Popcorn Drama

Grandma and grandpa have talked to us for a while about some plays where they allow the audience to throw popcorn or money to the villain (the money to anybody who caught it first). So we decided to take the kids to it.

At first they thought more the popcorn was to eat.. so we didn't give it to them till after it started. Here they are waiting for the show to start. (By the way, Samuel decided that mosquitoes wont bit him if he were his soccer socks..)The floors still so clean.. And my boys waiting and waiting since to get those front sits you had to be early.. Even though, some friends were a lot earlier and were saving seat.. Thank you Jim and Cherie.

They explained the rules (throw only popcorn or bills folded for flying purposes), and the play began.. They were pretty confused when they saw people throwing popcorn.. but, then they saw how funny it looked and asked for their bucket. And wouldn't sit much after that.. This video shows it good. Love the expressions of their faces.. so into it:j

These were some of the cast, the hero, the heroin, and the sister.. and the villain.

It was hilarious when people threw money, because they looked like popcorn but as they were performing they kept looking at what was thrown to literally "dive" for it. Sometimes, they got so into it, they forgot their lines for a minute..

The kids sure have a blast and so did we. Since the theater was inside a national park, they also had a big playground just outside of it. So we let the kids burn some energy. Daddy gladly volunteer to take them!The park had big slides and Benjamin was excited to clime it instead of going down.

Then they discover the merry-go-round, and daddy carrying Benjamin helped them push and was having as much fun as the kids in it.

Jay also tried to climb the straight slide.. not a good idea.

Unfortunately, on the way back the shrimp Samuel ate before the play plus the popcorn at the play, and the merry-go-round didn't agree with his stomach so decided to vomit on our way home. Fortunately, he had a little blanket since he was cold, so most of it got on his car seat, clothes and the blanket. We had to get him with car seat and all out of the car to wash.. I wanted to take a picture because he looked so funny but I know he would had felt bad, and embarrassed so I didn't.

We loved it and for sure will go back some other time for another wonderful play and a lot of fun.

This is a freaky but funny picture of two priceless expressions..

Who says that throwing food during a show is not a good form of entertaintment and totally available?!

Happy 30th b-day Daddy and more..

Jay turned 30 on May 26th. All he really asked for was an ice cream cake and a job. Since I can only get the first one, I actually talked to a friend from Church who makes amazing cakes to work with my budget and she came up with this awesome cake! It was yummy too! She did the design as well. We surprised him in the afternoon with it.

Yes, it is a BYU cake but also with basketballs and "jimmer jerseys".

Earlier, he got the kids very excited to have lunch at his favorite fast food place. Not only because it was his birthday but because this particular taco bell let you eat free only on your birthday!Samuel also super enjoyed the idea of eating there! Can you tell how excited he was?

On the other hand, baby was getting a little impatient for his food. I wasn't feeding him fast enough, besides, he was also missing his nap at this point.. I couldn't help laugh at his face.. is hard to tell if he is laughing or crying...

Later we had him do a little scavenger hunt to get his presents... Samuel was excited to help.. one of them was a "teach me how to Jimmer" jersey, which he wore next day. We also got and ice cream cake since he had been asking for one for a year. He chose cream ice cream with strawberries and white chocolate chips.. FYI, make sure to tell them to cut strawberries since we broke a knife trying to cut the cake since whole frozen strawberries become rocks.. And yes, it almost seems as the cake is getting into fire.. it was close. Next year we will use number candles! ;)

Some times after wrestling with the boys, daddy gets so tired out by their endless energy that just decides to stay on the battle field and let the kiddoes snuggle..
Daniel is sure growing.. he doesn't like the grass much, at least not touching his legs but will eat it if left on his reach. Lately Jay carries him on his shoulders when outside and he just loves it!
Besides, he enjoys playing with daddy's short hair.

A month ago was mothers day, and I forgot to post few pictures.. Jay let me sleep in and while feeding the kiddoes, cooked some yummy creeps with strawberry and blueberry filling and bananas as topping.. soooooooooo good. The kiddoes made few drawings too. So this is how they brought breakfast in bed..

Jay cooked my favorite Colombian dish, which is a chicken-potato soup called ajiaco. It was very delicious. I had to have a pictures with my 3 boys.. despite the wind they still showed their personalities. haha Then taking advantage we got a little family pic..Although we missed grandma celebrating mother's day with us , since she left to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Rexburg, ID; we made a poster and got flowers at for her arrival. Benjamin can't get enough cookie monster so.. there he goes.

