Make a Smilebox scrapbook

June 30, 2009 - Coaching, Mourning, and Playing (64 Weeks)

Did I say "Freedom" last week? Freedom was short-lived. I accepted a summer school coaching position. I get to support teachers at my school with teaching techniques that are part of Project GLAD. It is a great opportunity for me to grow and help some of my colleagues get comfortable with strategies that are good for kids' learning.
On Thursday, I was saddened to hear that both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson died. I loved the show Charlie's Angels! I had a pillow case with her on it. Heck, I loved her hairstyle so much that I had my hair cut like hers. Let's just say it didn't look nearly as cute on me. She was an amazing human who handled her cancer battle with courage and grace. As for Michael Jackson, I grew up listening to his music. So many great songs. Who could forget Thriller? This family had planned on going to their stars on Hollywood Blvd. but decided not to after seeing on the news steel barricades up. I figured it wasn't worth the hassle of traffic and the horrific Hollywood parking situation if I couldn't even get a glimpse.
On Saturday, we took the boys to Parnell Park after making a pitstop at Starbucks. They are "Starbies" as my friend Nancy named them.

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June 23, 2009 - FREEDOM! (63 Weeks)

The 2008-2009 school year is officially over!!! Wednesday was the last day of classes, but teachers had to return for a half day to help with graduation. After graduation, we had a little get together at the CandleWood Country Club to celebrate our principal’s promotion to the district. Daniel and I were both able to attend since we had the nanny until 3:30 p.m. Everyone is so used to seeing us with the boys that when they don't, they quickly inquire as to their whereabouts.
Speaking of those little loves of my life, it is really weird to have them walking all over the house. Before they were confined to the back living room. They are no longer content with that situation. They want to explore every inch of this house! They take pots and pans out of the kitchen cabinets, empty the pantry of cans, walk into the bedrooms, canvas the living room, and whack door stoppers. As I crazily take pictures of these simple actions, I think to myself, "I am one lucky gal."
On Father's Day, we drove down to San Diego. We wanted to check out the House of Puerto Rico, a mini museum down by the San Diego Museum of Art. It was small but quaint. On the advice of a worker, we ate at Andre's Patio (A Puerto Rican/Cuban Restaurant). The food was good but not what we expected. We had planned on going to the beach afterward, but the boys were ready to go home. We fed them after stopping to get milk and headed back home. Their cat nap gave them the energy to give daddy his presents and Father's Day cake. It was a good day.

June 16, 2009 - Abuela's Visit ( 62 Weeks)

Abuela Angelina came to visit for the weekend. We didn't do anything exciting, but it was a chance for her spend some time with the boys before she goes to New York for a month. She got a real kick out of seeing them walking around.
Monday was weigh in day for the Biggest Loser competition at work. I lost 19.4 lbs and came in 5th. That isn't bad out of 23 players, huh? I lost 3rd place by .05%.
The school year will thankfully be over on Thursday. Just a few more days to plow through is my mantra! Daniel and the boys helped me take care of end-of-the-year classroom take down. I can't say the boys helped much, but they sure had a great time running around my classroom.

June 9, 2009 - They're Walking! (61 Weeks)

Our boys are both officially walking. It is amazing the difference one week makes! Daniel was only taking a couple of very wobbly, drunk-like steps last week. Now, he charges across the room. He falls after many steps, but this new trick is fun and he is quite pleased with himself as his giggles clearly suggest. The finesse of his steps compare to that of a bull in a china shop but who cares. My baby is walking. Anthony definitely has control of his steps and can walk beside me holding my hand. Our little guy also sprouted two more bottom teeth. Now, he has 8 just like Daniel. He is also saying "mama" on a more frequent basis.
On Friday, the four of us went to the carnival at school. I was scheduled to be in the dunk tank at 4:40 p.m. Unfortunately, our beautiful southern California weather did not shine upon me. Needless to say, I froze my tushie. The kids sure had a great time dunking me in. The dunking in the video below is compliments of Jonathan the "dunk master." I also got in the ring with one of my student's (Karla). She has a mean right hook. It was all in good fun. The kids got a good laugh, and it raised money for Stampfl's steel drums and choir.
Mommy Moment: Now that the boys are eating grown up food, I am finding myself really getting into cooking. I find myself watching cooking shows, asking friends and family for recipes, and spending time making multiple meals at once. On Sunday, I made chicken soup, banana bread, chicken salad, meatballs, and chicken enchiladas.

June 2, 2009 - Toddler Bed Snoozing (60 Weeks)

Anthony took his first nap in his toddler bed on Sunday. He gave me a bit of a fight when I put him down. After many kisses and pats on his back, he knocked out. I kept checking in on him every 5 minutes. I was afraid he’d wake up startled in the unfamiliar surroundings and attempt to climb out of the bed. After the third check, I decided to put the pillows on the floor to cushion him if he fell. Needless to say, I called Daniel immediately to tell him the news about our big boy!
Walking Update: Anthony is now taking several steps before flopping down on the floor. Daniel has quickly followed his brother in the walking arena. He now can take a very wobbly step or two. His steps may be wobbly, but he sure is a climber as the video below shows. Oh, Anthony can say "baby."