The Batista's

For mothers of boys:

2012-01-03T03:37:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Pinterest and NEVER want to forget it!

27 RULES for MOTHERS OF BOYS Above all...Share the Bible with your son. Show him GOD's love daily and be a Christian example to him. 1. Teach him the words for how he feels. Your son will scream out of frustration and hide out of embarrassment. He'll cry from fear and bite out of excitement. Let his body move by the emotion, but also explain to him what the emotion is and the appropriate response to that emotion for future reference. Point out other people who are feeling the same thing and compare how they are showing that emotion. Talk him through your emotions so that someday when he is grown, he will know the difference between angry and embarrassed; between disappointment and grief. 2. Be a cheerleader for his life There is no doubt that you are the loudest person in the stands at his t-ball games. There is no doubt that he will tell you to "stop, mom" when you sing along to his garage band's lyrics. There is no doubt that he will get red-faced when you show his prom date his pictures from boy scouts. There is no doubt that he is not telling his prom date about your blog where you've been bragging about his life from his first time on the potty to the citizenship award he won in ninth grade. He will tell you to stop. He will say he's embarrassed. But he will know that there is at least one person that is always rooting for him. 3. Teach him how to do laundry ..and load the dishwasher, and iron a shirt and cut the grass and hang a picture and change a tire and fix the chair. He may not always choose to do it. He may not ever have to do it. But someday his wife will thank you. 4. Read to him and read with him. Emilie Buchwald said, "Children become readers on the laps of their parents." Offer your son the opportunity to learn new things, believe in pretend places, and imagine bigger possibilities through books. Let him see you reading...reading the Bible, the paper, reading novels, reading magazine articles. Help him understand that writing words down is a way to be present forever. Writers are the transcribers of history and memories. They keep a record of how we lived at that time; what we thought was interesting; how we spoke to each other; what was important. And Readers help preserve and pass along those memories. 5. Encourage him to dance. Dance, rhythm, and music are cultural universals. No matter where you go, no matter who you meet - they have some form of the three. It doesn't have to be good. Just encourage your son that when he feels it, it's perfectly fine to go ahead and bust a move. 6. Make sure he has examples of Godly men who are powerful because of their brains, their determination, and their integrity. The examples of men with big muscles and a uniform (like Batman and Tim Tebow) will surround your son from birth. But make sure he also knows about men who kick a$s because of their brains (Steve Jobs), and their pen (Moses, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), and their words (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), and their determination (John the Baptist), and their ideas (The Wright Brothers), and their integrity (Officer Frank Shankwitz), and fearlessness (Neil Armstrong), and their ability to keep their mouths closed when everyone else is screaming (Jackie Robinson) and their driving skill (Jeff Gordon). 7. Make sure he has examples of women who are beautiful because of their brains, their determination, their integrity and their Christian example. The examples of traditionally beautiful women (like Cinderella and Princess Jasmine) will surround your son from birth. But make sure he knows about women who are beautiful from the inside out because of their love of GOD (Mary, Ruth, Mother Teresa), brains (Madame Marie Curie), and their pen (Louisa May Alcott), and their words (Eleanor Roosevelt), and their determination (Anne Sullivan), and their ideas (Lottie Moon) and their integrity (Annie Armstrong), and fearlessness (Ameila Earhart), and their ability to open their mouths and take a stand when everyone else is silent (Corrie Ten Boom). 8. Be an example of a beautiful woman with brains, determination, and integrity. You already are all of those things. If you ever fear that you are somehow incapable of doing anything - remember this: If you have done any of the following: a) grew life b) impossibly and inconceivably got it out of your body c) taken care of a newborn d) made a pain go away with a kiss e) taught someone to read f) taught a toddler to eat with a utensil g) cleaned up diarrhea without gagging h) loved a child enough to be willing to give your life for them (regardless if they are your own) or i) found a way to be strong when that child is suffering...you are a superhero. do not doubt yourself for one second. Seriously. 9. Teach him to have manners because its nice. and it will make the world a little better of a place. 10. Give him something to believe in--GOD--- Because someday he will be afraid, or nervous, or heartbroken, or lost, or just need you, and you won't be able to be there. Give him something to turn to when it feels like he is alone---JESUS CHRIST--- so that he knows that he will never be alone; never, never, never. 11. Teach him that there are times when you need to be gentle like with babies, and flowers, and animals, and other people's feelings. 12. Let him ruin his clothes Resolve to be cool about dirty and ruined clothes. You'll be fighting a losing battle if you get upset every time he ruins another piece of clothing. Don't waste your energy being angry about something inevitable. Boys tend to learn by destroying, jumping, spilling, falling, and making impossible messes. Dirty, ruined clothes are just par for the course. 13. Learn how to throw a football or how to use a hockey stick, or read music, or draw panda bears (or in my case alpacas), or the names of different train engines, or learn to speak Elvish, or recognize the difference between Gryffindor and Slytherin, or the lyrics to his favorite song. Be in his life, not as an observer but as an active participant. 