Fix it with Nutella

It broke.

Shattered in a tiny spider web pattern.

You know that moment when something that you absolutely love breaks?  It seems to happen in slow motion.  I mean, not really.  If it were in slow motion, my cat like reflexes would have caught it in mid air as it descended from the back seat of hubby's truck onto the hard, dark newly paved asphalt of the cul de sac.  Instead, it fell with one loud thump and that was it.  But when I replay it in my mind, I see the off white lens (still attached to the camera) slowly tumble over and over in the air several times before violently hitting the ground.

Ouch. I love that lens.


So, what happens next?  Well, after the initial *shock* comes the calm, then the  dissection.
Removing the UV cover, I discover that the L-glass is still in tact.  In fact, there isn't even a scratch on it. Flawless... like the day I got it. (If this was my classroom: insert teachable moment here.)
I remember when I paid almost 80 bucks for that UV cover.  I went to George's in North Park and bought the cover as an afterthought.  It wasn't about clarity or color enhancement. At the time, it seemed to be just another 80 bucks that I was spending.  Whatever.  The camera shop might as well be the candy store.  I just pick up this and that.

So today, I thank my lucky stars.  Not because my lens is still in tact, but because it (all of it) is material stuff that can be replaced or not. The lens, the glass, the UV cover... all of it. What can't be replaced is that fact that both boys have practice tonight - football and basketball - and I can't wait to watch both of them hard at work.  In fact, basketball season is coming to an end soon.  The camera gets to come with me and capture those images.  That's what's important.  It's not like my relationships, friendships, or morals have been shattered... that's the stuff that can't be replaced by picking it up at the shop or ordering it online.

That said and understood,  I woke up and saw it on the table where I left it last night.  Still shattered.  Still broken.  And for a second, it brought back that feeling of sadness and panic.  (After all, that lens has seen it all... birthday parties, football games, wrestling matches, jun jitsu competitions, all the important events.  It has been my constant, reliable companion through all of it. ) But, my little guy thought of the perfect way to fix it... Nutella.

Yeah.  I don't know if Nutella will actually fix the lens.  But it sure did repair the spirit.  Man, he has the answer to everything.

After this blog, I'm going to order a new UV cover, shop around on the B&H website a bit,  and wipe that little guy's hands and mouth clean... in that order.

Pain and Revelations

Having so much time (laying dawn and on pain killers) has given me some time to think about what is important to me.  I've come to the conclusion that I have a bunch of stuff to be thankful for in my life.  Here are just a couple that come to mind:

I am thankful for my oldest son.  He is amazing.  He tries very hard at school and at home.  He hardly complains and he is very quick to help out with the little ones.  He is patient (I could learn a thing or two from him in that department)

He spent the last two football seasons cheering on his little bro at football games and watching the other little bro so that I could watch the football games too.  Now, he is playing rec basketball for Mira Mesa.  The team has won the last two games and it seems that he is getting better and better each week.  Better yet, he chooses to practice daily, dribbling and shooting in the driveway daily so he can get better.  What commitment!  I really could learn a little something from him.

I am thankful for my job.  Just like everyone, I really look forward to time off.  But unlike most, I really enjoy my job.  Middle school kids are a tough little breed...sensitive, impressionable, immature. They are also at a point in their young lives where they (can) enjoy school and value the relationships.

While I was gone, the kids had several different substitute teachers.  I'm sure that some were good, some were bad, some were more intense than others.  But at the end of the day, they love me enough to wish me well.

Lastly, I'm grateful for the lessons I learn at Flood each week.  Recently, Pastor Matt spoke about a scripture that has me thinking.  Basically, the Bible says all God wants in return for His sacrifices is for us to: "Act Justly", "Love Mercy", and "Walk Humbly." (Micah 6:8)  Man, those are hard to do.  #1 and #3 are difficult, but not impossible.  #2 ...well, I guess I don't know what that looks like because it is a state of mind where we extend mercy to move forward.  That means that we have to forgive the people that have hurt us.  And we have to forgive ourselves for hurting others.  Yup, tough stuff.  But I am moving in the right direction... I hope.

I'll end by telling you about the hamster wheel.  I went to see Dr. Popcorn, a dear friend from back in the underage days.  He says that my back is out because I tore muscles.  Torn muscles cause spasms.  Spasms cause inflammation.  Inflammation makes it hard for the muscle to heal.  The muscle can't heal, so it causes spasms...  See?  Hamster wheel.

