Saturday, January 24, 2009

My poor little boy.

Friday January 23, 2009
Yesterday started off fine enough. It was payday so I payed bills and budgeted and stuff like that. Then I got a few more things crossed off my to do list and as Robert and I were making plans to go grocery shopping and a date later that night my poor little boy power puked all over Robert and the living room floor. It was out of nowhere- we had no idea he wasn't feeling well. He did take a rather long nap but other than that no fever or fussiness or anything. So after we got him and everything else all cleaned up and I was trying to finish getting dressed and stuff he puked again all over Robert. I must say I'm so proud of my hubby. He used to not be able to handle puke or anything like that but he didn't even complain or make a bad face or anything. What a man! So I just held and snuggled my little boy while Robert went and got him some gatorade and applesauce and stuff and then we just hung out at home for the night. Luckily Joaquin didn't puke again except for spitting up some water and gatorade for the rest of the night and by the time we put him down for the night a lot of his color had returned. It must have just been something that he ate that didn't agree with his stomach or whatever. I'm so grateful for prayer and for a loving Father in Heaven who hears and answers prayers like helping my baby to sleep and feel better. What a blessed life I have!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Promised Pic...

This was my first day of work at Grand Geneva in early January.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

We Are A Happy Family!

Thursday January 22, 2009Today was a pretty great day. After the morning routinely stuff me and the fam went to my work where I got my schedule and name badge and all that good stuff. Then we went to the library which is awesome- it's so quaint and cute. Plus it's right in down-time Lake Geneva which has such a fun and cute vibe to it. After we got our books we went to a local pizza place that's really close by. The pizza was dee-licious! Unfortunately it's a little pricey so we're still on the hunt for our favorite pizza place. After we got home I read to Baily for a little bit and then we were just hanging out being silly and taking goofy pictures as you can see. It was such a simple moment but one I'll never forget. How I cherish my family! Joaquin was one pooped out little boy and could barely stay awake to play with his toy. I love that kid. He's always cracking me up. Today nothing extraordinary happened but it was a day of much awesomeness! I'm so very grateful to be part of such a happy family who I love with all my heart!

Home and all together at last!

Wednesday January 21, 2009
Wednesday was a nice day of just being home with my hubby, getting our room organized and recuperating after a long trip. It was so nice to have some help with the constant demand of attention that my kid's need. Baily took Robert out in the snow and showed him how to sled for his first time ever. She was so excited and so was he. It was such a sweet moment. Have I mentioned how great it is to have my hubby here?! Man I sure missed him. Later in the day me and my little family went to the Y where the kid's played in the Tot Spot and Robert and I "played" raquetball. I use the word play lightly since I sucked so bad and Robert must have been bored to death even though he won't say it. It was fun anyway though. After that we headed to Wal-Mart and then back home. Baily crashed on the way home and stayed out for the rest of the night. We fed Joaquin and showered him and he was out in a manner of minutes as well. The poor little tikes must have still been recovering from the long trip as well. (Oh and btw- J's rash is gone- hallelujah!) Robert and I and Patty watched Miss Potter which was such a great movie and then just Robert and I watched part of one of our favorite movies that gets us cracking up every time- The Three Amigos, while we enjoyed some delicious frozen pizza. Oh it feels so good to have my hubby back! It's true what they say you know... absence does make the heart grow fonder!

On the road again.

