Naughty or Nice?

This day in the mall they were definitely naughty! Having Caleb holding on to my legs for about fifteen minutes saying that he was starving and that he didn't want to go in the store, and having Alyssa make a scene on the top of the escalator because she wanted me and not my mom to hold her hand; those two things would most likely put those two on Santa's naughty list.

I just really felt bad for my mom that had to endure with me. Almost being accused of trying to steal a white, blue eyed child (Alyssa) during her "episode". She felt pretty uncomfortable when people started to ask her if that was her child, and because she doesn't speak English, she couldn't explain what was really going on. I wasn't anywhere near where they were, but I could hear the screams of "I want my mom!!". Tatyana tried to explain that my mom was Alyssa's grandma, but people were not buying it (due to the difference of skin color, hair, language spoken, and pretty much everything else).

The situation only settled down when I reached them. Caleb was still upset, but after a lot of talking, we were able to go on with our visit to the mall. For obvious reasons, I try not to do this very often. And when I do this, I always try to drag someone with me to share the embarrassing moments...

Too bad Santa doesn't really stick with his naughty list! He is a total sucker when it comes to these cute little guys!

Funny

Caleb: Can I play video game?
Me: You were not really good today. You're gonna have to wait until tomorrow.
Caleb: I was good yesterday... Hey! It's a pattern: good, bad, good, bad, good, bad.

Yeah... We need to break this pattern!

This was a conversation between Tatyana and Alyssa. They were talking about a boy that always plays with Alyssa in the daycare at the gym.

Tatyana: Who is your friend in the gym?
Alyssa: Luke.
Tatyana: Do you like him?
Alyssa: Yes, but he won't let me kiss him.

Should I be worried?

The Best One Yet!

Roman and I just watched it today at the Mammoth Teather at Thanksgiving Point. It was awesome!!! I can't wait until part II!

Fall

Yes, I know... You must be thinking "but what about summer?" Our summer was so great and busy, that I really didn't have time to post anything. The best was definetly Disneyland. The whole family had a great time, including Roman! Lots of swimming, friends over and dollar movies. And after school started, it seems that I had even less time to post anything...

The truth is that I kinda got burned out too... When it became something that I felt like I had to do it wasn't  as fun anymore! But I think we're back! I missed blogging and I'm ready to start over.

I'm not uploading old pictures, that would take forever... But I really wanted to put these pictures up. Classic fall pics!

Alyssa didn't like the leaves on her face very much.

Caleb didn't like them eighter at first.

But he got used to them.

And Tatyana is always ready for pictures, no matter where she is.

I'll try to be a little better... I don't think it will take me as long to post anything.

We've come a long way...

Caleb was my most precious gift for Mother's Day! After I had Tatyana, I really wanted to have a boy. I already had the perfect girl, so a boy would just make our family more special.

Little I knew that this boy would bring lots and lots of trouble with him. Because of that I decided to write new lyrics to the song "My Favorite Things" from the movie The Sound of Music. I was inspired by a haircare TV commercial...

Blowing up a Bouncy House on his 3rd birthday,
ending up in the hospital with a 3rd degree burn.
Getting lost and making me cry last spring
These are a few of my least favorite things.

Running out in the snow with no shoes or socks,
looking for me he ran around the block,
Almost killing his dad and making me scream
These are a few of my least favorite things.

Washing the restroom wall in the daycare,
acting like his parents don't even care,
Always embarrassing me was an everyday thing
These are a few of my least favorite things.

But when a smile strikes
When a hug hits
When a kiss I get
I simply forget all these really sad things
And then I don't feel... so bad!

He is my angel! He's taught me to be patient and to be a better mom. I love him to death!

By the way, having their birthdays combined and then having a family celebration on their "real" birthdays is getting Caleb and Alyssa a little confused:

After we asked Caleb how old he was, he said: "I'm 5, again."
Alyssa today asked me: "Mom, is today my birthday? When is my another birthday?"

To Tatyana

Last Saturday Tatyana was baptized... It was a very important day for our family. I was baptized when I was 17 years old, and I didn't have the opportunity to grow up learning about the gospel. I am very grateful that my kids have this opportunity.


As I look back to the day that I was baptized, and look at Tatyana's baptism, I can't help it but to compare both days and notice the small differences. I mean the covenants are the same, just the circumstances were different. I was almost 10 years older than Tatyana, and I was baptized by a missionary, not a member of my family. I didn't have many of my family members with me that day... My grandma and my great aunt were there. And I think my mom was there too. None of my old friends were there, just the new friends that I had just recently met. The first counselor in the ward confirmed me a member of the church. I don't remember what was said, but I remember that it was beautiful and I could feel the spirit.

I am so grateful for that day. To be honest, I don't know if I had a full understanding of the decision that I made... It just felt right. I remember having a feeling of finally finding my place in this world.

I hope Tatyana doesn't take this day for granted. I hope she understands that it's a great privilege to be raised knowing the gospel and understanding the purpose of this life.

I think about the challenges that she will have. I am scared... As her mother, I just want to hold her and make sure that nothing bad will ever happen to her.

I'm sitting here laughing in my head thinking about that first boyfriend that broke my heart and I thought I would never get over that pain. I thought that greater love could never exist, it wasn't possible. Now, I look at my kids and I feel like my heart is going to explode, that nothing will ever compare to the love that I have for my family.

Elder Bradley D. Foster of the Seventy quoted President Joseph F. Smith last Conference: "The love of a true mother comes nearer to being like the love of God than any other kind of love". When I heard that, I thought: "I knew it!" It had to be right, because, just as when my first boyfriend broke up with me, I feel that there can't be greater love than the love that I have for my kids.

However, after I pondered about it for a little longer I realized that just because it was said that it "comes nearer to being like the love of God", it doesn't mean that it is anything like it. Heavenly Father does not have meltdowns, doesn't lose His temper, or regrets His actions. The love that Heavenly Father has for each one of us is perfect.

I hope she remembers that. I hope she remembers this day. Not because of the party, or the dress, or the pictures, but because this is what is right. This is the first step. I hope she can look back and think about how wonderful it is to have her family being raised in the church, learning the gospel when they are still young.

I love you, Tat! And I'm so proud of you for making this decision!

Let The Birthday Rumpus Start!!!

At first I thought I set myself up for failure this time. I wanted Tatyana to have her special day because she was turning 8, but I also wanted to keep the birthday parties somewhat together. Caleb and Alyssa would definitely have to share the same day.

We first had Alyssa's and Caleb's birthday party at Chuch E. Cheese's on the 23rd, and we had Tatyana's baptism followed by her birthday party on the 24th at our house.

It was a little stressful, I'll admit. But both parties went really well and I'm glad it's over. I just wish I had taken more pictures... With all the commotion of getting everything ready, I kinda slacked on pictures and taping.

My mom, as always, baked both cakes and they turned out wonderful! I couldn't have done it without her help! Thank you, mom!

Isn't this cake pretty cool? I love it!

We decided to go with a Diego/jungle theme because Caleb chose Diego and Alyssa loves animals. But for a long time Caleb kept saying that he wanted a Star Wars party at Carter's house. He really liked Carter's birthday party, Katie!

This is my niece Nikosha playing air hockey with Tatyana. They came from Idaho for both of the parties. Thanks, guys!!

Tatyana and me before the baptism.

Grandma Loftus and Bre also came for the baptism! You guys are great! Thank you so much!

Grandpa Neves baptized Tatyana. It was really special for all of us! Thanks, Grandpa!

Milee was baptized the same day and that made the baptism even more special! We love Milee and we were happy to share this day with her family!

This cake was beautiful! Thanks again, mom!!