A Simple Request Gone Wrong

Christmas cards.  Everyone sends them.  Some are more simple than others, but for weeks after Thanksgiving, we get them almost daily. 

I love hearing from our friends and family, near and far.  It seems that with things like Facebook it becomes less and less personal (Gosh, I would even group this blog in that same category!)  I get that technology today allows for us to keep in touch and stay updated with those we love.  But it really is great to get that envelope in the snail mail once a year with tangible pictures, not just digital attachments.

I started thinking about Christmas pictures in June when I mentioned to J-Shutterbug that we should shoot each other again.  Problem is that with - well, I guess we call them kids - it is hard to set aside time to do a "quick" family picture.

So here I am, a week before Christmas, with visions of sending out the cards " no later than New Years." 

Here is my feeble attempt at portraits of the kids.  If you will notice, I was clearly not specific enough with my very general instructions:  Get dressed , boys.  We are taking pictures, so put on a clean shirt and get a festive hat."

After the requested "costume change"  the pictures did not get any better.  In fact, we ended without one that works.  As you can see from the picture below, it ended when someone got hurt.  Seems that how it always ends with sons.

Three will be Four in One

Three babies in January 2008.  Three 4 year olds in 2012.  One month.

Sis and I used to think, "When the babies are four, it will be easier!"

I have to say that it has been a wonderful experience having so many little ones in our family.  I love watching the kids interact with each other.  Their little personalities are just so unique, but the commonality is that they are all so so sweet and cuddly.  Even at (almost) four, they simply love to snuggle, hug, kiss, and be picked up. 

Looking forward to entering the new year with three four year olds. One month to plan this party... the big difference from last year is that everyone has a (verbal) opinion.   Yup, they are for sure FOUR.

Easier? Um, well... there are three of them.

Get there... by running

It all started one day at the dojo when MM asked, "Who wants to run a marathon?"  Of course, I was quick to say NO but Mrs. Sensei said, "Sure!  That's a great idea!"  Thus began the peer pressure. So, 3 months later and I am in the process of training to run 13.1 miles just because...well... because my friends are doing it.  Great reason, I know.

When the madness started, I could run about 2 minutes (literally) before the need to stop, take off my shoes, and open a beer.  But I kept going and soon 2 minutes turned to 5, and 5 turned to 10.  It has been a very slow process, but at least I'm running the hamster wheel with friends.

Miramar Lake has become the weekly meeting place.  It has worked out well because there are markers every quarter mile.  In October, we ran Light the Night 5k in Balboa Park dressed like bunnies.  On Thanksgiving, we ran the 10k for Run for the Hungry in Downtown.  Hubby ran with us and ended up having to run backwards to keep pace with me.  Ah, true love.

With December's cruel weather (a whooping 65 degrees, but I'm a SoCal gal, so I'm super sensitive!)  I've resorted to running on a treadmill that Hubby set up for me in the garage.  Although it gets a little boring after the first few minutes, I'm finding that I get my motivation from this stupid Nike app that I downloaded on my phone.  It keeps "unlocking" voices that give me words of encouragement.  Kind of silly, I know, but I get my kicks from Lance Armstrong telling me things like, " You just set a new record for the 10k!"  I wonder where I'll get the motivation once all the levels have been unlocked...

At least it's easier than Crossfit.

Six Months later...

It has been (literally) six months since my last blog.  I can tell you exactly why too:  FOOTBALL.  8-0 regular season, round 2 of the playoffs, and second place at a tournament.  Nationally ranked #8 in the Nation according to D1 youth football rankings.  Not bad.  New friends, great family time, lots and lots of food,  swim parties, running around following the kids, and basically focusing energy on the people that matter...not the blog.

Since my last entry, the boys have finished summer sports and started school again.  The little one is finally potty trained...thank God.  And hubby and I are as strong as we have ever been, surrounded by genuine friends that love us enough to keep hanging out, despite the craziness of having the three boys and allllllll their friends, activities, energy, and antics.

The easiest way for me to recap the later part of 2011 for our family can be condensed to three simple truths:

1) God is Good.
2) Kids soak up all sorts of energy, but they are the only thing worth investing in.
3) When in doubt, family will come through. Period.

Lesson #1 - God is Good.

At church, the pastor said that sometime God manifests himself in unlikely ways.  He also said that God is brightest when it is the darkest.  All I can say to that is AMEN.  I realize that the beginning of this Christian walk started in a time that I would now regard as a dark time.  But from it comes massive light and energy.  I've also learned that I have to understand that I may not understand.  It's crazy because it is simply true. 

