a Basset Hound),
2 pretty daughters,
and a savior to set my soul free.

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
10 nieces/nephews,
9 hours sleeping (not..),
8 times a nursing,
7 days to praise him,
6 children playing,
5 days a weeeeeeeek (to homeschool),
4 sons, so handsome,
3 pets (2 turtles and a Basset Hound),
2 pretty daughters,
and a savior to set my soul free.

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
11 fingers typing (10 of mine, 1 of Isabella's),
10 nieces/nephews,
9 hours sleeping (not..),
8 times a nursing,
7 days to praise him,
6 children playing,
5 days a weeeeeeeek (to homeschool),
4 sons, so handsome,
3 pets (2 turtles and a Basset Hound),
2 pretty daughters,
and a savior to set my soul free.

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
12 months to thank him (for my wonderful husband),
11 fingers typing (10 of mine, 1 of Isabella's),
10 nieces/nephews,
9 hours sleeping (not..),
8 times a nursing,
7 days to praise him,
6 children playing,
5 days a weeeeeeeek (to homeschool),
4 sons, so handsome,
3 pets (2 turtles and a Basset Hound),
2 pretty daughters,
and a savior to set my soul free.


MERRY CHRISTMAS TO MY LOYAL BLOGGY FRIENDS. MAY YOU ALWAYS MAKE CHRIST THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE.

XOXO,
Veronica and her quiverful of arrows

Birthday Girl, Birthday Boy

Our sweet, lovely, and amazing daughter turned 15 last month. What happened to my loud, dramatic, rollin' in the dirt little girl? The one that could not go anywhere without her 'lucky'? The one that expected to be carried everywhere? The one that cried if Miguel was not at her side every second of the day? She is a beautiful, Godly, young lady now. One that her parents are so proud of and thankful for. Your smile can light up any dark place and your heart is even brighter. We love you Kari-Calamari!











































































Zack turned 3! What a year it will be! We knew from day one that he would make us laugh and keep us on our toes. You are such a comedian and it can be so hard to discipline a little boy that makes the most interesting faces at you when he knows what is coming. We love you, Zackadee, Mommy's little Boozie. (Below: 1 month old and already a comic- "I'm with stupid.")






Thank you, Lord, for the arrows you have blessed me with!

Romantic Getaway

Well, sort of... that is if you can have a romantic getaway with a 5 month old.

Tim had a deposition to cover in West LA so we headed back to the Palomar Hotel. Remember we had a chance to stay there last year, while I was pregnant with Isabella? Anyhoo, when Tim said he had to head back that way and asked if I wanted to stay at the Palomar again, I jumped at the chance. It is really a nice hotel and the zebra print robes ain't bad either.

We had a really sweet time, but having Isabella with us was the best part. We were able to give her our undivided attention and love on her and coo over her and her new tricks.

Tim's deposition went into the night, so Isabella and I enjoyed the comforts of the room:







She read the local LA magazine....






















She played in her new bed for the night... one of the drawers belonging to the snakeskin dresser...

























She even took a warm bath in the basin sink...























But, it was the nap she took inside her fuzzy pink blanket, inside the dresser drawer, that was MY favorite time of the evening!






































The next morning I woke up to Daddy and Isabella Grace snuggling together and we got ready for breakfast with the Brownlie's.























They were so much fun to hang with. Thanks for joining us, Corinna, Taylor, and cutie pie Jacob!




















We were really missing the kids and headed back home. Isabella did awesome on her first road trip. Never a tear on the road and slept like a princess whenever we needed her to. Quite a change from what she has been like lately! Thanks to my parents and as always Miguel and Karizma for helping watch our little guys so we could steal away for a couple of days! Can't wait to do it again.

Kindergarten Is Tough

Christian started his first day of kindergarten yesterday. He has been showing signs of being ready to dive in, and I did not want to miss this opportunity. So, we did our first lesson: The oral lessons, the bible story, his memory verse and then headed into his written work. Christian loved the time with mommy, which I have noticed they ALL do, but the busy work didn't seem as fun.

CHRISTIAN: (In between tears) I don't like kindergarten.

MIGUEL: It's ok, Buddy. It will get easier.

Christian didn't look too convinced.

So, today as we started day 2 of kindergarten, he takes a look at what lies ahead of him in his workbook. Hmm, more of the same thing... having to write the letter A over and over. I watched his little face to see what he was going to do/say next.