Tuesday January 20, 2009
After saying a prayer of gratitude for making it through the night in our ghetto motel and a hearty breakfast order from McDonald's we were back on the road again. Technically the 2nd day should have gone faster than the first because we had less miles to cover but it didn't. Once we started it wasn't long before we were in Missouri which was a break for our eyes as it was beautiful country. However, after being advised from many sources to not stop if you can help it because there are a lot of prejudiced rednecks and we weren't exactly a white group it was a little scary when we had to stop for gas. And I've never seen so many adult shops in my life. Sheesh! But it really was beautiful. Joaquin was getting pretty restless so we got him a beef stick and he was one happy camper. I don't know if I've mentioned this before but man does that boy love meat! Whenever he eats a meal you can count on him only wanting the meat part of it and a lot of it at that. He will definitely not be a vegetarian from what we can tell. As we were almost to St. Louis we saw a semi on fire. It was crazy! Luckily we saw the driver walking out by the truck so we were relieved to know that he wasn't caught in that fire. As we were getting into St. Louis it was so cute how excited my niece Emely was to see her hubby. You could just feel her excitement! Once we got there we met her husband D at a buffet where he treated us to a hearty, delicious lunch. It was nice catching up with him and seeing his and Emely's excitement to be reunited. Oh... young love! We were sad to leave her but alas we had to get back on the road. And from then on was the longest part of the trip. We kept having to stop for Baily because for some reason her bladder decided to shrink to the size of a mustard seed and then we got sidetracked and of course a couple of times. Why is it when you're so close to home and you just want to get there nothing goes your way?! Must be murphy's law. At least Joaquin slept most of the time and Baily pretty much just chilled and entered her own imaginary world. We also jammed out to a lot of music and just tried to laugh about our frustrations on the road. Once we got out of stupid Rockford, IL (2 cities I now hate are Tulsa and Rockford) and into sweet Wisconsin I was so relieved and really truly felt like I was home. It was 3 degrees with about a foot and half of snow but it was beautiful and I was just so happy to be home with my hubby as a complete family. We got something to bring to the house to eat and once we got home and ate real quick I took a much needed and appreciated shower and crashed. The kids were SOOO happy to be out of the car and back home. Joaquin was even dancing and giggling. It was so cute. The dogs were happy to see the kids and the kids were happy to see the dogs. Sweetness.

A long way home...

Monday January 19, 2009
So early Monday morning we started our trek out west... er- east that is- northeast to be precise. It was to be a 1700 mile trip made in 2 days because that's all we could afford to stop;) My niece Emely was with us and we were to drop here off in St. Louis with her husband. We managed to leave only half an hour behind our goal which we were proud of. After a sweet family prayer offered by my Abuelita in which we all held hands (I don't know why but I just loved that), and a stop for gas we were on the road. It was so much better to be in our spacious van instead of the U-Haul and already in Show Low which saves at least about 2 or 3 hours and with a niece who my kids love who helped us out so much. Of course, since it was a very long trip, the whole no eating in the van rule was thrown out the window- as you can see by my very scruffy little boy. Yes, our van was packed to the max and it looked like a food bomb went off but the kids were content with minimal crying (no crying from Baily at all in fact) so the mess was well worth it. We went through New Mexico, then Texas where we saw this huge cross- the biggest I'd ever seen and then Oklahoma where I thought these wind thingys were pretty cool. I'm sorry to say but I was not very impressed by Texas or Oklahoma. All the dead grass and cows and flat lands got pretty old after a while. We stayed the night in Tulsa, OK in the crappiest motel I've ever been in and was scared I would catch a disease or be mugged. I didn't even take a shower and trust me, I needed it. But we made it through the night and our first day of the trip ended up going quite smoothly. My ear even popped back into place after being out for like a million and 3 days!