I'm the Juggernaut

She gave me the nickname years ago.  I've tried to remember that when I'm down in the dumps, I have special superhero powers that I can use to become unstoppable.  All I need is a little bit of momentum and a little space.  I can do anything I put my mind to.  I'm the juggernaut.

Thank you DEE DEE.  I miss you.
(http://www.10news.com/news/23119138/detail.html)

Who's got your back?

When you need back up -literally-because your back is out, who's got your back?

This week I learned that real friends come through in a pinch.  What I mean by 'pinch' is when you are swiveling in a chair (that you've swiveled in100 times before) and your back goes out on you.  Yup, it's no fun to have back problems.

Vicodin, Darvocet, Flexeril, and Ibuprofen can help with physical healing.  But the knowledge that your husband, your family, and your friends will come through for you when you need it most  will bring more comfort than all the pain killers in the world.

To the teacher who will push a wheel chair and massage feet...
To the grown up girl scout that will clean the kitchen and pick up food for dinner...
To the Muay Thai princess & her Black Belt that will double as a taxi driver...
To the Sis & the No Neck that will take on three more kids (in addition to their four)...
To Miss America that will stop her busy schedule to make a grilled cheese sandwich and watch a little basketball...
To the veteran detention teacher that will make a friendly phone call...
To a school nurse that will call every five minutes to "check in"...
To the counselor that will laugh a little and help a lot...
To the principal that will give up a walkie talkie to make life easier...
To the former President who will give sound advise and put it in perspective...
To the in- law unit who can empathize and will turn a blind eye when the vomit starts...
To the pretty girl (that works why too much because he new job kind of sucks) that will send hope filled text messages with promises of foot massages and lady kisses...
To the students an co- workers who send well wishes by text, email, and simple thoughts...
To the little boy who acts like nothing is wrong and insists on quality belly time...
To the two tweens that fold laundry, watch little brother, and keep things in order (and quiet) ...
And To the Husband that will carry his heavy wife to the car and the heavy load at the house...

What can I say?

It's clear that when I can't use my back, someone will have it.  

Super Bowl... Super Smoker

My beloved San Diego Chargers didn't even make the playoffs this year, so Superbowl Sunday's highlights revolved around food with friends, H&M's new commercial, and a very dynamic halftime show that kept all of our mouths hanging open well after the 12 minute show.

The NY Giants took on the (favored) New England Patriots - Tom Brady vs. Eli "I-don't-wanna-go-to-San-Diego" Manning. Ever since that 2004 draft, I have had a love/ hate relationship with that Manning family.  On one hand, I can't believe in someone who pouts and whines about being drafted to a great team, but on the other hand I really enjoyed watching the Colts *almost* win the Superbowl a couple years ago.

So instead of focusing on the game, the crew and I  focused on the commercials, the food, and the fact that -regardless of the season- our friendships continue to maintain healthy levels of laughter.

In a move of pure selfishness, I bought Hubby a smoker.  Yup, a red hot smoker for my smoking hot husband.  (I wrote that on the card... I thought it was clever)

We put pork butt, tri tip, kielbasa sausage, and a rack of ribs in that sucker to see what it could do.   Hours and hours of smoking plus  a quick turn on the hot grill produced fall off the bone, delicious, succulent meat that was still as tender the next day.  The pork butt was smoked for almost 10 hours then placed in a crock pot to eventually transform into a tender and flavorful pulled pork.

Needless to say, we ate pretty well during the game. MM brought a delicious pasta salad (that we all packed for lunch the next day) and Sissy made Pão de Queijo to Mrs. Sensei's surprise and to my delight.  Talk about DE-LICI-OUS!  After eating (too much)  we laughed a bit more and talked about our favorite commercials. 

After much reflection, the top three  commercials of this year's Superbowl are:

#3 - The H&M commercial... no explanation needed.

#2 - The M&M commercial because the naked M&M sings, "I'm sexy and I know it"  That's the little one's favorite song :)

#1 - The Hyundai car versus the cheetah commercial, where the cheetah turns around and chases the guy who opened the cage.   It made me laugh out loud because Hubby goes back to K-9 this week and our new family member (Ace) just might do what that cheetah did in the commercial.  Yeah, I know I shouldn't laugh.  I may laugh a bit inappropriately, but at least I've never complained about being in San Diego.

Because this entry is all about how I'm kind of a foodie, I'll end with one more picture from Operation Carb Load last month.  I'm pretty sure that the Carb Load Party was my favorite part of the half marathon.  See why?