CHRISTIAN: Mom? Remember when I said I didn't like kindergarten yesterday? I shouldn't have said that. If I say I like kindergarten I will do better with my school work, but if I am not happy I will do bad. I really like kindergarten!

And he proceeded to get his work done in a very neat and timely fashion. He saw the fruit of how choosing to have a happy spirit affected his day and I was so delighted in the son God blessed me with. Oh, but it only got better....


Since Christian was done with his school day he went to go check on his older brother Walker, whom started to cry when he found out that Christian was done and he still had math and spelling to finish.

CHRISTIAN: Walker if you choose to have a good attitude, you will finish school much faster and then you will be done.

WALKER: Christian, please be quiet. (But, he didn't say it very nicely.)

MOM: Walker you just lost the chance to go to playgroup tomorrow. You shouldn't have talked to your brother that way.

CHRISTIAN: (He comes over to me and smiles that sweet little boy smile.) Mom, can Walker please have a second chance if he chooses to have a happy attitude?

MOM: Well, since you asked me so nicely, Christian, I will do it for you. Your happy attitude really blesses me.

WALKER: (He proceeds to sob because he becomes aware of his actions and goes up to Christian and gives him a big hug.) Thank you, Christian!!

Walker and Christian then had a little conversation that I must have missed, the conversation that followed it was so sweet, I think I have some serious cavities from it now...read on and don't forget to brush your teeth after, because it is really sugary sweet!

WALKER: Mom, isn't Christian the bestest brother ever? He said he would play with Isabella while I finish my school work so it would be quiet for me. Thank you so much, Christian. You are so kind, Christian.

CHRISTIAN: You're welcome, Walker. Would you like for me to make you lunch?

WALKER: Why, yes, Christian. That is so thoughtful.

CHRISTIAN: Would you like chocolate and honey on your lunch?

WALKER: Why, yes, Christian. I would love some. Thank you.

CHRISTIAN: You're welcome, Walker. And, see, Walker, you are almost done with your work because you had a happy attitude.

WALKER: (BIG SMILE.)

CHRISTIAN: I knew you could do it, Walker.


MOM: (Feeling like she is in some movie that you watch and wish was real life, but never is, but actually is my real life.) *SIGH* (And don't you love how often they use each other's names?)


And where was our spirited little boy, Zack, during all this? Unbelievably, he was sitting QUIETLY(I know, I can't quite fathom it myself.), doing school work, and doing a great job, I might add. Today was an awesome homeschooling day! 2 kindergarten days down for Christian, only 13 years to go...minus the 2 days, of course.

Another kindergarten graduation to look forward to in June!





Here are the brothers in what they consider their cool pose.

Broccoli for dessert??

Growing up we were expected to eat whatever was put in front of us. How I remember my mom making 'caldo de pollo' (chicken stew) with all the veggies under the rainbow. Oh, how I dreaded the days I would see the big pot of boiling soup on the stove. And if I didn't eat it all, my mom would save it for breakfast. How thoughtful of her, huh? What cracks me up now, is that it is probably one of my FAVORITE meals now. Especially when I am pregnant. I request it all the time and is such a comfort food for me. My Mom taught us to love food. To be thankful for it. And that picky eating was not going to be happening under her roof. I am so grateful for that. I have had the chance to experience some amazing foods because of this and am such a foodie now. If you would have told me that I would love cow tongue tacos or sushi when I was 8 I would have asked you to 'gag me with a spoon' and barfed all over you. (I was way into my valley girl talk back then, like totally.) So, it has been a blessing to have all of my children love food, too. Of every kind. With parents like Tim and I, that have a very open mind when it comes to food, they would have to be.



I started my children off with all kinds of veggies as babies. This way they were so used to it, they couldn't decide to not like it. Miguel would eat everything on his plate and Karizma would ask for broccoli for dessert.

"Well, only if you are a good girl and finish all your dinner first."

And finish it all she would, because broccoli was amazing to her. "Trees" she called them. Even when we would go to Home Town Buffet for dinner, she would request broccoli for dessert. She was a bit of an odd duck back then.

So, the other day I remembered her broccoli for dessert days fondly when the boys and I had this conversation:

(Setting: Me preparing the broccoli salad for Thanksgiving.)

Me: Who wants a tree?

Walker, Christian, Zack: I DO!!!!!

Me: I said tree NOT treat.

All the boys again: I DO!!!!

Walker: Mom, broccoli IS a treat!

