Tis' the Season

I promised the boys that this year we would take full advantage of the Holidays. Camera or no.....so you get the cell phone images once again.

We started the day with a monorail trip to the Seattle Center to go ice skating and watching the electric toy trains.


We met Julio for lunch then headed down to Pike's for some light shopping.

Jordan say the Obama figure and wanted to get it -- he settled for a picture. The picture is a little akward because I was trying to get W Bush out - must he mess everything up?!?!

At the end of the day we met back up with Julio (working) to go home. I had to take this picture because Diego's hair is too wild. I am seeing how long I can get away with growing it out. We have never had a child with longer hair....I am starting to see why.
Don't mind Jordan's 'gang' flash - he was trying to put his hands up to be silly and that is how the picture came out....kids!

Carnival

So the school carnival is over!
In August I volunteered to chair our school's carnival with the unbelievable help of an amazing committee, we put everything together for our Nov. 14th date! The event is new to the school, so we started from scratch.
We had a great turn out - it was a little too over crowded for me, but that can be adjusted for next year's date.
So that is where I have been for the last 2 months - any spare time was spent planning. So for now I am working still and gearing up for Christmas......do the tasks ever lessen?

DIY time

My mom came up to visit last week and it seems that our custom is to take on a project.

Here we go....This is my bathroom, it is small and ugly. When we first bought the house the broken glass grouted to the walls gave the house character. After a while however, I realized I didn't like Diego touching the wall fearing he would cut himself. It was impossible to clean and there was an organized attempt to be unorganized leading to grouped coloring that stood out - to us at least.

So on every wall except in the shower was similar to the picture.

Here is our helper during demolition.

Diego got to watch a lot of cartoons during the week and was very patience with the process.

Here is the 98% finished product. There is just detail work left to do.

Once again - with my mom we kicked butt.

Mom, thanks for coming and visiting and helping me take on this project, love you.

Choices...

As Halloween is approaching I am trying to stay ahead of the game and getting costumes ready. No, I am not the kind to make the boys their costumes, call it lazy, untalented, or uncreative - I just don't and really never plan to.

So Jordan knows what he wants to be, as usual an unpopular choice - Legalos from Lord of the Rings. We recently let him watch the chronicles - new characters to him, the rest of the world...a little old. I might try and talk him into something else but he is usually set in his ways.

Diego on the other hand....he has his mind made up, "Handy Manny that is what I want to be....and I be wolverine (X-men) and I bam you 'caues I be Kung Fu Panda!" Ah, yes all in the same breathe. I explain that he can only be one, so he picks one. We talk about Halloween and within minutes he changes his mind! Oh, what to do, if I stay ahead of the game by halloween I know he will expecting something else.

I do have to say I love Diego's age, he can make his own choices and explain why the decison makes sense to him.

I will keep you all posted!

Yummy!

I love things that make life easier! Jordan had requested a few lunchables for school. 3 days out of the week I do not get home until 8 a.m. so he has to choose between a hot lunch or making his own lunch. So lunchables is a good emergency lunch for him. Well, as I was picking them up I saw that they have lunchables for toddlers and decided to let Diego a pack (they come in 2s).
As alway he was leary about something so different than his typical requested soup or PB (no jelly!). He loved them!
My one thought is that I think they are too small for him - I love the bite size chunks, but Diego enjoys his food. So as long as I serve him his lunchable with additional sides he is satisfied. It would also make a good on the go snack.

Also, here is a picture of the boys - no I do not have a camera yet - but a cell camera is just as good, as long as you pay no attention to the fuzzyness.

All is good!

I know it has been too long since I blogged last! I still don't have a camera so I feel guilty puting up a blog with no decor.
Anywho, alot has been going on with us. School has started for Jordan and he is enjoying it. At times during the first week he was a little stressed, but he seems to be getting comfortable with the new setting. I have started a new job - call me crazy but I am working a graveyard shift at a women's rehab. center. I have really enjoyed it.
So after work I go to sleep while Diego goes to a babysitter's for a few hours. At first Diego was not adjusting well, I was a little worried about him. Now, less than a month later he is disappointed when doesn't get to go - huge kudos to Torrie!
As for Julio - he is plugging away at work and trying to get involved as much as possible in the foster care community. Earlier in the week he was invited to D.C. to briefly speak at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Conference.