Today, I would say that God works in great ways in my life.  For that I thank the darkness , for from it came light.

Lesson #2 - Kids soak up all sorts of energy, but they are the only thing worth investing in. 

Let's face it, I'd rather have a glass of wine and watch the last episode of Glee than sit in the cold at football practice.  Our coaches never *really* ended at 7:00 and even when it was dark out, if the plays were not learned, the boys stayed until they got it.

 But man oh man when those boys (my boys? all 30 of them? yup.) won one, then two, then three...then 8 games in row, all those cold nights thinking about coffee were absolutely worth it. No buts. More importantly, the ability to make friends - with players and their families- all I can say in PRICELESS. 

The coaches and other parents have become a wonderful unit of friends that shared a common love. And with it now over, I can say we are two for two when it comes to successful

 football seasons. 

Yup, 6 months of driving to Otay Ranch, Temecula, Olympian and beyond is time consuming and tiresome, but the benefits well out weigh the temporary costs.  Great investment of time as far as I'm concerned. 

Mix football with jiu jitsu practice and what we get is a full calendar with no room for wine or Glee. 

Is it quiet? No. Is it worth it?  Yes, in fact it is quite simply the only thing worth investing your time in because you get so much back.

Lesson #3 : When in doubt, family will come through. Period.

I've known this for years.  The past six months have reinforced it.  Ups and downs, through it all, those we call family are there.   We have a few close friends that we call family.  They are the people that are honest and truthful.  They love our kids, keep us in their thoughts, and have our best interests at heart - always.  They serve as a mirror to what is important and real in our lives and for them we are thankful for their genuine love and unconditional friendship.

Sissy and No Neck are dependable like the sun rising everyday when it comes to true need. It's great to have that kind of relationship with family.  One day, I know my children will grow up to understand that -although we don't pick our family-we should always choose our family in times of need because they choose us. 

With that said,   Don't trust No Neck with a "secret".   He takes the "surprise" out of surprise party - literally- every time. But he is truthful as they come, strong as an ox, and loves the kids... despite hitting them in the center of the chest each time he sees them.

July 2011: A month of learning (or re- learning, or reminders...)

I became a teacher for all the right reasons.   I love to teach, love to read, love being around kids.  I enjoy both watching light bulbs turn on, as well as the challenge of finding a way to get a kid to understand what's going on.  I fall in love with characters in books and I love, love , love supplies.  Pens, paper, post it's.. you name it.  There are so many reasons that I really love my job.  It's part of the "kid business" and the people I work with -although we might not always be on the same page - have a common goal and appreciate for kids.  Being a mom, I both appreciate and respect this about my profession. 

Another added bonus: July.  Yup, June starts with work and August ends with it.  But the month of July allows me to exhale, relax, and focus on the three little monsters at home.  Well, four if you count the hubby.  As I see it, there is NO teaching and NO learning in July. 

July started with a marginal appreciation of time off:  cooking a bit more, cleaning a bit more, a few movies, a lot of relaxing, getting to sports without the panic of being late.  July is ending with a very acute awareness that I need my family, my extended family, my friends, and Jesus.   It's crazy what a little "time off" will teach.  especially because July isn't suppose to be for learning.  Here are a few lessons learned this month for me.

She's celebrate her 4th birthday in Virginia this year.  What a special memory for her!

July Learning lesson #1 : I'll start with the sis - in - law.  She and her family have relocated to Virginia for a minimum of three years.  I wish them luck and love on their journey.

Pretty little girl.

One and walking!

Her BFF

Her first loves... not her only ones, but her first.

The whole fam.

The lesson learned:  I Love my family.  We don't always to get to pick each other, but I love them.  I also learned that I might just love the little ones a little more than the big ones. And I bet that's ok with everyone.

Learning lesson #2:  Also in the month of July, our family took a quick trip to Universal Studios Hollywood. We started by having some chicken and waffles at Roscoe's in Hollywood, stayed at the Holiday Inn (where all the kids were so excited to have their own room - basically a bunk bed with a partition ) , dinner at City Walk, and a beautiful day at the Park .  Here are a few shots of our time in Los Angeles.

Here marks the start of the day.

 He loves water play.

The weather was perfect for this. The kids dried fairly quickly after getting in fully clothed. It's funny how kids don't mind the wet denim feel.

We took the back lot tour.  The highlight for me (such a silly one) is a tram trip down Wisteria Lane. We got to see a lot of cool Hollywood sets and hear about how the magic is made.