Counting my blessings- 1.1-1.11

In an effort to be more grateful last year I posted a blessing a day so it was my 366 blessings for the year. This year I've just decided to list my blessings for each day and not worry about repeating myself. Wow what difference being grateful makes! Once you get started thinking of your blessings each day and ways the Lord has had a hand in your life, it's hard to limit yourself so it's not a novel. Anyway, in an effort for my blog to not have a mile's worth of length on the side I'll just be posting the previous week's list of blessings so I can archive it and keep a little bit more free space on my sidebar (if that made any sense...). So here's my blessings I had posted for each day from January 1st to the 11th:
1.1- a fesh new year, sweet conversation this morning with Baily about Jesus, my dad teaching Joaquin to howl like a coyote, my dad's traditional New Year's Day good luck black eyed beans, finding a bunch of books of mine that I want to read, reading books with Baily Bug (God's Dream by: Archbishop Tutu- awesome!), Joaquin snuggling with me, feeling caught up and on top of things!
1.2- The Book of Mormon, Broccoli cheese soup with french bread for dipping, not breaking down and drinking a Dr. Pepper even though I wanted one SO.BAD., Baily being such a sweetheart at bedtime and her sweet prayer
1.3- me and Joaquin making a pact to be best buds forever, "squishes" (bear hugs) with Baily, finding one of my favorite cousins starting a blog, cranberry scented lotion, Joaquin cracking up laughing at his goofy sister, Baily taking a nap during on the day and cuddling with me all day, watching football with my dad and the AZ Cardinals kicking butt! Go Cards!!
1.4- Friend magazine, Book of Mormon stories, prayers, starting a study of the Doctrine & Covenants, gaining a stronger testimony of Joseph Smith, finding out I get free food at my job- triple berry cheesecake, liking my new job a lot, getting off like 2 1/2 hours early from my new job and being able to prepare for AZ trip
1.5- my dad waking up super early to drive us to the airport, safe trip to AZ, nice guy on airplane who made J laugh a lot, B & J being so excited to see their daddy, sleep, my MIL's tamales that she made just for me, going for a walk with my hubby and kids
1.6- my kids being able to play outside in the warm sun, the movie Freedom Writers, popcorn & M&M's, PF Chang's lettuce wraps and chocalate cake dessert shot, enjoying good company with my brother Alex and his friends, my new Lion King charm bracelet that Alex got me, watching the Lion King Broadway show, laughing and hanging out with my niece Emely
1.7- the way J dances every time he sees his Abuela Cande, the way J makes a pouty face (cutest thing ever!) whenever he doesn't get what he wants, Heavenly Father's patience with me, Elder Cristofferson and Elder Bednar's conference talks, sleeping next to my husband, talking to my mom on the phone and hearing her happiness, having fun with my kids at the park in the warm sunshine
1.8- orange juice when you have a scratchy throat, sitting next to a really funny and cool guy on the plane, traveling without kids and how easy it is, finishing reading a book (The Alchemist), arriving in sunny Florida and all it's beauty, the excitement of being on vacation, hanging out with my Willis family, sleeping!! all by myself
1.9- my Aunt Konny's generosity, hanging out with all my Willis family, carne asada lunch, enjoying Epcot at Disney World, ibuprofen, pasta dinner, all the wonderful people and cultures from around the world
1.10- making it 10 miles in the Disney Half-Marathon race without dying, my Aunt Konny giving me a medal, sleep and recovery, a very hot long shower, chatting with my Aunt Kathy and cousin Karly, pizza, watching an awesome football game where my Cardinals kicked booty!! (wahoo!), sleep
1.11- hanging out with my cousins, my Aunt Konny's generosity, having a ball at Disney's Hollywood Adventures park, yummy bbq pork sandwich, sleep

Sunday, January 18, 2009

We goin' to the Super Bowl y'all!!

Sunday January 18, 2009
So today was AMAZING! Thanks to my Cardinals. What an awesome game. It got a little scary but I KNEW we could pull it off. I can't even tell you how excited I am. This morning we just sorta hung out and got some stuff for our trip tomorrow morning back to WI. My poor baby boy has a HORRIBLE diaper rash and his poor little bum was dripping in blood this morning and it broke my heart. I hope this new medicine we got will help out otherwise we're gonna have to stop along the way tomorrow at an Urgent Care. But the good news is that he wasn't as fussy as he's been and his drooling and runny nose has stopped so I think his teeth must have finally broke through which means hopefully the diaper rash will clear up. As painful as it looked it didn't seem to bother him much except when he was being wiped. I hate when my kids have pain. Anyway during the game Robert and I were glued to the tv. I love watching football with my man. I missed being with my dad but we were texting each other the whole game so that was cool. I gotta pretty worried during the 3rd quarter but we pulled it off and it was an amazing game. I LOVE Fitzgerald! He's so amazing and so athletic. And Warner's pretty dang awesome too. During the game my Abuelita & Tia made some delicious home-made Navajo tacos and we had munchies all day. Man I'm going to miss being able to come up here to Show Low in only 3 hours. We are always so spoiled and taken care of so well. I just love my family up here so much. After the game we went over to my step-parent's Gerald and Rachelle's house to say our goodbyes and I also got my early b-day present. I got this ADORABLE hand bag (I really needed one of those) and it was filled to the brim with all sorts of goodies. One of it was the complete Bare Minerals make-up set which I've wanted forever. I loved this gift! Thanks so much Gerald and Rachelle. It was hard to say goodbye but I made it clear that it wasn't goodbye but see ya' later. We're gonna miss them a lot. When we got back my boys went to sleep and Baily and I stayed up and played another roaring game of May I? with my niece Emely, Alex and a bunch of his friends. It was fun and me winning AGAIN was just icing on the cake. Good times, good times. I just finished up packing and now I'm enjoying blogging on an awesome, fast computer one more time before we're headed back to the freezing cold. Have I mentioned how much I'm gonna miss my Show Low and family up here?! But today was a great last day... Go Cardinals!!!