Happy Mother's and Father's day!

Bitter sweet..

I love this picture! The box of chocolate footballs says "No penalty for holding", isn't that cute and right timing too or what!? With this picture and sweet thought in mind.. we follow with the bitter one:

As many of you know, Jay didn't pass Neuro. At Ross you only have 2 chances to repeat. He used one of the chances when accepted back as a repeater (withdrawled in the middle of 1st semester because of n1H1), and this last one he was repeating 2nd; therefore, no more chances. I got to say we always planned on that possibility but never really thought or believe it would happen. After two years spent on this dream, your first reaction is denial. It was funny though. We found out after lunch. We were on the basement, kids playing and we just sat there on the couch trying to comprehend and start brainstorming on plan Z. Samuel kept asking to play with us but Jay said we were busy, since we needed to talk and make some decisions. Next thing you know he throws a ball at Jay. He reminds him we are busy, and Samuel responded: "But you are not talking anyway, so play with me then!". Almost instantly Benjamin decides to get his wiggles out and starts dancing/jumping/singing at the same time and we just couldn't help it but to laugh. Daniel of course, missed all the action because of his nap. The only thing we were for sure at that moment is that we had each other and the "best" of all is that we were together and now, that wasn't gonna change in the following two weeks. Lots of thoughts and careers came to mind. So far, Nurse Practitioner seems to be the next pursuit. He is applying to the Nursing programs here in Omaha (why move since we are residents of NE and have more than 5 schools he can apply, like Creighton, UNMC, Clarkson, Methodist..). However, he wouldn't start till January 2012. Oh joy, 7 months until then. Fortunately, there are a lot of lab jobs (microbiology) here in Omaha so we don't have to move, and he could work until he starts school again. Furthermore, he could enroll in the ROTC as soon as he is accepted so we don't have to get more loans. Yay!

We are still trying to figure out how everything will work out but either which way we know we will be OK and Heavenly Father will watch over us again. We are still looking at "a horizon of possibilities!"

Meanwhile, the kids are super enjoying daddy. Reading, wrestling, showering.. Benjamin gets very sad every time he is not around (when he is in the shower, or goes outside to get the newspaper) thinking he is leaving again. The other day Jay came up with the egg-shooting-game.. they just about lost it because they were laughing so loud.. By the time I got my camera they were more calm, but still the picture doesn't really tell the moment like the video..

Baby too, has had his fair share of enjoying daddy or being enjoyed by daddy..

The "power flex" sure got giggles out of Daniel.. plus the tickling of daddy too!

Either way, we are hope full, and continue to thank Heavenly Father for our boys, and our many blessings.

In a way, I think is was being so hard on all of us that may be that is why we needed to be together regardless of the sacrifices made.

It is so good to know this is just a small part of the big picture of eternal life. Yes, we are here to be tested and to have experiences, and we sure and having many! We are so glad and blessed to have my in-laws and their unconditional hospitality and support. This would be A LOT harder if we were living somewhere else, paying rent, etc..

Conclusion: We can be tested, just smile and think on all your best options as you enjoy with your loved ones.

Welcome back daddy.. and 100 reasons why i love you!

These 4 months of no husband are over... it sure didnt feel that it went fast. I made another poster for Jay, but this one was more special.. The kids enjoyed watching me do it, and wouldnt stop holding it even after they saw daddy.. so cute..

During this time, Jay thought to write a reason a day why he loves me for a 100 days on Facebook; it also meant to be a countdown.. So, here they are..
He first wrote:
"I figured there were about 100 days left till I saw you again in person, so I am going to do the 100 Reasons Why I Love You! Kinda like a Christmas calendar but only better (cause its about you!) I am going to give you a different reason everyday for the next 100 days. Enjoy my love!"

