Grace in Small Things: 4/14

• Moco and Bubba singing a “Happy Birthday” duet to Tio Javi (the big 2-9) tonight on the phone.
• Last night I flipped on a lamp to read quietly in bed with both kids passed out next to me.  Bubba rolled over and wrapped one arm around me, with his little hand patting my chest gently as he slept.
• Bubba singing me a song: “I love her and she loves me.  Mommy is her name-o.  M-O-M-M-Y!  M-O-M-M-Y!  M-O-M-M-Y! And Mommy is her name-o!”
• Dancing around the kitchen to “Till the World Ends” by Britney Spears.  I have no problem saying I love me some Britney.
• Moco, the personal assistant: “After we go to bed, you need to go downstairs and make a list of things you need to do tomorrow, starting with buying Gamma Phi Circus tickets.  Oh, and I need you to put the supply kit order form in my binder.”
• Spending the last few nights reading “Today We Are Rich” by Tim Sanders… inspiring!!!

Why I Love Moco: Sister Chef

Dear Tíos Gabi and Javi,

She didn’t learn this from me.

But you already knew that.

With love,

Your Big Sister

Mitchell Trail

Tio Gabi, Kitty Cat, and Louie left for Grand Junction on Sunday morning, so the rest of us headed out for a hike on Mitchell Trail to the Natural Arch.  I enjoyed playing photojournalist with Papa and Gamma’s new digital camera!

The clear blue skies and sunshine allowed for great views of Los Alamos, Pajarito Mountain, and the Sangre de Cristos.  It has been years since I hiked this trail, and it looks quite different from the last time I was there — well before the Cerro Grande fire.  It still breaks my heart to see the burnt trees and bare landscape, more than 10 years later, but I miss it, love it, and appreciate the beauty of northern NM more each time we visit!

Gamma and Papa

Fallen log by the arch

Playing around on logs on the trail — Tio Javi the Sloth, Moco pointing out Crazy Gamma the Tree Hugger, our very own Cousin Itt and Papa posing for an awkward family photo, and a cute shot of Moco.

The lack of snow in Northern NM means that we won’t get any skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing in during this visit, unless we head to Wolf Creek this week.  Looks like we’ll be doing lots of hiking instead… we don’t mind, as we’re soaking up the rays and the fresh air while we can!!!

Xmas 2010

Xmas Morning 2010:

Tio Gabi (“Moose-tache”) & Kitty Cat, Papa & Gamma, Tio Javi, Moco & Bubba, and Louis Armstrong

Opening presents:

Bubba got a Spanish National Team soccer uniform… Tio Gabi and Kitty Cat got tea.

Tio Javi got his annual pear.  Moco got SmartWool socks and the American Girl Feel Better Kit (as modeled by Emilee).

Louie got a new ball.

Festivities:

We had Belgian waffles for breakfast and a beautiful crown roast for supper with the Iowa State gang.

We spent a good portion of the day preparing for the festivities, and it was well worth it.

The highlight of the evening was Trivial Pursuit — “kids” vs. parents.  We “kids” are 18 to 32 years old.  Almost all of the parents have PhDs in Chemistry.  There is a physician among them, and after all the ob/gyn questions that he missed, we’re glad he’s a podiatrist.  The parents blew a couple chances at winning, which allowed us to catch up, but in the end, their combined years of experience gave them the edge. There was no shortage of jokes, cheesecake, coffee, laughter, and pumpkin pie this evening.  (Well, maybe there was a shortage of cheesecake — Bubba ate three slices all by himself!!!)

Another wonderful Christmas filled with family, friends, food, and fun!!!

Xmas Eve 2010

Gamma brought the kids to NM from IL last Sunday.  Tio Gabi and Kitty Cat arrived on Monday from CO, and Tio Javi and I both arrived on Xmas Eve (he drove from CA, I flew from IL).  The kids helped put up farolitos around the house.  (This Southwestern tradition symbolizes the journey of Mary and Joseph from house to house looking for shelter in Bethlehem before Jesus was born.)  We had a late supper (lobster tails, jamón serrano, chorizo, manchego, and olives) before the kids left Rice Krispies treats and milk for Santa an a couple of carrots for the reindeer.

The weather in NM is beautiful — clear skies, sunshine, and high 30s/low 40s.  We wish there was more snow for skiing and snowboarding, but we’re thrilled to be visiting and spending time with family.  Just wish Daddy could have joined us.  He spent two days in IA before heading back to IL to work!

A Month of Thanks – 2010

It’s the month to give thanks! Each day this month, I posted about the things and people for which I’m thankful on Facebook.  Here’s a recap (with a few modifications):

11/1 - Today I’m thankful for my other half, Daddy ♥, who is also celebrating his birthday today! 10 years, 2 kids, 1 dog, a new house, a bucket list, and still so many adventures ahead of us!