When the sun began to set, we began our trip back to even more beautiful San Diego.  Of course, the obvious choice for food before heading south was... yup, you guessed it, a second trip to Roscoe's.

Lesson learned:  My family is the most important thing in the world.  They are a direct reflection of who I am and what I will be remembered for at the end.   They love me unconditionally and they can test my patience like no other.

To come: July is also about a lot of learning and growing (mainly physical and spiritual), a fabulous trip back to Hollywood for a little Shea-Lo that left me and Sissy "GAGA", silver a World's, hello to a new season of MM Charger football, a goodbye to two beautiful women and a lot of potty time.  I also learned that running is hard but Crossfit is harder.

More to come in part two of this blog ;)



The Candy Bar

As a special treat for his birthday, we set up a candy bar , complete with gummy crabby patties, sour warheads, fun dip, and pop rocks.  I included a note that said, "Please help yourself to a baggie of candy for home.  Remember, candy rots your teeth!"

It's funny how a jar of candy can elicit a response from children like Pavlov's dogs.  

Too much candy, swimming ,basketball, video games and sleepovers!  I love San Diego weather and I love summer birthdays!

I've got school on my mind...

Too many kids, too much time during the summer. Anyone that has kids can agree with that. So, in an attempt to keep minds moving and bodies busy, Coco and I are conducting summer school sessions all summer long. Yup, that's right. School. She takes "The Littles" (ages 3 - 7) and I take "The Bigs" (Grades 5- 9) and we have school.

Here's how the Bigs are set up.

We start our day with a run (to get their blood going and to tire them) then reading comprehension, grammar, and even art.  We do "Rotations" (stations for computer time, flash card time, and preparing lunch everyday) and we end our day with a reflection and some good old fashion housework. 

I was a little anxious at first, but it has turned but to be great.  Because, despite what kids say, they DO want structure.  They want discipline and they want to spend quality time doing something productive, not just video games and television all day long. 

On Friday, I ran with the six kids to the neighborhood park.  We did some conditioning and then we sat under a gazebo and I read two short stories to them from Tyler Durman's Ten Stories and Maya Angelou's Stories for My Daughter.  They listened, they asked questions, they asked for another story.  On the way back to the house, we picked up a few flowers, leaves, and pine cones for a project. 

Then, we did some drawing and writing about nature. I even tried a "Forced Association" lesson, but that may have been too much.  After all, it is summer vacation.

Summer Projects

At the end of the 2008-09 school year, as we were tying up loose ends at work to start our much anticipated summer break, the principal came up to to me and J- Shutterbug and informed us that our "3 months of summer break" would be cut short.  We were expected to be at our leadership retreat the first week of August.  (Ah, the perks of being on the leadership team!)  So, we sat down and counted how many days there were from the time we could exhale (aka - the end of the school year) until the time we started to think about the process again (aka- preparing for the leadership retreat)  We came up with 56 days.   Wow.  That changes the stereotypical view that people in education get three months off, doesn't it?

So, J- Shutterbug, his wifey, and I started a project: The 56 Days of Summer.  The objective: One picture everyday for 56 days to a) document our summer vacation, and b) pick up our cameras everyday.  We decided to post the pictures on Facebook in a private event and share commentary to both celebrate our break and get feedback on our pictures.

Since then, our little project has grown.  We are currently on day 14 and I feel like I'm getting to know my friends and my camera again.  

Here are a few pix so far this year:

The Sweet Girl loves her dance recital dress!

Homemade fresh strawberry scones for the sissy with a bad knee.

Octagon and Dance = Her passions

Greggy's Hot Dog Creation

Yup, he is for sure my kid.

Summer Enrichment (aka- an easy way to keep those boys off the XBox and in the books!)

Sandwich Creations

I rarely blog about work.  This is because this blog is really about family.  But this very rare entry is special because my typical work day was about family. 

Once a year, I invite the elementary school student council to my campus to work with my student leaders.  For the first time, both the older boys were part of that process.  The big one is in 6th grade and is in my leadership class (that changes the dynamic of who I am and how I teach, by the way.  His presence simply makes me a better person, therefore a better teacher.)  The middle one is part of the student council at the school next door.

During their visit, the big kids facilitate games and activities, so the little kids can get a glimpse into middle school life, school spirit, and leadership.

One of the activities is to make a sandwich and sit with a friend.  (Kids buy- in so easily when there is food involved)  The sandwich creations have gotten more and more unusual over the years, so I thought I would post just a couple to share with the virtual world out there. 

