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.