11/2 - Today I’m thankful for Moco and Bubba, and all the laughter, love and joy they bring to my life. I have learned a lot about fortitude, patience, courage, respect, responsibility, tolerance, flexibility, accountability, prudence, discipline, faith, hope, humility, justice, loyalty, selflessness, trust, trustworthiness, and (of course) love through my children. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be their mama!

11/3 - Today I am thankful for the random little moments in life that make me grin — like Bubba insisting that we raise our water bottles and say “cheers!” as we started supper or our Vizsla draped over Daddy’s lap and loving every minute of the attention…

11/4 - Even though it’s a 12 hour workday, today I am thankful for my job and my career in higher education. On this evening’s agenda: educating prospective students and their parents on the benefits of the community college experience! Go Hawks!

11/5 - Today I am thankful for the inevitability of change and the opportunity to take a deep breath, re-evaluate the landscape, and keep on keeping on.

“Leaders establish the vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there; they cause change. They motivate and inspire others to go in the right direction and they, along with everyone else, sacrifice to get there.”
~John Kotter

11/6 - Today I’m thankful for the opportunity to sleep in! Woke up with curls in my nose, with my boy snuggled up next to me, while R, Moco & Deacon are pheasant hunting.

11/7 - Today I am thankful to be able to spoil my kids a little: cinnamon butterbraid for breakfast, Megamind in 3D, then trading in leftover Halloween candy for FREE Noodles (kids under 12 only). Trading candy for noodles is spoiling, right?!

11/8 - Today I am thankful for the influence of Auntie Mariah on my children. I think.

11/9 - Today I am thankful for my parents for more reasons than I could possibly list… and we’re looking forward to heading “home” to New Mexico for Xmas!!!

11/10 - Tonight Bubba said he wanted ‘the song about 2nd base’. We couldn’t figure it out, but then George Strait performed on CMAs: ”Life’s not the breaths you take/The breathing in and out/That gets you through the day/Ain’t what it’s all about/Ya just might miss the point/Try’n to win the race/Life’s not the breaths you take/But the moments that take your breath away”.  Today I’m thankful for that reminder.

11/11 - Today I am thankful for the service men and women who serve and sacrifice for our country as well as the families and friends that love and support them!!!

11/12 - Today I am thankful for Sherry and all she has done for our family over the past 4+ years. She has helped shape Bubba’s sense of humor, his love for Troy Polamalu & the Steelers, and his attachment to a fringed piece of fleece named Boo. It’s hard to find people you can trust with your children, but we’re fortunate to have Sherry and her family in our lives!!!

11/13 - Today I am thankful for a final game win vs. EIU and a winning season for the Redbirds. I am also thankful for a full house with “Uncle” Tommy, Uncle Danny, Aunt Lisa, and Cousin Mattie this weekend!!!

11/14 - Today I am thankful for our new house and those who help us fill it with love and laughter. This weekend the table leaf came out… every bed and couch was claimed… wings, pizza, honey crisp apple cider, & Dunkin’ Donuts coffee were consumed in obscene amounts. My only complaint is that the weekend went by so quickly!!!

“The ornaments of your house will be the guests who frequent it.”
~Author Unknown

11/15 - Today I am thankful for my brothers, Tío Javi and Tío Gabi. We have had a lot of fun times over the years, and some not-as-fun times (thank goodness they outgrew the pesky little brothers stage), but I’m very proud to be their sister… and I can’t wait to see them next month!!!

11/16 - Today I’m thankful to start my morning at 5:45am for a 35 minute walk with the dog. My cheeks are rosy and my thighs are numb, but I feel productive already…

11/17 - Today I am thankful for the funny things my kids say. This morning Moco told me, “Dinosaurs aren’t house broken, you know” while explaining a short play about cavemen. And Bubba told me, “You smell like beef and cheddar”… to which I conveniently replied, “You mean I don’t smell like Santa?”

11/18 - Today I am thankful for Unks, the sister-in-law otherwise known as Auntie Mariah. She took us up on an offer to live with us while she knocks out her first two years of college, and we’re glad she’s here… although she’s probably thinking “3 months down, 17 more before I can escape these fools!!!”

11/19 - Today I am thankful for the AAWCC Lunch & Learn with Terry Mullin… he made 12 different holiday hors d’oeuvres and and desserts in one hour in Heartland’s new demo kitchen. The baked brie and caramel pie were out of this world!

11/20 - Today I am thankful for a weekend with Papa! After a lazy morning at home, he took Moco & Bubba to the park. Auntie Mariah & I made homemade hibachi chicken & veggies with rice and a caramel pie. Papa and the kids are going to watch a movie OnDemand while Auntie Mariah & I see Harry Potter!!!

