Goodbye 2008

New Years Resolution 2009

This year I plan to......
be a better mother
be a better friend
graduate!!!!
continue the Tubiolo tradition of Friday Night Pizza
finally get my house organized
laugh harder
get in shape
see the west coast
don’t sweat the small stuff
give more hugs, it’s a Spanish thing anyway
& try not to worry about what others think, I know who I am

Lately I have had time to think about what kind of mother I want to be. Our move to Texas changed our lives and our busy schedules pulled us away from each other in a way. I love that my kids have friends, but I want them to want to play with me instead, and thank goodness…. they still do. For a minute I thought it was too late but I found that my kids would still rather play a board game, watch movies, and hang out at home with mom and dad. These days will be gone so I plan to make the most of them now.
I want to make more home cooked meals and spend personal time with each of my kids: Ethan and I have Fridays, when I have him all to myself. We will continue to keep our play dates and mommy days for each other. Once he starts school, these days will fly by and be gone forever. I want to build a strong bond with my girls, hopefully it will make the rough years ahead, easier. I already have our first plans….tea house downtown followed by color me mine pottery (that Rachel recommended), I can’t wait. These are the kinds of memories I want to make for my kids. I want them to know that I am always here for them. Being a mom has been great and the best gift I could ever ask for.
I have lost friends and loved ones this year and I know that with each loss you become a stronger person. I learned not to take life for granted and show appreciation for those who matter in my life: my kids, family, and my good friends.
So as I say goodbye to 2008, I welcome the New Year with a sense of hope and happiness about new beginnings and a bright future.

Just Minutes

I only have a few minutes before I have to log off so I choose to blog. So...let's see...what is on my mind?
Well, today is my little brother's birthday, he is 20. Happy Birthday! Brother, I love you, miss you, and wish I could hug you. Mental note: don't forget to call him today.
Why is it 70 degrees in Texas today? It doesn't feel like the holidays at all. I am glad I took down all the Christmas stuff already.
Did crafts, played games, took the kids to the park, where to next?
I need to get to Kroger today, ran out of bread this morning...can't remember how much milk is left!?? With school back next week, I need lunch stuff!
Where the heck is my camera? Why am I always losing things, like my keys, camera, and phone??
What should I wear to the movies tonight???
Did I switch the wash? And why am I always doing laundry???
Aghhh, needless to say there is a lot on my mind right now. It's funny what goes through your mind, when you sit and think about it:)
I hope everyone is having a good day.

This Christmas.....

Christmas is over and I can see our vacation coming to an end. Just around the corner are our busy schedules, getting up early, packing lunches, having my Starbucks in the car (always on my way somewhere), and SCHOOL......aghhhh.

As I fill the recycle bin with wrapping paper and cardboard boxes from Christmas morning, I ask myself why we do this. I spent over four hours wrapping all the gifts, making sure they looked just perfect and they were all unwrapped in under ten minutes!!!!
I put a lot of thought into the kids gifts and tried really hard to get them exactly what they wanted. Sydney was a little disappointed, because the one and only thing she asked Santa for was sold out, so she didn't get it. So after a few disappointing tears, we had a talk about the REAL meaning of Christmas. She apologized for being upset and thanked Jesus for all the goodness in her life. Wow!
Without bragging too much, I do have to admit that I have it made: my parents are wonderful, my siblings are great, my nieces & nephew love me, I have real friends, my hubby and kids are healthy and happy....there is nothing I could want more.
I am so thankful that I was able to spend Christmas with my sister and her family, and some really good friends...eating, drinking, and being very merry!
I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas.

