Saturday Fun

Zack had a game today against Shark Attack! Zack's team won, and he pitched in by scoring 2 goals and 1 assist. Way to go Zack!

After the game, we went down to Downtown Brea for some cheap fun! We're conserving money now days just like most of you out there! This next pic makes me kind of sad! Zack looks like his face is maturing...

Splashing in the fountains is a favorite pastime!

Birch Street is a wonderful place to hang out. There is plenty to do and the ambience is right up my alley. Someday I'd love to live in a loft above Birch. We shall see!

Last night on Birch, there was a jazz conert and also many "fair type" of activities. Southlands Church had set up a ton of fun things for the kids to do while their parents were singing the "blues". We just played while we waiting for Igor to begin!

One of our FAVORITE things to do is to share a tub of popcorn while we watch a good movie! The bummer is that even a matinee is $9.00 now days in Orange County. So, we buy discount tickets and enjoy the movies for MUCH less!!!!

Perhaps one day, he'll be an engineer...

Or the next Spud Web...

Or the type of dad who gets out on the court with his kids...

September Days

The kids have been enjoying school VERY much! Both of them pop right out of bed when given the choice of staying home or going to school! Thank heavens that when their eyes are heavy, all I have to tell them is that they can keep sleeping, but they'll miss school! I hope it stays this way!

Something else we have been enjoying on these September days is hanging out at Borders! The kids LOVE books! I read them several books a day, and they spend hours going through books page by page. I am so glad that they enjoy books.

I have actually started going through a DK Children's Encyclopedia with them. The other night we talked about abolition. Both were very interested, and Zack had tons of questions. He walked away from the "lesson" knowing that slavery was wrong and that God wants all people to be free.



























We have also been enveloped in soccer! Zack has learned so many new skills that it amazes me! He is very proud that he can do a "soul change"! He is also learning to be a great team player. His coach is great with kids and teaches them to have integrity on the field.

Starbucks is another place we frequent. No, I don't "feed" my kids caffeine or the high sugar drinks they serve there! We go there for ice waters! If you didn't know this, Starbucks water is filtered three times, and it is free! I get Zack a vente ice water before every practice. And, the kids will tell you that my favorite drink is a vanilla latte!





























































The park is another place we like to go to hang out and so the kids can expend some of their unending energy!!!!

Zack's latest dream is to have his picture on the cover of a book! My dream - ummmm, perhaps a quarterback for USC - LOL!!!!

I have been hanging with a friend from long ago, and it is crazy. I feel like I am getting to know this person on a whole new level. It is crazy when you think you truly know someone only to find out there are still many mysteries. God is good to bring people into our lives at just the right times and to let us experience the joy of reconnecting. And to you, you know who you are. I am thinking about you and smiling. The kids think you are awesome too!

A Trip to the L.A. County Fair

Today we went to the fair, and the kids had a great time! As you can see from the pictures, they were able to go on a lot of rides, and they even experienced another first.

I took them to the horse races! Their grandpa was a compulsive gambler, and he spent at least 4 nights a week at the "track". As a kid, I thought this was what all dads did, but now that I am older and wiser, I know it is a habit that set my dad apart from others.

Instead of choosing to think about the negatives that are tied to gambling, I choose to keep my dad's memory alive by teaching my kids in real ways what made their grandpa who he was. And, the one thing that defined him MOST was the horse races!

I can remember, as a kid, he'd bring home the free Santa Anita or Hollywood Race Track tee shirts, bags, and cups. He would be pleased because he didn't need to buy us backpacks! We would beg my mom not to make us take that free bag out in public! That is a random memory, but a real one!!!

So today, the kids and I spent a good deal of time at the horse races. We bet, but we did not win which was a great opportunity to teach my kids about the odds and also to tell them what they could have purchased with the money we spent betting. They asked many questions about grandpa such as, "Did grandpa win a lot of money"? and "What did grandpa do with the money"?
Of course, dad lost more than he gambled, but when he'd win big, we always knew. He took us shopping post haste. We also got to go out for a nice dinner. That was the cool part of having a dad who played the ponies! Their were bad parts of course, but you know all of us are a mix of good and bad habits, right?

I may be crazy, but I want my kids to remember their grandpa for who he was, to enjoy what he enjoyed, and to learn from his mistakes. I think my dad would agree.

And, yes, those are Obama hats! I've made my decision. The hats were given to the kids at the fair so no flames about using my kids as political advertising!!!! Their noses did not get sunburned so it was a win/win. And, I NEVER thought I'd say this, but I agree with Lindsey Lohan when it comes to Sarah Palin!!!! I must say I am truly a Ron Paul fan, but that choice went away far too quickly.

QUOTES:

Mom: Zack, go to the left.
Zack: Mom, you are a genius! That is the way I wanted to go!!!

Mom: Zack, do you have your soccer bag?
Zack: Yes, mom. Thank you for make suring!

Mom: Burped and said excuse me
Sophia: It's okay, mom. It's no big deal.

Playing Catch Up

I haven't been very good about blogging lately because we've just been SO BUSY! So here are some pictures from the past couple days:


Check out how long Zack's hair is getting...


Today was Zack's first soccer game, and his team won by a landslide. Zack scored three goals and played his heart out!!!

The next pic is a bit blurry, but it shows Zack during an aggressive moment!

This is Zack's "best friend". They are on the same team and are both in the same class at school. It is so nice that he has a great kid as a "best friend"!!!

Here Zack tells Coach Mike, "I had some skills out there"!

And here are the latest, "We're growing up whether you like it or not" pics!!!