Zack: Mom, can I have some more trees, PLEASE!

Me: Ok, but only if you are going to be a good boy today.



Did you know you could bribe your kids to be good with broccoli? Hmm, or is that just my kids????

Happy Thanksgiving

My sweet bloggy friends... HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. I love that although we have never met in real life, I have built some amazing friendships here. God bless you and your families!

I am so thankful!! I could sing of HIS love forever!! He has made me glad!! And it is all because of Jesus!!

I am thankful for:
...a husband that doesn't have to into work for 4 entire days!
...a six year old that said to me other day about his 2 year old brother, "Zack has such a servants heart!"
...a 5 month old daughter that says 'Mama' and 'Mom' clearly and only to me. And that she is sitting up so well now!
...a mother in law that is willing to host her entire family for Thanksgiving, including my parents and sister.
...a sister in law that has blessed me with yet another beautiful niece, Hadassah Rose.
...a sister in Texas that has blessed me with my first 'blood' niece, Angelina Bella, last night.
...a brother and sister in law that are preparing to welcome another niece for me, into this world.
...a home that is secluded enough that I can sweep the porch with my robe on and no one would even know it.
...parents that are willing to sacrifice their beautiful home so I can raise my children in it.
...the privilege to be an American.
...the mercy and love of a savior.
...friends that make her laugh.
...teenagers that do not fit the world's mold.
...a cousin that has been my best friend through thick and thin..literally, ha ha.
...a 4 year old that is ready for kindergarten.
...a dog that blesses my sweet Karizma on a daily basis.
...my washer and dryer.
...the constant comfort I receive from the Word of God.
...all of her extended family.
...a little boy named Zack that is teaching her that she can be a better mother.
...her church, church family, and pastor.
...her eternal salvation.

Oh, the list could go on and on.

We are all doing well.
Really enjoying life.
Giving God all the glory.

Isabella turned 5 months 10 days ago.
It is amazing the things she can already do! But, the best is that she calls me 'Mama'. And she has been doing it since 4.5 months old. I wondered if she knew what she was saying, but I know she does, because she only says it to me and says it when she is really hungry or wants to be picked up and held. She has also started to 'kiss' me. She will grab my face and pull me to hers. She is insistent that she kiss my lips only. If I give her my nose, she will fuss and make sure to get my lips. I adore her! Karizma and I often ask ourselves what we would have done without her. We have such a blast playing with our living doll. God knows my heart and when Karizma never played with dolls as a little girl, he still fulfilled that desire for me by having her play with our little living doll, Isabella. Do you see how He cares for your every thought, desire, need? I serve a loving God!


Isabella Grace also started to sit up 1 week before she turned 5 months.

She is just so eager to be grown. I love seeing her attempt to stand on her own and do things that I did not expect her to be doing for another month or two. She is such a happy girl, except when she is in the dark. That seems to be the only time she is upset now.. or when she is hungry. She expects to eat NOW! And, Mom's Diner is open 24 hours, so I accommodate her as she pleases. It truly is my pleasure!

I do want to take a minute to thank the Chargers for bringing my husband and teenagers such joy. My family wears the Charger gear faithfully during game day (except during church service, although I promised them that if the Chargers ever won the superbowl, they could wear their jerseys the next Sunday.) and they all sit in front of the TV with Dad and spend that time with him. It has become a tradition and some very blessed man will love that our daughter is very well versed in all things football, but is also well versed in all things girlie, too. Karizma will give her husband the best of both worlds!

I have so many posts to catch up on: Karizma's 15th birthday, the zoo with the Hammang's, our weekend away to west LA, and we just drew names for this years sibling secret santa. I will try and be better about posting. Thanks for your loyalty, friends. You guys rock!

One last thing... I am very thankful for Dan and Natalie. My brother and sister in law. They just had their 5th child earlier this month and I love how their love for eachother and Jesus shines through them. The other day, they came to service (their baby was still in the NICU, 5 days old) and I saw this during worship...
Can you still see Daddy's hospital bracelet on? It touched my heart and I am glad I captured the moment. I love you both very much and am blessed to have you in my life. May God continue to bless your marriage, your roles as parents, and your walks as Christians.

Now off to have fellowship with all my family, eat some yummy turkey, and plan out our black Friday route! I love this time of the year!!!!