Reason #100: You are an amazing mother!
Reason #99: All my life, I've been praying for someone like you....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXvMT_mVbqw
Reason #98: I live 2300 miles away from you, have no part in the raising of our children and am not able to take care of you and you STILL love me. YOU ARE AMAZING!!
Reason #97: You let me be a big kid with our kids :D
Speaking of which, here is a video to share with them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgbNymZ7vqY
Reason #96: You stayed up all night posting pictures on Facebook of the family for me. ♥ you dear!!!
Reason #95: You have a lot of patience waiting for me to learn how to be kinder to you and to the kids. Thank you!
Reason #94:Your accent. So so sexy.
Reason #93:You give me a reason to get up at 5:30 in the morning to workout!! ;)
Reason #92:You are packing a box with things that won't fit, that will cost you more money than you will ever want to spend on shipping and still are doing it without complaining! I love you dear!! ♥
Reason #91:You are going to let me name our next son B.J. Lavelle Jevne (the B.J. stands for Bronco Jimmer!) You're the best! Reason #90:Your Uncle threw an azado in my honor and bought me a machete for our first Chirstmas together.
Reason #89:Look at our boys! They are so handsome and it isn't from me ;)
Reason #88:If I make it to Heaven, its because you dragged me there, just like you dragged me up to the 'Y' on the mountain there in Provo. I love you!
Reason #87:You love BYU and everything about it!!
Reason #86:You put up with my man crush on Jimmer Fredette and anything BYU related.
Reason #85:Giggity giggity giggity, allllriiiiggghhhht. Sorry dear, that is the most G rated version I can put on FB :) Love me!
Reason #84:I lost my wedding band on our honeymoon and you just kindly reminded me that you had warned me to leave it in the car instead of wearing it in the ocean and after all that, you helped me buy a new one.
Reason #83:Because your children are running around yelling "ma'am" and/or pounding on their door at night shouting it and you just smile. Patience in all you do! :)
This video and Animals solo says it all ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKIXJc71m50&feature=related
Reason #82:You are from Colombia. Home of Shakira and ajiaco. Enough said.
Reason #81:You are so beautiful to me, can't you see?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00M1BDtC-jo
Reason #80:You never complain. About anything. Well, almost. However, complaining about your lazy husband is a good reason to complain ;)
Reason #79:You are a great dancer. Now if I could just get you to use that belly dancing belt I bought you four years ago... ;)
Reason #78:I looked like crap the first day I ever meet you after my car wreck. I spilled my dinner all over myself on our first "official" date to Cafe Rio yet you still married me! :)
Reason #77:You love Italian food, which gives me a good excuse to take us out to Olive Garden and Johnny's Italian Steakhouse! :)
Reason #76:I am going to drop $1000 today on plane tickets so I can go home and see you for 2.5 weeks. I love/miss you that much! (Well, at lot more, but that is all I can afford)
Reason #75:Azucar!!!
Reason #74:You'd never let us run out of gas in the middle of cooking. You'd always find a way to keep the tanks full! :)
Reason #73:It isn't really a reason, but Happy Valentine's Day my love! Been the best 5 (almost 6) years of my life and I am looking forward to many, many more (of course, with you. Not 2300 miles away from you!)
Reason #72:3 Bean casserole and Mexican chicken casserole. Neither are made in Colombia yet you have perfected them! Nom nom nom nom! :)
Reason #71:Because I think about you all the time!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPBzTxZQG5Q
Reason #70:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZIBipYen74
I'm on a song kick when thinking about you ;) I've got many more that remind me of you every time I hear them.
Reason #69:Whenever I get sick or hurt and act like a baby, you baby me! (Could definitely use some of that babyin'/lovin' now with my body falling apart from trying to get in shape, LOL!)
Reason #68:Even after I make you mad and sad or even cry, you still want to chat on Skype with me the next day. I LOVE YOU DEAR!
Reason #67:Because even if I was a zombie, you'd still love me!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCVMuevcCvY
Reason #66:Did you see yourself yesterday? You looked absolutely stunning! So beautiful, especially when you get dolled up for Church!
Reason #65:I don't do well on a Mini exam and you still support and love me. I am going to do better for you my love!!
Reason #64:Three crazy boys and one very absent husband. You're a trooper and amazing. Love you dear!
Reason #63:I'm a starfish, PICK ME!! http://www.filmcow.com/youtube-charlietheunicorn3.html
Reason #62:So hot, want to touch the hiney!!
Reason #61:YOU KILLED OUR LOVE FERN?!?!
Reason #60:You like my butt ;)