14. Go outside with him turn off the television, unplug the video games, put your cellphone on the charger, even put your camera away. Just go outside and follow him around. Watch his face, explore his world, and let him ask questions. It's like magic. Teach him to appreciate God's earthly wonders...the sunrise, the stars, and the dandelion. 15. Let him lose Losing sucks. Everybody isn't always a winner. Even if you want to say, "You're a winner because you tried," don't. He doesn't feel like a winner, he feels sad and crappy and disappointed. And that's a good thing, because sometimes life also sucks, no matter how hard (as moms) we try to make it not suck for our kids. This practice will do him good later when he loses again (and again, and again, and again, and again.....) Instead make sure he understands that - sometimes you win - sometimes you lose. But that doesn't mean you ever give up. 16. Give him opportunities to help others There is a big difference in giving someone the opportunity to help and forcing someone to help. Giving the opportunity lights a flame in the heart and once the help is done the flame shines brighter and asks for more opportunities. Be an example of helping others in your own actions and the way your family helps each other and helps others together. 17. Remind him that practice makes perfect. This doesn't just apply to performance-based activities (like sports and music) but also applies to everything in life. You become a better writer by writing. You become a better listener by listening. You become better speaker by speaking. Show your son this when he is just young enough to understand (that means from birth, folks - they are making sense of the world as soon as they arrive), practice trick-or-treating at your own front door before the real thing. Practice how you will walk through airport security before a trip. Practice how you order your own food from the fast food cashier. Practice, practice, practice. 18. Answer him when he asks, "Why?" Answer him, or search for the answer together. Show him the places to look for the answers (like his dad, or grandparents, or his aunts/uncles, or his books, or valid internet searches). Pose the question to him so he can begin thinking about answers himself. Someday, when he needs to ask questions he's too embarrassed to ask you - he'll know where to go to find the right answers. 19. Always carry band-aids and wipes on you. especially the wipes. 20. Let his dad teach him how to do things ...without interrupting about how to do it the 'right way.' If you let his dad show and teach and discover with your son while he is growing up, some day down the road (after a short period of your son believing his dad knows nothing), he will come to the realization that his dad knows everything. You will always be his mother, but in his grown-up man heart and mind, his dad will know the answers. And this will be how, when your son is too busy with life to call and chat with his mom, you will stay connected to what is happening in his life. Because he will call his dad for answers, and his dad will secretly come and ask you. 21. Give him something to release his energy drums, a pen, a punching bag, wide open space, water, a dog. Give him something to go crazy with - or he will use your stuff. and then you'll sorry. 22. Build him forts with him. Forts have the ability to make everyday normal stuff into magic. Throw the couch cushions, a couple blankets, and some clothespins and you can transform your living room into the cave of wonders. Dig a trench, cover it with straw, have him use his imagination. For the rest of his life, he'll be grateful to know that everyday normal stuff has the potential to be magical. 23. Take him to new places Because it will make his brain and his heart open up wider, and the ideas and questions and memories will rush in. 24. Kiss him Any mother of sons will tell you that little boys are so loving and sweet. They can be harsh and wild and destructive during most of the day. But there are these moments when they are so kind and sensitive and tender. So much so that it can cause you to look around at the inward, reserved grown men in your life and think, 'what happens in between that made you lose that?' Let's try to stop the cycle by kissing them when they're loving and kissing them even more when they're wild. Kissing them when they're 2 months and kissing them when they're 16 years old. You're the mom - you can go ahead and kiss him no matter how big he gets - and make sure he knows it. p.s. (this one is just as important for dad's too). 24. Teach him that family is of major importance. At the end of the day, that is what you come home to---that is who will love you (even when they don't like what you did or said) and always be there in spirit---if not person---to support him along his way. Extended family provides a living history to your son....always show respect for your family in front of your son. Teach him that family is love. 26. Teach him it's okay to wear pink, to know the difference between blue and periwinkle, and to appreciate the fine arts. Museums, art galleries, and paint chips are all ways to explore a little more 'refinement' and things your future daughter-in-law will thank you for as well. 27. Be home base You are home to him. When he learns to walk, he will wobble a few feet away from you and then come back, then wobble away a little farther and then come back. When he tries something new, he will look for your proud smile. When he learns to read, he will repeat the same book to you twenty times in a row, because you're the only one who will listen that many times. When he plays his sport, he will search for your face in the stands. When he is sick, he will call you. When he really messes up, he will call you. When he is grown and strong and tough and big and he feels like crying, he will come to you; because a man can cry in front of his mother without feeling self-conscious. Even when he grows up and has a new woman in his life and gets a new home, you are still his mother; home base, the ever constant, like the sun. Know that in your heart and everything else will fall into place. Adapted from Pinterest, courtesy of many wise contributors