End of Summer Chaos

Just as summer break began, it is now coming to an end. And with that comes chaos while preparing for a new schedule.

Just as I seem to be getting a grasp on summer it is time for a shuffle and I feel behind in all that needs to be done.

The boys and I have just got back from a great trip to Idaho for a family reunion in West Yellowstone. It is always great to see family and have the boys get to know where I come from.

I will try to remember to post pictures later, when I get any. My camera is officially broken - I made sure of it. So until I get a new one I will be posting some random shots of our summer.

2016 Olympics or bust!

This spring we went swimming and Jordan got enough courage to try and dive. Some teenagers began diving and doing tricks off the board. When Jordan saw this his jaw dropped, they made it look easy and fun.

Joining the dive team this summer, Jordan had no idea how to dive; this weekend he has his final competition. Jordan competes in the "pre-competition" (beginning dive) and has placed first in every meet (he doesn't have many competitors).

In the video he is practicing his back dive, the 1st dive is not too good, the 2nd is the best and the 3rd is good. (Obviously there are at least 5 min. lapses between the dives)
It has been fun to watch him develop another talent, which we are hoping he continues to enjoy. His biggest weakness is jumping (no surprise to us) he just can't get the height. His strengths - no fear, hands down! He is not afraid to hit that water, so he is willing to try any dive.

Now when we go swimming Jordan goes to the board and stays there the whole time.

So my camera is officially broken so I used my cell phone - not the best picture.

Kodak Moment

So Jordan had a dive meet this weekend and I wanted to film one of his dives to post - since I have been doing a really bad job at posting lately.
Jordan is really having fun with the dive team and is doing really good considering on day one he had never dived before.
We get to the meet.....and in my typical fashion I drop my camera, on the wet cement floor. I couldn't understand why it didn't work - I drop it all the time and it is fine.....right.

So the whole meet I am bumbed about my camera, I kept messing with it- because I am such an expert on cameras. The meet is over and awards are being handed out and I try to turn on my camera - and it works perfect! The Kodak moment would then be me throwing the camera into the pool while cursing around children. But you all know me better than that.....meaning I didn't respond that way.

Maybe next week I will have a better 'opportunity' getting that perfect diving moment.

As for us we are getting ready to head to a family reunion/vacation to Idaho - camera will be in tow.

It has been too long! But it is worth it.......

It has been way to long since I posted any news on us! What a summer - it seems like we are always busy with not a lot going on.
The boys are in swim lessons and both love it! Jordan is also part of a dive team, we are thinking it might be a regular summer activity. Not only is Jordan spending time in the pool - he also has guitar lessons once a week.
As for Diego, we are waiting for the school year to begin an activity. Last year he was in tumble classes which he loved, but now that he is a little older there are other things that he could do - I will keep you 'posted'.

Since I don't have much to say I am leaving you with an awesome recipe!

Nacho S'mores

Break graham crackers into sections and spread on plate/pan. Then sprinkle mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over them and place under broiler until marshmallows are brown.

A great treat when you can't use a campfire.

YES Camille, I am mindful of the Ponytail Challenge --- a girl has to get some chocolate to stay sane!

A Carranza 4th

For the 4th we first went to a baseball game. Diego has been telling us for weeks that he "needs" to go to a game. We got there early to try to get a picture with the Moose - which has eluded us every game thus far.
Diego has two stuffed Moose that he sleeps with and associates baseball with the Moose so we needed a picture.
Diego was excited...talked non-stop about the awesome Moose, it was finally time to meet the Moose....he froze, he paniced, at one point he started to cry. But you would never tell by the picture.
You may ask yourself - "Where is Jordan in the picture?" Like I said we got there early, and the team was having batting practice, Jordan stayed behind in hopes that a ball would come his way.

After the game we went home and laid low, and in the evening we went to the movies - Wall E. We didn't feel like doing the whole firework thing - and the boys never turn down a movie. Our rating of Wall E -- over rated. It was good, but not as good as the reviews say. Even Diego out of no where commented that next time we go to Kung Fu Panda.

