Freecycled Dressers

Back in October, I found these dressers on Freecycle. I took Jose with me to go get them. When he first saw them, he was NOT happy! He wanted to get me back in the truck and run home.
I told him to just load them up and I would take care of the rest.
It has taken me a while, but I finally finished the baby's dresser last night. Dominic's has been done since November. I thought I took pics of his, but I can't find them. His is just painted grey with black nobs, nothing fancy.
So here are the results...
Before:
Notice the lovely flowery scenery? YUCK!

Yeah, the flower scene was all over the bottom

Drawers


This is the baby's dresser after:
It's dark chocolate brown and cream & cream nobs. The pics don't do justice.


I (actually Jose did, because I was tired and getting frustrated) lined the inside with really pretty paper.
Now I get to do laundry and put it all away!!!

My blessings

A follow up to my "complaint baby post", that I posted yesterday....

God is just SO good! I am sitting here just in AWE with tears rolling down my face! I just read one of my dearest friend's blog : This Is Me
She invited my little girl over yesterday just to hang out & what she says about my baby girl in her blog, in my opinion, is just awesome!
I've known this stuff about my Little, but for someone to see it and just say how "cool & smart & awesome & has a great sense of humor, etc..." is something that as a mom is VERY touching!
My little girl is awesome! She's got her eyes focused on so much and is very focused on what God has for her too.
Jose always comments how beautiful she is and the is afraid for her to get to the age of dating, because he doesn't want her just running off with any boy, or anyone taking "advantage" of her. You know, the pretty girls seem to be the ones that get damaged the most, they're beautiful and they have an advantage.
BUT, I know that our girl is not only gorgeous, but she's got some smarts! She is focused on what God has for her & as long as we continue to raise her up, I believe the Lord will continue to do a work in her life. She may stray at some point, but God's word does not return void, and my baby will be strong & has a future!

Then, last night while at FUSION (yes I went, God wanted me there, because he had a word for me from Mike) Mike was teaching the kids about disobedience & disobeying your parents, etc.
Anyway, make a long story short and get to my point...
He was talking about his life as a child/teen and stated that soon he will be having his baby Eden & what will happen the day that she does some things that he did as a child.
Then he said these words...
"One day you will all be given a gift. Look at Jose & Melissa, they have been blessed with 4 gifts. I will be getting my gift anyday. We will all, hopefully be blessed with at least one gift from God."

When he said; "Look at Jose & Melissa, they have been blessed with 4 gifts." I felt like a rush of wind just hit me. I sat there and just began to cry.
God has BLESSED Jose & I with FOUR (4) GIFTS.
WE ARE BLESSED!
I *know* that, but for someone to see that and speak it was different than me *knowing* it.
Some people "just have kids". It's not a big deal to them. There is so much pain and hurt out there towards children. I guess as a grown woman who knows that pain, it's hard to accept that God has blessed *ME* with 4.
I've not "just had" four children, I've been BLESSED with four children.
WOW!
I praise you Father & thank you for your blessing!
I am in awe.

Getting Excited?

So the question has been asked alot these past few days...
Are you getting excited yet?
For the most part, I have answered with a, "Yeah, it's getting exciting."
Until last night. Bridget called and asked me the question and I literally just blurted out...
"No, not really. Anxious, yes. Who am I kidding, this isn't my first or second, I know what comes after the birth. I'm really not looking forward to nursing every two hours, not getting any sleep, the pain of my recovery."
Then I realized what I said..."OMG, I am so sorry, I must sound like a horrible mother!"
She told me, "No your not, your honest and you really know what a baby means. It's not all fun and games."
I guess I was able to let the truth out to someone who I knew wouldn't judge me or look down on me for feeling the way that I am at this point.
I was driving home after taking Ant & Sarah to church this morning and I just got an anxiety attack out of nowhere. Thinking, I will have a baby pretty soon that I will have to be getting ready for church. All the responsibilities that comes with it, the worries that come with it, just everything that comes with a baby.
Don't get me wrong, I am excited that we will be having another Herrera bundle of joy. Every single one of my children have brought me immense joy, happiness & just a fulfillment that words can not describe. This baby has just been a surprise since day one, and I think I am still in awe over having another.
My Aunt Joyce keeps telling me, " This one will be extra special, Melissa. Each child is a gift, and the ones we don't plan, well, it is in God's plan, so they are special!"
I know this one has already brought Jose and I to a point of humbleness, that I never thought a baby could do. We have had so many people reach out and supply our needs.
So, yes, you can say I'm getting excited, but, I am also dealing with SO many emotions right now and trying to be the "do'er" that I am, trying to get everything under the sun done before I have this baby.