Tubiolo's Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The kids made homemade cookies for Santa tonight,
covered with sprinkles in green, red, and white.
Letters for Santa were left by the cookie plate,
the kids were so anxious, they stayed up so late!
When the children were nestled all snug in mom and dad's bed,
Nintendo's and American Girls danced in their heads.
Mom & dad in their jammies finishing all the gift wrap,
Had just settled down, so desperately wanting a nap.
When out from the closet there arose such a clatter,
We quickly ran to see what was the matter.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
The hidden Santa toys falling all over, oh dear!
As soon as the kids were out for the night,
we put out the toys and turn out the lights.
Christmas day will be filled with love and laughter so dear,
as the excitement and smiles on their little faces appear.
Looking forward to 2009 with family and friends,
As a new and better chapter in our life begins.
This holiday season has been out of sight,
so, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Santa Lives On

I was watching the movie Gremlins with my children. I had a list of things a mile long that I should be doing, my children should have been sleeping. But there we sat. The littlest ones fascinated by a movie much more scary than I remember. If I had remembered there is no way I would have let my kids watch.
I am amazed at how much of this movie I had forgotten. I remember the "Don’t get them wet!" and "No feeding them after midnight!" but the rest is a complete blur.
Take for example Phoebe Cates telling the sad story of her father’s death. How did he die? He dressed up as Santa and tried to come down the chimney and broke his neck. She ends the story by saying, "And that was how I found out there was no Santa Claus."
I looked over at my kids.... no one said a word. I didn't say a word. Santa lives on.

Two Weeks Together

Today is the first day of our official Christmas vacation. I am so glad that the kids are finally off from school, so I can sleep in a little and have them to myself for a while. I love when the kids are home, they fill the house with all the noises I love to hear: cartoons, laughter, and their cute little voices. I have the pantry stocked with home made recipe ingredients, cookies from scratch, and crafts to keep us busy. I also managed to set up play dates each week for the kiddos while they are off, play time for the kids...adult time for the mommy's. I think this Christmas vacation will the best one yet, I plan to make the most of it. I'm working on my New Years Resolution, it's definitely one I will stick with, I'll post it once I have fine tuned it. So for now, the next two weeks will be filled with all the fun times I remember having when I was a kid, family time and time with good friends: these are the memories that live on forever...........:)

The Warm Fuzzies

With the weather changing all the time and the cold dreary nights, I've had a lot of time to think.....I know that sounds scary but it's actually a good thing. I haven't had a moment for myself in a long time, so now is good a time as any. The cold rainy days remind me of what's important in life: my family, my true friends, and myself.

I just love cuddling on the couch with Mike and the kids, all in our pj's watching movies and laughing. Our family time are the best part of my day.

Phone calls to family and friends. I love my chats with mom, she is truly a great mother and a great friend, I wish she lived closer so I could hug her everyday. Lisa: wow, we can talk for hours, I never thought I'd meet someone who could talk as much as me, LOL! Thanks for our talks and laughter, I promise I will visit you soon.

Those big brown eyes of my children, melt my heart.

The smell of hot chocolate, chicken noodle soup, and warm baking bread: all the smells that fill our home during the cold winter months.

Reading a book in bed.

Christmas music in the O.R., the other night we (me & the docs) sang the Muppet's twelve days of Christmas during a c-section....it was funny!!!

Getting holiday cards from friends and family all over, I've received almost 80 cards this year. it's nice to know that we have that many people who love us in our lives.

These things make these cold dreary days worth while, I just love it.

10 Years Strong

Today Michael and I celebrate ten years of marriage.

What I see when I look at Micheal.......

I see a great father: one who through the years never hesitated to change a diaper, do a midnight feeding, or babysit so I could get a little break. He always rushes home to be with us and more than anything has always shown the children how much he loves them and how much he loves me.

I see a great Friend: He is not judgmental, he looks at people for who they are inside and never takes people for granted. When you become a friend of his, you have a true friend for life. He knows how to make me laugh, is there when I need a shoulder, and calls me everyday during the day just to say hello.

I see myself: Mike brings out the best in me. He makes me feel like a good mother, a good wife, and a good friend.

I'd be lying if I said we never fight and to pretend our marriage is perfect would be silly, the past ten years have been a challenge, but I wouldn't change a thing. I am so grateful for our three wonderful children and the home we have made. As I look to our future, I know only good things will come, because we have each other and that is all we need.

