Happy 5th Birthday Samuel! (Oct 2011)

I had a little birthday party for Samuel back in October last year. I didn't know about the rule of number of guest with number of years... Therefore, there were 7 kiddoes plus Samuel and Benjamin. However, it wasn't too bad, with the help of one of the parents who stayed and my mother-in-law, we made it work.

Few months ago we had read one of Curious George's books (the pizza party); since then, he knew he wanted to do a pizza party.

 All the kids enjoyed their creation and gladly ate it! Some tried making different shapes but at the end, all that matter was the toppings.

Later came the "little cake", since we made it Star Wars theme, the cake was too. the figurines were only $5.00 at the local grocery store's bakery. So we were lucky everything ended up cheap. Even the party favors were on sale for 0.25 cents at target! So were the Star Wars gummies.

 Samuel got Star Wars legos, a baseball mitt and ball, Nerf football, puzzles, a Star Wars giant book and a different kind of book. It is called the "answered prayer", which tells the story of the BYU vs UT game in 2006, when Samuel was verily a month old. He absolutely enjoyed it! Also, I had been doing some felt quite books (still not done), and thought of making him some star wars finger puppets. It took me a while since I couldn't do it while they were awake (since it was a surprise). But I finished them and was glad with my work. I only made 7, and thought that was more than enough. He liked them (thankfully) and had fun with Benjamin playing with them.

They all had a great time, and two hours went by so fast with this bunch. We are excited for our 5-year-old going on 12. He is so logical, loves to rationalize and analyze everything. Self taught himself how to read, loves numbers, countries and now he is fascinated with China, and has stopped wanting to learn Spanish because he rather learns Chinese.
He also, is such a noble and thoughtful little guy. Always careful with baby Daniel, and making sure he is a good helper. He also is so spiritual, always reminding us if we lose something or cant decided something to pray about it. He loves the scriptures, and his favorite now is Samuel the Lamanite from the book of Mormon. Loves sports, especially basketball and football. Cant have enough Jimmer Fredette either. (teach them young...) We are blessed to have this little giant with us, we love you Samuel!

Happy 3rd Birthday Benjamin! (sept 2011)

We had our big family trip mid September 2011 and Benjamin's birthday was right towards the end of it. Therefore, the week before the trip, I made some cupcakes while playgroup with the other moms and kids from our Church to sing to him. He enjoyed it and so did his friends.

The last day of our trip was Saturday September 17th, which was his actual birthday. That day we were in Provo, UT for a football game. Right before the game we went to the "cougareat" and sang to him and gave him some yummy guava cake (from bamboo hut). He was getting a little confused on the age he was turning but he got it. He even shared cake with Samuel.

He got few gifts. The one he was the most excited about was a little Book of Mormon so he could had "scriptures" to take to Church. It made me feel "fuzzy" inside.  He was excited to get candy, a cougar car, squirts toys, and a cool medium size bouncy ball which lit up when hit. We were so excited to be together as a family when this 3rd annual event happened. We are so blessed to have such an energetic and full of joy kid, who reminds us hourly of the joy of life and of the little moments. He is always doing something goofy to make us laugh. I adore this kid, because even though, he lives by the minute (not seeing the consequences of his actions), he is always so happy and cheers me up frequently.

Jevne, party of 6!

I think I am ready to blog more often again.
We had the surprised to find out we are expecting again! We, (really me) were thinking on a spring baby, since our 3 kids were september and october babies, plus to make the "environment" more enjoyable for my mom to come (selfish, convinient). Therefore, we were not to try yet. But life happens, and it is definetly at our pace or how we want. Heavenly Father knows best, so... why not a Christmas or New Year baby?
I have no clue of exact due date, since I havent gone to the OBGYN yet, but soon we will.
I have to admitt that even though, I already have 3 boys, 3 pregnancies, 3 births; the thought of being pregnant again seems as whimsical as the first time (except with a lot of memories and background on the matter). Motherhood is such a special "state", strong feelings full of the energy and emotion that only hormones or my 3-year-old Benjamin can cause.
I have so many little unfinished projects, so many in process to start.. But this just adds a spice to all. Even though, I am not looking forward the all-day-vomitting for the next 3 months; I am looking forward see my belly grow because life is growing inside of me, and see my three little boys enjoy it with me.
Funny comments of the week:
(During breakfast, nobody talking..) Benjamin: "Mom, I dont want baby (18-month-old Daniel) anymore, I want a dog!"
Samuel: "wow, more kids! What are we going to do with 4 kids and only one highchair?"
(we asked what they wanted if a girl or boy) Samuel: "I want a boy, so we can play evenly!"  Benjamin: "I want both, a girl and a boy!"