I miss my Honey

Lately, this pregnancy has been taking hold of me "by the balls" as people say.
My back, hips, groin all hurt 24/7. I am exhausted, and just have no energy unless I get a good nights sleep and wake up with it. But then it diminishes fairly quickly and I am looking for every opportunity to take a nap.
Well, being that Jose works & sometimes late, we just haven't had any time to just sit and spend with each other.
I'm not slacking on my "wifely duties" by any means. The house is clean, dinner is ready when he gets home, the kids are all taken care of, laundry done, etc.
BUT, the time that we would be able to have together has diminished.
He has really started to dive into his bible, studying the word, taking time to make a relationship with God a priority. Don't get me wrong, I support it 110%! I am blessed to be a wife of a man that is taking his relationship with the Lord higher, believe me, I know I am. This has been something I have prayed for for YEARS!
He is reading his bible and the book "The God Chasers" by Tommy Tenney every night before he goes to sleep. Tuesdays he goes to bible study, Wednesday he has made it a priority to go to prayer night, Thursdays he tries his hardest to make it to church and Fridays he goes to bible study again. I am ECSTATIC!
But, I can't make it to all of these things with him. I am getting to the point where I can barely eat my dinner at night & clean up, let alone do all that and go out until 8:30pm, get home and get the kids to bed.
Then yesterday I was just feeling...Waaaaa!
I miss my husband!
We both feel it when we need to spend time together! I think my kids can feel it too. Adriana was going through my wallet the other day and found a gift card that I have had in there for a little over a year to The Cheesecake Factory. She asked me, "Mom, why haven't you used this yet?" I told her, "Because we can't afford to go with all of you guys, that will barely cover mine & papa's meal."
She replied, "Well, why don't you & papa just go out?" Of course, being mama, I answered, "Because it wouldn't be fair to go out without you guys."
She didn't feel that way, she told me, "Mom, you guys should go."
Yeah, I think I agree with her, it's about time Jose went out just the two of us. Especially before the baby comes!
So, last night Jose went to bible study, came home at about 8:45pm. I was up waiting for him. He went into the kitchen to make himself something to eat. I told him, I just want to hold you. I miss you! So, he told me he would make his food and come up.
I got my book and headed upstairs to lay in bed and read. So much for him coming up and eating...
Him and Anthony got into a debate about soccer shoes and socks. Then it was on for about 30 mins...Then he was messing around with the kids.
Yeah, it's all cheesy that he's playing with the kids and taking time for them, but HELLO!
I stayed patient, while I laid in bed reading my book.
He finally came up, but picked up his book and bible and started reading.
I finished my chapter, while he was still reading. I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. It was already after 10:30pm.
So, I laid down and tried to get comfortable.
He followed suit not much longer. We just laid there holding each others arms while we dozed off.
He had to work this morning, so he was up at the butt crack of dawn. Kissed me good-bye and went on his way.
I woke up at 6:30 and was just in a mood. Not a bad mood, just a "I miss my husband" mood.
So, I gave him a call at almost 7 am. He was sitting in his truck at work waiting for the rest of the crew to show up.
Luckily we were able to talk and express to each other how we feel. He is in the same situation, feeling the same way.
He knows that what he is doing is good, but he sees that he is leaving his wife behind. Not intentionally, but just caught up in the moment.
We will see what comes out of it. Hopefully we will make the time to go out, just the two of us and spend some quality time together. If we don't do it before the baby comes, it won't be for a while and that will make the situation worse.
Anyways, I will be back with an update, hopefully soon!

My future Senators

I have known this, but just haven't put it out.
Adriana was born Tuesday November 3, 1998. It was election day. I obviously didn't vote...LOL
I always said that she would be the first Female Hispanic President.
Then we were thinking about it and this next baby is going to be born on January 20, 2008 which is Inauguration Day.
I've got two "Senator Bound" babies.
Let's see what the future holds...

My brain isn't shutting down

So, I am going to do a survey copied from my friend...

What did you do in 2008 that you have never done before?
Started Weight Watchers and putting 'Me' first

Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't make resolutions. Jose and I focus on goals as the year goes on.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
A few friends from MOTS gave birth, but no one 'close' to me.

Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, unfortunately we had 2 great losses in our church. One was a woman who was like a second mom to me. But I praise God that she is rejoicing with Him!

What countries did you visit?
The country of Herrera...LOL

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Organization, hands down. Oh and to stay "on track".

What dates from 2008 will stay etched on your memory? Why?
August 29th~I turned the big 3-0
December 26th~My baby turned 13

What was your biggest achievement?
Staying on track with my weight loss. I was doing really good! I weigh 6 lbs more today, than I did a year ago & I wasn't pregnant :-0
Having another successful Relay For Life team & raising over $1,000
I'm sure there's other, just can't think of them

Your biggest failure?
Procrastination & fear being allowed to control my life

Did you suffer injury or illness?
I think we all know about my illness'...LOL

What was the best thing you bought?
I can't think of anything great

Whose behavior merited celebration?
All of my children's. I think I have the best kids in the world and their behavior proves it.
My husband, his relationship with the Lord has really exploded. I am in awe with his changes!

Whose made you appalled and depressed?
That would be my own fault

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate last year?
No, I've actually forgiven someone for past hurt. Never hated the person though.

What did you get really really excited about?
There has been many things that have excited me this year.

What song will always remind you of 2008?
Don't know, was there a song for 2008?

What do you wish you had done more of?
time management

What do you wish you'd done less of?
being on the computer

How did you spend Christmas?
at home with family

Did you fall in love in 2008?
I think I keep falling in love with the same man every year.

What was your favorite TV program?
Biggest Loser, The Apprentice, I don't watch too much t.v.

What was the best book you read?
Inside My Heart by Robin McGraw

What was your greatest musical discovery?
my iPod

What did you want and get?
I wanted a baby, but didn't expect to get one so soon

What did you want and not get?
More than you could read in a sitting

What did you do on your birthday?
Went to dinner at Steir N Stein with my Honey, Bits, Little, Gee, Sarah, Devin & Mom

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not going through the financial issues that we have gone through. It is all for a reason & I am praising God through it all!

How would you describe your fashion concept of 2008?
Workout Woman

What political issue stirred you the most?
I think this year was one heck of a battle, we won't debate it.

What kept you sane?
my husband, he always does

Who did you miss?
My Uncle Rodney & family I don't see enough of

Who was the best new person you met?
Monica & Noe, Mick & Janie, Denise & Ismael, Mario & Debbie

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Trust Him in ALL things

Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Mixed on that
b) thinner or fatter? alot more pregnant...LOL
c) richer or poorer? Richer, in more ways the one.

Complete frustration and disbelief

OK, I am having two totally different emotions going on right now!
I am COMPLETELY frustrated!! Why you ask?
It's 1:42 am and I am still AWAKE! URGH!
I was laying in bed watching Dog The Bounty Hunter until 10, then flipped over to the news. My eyes were very heavy and I was exhausted! I have had a full week and it seems to be catching up to me.
Yeah, well, I turn the t.v. off and what happens? Anxiety, stress, restlessness and my brain all turn on at once.
I tossed and turned, prayed, counted, etc & no work until about 12am.
Finally I'm asleep, until 12:42...Dominic wakes up with a bad dream.
Jose got up with him, but he needed a mama's touch.
So, I crawl out of bed and go into his room, rub his back, head and butt and he's out.
Head back to bed and toss and turn until 1:20 am. I get up, and Jose is awake too. He can't get back to sleep.
I was done. Not only could I not sleep and shut my mind down, but now I have heartburn.
I told him, I'm going downstairs to have some Chamomile.

Here I sit, with my beloved laptop and a cup of Chamomile checking my email.
I open them up one by one and what do I see?
The following...

Hey Chick!

I saw your blog about the haves/needs/wants and have a question. Do you want a Nursing Cover that is gender neutral or do you take the stance that it doesn't matter? haha I know some mama's get the colors THEY like and others get it for the baby's sex.

I still have that one I made for Katie a while back, it's pink & brown though.

I could also make you one with just about any color.

Let me know.

From my dear friend, who I wish I had more time to get to know on the deeper level that I know her now, Kelly Bellamy

Wait, that's not it. I keep going and find this:

even if your baby is big...these will fit for the first few weeks:
A message on Freecycle...
i have a brand new package of PREEMIE SWADDLERS (up to 6 lbs)
im in beaumont

From my sweet friend Darci, who I do not take enough time to let know how much I appreciate her friendship!