A Mommy Day For Ethan

Today was a great day. Ethan came up to me this morning, with huge tears in his eyes, and said that he misses me when he is at school, then gave me the biggest hug ever. With his little arms wrapped so tightly around my neck, I couldn't help but think of what a wonderful job I am doing. It is always a great feeling when you are reassured, not that ever doubted myself.

So because today is one of Ethan's normal school days, I had to decide whether or not to let him miss. So I sat Ethan down on my bed and attempted to tell him what a busy day I had planned but instead I looked into his big brown eyes and my heart melted.

So our day started having coffee with a friend, and my yearly physical at my OB/GYN's!!! Doesn't sound like much fun for Ethan so far but it gets better.....

We came home got back into our pj's and just hung out tgether. I got caught up on power rangers, connect four, and story time. My attention was on only him. After school a good friend and I took all the kids to the park where they ran and played. Once we got home, the house was filled with the voices and laughter of six little children, which I don't mind at all, my kids have good friends, and it's nice to see them playing so well together. We all made gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate. I wish everyday could be like this, filled with pure happiness. I realized today how fast my kids are growing up, I wish that I could slow them down. Since I have no control over it, I'll take days like today and just cherish every moment.

Ethan turns 5

Today is Ethan's birthday. He is now five years old!!! I can't believe how time flies. Since he had surgery yesterday, we didn't do much to celebrate other than let him eat all the ice cream he wanted. He was so happy and so proud to be FIVE!
We will celebrate his birthday next weekend.
Happy Birthday Ethan!!!

No More Tonsils

Just wanted to update everyone on Ethan's tonsillectomy today. His doctor came up to me after surgery and showed me what he removed, his tonsils were extremely huge!! It was a good thing we got them out when we did. Ethan's only complaint when he woke up, was that the gown they made him wear had polka dots and was 'girly'. He is doing great! He came home around 9:30 am and slept until almost 1pm. When he woke up he said he was hungry. He had a Popsicle and applesauce and said he was still hungry!! He also said he felt no pain. We gave him his pain meds around 3pm (6 hours after his initial dose), but only because we felt he should have them before he started to feel any pain. When the girls came home from school, he proudly announced that he got his tonsils out and wanted to show everyone. He was running around the house as normal as on any other given day. He played a little outside and wanted to do more. I'm glad he is doing so well. The doctor called us tonight to check on him and said it was a good sign that he wanted to play. He will probably get worse before he gets better, but for now is doing extremely well.

Thanksgiving Road Trip.....It's a long one

Day 1: November 25
We hit the open road from Texas and headed toward Florida. We loaded the minivan and left about 7am. We thought the kids would sleep for a few hours but they didn't. They were just as excited as we were. But I came prepared; I had ipods, Nintendo DS's, and a handful of good movies to keep them entertained. Next time I won't let Mike pack them because when Etan was ready for his ipod, he got all the cords knotted!!

I got a great idea from Debbie to get the bright colored pipe cleaners for the road, so I did and they worked very well. Just when the kids thought they had enough of the electronic entertainment, out came the pipe cleaners. The kids loved them and helped each other make flowers, animals, and letters out of them, and the best thing about them is the easy clean up! Thanks Debbie!

Day 2: November 26
Our little adventure landed us in Orlando around midnight and we were tired!!! I was so happy when we pulled into our hotel and got into bed.

Disney World

The kids jumped out of bed at the sound of the alarm clock because they knew what lied ahead!Yes, we had a date with a mouse! I have to admit that I was excited too. What made this Disney trip even more special is that we met up with some really good friends from Texas.

The weather was nice, the park wasn't very crowded, and the kids rode every ride they wanted to with hardly any waiting at all. I learned that Ethan loves roller coasters, he even rode space mountain and loved it. He wasn't afraid of the haunted mansion either, he was so funny. Naty absolutely loved getting soaked on splash mountain. We had so much fun.