Tour de France

2011-09-27T01:45:00.000-07:00

Okay so it only took me 2 months to post this. But everyone has been asking to see pics.

here you go, starting downstairs:

jiovan and Corbin's room. Those doors open and it goes out to a deck/balcony)

another view of J&C's room

Downstairs bathroom

Our bedroom (doors also open going to balcony shared w/ j&c)

another view of our room

our bathroom

balcony shared w/ jiovan and corbin

view from our room out the doors

laundry room (go through and there is a door to the babies' room)

babies room (that door goes outside to where we hang clothes)

another view of babies room (that door on the left is a storage closet)

another angle of babies room

area where we hang clothes

outside shower for after we go to the sandy beach

(this only has cold water and they babies HATE it)

this is right next to where we hang clothes and it goes up to the front of the house

this goes down to the back

two outside storage rooms. (dirt floors.)

front of the house

looking at the front door

(the wood doors to the right open to the living room. Open to glass doors)

kitchen

again, the kitchen

going out of the kitchen

view from kitchen window

just out of the kitchen . door to left is the front door. the door straight ahead is the 1/2 bath and the suitcase is our "baby gate" to the stairs. We have tried a couple different baby gates but they aren't big enough. this suitcase works perfect for now.

living area

living area going out to the upstairs balcony

balcony

and another view of the balcony.

*** not pictured : 1/2 bath upstairs. I will post later there is just a toilet and a TINY sink.

Here's to a new Country.

2011-09-13T00:56:00.000-07:00

So we made it to France with the 4 boys. Traveling with four wasn't too bad other than in Paris we had to pick up our luggage and recheck it with a new airline at the same time checking in our double strollers as well. so now we had loose 4/5 year old kids and each of us carrying a twin, backpack, and a duffle bag. amazingly it wasn't as bad as you would think. all the boys slept most of the first 10 hr plane ride and was entertained by the dvd player the rest of it the other two plane rides were not too long. and we got here about midnight (france time. which is 8 hrs ahead of home). We had to take a couple cars one for bags and a couple for the family. but we got here.

(the view from the balcony)

This time we have a house...well i guess more like a condo. but its a lot bigger than i was expecting. It is two levels, on the first floor is the living area, ½ bath, kitchen and an AMAZING balcony. On the balcony theres some lounge chairs, bbq and table. you look out to lush green trees of many kinds with a row of rooftops poking through just before the ocean. Part of the ocean goes to the horizon the other part you can see the another part of the island. At night it is also gorgeous looking at the night lights over there. Downstairs there is three bedrooms, Jiovan and corbin sleep in one, it has two beds and french doors that go to the downstairs balcony that is shared with the Master bedroom. The master has its own bathroom with a pretty good sized tub. Then the babies sleep in the other room. It has two beds with a matress under each of them. The babies sleep on the matress on the floor since they should still be in cribs. In that room there is a door to go outside to a little patio where you hang the laundry to dry. Next to the patio is a little outdoor shower. As you go into the babies room is a small room that holds the washer. It is a very small washer and the wierdest one I’ve seen to date. After you open the lid at the top you have to also open the drum of the washer. Then you pour the soap/bleach/softener into the lid. It seems to work well And I actually like hanging the clothes out on the line to dry. Possibly better than having a dryer. Next to the laundry room is another bathroom that has a toilet and shower. All the doors are heavy dark wood doors. Its all furnished and the people who own it left most of there stuff here which i wasn't used to and it was hard to feel at home at first but now it's starting to feel normal.

