Sophie turns 2

SOPHIE LYNN

THE BIRTHDAY PRINCESS

The princess has to ride in style...

Cupcakes for the princess...Mmmmmm! 

Jake was giving Sophie a push...

Working boy...Jake calls this his construction site.

Jake & Pa. Happy Birthday Pa...his birthday is the day after Sophie's. 

This is Sophie's Magnolia tree...we planted  when she was born...it blooms the prettiest pinkish flowers . 

Whoa! Jake did you push her? 

This is Sophie's new thing...she pulls her shirt over her head

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIE! We love you. 

Our precious princess is 2 years old...ALREADY! She's so amazing. She is copying everything we say and do. She has the silliest personality, she loves her brother and she's trying to go potty little by little. I put chonies on her the other day and she just wanted to be in her chonies and t-shirt and she had to run to her Daddy to show him. She says, "Good Night", "I love you"and a long list of other cute stuff. We have to read 2 books now at bedtime (just like Jake). Except Sophie turns to the pages she likes best and then tells me when we're done by saying "the end".  Oh, and she's taking after her Nana Pat already...she always wants to go "bye bye". If we say we're going somewhere, she already knows to grab her jacket...the girls ready to go. She also likes to pull her shirt half way over her head and walk around like that. Sophie has done surprisingly well since I've returned to work. Although, she refuses to take naps at Coco's. So, she comes home exhausted. I hope that's just an adjustment thing, because she really needs her beauty sleep. Happy Birthday to my little girl. The celebration continues next weekend with a party at Chuck E. Cheese. Nana Pat & Grandpa Bob will be here too. We also have opening day next weekend for Jake's T-Ball team, Go Lightening! GO JAKE! 

Back to the grind...

"The key to change... is to let go of fear."

Ok, ok...so I did it...I returned to work after being a stay-at-home wife and Mom for 2 years. It was tough...I was afraid of the change... I'm not going to lie. Monday morning was emotional for me. But, I did it! Or should I say, we did it. Deon has always been a very involved Dad...but he really stepped it up this week to help me. The kids are going through an adjustment. I thought Sophie was going to have the issues...but it's Jake. He's not used to being a part from me. I guess I just have them spoiled. I miss them, every minute of every day...but when I get home and they run to me and give me hugs, kisses and love...I feel so special. Jake has also been sick so that might be why he was so emotional this week too. I was stressing about the mornings...getting myself ready, getting them ready and over to Coco's and make it to work by 8am. But, it's all good. The getting up early part, I'm used to...since my kids get up at the crack of dawn anyway. I still have to get Sophie to sleep ALL NIGHT! And, we're still getting started on potty training. But, overall...they are great kids. I'm so thankful for the 2 years we had at home together. I miss my kids, but I also like being out in the workforce again, using my brain, having ADULT conversations, plus...I get to talk and brag about my kids to other people. I think this job is going to be good. It's a good opportunity to start something great for myself and the company. I look forward to taking ownership of this position and making a difference. So far, everyone seems really nice and easy to work with. So, we'll see how it goes. 


4 years ago...I had a baby...and he changed my life forever. Jake is the most special boy. The love we have for each other is amazing and the bond we share is unexplainable. When I look at him, I still remember when he had to stay in the hospital for the first 28 days of his life. I would go visit him everyday and when I would leave him there, it hurt so bad. But, he finally came home and has been healthy and happy ever since. 


Then 2 years later...my little Princess Sophie came along. Sophie is so beautiful. But, she's going to be my tough girl. Already defending herself against her brother. She is fearless! She's so smart, funny and loving. It's nice to know she'll be 'my girl' for the rest of my life. 


And, before I close...I must give a shot out to my mother-in-law. The woman who is there when I can't be [for my kids]. She NOT ONLY watched the kids, drove Jake to school and back, but she did my laundry, ironed some clothes and made us dinner one night. Thank you Suegra, Coco Sue...you are the best mother-in-law ever. I am truly grateful and I love you.


Thank you to God for blessing me and having favor on my life! I feel really lucky to have landed a good job in these trying times. And, I feel even more lucky to have such enormous love and support from my family. 


Special thoughts and prayers to the people in Japan. The people who had to endure the terrible earthquake, tsunami and volcano. My heart goes out to them, esp, when I see the devastation on the news. God, please give them the strength to move on, rebuild and recover. 