Not Superbowl eats, but a quick pix from the "CARB LOAD PARTY"  

How is this flat?

Half Marathon: Check.

The Carlsbad Half Marathon came and went and all that training paid off one step at a time.  It is amazing when I think about  how long ago this all started with the summer days of crossfit and lambrusco.  Today I can proudly say that - although I am not a strong runner - I am dedicated and focused enough to make my body do what my mind knows I can do.  It's funny, as I get older I don't feel older.  In fact, I am probably stronger today than I was 10 years ago.  This little journey isn't over quite yet either.  I feel another long run coming in the near future.  I'm not referring to the Camp Pendelton Mud Run... I'm thinking a little closer than that.  I am pretty sure that Hubby doesn't feel the same way, but I know that my girls do.  So, I'm not retiring the running shoes quite yet.

The day before the run, MM and I braved the weather and picked up all the bibs.  At pick up, we stayed for the health expo where I consumed some delicious yogurt and picked up a bunch of stickers that I would later toss.  One vendor worth mentioning is the Running Divas clothing company.  Talk about C-U-T-E stuff.  One of these days, I'm going to bend and buy one of each of the cute tops, comfy pants, and super stylish long socks.  But first I feel like I have to run more to , you know, earn the right to wear a "Half Marathon Mom" top.  Of course, arguably, how many half marathons does one have to run before one has earned it?

 It rained the day before and the day after the run.  But the day of the run, it was PERFECT weather.  The first 6.5 miles were mainly along the water in Carlsbad with a pod of dolphins making a guest appearance somewhere around mile 5.  I was told that it was a beautiful run by many people and I must agree:  the weather and scenery makes me want to run there again sometime. Maybe not 13.1 miles, but a nice stroll on the sand to chase birds and pick up shells.   It's funny that I never noticed that Carlsbad is actually a nice place to visit.  Not just the outlets there, but some of the little shops are quite quaint  and the beach is so inviting.  I love living in San Diego.

After the run, the troops and I hobbled to the car that was parked on the other side of the mall and went for some delicious pizza and beer at Pizza Port.  Since I had cut alcohol out of my diet, I thought I would commemorate the run with a delicious, ice cold one.  It sounded about right at the time, but once the beer was in hand,  really all I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and sleep, sleep, sleep.  Funny that I write that, because I was too tired to enjoy the beer but NOT too tired to enjoy the chocolate and ice cream I had right after.  

I think that Sissy, Mrs. Sensei, & the Juicy Gal would love a trip to the chocolate/ wine hole that Tee Wang, MM, Lily, and I discovered.  Note to self: Take the girls up there soon for some whine and wine.  

So, off  the bucket list goes the half marathon.  What an emotional journey.  One that I won't soon forget.  The last half mile was very difficult.  Maybe the hardest part of the run because I mentally shut down once I saw all the people and the home stretch.  Let's just say that I am acutely aware that it is NOT 13 miles, it is 13.1.   Luckily I had angels guiding me to that finish line.  Really, I thought about them and how they were smiling down on me as I crossed that finish line with Lily's hand in mine.  

And ,  I hope that one day my kids are proud of me.  After all, their opinions are the only ones I *really* care about at the end of the day. 

I'll end with one lingering thought:  This run is the first in the Triple Crown Series and everyone says that it is flat.  However, I beg to differ.  When it is uphill both ways, how is that flat? 

Let's shoot each other

When I say, " I want to shoot you!"  This is what I mean:

When my son yells," I'm gonna shoot you!"  This is what he means:

Here's the set up for the 11th b-day party at Westview Park in Mira Mesa.  There was a lot of shooting and shooting.  And laughter, and soda, and running, and yelling, and screaming.  It was fun to play and it was a joy to watch.  How blessed am I to have such a good natured son with a solid group of positive friends that come from good families?   God is very good to me.

Miss me some Kat Von D

Lately, I've been thinking about a girl.  I know a girl that - at one time - I got to spend a great deal of time with.  She and her family would join ours for dinners (more than once a week) and we would share make up ideas, laugh uncontrollably, surf the net, and cook dinner together in the chaos of having the kids play and yell and laugh and run.  One summer, I think we hit a record for highest number of swim parties in a month.  Good times.

Alas, life takes whirls and twirls making it difficult ( and in some cases - impossible) to spend time together.

So it isn't a surprise that I miss my Kat Von D.  Those talks about tattoos, those moments of driving in the car together, not saying a word. Extensive conversations about make up and hair...annoying enough to send the Hubby to the other room.   Chicken gizzards.  Precious times spent with her family, my family, our kids.  It all paints a collection of beautiful memories.

