2017 Magnets

For the past 10 years I have been making magnets for Phi's birthday. It started as a 3rd birthday party favor and has become a tradition. With Louie, these magnets started when we announced we were expecting! Over the years the photos went from ones I wanted to ones they wanted. Now when they take pictures they say things like "Ohh that might be my magnet picture!"

That's exactly what happened with Louie this year. She really really wanted this for her 7th year magnet. Wouldn't have been my choice, but it does say "Chicano" in Old English in the background so I went with it. 

Presenting Louie's 7th Year Magnet.... 

Over the past weekend I had my camera out at a family party and I headed out to where the cool kids were hanging out. While I was there I snapped a few pictures of Phi hoping something would be magnet worthy. I hit the jackpot. I cannot get over how beautiful, or how grown-up she looks in this picture.

Presenting Phi's 12th Year Magnet.....

So if you are a collector of magnets of these 2, hit me up at the next family get-together! 

Hey Batter.....

Another big change for Phi moving to an everyday school from home school was PE. For years a walk through Art Walk was considered PE. My kids have never played any kind of organized sport. They just have never had any interest and maybe J and I should have pushed them, but we never did.

Throughout this school year Phi's PE class has played dodge ball, volleyball, basketball, capture the flag, pickle ball, lacrosse, and even kick ball. She tolerated some, and hated most. And then at the end of the year they did a few weeks of softball. And she loved it. Well she loved the hitting part anyways.

Imagine our complete shock when Phi asked us to take her to the batting cages. After we picked ourselves up off the floor we started looking for local batting cages. The next weekend we headed out to some indoor batting cages. We rented a cage? box? Not sure what they are called. Grabbed a bucket of balls, borrowed a bat and batting helmet (because of course we don't own any of those things!). Then Joey pitched balls to the girls for 30 minutes.

I thought that this would get it out of their system. I thought Phi would find something about it that was boring or scary. Instead they both loved it and asked and asked for us to go again. And the next time Phi wanted to hit from the pitching machine. Apparently her Poppa is no Fernando Valenzuela. Yes I realize her retired about 20 years ago but that is the only pitcher I am 100% sure was a pitcher.

So we went again. And Phi did really well. Even Louie was hitting some off the tee. Then we were at a store looking at bats and gloves. And the girls keep asking when we are going to go again. I have no idea if this will lead either of them playing on a actual team. But J and I spent a lunch imagining Phi as the top USA college softball player and traveling around to watch her play. 

#32 Graduates College

I have mentioned it here maybe or twice but I come from a very big family. My mom's side at last count was 104 people. 104!!! This is 4 generations. In my generation, "the grandkids" there are 32 of us. This past Saturday #32 graduated from college. 

#32 is our baby. Selina (yes she is named after Selena) graduated from CSUCI with honors. She is such a smart cookie and will continue on to earn her teaching credentials. The familia is so proud of Selina. When she asked me to take some pictures I jumped at the chance. We set up a date to shoot on the Limoneira Ranch, where our family started. We got lucky with a gorgeous day. 

This picture was a tribute to our Tata. My goodness did that man love Selina. For as long as I can remember my Tata worked on a forklift moving crates of lemons. Our Tata wanted us all to get a good education. He loved to learn and he worked hard to give his kids and grandkids opportunities he never got to have. I know his Selina has made him so proud.

Congratulations Sel! We love you!

12 and 44

 

How in the world can you be 12 years old today? Lately I have noticed that you are almost as tall as me. It's so weird. I swear you were just as tall as my waist a few days ago. This is it, your last year of being a kid, next year you become a real live teenager. You are growing up and Poppa and I are so proud of you and how well you have adjusted to all day school. You have made some great friends. You have worked hard at your artistic skills and your drawings are really spectacular. I love how you come home from school and tell me all about your day. I hope that you always talk to me. I hope that you know that I always want to hear what's going on in your life. Nothing is more important to me. I am so proud to be your Mom. I hope your 12th year is amazing! I can't wait for our birthday trip!

Happy 44th Birthday Babe!  I met you when you were a young 30 year old and here we are 14 years later. We have been on so many adventures together. When we added the 2 rugrats to the mix we just brought them along for the ride. You are my heart. There is no one else in this whole world who I want to be around 24/7. I love the life we have created, filled with family, art and fun. I hope your 44th year brings you happiness and fulfillment. P.S. I love you...forever and today. 

Ending the year strong

As the school year is coming to an end we had one last big project. A book report. Louie decided to do a report on her current favorite book, "Bearded" by Jeremy Billups. It is a great book and as you will see she loves it because it reminds her of her Poppa.