Ride 'em Cowboy!!

Every year at STARs Daycare, the cowboy lady arrives to take pony pictures. That special day was Wednesday. I prepared Dominic in his full western attire for this photo opp, but had no clue that Matthew, too, would have an opportunity to sit on the pony. How CUTE my two little cowboys looked!!

A Special Day for a Special Little Man

Since we haven't made arrangements to celebrate Dominic's birthday with the whole crew until August 10th (along with Joshua), we decided to take a trip to the fire station to have a birthday lunch with Jim. He is working at Lake Nacimiento for the next week or so. Dominic thoroughly enjoyed his cake and ice cream, and tore into his presents like a champ. He was excited to find the new Leap Frog Tag system. Needless to say, it took a little bit of work from mommy to get it running. Unfortunately, in order to use the books, the internet is involved.....and with my dinosaur of a home computer, I had to boot up my laptop from work to complete the task.

Both Joshua and Dominic enjoyed popping the air filled water balloons that Jim found down at the local market (he swears that's all they had) and each got their fill of colored frosting balloons from the cake. Dominic was proud to show off his purple mouth and teeth!

Upon returning home, Dominic opted for a 2 hour nap, and Joshua and I played a few games. Joshua has really taken to the game playing thing, only he hates to lose.

The birthday boy poses with Daddy

Mommy and Matthew ham it up for the camera

Dominic opens Nana "Mickey's" birthday card

Happy Birthday!!

Joshua oversees Dominic as he opens his presents

Joshua (with Mommy's help) plays with his Lite Brite

Look Who's 3!!

It's hard to believe that Dominic is already 3. It seems like only yesterday I held him in my arms and welcomed him into this world. My how time flies. What a precious little boy he is. And to Dominic, my little man, you have changed my life in so many ways. I am honored and thankful to be your mommy. Happy Happy Birthday!

The iPhone Craze

This picture pretty much sums up my weekend. God bless my husband for being home on vacation this week so that I could partake in iPhone hell! I spent Friday in Bakersfield with a line of 100+ customers waiting to get their hands on this latest and greatest Apple product. I am grateful to have a management job with the largest communications company in the world, but on days (rather, weekends) like this, my stess level peaks. And just in case I didn't get enough on Friday, I tortured myself in Goleta on Saturday. All in all, I absolutely enjoyed the experience and the time on the sales floor. .....and, for those of you looking for a FANTASTIC phone, please visit your local AT&T store and check this thing out. It's really COOL!

Couldn't resist....

I realize that I should just wait and put these in the mail, but I am so excited about the boys birthday invitations. We have elected to combine Joshua and Dominic's party this year so that we don't have to plan two events. We have booked the Harris Stage Lines for a western party. The boys are sooooo excited!!

June in Review

Yes, I know....it's been a month since I last posted. Between work, three boys, and a husband stuck at work due to the hundreds of fires in California, I've barely been able to function. I've managed to get some grocery shopping done thanks to the babysitter, have hit the gym the best I can, and have enjoyed several trips to the waterpark as a supervisor. Needless to say, the month has flown by, and I can't believe we are approaching July.

Joshua's last day of Kindergarten was Friday, June 13th. I am so proud of him. He was able to increase his grades from Not Meeting to Satisfactory in every single subject. It took him the final 3 months to "mature" in his surroundings, but both his teachers were very proud of the accomplishments he made. Watch out 1st grade, here he comes!

Jim's softball team won first place in their league. The boys and I were able to catch several of his games. They did very well! I have to share.....Jim is known as R.V. because he runs so slow compared to other players. He is actually a very good softball player regardless of this shortcoming.

Joshua's girlfriend Noelle celebrated her 6th birthday at the bowling alley. Everyone enjoyed themselves and mommy especially enjoyed the ice cream cake. I tried to convince myself that I didn't need it, but boy was it delicious.

We've hit the Ravine waterpark nearly every day off as the boys enjoy the water. At least mommy gets to work on her tan. Matthew has a special pouch made of neoprene so that he can get wet too. Honestly, we all enjoy the time in the water as it is our one getaway in Paso Robles.

Last Saturday, the boys spent the day with Nana so that mommy could work. I'm happy to say, everyone survived. I think Nana realized that she, just as I, can handle the brood of three boys hands done. For the first time ever, their visit did not entail a field trip, but I know they enjoyed playing with all the toys and visiting.

We've visited the firs station on numerous occasions for dinner and play. Because I cannot get the gym every night with Jim at work, I can at least walk on the treadmill at the station. It makes me feel good after a long day. It's also a relief that Jim has to watch the kids for a while so I can relax (yeah right!).

I am sad to say that our July trip to Utah has now been cancelled since Jim cannot get off work. I know that Pattie, Ella, and Owen were looking forward to seeing us (as were we them), but we will just wait an extra month for them to arrive in California. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we can change Joshua and Dominic's birthday party to August 10 so that they may attend.

Tata for now.....I've posted several photos below so you can keep up with our family. I promise not to go another month without a post.

Matthew enjoys his toys at the waterpark

Joshua and Dominic enjoy the waterpark

Matthew can now hold his head up well - look at those big blue eyes!

Can you tell they are brothers?

Matthew plays peek-a-boo with his blanket

The boys with Nana - Joshua is in that awkward smile phase

Joshua and Noelle

Matthew and Jim

I owe, I owe, it's back to work I go.....

After nearly 4 months at home, I returned to work yesterday to my dismay. I
must admit that I am actually ready to interact with adults again, but I truly enjoyed all the time with my three little men. My first day back was spent in a meeting in Southern California, which included a Sunday evening 4 hour drive and an overnight stay in a hotel. I knew it would be difficult to leave Matthew for the first time with daddy, but I was not prepared for the tears and sobbing that came from Dominic. He was totally distraught that mommy was leaving him. After several hours of crying, Jim finally got Matthew (and Dominic) to sleep and all was well with both of them after that. Matthew seems to be doing okay at daycare, although mommy would rather be at home with him.