Alpha Moms - Negative?

I cannot believe how quickly the days pass! The kids are already ENJOYING their second week of school! I drop Zack off at 8AM and then Sophia and I spend some time together which is ultra special to both of us. We either read books or do some type of outdoor exercise like practicing soccer or walking around the lake. She is so sweet though because if we ever buy anything, she says, "We need to get some for my brother"! I am so proud of her sweet gracious spirit.

She has been somewhat of a little pill lately with the teenage girl attitude popping up here and there. Typically when I call her name, she'll turn back and say, "Yes, mom"? Lately, when I call her name, she keeps walking, and when I call again, she turns and says with all the teenage attitude she can muster, "WHAT"?

You see this mom has let herself be affected by the feedback of another mom of grown kids who had a different idea of child rearing as in never say no and blame every negative behavior on their personality. I mean how mean can you be to "discipline" a child? Actually, I like the word train better. Anyhow, Sophia has shown the signs of this mom suddenly trying in small ways to be "poplular" or to be the "friend" instead of mom.

Yesterday, she said her infamous, "WHAT" in front of a friend who knows her well, and I actually garnered a reprimand for allowing something, I (the true to myself me) would never allow for Sophia's sake. I mean do I really want Sophia to learn that the attitude is acceptable??? I spent some time in prayer last night and basically told God how insecure I have been feeling about this parenting thing based on the opinions of another. Sometimes, it's good to just tell God our struggles and then ask Him for strength to get back on track.

So, little Sophia and I had fun today playing what I call the "Yes, Mom" game. I put markers in different spots and say rapidly - run to the red cone - she responds quickly, "Yes, Mom". It gets crazy, and we crack up as she giggles and we both get confused. By the time she was finished, she had no idea that she was getting retrained! Today, I will reward her for each "yes mom" with words of encouragement and hugs and kisses. She'll get back on track in no time.

I was told by the same person that has made me question my parenting that I was great at the alpha mom thing. I took that as such an insult that I changed a lot of what I was doing as a mom. How insecure is that???? Anyhow, now that I think about it, shouldn't all moms of young children be alpha moms? As in your kids know you are the authority? Shouldn't they come right away when you call them? Should they be allowed to argue, pout, complain????

Feedback welcomed! This mom needs to do an about face for the sake of my kiddos. I am the first authority they'll deal with, but their lives are going to be FULL of people telling them what to do and how to do it. They need to know how to respond properly whether or not they decide to do what is asked or not. They need to learn how to use their voices properly and with respect.

Any other Alpha moms out there?

A Day in the Parks

We started out at the park for Zack's soccer team's opening day! It was fun, and Zack even got to climb the rock wall which he loves.

Here is Zack's team this season.

The kids experienced yet another first today - saved ice!!! They loved it!

Zack with a mouth full of shaved ice!

Sophia's hair is growing a little bit. Today I tried to put her hair up, but I'm not sure it helped much!

After opening day, we headed to another park for a baby shower for my niece, Raeanna. This is my second niece, daughter of my niece, Isabel.

I got to see my sis, Julia at the shower. We grew up together...that may sound obvious, but I come from a family of 8 - the oldest is 49, and the youngest is 18. We never all lived in the same house. Julia is the one sibling who was really like a sibling. The others were moved out already or not born until we were in jr. high and high school and in one case, college! It was nice to see my sis. She's doing well and enjoying life.

That there is my oldest brother. He's lived a tough life, but has five beautiful children. Today he was celebrating what will be his fifth grandchild!!!! He does not like pics, but he indulged me for the kids.

And, yes, he's an old school gangsta...what can I say, my family is extremely diverse. He may look tough, but he's a big teddy bear.

These are his daughters, my nieces - Adriana, Isabel, and Raeanna...and Isabel's baby, Aliana

This pic will help me tell you about Mexican baby showers. Typically they are at parks with things such as bouncy houses, pinatas, beer, and of course beans and rice. And, don't forget, the entire familia is invited. Here are the kids snatching the candy after the pinata was smashed. Good times... For a time, I thought my Mexican heritage died with my dad, but today reminded me that it is still there strong.

This is my great nephew, Johnny Junior. He is a blast! Zack and Sophia love him!

Steppin' into a New School Year

It was an early morning for the kiddos who were accustomed to sleeping well past 9:00AM during the summer!

Zack was too tired for smiles so I took what I could get!

This one is never too tired to pose! Her she is at the beginning of her first day of kindergarten!

"Mom, why are you taking pictures"? "I am not in kindergarten"!

Here is Sophia right before going into class. She starts school at 10:00AM (two hours after Zack) so she was EAGER to get in that door!

Tired but proud mama! Be kind - I spent 5 minutes on me, and 55 on the kids! Oh no, I am officially one of THOSE moms! Frumpy???

Standing tall Hello Kitty and all...

Zack is such a gentleman. He opens the door any time he sees that a woman needs to enter or exit. He ALWAYS opens the door for me and Sophia. This is, for the most part, a lost art! I hope with Zack, women will know that chivalry is not dead!!!! Plus he feels so many when he takes charge. I think it is a great habit to build.

This is Sophia's teacher, Miss Diaz! They have hit if off smashingly well. I am SO HAPPY! Good teachers are half the battle!

Zack's teacher, Mrs. Ulrich has been teaching for 12 years, and she is very passionate about what she does. Zack is enjoying school tremendously which is great! He says that Mrs. Ulrich is his best teacher ever. His kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Wayland was pretty darn awesome so if Mrs. Ulrich proves to be better, we will be so beyond blessed! LOL