we live right next to the ocean but right in front of us is too rocky but the sandy beach is to the right about 1/2 mile and there is a beach that had really fine rocks to the left about 1/4 mile. We've been to both and LOVE the rock one because it doesn't hurt your feet and the clean up is SO EASY you can just brush the rocks off. The boys love going to the beach and are always asking when we can go next. I'd be going quite often if it wasn't for the babies.

We're still waiting for them to get us the car that will fit all of us. (It's a little more difficult in Europe to do this since the average size car is the size of a mini cooper) so I haven't been to the grocery store yet or anything so I haven't had to talk/try to talk to anyone yet. We'll be starting french lessons as soon as we get a regular schedule down. Jiovan and Corbin started school today and will be there from 8-4. It is so hard to have them go knowing that none of the other kids will be speaking English. Jiovan says he's just not going to talk to anyone. I know it'll be good for them and they will learn quickly, but it's still REALLY weird to be here with just the babies.

Vic left on an away trip on Saturday and everything went well until my dear little corbin decided he should stick the little had to the lego guy in his ear. I was in the shower when Jiovan came running in to tell me Corbin stuck the lego hand in his ear and then pushed it in with his finger. So I told corbin to come in my room and put his ear on the bed and NOT put his finger in his ear until I got out. So I hurried to finish showering all the while thinking what the heck am I going to do if I can NOT get it out?! I have the number of a english speaking guy "in case of an emergancy". but really, call him over a lego hand in a child's ear?! Luckly the I could see the very end of it and was able to reach it with tweezers.

The babies have learned to crawl onto the couch now which wouldn't be a big deal if they a) knew how to get down feet first instead of head first and b) the floor wasn't all tile. I swear they are going to knock a few screws loose if they don't figure it out quickly.

I have been really "states sick". It's hard to leave the comforts of the states. The 24 hour stores, the dr's, the teachers, my family. people who speak english. Just the regular ol stuff that I grew up with knowing... but it seems like it wont be too hard to enjoy here.

I finally did it.

2011-02-08T05:33:00.000-08:00

I finally took the time to do it. I went private. I hate private blogs because I always forget to check them. But I know people who create open blogs to let people know of updates. Maybe next year right?

Right now I'm in Spain visiting Victor for a couple weeks while my Mom and family take care of all the kiddos back home. I am eternally in debt to them for this. It was a necessary trip though.

The babies are doing great. They have started eating baby food (total nightmare if you are not fast enough). Though they are doing great with it. They are able to roll around now. This does create a problem when one rolls just right to kick the other in the head. It's amazing how often this actually happens.

Jiovan is still doing his pre-school. He's such a smart little boy! And it is amazing the things they start to do at home when they are in school. He is a perfectionist and is ALWAYS still working on his stuff when it's time to go. 99% of the time we are finishing his work when we get home. I'm so proud of him and how well he is doing though. 100% worth the time and money spent going to this pre-school. Talent sprouts is the best there is, I'm sure of it :)

Corbin I think needs a little extra attention now that Jiovan is in school and the babies have been born. Maybe he's having an identity crisis. Middle child syndrome. He is my snuggle bug and love him to pieces. He can't wait to start pre-school. I just hope we'll be somewhere that he can go though I highly doubt it.

Victor is doing great with his Volleyball here in Teruel, Spain. they are in the top 3 and I'm sure they are capable of taking another championship.

I have started working 2-3 days a week at the day care at Desert Palms. I thought it would give me something to do, a little extra cash, and a distraction from having Vic gone. I was wrong. It is just tonz more work to get all the kids ready and out the door to get to work and I'm always getting off right at bed time. But the extra cash is good and has really helped even though it is very little.

All in all we are doing pretty good. Everyone is healthy and I could not be any more grateful for that.