Simply Great

Saturday January 17, 2009
Yesterday was just like the title says- simply great. We went over to my step-parents house and while Gerald changed our oil and checked over our van and Robert watched him, we chatted with my Rachelle and Emely gave me an awesome massage. Then we went outside in the nice warm sunshine and the kids had fun being outside. It was quite nice. Then we picked up some pizzas that were so good and came back to my Abuelita's house and just hung out for the rest of the evening. My kids went to bed early which was nice and the rest of the evening was just peaceful and nice. I love days like that- simple and nice! I'm sure gonna miss Show Low when we leave Monday morning! How blessed I am to be surrounded by such wonderful family... I really do have the best family in the world!

Show Low rocks!

Friday January 16, 2009
Friday was just a very nice day hanging out here in the good ol' Show Low. Me and the kids just hung out in the morning while everyone else was at work or school. Then Robert and Emely finally got here from the valley and both the kids and I were quite excited to have our daddy back. We just had fun hanging out and me and Alex and Emely went to Wal-Mart for some necessities and then we had a delicious dinner made by my sweet Abuelita (that means little Grandma in Spanish btw) and then Alex's friend Kayla came over and we (me, Robert, Emely, Alex, Fran [my Tia] and Kayla) had a ton of fun playing Cranium, Catch Phrase and then May I?. By the time we got to playing May I we were all so tired and just got silly and were laughing about the stupidest things. I love that- it was so much fun! It really was a simply fabulous day!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Thursday, January 15, 2009

A lunch and a break.

Thursday January 15, 2009
Today was just nice. I took my time getting up and getting dressed and then my step-mom Rachelle picked up me and my kids and took us to lunch at Pizza Hut for the buffet. Yum-o! That was fun. After lunch she dropped me off and took my kids with her to Snowflake for a while. I sat and blogged to my heart's content and enjoyed some complete peace and quiet. It was quite nice. The rest of the day I ate, relaxed, chatted, finished up a sewing project on my Grandma's awesome sewing machine and blogged some more. It's really been quite a pleasant day. It was Robert's last day of work and he'll be joining us tomorrow. I can't wait. Boy oh boy do I love that man! He's such a hottie and he rocks my socks off! Nighty night!

All Caught Up for Now!

Wahoo! I'm all caught up and not even done with my vacation yet. Enjoy the pics! Love you all!

Mr Potato Head at Disney World

This was so cute. He was part of the ride for the Toy Story game ride and was so cute and so funny. The people at Disney World are amazing!

Happy Birthday Zachary!

My little brother Zachary turned 11 on the 10th of this month. I love this kid so much and miss him so much. Happy birthday bud. I love you!

Vacation- a great way to start the year!!