OK, that's awesome, and I see God just working in every which direction. But those aren't it!
I get an email from Target, which I almost deleted, until I saw a name that is familiar to me in the subject line.

Just for you!
Now choose just what you want at Target.com. Just for you!
$50.00
To: MELISSA HERRERA

From: TERESA WALLACE

THOUGHT YOU COULD PICK UP A FEW THINGS FOR YOU AND THE BABY. LOVE YOU GUYS, CHRIS, TERESA AND THE GIRLS

OMG, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!?!?!
My Aunt is the awesomest!!! I wish we made more time to visit each other and be in each other's presence. Since day one of me meeting my Aunt Teresa, I have LOVED her. Not in an Aunt/Niece way, but as a woman to woman kind of way. She is just an awesome awesome person that I really look up to.
I did not expect this, but...WOW
I am in complete disbelief that while I was laying in bed, tossing, turning, worrying, fretting over all the things that I need/want/have to do and get before this baby is here, God is working.
As I was laying there in bed earlier talking to Him, He asked me...
"Do you trust me?" I answered, "Of course I trust you. I know things will come through, but when, how, what should I be looking for."
He told me, "That's for me to worry about, you just wait."
He has been telling me this WHOLE entire time of this pregnancy the same thing...
"Just wait."
Do you know how hard that is!?! Gees, I don't have that kind of patience.
But, everytime I go to look at something, buy something, think "gees" I really need that, something comes through.

Thank you to all my friends and family for all you have done.
I can't even begin to express my deepest appreciation.
Now let's pray I get some sleep.

Dia De Los Reyes

January 6th is Dia De Los Reyes aka Three Kings Day.
This isn't something that we normally celebrate, but it's something that Jose, when he was in his country did celebrate.
Having a mixed family, it has been hard to keep tradition with both my family as well as Jose's traditions.
When I married him (or even before) I swore I would try to incorporate his family traditions into our family.
Well, this is a holiday, that as Christians, we don't traditionally celebrate. It's more of a Catholic traditional celebration.
BUT, since Jose has Catholic roots and his family does celebrate this (they even have the HUGE parade and parties), we will be incorporating it into our day...
Just because I like to get the pan, Rosca de Reyes (translated, the bread) :-)

Feliz Dia De Los Reyes y que Dios Te Vendiga!

New Years Day & The Fam...

Yesterday my nephew & his fiance came up to visit and wanted us to all GTG to play games and spend time together.
So after we got our house cleaned and done we headed over to James & Gail's house to play some games and hang out.
Well, when we got there James & Mark were drinking Yegger Bombs (Jagermeister & Energy Drink).
We all started playing spoons, and so much for that. James & Mark kinda got side tracked. They were stinken hilarious!!!
I went over and got on the computer to look something up for Mark, and ended up looking up a song for James.
He was CARACKING us up!!!!!!
Here is the song, it's Ram Jam~Black Betty

Gail video'd James dancing and singing to it (I will try to get a copy). I seriously was laughing so hard I was about to pee my pants. James is a nut when he's not drinking, but he was even funnier while he was drinking!
Our night was full of fun! We tried playing Pictionary and that didn't last. We all just kept getting distracted.
Jose, the kids and I finally left around 1:15am and got home. Put the kids to bed and Jose & I watched some of Gladiator.
We finally fell asleep around 2am. It was a great time though!!!

Standing in Line...

When I found out that we were expecting our "surprise" bundle of joy, we found out that there were 5 other gals expecting their bundles of Joy right along with us.
Well, as time approaches, we are hearing almost daily of new babies being born.
So far we have...

Marissa (friends with her mom Patty, from church) gave birth to Matthew Steven
December 27, 2008 at 2:40pm ~7lbs 6oz~ ~19 1/2"~

Brenda (friends with her family, from church) gave birth to Herbert (Herbie) Mitchell
December 28, 2008 at 2:23 pm ~7lbs 7.5 oz~ ~19 1/2"~

Karla & David (neighbors that we have become friends with) gave birth to Khloe
December 30, 2008 at 11:35 am ~4lbs 5oz~ ~19"~

Congratulations new Mamas!!! I am SO happy to hear your births and that these babies are all doing so well!

Still waiting for...
Becca
Brittney
ME!

It's all a waiting game that is getting SO exciting!