Christmas

2010-12-29T21:50:00.001-08:00

Best present by far was Vic coming home for about 5 days!
couldn't have enjoyed it more!

My parents gave the babies Johnny jump ups and they LOVE them!! (i love them too)

The twins blessing

2010-12-29T21:34:00.000-08:00

Vic came back from Spain for only 5 days so we were unable to have the traditional Sunday blessing for the babies so we just got my family together and did them at my grandpa's house. It was short and sweet and very casual.

My family. I can't believe how big my older boys are getting!

My siblings. Not too often are we all together.

the whole gang... minus Scott. It is finally not MY husband missing from the picture!

my awesome sisters. really couldn't ask for a greater family.

Great grandpa Mont, Grandpa Mac and Grandma Mac.

Going private!

2010-12-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

I am going private 1-1-11.

If you would like to continue viewing e-mail me your address to nicolette_batista@hotmail.com or leave a comment.

getting ready for christmas.

2010-12-05T21:45:00.000-08:00

Halloween.

2010-12-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

Jiovan had a little Halloween party at school. this was his caramel apple. He was so proud of it.

They had storytime.

They also went trick-or-treating to the surrounding businesses. This is Jovi's little bestie.

Jiovan and corbin trick-or-treating (this is the first year they were really excited about going)

Captain Hook and Peter Pan

Captain Hook, Peter Pan and a couple of monkies.

Xavier's first on camera smile.

They rode in style trick or treating. Pulled mostly by there uncle Josh.

lately....and thoughs of going private.

2010-10-23T21:16:00.001-07:00

I've been crazy busy.
had surgery, again. A non cancerous tumor removed from my abdomen.
all is well now, just haven't been able to lift over 10 lbs. which means I can't lift the babies.
My family has been amazing. couldn't do it without them.
Nov 1st I will be able to have them all to myself again. can't wait!

I have been considering going private. Seems like it's the thing to do these days.
What do you think? I seem to not check them as much since i don't get notified when they make a post. So I hate when people do it. but it just seems the time to do so.

photo update with few words (for my remembering haha)

we attended the NICU reunion. was nice but i still couldn't hold my babies so they stayed in the whole time so no one could really see them.

Corbin shooting hoops... perfect form. every time. ONE PROUD MOMENT!

my niece Avery. Such a good helper. Not the first time she's been found napping with a baby.

Corbin looking for "the lost boys" from Peter Pan

the babies got a special package from my friend in Belgium. Perfect for them!

Andre at the Park. They are getting so fat!! love it!

Corbin and my nephew Kyler. He's so fun to have around!

How could i pass up putting an elastic in his hair... he hated it until i told him i wanted a picture.
Jiovan and Corbin watching a movie wrapped up like their baby brothers

My nephew Ayden. who is also so nice to have around. helps me lots with my big boys and babies

Xavier's first trip to the park. so active :)

taking pics with the boys!

three stooges....or three amigos, you decide.

I swear they look like siblings.

Jiovan's gangster face

Jiovan with Andre, Baby Nola, and Corbin with Xavier.

Xavier and Andre meeting my Cousin's baby, Nola.
(she's younger yet bigger)

Fayrine made blankets for Jiovan and Corbin they became their "blankies" and Here she is delivering blankets to Andre and Xavier.
LOVE THEM! they have paired dinosaurs on them. SO CUTE!
Thanks again Fayrine!

i'm missing....

2010-09-21T00:53:00.000-07:00

if i could mesh these to pictures I would be in HEAVEN!
Victor, my 4 boys, and Puerto Rico. That right there is a dream.

Dixie Round-up Rodeo

2010-09-16T23:54:00.000-07:00

Crystal, Andre, and Tayt

me and 1/2 of my boys :)

my dad and his cousin Rick

Kristin and Camden

my mom and Xavier

Tayt, Corbin, McCoy and Jiovan

McCoy Briggs Jiovan and Corbin watching the army helicopter leaving

New neighbors

2010-09-16T23:43:00.000-07:00

Avery and Ayden with Xavier (left) and Andre (Right)

snakes, snails, and puppy dog tails. That's what little boys are made of.
McCoy Tayton Draygen Ayden Corbin Jiovan Briggs. (I was watching my sister's boys and of course Ayden was over playing as well)

My brother and his wife just moved in two houses down... I have LOVED it. My amazing brother and sister in-law? maybe not so much.
They are such great help and never say no. They watch my kids when they're sleeping so i don't have to wake them up to take them, when someone has a dr. appointment either me or the babies, and last but not least if I plain ol don't want to take them somewhere with me.

