I will survive!

 I did it...I survived my 40th birthday. It came and went and I'm still here. Thanks to my wonderful husband, it was a great day. He kept me in the dark about what we were going to do that night. The only detail he gave me was, "pack a bag". The day started out signing Jake up for his very first year of T-Ball. I think we were more excited than he was. So, I am going to be the Team Mom, Deon will be a coach and Pa is going to be the manager. It's a family thang. After sign-ups, we went to breakfast. The kids went to Coco & Pa's for the night and we went to.........Sandia Casino. Once we got on the road, Deon kept saying we were going to Santa Fe. Then we got closer to Sandia and he made the turn off and said, ok...we're going to Sandia. Which was fine with me...I love it there! When we got to the room, he had a bottle of champagne waiting and a gift card for a massage the next morning. He told me we had dinner reservations and when we got up to the restaurant our friends, Charlotte & Damien were there, ready to join us. That was a nice surprise. We had a delicious dinner, yummy wine (J.Lohr-Paso Robles, you should try it sometime...so good) and lots of laughs. We all met up with Deon's cousin, Nicole and her boyfriend in the casino and had some drinks and people watched and laughed some more. It was a great night. The next morning, Deon and I both got a massage...it was amazing. You know, it's so true about the whole age thing...it's just a number. And, with a life as completely blessed as mine...I have no reason to worry. My husband LOVES me and does EVERYTHING he can to make me happy. GOD must really love me. I get to stay home with my kids. I get to live in a nice house, drive a nice car and I always have lots of love from my family & friends. Now, that's blessed. Thank you Deon, I am so lucky that you're my husband & best friend forever. I love you. 

Gettin' ready to celebrate! 

Love Deon's smile in this picture...it's so rare that he smiles, poses or even wants to take a picture. Completely opposite of me and the kids. 

The view from our room. We had a suite on the 8th floor. 

And....this is what I got to come home to...these two sweet faces...both of whom, missed me a lot! On our way home, Jake said, "Mom, I love you". And Sophie wouldn't stop hugging me. 

Sophie is too much...she found this hat in Jake's room and tried it on. I tried to fix it for her...but she wanted to wear it her way. 


I must share this beautiful sentiment I received from one of my dearest friends & Comadre Clara. She is always filled with so much love and positivity, she's a perfect example of a good wife, mother and friend. And, when I need some advise, direction or just some good old girl talk...she knows EXACTLY what to say. Happy 40th to you Clara. Love you Comadre! 


"HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY!!!!! 

YOU ARE SO BLESSED THAT YOU ARE 40, FULL OF LOVE, YOU HAVE A HUSBAND AND CHILDREN.   HOW GRATEFUL YOU MUST BE TO GOD THAT HE HAS ALLOWED YOU TO LIVE A COMPLETE LIFE UP TO THIS DATE.  YOU COULD NEVER EVER ASK FOR ANYTHING ELSE.   HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALONE AT HOME WITHOUT FAMILY THAT WE BOTH KNOW.  THAT WAS NOT THE LIFE WE WANTED AND SO GOD ANSWERED OUR PRAYERS.  HE HAS NEVER ABANDONED YOU AND HE NEVER WILL.  I AM SO PROUD TO SAY I AM GOING TO BE 40 BECAUSE LOOK AT MY LIFE AND LOOK AT YOURS.  YOU HAVE A HOUSE TO LIVE IN, YOU GET TO STAY HOME AND YOU ARE HAPPILY MARRIED.  WOW!!!!!!  HAVE A BLESSED DAY FILLED WITH LOVE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT."


Then there's Melissa, a very special friend/sister in my life...who's always there at the other end of the phone. She's a fellow Stay-at-Home Mom...so most of the time she knows exactly what I'm saying, feeling and going through. She also wrote the most beautiful words for my birthday and I would like to share them too. Love you Melissa


"Oh girl...number, number, number!! God has truly Blessed every part of who are and what you are a part of :) I love all your reflections and your inner ability to truly see what really matters. Yes, I would say you and God have a hand holding relationship because you took it there :) I love how you inspire all those around you, bring life with your smile and share your love. Your (#) of years have been and continue to be so beautiful...you are such an amazing wife, mom and sister...I cherish all the laughter, the tears, the memories and the dreams. Happy Birthday to one of THE finest women I have been honored to pray with. I love you girl...40 and beyond fab :)"

And, now we our looking forward to our 7th wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day! 

