Happy Birthday Sophia Joy Rivera - We Love You So Much!

Happy Birthday Week Sophia!

So, tonight Sophia got to go shopping at Stonebriar Mall with Auntie Stephanie! Here are some of the fall clothes she picked out!

We need to find some pink corduroy pants, but this is the new top she picked out herself. As you can see, she loves brown and pink.

And, here is the first thing she picked out - the "Brittany Spears" jacket. Now I don't like Brittany Spears (okay so I do like her new single), but this jacket does remind me of her. Sophia fell in love with it. She has this thing for jackets. Everywhere we go, she always grabs a jacket and begs for it.

Here, she wanted Zack to get into the pic with her! He is her Superman! And, lastly this outfit is not meant to go together, but isn't the shirt cute? And the cargo pants that are so loose are a 3t. She is so stinky tiny!

Today, Stephanie had a very good day! She got asked out by a guy at work! Then she got a second job at Lane Bryant (all the fat ladies in the club say, YESSSSS). Then she got asked out by a guy at the mall tonight!!!! What that heck??? I need some of her perfume or perhaps it is the blue eyes or the blonde hair or the smile or the attitude????

Mike is liking his job at Dick's. Ken continues to work hard in school. Josh and Zack are totally into bowling on the Wii right now. Josh and Ken went to their dad's place tonight, but they'll be back in the morning. We sure do miss them when they are gone.

Auntie Gina gets here tomorrow!!!!!!!! YIIIIIPPPPPPEEEE! Saturday is Sophia's actual birthday so we'll be celebrating that day!

Mom and Me

Sophia and I had some fun today with the camera. We must have snapped about 100 photos and these are the ones that were actually postable! We have great fun together! Heather, here is your quarterly pic with me in it!

And, this is where Sophia hangs out when I take a shower! She sings and just talks away but never gets up until I'm finished!

Auntie Heather, Do you like my new shoes????

Dear Auntie Gina

Thanks Auntie Gina for my new shoes! I love them! And thanks for my new Michael Jordan basketball t-shirt. I picked it out myself! I figure that with my high heels it is pretty darn girlie!

And, thanks for callin me each morning even when I am half asleep I love talking to you!

And, thanks for my new dress that has boxers!!! I love the boxers! Mom says they're not boxers, but I don't believe her!

And, I did trick mama into beliveving I ate my cereal when I talked her into opening up a pack of cookies for me because I was all done with my breakfast. Mom figured it out though, and I had to eat my cereal. I don't think I'll trick mom into giving me cookies again. I'll just eat my food and then ask like a good little girl!

I miss you so much, Auntie Gina. I ask about you everyday, and I hope you come to Texas soon cause I know you are lonely without me, Josh and Kenny. We know we are the only ones that can make you smile right down to your belly! We miss you the whole world. Now come to Texas and leave your frowns behind, k? I love you.

Love,

Sophia

Afternoon Free Time and Cereal for Dinner!!!

So, here in pics is a recap of our afternoon! Ken was out with Mike playing ball so he isn't pictured today, but I am happy to report that he has nearly all As in his classes right now!!!

None of these pics are posed by the photographer (me). The kids did all of their own poses as they played. They all three play SO WELL together!

Check out little fisherwoman!!! Not sure why, but the kids all wanted to wear hats this afternoon! Good Times!

Precious faces!

Here's my littel "girly" girl and Mr. Rambo holding up his favorite action figures - evil black Spiderman! Thanks for the shirt grandma!!! He asked to wear it everyday and finally he got to wear it to school today! And, thank Liz for the hat! Liz bought Zack this hat a few days after he arrived home!

Zack with his Pirates back pack! Thanks Auntie Wanda! Kids playing (not posed)!

These kids are all three very organized people even when it comes to playing!!!

And, we topped afternoon playtime off with their favorite "breakfast for dinner"!!! Cereal, fruit and yogurt!

Lots of Pics

This was a busy weekend full of lots of joy and laughter and memory making. We had such a great time with my mom, sister, and little Torie that it was hard to say goodbye or see you later. As soon as my mom's house in CA sells, they are buying a house here in North Texas, and WE CAN'T WAIT!!!! We already miss Torie's sweet little cry and the content sounds of her humming as she nursed. She will be one month old tomorrow.

Here are the sweet cousins spending some time together! Both were very content.

And, here are Zack and Sophia Saturday morning having some crazy fun while we waited for Torie and Auntie Victoria to get ready to go to the Outlets.

I can't believe how much the kids have grown. On October 4th, it will be six months home. Many, many times I am asked if they are twins. They are so close in height. Zack is growing for sure, but Sophia has the longest legs that keep getting longer. My baby will be 4 on Saturday!!!

And, here is sweet Zack hanging out with the Rivera ladies in my bedroom. He loved Torie so much. Often I would catch him just watching her closely. He keeps asking when she's coming back from California.

Did you know Best Buy also offers babysitting service? LOL Below is Uncle Drew holding Torie. We all just adore her! Stephanie just keeps saying, "I was supposed to be the girl who had the baby." We laugh at her. Yesterday we were walking into the mall with the kids in tow and Steph said, "Here we go with all my sisters' kids, and then there's me." Truth of the matter is our kids are her kids. I have never seen a person love so deeply. I will forever be thankful that God saw fit to have Auntie Stephanie care for Zack and Sophia. They have been so blessed. And, someday, I think God will bless Stephanie beyond measure for her faithful stewardship of her talents. Truth is, Victoria was told she could not conceive so Torie is a miracle baby. So, we all know that anything is possible. Let's start by praying for some good Christian "Texan" to sweep her off her feet!

Have a great week!!!