June 26th

It has been 10 years since we were married - can you believe it!

1) House
2) Boys
3) Moves (To Pocatello, to Provo, to Seattle)
4) Degrees
5) Wedding rings Julio has had
6) Jobs
7) Pets (3 cats - currently 1, 2 dogs, 1 crab - flushed, and fish - also flushed)
8) E.R. trips
9) Baseball games
10) Fabulous years!

20 things that make me SMILE!

Thank you Jessica - I wasn't going to do this, then I started to think of all the things that make me smile - now I have to do it!

No particular order -

1) Sunny warm days
2) Diego cuddling on my shoulder
3) Foot rubs
4) A clean house
5) The first snow fall of the season
6) Seeing Jordan walking/coming home from school
7) Food - that I don't cook or clean up
8) Diego's funky clustered together toes (long story)
9) Unexpected calls from friends and family
10) Compliments from Julio
11) Seeing Jordan's patience and love for Diego (It takes a lot some days)
12) Coming home from a trip to a clean house
13) Diego saying, "Mom you (my) best friend"
14) Tulips
15) Going through the boy's baby books
16) Julio coming home from work
17) Diego's silly walks - sideways walk, football stance "ready, set, go"(runs 3 ft. repeat), squat walk - to name a few.
18) The beginning my favorite movie "You've got mail"
19) Newly mowed/trimmed/raked yard
20) Seeing other's new blog postings!

There you go - "Those are a few of my favorite things."

Alright I'm tagging my girl Cher (I know you are busy with new little Sara) and Torrie (you know why :)) it will do you both some good!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIO!

THE BIG 28!! HE IS AN OLD MAN!! - Just kidding, he is taking it pretty hard; to him 30 is over the hill.

I love you - old man! ;)

Full House

I took about 50 pictures of the boys - Jordan was a little irritated. I did get a few good ones of just the boys, but adding 2 dogs and things quickly went down hill!

Well, a few posts ago I introduced Papi to our family. At times I am still wondering 'what was I thinking - 2 dogs!'

Not long after the post Papi had a fluke accident and fractured the top of his femur/hip! He tried to jump up on the dog house with VooDoo and fell oddly on the cement pad. So he has been on bed rest for almost 10 weeks!
Both he and I have been troopers, fortunately he is a lazy hound, unfortunately he is an active puppy. A lot of his training has had to be put on hold, but he is well behaved and still very affectionate.

He is 6 months old and is about an inch away from being the same size as VooDoo (who is full grown), he is going to be big!

Rain, rain go away.

So it is June - these are the months why we live in Seattle! Most people don't know this about Seattle but there is little to no rain during the summer months - everyone's grass turns brown - drought!
But not this month, we have had so much rain I am sick of it! I have even put Julio on notice - if I don't get some months of sun - if the weather here really does stay like this (i.e. global warming) we will be moving soon!

Everyday I check the 10 day forecast and there are sunny days coming - YIPPEE. I have to check daily just to keep my hopes up for sunny days. So sad.
I can handle the winter rain - crazy as it sounds I love it, but I need sun! Most of all I need to send the boys outside! We had great weather and the boys were outside all the time - then it was ripped from them - tragic!

I don't have too much more to say -- I will post a more positive blog in the coming days - I just needed to rant.

The big 10!!

Jordan has hit the double digits! I can't believe how old he is, I feel young until I think about Jordan - then I feel old.
For his big day we took him and a couple friends kayaking - one of Jordan's favorite things to do. Though the weather was overcast and jackets needed it was a great day. Julio and I got in "too deep" traveling further than our bodies should have. We kayaked all the way to the Downtown cove on Lake Union, we passed plenty of boats and saw a handful of sea planes take off and land. The Space Needle and skyline was an amazing backdrop.
Since Jordan was born around Memorial Weekend, we always have problems with travel plans on end of school activities. But this year was the big 10 so we celebrated from Friday to Monday. Everything the boy wanted he got, and the best part for me - he is very considerate and asks in moderation.
As for presents he got Mario Kart on the Wii and a guitar. I am not sure when the lessons will begin, but needless to say that will be an adventure.