But I know that friendships have seasons.  We as people have factors that interfere with the ability to just do whatever we want to do all the time.  But even though the time with this gal is almost non existent these days, I do - from time to time - wish I would just have her around.  I'd love a night of homemade dinner at her house (such a great cook!) or to sit around in the living room and watch TV with all the kids and their random commentary. I'd love a crossfit workout...ok, that's a lie.  What I would love is the conversation after the workout.  Our time together has been reduced to the occasional text message and reading each other's Facebook statuses.

Here's a clarification before I go on... I have NOT lost this friendship.  I DO have friendships that I have let go of and friendships that have let go of me.  But this is not one of them.  I will always treasure this woman.  She is amazing, although I don't get to see her very often.  I do not believe that we have not let go of each other; we've simply entered another season.

Ria used to always say that real friendships pick up where they leave off, however long that may be.  Those are words that I believe with my whole heart. Whether a few weeks or a lifetime, I reserve a very special place in my heart for her.  No, we are not as close as we used to be, but when I told her I loved her, I meant it.  And I still do mean it.  No amount of time can change the very fond memories that I have with her.  No amount of time can change how much I treasure her.

To that, I wish my Kat Von D good wishes as she bids a temporary good bye to her husband (who is stationed in Bahrain for a year)   Miz Von D, if you ever need an Indiana fix, I'd love to go through the 500+ pictures from lil sissy's wedding.  It will bring the smell of fresh biscuits and gravy and mammaw's homemade meatloaf back.  Promise :)  

Not even the rain can stop us

I know it is January.  The season is WINTER.  It is cold outside.  And yes, it is raining.

None of that stopped us from planning #2's birthday party at a local park.  What I mean by "plan" is that a week or so ago, I found a coupon in the back of a magazine at the doctor's office and hired a guy to come set up a laser tag course at the park.  Then I invited a bunch of kids through their parents' facebook accounts or by sending a very informal text message.  No phone calls were made and no attempt to figure out the food situation was made. Then I prayed for a clear day.  No rain. No rain. No rain.

I have come a long way since the clown/jumpy/catering days. 

I did feel a tiny bit of guilt because six months ago for the older one, I sent out handmade invitations weeks ahead of time.  Then, I set up a red and yellow candy bar for all the kids to pick and choose a goodie bag.  I spent weeks thinking about what I wanted to serve for lunch and dinner, and what I thought the kids would like as a snack.  There were decorations and balloons... the whole nine yards.

This time around, I sent our email invites, cleaned my house fifteen minutes before guests arrived, and left the party several times to grab things at Little Cesar's, Ralph's or Costco.  Oh, and it started to (lightly) rain several times while at the park, in the pool, and during the smores segment of the show.

Luckily, a very wonderful woman that I know reminded me that it isn't about the bells and whistles.  It is about the thought and the effort.  And believe me, I want nothing more than for my son to have a good time with his friends, laughing and playing. No face painting, no traveling animal shows, no gimmicks.  Just fun. Since I'm blogging at 11:30 at night, while the boys shake my house with their uncontrollable laughter, I think I got what I want. 

But... I bet in 6 months from now, I will do it again with spending weeks planning a sweet 13 for my oldest one.  I think it is more of a time issue than it is an effort issue.  January is a tough month, but by June I'm not working, so I have all sorts of time to come up with grand ways to celebrate.   In the end, it's all the same.  The boys have wonderful friends that celebrate with them, and I have equally great friends that will help me set up, clean up, run to the store, and calm me down with their words when it gets just a bit to overwhelming.  Thank goodness I've got a solid support group to help me with all the antics.  Not to mention that the Hubby is always a step ahead. 

I'll end this blog with three little tidbits of information that I'd like the world to know:

1) The Dads and Moms played an all out, no mercy game of laser tag today.  I am happy to announce that the Mom Team claimed an undisputed victory today.  In a sign of pure humble acceptance of our victorious win, I am posting a picture of the husbands during the slaughter fest.

2) My anniversary is tomorrow.  I still feel like I'm the luckiest gal in the world.

3) There are 11 boys in my house between the ages of 10 and 13.  They are the loudest, kindest, most polite, messiest group of kids I've every had over.  And the room they are sleeping in smells kind of like wet feet.

Splashing in puddles and picking up seashells

With one week until the big run, the girls and I hit Solana Beach for a 9 mile run to Torrey Pines and back.  What I expected was nine miles of sweat, crying, and swelling of the knees.  What I got was an hour and a half of chasing birds, splashing puddles, collecting shells, and - most importantly - QT with my cuties.  

