Father's Day 2010

We had a fabulous Father's Day weekend.  It started off on Friday, we took the kids to go see Toy Story 3.  It was a fantastic movie; we laughed, we cried, we didn't want it to end. After the movie, we went to Peter Piper Pizza. I used to be a huge fan of PPP, but it seems they changed their pizza a little. :(

On Saturday, we went up to Woods Canyon Lake (it's a little past Christopher Creek). My parents were already up North for their anniversary trip (37 years!), so we had them meet up by the lake. We packed picnic lunches and all of our fishing gear!  The weather was perfect and we have a great time taking care of the husband and my own dad.

  

Finally, on Sunday, the kids and I decorated our dining room and wrapped all of the husband's presents. The husband was truly spoiled this year. He received the new Droid phone (well, it's on back order until July 17), a Senseo coffee maker, a salad kit container, a bag of his favorite candy, a #1 Dad trophy, and some great cards. He was able to get off of work earlier than usual - and he came home to find all of this laid out for him. After a dinner of Roasted Chicken Salad and corn-on-the cob, we fed him some cupcakes that we made.   After we cleaned up, we all went for a swim until it got dark.  It was just beautiful outside!

What a wonderful weekend. The husband is truly a great father... and we truly enjoyed making his weekend special!

It's Working!

Alex has been to 6 sessions of Strength and Agility training with his high school football team. You can see some biceps forming; he's getting stronger.  And on the plus side... he's lost 4 pounds already. We didn't set out for him to lose weight, but we know there was an opportunity to do so. I think it will all even out as soon as he gains more muscle.

He's taking this seriously and doing well; super proud mama over here!!

Proud of my Alex

This past school year has been rough for Alex. He started out well. Of course, we promised him the moon if he earned A's and B's. He did earn a few of both come the first report card; however, the second and third quarters were not as kind. He had problems turning work in, bringing stuff home, and paying attention in class. I know being 13/14 years old is rough - but we've been trying to show/explain/force it on Alex that school is his JOB. His grades are his PAYCHECK. Somewhere in February or March, it seems he caught on. He did a much better job (albeit, not perfect) the last semester of 8th grade. We just got his final reporting card - they sent it home. He earned all B's and C's - which is a far cry from the D's and F's we saw a few times the report cards before.

Alex is now in summer school - a bridge program that helps prepare kids for high school. The program is specifically designed to help kids that have the potential, but are in danger of falling further behind if not "pushed" a bit to succeed. Note: Not that ALL kids don't have the potential...

This program is Monday thru Friday, from 7:30 to 12:15. It goes until June 30th.

This next year, Alex's first year in high school, is so important to us. We only have 4 years to prepare him for college. Every thing he does (or does not do - no, let me stay positive - does!) is in preparation for college and, later, a career. While Alex has some lofty things ahead of him - e.g. commitment and goal setting - I, too, need to jump on board.

Here are MY goals concerning Alex for this upcoming year:

Spend at least 30 minutes with Alex each day (with no interruptions). Be available during homework time (this might be a stretch considering our schedules, but I really want to stay right beside him - for support and assistance - we will see how/if this works). Check his backpack once a week (at least). Give constant feedback and positive reinforcement. Meet with Guidance Counselor every quarter.Give Alex the supplies and tools he needs to be successful. Support him in his choice of playing football (attend all games and get involved as a parent). Help Alex focus on his organizational and time-management skills. Reward him for good behaviors and great grades!

I am excited about the upcoming school year - and the endless possibilities for my first born, cute-as-heck, sweetheart of a boy, Alex.

It's finally happened...

I never thought it would happen.

Well, actually, there were times when I thought, with three kids, the chances were good.

Heck, I even bought a mini-van for the purpose of this great event.

Ready for my announcement?

I am finally a full-fledged taxi driver.

This past week, Alex started summer school AND strength training/football camp. Isabel is asking to be carted to the library and back. Finally, Nic has yet to drop out of pre-school. I am in the van for 4+ hours a day. How the heck will I ever find time to actually work?

I told him he had to wait until his was 35...

He didn't listen.

Nic claims he has a girlfriend. He's three. What does he know about having girlfriends?
If you ask him who it is, he replies with such earnest: Hannah Joaquin.

A. Hannah is really Isabel's best friend (whom he does see a lot).
B. Nic's middle name is Joaquin. He's decided to share it with Hannah.

That kid is so much fun.
Even if he does forget that he's not allowed to have a girlfriend.

New Blog...

I have an old blog... it's kind of new(er), but it's kind of old compared to this one. I wanted to change my focus a little.

Here is the old (but not too old) blog: http://www.sun-kissed.net/ Take a gander before I bring the sucker down...

I probably won't be moving the posts over. Just an FYI.

What you can learn to enjoy on this blog: Me talking abt my kids. I'd love to use this a journal I can give them some day when they threaten to grow old and leave me!

Headers

Keeping tracking of all the headers for this blog...and the ones I've made for others...

If you ever want help having a header made... feel free to drop me a line! ;)

I love doing them!