I can't say enough how proud I am of Jordan - he really is turning into an individual with great character. This last Saturday we went to a baseball game. At the end, a man who sat next to Jordan leaned over to me and said, "You have an outstanding son, so polite and well behaved - well done."
As for the pictures - the first one is self-explanatory, the second one is a group picture with his friends on our trip and the last one is the game we went to this weekend (Los Marineros won on Salute to Latin American Beisbol Day).

To my mom

I know it is not Mother's Day, but with such great weather I have been doing a lot of yard work, and it has made me think of my mom.
Last June my mom came up to visit us for a week and as guilty as I feel, I put her to work. We did tons of yard work and by the end of her visit I no longer felt like the yard was someone else's. As we began simple clean up, I would mention something I liked or disliked about the yard/garden and before I knew it my mom was gathering the necessary tools and giving orders. We made drastic changes that made great memories.

One particular thing we did was cut down a dieing pine tree that was next to my front window, leaving a large gap in the garden. My mom hinted at going to the nursery to buy a "grandma tree" but we never got the time. After she left and I continued the yard work I found a beautiful Rhododendron bush that blooms salon pink. I decided to get it out of the shadows of larger bushes and plant it in the gap. It is now in full bloom and every time I look at it I think of my mom. (Picture above)

Since starting a family and buying a home I find myself fixing, adding, or changing a lot things that I really don't have experience with. I credit my confidence to my mom, I have never seen her hesitate to do a job on her own. It is great to work hard and have a great finished product.

During her visit some of the things we did; we pushed back and trimmed over grown bushes, adding a 2 ft. width to my yard and opening it up (made a big difference), we filled in an old garden patch and planted grass. One of the most painstaking projects was to lay a brick path connecting all of the previous paths (the old owners thought it was a good idea to spread tiny little rocks to fill in gaps instead of finishing the paths).
To put it bluntly we kicked ass! And we did it by ourselves - thanks mom!

We are still here!

Not only have I not updated the blog for a while, I also haven't had a chance to get online for several days.

So this is a "catch you up" post.

In March Jordan spent 2 Saturday's testing for a "highly capable" program the that district offers. About a week ago we got the news that Jordan did pass the test.

Some of the details about the test: students had 5 scores from various tests and three of the scores had to be in the 93 percentile of the nation. Jordan's highest score was reading and he was in the 98 percentile.
About the program: next year Jordan will be in 5th grade, however his curriculum will be at a 6th grade level. Fortunately, our current school is were the program is located so he will have his same friends and be only a block from home.
This is something Jordan really wanted and he worked so hard for the test. So to tell him we took him out to his favorite restaurant (one we never go to) - Benihana's. He was so excited, we are so proud of that boy!!!

We are now planning out his 10th birthday...yes I said 10!!! Double Digits!!! We are hoping to make it big for him -- hopefully pictures will follow.

As for Julio, on May 7th, he was a keynote speaker at a charity breakfast for the Center for Children & Youth Justice (http://www.ccyj.org/index.html).Though I couldn't attend - I have heard from several friends that he did awesome.
He was honored to be asked to speak for such a cause.

'J2DAO' is now at a sports law conference in San Fransisco until Saturday. Part of the conference includes a Giants game - I am sure he is "working hard" while he is there.

Next is Diego, not much going on with him just the terrible, terrible, terrible two's. I still adore his personality - but sometimes it can be too strong. I have finally stopped him from saying "I hate" (don't know where he got that from). I no longer have to tell him he has a bad attitude, he tells me he does. Ah, little Diego - that is completely a different blog.

I don't have any new pictures - or themed pictures so I inserted one of Diego...don't let the sweetness fool you.

One sided

Not a lot going on with us - but as I will always say; no new news is good news!

But I thought I would share something that always makes me smile...and then I try to psycholigize* the rational of my child.
It is very common to see Diego running, sitting, sleeping with only one sock on his foot. He does not do this everyday, but at least several times a week.
At first I thought that the boy was just too lazy to take off the second sock, or that he just forgot the second. But then the more I think about it, the more perplexing it is. Diego can be very finicky about things being done right. He is also very picky about is clothes, tags have to be cut, neck holes have to be wide, etc.