Tournaments

Well, Anthony didn't make it into Spring Select this year, but his coach wants to take him into tournaments.
I talked to Coach Lenny tonight and he was telling me that it is GREAT FUN! I am stoked over this opportunity!!! Coach wants Ant to be his "designated keeper". He thinks he has some great potential.
Anthony's first tournament game will be in Laughlin, Nevada on February 21 & 22. Of course we will be traveling & staying in a hotel, but what fun! We know we gotta start saving up & we'll see about Adriana's SS schedule.
I am praying that I will be healed enough to make the trip out there to watch him also.
We have a friend that is willing to sponsor Anthony, so that's more good news and we will definitely have them coming to as many games as possible!!!
I am just over stoked over all of this. Not only is my son being chosen to be in tournament games, but the fun as a family and friends is going to be unbeatable too!

After I left the field and was driving home I was thinking of the conversation I had with Coach. His first question to me was...Still no baby?
I told him, "No, we will be having a c-section on the 20th of Jan."
His response was, "What!?! Right in the middle of tournament!?!"
Yeah, I know...
But it made me realize,,,Coach knows me!
He knows I am at every game of Anthony's.
He knows I am the mom that is screaming from the sideline.
He knows I am the one who will support the team no matter win or loose.
So after him telling me that, it was actually a complement to me that, "I won't be at the last game of tournament."
Well, I gotta do what I gotta do. Jose will be there & Anthony will know I'm there in spirit.
I will keep all the games posted. Until then...

Just Because

I wanted to do some Comparison Pics...
August~5 months
October~7 months
November~8 Months
December~9 Months

On The Countdown...36 weeks=9 months

Yeah, it's official!
I am 9 months pregnant or 36 weeks exactly today...WOOHOO
I am stoked, because that means baby is here SOON, but I am sad, because this is it.
As I type, the baby is doing flips in my belly. I can see it rolling around, pushing, kicking,stretching. Somethings that you can NEVER replace or re-do unless your pregnant. Nothing a man will ever experience and something I pray every woman can experience.
Jose and I went to see Dr. Hordynski on Tuesday, the 23rd.
We talked to him about the c-section, got the date, time in hospital, and sibling rules.
So our official birthdate is....
January 20, 2009 our time is 12:00pm Good numbers (yeah, I'm a number dork!)
So I will be going and seeing Dr. Hordynski every week until I have the baby. It's only 3 weeks, but it seems so far away.
He also took me off of work. Friday was my last day. I am VERY happy about that! I am going to miss seeing the girls everyday, but physically I was getting worn down FAST!
I now get to focus on my LONG 'to do list' and get things marked off before I have the baby.
Having a date puts things into perspective.
My dad & Star came over last night and brought me a Peg Perego high chair (I secretly wanted one of these. They fold up WAY compact!), a Graco MetroLite Stroller (the baby's carseat fits in it) and a toddler carseat (I don't need another, so I will be giving this away). Very nice stuff! My friend Kindra also informed me that she will be giving me her neutral baby jammies, which I need desperately. So VERY excited about that!!!!
I think that's about it. Anthony took some pics last night of my bellah & here they are...

Ant's head "hiding" behind my bellah

Laying on my bellah

Just thought this was cool

Side View

Front View...Hey, are those abs up there!?!


That's it until another day. I don't think I will be growing too too much, but I will keep up until I have the baby!

My 'Baby' Is A Teenager

Well, yesterday was Ant's 13th birthday!
Can you believe it!?! I CAN'T!!!
I woke up this morning thinking, I have a baby in my belly and my baby boy is 13...WOW

I had to work in the morning, so Jose got things ready. He wanted to bbq a turkey and we made a green salad and potato salad.
When I got home, Anthony was in the shower. We bought him a shirt to match his Vans and a video game he was DYING for. So while he was in the shower, I put his new shirt in the bathroom to replace the one he was going to put on.
Then I took his video game and put that in his PS2. After a while, he went to go play his football game on the PS2 and couldn't figure out what was wrong. Then he realized that the game was replaced with Sean White Snow Boarding...Needless to say, he was STOKED!!!
We invited James, Gail & the kids over, Jessica, Cera & Courtney and my Dad & Star showed up at our front door.
We had a house full, but it was good.
Dinner was AWESOME & he requested Cheesecake for his 'cake'.
Our friend Karen came over and brought her camera...YAY! So, Here are some pics...

This is from last night


This is a pic of when he was just a few days old


The day after coming home

Anthony & Papa

Definitely MY son!