Day 3: November 27 THANKSGIVING DAY

I won't speak of the huge spread of food that we had, it's pretty much typical: turkey, stuffing, pumkpin pie, etc. The people around us is what made this Thanksgiving extra special. Our day filled with family and friends. Something has to be said about having a large family and good old friends around you on the holidays. I was surrounded with love and it felt great, the day was spent laughing and enjoying each others company. I am so thankful for the family and friends that I have, I am truly blessed.

Day 4: Novembe 28 BLACK FRIDAY

Yes I hit the sales with my mom. There was nothing I had to absolutely have but I enjoyed the chaos and the great deals. Later in the afternoon, we visited some old friends and spent the day at the park.

Our Story....Mike was a new grad working in a new firm where he met Darrell. They both became really good friends and it was funny that both Darrell's wife, Kathrine, and I were pregnant and due around the same time. We started spending time together and ended up doing everything together, they bacame a naural part ofour holidays. Even all our parents ar friends. Sydney and Andrew gre up together and became best friends.

About 15 months later out to dinner, Katherine didn't order her typical glass of wine or Midori sour and I looked at her and said well I'm not drinking tonight either and we both started laughing, becase that's how we both informed each other about our second pregnancies. Ryan & Naty were born a month apart!!

When Kathrine told me she was pregnant again, Mike and I were contemplating a third so we decided to just do it, Ethan & Jared are 5 months apart.

Our friendship stayed strong and the kids have become like brothers and sisters.

Day 5: November 29

This day was a relaxing day. I stayed home with my parents and Mike went to visit his parents. We ate leftover Turkey and Stacy and I ran to CVS, where we got some really good deals. Stacy filled a cart and paid less than $3!!!

I enjoyed my scenery. It was nice to be back in an area where a lake surrounds you, everyone knows each other, lots of mom and pop stores, old fashioned ice cream man pushing a cart goes down the street, and the town still has a Christmas parade. I miss having all those little things. The weather was so nice that the kids got to play outside all day! And they absolutely loved spending time with aunt Stacy.

Day 6: November 30

A sad day. We had breakfast with my family and lunch with Mike's family and then were on the road gain heading for home. None of us wanted to leave. It was really hard saying goodbye to all our family and friends, but we had a great time. I value all the things I have and the people in my life.

Traveling Tubiolo Tales

Our road adventure started Tuesday morning when we hit the open road traveling to Florida, to meet up with some Texas friends at Disney World and to visit our families for Thanksgiving. We had a really good time and our days were busy but relaxing. We were so happy to be there, I really miss living close to our parents, our extended families, and our old friends.
We are on the road currently and I can only blog so much, so this blog will extend over the next few days. I will be home tomorrow and I will post pictures and update you on our road trip adventure. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!!

So Thankful

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought I would blog a little about what I am thankful for this year.
My family: My kids make my world go round. I am my happiest when we are all in our pj's watching a movie, playing a board game, or just hanging out. As long as we are all together, I am happy. I couldn't ask for a better marriage. Mike is not only my husband but he is my best friend, he knows me better than I know myslef sometimes. He knows what makes me mad and he knows how to make me laugh, he is great. My parents: Being married for over thirty years, they have taught me the value of marriage, family, and friendships. My parents are the kind of people that you can turn to for anything and I just love them for all their support and love. My brother, sisters, nieces and nephew are very important in my life. Yes we have our battles but we can't be torn apart, our family ties are strong.
My friends: I have made some real good friends over the years. Living so far from my family in Florida, my local friends have become like my family. My friends around me have made Texas feel like home: thanks for spending weekends and holidays with us and our good old times hanging out on the street. My distant friends are special in their own way, I'm thankful to have friends that care enough to keep in touch from afar: thanks for our long phone conversations, emails, and letters. I miss you all. My L&D crew past and present: thanks for our middle of the night laughters when the silliest thing makes you laugh so hard,you cry.ahhh,thanks for our long conversations, and working together as a team. L&D is quite an experience on its own, but those girls make it fun. To wrap it all up....I am thankful for everything I have been given and everyone that I have met, I know how to appreciate what I have. I love my life, my family, and my friends. There is nothing more I could ask for.