Yup, it's weird and it probably isn't very good (or healthy)  But one day, my boys will forget what they ate that day or if it was good, but they will not forget that - for that hour - they were together and part of something special, with me, at the place that I work.  That memory is enough to get me to eat a sandwich with melted gummy bears, peanut butter, and ham.

Brotherly Love

Just a quick pix taken on Easter of my little guys.

On second thought, I guess they really aren't that little. 

Bunny Baskets

I was talking to E and C's oldest son the other day on the way to the dojo.  Here is (kinda) how the conversation went:

Az: Are you my aunt?

Me:  Yes dear.

Az: Does that mean that we are all cousins?

Me:  Az, blood isn't what makes family.  Love is what makes family.  So yes.  We are family and I am your aunt.

Az: (short pause) Can I eat a snack before jiu jitsu?

(He's six, so I'm pretty lucky that the conversation lasted that long.)

 For Easter, our family celebrated with close friends and family.  The Val 6 pack, Sensei and fam, Ms. J, the E-Clan, and all the "guys" came for some good old fashion egg hunting.  Well... it was more like all the moms prepped, stuffed, organized, and hid plastic eggs.  All the guys bbq-ed , and all the kids ran wild all over my house.  Yup, that's a better description. 

The result:  all out egg war in the front yard.  Lots of fun, laughter, and candy.  Too much chocolate... if there is such a thing.  Following the eating, drinking, hunting, and chocolat-ing, the ladies thought it would be a *perfect* idea to...get this... take a Zumba class. 

 So Sissy ran us through a Zumba workout while the guys talked, laughed, and ate a delcious tri tip (that I couldn't have because of lent)  in the backyard and all the kids watched RIO and ate candy they found in those plastic eggs.

I don't know what I was thinking.  I mean, first we killed a bottle of delicious Almond Champagne (from the Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula...that will be another blog.  Yummo)  They we got in the gym and did a workout. 

Crazy.  Crazy fun.

I'd like to share with you my three favorite 'Zumba Jen' favorite quotes:

"The more you shake, the more you burn!"

"This is my favorite move: dry your butt, dry your butt, dry your butt!"

"The most important things are to keep moving and have fun!"

She also said, "It's not a workout, it's a PARTY!"

She lied though.

It is a workout.

Bliss and Jelly Beans

 What a great way to start the Spring.  M&M, after meeting more than 15 years ago, finally tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at the Town and County in Mission Valley this month.  This particular wedding brought family from Nor Cal down to Sunny San Diego for the weekend.  We engaged in too much eating, lots of laughter, and the witnessing of a wonderful man married into our crazy but loving family.

 

The boys, sporting their new "fancy" threads, attending the ceremony and reception.  One of the newer trends that I've seen at events is setting up a Candy Bar for guests.  Of course, my kids were all over that idea.  Our littlest guy filled his bag with jelly beans and I'm guessing that the reason is because of all the colors.  It's not like he has ever really had any jelly beans in the past.

When he finally did try the little treats, he proceeded to chew each one and take it out of his mouth and place it in his fruit cup. He didn't like them apparently. 

Yeah, I thought it was gross too.

To my little guy:  Don't eat too many jelly beans.  They will rot your teeth.

To my cousin:  You are beautiful.  And , you were such a lovely bride.

To my newest cousin: Welcome to our crazy family.  Truly, you are a wonderful person and will make my cuz a happy woman.  Thank you for that.

Picture Day at the Dojo

Since it is Spring Break, I thought it would be productive to update the picture wall at the boys' dojo. Here are a couple of favorites so far.

Although I shot all the adults too, my favorites are all of the children in the dojo.   It takes such commitment and heart to pracitce this sport, so kudos to all the littles who keep coming back, falling down, getting up, coming back, ...

If you would like to see more, come by Brazilian Jui Jitsu Unlimited on Miramar Road.  tell them I sent ya!

Five is Fun!

For Moose's 5th birthday, Sis and No Neck decided that Boomers in Clairemont would be the perfect place to celebrate.  It was. 

My three boys had a great time riding those cheesy rides and playing a round of extreme miniture golf.  To them, it was a great way to spend the afternoon and for me ... well, the shutterbug in me was having a field day.  The miniature golf course, with its colorful displays and multi textured walls, is simply a photographer's gold mine.

Presenting:  Moose, Age 5.

"I'm FIVE!"

No Neck and Sissy's Bunch

My loves

They're THREE.

Ugg Boots and Shorts...so California.

Weeeee...