He does not have a preference to one foot or the other. I have asked him why he does this, but a two year old is often vague on details. I do not bring any more attention to the one sock, thinking he might be doing it to be funny, yet he still walks around with one sock on as if all is normal.

I always conclude that it is just Diego being himself - and it really shouldn't surprise me or make me question him - that is just what he does.
He is going through a very grumpy, whining, and just frustrating time - so it always eases the day when I see him sporting this unique trend.

*Psychologize is a valid word in the "Dictionary of Bridget"

8...harder than I thought

8 Things that I am passionate about:

*My husband
*Jordan
*Diego
*Our home (not our house, but our home)
*My family
*Understanding others
*Education
*Chocolate

8 things I want to do before I die:

*Have a passport - that has been stamped!
*Remodel our house - or build one
*Be able to shop for myself - anytime, any price
*Have a career that will make a difference
*Have a big close family, filled with grandkids
*Julio and I retire and have the time of our lives doing whatever
*Be an expert in the garden
*Get a graduate degree

8 Things that I often say:

*No
*Love me!
*Whatever
*I will go postal!
*Who do I love? (to Diego - he lists all the people we know)
*Are you serious?
*Crap
*I said No

8 Things that I have learned this past year:

*Life never gets easier
*Houses are not 'perfect' - some people just do better jobs of hiding problems than others.
*I love being home
*Write things down!
*Life does go too fast -I am reminded everytime I think of my boys.
*If you wash your floors, there will be a massive spill/mess with hours.
*Stay close to your loved ones - everything else will get worked out
*You can't get through the days without relying on the Lord

8 Things I must do to feel good each day:

*Sleep until 7
*Makeup and hair
*Get out of my pajamas
*Have an agenda for the day
*Be with my family
*Think positive
*Open the curtains
*Laugh

8 things that attract me to my best friends:

*Sense of humor
*Loving
*Positive
*Accept me for me
*Compassionate
*Forgiving
*Not judgmental
*Understanding


8 people I think should do Crazy 8's:
If you don't have a blog -- send an e-mail!

*Nicole
*Camille
*Melissa
*Leisha (mom)
*Torie
*Jessica
*Julio :)
*Jordan :)

My (Bridget's) family

While in Idaho we had some family photos - here is my family (minus my husband and my sister's husband)!












Here is a photo of my parents and siblings. Nicole is my older sister and Josh is my little brother.

Who? Julio

The link below is to an article about the latest happenings with Julio.

http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/newsbyid.asp?NS=1&idx=95990&cat1=news

He is really excited about the appointment, and getting involved in foster care.

Tease me not!

What a weekend!
Friday was a beautiful day, we had our energy and appetites back - plus the weather was great!
Saturday was better than Friday!! We were all feeling great and it was in the 70s -- HOLLA!!!! Time to play!














Yes, we even pulled out the sprinkler! While the boys were running in the water, I was busy doing spring yard work. I decided last year that I love to work in the yard, I am not saying I am good at it - but I enjoy it.
At the end of the day the boys were exhausted and I had a slight sunburn - WHAT A GREAT DAY!

Oh how quickly things change.
When I woke up Sunday I felt more tired than usual, so when Jordan and Julio got up I laid back down and woke up around 11 - feeling sick again! That was nothing -- during lunch Diego was whining - which lately is very normal - he said he was going to throw up, I thought he just didn't want to eat his lunch. So after much drama, I decided it was nap time - I told Diego to go tell everyone "night-night". On his way to dad he threw up all over the rug - it then became clear that he too was still feeling sick.

As I was cleaning up "the mess" I found it amusing that our home has hardwood floors, maybe 20% is covered with rugs, and Diego threw up on the one rug that can't simply be thrown in the washer.

So on Monday Diego and I took it easy -- well Diego took it easy I disinfected the house. As for the weather -- rain and mid 40s :(

Welcome home

We are back! -- a few days have passed.
It was a great trip and we all had a lot of fun.
I will not leave you guessing -- Did Diego get sick? Almost - so close, but the good news is that it wasn't from asthma, he got a bug (is that really good news?). Sunday evening he got sick and had a hard time keeping anything down. And on Monday night I also got sick, so our flight home was less than pleasurable. I don't know what I would have without Jordan - he took care of us on that flight - what a little man!
I have to give a shout out to my wonderful friend Cher - every time we visit (no matter where they live) Diego throws up, and this was no exception -- thanks for putting up with us, and cleaning up this time.