2011 Summer fun.. (catch up post)

A summer of lots of growing... Yes, not so much my two older boys, as much as my youngest, Daniel. This summer was full of milestones. From introducing baby cereal, and crawling, to eating table foods and running with the bonus of climbing!

On the 4th of July week the kids enjoyed the neighborhood block party. There are not much little ones left in our block but the older ones still played with them..Later that night I let them stay up to watch fireworks.. but we forgot how many mosquitoes would love a taste of these sweet twinkies!
They literally got bitten a ton where their pj's weren't covered them.

Since last summer (2010), Benjamin had access to the door since he graduated from a crib to a regular mattress on the floor. However he couldn't opened it (child proved). This summer he "figured out" how to so at night he would wander around and get into "mischief", besides, he would wake up his new roommate, baby Daniel. Their room's door didn't have a lock. So, we decided to buy a new knob with a lock and put it on the outside. I has worked well. Now days we don't lock it, but the consequence for getting out of bed and wandering, is to lock the door. So, problem solved.

Daniel has grown so much, now sitting and trying to crawl he is definitely grown out of baby stages..

Later at our local grocery store they had a "bike and safety day" where kids got to bring their "hot wheels", learn about safety, wash their bikes and get some treats.. besides, seeing the huge firetruck engine. We also enjoyed time with daddy. He fed baby, carried him, cried with him..

By the end of July, the newly weds uncle Tyler and his new bride auntie Chelsea came and stayed with us. Chelsea's cousin was getting married here, and her family happens to be in our ward so, it was a party for us too. For that week they came, we spent some time playing and enjoying their company as well as having fun.

Chelsea (my younger brother-in-law's wife) graduated from BYU Idaho. We were all planning on going for that, but the men had issues at work and Grandma and I didn't feel "safe" driving with three boys all by ourselves. So, we missed this great moment, yet, my other sister-in-law, Riana, who then was working for the president of the University got to speak. So we had "great" representation!

That was a little about 2011 summer. We look forward seeing the rest of them again for Christmas..

Merry last Christmas..

Finally I got around to summarize Christmas.. I seemed sweet, fun but short.

My brother-in-law Tyler, and his wife, Chelsea just arrived a week before Chritmas day. They were able to go to Samuel's preschool program. He was soo funny, not because of how he danced or smiled but because he showed his true character.. 5 going on 15. This pictures says a lot. Like "really, do I have to do this?" However, as obedient and good for his teachers as he tries to be, he didnt let that stop him from participating, which I appreciate, and I am sure his teachers too.
We went to the zoo and other places...

Before the unwrapping madness began:

Sunday, was special of course. We had everybody for the fun bunch..

One of the "biggest" presents was this snail. Grandma got it for little Daniel but obviously it was very popular among the rest of the boys, including the older ones!

Microplush throw blankets were another gift for every member, and the most excited about it was my Benjamin of course. He has a thing for touching soft materials.. He had to try each one to make sure it was "soft enough". Quality control?

Then came time for pie. Little Daniel discovered another delicious treat he enjoys. However, he had no problem going back to auntie Chelsea for more!

Some other presents and their receipients:

Wrapping paper mess... what kid doesnt like it?

Then, we have the funny story. After all the gifts were open, the kids couldnt hold themselves away from the bublle wrapping... pop, pop, pop.

Dinner time! Jevnes are known for good cooking as well as good appetite, right Tyler? 

The next day, was time to try all the gadgets and toys, including the 3D chalk. Benjamin just liked wearing the glasses!

Not Resolutions but Reminders

The year 2011 left and I am still so behind, still not posting enough since I started in 2009.
At the end of the year many do resolutions. I got tired of the idea because I know it just get forgotten within few weeks.. even days. Ironically enough, I was asked by the bishoprick in my ward, to speak last Sunday about the years experiences and lessons learned. However, they were not to be my own. I prayed a lot for inspiration. And what I came up with turned out better than I thought. (At the end of my thoughts is the talk, if you have time and desire to ready it.)

Nothing sounds new from what I mentioned on my talk, at least not to me. Therefore, they are not resolutions, they are reminders of what is important, and true.
I think is important for me to be more flexible with my boys, even though, I wasnt raised to be a mom, I was showned a great example. I forget so many times that the importance is not to be so strict that my children wont understand joy but only discipline, that happiness is the goal and love is the Savior's language to parenting. My biggest issue to remind myself this year, is to be more affectionate. As a "latina" I never seemed to have been that "touchy", yet my husband's love language is that particular characteristic I was taught to be a weakness. My husband reminds me so many times, that is ok to be emotional, tears wont hurt anybody, is just water!