The Herrera Kids with the cheesecake

Brotherly/Sisterly Love

Tia fixing the highchair

Devin & Ant playing

Brandon & Ti playing G.H.

The Turkey

Karen & Ant

Christmas Day 2008

Well after the nights anticipation of Christmas, it was finally here!
Jose heard Ant & Adi up at around 7 am. We finally got up and out of bed at 8 am.
After I brushed my teeth, I went in to see who was still asleep.
Adi was up & out of bed. I walked into the boy's room and couldn't see. I turned on the light and didn't see Ant, but my baby was still sound asleep & the light startled him...Poor thing!
I turned the light off, walked over to his bed, and he was O.U.T.!
I covered him up and walked out, went downstairs and got a cup of coffee.
Of course the kids were ready to tear into the presents, but we told them they had to wait until Dominic woke up. At first I told them that I would wake him up at 8:30, figuring there would be no way he slept until 9 am! I sent Jose up to wake him while I was on the phone with my friend.
He came down and was in the worse attitude mood!
They gave him his Leapster from Santa and he was NOT impressed & ran back upstairs...
UGH!
After a few minutes & me getting off the phone he came around.
He was excited over all of his stuff, but really excited because he got the Madagascar movie & game!!! He has played this over at his friend Noa's house and LOVES it.
Adriana's highlight was her Pink Nintendo DS Lite from Santa and 2 games w/ a holder from us.
Ant's highlight was his Authentic Vans with Bandana Print that he has been eying for MONTHS!

After the hussle of presents, we ate breakfast. My specialty...Scrambled eggs with cinnamon rolls :)
We all got ready and headed over to James & Gail's house.
Steven, Ginny, Auntie Lola & Uncle Phil were all there. We had a WONDERFUL dinner of our version of the Honey Baked Ham, mashed 'tatoes & gravy, corn and my fav...Green Bean Bake...YUMMY!!!
After dinner & desert, Jose, James, Gail, Ginny, Sarah, Ant & Adi all started a 3 hour journey called...Monopoly. *Just as a side note, I despise that game, especially if you are playing with Jose. You might as well give him all the property, the hotels & your money at the beginning of the game and call it done!*
So, while they played, I layed on the couch, took a snooze and played Hungry Hungry Hippos with the boys.
We finally left around 9pm, so I could get home and get to bed. I had to work the next morning.


Thought for the day:
Through the years, I have spent less and less money on the kids. As our family grows and our income has been sufficient, I have learned that a little is just enough.
When Ant & Adi were little, I would buy them TONS of 'stuff'. That's exactly what it was, STUFF. They would get tired just opening presents. I guess I felt that because we don't really have family, I had to over-compensate for the lack. Well, I have learned the complete opposite. This year the Lord blessed our family with a particular dollar amount to spend on the kids for Christmas. We split it up between the 3 kids and did just enough.
They are all so happy with what they have.
They didn't get too much, but got what they wanted. As I sit here and type, they are all in the front room playing with each other (which is EXTREMELY rare). It' the little things that matter!
I praise God for all he is and has done...

LOTS to update & cover...Lets start with Christmas Eve

Bear with me, I have ALOT to update!
***December 24th~Christmas Eve
We were at home. Jose went and worked until about 2pm. I had presents that I needed to finish wrapping & the kids were NOT cooperating with me! My mom was at work and I tried locking myself up in my bedroom. Well, I went up at 10am and the kids were all downstairs either watching T.V. or playing PS2. Dominic insisted on coming up to my room a bazillion times.
I called Jose around 11:50 and told him he needed to get home NOW. This was not working. Of course he said he would be home in a "bit", but anyone that knows Jose knows, he doesn't have a clue about time! He drives me INSANE sometimes,,,let me tell ya!
It was 12pm and I went ballistic on the kids! *I felt horrible after I did it, but the nagging & bugging & non-cooperation got to a mama trying to finish up so I could be with my family!*
Well, just as I was going off on the kids, my mom walked in and heard it. She was a lifesaver and knows when I am pushed over the edge (it really does take alot for me to be DONE). She got the kids and took off. THANK YOU MOM!!!!
I was able to get all of the presents done in 45 mins after they left.
Just as I was finishing up Jose walked in the house, came upstairs & was looking around for the kids. He asked where they were and all I could do is give him the stink eye. I told him, "Lucky for you my mom rescued them."
I was able to clean up, clean the kitchen and shower before the kids and my mom got back.
Come to find out she took them to McDonald's and then up to Los Rios Ranch to play in the snow.
Gotta love a mom!!!!

