Fiesta

I took 4 years of high school Spanish.

My freshman year I was probably one of 10 students that my teacher did not violently hate. She was a real gem. Ahhhh, Mrs. Colmena.

My sophomore and junior year I competed in some weird Spanish academic competition. I think we won. I don't freaking remember. I still am not sure how I agreed to join this, but I think I thought it would help my chances of getting into a good college later.

My senior year I took Spanish Honors. And at the end of the year I felt like I had a pretty firm grasp on the language.

I took 1 semester of college level Spanish.

¡Ay dios mio!

I quickly found out that all 4 years of high school curriculum was covered in the first month of this course and it rocked my world.

So, I quit Spanish. I figured I already got into college and I can get by just fine if I ever I need to vacation there.

Or...

My Spanish would be good enough to possibly throw a baby shower for some sweet friends with a "Mexican Fiesta" theme.

I'd like to say that I didn't have to ask for help in properly phrasing certain things for the party, but that would be la mentira. Thanks Bojorquez!

I guess I should have at least taken a second semester of college level Spanish.

Carne asada & green chili chicken street tacos, flautas, taquitos, 7 layer bean dip, guacamole, veggie platters, fruit platters, salsa, jarritos, and mango mom-aritas

And the one and only Nothing Bundt Cake

Love these ladies! 

Pee Pants

You know that part in Billy Madison when the little kid has an accident?

He wets his pants while on a field trip.

And that fun teacher splashed himself to make it look like all the cool kids were doing it too.

Well, I'd like to say that I, myself was doing that today for some little kid who had an accident while running in the school walkathon.

But that would be a complete lie.

I just totally went my pants while running, dancing, and skipping with my babes to make them have a fun time. And possibly even embarrass them a bit. And because that's how I would act back with my own students, always having fun.

But the jokes on me.

I just embarassed myself with actual pee pants.

Having 3 babies is no joke, and don't you dare try and tell me to do more kegel exercises! I'll just pee on you if you come at me with that nonsense.

Jack ran 4.2 miles and Afton ran 5.2 miles in an hour.

Gronkle

My boy had had some pretty emotional times with his pets.

And I am worried that this Christmas present from Santa may be causing another emotional heartache.

For the last few days, Gronkle has not been himself. He's turning pale, not eating, and lethargic. (I know he could be shedding, but he didn't act like this the last time he shed his skin.)

He's caused my sweet boy to whisper to him while gently rubbing his tank, "Are you okay my little guy? Just eat some food please. I keep saying prayers for you."

Gronkle is the longest living pet that my Jack boy has had, and I wanted to make sure that he had some quality time tonight in case things continue to not go well.

My boy layed on the floor with tears in his eyes as we watched Gronkle explore a new area on this open plain. His color came back and he seemed to get an increase in energy. Not much, but enough to make my boy smile.

We placed him back in his tank and are hopeful that he is just shedding.

Oh I know this seems silly, but please if you could, keep Gronkle in your prayers? I know he's just an animal, a leopard gecko to be specific. I know a little boy who would appreciate it immensely.

In doing so, you will help answer his personal, heartfelt prayers that he will not have, "Another pet that just wants to be anywhere than with me."

Last Day Luau

Favorite snack - "Watermelon... duh. Oh you mean at preschool, well the jellybeans that we got at the ends of the day if we were good. You never wanted to get the popcorn booger one because it was yucky. Not like watermelon."

Favorite book - "Cupcakes and Peanut Butter - All of the friends play soccer."

Favorite lesson - "Dinosaurs and all of them universes (units) I can't choose just one. I liked all the ones."

Best girl friend - "But mom I am not a boy. What do mean? A friend who is a girl? Oh, that's easy. Layla and Madison."

Best boy friend - "Boyfriend... ha! Thayer (not even in her class - a friend from Yucca Valley), but I thought you said I can't have of those until I'm 27."

Favorite song - "I've Got the Whole World in His Hands," while shaking her hips precariously

Favorite game- "Dinosaur and chase them all around"

Favorite activity in the classroom - "Discovery table is my best one and then the kitchen because I'm a good cooker."

What did you not like about preschool? "Kaleb was sad a lot and so that made me sad. He's my friend."

What did you love about preschool? "I loved Mrs. Kenaston, because she teached us a whole lot."

What do you want to be when you grow up? "When I grow up, I want to be a dentist momma like you and daddy."

Jocelyn - age 4 - forever my baby

A Love for Robin Hood

There was a patch of tall, green forest-like trees in the brown desert I grew up in.

This patch of trees was not more than a block long (just off the I-15 South, Charleston exit ramp), and has since been cut down for some time. 

But as a little girl, my mom would drive along this road on her way to work, or my babysitters, or the park, (I can't remember exactly where and neither can she). 

I was around the age of 4 or 5 and as we would drive through this "Forest," and I would pretend I was Maid Marian looking for Robin Hood. It was my favorite movie and Little John was my absolute favorite. Especially because he sounded like Baloo from my 2nd favorite movie at that time, The Jungle Book. 

My mom would say as she drove, "There he is. Look right there. I see him. Do you?" She was so good at spotting Robin Hood and Little John hiding in the trees, and I knew she really did see them. Of course she did, because why would a mom lie to her little child?  Ha! 

I always loved that drive and those beautiful trees. They made me smile. They made me feel like I was in a movie. They made me feel like I had escaped to Sherwood Forest, with the handsome Robin Hood, while I was the beautiful Maid Marian. I always loved those trees. 

I think of that special memory often with my babe as we explore park after park, trail after trail, in our new state. Pretty crazy that we now live in a place full of tall, green, actual forest trees, much different from the brown desert she and I were both born in. 

Sometimes I think I might even spot him. Man, I loved Robin Hood.