And so it begins...

Parents Day

We got to meet most the parents and kids that will be on our team, The Lightening (Dodger colors)...of course, gotta represent for So Cal. Deon is the coach, Pa is the Manager and I'm the team Mom...I think Deon has it all under control. He's so organized. I can't wait for the season to start...we we are going to have a lot of fun! 

Jake having fun at the playground

Sophie keeping up with the big kids

I love you Jake

Hunington & Jake (so serious, Jake)

Enjoying a delicious ice-cream cone after dinner...Mmmmm! 

And, I'm off to work tomorrow...my first day on the new job and the first day away from my kiddos. I'm a little nervous, but mostly sad. Although, I must tell you that Deon...being the most awesome, wonderful, loving husband ever...set me up with a spa day today. I had a nice long massage and spent about an hour lounging, soaking in the hot tub and sitting in the steam room. Totally relaxed! I'm ready...so bring it on! I can handle it...my kids will be fine with their Coco and it will be all good. Have a great week everyone! I'll let you know how the new gig goes. 

This is it....

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love.  ~Mildred B. Vermont

This is it...LIVING THE DREAM is officially over. My very last day of being at home with my kids. I will be LIVING THE REALITY as I return to the outside working world. I will be working at UNM Medical Group. Jake & Sophie will be staying with their Coco. I am really struggling with the idea of leaving my kids, after spending 24/7 with them for the past 2 years. When I think about it, I get choked up. But, I feel very lucky and blessed to have had this time with them, because I will never get it back. I know it's made a difference in their short lives and I will never be the same because of it. And, Thank you to Deon...for making the sacrifices to allow me to stay at home. You'll never know how deeply grateful I am. Not sure when or how often I will be blogging now...but please keep following us.

Sophie trying on Jake's boots...she could barely stand in them and fell on her booty

Sophie, what's going on in the world? 

There are two lasting bequests we can give our children.  One is roots.  The other is wings.  ~Hodding Carter, Jr.  

Sophie was throwing a fit and decided to throw herself on the floor. Jake decided to join her...so I had to take a picture

My sweet sweet boy...I love you Papa

We were in Old Town and Sophie decided to take a seat. 

A little alley way in Old Town...I just had to take a picture because it looked so pretty & quaint 

Serious Jake

I said, let's take a picture in front of your JD puzzle on the wall to send to Melissa...and he had to hold this little picture of Alec that he keeps in his room. It was cute...he loves him some Alec.

Jake LOVES John Deere Tractors

This girl LOVES shoes...slippers in this case...she's saying, "SHOES".

And here it is...the last day I will be taking Jake to school for awhile....

I know, once we all adjust it will be fine.  I think next week will be the hardest. But, I am looking forward to going back to work, learning new things, meeting new people and bringing in a paycheck too. I thank God for letting me be so fortunate to find a job in this economy. So, here's to 2 special years at home with my kids...it was a good run...had some awesome days, stressful days, lazy days, but all in all...it was the best. I love Jake & Sophie more than anything in this world and they have changed my life forever. I hope our time together will stay with them and they take me in their hearts wherever they may go. Ok, getting choked up. Until the next blog posting...Peace! 

She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn't take them along.  ~Margaret Culkin Banning

The girls

There is absolutely nothing better than the unconditional love of your family...people you can depend on no matter what...people who love you always and people who make you feel special just by simply being in their presence. ♥ That's how I felt last week when 9 of my very special and loving family members showed up to surprise me for my birthday. And, if that wasn't enough my Mom stayed a week with us.  

The girls posing for the camera

Nana told Sophie to look at her fingers to get her to look up at the camera, but Sophie put up her 2 fingers because she's been practicing for her 2nd birthday next month.

Truly...THE WORLD'S GREATEST

The sunset was beautiful behind us...but I love this picture of me & Nana even more.

Looking forward to Nana & Bob's visit in March for Jake's T-Ball Opening Day and Sophie's 2nd Birthday Celebration.
Until then...

Happy Valentine's Day

HAPPY 

VALENTINE'S 

DAY! 

Happy Valentine's Day! 

My little Valentine's

WE LOVE NANA!



