September 22, 2011 - What's Your Name?

This week Daniel finally said his real name when asked.  When he responds to the name question what your ears actually hear is "Dao Blah."  That's not exactly Daniel Blas; nonetheless, we are thrilled.  He has been in the habit of referring to himself as Gaga since I can remember, a name Anthony bestowed upon him years ago.  In August, he was responding with Gaga Blah.  On Thursday, Tio Johnny came over and asked him what his name was and out of nowhere he said, "Dao Blah."  My jaw dropped. I called Daddy Daniel back to the dining room to hear him say it again...and again...and again! As for Twin B, Anthony no longer refers to himself as Nene.  That is as of this August.  He clearly says his name: Anthony Blas.  He reminds me of Forrest Gump in that he doesn't just say his first name when he is meeting someone.  He has to answer with his complete name. LOL!
Soccer Session 2: He loves it; he loves it not!

September 17, 2011 - Soccer Parents

Daniel and I are officially soccer parents.  We don't know much about the game but are sure to learn much over the course of these next 10 weeks.  Anthony jumped right in with the other kids on the field once he got his jersey on; Daniel was not as eager.  This seems to be his modus operandi with anything new. He shed several tears, turned his back to the field, crossed his arms and accompanied this by "no" faces.  He showed a couple of moments of interest over the course of the hour but was a little overwhelmed with the all the kids on the field, I think. I'm sure he will warm up to this new adventure soon.



Daniel

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September 14, 2011 - Daddy's 49th Birthday

Happy 49th birthday, Daddy! You make 49 look easy :)

 

September 12, 2011 - Replacing Not Forgetting

I will never forget that on September 12, 2001, a very shy Amber Araiza gave me this beanie bear, Libearty. She stood in line in front of my classroom door and gave me this as she entered.  It was a gift from the heart because she had witnessed her teacher meltdown in front of her 6th grade class the day before due to what had happened in her hometown of New York. I've kept this doll on the dashboard of my car ever since.  She has seen much these last ten years and is now retiring to a keepsake box. Today, a decade later, I have replaced her with Franny whose motto is "Hip Hip Hooray For the USA."

September 11, 2011 - 10 Years Later

It is hard to believe that 10 years have passed since that horrible day.  I woke this morning to watch Channel 4 and listen to a partial roster of names of those who perished.  Their names were being read by family members.  For some, you could see they'd found peace; for others, you could see the pain was still fresh.  I cried many tears, but the words of the children were the ones that truly pierced my heart.  These pictures are compliments of a friend who is still on the job in New York.  Thanks, Monahan!

September 4, 2011 - Carneys

 I often get ideas on places to take the kids from a mommy site I frequent called Jenslist.  It rated Carneys as one of the top ten places to take kids for hot dogs (and hamburgers).  It is located on the Sunset Strip and, yes, a little far for this gal who doesn't like the long drives.  However, it was a long weekend, and we didn't have anything planned. Plus, the boys are sooo into trains lately that I was willing to take one for the team and go.   My logic was  that it would be a win-win for everyone. They sold cerveza for dear husband, hot dogs for the boys, and a Starbucks was located next door.  Luckily, the food WAS good!

Starbucks...does a body good!

September 2, 2011 - 1st Day of Pre-School

Daniel took the boys to their first day of pre-school school today.  Our boys are growing up fast.

Now that they are in school, we no longer have Josefina with us.  It was soooo hard to say goodbye to her. The tears had been flowing on and off this week, but the flood gates opened wide yesterday as we hugged and cried and said goodbye.  In my mind, I had a picture of her and the boys in front of her house as we dropped her off for the last time.  Reality was that they fell asleep on the way to her house and no such picture was taken.  I know we will still see her from time to time, but it won't be the same.  A hug and a parting gift of appreciation doesn't seem to be enough thanks to a woman who cared for our sons like a second mother.

August 23, 2011 - Starting From Scratch

Vacation is over! Time to personalize my room and get it ready for my 6th graders.