My Little Pilgrims

Naty and Ethan were in school programs today.
They were both so cute. It all started at Ethans school at noon. I walked into the gym to see a large stage with my little boy almost center stage surrounded by other four-year olds. He was dressed in khaki pants, a button down shirt, and a wool vest. He looked so grown up. He made a Pilgrim hat and collar in class that he had on as well. When he saw me, his eyes lit up and he just smiled. During his performance, he kept eye contact with me and it made me want to cry. There he was, my shy little boy singing in a room filled with parents and teachers. He was so adorable.
After his performance we had lunch together, joined by Sandra, Jojo, and Mima. It was a nice time with good friends.
Afterwards Ethan and I headed to Naty's school for her performance. Her teacher converted the classroom into a mini theatre and the kids all did a great job. The kids told a Thanksgiving story and Thanksgiving jokes. It was really cute. I had a busy busy day.

No Motivation Today

Anyway along with many other things that need to get done, my couponing has been long forgotten. I bought a huge binder with baseball card holders, cut every coupon and organized them by item type: cereal, frozen, household cleaners, etc….. I see the weekly ads come in the mail and I know all the great deals thanks to the grocery game and still nothing. I can’t seem to get back into it. I was a little motivated when I went to Kroger with Silvia last night and spent $16 on $60 worth of groceries!!!! but will itbe enough to get me back on track?
Today I relax in my pajamas; sitting at home staring at the unclipped coupons and laundry that desperately needs to get done. It’s the last thing to complete my spotless house and yet I am not motivated in any way. Aghhh!
Rachel where are you, I need a Starbucks run!!!

I need MOM

I have been stuck in a fog lately and don't know how I got there. As the days go by I keep myself busy trying to keep my mind from wandering over it.
Momma raised me right, from her I learned to have an open heart, not be afraid to meet new people, and to do for others while expecting nothing in return. I have definately incorporated that in myself but, my heart gets broken, I meet the wrong people and get taken advantage of. I am not sure why people do the things they do, it's crazy the situations that make you realize who your real friends are. I know I am not perfect, I take things too seriously, and I hold grudges but I am a good person. When someone wrongs me, I have a hard time dealing with it.
When my life gets hectic, mom is awlays there for me, usually with a fresh pot of coffee, home cooking, and her arms to hug me and tell me she loves me. So with that in mind, I count down the days until my Florida Thanksgivng trip, when I am home, surrounded by people that I love and love me, and always laughing because we are so happy together. I can't wait be home again and catch up with my large family and good old friends.
I know when I get back, the fog will be gone, things will be clear and I will move on.

In Memory of Yoshi

Friday started out as any normal day and ended with a horrible tragedy.
It was 5:24 pm when my phone rang, it was my little brother. He sounded so frantic and upset. He informed me that my little sis, Stacy, and her boyfriend, Yoshi, were in a bad car accident. My mom and brother were in route to the hospital where Stacy & Yoshi were air lifted. All he knew was that Yoshi was killed and no news on Stacy. Rumors were flying all over as to what her status was. As the tears fell, my heart just broke. It is so hard to be hundreds of miles away from where my family is, waiting on answers and praying that everything was okay. Silvia and I waited as patiently as we could trying to comfort each other and hoping for the best. Finally around 7pm I heard Stacy's voice for the first time.....and the tears just poured.

Stacy spent Friday at the Lake with Yoshi, there she said they were both so happy. He was rolling down hills and laughing, so happy just being with her. On their way home, he lost control of the car and crashed. Stacy is fine, but Yoshi passed away. Family and friends surrounded Stacy's hospital bed comforting her as best they could. I know this will be a long hard struggle for her but with the love that surrounds her, we will help her get through this. Yoshi was a wonderful boy, someone you could only wish for your own daughter. He will always be considered a part of the family. My heart goes out to Stacy. I wish I was near her to help her through this.

Yoshi, your memory will live on and you will always be in our thoughts and prayers, you will be truly missed.