So I'm here in Show Low, AZ a few day before we go home to Wisconsin and I haven't had a chance to catch up on my blog until now so I thought I'd take this chance that I have since I'm kidless and able to use my brother's AMAZINGLY FAST, awesome computer to do some catching up.
Sunday January 4, 2009
**I was so excited to go to church to start off the year great and Baily could hardly contain her excitement to finally be going to Primary instead of Nursery and to be a Sunbeam. Well much to our dismay the roads were covered and ice and we were just not able to go to church. Baily was NOT happy at all. I read her some Friend articles and we sang Primary songs which satisfied her a little bit but she was very sad she missed her first day of Primary. After that I spent a good chunk of time studying the Sunday School lesson and a Joseph Smith lesson which, although it wasn't the same as going to church, gave me a pretty good spiritual boost. We spent the rest of the day together hanging out and I packed up for our long trip to AZ. Then it was
time for me to go to my first day of work. I will post the picture later after I get home to Wisconsin. I had to get new shoes and so of course breaking them in was very painful. Within an hour I had already developed blisters and they had popped and it hurt so bad. I think I'll like the job. It's as a banquet server for a really fancy schmancy resort called The Grand Geneva Resort. I forgot what the atmosphere is like as a server and being around a lot of non-members (bad language) but I've decided that it's a chance for me to let my light shine and try really hard to be a good example. The co-workers all seem really nice, it's pretty easy as far as not having to think a lot (it's pretty physical though and it'll be rough getting used to being on my feet for hours upon hours again), and it will be fun because it will be something different every time. So I'm pretty excited about it. I hate that I have to work but we need to survive and I'm grateful to have found a job somewhat quickly and one that will be fun and makes pretty good money.
Monday January 5, 2009
The day started off WAY too early- as in 3 am. We had to be up and my dad dropped us off at the airport (me and my kiddos) for our flight to AZ. Joaquin had a rough time the first 20 minutes and I was just praying for him to calm down as I could feel the passengers stressing that they were going to be stuck on a flight with a crying baby. But he calmed down and fell asleep and was fine the rest of the trip. When we got there it was so warm and sunny. Baily even said "Mom look! It's the sun!" It was pretty funny. Unfortunately Robert had to work that day but our niece Emely kindly picked us up. We just hung out at my MIL's house, where we stayed, while we waited for him to come home. I got to eat the tamales that my MIL made just for me and we enjoyed home-made grapefruit juice. Yummy! My kids had a blast playing outside and with the new toys that their Abuela got them for Christmas. Baily was SO excited when her dad got home from work and it was precious. It took Joaquin a little bit longer to recognize his dad but once he did he was pretty excited too. We took a nice evening walk and it felt so good to be with my man again. Man I missed him!

Tuesday January 6, 2009
On this day we just hung out and chatted with Emely for most of the day. Later on I was so excited and blessed to go see the Lion King on Broadway at Gammage with my brother Alex and his friends from his college choir group. We got the tickets back in September so I had been excited a very long time to see it. Alex and I had seen it back when I was pregnant with Baily and we were on the very last row so we missed seeing the top half of the play. Even then it was amazing and I was so touched that I bawled the whole time. So this time we had awesome seats in the very middle in the tier section. Yes... I bawled almost the entire time once again. The talent that is put into this play is- well there are no words for it. It just touches me to my very center. Before we went to see the show I met up with Alex and his posse at PF Chang's (as is tradition every time we go to a play), and he treated me to a most delicious dinner. As is tradition we had lettuce wraps (the best food in the world btw) for appetizers and then everyone at the table got a different entree and we each take a little bit of everyone's. It's so, so good. Then we went to the play where Alex spoiled me again and got me a Lion King charm bracelet that I love so much. The play like I said was just perfect. After the play we went out to the stage door and hoped to meet some of the cast. I got to meet the boy who played the young Simba and I was SO excited. He was the sweetest little kid and so humble and sweet. I will never ever forget that. Alex had to leave with his group and while I was waiting for my ride I also go to meet the guys that played Timon and Pumba (I forgot to take a picture- bummer!). It was such a magical evening!!

Wednesday January 7, 2009
On this day I took the kids on a nice long walk to the park and took advantage of the beautiful sunny weather. Then I spent time getting ready for my big trip to Florida. Oh and I watched the movie Freedom Writers which I loved. By the end of the day I was definitely ready for my trip to Florida. I love my babies so much but momma needs a break every once in a while! Grumpy was ready for her vacation!