XOXO,
Veronica

Duggars Homemade Baby Wipe Recipe

My last post was a mish-mash of tips. Someone in the comments section had mentioned she made her own wipes. I recalled that the book 'The Duggars: 20 And Counting' had a recipe in their book. Some of you asked for it, so here it is:

This recipe was shared with the Duggars by the Bates family.

Cut a whole roll of Bounty paper towels into 2 halves. (We found that Bounty is the only brand that works. Use an electric knife for best results.)
Place one of the halve rolls vertically in an empty and fully cleaned 1 gallon ice cream bucket.
In a large measuring pitcher, mix 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of baby oil, and 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol. (Some families also like to add a tablespoon of baby bubble bath.)
Pour the liquid over the halved roll of paper towel in the ice cream bucket and soak for 30 minutes.
Remove the cardboard center.
Feed the top corner of the paper towel through an X shaped slit you have cut in the lid of the ice cream bucket so you can pull out and tear off one "wipe" at a time.


I personally have not tried this recipe, but will have to now and will do a review. If you do try it, please share and let us know how it went! Now off to eat a gallon of ice cream so I can use the tub. That must be the BEST part about making them, right girls?!!

XOXO,
Veronica

Mish Mash Post

Mish Mash. Yep. Mish mash because it is a bit of this and a bit of that as far as information. Hope you can find it useful!

TEETHING BABY?

Our little Isabella has been teething for a little over a month. She is actually pretty mild mannered about it, but I can tell she is a bit uncomfortable. Here are some things that have worked for me over the years with teething babies:

1. We LOVE using teething tablets. They are natural and have worked with each of the kids. 'Hyland's teething tablets'. You can find them in most Walmarts and also in natural food stores.




2. Green onions. Yeah, you read right. My mom suggested it to me with my first, over 16 years ago, and it really works. Especially if you stick them in the freezer for it bit to make them extra crisp and cold. Before putting them in the freezer, rinse them really well, and don't dry them. Stick them in a freezer bag wet. Yeah, there breath will smell odorous, but they will grow up to be open to onions in their food. All my kids love onions! But, seriously, though... it really works.

3. Frozen wash cloth. Do the same thing that you do with the green onions. We use the soft baby wash cloths and use these only for teething, not for bathing. Gross. Anyway, you also soak them in water, wring out the excess water, and store it in a freezer bag in the freezer so they are ready to use.

My kids have liked teething rings, but we lose them often and they can be costly. I have found these other methods work as well, if not better. However, the truest and best method of all...

4. Breastfeeding. Nothing seems to comfort my babies more than some quiet time at Mama's breast. Not only does it help them to sleep, it gives me time to sit and enjoy them as well. Win win situation.





Isabella is officially 5 months old as of yesterday. It feels like a bit of a blur. Many hard days, but many more joyous ones. She is really starting to open up more, but is still very attached to being at home and is so sad if we are not home before dark. Hard to do when it gets dark by 5pm now. Anyway, it helps us be a bit more laid back. I am really enjoying being a mommy to a little girl again.




Here are a few other things that have helped me lately:

1. Mitten clips... you can find a pair of them at the dollar bin in Target. I use them to clip Isabella's toy to her clothes so she doesn't lose them or drop them. No lost toys or dollies yet!




2. Aquaphor. They recommended this ointment instead of any diaper rash cream while Isabella was in the NICU. We apply it after each diaper and she still has not gotten a diaper rash. Awesome stuff! We also use it for Walker's dry lips...not from the same jar, though ;0). And it can be used on really dry skin as well. You kind find this stuff at Costco, behind the pharmacy counter for 1/2 the price of Target!!



3. You all know I am a HUGE fan of the miracle blanket. Well, we use ours at home, faithfully. Now that it is getting colder outside, we have found that Isabella sleeps much better while swaddled in the car seat. One Step Ahead, makes a swaddle blanket that can be found at any Walmart, Target, Babies R Us, for as little as $10. This blanket comes with a slot in the back to slip the carseat buckle through. We keep one in the car for her, and it has been great.



4. This one is kind of random, but very worth mentioning. A friend recommended a Leap Frog DVD by the name of the Letter Factory. This has been amazing! My 2 year old knows all his letters now and their sounds. It has a catchy song that my 4 year old and 2 year old sing all the time and I have noticed them making an effort to try and understand words from this DVD. Worth the $10 and can be found at Walmart or Target, too. Sometimes they carry them at Costco.




Lastly, I want to congratulate my SIL, Natalie over at Raising Miracles. Her little girl, #5 of their brood, was born last week. Hadassah Rose comes home today and we thank God for answering prayer where she is concerned. Welcome, little one!

