April in closing...

The concluding weeks in April were fruitful. Here's what went down:



 The entire family caught a series of stomach viruses which *helped some of us on a quest to get skinnier for hotter weather (twisted joke) while landing the smaller folk in the hospital....

                                                           

Razzle Dazzle showed his stuff on the b-ball fields making his Momma scream like a looney with excitement in the outfield (I swore I'd never be that mother...but you turn into a fanatic when your kidz got skillz :)  )

      
Also, each weekend, I am awarded the pleasure of living vicariously through my middle child, Tator, while he slide-tackles and scores like a champ on the soccer fields...totally entertaining (Spartacus is quite the soccer player too, might I add, averaging 3 goals per game :D...I'm not bragging...actually, I AM!!!! BOOOOYAHHHH         I became acquainted with these darling Sisters from a local parish while dining at Jersey Mikes....I was so stoked. It's always nice meeting heavenly celebrities who still adorn themselves in Habits. Peace be with you sisters and thanks for taking a shot with me and blessing my meal.

 Leila Ali (our 5th child-dog) faked a pregnancy by growing large nipples, moping around the house, and whimpering for sympathy from the kids...it worked and she was awarded a spot on the bed for a few nights til' we figured out she was lying.... 
We adopted a new family member which really upset Leila so she decided to let the poor kitten know who was boss upon their introduction...after prying the little kitty out of Leilas mouth, we decided Leila needed some cool-down time outside for a few days....Gypsy (our new kitty) is adapting nicely after her near death experience and we are hoping that Leila and Gyp will become civil in the days to come.

Sparticus is really enjoying his faith formation at church...I hope it's because he is falling in love with Jesus but his behavior suggests that it's more likely because he's enjoying dressing up like Rico Suave every Sunday....

A replica of the Hub

 The Hub is looking finer than ever bulking up for summer and staying focused on his passion for coaching kids. He just returned from an awesome trip with his partners and is fired up about the upcoming season. xoxo Turtle-Bear. Can't wait for stadium days! He has also begun to surprise me with his knack for interior design...after staring at my walls in an over-caffeinated stupor, rearranging furniture to no avail, then finally throwing in the towel because I couldn't get the decor just right, The Hub surprised me by completely re-doing our house while I was catching up on beauty sleep that evening. I discovered that the Husband is a pretty capable/talented creature when I allow him that freedom. Thanks lover :)

In "prep for summer news", The Sister-Ugly and I have taken advantage of the amazing weather, relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun. We plan to make it a habit every weekend....*high hopes. 

Sny and The Youthful recently visited the Zoo and Sny had a life-changing experience with a pooping goat (see below)...He is recovering now at home with mom and has no plans to visit the zoo again in the near future.





          

In Spirtual news, Sny has begun to dabble in Judaism, sporting his home-made Yamaca last Sunday dinner. I prefer Catholism these days and am growing spiritually in RCIA classes. I love the discipline I am learning and the fellowship with fellow Parishioners who have respect and admonition for our Lord. The Hub and I will soon be receiving our sacraments and having our marriage blessed before the church. I'm ultra excited and eager for penance: much to confess, Lord have mercy!

Plans are beginning to spring for the month of May! More to come....

Colorful Family Time

My kids are my favorite humans. They keep me on my toes and running wild. We just ended another great Saturday night together. Some non-conventional fun.

This is how we play dress-up

Proud momma

My little Champs, finishing their 1st 5K...they ran the whole race!

 Daddy missed this one, but he will be there for the next! (Mudrun!!! 2014)
San Diego Neon Run 2013

Spring has sprung, and this is what we're up to...

Easter break was awesome! My cousins spent their school break with me, the sis, and my crew. We made a point to get out a lot and soak up the sun (we don't do well indoors). Here are some snapshots of our time together:

 The Crew and I ventured out into the wide-open spaces surrounding us, sometimes finding ourselves in mountain lion territory knocking knees and being dragged by our overly territorial dog. The boys swam in the streams and found some cool freshwater clams and stones. We climbed an outrageously large mountain and sister-mouse-face celebrated at the top by throwing a stone out into the open and nailing Spartacus right in the face....ouch.   

 Our next stop for some spring spontaneity was the B-town stomping grounds to visit our Gypsy family. We spent our Easter weekend running down hills, splashing through streams, and catching up with family that we hadn't seen for a while.  Easter Weekend was well spent at a beautiful park that had a stream flowing through it. The kids caught frogs and chased each other while the mommas and the poppas sat around making fun of each other and getting sun-burnt. We ended Saturday night with a good ol' BBQ and wine tasting at the Geela Monster & Uncle Whitey's.

Easter Sunday was picture perfect. The kids and I woke early to catch a Mass at the church I would often attend as a child with my best-sister-friend, Chae. It was a total flashback of fun memories and what I can see now as an intro to a faith I would later pursue. This was the first of many Easter Masses I would be spending with the kiddos in a new found, or better yet old and refreshed, faith. 

 Our final destination was a visit to Nana's house. There, we munched on the Smith's Cookie Easter Baskets that Uncle Whitey hooked us up with and basked in the sweet and fragrant smells of childhood memories. Grandma Nana was a doll-face wow and took good care of us  until it was time to go. We said our goodbyes and headed home...

P.S. 
Sister Ugly continued beating Riiion with her size 12 flip-flops each time he got out of line, but all-in-all we really enjoyed our week together. Until next time....
Peace Be With You :)
"Our daily problems and worries can wrap us up in ourselves, in sadness and bitterness, and that is where death is..." "Let the risen Jesus enter your life, welcome him as a friend, with trust: he is life!"
-Pope Francis