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.