So happy together!

Ezra's blessing

Our Family

The men in the family

Ezra with Abuela

2010 Babies: Addelyn, 10 months - Ezra, 7 weeks - Lucy, 8 months

The Family is of God

I am sort-of combining different things in this post.  This afternoon, Luz and Ezra were playing and I thought it would be a perfect time to snap some photos.  Then I teared up and thought of one of my all-time favorite songs that talks about families.  I hope you enjoy both the photo and the song!

What my vote means this year

This year, my vote represents several significant things to me.  First, it always represents the opportunity to have been born in this country which, despite its many faults and flaws, is still one of the best options in the world.  It also has always represented the many people who have sacrificed much to maintain my freedoms, including my freedom to vote.  This year it also represents my desire for those who wish to call themselves American to be able to do so.  And something new that I thought a lot about this year is my responsibility to teach my children the importance of voting.  I started out by taking them both with me.  Luz talked about voting all day long.  She even got a sticker.

Today I feel like Super Woman

After yesterday, I'd like to think that it could only get better...but as most of us know, it usually can get worse.  However, today was an amazing day.  I feel like a great person and a good mother and wife today!  Yeah!  Luz woke up happy!  Not really anything to do with me, but obviously a good start to the day.  That was also a pretty clear indication that she was feeling better.  We got out of the house by around 11 and went to the doctor, the social security office, bought a sit and stand stroller, went to the bank, and voted!  Then we came home and took naps.  Well, I rocked Luz and put her down just as Ezra was waking up.  I snuggled with him for a bit.  I made a simple dinner...and everyone was still happy at bed time.

New Addition

As many of you know, I have been looking for a Joovy Sit and Stand stroller for a couple of months now.  I did find them for a pretty reasonable price online, but hadn't gotten around to purchasing one yet.  Suddenly, while stalking craigslist I found a used one for a great price.  Today it became ours.  I am so excited!  And I will be posting pictures of the kids actually sitting in it soon.

Reading catch-up

During the past month and a half, I have not stopped reading.  I have just stopped posting about what I've been reading.  I will attempt to catch-up now (abbreviated version).

1. Leadership and Self-deception by The Arbinger Institute - Great

 
2. A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Van DeMille- So great I bought it

3. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom - Enlightening

4. For One More Day by Mitch Albom - Also enlightening

5. Key Lime Pie by Josi Kilpack- Great

6. On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo - I've read it before and I'm glad I read it again.  I really do believe and practice many of the principles outlined in this book with amazing success!  This time around I actually bought the book. :)

7. The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D. - Good

8. Surviving Your Blessings by Lynn C. Jaynes - Good, not what I was expecting, but good

9. Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans - Great, as always

 

10. Tranquil Light by Anita Stansfield - Great, as always

What a day!

Wow!  I am sure glad today is almost over!
Score today--
Theresa/Motherhood - 0

Actually, the day started out great!  Ezra slept straight through from 9pm until 3am this morning.  I should have started out the morning on top of my game, but that wasn't the case.  He is still pretty congested and I had to repeatedly clean out his nose with saline drops and the nasal aspirator.  I really hate it more than he does, but I don't think he believes me when I tell him that.  Poor baby wants to be held all the time.  Luz is also congested and very grumpy.  Poor girl doesn't know what she wants.  She spent most of the morning in trouble for grumpy behavior.  Then I finally realized that she really just didn't feel well.  So, I gave her a Benadryl and put her on the couch in front of a movie.  We made peace while the movie lasted but once it was over...back to super grumpiness.  By then Juan was home.  However, he was also grumpy.  He had severe back pain and had to go to the specialist to relieve it today.  He hates going.  He hates paying the money and the massage is pretty painful.  But he did come home feeling physically better.  I put the 2 grumpy ones downstairs playing together while I finished up with dinner.  They actually had some fun playing for a few minutes.  On another good note, I made some fabulous chicken soup today.  It was a miracle worker.  As soon as we all had a few bites in our bodies, everyone's disposition changed and we had a very pleasant evening.  Note to self: next time make the chicken soup for breakfast!

One Month!

Ok, time is officially going by way too fast here!  I can't believe that Ezra is a month old already!  He is just growing and growing.  He is such a cutie and a great baby and little brother!