We are all doing better and almost back to normal.

Here is our trip --
On the first day Grandma had to work, so Grandpa entertained up by letting the boys play in the dirt. Yes - the picture shows just Jordan at the controls.

On Thursday we stayed the night at Nicole's house (my sister). They still have 3 ft. of snow left, the two older boys stayed out for hours. In this picture the boys are playing around a trampoline frame - to give you an idea of the depth.

While the boys were outside - I was inside holding Madison, what a sweet little thing!

She is such a good baby - hardly made a noise - even with all the noise going on around her.

After our trip to Wyoming we all met back up at my mom's house for the weekend. My brother and his wonderful family came down from Montana to spend a few days. It was such a great family reunion!!! This is a picture of Melissa and Clara (almost walking) - good luck getting a picture of my brother.

Clara is going through stranger anxiety; but I have to brag - she let me hold her a couple of times and we played a lot. She is at such a fun stage, with such a great spirit.



On Monday before we headed to Utah (to catch our Tuesday morning flight) - we stopped by my my uncle's fire station and had a tour -- Diego was in awe, up close with a "good guy"

There are a lot of activities I left out - but all in all we had a great trip, I didn't realize I was 'home sick' until I got there, but by the weekend I was 'home sick' for my own home - fun how that works.

Thanks mom for all that you do - you really are the greatest!

Spring Break

It all started in July, when my sister announced she was having a baby. As the excitement grew (and my sister) the questions of a trip to see the baby came. By January my mom was nagging, by February she was begging. Baby Madison arrived mid-February and luckily my mom was preoccupied - but it didn't last.

March came - spring break around the corner - and I got the phone call. "Southwest is having a special, I am buying the tickets so you might as well pick the times because you are coming." So on Tuesday Jordan, Diego and myself are headed to the airport (wish me luck!). Julio will be staying home to take care of the dogs - and because there are no "spring breaks" in the real world.

The boys and I are very excited for the trip! We get to not only see baby Madison, but we also get to see my little niece that I have only met once (She will be 1 in June!). Now the cute babies are not the only reason I am excited - I miss my family and friends and am looking forward to seeing everyone - and holding and playing with the babies! :)

The looming question of our trip is how will little Diego be feeling? Since moving to Seattle every plane trip to Idaho (or Utah) has resulted in Diego constantly throwing up. We now believe that we have the problem pinpointed to asthma.
Because we travel to a higher elevation the air is thinner, making it harder to breathe. This is our first trip since being diagnosed, and I am prepared - I hope.

I really hope he does good, Diego is the most excited about this trip. He always talks about grandpa's house, grandpa's horses, grandpa's tracker. He tells his big stories about what him and grandpa are going to do. However, I am interested to see if he is going to be as outgoing with grandpa as he says. Usually he becomes a sick, shy, little mama's boy when we visit. But he is two now and is not afraid to inform anyone one that he is a big boy.

Jordan's feeling about this trip makes me proud - a boy after his mom's heart. He has been talking about the different restaurants and food he expects to eat will we are there. Though we have found great places to eat since our move - there are a few places that can't be replaced.

I will post highlights of the trip next week -- be prepared to see babies!

Release the Hounds!

Over the weekend we drove to Montana to pick up a puppy. Yes, what were we thinking is right! 1) To drive 6 hours to Montana and 6 hours back and 2) to get a second hound.

We learned after we got VooDoo (our redbone coonhound) that hounds really do need companionship. VooDoo is about 2 years old now, and we decided to start looking for a Black and Tan Coonhound. In theory to make life easier with/for VooDoo.

We were hoping to adopt a dog that could help VooDoo get a boost of confidence - or if all else just give her a leader to follow. VooDoo is very shy and obedient; she almost carries a sense of properness to her. She is a sweetheart and we thought that she would welcome a new friend.

