Camping

We made a quick trip out to the desert. It was Jonah's first time riding his bike other than in our cul de sac. I think this might have been the best weekend of Joe's life. Jonah had a blast riding his bike and riding in a Rhino with his new # 1 chick, Jillian. She sure is cute! I got to spend lots of time reading and listening to my ipod, which was a perfect weekend for me...

Love being dazzled and feathers too...

So I'm not much of a reader...

I am what one would call a casual reader. I read 3-4 books a year. I had heard about these Twilight books. I had heard they were Harry Potter for teenage girls. I had absolutely no interest. When someone born in my own decade, as well as one born in the preceding decade recommended them to me, I casually thought, it might be an interesting Christmas vaca read. At least check out what all the kids are talking about, you know, to keep myself in the know about what the kids are into these days.

I had no idea that these were going to become an obsession for me. I finished all four books in less than 7 days, not an easy feet. The shortest book is over 500 pages long. Well, let's just say, my family was neglected, to say the least. Joe tolerated me and my house has never looked more disastrous at the end of the 4th book. I'm really considering writing the author a letter begging her to finish her unfinished 5th novel. I now can say with a clear conscience that had I read the first book before my son was born, his first initial might very well be an "E", not a "J".

I guess the moral of the story is, millions of teenage girls can't be wrong, at least about the Cullens.

Until next time...

Christmas 2008

We had a very busy week before the holiday. Joe and I were both very busy at work getting everything finished up before being off for the holidays. We hosted Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas Day with Joe's family. Jonah woke up sick on Christmas morning, so we spent most of our gift exchange in his bedroom. I felt so bad for him. He's still not back to normal.

We are planning to spend New Year's with the de Lachica family in the desert. We hope you are all enjoying your holidays. Until next time...

Thanksgiving 2008

So, this year, we didn't go to Yucaipa. We tried someplace new. Since we didn't book until October, we went to Lake Perris. I was pleasantly surprised that the place did not live up to my memories of jet ski day trips from 1988. It was actually a good place for us to all get together for the holiday, except for the flies. The flies actually made me a little nostalgic for my childhood spent in Chino. The entire de Lachica family was present, except for Jordan. She is now a working girl and was not able to take off the weekend since she works in retail. I remember those days well. My family also joined us this year. With my Dad being newly retired, he and Deb brought their motor home. My brother, Justin even joined us.

You could have called the trip bring your dog(s) to Thanksgiving. We had 42 people for dinner and 7 dogs on the trip. Wow! We were so happy with Milo on the trip. He was so good being an only dog. He was even trying to show the new guy, Obie, the ropes.

On Friday, my Grandma and Abe came to spend the afternoon for a visit in Abe's new Corvette! I only wish I took a picture of them pulling away in that car. Uncle Bob, (Jonah's god father) rode out for the day on his Harley and spent the night with us.

We celebrated Joe's Dad's birthday Sunday morning with a big breakfast before we all headed for home. When we came home, Jonah promptly got a fever. My boy gets sick every time he has a really good time!

We hope you all had a great holiday. I have a feeling the next 30 days will be a blur. Only 23 days until Christmas vacation! Until next time...

Thanksgiving 2008

Smert's Birthday Weekend Extravaganza!

Four Years Old...

Our beautiful boy turns four today. I don't know if anyone will have the time to sit and look at all of the pictures. I know it's a lot. What can I say, I'm a proud Mom. Joe and I say every day how awesome our little boy is. What a perfect little science experiment he has turned out to be. He brings more and more joy to our lives every day.

Happy Birthday Smert! Your Mom & Dad love you sooo much!

Happy Birthday Jonah!

Yes We Can!

What a truly historic and amazaing time for our country!

Halloween

My Dad & Deb came into town to spend Halloween with us.  Below are a few pics from the weekend...

Getting a lift from Pa

Joe & Jordan
GI Joe & GI Jane

My Little Woody
Pumpkin Carving...

Jonah takes a shower...

I must confess that I'm really trying to do the whole "3 R" thing...  You know, reduce, reuse, recycle.  I have a compost jar in my kitchen and I'm a recycling nazi at home and at work.  I have been trying to gently coax my son to take a shower instead of taking a bath at night as it uses much less water. For some reason, he has been afraid and very unwilling to be flexible on this issue. 

Somehow, tonight was the night.  I don't know what I said to change his mind, but it worked!  I am happy to report that he now loves to shower!  I know this is a very small thing, but I feel it has been a great accomplishment in my household!

Until next time...

Dream Halloween

The other night, we attended Dream Halloween in Santa Monica. We were given tickets by my boss, and friend, Rochelle. It's a charity event that raises money for children with AIDS. Jonah got to get his face painted as "Gothic Woody", as his Dad called it. He got to meet a ton of his favorite "guys", and got to go trick or treating. It was an amazing evening and a great kick off to the Halloween festivities. Thank you, Rochelle!

Jordan takes Jonah to Disneyland

Jordan took Jonah to Disneyland for some sibling bonding.  This was a completely different trip for Jonah without any parents or grand parents...

He got his face painted as a "Dragon Bat"
    This is right before he's boards Thunder

Mountain for the first time...

Jonah has beat his Mom's high score at age 3!

Go Drew!

So, Drew loves football.  Drew is a senior and we have been enjoying going to watch several of Drew's games this season.  Tonight was such an awesome night.  If I have my statistics correct, Drew ran over 220 yards and made FOUR touchdowns.  This was the first win of the season for his team.  We had a large group out there tonight for support.  Congratulations Drew!

                                                          Drew's # 1 fans!
After the big win! 30-13
                                              "Drew, your cheeks are stinky!"