Happy Birthday to Me - Part 1

As you know from this post, and this post, and this post... we like to do multiple part birthdays in our family.  Today was Part 1 for me.  Conversation a few days ago:
Juan: So, what do you want to do for your birthday?
Me: Oh, didn't I tell you? We're getting family pictures taken.
Juan: Are you kidding me? :(
Me: Nope. But aren't you glad we didn't take them for YOUR birthday?
Juan: not convinced...
Me: It's MY birthday! :)

So, here are some of the cutest ones.  I was EXTREMELY happy with the studio and we got the CD with about 50-60 great pictures on it!  (I played around with the formatting, but I know it's still retarded.  I'll work on it again some time.)

 

Goodbye Torie

Our friend Torie passed away.  I will always remember how kind and thoughtful she was.  She suffered from a variety of illnesses and physical impairments, but whenever I talked to her she was always concerned about how I was doing.  She had a hard time getting around, but whenever we went to the grocery store together or to do any other errands, I always felt like she was the cheerful one who made my day better.  When Ezra was born, she made him a cute blanket...and another cute blanket for Luz also.

Juan introduced Torie to our family.  Right after Luz was born, he started working as a taxi driver.  Torie didn't drive (due to a seizure she once had) and frequently called for a taxi.  When she realized how close we live (2 blocks away), she started calling Juan directly and they became friends.  Soon he was not only driving her to the bank and the grocery store, but taking her to doctor appointments and other errands.  She had lots of doctor appointments.  During the year 2009 when I was working, Juan and Luz would often hang out with Torie while I was at work.  Luz adored her.  She adored Luz.  She became Luz' personal grandma up the street.  Every single time we drove or walked by Torie's house, Luz waved at Torie and Kory.  Luz often talked about Torie's owies and asked why she had so many.  We visited Torie at home, at the hospital, at the care center, and spent lots of time listening to her stories.  It always made me feel a bit sad to hear about how her life used to be and how active she was.  By the time we met her, she was already in constant pain.

This was the first time Luz attended a viewing and funeral.  Juan didn't want to take her, but I really felt like they were good friends and Luz needed to say goodbye.  We attended the viewing Wednesday night.  Luz seemed to take it all in and asked lots of questions.  The funeral was Thursday morning and it was nice to get to know her some more from the stories her sister and daughters told about her.  We will sure miss you Torie!

Bye Tio! :(

Today Tio Samuel left for BYUI.  We are very sad that he won't be around to lull Ezra to sleep, make Swedish and German pancakes, play (purses/cars/blocks) with Luz, commiserate about car woes, and many other fun things we have done this fall.  Good luck this semester Tio!  We love you!  By the way, next time you see Ezra he'll be about 5 feet tall. :)

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.

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!

Bye Tia! :(

Today Tia Stephanie left for Maryland.  We are very sad that she won't be around for Luz to cuddle with in the mornings, paint toenails, make cookies, read stories, and the many other fun things that we have done together this summer.  On the other hand, we are excited for her to experience new and exciting things such as rooming with Mom again, going back to school, dating, etc.  Good luck Tia!

Happy Birthday to me (cont'd)

And now for the official birthday post:
Saturday - What I really wanted this year for my birthday was to spend some time together and for Juan to work on a list of small things around the house that I've been saving up for him.  He was thrilled, of course, with the idea.  So Saturday, he and Luz played together.
Sunday - Sunday morning my counselors popped in, surprising me with some original mango cupcakes (of which I did not get a picture unfortunately), a book, and a cute card.  Thanks!  Then we got to go to Diego's baby blessing and hang out with our friends Antonio and Veronica.  So fun!  We got home and Samuel cooked dinner.  Thanks Samuel!

 Baby Diego and Mama Veronica

Monday - Juan and Luz played, hung out, and did some errands together.  I got to go to Sam's Club with my friend Tepoe.  Then Juan barbecued hamburgers for me (and the rest of the family).  We had some great ice cream sundaes and I got to open some fabulous gifts.  Thanks to all!

Me, Samuel, and Victoria...all ready to blow out our candles!

Bye Tio! :(

Today Tio Matthew left for Rexburg.  We are very sad that he won't be around to help Luz go potty, play purses and babies, eat paletas after nap, help us start the car, and the many other fun things that we have done together this summer.  On the other hand, my baby brother has grown up and is off to live with roommates, study, buy his own food, clean his own apartment, and all of the other exciting adventures that come with being a FRESHMAN in college!

Happy Birthday to me! :)

Today I am grateful for a wonderful family...Mom, brothers, sisters, husband, daughter, aunts, uncles, grandparents...all who have taught me how to love. Thank you!