Enter puppy-

The owner had named him Traveler, however Diego just couldn't get the name (and we weren't fans) so we have been playing with different names and we have decided his name will be 'Papi'. We mentioned the name once and Diego never forgot and even started calling him "me Papi".
Day One -

We didn't want VooDoo to feel like the puppy was getting all the love, so we gave her a chew bone to eat on her bed. The next thing we knew - Papi took VooDoo's bone and her bed. We had to decide whether or not to intervene .

Not the best start - the day was rainy so we were stuck inside, VooDoo avoiding Papi - Papi pestering VooDoo. But finally there was a brief break in the weather and everyone went outside(YIPPEE!). It wasn't long before they were running around together and VooDoo was even taking the lead! Later that night, when the boys had gone to bed, the pups wrestled around on the floor. When it is play time VooDoo loves Papi, during quiet time she wants nothing to do with him.

So far Papi seems a little stubborn, very affectionate, and a good learner. He will be 4 months on Wednesday -- he is going to be a big guy!
I will give you an update and send more pictures as we get to know him better and everything settles down.
WISH US LUCK!!

*Please keep in mind that it is really hard to take a good picture of a puppy -- it is pretty much impossible to take a picture of 2 dogs - when they are playing in the with 2 boys.

"Tag"

Thanks to Camille, we have been tagged. It is a good thing because I haven't posted for a while and I need to let everyone know we are still alive.
Note: I have changed some of the questions.

What is his name?
Julio (now) - Vince (then), long story short, same person different name - one that is more...him.

How long have you been together?
11 1/2 together - 9 1/2 years married

How long did you date?
1 and a half years

How old is he?
27 -what can I say, I like younger men (by 3 months)!


Who is taller?
Julio's license says 5'6, and if you talk to him he will say 5'8, the truth we see eye to eye at 5'4.

Who can sing better?
Either one of us could be on American Idol. At the beginning of the season where they make fun of people.

Who is smarter?
Julio - but to my defense I have been in toddler mode for 2 years, not a lot of adult conversations. I have a better memory and navigation skills.

Who does the laundry?
I do, and lately Jordan is helping. I like to keep up on laundry, Julio would put it off until there was nothing left to wear - I am not saying he is a procrastinator...it is a little worse than that.

Who is the first to give a kiss or hug?
Julio, he jumped the gun on our first encounter. But uncharacteristically of me, I am responsible for the second. Great memories.

Who pays the bills?
Me, have I mentioned Julio procrastinates?

Who mows the lawn?
I do -- it is my yard, I love gardening - I am still learning but it's a great release.

Who cooks dinner?
Me - seriously for everyone's health - me.

Who drives?
Both - I am a really bad back seat driver so Julio doesn't like to drive with me. When we travel we are a great team. Julio Drives and I navigate -- if only I could get my rights and left right, luckily Julio knows my directions.

Who is more stubborn?
Julio by far, with Diego a close second.

Who asked who out first?
I would assume Julio. We lived an hour apart (long distance) so we communicated through old fashion letters. After three months of just writing our work/school schedules opened up for a New Years date.

Who is more sentimental?
I would have to say Julio. If we remember the special dates - Julio. He is much more thoughtful on a daily basis too.

Favorite type of T.V. shows?
Julio is sports, sports and reality. I have been disappointed with the current comedies so I have fallen back on reality - Top Chef, America's next top model, American Idol, Survivor, etc.

Who has more social skills and can read the other like a hawk?
I have both. Julio can turn on his social skills, but lets be honest it is a struggle and reading people in general - not his forte.

Who has more siblings?
I do, unfortunately Julio doesn't have much of a family outside of us.

Who wears the pants?
It depends on the area/issue. For the most part we share, I run the household and Julio runs everything else.

Enjoy and I would like to "tag" Cher and Nicole!

Jordan + Math = AMAZING!

Just wanted to give a shout out to Jordan - Congratulations for placing 9th among all 4th graders in the district participating in Math Olympiads!

Among other activities, Jordan has been in a "math club" called Math Olympiads since the beginning of the school year and Saturday was the district compitition.

Jordan -- you are awesome, you took on academic challenges and didn't give up. Keep being who you are - because it is amazing to watch you grow!

Super Star!

Always a new surprise with little Diego!