I'm not gonna lie:  39 Degrees stings. Literally. When we started our run at 7:15, the wind was doing a great job penetrating right through the clothing, shoes included. By the time we hit the sand, the ocean water didn't take its time getting in my shoe. But I dare not complain because in turn, I got to hangout with some of the coolest chick I know.  Just good people.

I may not necessarily enjoy running, but I do appreciate the time I get to spend with my girlfriends staying active and strengthening our friendship.  What a blessing to have a group of friends that have solid families, great kids, and a genuine love for me, my Hubby, and the boys.  God's really taking care of me.

The snail shaped shell,  I picked up when we hit the 4 mile mark and I thought I might die.

The beige and brown "perfect" shell I picked up when we made it to Torrey Pines.

The really big white one I picked up right after I ran to to scare a group of birds...just to watch them fly away because it is so pretty.

And  the sand dollar I picked up because... well, it's a sand dollar.  That's cool.

I think I'll make each of the girls a cheesy piece of shell jewelry with the treasures I picked up this morning.

Or maybe I'll keep going to the beach and collecting them.  When I have a lot, I'll glue them to the mailbox. 

Or maybe I'll pull out all my old hula stuff and stick them to a headpiece or tassel belt.

Or maybe I'll keep them for a few days, then toss them. 

First, I better go ice my knee though.  I guess swollen joints is part of the nine mile package.

Kids + Costumes = Typical Times at our home

Each time the little ones put on the costumes, they ask me to take their picture.  So, here it is.  A favorite shot of a few of my favorite people.

These two love lip gloss and imaginary play.  They say they are best friends and they ask to go to each other's houses.  Early friendships are the best!

This year, the two olders will be 13 and the two youngers will be 11.  Wow.  Where did the time go?  It was just yesterday that these three were in the backyard playing in a plastic swimming pool.  So much has changed, yet one thing remains:  they are as close as ever and still enjoy each other's company. 

Starting 2012 surrounded by lots of kids.  Lots of love.  Lots to be thankful for this year. 

Thankful for a New Year

It is the end of the first full week of 2012.  Here are three things that I feel thankful for:

My Job

Hubby and I got hit pretty hard a few years back with cuts in both of our professions.  The financial cut was hard, but not impossible.  The emotion cut was definitely more difficult.  And the hit I took with the increase of responsibilities (with less days and more students) seemed to be impossible.

Fast forward to 2012 and we find that things are as they should be.  With a strong relationship with Hubby and a sense of peace amid the chaos of kids, we found a way to make it all work out.  As I reflect, I even got a little "carrot" this week.   Kids give teachers gifts at the holidays all the time, but this particular one is special because the giver is a student, who a year ago, told his 7th grade teacher where she could go.  This week, he gave me a Christmas present (yes, it was late... everything he turns in is late)  a bracelet that he bought for me with his own money.  What a great way to get "paid."   I sure am thankful for my job. It doesn't hurt that I have another one week break in 5 weeks though :)

My Kids

The Boys are wonderful.  Period.  Academically, they are stellar students.  They work hard, try their best at everything they do, and are extremely disciplined when it comes to things like asking for permission.  I don't know how I got so lucky, because I'm pretty sure I don't deserve it.  The bonus: They stay active and healthy and have a fantastic set of friends that I really like.  It doesn't get much better than that.  Hubby and I are constantly on them to be their best and they are , in many ways, "typical" kids, but I bet that with a little bit of slack, they would still make the right decisions that make us so proud.

My Hubby

How'd I get so lucky?  I have a hubby that is honest and truthful with me.  He supports the craziness ("Hey babe, I signed us both up for a half marathon," or "Honey, I'm going to Reno for three days with my friends," or "My car is running on fumes and a prayer.  Could you fill it up, run it through the car wash and pick up In and Out for me?" )  Yes, there are times that I want to poke him in the eye.  What marriage would be complete without that piece, but the overwhelming majority of the time, I want to just be with him.   Lucky, lucky me.

I'll end this entry with a short list of NY resolutions for myself:

1) Keep Running.*

2) Sit up Straight.

3) Trim the Fat (achieve simplicity, "X" the drama)

4) Above all, Give Praise.

*A special note of thanks to the pretty girl that talked me into another run in 6 months from now.  That will help me keep up with resolution #1.  Now I need to start thinking about the other three...

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 ;)