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. 

Da Krew

Jake is too funny...towards the end of my pregnancy with Sophie, Jake got really attached to this bear. He decided to start calling his Teddy Bear, 'his baby'. Then he started calling him Teddy, then Teds and now he's just Teddy. He can't sleep without him, he has to watch TV with him. He's super attached to that thing. And, in recent months...he's added Casper and the Camo Bear to the group. He calls them 'his crew'. When he wakes up in the morning he brings all three down with him. So, today I had to document the whole thing to show him once he's older. And, as my sweet kids always do...he obliged me and posed for pictures with Da Krew. 

The Crew: Camo Bear, Casper, Teddy & Jake 

A sweet sweet boy...when he wants to be

It's a GIRL thang...
Sophie loves going into my closet and trying on my shoes. I must tell a funny story. When I was little, my Aunt Denise's friend always wore Cherokee wedge heals (1980's of course). And, it always bugged me that her long toes hung over the front of her shoes. I would always say (when she left) "ewwww, hangover toes". And, now look at my daughters toes...hanging over. So funny. She's truly a girly girl. She loves makeup, shoes & jewelry. We are going to have so much fun! And, get in so much trouble shopping. 

Even though they drive me crazy sometimes...we do have lots of fun. 

Brother & Sister

Dear Jake & Sophie,

I was fixing your hair the other morning Sophie...I had you sitting on the bathroom sink and Jake jumped up there with you. You both looked so cute, that I had to go grab my camera (surprise, surprise). As usual, you posed for me and smiled and made funny faces too. Now that Sophie is more independent...you are really acting like brother & sister...playing together, getting mad at eachother and loving eachother (most of the time). It's really sweet to see your relationship grow. I hope and pray you both grow up to very close. Jake, you're such a proud big brother. Last weekend when we were at Chuck E. Cheese...your friend was telling Sophie, "get out of here, you're too little, we don't want you in here". And you said, "HEY, don't talk to her like that, that's not nice". So cute...protecting your little sis. And, Sophie...well you just adore your big brother. You want to do everything Jake does. Sometimes it bugs you, Jake...but, for the most part, you're nice about it. My babies...time is just going by too fast. Sophie, you will be 2 years old in March and Jake, you're  coming up on 5. I'm trying my best to cherish and document every single minute, day, first words, first actions, expressions, feelings, milestones. Because it will all be gone before we know it. Having kids and being a mom is an endless, selfless, tiring, heart-wrenching, crazy, emotional job...but I wouldn't change it for anything. The unconditional love you both give to me is the most perfect & precious blessing. 

With all my love forever and always, your Mom

LTD Baby...

LTD = LIVING THE DREAM...whenever I'm stressed and I complain about being home all day w/ my kids, Deon teases me and says, "LTD baby". But, it's days like this that make it all worth it....hanging out and being loved by Jake & Sophie.

Jake came to sit on my lap and Sophie got so jealous...she had to come over too. 

I have the most beautiful children! 

Out to lunch w/ Pa & Coco...Jake took a book with him (John Deere Tractors of course). So, he made Pa do a little reading. Jake & Sophie absolutely LOVE their Pa. When he's around...no one else matters. 

Jake had to help Pa paint. He worked hard all afternoon/evening. When they were done he told Pa he owed him $10 bucks for helping. He got $2 and was happy. Sophie got $1 just for being cute.

Sophie got  into Coco's makeup and helped herself to some lipstick. She's such a girlie girl

She wanted to give Pa a kiss with all that lipstick on

Me? 40?