11/21 - Today I am thankful for the creativity and frugality that runs in our family… Moco saw a doll bunk bed she wanted, but Papa and I decided we could probably do something for cheaper. Two free boxes from Sam’s Club, four pieces of wood @ 97¢ each, a few minutes with a hot glue gun — and here it is! Still needs to be decorated and mattresses & bedding added, but it fits 2 American Girl dolls perfectly!

11/22 - Today I am thankful for the last couple hours of peace & quiet, just lounging in bed with the laptop. Kids are asleep, Daddy  and Deacon are out of town… sometimes I just need some “me” time while still in the comfort of my own home, you know?

11/23 - Yesterday I was thankful that Daddy called to say he was headed back from Kansas. Except now it’s today and he won’t be home for several more hours… but at least he’s on the way!

11/24 - Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday bc it’s all about food, family & friends. Growing up, we spent many Thanksgivings with our Iowa State “family”. Today I am thankful for our spin on tradition: Daddy & I are also Iowa State grads and now spend turkey days with family in Iowa. We wish we could spend the day with all of our extended family & friends… much ♥ to each and every one of you!

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.
Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”
~ Jane Howard

11/25 – Happy Thanksgiving! Today I continue to be thankful for everyone and everything I have posted about each day this month… Here’s to family, friends, food, health, happiness & love this holiday season and always!

11/26 - Today am I thankful for a dog who hardly ever barks. The guests across the hall went out for the evening and theirs won’t stop!!!

11/27 - Today I am thankful for another great day with my family. Sleeping in with Daddy & the kids, spending time with Grandma Lavera & Great Grandma, driving back in the crammed truck, grocery shopping and prepping meals with Auntie Mariah… I wish these long weekends didn’t have to come to an end!

11/28 - Today I am thankful for a second turkey dinner… but I’m thoroughly stuffed and ready to get back on track! Headed to bed so I can get up early for a workout!!!

11/29 - Today I am thankful for moments like these… I would have taken a picture of Moco, too, but her hygienist was lightning fast!

11/30 - Today I am thankful for another month of daily thanks!

♥ Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel. ♥
~Author Unknown

11/4: Today I Am Thankful For…

… my bruzzers, Tio Javi and Tio Gabi.  We definitely don’t get to see them as much as we would like to, being that Tio Javi lives in California and Tio Gabi lives in Colorado.  But when we do see them, it’s always a fun time — and I always know I can count on these two if I need some advice or support.  So, here’s to my funny “little” bruzzers.  Love you guys!

Celebrations and Recollections

The past couple weeks have brought about a flurry of announcements of weddings, graduations, new babies, and other big events in our family:

• My brother Gabi married Catherine on Saturday.  Another reception is planned in New Mexico at the end of July to continue the celebration!
• My cousin Doan and her husband Chris had their first child, Alexis, on Tuesday morning.
• Daddy’s niece Mallory graduated from high school and will be attending Drexel University in the fall.
• My cousin Quang and his wife Shana announced that their son Nicholas is going to be a big brother this winter!
• Daddy’s cousin Adam will marry Erin in August.
• Daddy’s cousin Abbye (Adam’s sister) graduated from cosmetology school, and she and Brad just had their first baby (Kayley Ann) and are now planning their wedding!
• Gamma retired from her position as a curriculum coordinator and will spend this month keeping up with Moco and Bubba.
• Gabi received a huge scholarship to the University of Denver Sturm College of Law; he starts their evening program in the fall but will likely continue into their full-time program after this first year.
• Javier’s girlfriend Margareta is recovering well from gall bladder surgery.
• Grandma Lavera will be having knee replacement surgery in a few weeks.
• Auntie Mariah started a great summer job at Effigy Mounds National Monument, and she just found out she did well on the ACT!

We are blessed with an incredibly diverse, amazing family that stretches from Washington, D.C. to Iowa to Seattle to Vietnam and Spain.  They are lawyers, chemists, farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, police officers, construction workers, factory workers, mailmen, business managers, software developers, and engineers.  They are white, black, Vietnamese, Spanish, biracial and multiracial.  They are Catholic, Jewish, Mormon, practicing, non-practicing, believing and questioning.  They drive pick-up trucks and sports cars, motorcycles and bicycles, Chevys and Fords and Hondas and Toyotas.  They are as different as they come, but they are our family all the same.

I am so proud of our heritage and the experiences that have shaped and influenced who we are as a family today.  Some of the stories are sad, frustrating, tragic; others are funny and inspiring.  There has been talk about creating a website to record the stories from our family’s journey from Vietnam, but perhaps I need to designate a space to record the stories from Iowa and Spain as well.  I already have a potential name for this site: The Adventures of Moco and Bubba’s Ancestors.  Blogging has been a way for me to capture every day life with Moco and Bubba, but I hope that we can also use it as a place to capture the stories of our family history as well.  What an amazing gift to our youngest family members: the story of our family from all different angles.

What do y’all think?  How can we set this up and get everyone to contribute?