We took Jordan to the Dentist, and to get Diego comfortable with future appointments he went in the back with Jordan to watch. Before I knew it he was in the "big chair" asking for glasses. Not long after that he was opening his mouth wide for a cleaning of his own!!

Both boys have great looking teeth and no cavities - yipee.


Update on Julio -- AkA J-2-da-O
While we were having new adventures at the dentist, Julio was soaking up the sun in Las Vegas at a tribal convention. Though he was only there for a day I think it was a nice get away, he has been working a lot lately.

Also, Julio has recently been given a great opportunity to be a part of an organization called the Mockingbird Society (http://www.mockingbirdsociety.org/) as a board member. It is a great way for Julio to get involved with something he feels strongly about - foster care.

Welcome Madison!

Please check out my sister's link (Nicole Goe), to see pictures of my new niece Madison Erica Goe! Congratulations Nicole, she is so cute!!!

Is that the sun?

We have had such beautiful sunny weather lately! So the boys have been spending a lot of time outside and I have been trying to start on the spring gardening - oh how I have missed my yard! We have had a boost of energy with the weather - though it won't last we are enjoying it.

The picture of the boys is from last summer, but it is so cute I couldn't pass it up.




Last week Jordan had a day off so we went to the Pacific Science Center. The boys had a great time.

Diego thought the dinosaurs were real and when Jordan got close for the picture Diego cried, yelling "Jojo move - eat you!" How he loves his brother!
Every so many months the center brings in a new focus to the exhibits. "Matter matters" was the theme while we were there - Jordan loves science so the hands on experiments entertained him for hours. Diego's favorite was the boa constrictors and butterflies (really anything that moved).

Diego

Diego has been such a great addition to our family!
Here is a recent picture of Diego holding our cat 'Daisy'. I can't say that Daisy enjoys the attention from Diego, but she is just a grumpy old cat that is mad at the world.
At first impression Diego seems very shy, but once he gets comfortable this 2 year olds corky and unique personality always makes life interesting.

10 things to know about Diego

10) He is very well behaved - but he catches our loopholes.
9) Jordan is his best friend - cooler than dad.
8) He is a boys' boy - fearless, thinks he is bigger than he is.
7) Diego will make you smile while not even knowing you are watching
6) He loves to help cook
5) Diego looks just like Jordan at 2 (hard to tell the pictures apart)
4) He is a part-time toddler, full-time funny boy
3) Diego is potty trained! It was too easy, just shows he is always full of surprises!!!!
2) Diego is loud, not just sometime - all the time!
1) He is still a mama's boy!

Jordan on ESPN

Here is a highlight of our 2007 year!
In November we went to Las Vegas to watch UNC play in a regional tournament. It was an amazing experience for Julio and Jordan. They sat front row, behind Dickie - V and after the game Jordan shook Roy Williams hand and congratulated the players on their win.
If you are wondering about the hair - we had to bleach it twice to later add the baby blue color. After the game he got a regular buzz cut.

Update on Jordan

We moved to Shoreline about 18 months ago and have really enjoyed our time. I think Jordan the most.
Jordan is in the 4th grade and is excelling! He enjoys school and has a fantastic teacher that is always challenging him in some way.
This fall Jordan played full contact football. We saw a new side of our growing boy. He hit hard and was one of the favorite players - because of his effort, always giving 110%, no matter the size of the opponent. It was so exciting and we are hoping he plays again next season.
Most of his days involve school and homework, he loves to read and play outside (weather permitting). He recently complained that there are not enough hours in the day to do all that he wants to.
This past year he has changed so much, he is really maturing and becoming an outstanding young man (I feel old!). We are proud parents if you can't tell.

10 things to know about Jordan!

10) He has a Redboone Coon hound named "Voodoo"
9) He is very patient with his brother
8) He has a very serious personality but
7) A great sense of humor
6) He is developing strong leadership qualities
5) Favorite food - potstickers
4) He is athletic
3) He loves to kayak
2) His hobby is collecting football cards with his dad
1) He will be turning double digits on May 23rd

Catch up

So I have decided to enter the "blog" world!
I figure since I am so infrequent with my e-mails and we live so far away - maybe this will be a good way to keep in touch with everyone.

Warning - beware of the spelling!