Do any of you have some tried and true tips you can share? I love hearing what other mom's think about new products, or the old in home things they use to make mommyhood easier.

Miss you all,

Veronica

Catchin' Up

This one is for you, B...thanks for always remembering me. xoxo

Yeah, it has been another long time between posts...again. I am going to come clean as to why.

Two words...

Face Book.

Or is that one word?

I have been asked, prodded, and finally coaxed to try it. It has been a blessing because I can really stay in touch with family. But, it has meant that I am neglecting my blogger family. Forgive me? You do? You guys rock!

Well, let's catch up!

We have been to pumpkin patches and a fall festival, so here are a few pics...

Pumpkin pickin'...brother style!





Kelsey and Walker. (this was not planned, but isn't it cute?)





ROAR!




Clark Kent???




SUPERMAN!




Little foot




Our happiest dino






Lobster for dinner tonight!



Daddy's Princess







The kids are growing fast, so here is a quick update on each of them.


First, the biggest kid here, my handsome husband, Tim.
Tim was never baptized by submersion. Only by sprinkling of water when he was younger. He talked to the Pastor and Tim has decided that he wanted to be baptized under submersion as well. He will be doing so this weekend, and so are his parents. We are so excited and love that they will doing so together.

Miguel
Can you believe he is almost 17? That makes me super old. He gets smarter and more handsome by the minute. He is still helping his grandpapa build their house and has also been helping at his other grandparent's jewelry store. I am excited to see what God has planned for our son.

Karizma
Karizma has started her 2nd semester of 9th grade, and she might be able to start 10th grade a semester early. We are proud of her! She is sad she had to skip soccer due to her broken toe this season, but hopefully it will keep her from kicking any sofas in the future. She is still Isabella's favorite person, but do you blame her?

Walker
He is rockin' 1st grade! I am amazed at how fast he has learned to read and write and spell. He blesses me daily. He is the mediator between his 2 little brothers and often the voice of reason. He does remind us often that he is now 6, so believes this entitles him to many 'grown up' things. This could mean watching a detective show with us and the big kids while the little ones watch a little kids movie.

Christian
He is the one with a heart of gold. He is always serving. Always thinking of others. I love that he still has a baby face and he loves still being my baby. I think watching him grow up has been the most difficult, because he was and still is my biggest mama's boy.

Zack
Tough guy. Fearless. Independent. Spunky. Zack. He cracks us up when he sings. He cracks us up when he is in trouble. He gets away with a lot, because he knows how to work us already. And he is only 2. What are we to do?

Isabella Grace
She has her daddy wrapped around her little finger. And her mama around the other one. And her sister wrapped around her thumb. And her brothers wrapped around all the other fingers. She is the princess around here, BIG TIME. She is rolling both ways now and loves to eat at Mom's Diner, especially since it is open 24 hours a day, which she gladly takes advantage of. She is a big smiler, but will only laugh for Walker. She is Karizma's living doll and still lets us dress her and put big bows in her hair. Hope that lasts. And as of 10 minutes ago said 'Mama' for the first time. Now she has said it over and over because she is hungry. My 4 month old genius!

Me
I have been through quite the roller coaster this past month.
I had to watch a very dear friend lose her Daddy. That broke my heart, but I am so blessed to know they will be reunited again someday in heaven.
I am really enjoying having my parents live so close. I try to go down to hang out with my mom at least once a week. She makes me a cup of tea and we talk. No little boys interrupting. It is one of the highlights of my week!
My sister blesses me with her hilarious updates on life. She is on fire for JESUS and always has an awesome story to tell about how she is sharing Christ with people. She inspires me.
I am excited that I have 3 nieces on the way. My sister Mayte's baby due in 2 weeks. Natalie's little girl due in December. And Susan's little girl due in April.
We are still dealing with Tim's ups and downs from new medications and the old ones, but have hope in Jesus. We are praying that 2010 will bring a new normalcy for our family since Tim's is having the surgery to implant the stimulator on new year's eve. Please be praying for us.
I continue to be in awe of how awesome it is to mother 6 children, homeschool them and be a wife somewhere in there, too. God's grace. Only by HIS grace. Nursing is going well and it is one of the best times of the day when I can just hold my little girl and look in those glorious blue eyes. Speaking of which...looks like this diner never gets a break...my favorite customer is a callin'.