Basically...we had a 2 week celebration for my birthday. Then, topped it off with Valentine's Day. Deon &  I are celebrating our 7 year wedding anniversary. Lots of love surrounding us this year. Jokingly, Deon's been saying he's got the '7 year itch'. And, I respond by saying, "you better get some creme for that". But seriously, so much has happened in our lives in these past 7 years. We relocated to New Mexico, we've had 2 beautiful children, I became a stay-at-home Mom and Deon has continued to progress in his career. So many blessings, so much love. I am so blessed with the most amazing husband in the world. Deon truly loves me and I don't need Valentine's to see it. He constantly shows his love for me and the kids. We are his world and it shows. Deon, thank you for the life we have created, for the beautiful family we have grown into. Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Anniversary LOVER! I look forward to the next year and beyond. 
I love you with all my heart.

SURPRISE!

As if last weekend wasn't enough...
My family showed up to surprise me for my birthday. My Mom & Dad, Uncle Fred/Aunt Sarah, Cousins; Mike, Anna, Cyndi, Natalie & Ana. We had ordered pizza and when the doorbell rang, Deon told me that the pizza guy needed to see my credit card and ID. So I thought nothing of it...HAD NO CLUE...and opened the door...only to see my family out there yelling, "SURPRISE". They rented this big van and drove 13 hours to see me. Wow, did I feel the love! I was in shock and so happy at the same time. It was such a wonderful surprise. We had originally planned to meet in Vegas...but that fell through, so they all decided to bring the party to me. And party...we did. My Dad made some tasty barbecue with all the fixings. After a yummy meal and some drinks...we had to move the kitchen table to make room for the dance floor. We even had a dance off...it was so much fun! I haven't laughed that hard in a really long time. I loved it. I just have to say that I am related to Fred/Sarah, Mike/Anna/Nat and Cyndi by marriage. But, they have always treated me like their own. And, not only do they love me, but they really love my Mom & Dad too and that makes me so happy. It's a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by so much love. Thank you to my family, from Cali and New Mexico for making my 40th Birthday the best ever. I was so worried about leaving my 30's...if I would have known the celebration I was going to have I wouldn't have given it a second thought...First, my husband plans the best weekend getaway for me. Complete, with a wonderful dinner, good friends, lots of laughs and a massage. Then another weekend of fun. With the people I love the most. My husband, children, in-laws, parents and  wonderful extended family members and friends. I must say, God just keeps pouring blessings on me...and I love it. Thank you Lord! I am blessed, loved and so grateful for the people in my life who make me feel so special. So, Happy Birthday to me. 40's here I am...and I'm ready for this new phase of my life. 

Pre-Surprise...hanging out in the backyard. I had no clue what was about to happen 

My handsome handsome boy!  

Nana made Jake a John Deere hat and matching scarf...he loved it, of course! 

And Sophie had to try it on too

Love this picture...Sophie and her Nina having a moment. Nina brought her the cutest apron and cookie set. 

Still in shock...look at me...surrounded by all this love

I love my Mom

Hey Ladies! 

Sophie's feelin' the love

Mickey Mouse pancakes for Jake

Happy Birthday to Uncle Fred and I. We went to breakfast and they sang to us. They made both of us a sopapilla stuffed with ice cream and covered with chocolate syrup and whip cream. Mmmm, so good! 

Nana & Sophie putting on some lipstick

Let's get this party started...right...

Nana brought some of her beautiful scarves & hats

Cheers...Bob & Mike! 

Nana Pat, Sarah, Anna & Cynthia. They said hold the camera up and take the picture so everyone's eyes are open looking up at the camera...so perdy. 

Me & Jamie...

Go ahead ladies...SING IT! 

We moved the kitchen table to make room for the dance floor...here are the bystanders. 

Pa, you so crazy homie! 

Too cute...Sophie & Mikayla hanging out

Pa & Crazy Mike

Just had to document this; BOB on the dance floor. Cousin Ana workin' it. 

Happy Birthday to Fred & Roberta

The party was so much fun! For a last minute thing, it turned out great and everyone was able to join us. And to top it all off, Nana Pat stayed the whole week with us. 
Thank you to EVERYONE who joined us to celebrate my 40th.
I have so much to be thankful for. I feel like the luckiest woman on earth right now. I think I've had a smile on my face since my surprise showed up on Friday night. 
And, now we look forward to Valentine's Day...our 7th Wedding Anniversary. So much to be happy for this year.