Thursday January 8, 2009
Thursday started off very early once again for another early flight. I had been planning for this trip to Floriday to run in the Disney World Half Marathon for a year. My Aunt Konny makes an amazing offer to her family to get us to run the Half Marathon but you have to sign up the year before so her motive is to get the family healthy. Don't you wish you had an Aunt Konny like mine?! Anway, this was my first trip without my kids EVER, so I couldn't believe how easy it was. It was soooo nice. I read my scriptures in such a peaceful manner, I had a nice conversation with a football coach that sat next to me (he was hilarious and so cool) and had an easy layover in Houston and I wasn't at all bothered by the HUGE lines to get on the Disney Magical Express once I got to Orlando. Traveling is really nice when there's no little munchkins involved! While I was waiting on the shuttle to go to my hotel room my Uncle Kelly and Aunt Shirlee ended up on the same shuttle so that was cool. After we got to our room, which was awesome- I loved the Disney World All Star Sports Resort, we went and ate in the cafeteria downstairs (the food was really good too!) and then we went and picked up our race goody bag and info. Then we went back to the resort for more food and met up with my cousin Karly there. We chatted for a while then retired and later that night my Aunt Konny, Aunt Kathy and cousins Clint and Karen got there. I was just filled with excitement. It's amazing how you start to feel like a real person instead of just someone's wife or mom when you are on your own for a while!

Friday January 9, 2009
On Friday I went with the rest of the group to go get their race stuff even though I had already gotten mine. Then after that all of us minus my Aunt Kathy went to Epcot Center. Due to lack of moolah I was totally planning on chilling at the hotel with my Aunt Kathy all day but thanks to a very generous family member who I'm so very grateful for, I was able to go to Epcot Center. We all ate at a really good, cool Mexican restaurant and had a good chat. Then everyone split up and I ended up getting to hang out with my cousin Karly. I'm so glad she came. We had so much fun but later in the afternoon we got pretty tired. We really wanted to stay and go on some more rides and watch the amazing fireworks show they have but we knew if we did that we wouldn't make it back to our room until 10 or later and since we had to be up at 3 the next morning to run 13.1 miles we figured that probably wasn't the best idea. So we headed back, ate a ton of pasta and got our food for the next morning's pre-race meal and after getting everything ready for the next morning and my Aunt Konny giving us all the info we needed and after I prayed my heart out that I wouldn't die the next day we all crashed. It was such a fun and nerve-wracking day!

Saturday January 10, 2009
**So Saturday was the big day. You're gonna have to wait on pictures since I took a disposable camera (was afraid I'd drop my digital although if I do it next year I think I'll bring my digital along next time) and haven't gotten the film developed yet. (Do they even do that any more...lol). I woke up and my adrenaline was pumping let me tell you. Although it wasn't cold it was definitely chilly at about 45 degrees at 3:45 in the morning when we loaded the bus to the race spot. I was wearing a tank and capris and a tshirt over it but I was sweating because of the adrenaline and nerves. There were so many people running the race and the vibe was so exciting and I totally fed off of it. So many people told me that once you do your first race it becomes an addiction and I can totally see that coming true for me. So first I have to say that I'm proud of myself for even going because I wanted to back out so many times. I did not train like I wanted to and even though I trained off and on for the whole year exept the last 2 months before the race, I was not prepared at all for this race. So here's what happened. I only made it 10 miles before I got picked up by the bus. If you're behind the 16 minute per mile pace you get picked up. I was sooo bummed and cried as soon as I got picked up. But after some reflection here's what I think: I lost 70 lbs in the little amount of training I did last year for this race which is pretty dang awesome, I made it 10 miles on my very first ever race which is like 3 times farther than a 5 K- that's pretty good. Once I met up with all the rest of the family, who all did awesome by the way and I was so happy for them all, my Aunt Konny gave me one of the medals she got. For some reason she got 2 medals- nobody knows why. I think it's a tender mercy of the Lord for me. At first I didn't want to take the medal but I really feel like I deserve even though I didn't finish all the way. The race was a blast and the vibe was just awesome. I'm so motivated and determined to kick the race's butt the next time I come back. After the race we were all so dead- at least I sure was. I took the longest, hottest shower I've ever taken after eating a lot and it felt so good on my aching body. I have never been so sore in my entire life. Even my fingers and ears were sore. I took a very long nap and the rest of the day we all just relaxed. Later that night I got some pizza and watched the awesome Cardinals kick the tar out of the Panthers. It was such a good game! So even though the race day didn't turn out like I would have liked I had an absolute blast, I'm proud of myself for giving it my all in the race (not in training) and I learned a lot and am ready to do much better. It was an unforgettable experience!
Sunday January 11, 2009
When I woke up on Sunday I thought I was going to die! I was SOOO sore. I was once again planning on hanging out in the room but once again thanks to a very generous family member I was able to go with my cousins to Disney Hollywood Adventures park. I'm so glad I got to go because we had a blast. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror was so much fun along with the Aerosmith Rockin' Roller Coaster ride. We got to see cool shows, enjoyed some yummy food and just had a great time. I must say though we looked like quite the pathetic bunch walking so sore and funny looking. After we got back that night we all had a good dinner and chat and said our goodbyes and I packed up. It was such a fun trip and one I'll never ever forget. Thanks Aunt Konny!