Reason #59:Ajiaco and azados.
Reason #58:You can dance... really, REALLY good.
Reason #57:You tell our boys not to use words they don't know the meaning of and then proceed to use a bigger word inappropriately in a conversation. So cute!
Reason #56:You know your muscles ;)
Reason #55:I must love you a lot to be putting over 100 reasons why I love you!!
Reason #54:You introduced me to Mana and Tengo la Camisa Negra ;)
Reason #53:You are whiter than I am! :P
Reason #52:You still want to Skype with me even though I wear shirts that cause my camera to go black. Course, it is almost my favorite T-shirt. Either which way, LOVE YOU!! :)
Reason #51:Ojos asi ;)
Reason #50:The light! Its so pretty! ;)
Reason #49:Your my wife and my eternal mate. I love you dear!! :)
Reason #47:Never give up, never surrender!!!
Reason #46:My boys yell and fight with you and you just smile and get them so distracted that they blindly obey you!! Kinda like our marriage ;) LOL
Reason #45:By writing all these reasons why I love you, it is has really made me stop and think and ponder just why I love you and the amazing journey that has been our marriage thus far. So grateful for you dear and all you have done, all you do now and all that you will yet do for myself and for our beautiful family!
Reason #44:Beauty before the rest of the family on Skype ;)
Reason #43:You share really good advice you pick up from lessons/conferences/etc. Love it!
Reason #42:You would rather talk to your mom then me on Skype. That is ok though, I love you more :)
Reason #41:You are my public conscience. Whenever I say/do something in public that I shouldn't, you kindly remind me that isn't nice/appropriate and put me back in my place ;)
Reason #40:You let my son go to Dave N Busters to watch the Cougars beat the Horned Frogs.
Reason #39:You are a great example for me of patience, love and kindness!! I LOVE YOU DEAR!!
Reason #38:You stayed up last night to watch Jimmer do his thing and you were all excited and loved it! You don't know how hot that is. SOOOOOOO HAWT!
Reason #37:Shake your bon bon shake your bon bon!
Reason #36:Your beautiful smile :)
Reason #35:You like to have muscle flexing duels with me ;)
Reason #34:Samuel has your sense of humor ;)
Reason #33:I tell you I am going to be on at a certain time, and miss it and you don't get mad! :)
Reason #32:You sent me the most awesome shirt ever! :)
Reason #31:You like my choices in technology ;)
Reason #30:Just look at your profile pic, you are amazing dear!! :)
Reason #29:I love technology, but I still love you more... but I still love technology, always and forever ;)
Reason #28:You come up with the best FHE lessons! Love you dear!
Reason #27:I evidently can't count and added like 11 days to our countdown, but you didn't say anything. Thank you for being so patient!! :)
Reason #26:I love your mom and dad! I call them really late to talk and they are all excited to hear from me!! Just like you :)
Reason #25:You lay the law down on the boys!!
Reason #24:You are going to let me buy a Jimmer jersey!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Reason #23:ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY, SO HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY ETERNALLY YOUNG BRIDE!!! ;)
Reason #22:Your lips.
Reason #21:Your hips.
Reason #20:You always dress so nice when you are in public and look like a trophy wife (though you are not) and I always look like a scrub but you don't complain :)
Reason #19:You are always there for me, even 2500 miles away! :)
Reason #18:You make such beautiful babies!! :)
Reason #17:As was mentioned in General Conference, woman are a blessing from our Father in Heaven and you are DEFINITELY, a blessing!!!
Reason #16:I made a choice and I love it!!! (per Priesthood session) ;)
Reason #15:You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
Reason #14:You rock!!!
Reason #13:Just look at your profile picture. So pretty. So sexy. So.. just everything!! Love ya!
Reason #12:I'm crazy but you like it ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAaFOJuu9D0
Reason #11:you support me in all I do!! :)
Reason #10:I've got to experience the beauty that is Colombia because of you!!
Reason #9:You are representing the family at my brother's wedding! :)
Reason #8:You like the zoo.
Reason #7:You get my humor :)
Reason #6:Three words: Samuel, Benjamin and Dainel.
Reason #5:You are always dressed like a lady!
Reason #4:You have boundless energy and seem to never run out.
Reason #3:Bubbles at our wedding reception! ;)
Reason #2:Are you some sort of pyscho person?!! ;) (Its a quote from a chick flick my wife likes)
Reason #1:You have been by better half for over 5 years now and I am so amazed at everything you do: from raising our boys to fulfilling your duties at Church to taking care of your husband. You are an amazing mother, a better wife and a beautiful daughter of God. I love you dear and will be seeing you soon! Con todo mi corazon, te amo y para siempre Dios este contigo!!
We are sooooooo happy to have him back..