Wedding reception adventure!

Carolyn and I, along with 3 little girls, took a drive up to Ogden for a high school friend's wedding reception.  Well, it turned into a much bigger adventure than we had bargained for.  While exiting the freeway, my car decided not to work anymore.  Here's me parked on the side of the road.  After figuring out that the car could drive in reverse but not forward, I was finally able to get to the side. 

We had to have it towed. (sad) But met so many wonderful people in Ogden. (happy) We did make it to the reception, just as it was ending. (sad)  But had a chance to visit with the family in a less crowded environment. (happy) It was so fun to see the Young family after so many years - the last time being at my wedding 5 1/2 years ago!!!  Congrats Eric and Trish!

Happy Birthday Mom!

It's my mom's birthday today!  She is an amazing woman!  I love her dearly.  And I think this song describes her very well.  She continues to watch over me.

Baptism

One of Luz' favorite things do to is attend baptisms.  She talks about them for weeks!  She loves looking at pictures of Jesus being baptized and talks about the future when she can be baptized too.  Seriously.  It's cute.  I happen to be in charge of monthly baptisms for the Primary children, but she only gets to go with me when Papa is working.  Today we all got to go to a friend's baptism, Dylan.  It was a great day!  Thanks for inviting us!

Jenny Phillips Concert

Thanks to a reminder phone call from my lovely sis about 6:00 tonight, Juan, Luz and I were able to make it to a free concert featuring Jenny Phillips.  She was great!  Her music really reaches out to all.  I am very impressed with her as a person.  She just had her fourth baby earlier this year and it doesn't seem to have slowed her down.  But I think I know why.  Toward the end of her performance tonight, she shared an experience she had that changed her life.  She was driving on the freeway and a railroad tie was about to be flung into her windshield.  She just knew that she was going to die and quickly reflected on whether she had done all she should while on the Earth.  She didn't feel quite ready and prayed for more time.  Talk about making the most of each and every day!  Am I doing what Heavenly Father expects of me each and every day of my lives?  What more can I do to make the most of my unknown time on Earth?

Stalker Mom

I saw this as someone's Facebook post and really liked it.
PROMISE TO MY CHILDREN: I will stalk you, freak out on you, lecture you, drive you crazy, be your worst nightmare, embarrass you in front of your friends, and hunt you down like a bloodhound until the day you understand why I do it. Then I will know you are a responsible adult. It's all because I love you! You will never find someone who loves & cares about you more than your Mom! :)

A Sad Day

You know how some experiences that other people have make you think about your own life?  Today that happened to me.  I got a call this morning from my sister-in-law, who told me that her sister's baby had passed away and she was going to have to deliver her at 18 1/2 weeks.  I got off the phone in tears.  During the entire day I just thought of her and how sad I am for her.  I wish no one had to go through that.  Losing a baby is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do and I don't think there are many other experiences that feel quite like it.

Tonight I needed a good cry, so Juan and I watched Love Takes Wing (#7 from this series on DVD) and ate Mexican sweet bread.  It was nice to spend a few moments together and get out some tears.

By the way, I absolutely love this series and highly recommend it!  Every movie makes me cry, but sometimes that's a good thing.

A great lady: Cheryl Feland

I attended a funeral today and wanted to write a little bit about Cheryl.  Cheryl is married to George, who was my dad's best friend growing up.  I think they met in 3rd grade.  I grew up hearing stories about Dad and George from my dad, grandparents, aunt, and uncle.  Everyone had lots of stories about Dad and George.  When my parents were dating and newly married, they all lived in Provo and my Mom started her own collection of "George stories."  I don't actually recall the first time I met Cheryl, but I remember my parents talking about how perfect she was for George.

Today I learned some things about Cheryl that I didn't know before.  She served as Young Women President for 11 years in a row.  It takes a VERY special lady to do that!  She was very musical.  I already knew that she was an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother.  And that she was a teacher for many years and later became a school administrator.

What I will most remember about Cheryl is how openly she loved people.  During a conversation, she always made me feel like I was the most important person.  Here is her obituary.

Happy Father's Day!

Luz has the best dad in the whole world!  He loves her so much and loves for her to know that.  He is patient and happy when they play together.  He teaches her how to be a kind person.  He works hard for our family.  We love you Papá!

Tio Matthew has arrived!

Luz and I got to pick Tio Matthew up from the airport today.  We are so excited that he will be staying with us for the next few weeks while attending BYU for the summer.

Good friends, good times

Today I had a great time with a friend and her little girl.  I am grateful for true friends and treasured memories.