Monday January 12, 2009
Monday was another early start for another very early flight. I had a layover again in Houston and I was so tired by that time. As we were about to start our flight to Phoenix I started to feel the beginnings of a migraine coming on. It was sooo painful and I felt nauseous. I couldn't hold back to the tears from the pain and I just knew I was getting a migraine. I prayed my heart out to be able to endure the pain or if it was His will, that it would go away. How grateful I was to be able to fall asleep and wake up with no more pain. He does answer prayers and I'm so very grateful for that! After I got home I just loved on my son for a very long time. Baily was with her Grandpa Gerald and when he dropped her off I loved on her a very long time. Oh how I missed my babies. I was grateful for and needed the vacation but my arms just ached to hold them. Man I love my kids! After Robert got home I was very grateful to realize how much he missed me;) and later on my step-parents Gerald and Rachelle brought over their Christmas presents for us. I know- we are so spoiled!! We all got some awesome stuff and I'm so grateful for Gerald and Rachelle and their love and support of me and my family. Unfortunately they couldn't stay very long so they left. The rest of the night was just relaxing and nice. I felt refreshed after my trip and happy to be with my family.

Tuesday January 13, 2009
Tuesday was a pretty busy day. I woke up and got the room and our luggage cleaned and organized. Then my step-dad came and me and my kids went with him to lunch where we were treated to some delicious El Pollo Loco and then went to Freestone Park and enjoyed the beautiful weather once again. After that he went back to his hotel room and me and my kids went and picked up my little siblings Zach and Mackenzie. I miss these guys so much. They wanted Burger King and to go to the park and hang out for a bit so that's what we did. I gave Zach is itunes gift card for his birthday and he was just so grateful. I only got to hang out with them for about an hour and a half but it was pure bliss. They seem so happy and content and that just does my heart good. Baily and Kenzie just bonded and it was so sweet. I was so sad to drop them off and I could tell they were sad too but it was a wonderful visit and I'm so grateful for it. I love those guys so much. After I dropped them off I had to go pick up Robert at work and it was a long drive. The traffic was horrible- I'm not going to miss that all. At least my kids slept though. As soon as we got to my MIL's house Gerald was there to pick us up to bring us to Show Low. Baily was so excited to go to her favorite place in the world- Show Low. Joaquin... not so much. He was a pretty fussy little booger and I'm positive he's teething again. The trip went by pretty fast though and I'm so grateful for Gerald's help. We got here pretty late and we chatted for a bit but then we all crashed.
Wednesday January 14, 2009
Yesterday was just a laidback, relaxing day. I just enjoyed chatting and visiting with my Abuelita and Tia Franci and just chilling. Later that night after a delicious homemade meal that my Abuletia made (man I missed homecooked meals!) I was treated to a night at the movies with my brother Alex and his friends. My Grandma and Tia watched my kids for me. I told you I was spoiled! I got in free and got free popcorn and soad and M&M's. That was worth it since the movie pretty much sucked. But I had a blast anyway. I always have so much fun with Alex and his friends. They make me feel so young and alive! After the movie we picked up some pizzas and came back to my Grandma's. I got J to sleep and then I got to play Catch Phrase and it was so much fun. Baily was so tired and instead of being a grump she was so silly and we were all cracking up at here. Love that girl! It was such a fun day!