Stacy....stay strong and keep your head up, I love you and I will always be here for you.

Fall is Here

A picture is worth...well you know.

just take a look, here are just a few that I took today. What a nice day in the park. The golden leaves on the trees rained down and rustled across the ground.

Ahh.......me and my Starbucks, I could have stayed here all day.

Way to go Ethan

This was Ethan’s first time ever playing soccer. He had his end of season soccer party tonight. We had such a great team, all the parents work well together and the boys get a long wonderfully. The coach made a special announcement about Ethan, she said she was so proud of his great sportsmanship and focus of attention. He always listens so well and is a quick learner. I’m so glad to see Ethan do well in sports, with two big sisters that are not so sports savvy, I didn't know what to expect but, Ethan loves the competition and scored over thirty goals this season!!!

Go Ethan! You make us so proud!

Election Day

I am wearing my red, white and blue proudly today.
As I stood outside the poll room, people were talking, everyone seemed so confident in their decision. With knots in my stomach and my mind buzzing, I wondered if people vote for the right reasons and do they realize what they just did?? I know who's side I'm on but can't help but think of what this country will be like tomorrow. Will the U.S. see it's first African American President or will it see our first woman Vice President??? I'm a bit nervous.
On the upside lots of free goodies today if you carry an "I voted" sticker. My fave was the free Starbucks, and I got mine!!!! But the downside of wearing the sticker s that everyone wants to know who you voted for. Quit asking already. Really.

Happy Halloween

10/31/2008

7:15 am

Today was Friday, crazy hair day at school, and Halloween so you know the kids were excited. I worked on the girls hair making it look crazy, I think I succeeded:

5:00 pm

Halloween Carnival at Ethan's school. The kids dressed in their costumes and had a blast sliding down the great big slide.


7:00pm

All dressed up and ready to go, the kids had a blast trick or treating. We walked for about two hours, and had to empty thier candy baskets twice!!

We have way too much candy!

Ahh, Halloween, how it brings back so many memories. There's nothing like a night of trick or treating and costumes to make you feel young again. I like to see all the Halloween decorations.

When I was shopping for costumes, was amazed at how each year the costumes not only get more expensive, but what better quality they are. I remember those plastic costumes and plastic masks from way back when, you know the ones that ripped way befor the night was over, I just loved them. My favorite costume growing up was strawbery shortcake, I googled it until I found it. Here was the costume I had when I was little and one from now:

Costumes have really come a long way!

Good Friends are Never Forgotten

Last night I made a long overdue phone call. It was to my old L&D unit in Florida. I worked there for four years before moving to Texas.
I thought they had forgotten all about me, but as soon as I said "hey, it's Sonia" they knew exactly who I was and were so happy to hear from me. I chatted with Brenda, Donna, and Liz. It was so good to hear their voices again and catch up. They were hoping I wouldn't like Texas so much and move back. For a long time I didn't like Texas. I was lonely and had to make all new friends and start a whole new life. Within the last year Texas finally felt like home and I don't know if I'll ever move back. I do miss the ocean, Disney World, Publix, friends, and my family. Both families-my relatives and my girls in L&D. I miss Brenda's baking, Liz's stories, pokeno, girls nights, and just being in the company of some of the greatest people in the world. WRMC ladies, you guys are awsome and I miss you all very much.

In the Halloween Spirit

This past weekend was packed full of Halloween fun.
It all started on Saturday, following soccer games during the day we came home took naps and went costume shopping. The girls decided to recycle costumes, so they will be High School Musical characters! Two weeks ago we were in search of a white power ranger costume, but since that is a retired power ranger, we couldn't find it so Ethan settled for a blue one. Ofcourse on our wal-mart costume shopping for me, we found a white one. There was only one left and it was in his size, aghhh. So I had to get it.