After Jose and I showered, we planned to take the kids back up to Oak Glen and take Ant's board & Snow Scooter out for the kids to play a bit.
After we went up to the snow, we drove down and looked at lights.
Got home, I made some spaghetti & cheese toast real fast & we watched a movie.
The night turned out great! We were all in bed by 10:30pm
Jose & I could not sleep all night though. I think the anticipation of playing Santa and making sure we woke up had us full of anxiety. Anthony even came in at one point waking me up saying, "Mama, did you forget?"
I told him, "No mijo, I have my alarm set for 4:45. I will be up."
So when my alarm did go off, Jose and I were practically awake already. We got up and did the stockings & 'big' present from Santa.
We went back upstairs & we could NOT get back to sleep! My mind was flooded with all the things I need to do before Baby 'D' is here. Then I realized....
I FORGOT TO EAT THE COOKIES & CARROTS!!!!!
So, of course, I threw the blankets off & went downstairs and took care of the cookies, egg nog & carrots.
Sometimes it's the little things that makes being a mom ALL worth it!!!!

Dominic says the darndest things!

This post is SO overdue, but I have just been sidetracked with other things.

Friday night, Dominic went over to the Christmas tree and pulled a present out from underneath. He asked me, "Mama, this is sissy's?"
I told him, "Yes mijo, it's sissy's."
So he took the present to sissy and told her, "Here sissy, this present is for you."
She told him, "Oh, thank you bits, go put it back, sissy will open it up on Christmas."
He did not like that, he told her, "No, open it now, it's a Littlest Pet Shop thing."
UGH!
Oh, and he didn't stop!
He continued to tell her, "Mama bought you two littlest pet shop games, and a holder for your new computer game."
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!!
I told him, "OK, Dominic that is enough! Stop telling sissy what she got!"
So Anthony chimes in, "Dominic, what did mama get me?"
Of course Dominic replies, "Two new playstation games."
Anthony asks, "What kind?"
Dominic says, "One gun one and a football one."
OMG, this kid!!!
He is totally telling them what they got for Christmas!!!
So Saturday comes and Devin spends the night.
Oh yes, Dominic walks over to the Christmas Tree and tells Devin, "Here Devin, this is your Christmas present from my mom, it's a Dora game for your book toy."

I am going to duck tape this kids mouth until Christmas Day!!!!

We Got Snow!!!!

Well, Banning did anyways. Our house only got rain...Blah!
So we went over to James & Gail's for dinner and to play in the snow. All of these pics are from before dinner. After we ate, we went back out & we were actually socked in! I didn't even think we were going to be able to make it home we had so much snow!!!
Before I gave SIL her camera back, I took some pics...
Anthony running after James

Adi & Bits playing in the snow

James getting Anthony with water, He's SO mean!

Dominic LOVING the snow!

Look at that face

Devin & Dominic running around

James & Gail's House

Highland Springs earlier in the day

Sundance...Palm Trees & Snow, Only in California

Bits waiting to go in the snow

37 Years

My Honey's birthday was yesterday.
He turned 37 years old. No pics, because I still have a dead camera :(
Anyway, our plans were totally turned around. I had first planned on going to my Secret Elf reveal party while he was at bible study. But, I got way sick and didn't want to go and expose the new baby at the party, nor any mama that would take it home.
So after picking the kids up from school, we all went to the grocery store and bought stuff to make Jose dinner.
I ended up making him Pasta w/ shrimp in garlic & butter sauce, salad & garlic bread.
It was VERY yummy!!!
Then after dinner we piled in the living room and watched the Dark Night. It was a pretty good movie!
It was a good night and I am truly blessed to have this wonderful man in my life!

Oh, he got a phone call from Karen & Bill (Jose's "step-parent's"). Bill got on the phone to wish him a happy birthday. He asked Jose, "So how does it feel to be 40?" Jose told him, "I don't even feel like I'm 40, I feel like I'm 15."
Bill replied, "Oh, so that mean that your still masturbating? You know what they say Jose, when you get into your 40's, you start to loose your hair and get more head. I really hope your getting more head."
OMG, Jose told me this and we were ROLLING!!!!!! The things Bill says, he's never dry!
My Honey is home today, due to the rain & some snow...YEAH! It may be a day late, but it's still a birthday present to my Honey. So we sit here watching Home Alone 2 and enjoy our day together!