So, my birthday is in 18 days...and all my life...well, as long as I can remember...and anyone who knows me will tell you...I counted down my birthday every year from January 5th. I loved to celebrate my birthday. Maybe because my Mom always made my birthday feel so special? Or maybe because I love the attention? Or maybe because I just love birthdays. Well, these days I really don't feel like making a big deal about my big day. This year, in particular...I'm turning 40. I know, age is just a number. It's how you feel. Embrace it. 40's the new 30. Yea, I know all that. But, I'm having such a hard time with it. I feel like the years are creeping up on me and I don't want to be 40. I still want to be in my 30's. To tell you the truth...I think it's the idea of aging and getting old. I know what you're thinking...I'm far from that...I look great...you are only as old as you feel...blah-blah-blah.  I know all of that...but it's easier said than done. 


Instead of dwelling on the NUMBER...I am going to focus on all the good things in my life. As I reflect on the past, I have so many great memories. I was very independent and adventurous. I lived in some of the most awesome cities in California; Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo & San Francisco. I attended a great school, Cal Poly. I met the love of my life and moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Then we conquered Los Angeles together. I had an amazing career in advertising, I learned a lot and had fun while doing it. I met some really great people along the way and established life long relationships. 


Now, I am a Mom to the most beautiful children and wife to the most amazing husband in the world. I am so fortunate to stay home with my kids and raise them myself. I have parents who love and support me, no matter what. I have a wonderful relationship with my in-laws...which is kind a of rare these days. I really do cherish that. 


All in all, I have everything I want and need. We are all healthy & happy. So, why am I complaining about turning 40 years old? I have done a lot with those 40 years and I'm very proud of my accomplishments. Most importantly, my family; Deon, Jake & Sophie. God has truly blessed my life. He continues to bless me and watch over my family and for that I am forever grateful. So, Happy Birthday to me!

Chuck E. Cheeze

Nana sent Sophie this really beautiful blouse...I was trying to get Sophie to pose...but she had attitude instead. I said, "Sophie, let me take your picture". And, she said, "Noooooooooooo" in the most cute but bratty voice ever as she looked at me over her shoulder. Whatever girlfriend!  

Finally got her to pose...I don't know why she resisted...she knows the drill 

Jake's classmate, Chryso, invited us to his 4th birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. Oh boy...lucky us! I mean the kids had a blast, as always...but on a Saturday afternoon, that place is crazy! But, Chryso's family was very nice, very welcoming and we were very thankful to be included. 

Sophie doesn't mind being the passenger...even though Jake's not watching the road

Jake driving the Monster Truck

Sophie figured out how to get the ball in there...

This was Sophie's favorite game of the day

Mmmm, this pizza is good! Jake's having fun w/ his friends

Taking a pizza break

I love this picture of Sophie, she was watching the Chuck E. Cheese employees dance

Jake doesn't mind his little sister hanging out with him and his friends Yet...

Ride em' Cowboy

Let's make a deal...

So...Jake's been having some issues at school. Getting crazy with the other boys...playing too rough, wrestling, pushing, etc. He also likes to get attitude with his teacher...so we made a deal. Well, let's just say Jake & Dad made a deal. If Jake was good ALL WEEK LONG at school he could go to Toys R'Us. Well, he did great at school all week. So, after school on Friday...they took a trip to the toy store. Jake was ready to pick out the same old things...trucks, tractors, fire engines...things that he already has a lot of. So, Deon talked him to this cool razor (a big boy scooter, as Jake calls it). But, Dad knew he might have a  couple spills, so he got knee & elbow pads too. Good thing he did...because Jake did go down a few times. We are very proud of Jake...at school and at home. I think he just gets super excited when he plays at school and his enthusiasm and power get the best of him. But, he's such a good boy otherwise. He teacher says he has the kindest heart and that's he just being a 'boy'. 

Ready to GO! 

Sophie's ready to go too! 

Look at those eyes...beautiful! 

I'm ready Mom! 

Dad's giving Jake some instructions before they go.

Dad was showing Jake how to ride the scooter...but Jake was more interested in Dad's long board. 

He's getting it...

Sophie had to get in on the action too! 

Sophie and her buddy, Memphis...she was checking out his new ride.