Anyway, after trying on a several costumes myself, I decided to go with a pirate wench costume borrowed from my sister. Who would have thought that the hosts of the Halloween party that I went to were pirates! I met up with some friends to carpool to the party and two of them were also pirate wenches, so we fit right in. So about this party...first of all it was hosted at a doctors house who went all out in decorations. They converted there 5,000+ square foot suburban home into a haunted mansion. the foyer, which was as big as my family room, greeted you with fog, black lights, and skeletons. the kitchen and breakfast room housed monsters and halloween themed food. Bats and spiders climed the walls and I just loved the severed head hanging from the kitchen chandelier with red punch fountain underneath, it looked like you were drinking the blood dripping from the hanging head. The costues were amazing; popeye & olive oil, bert & ernie, and michael phelps were amongst some of the greatest costumes. It was a great night. Lisa, Sharon, Tracy, and Bobbi thanks for such a fun filled night. You really bring out the party girl in me, i luv ya for that. We have many many many funny stories of that night out. Can't wait til doctor G's Christmas party, I'm sure it will be a blast too. See you at work my crazy crew, together we make our long shifts fly by.

We went to a Halloween carnival Sunday night where the kids enjoyed a large bouse house slide, pumpkin bowling, petting zoo, haunted maze, face painting, hay rides and a dance off. Black and Red spiderman were there and Ethan was amazed, he thought they were the real ones, and we all know his fascination with spiderman. He was happy to meet up with Griffin from his class who was dressed as the incredible hulk. Together they had a great time.

My Treasures

Playing outside
Face it, kids need to be outdoors. They need the fresh air and the sun shining on their faces.
Some of our favorite family times happen on our street. It’s nice to be able to pull out our lawn chairs and watch the kids play. I can still remember taking off Ethan’s training wheels, he was so determined he learned to ride without help that same day. Our new swing set has been such a blessing. It has brought the laughter and friendships into our back yard. I just love it.

Family Time
No matter how busy your week is, make the time to connect with your family. I keep myself pretty busy, When I am not in class or on the hospital floor, my thoughts are with the fam. Nothing makes me happier than hanging out with Mike and the kids in our pj's putting together a 1000+ piece puzzle or watching a movie. Although I have not given into moon sand and projects with glitter, making crafts is huge in our house. the kids get their creative side from me. They also love to help me in the kitchen; they make great potato mashers, cake mixers, and table setters.
Our families live so far away that keeping in touch is of great importance to us all. The kids talk to their grandparents on a regular basis, not because I make them but because they want to. They make gifts and care packages for Nanny & Papi and love receiving them from both Nanny and Grandma Barb.

Friendship
Everyone needs a friend, someone you can trust, laugh with, talk to, vent to, and cry with. I teach my kids the importance of treating people the way they want to be treated, to be the kind of person that makes people happy to be around. I have learned that it is possible for just one person to change your life, whether it be good or bad, everyone brings a life lesson with them. I have met some wonderful people in my life and I feel truly blessed.

TuTu Cute

For the past week I have been working on tutu's for my girls. I went out and bought some tulle and I'm hooked. These precious little tutu's are so cute. I am working on my third one now and I am teaching the girls to make one themselves, they want to make matching ones for their American Girl dolls! How cute.
Instructions:
Tulle: 2-4 yards total. You can use one solid color or a combination of colors.
Elastic: ½-inch wide for babies and toddlers/1-inch wide for older children. You will need a piece long enough to go around the waist of your child.
Step 1: Lay tulle out across a large flat surface with fold toward you. Cut 3-inch wide strips using all of the tulle. You can use a cutting board and rotary blade or just cut with scissors. It is not important that the strips be perfectly straight or exactly 3 inches wide.
Step 2: Wrap elastic around child’s waist and cut where edges just meet. Overlap elastic 1-inch over the other side and staple together along both edges. Make sure staples are running up and down, not from side to side. You can also hand stitch the elastic together or sew on a sewing machine.
Step 3: Open a strip of tulle and place the center over the back of the elastic. Pull tulle around to the front and tie snuggly. Repeat with all tulle pieces.
Step 4: Once all pieces are securely tied on you can spread them out more evenly and you are ready to set back and watch your little one dance up a storm!