Cub Scouts.. Pack Meetings.. Fun

Carla, my-mother-in-law, serves in our Church as a Cub scout leader.. and knowing how much Samuel loves to be involved with older kids and scouts, she tries to let us tag along on the 4th Thursday of every month for their pack meeting, since is not just her little group but all the stake cub scouts combined.

The last two months have been MEMORABLE!!

I will start with the most recent since is the funniest one..

For this month they decided to have a "Fiesta" with pinatas and Mexican dinner.. and my dear Carla decided to volunteer us for the entertainment.. That we could dance..

For those of you who don't know, I was involved in a multicultural dance group (Remembering Our Culture) back in 2002-2003. It was an amazing experience.. and a missionary opportunity through our dancing and firesides.. Now, did you noticed it almost has been 10 years? Crazy long.. rusted for sure..

So I put together a cumbia from my country (Colombia by the way, don't get fooled by the Mexican flag in the background) with Samuel and Benjamin.. I showed them some videos I had.. to get the idea.. Samuel enjoyed it for a day and then he expressed his fear of public and rejected the offer. However, that day (pack meeting) he decided he would do it. I told him to only look at me and then he would be fine. So, if you know Benjamin, he is the social magnet.. and loves attention. So i figured he wouldn't do much.. but what i didn't count on was what happened:

Here are some pictures.. and of course a video.. I still cant stop laughing.. too funny.

I cant get enough of this video.. too funny.. Just focus on Samuel's concentration and Benjamin's reaction..

Samuel did sooooooooo awesome.. for not liking to be the center of attention (unless is for sport skills) he amazed me! Benjamin however, was excited at first with the flute.. and then he just decided he had enough of the outfit, dance and all. So he finally slips and falls in his intend of getting my attention to pick him up.. So I did, and just kept dancing with him on my side as you can tell.. it was fun.. Good memories.. I just love my boys!!!!!!!

After the short 2-minute-dance, I showed the kids a Samoan clap dance.. "sasa". Which I tried teaching them a little thinking it was funner and easier for them to learn. They were so into it that for a moment it was neat to feel the giant spirits of this young boys and girls (sisters) 10 and below with full eye contact and absorbing it all.

Here is a little video..

Benjamin decided to be part of it by blowing his flute during my teaching moment.. haha

Of course, the pay off for all this was the pinata afterwards.. candy galore..

During January is the Pine Derby competition.. and Samuel was excited to paint (with help) his own BYU car.. to include Benjamin, he used his uncle's old car.. which, at this age the fact that has wheels and rolls is all that matters.

At the end, they were nice enough to give them a certificate of completion.. which meant a lot. Only 3 more years Samuel..

And insight: Benjamin cried for a long time at the beginning because he couldn't understand why his car couldn't race first.. the time it was his turn he was playing with a ball with some young women.. what a character!

Conclusion: We love pack meetings and are looking forward cub scouts!

Baby blessing and family pictures

Jay came for Christmas break and only had 3 weeks with us, which also included 3 Sundays with us. However, the second Sunday my brother and sister-in-law were already leaving to go back to Rexburg, Idaho; and the third it was just us 5 with grandma and grandpa for sure. This left us with only Christmas weekend to do Daniel's baby blessing. I was sooo happy to have waited 2 months for this so that Jay could be here and perform it.

We were all happy after Sacrament Meeting, besides that weekend was only 1 hour instead of 3.. so the kids were not as tired and tired to smile.. just said "cheese ball".. And here, the rest of the family.. with the future new addition "Chelsea" who just got engaged a couple of days before this picture.. The next day, we went to have a studio done since the whole family was finally together.
These are some of the pictures.. ignore the fact that are not cropped..
This was the last picture which we were all together. On this one, one of the assistants got pretty funny with a basketball, since Benjamin was not smiling and really didn't want to be there.. But she got a good smile out of him. However, could not convince him to were his tie.. oh well.

I love seeing this one of the grandparents with the rugrats.. so cute. Not much of a pose on these one, but my little men look adorable anyway..

Not always seem to smile.. lol

And of course the "main" family tree..

And this was our first picture.. our now family of 5.. What a blessing to know we got to spend some time as a family.. and in 4 months we will be together again for some more quality time with daddy.