Therefore, I do have a resolution for this year and the rest of my life: to let that seed of love in me, grow to the extend of my arms. To hug like a swaddling blanket with the strength of rope, to be a happy space in time that my boys wont want to leave yet to forget, of how much I love them; and how much of that love they should reflect on their actions with one another as well as their future families. As much as I love my husband I dont emotionally show it enough. So, I will do better, to let the love flow and free my tears when needed as well as wanted..
I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father for entrusting me with this little family to guide and help grow into the straight and narrow path. To raise men of truth and love.

(my talk)

A year for our new world means 4 seasons, 12 months, 365 days; where school, college, work seems to take 3/4ths of it or may be almost all of it. I would like for you to think quickly on what this year meant to you. As you do, I am sure different things come to mind; physical things probably come up first, like the accomplishments at work, improvements on the house, progress in school, successful potty training or new additions to the family. However, there were disappointments, frustrations, incomplete projects, accidents and even passing of loved ones. Every year, we have thousands of experiences, encounter lots of people, and go many places, not to mention all the times we get sick. All these are classified under challenges and success of the year. In order to review these experiences for last year, we need to have few points into count:
First, the physical aspect in our year. We were able to do all those things partly because of our bodies. In an article by Barbara Lockhart in the February 1985 Ensign, she mentions how “having a body is a blessing. It is a gift we received because of past righteousness.” So, who of you was righteous in the pre-existance? That is right, all of us, because we all have our reward for past righteousness, our bodies.
Second, the mental aspect in our year. We are able to think and plan through our brains, even simple involuntary acts of survival happen because of our brain. In an article by Kathleen Pulsipheron on the March 1980 Ensign, she says, ”the human mind is elastic, able to expand and stretch as information is fed into it; there is no limit to what it can do.” So, we all have that power to expand and stretch our minds.
Third, the spiritual aspect in our year. We are able to have the guidense from Heavenly Father throughout our Spirit, whom the Holy Ghost communicates with. In Moroni 7:16 we read, “For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge..”
Now, we can look at the experiences of 2011, since we understand a little better the control, power and potential we have as human beings.
I am sure in each of you had different possible ways you could have managed each situation, whether a challenge or a success. Therefore, here are some ideas to have a better outcome and hence, a more enriching growth to our lesson during our earthly life, that you can include on your New Year’s resolutions.
• Did you have enough sleep? Research shows that sleep is vital for learning and memory, as well as physical growth. Also, better mood, less stress, weight control and better looks. Infants require 16 hours a day, teenagers 9 on average and adults 7-8 hours. Short naps count too! Yay for siestas!!
• Did you eat breakfast today? Studies showed that the benefits of eating breakfast include improving overall nutrition, concentration, alertness, creativity and aids in weight control.
• Did you talk to Heavenly Father yet? We communite directly with our Savior through Prayer! Pray alone, pray with your spouse and pray with your family.
• Did you inspire your mind yet? Scripture study is not only for those with a higher education. We are blessed with the fullness of the gospel. Why not expand our knowledge of Heavenly Father’s wisdom and stretch our brain capability with scripture truth. Read scriptures alone, with your spouse and with your family. It can be short but consistent and I promise it will have an eternal result.
• Did you do a good deed today? Anybody can use a smile on the street, a yield on the road, a thank you anywhere. The simplest thing can go a long way for so many. It doesn’t have to be a service project, just a simple act of kindness.
• Sunday is the day to worship our Heavenly Father, and family. Come to Church every Sunday, you never know when there are treats, or lessons that will answer your personal prayers. This is your opportunity to renew your baptismal covenants and be clean from your spiritual challenges. If you are not baptized you can still nourish your Spirit and remember the atonement through the sacrament.
• Go to the temple. With our busy lives, it is easy to forget those sacred covenants made at such sacred place. If you haven’t had the opportunity to go or don’t have a recommend, please try to live your life in such way that you are worthy to such blessing.
• Have a Family night. We know it as Family Home Evening. It doesn’t always have to have a lesson, but the importance is the quality time spent together getting to know each other better and connect as a family.
I believe we have heard these suggestions many times before. In Tom Perry’s words from the Oct 2009 General Conference, “I want to go back to the past way of facing the future.”

So, remember the formula:
Daily you need 7 hours of sleep, 1 good breakfast, at least 3 prayers (morning, night, meals, with others), 1 good deed.
Weekly you need 3 hours of Church (without including activities), an 1 hour of Family time.
Monthly you need 1 temple attendance (at least).
I pray that as we set our goals for this new year, we can remember what and who is important in our lives. That we have a physical body, unlimited mind and truthful Spirit. That no matter what it is, including the Savior in our goals and daily challenges can help us focus to continue on that straight and narrow path to go back to Heavenly Father’s presence in the highest degree of glory.