It has also been great because Their kids come down to my house all the time. Jiovan and Corbin LOVE playing with them and cry every time they have to (or want to) go home. They are also lots of help with the babies. They are a bit older (8 and 9) so they are a little more trustworthy with the twins.

THANK YOU JOSH AND KRISTIN FOR ALL YOUR HELP

The twin's 2 month check up.

2010-09-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

(Andre is on the left, Xavier on the right)

Has it only been 2 months?! So much has happened in that much time.
It seams like they spent a lifetime in the NICU, and it seems like they have been home forever!
well they had their 2 month check-up today here are the stats.

ANDRE
9.52 lbs 8%
21.26 inches 4%
head 14.8 inches 7%

Xavier
9.22 lbs 6%
21.46 inches 6%
head 14.8 inches 7%

Both babies have a herniated belly button. Dr. Marsden said they will heal up on their own. Andre's is really small and Xavier's is 3x the size of Andre's but still nothing to worry about.
What a relief.
They are also ahead of when they should be. Dr. M says they are really close to catching up to a regular 2 month old baby.

I'm so lucky. They are such good babies. Only cry when they are hungry or need a bum change. Jiovan and Corbin love to help with everything from putting dirty diapers away, getting new diapers/clothes to holding them or giving them their binkis. Love those two boys as well!
What a lucky Mami I am!

Jiovan starts Preschool

2010-09-16T23:18:00.000-07:00

First of all I can't freaking believe I have a kid old enough for preschool.
Jiovan started school on the 8th of September. He goes 3 times a week and is LOVING it!
Corbin on the other hand does not like being home with his best bud. The whole 3 hours Jiovan is at preschool Corbin is asking where he is, wanting me to hold him, and just plain ol being bored. Glad they're such good friends.

Jiovan's teacher says he is a perfectionist when practicing his letters.
(this i know. i swear the kid is borderline OCD)
She also says in the activity room he just likes to watch. Not so much participation. But getting better everyday.

Intorducing

2010-09-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

Andre Burton aka Baby A
Weight: 5lbs 1oz
Length: 19 inches
Time: 9:05 pm
and
Xavier Victor aka Baby B
Weight: 4lbs 15oz
Length 19 inches
Time: 9:06 pm

Corbin did not want to get near the babies. We got him close enough to take a picture and just as the nurse was going to take it Xavier puked all over Corbin. He didn't like that too much. :)

going home

32 weeks

2010-07-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

so here it is.. The dreaded profile pregnancy picture...

My sister is throwing me a "baby shower for 2" (open house) on Saterday. She sent invites through my facebook, however if you ignore those invites like I do and you would like to come anyone is welcome. It's always nice to see old friends.

When: Saturday 10th of July
where : 260 N Donlee Dr. St. George Ut 84770
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Lately my family has found it amusing to walk about 5 steps behind me at the store to watch people stare and the funny things they say.

Some people haven't had their "think before you say aloud" checked and have said things like:

lady at oshkosh, "Hi, how are you?" me, "good, you?". her, "Better than YOU! You look like you're ready to pop."

lady at costco handing out samples: "HOW MANY YOU HAVE IN THERE?! 5?!!" me, "no, I have 2." her, "WOW, HOLY COW!!! HAVE ANOTHER!" me, "no, I'm okay" her, "YOU OKAY, BUT BABIES NOT!! HAVE ANOTHER!!"

Yes, people REALLY say stupid stuff like this. I'm starting to want to punch people... don't they know i actually look in the mirror in the morning and know that my clothes are not rapidly shrinking?!

Anyways, I'm so ready for these two boys to join us... every day gets worse and I can barely walk at this point. I'm on restricted activity and have to go get monitored every week for a non stress test.

Vic has done a wonderful job taking over my responsibilities at home. Though, I know he's ready for me to take over again.
In about 1 month from today these babies will be with us since they will not let me pass 37 weeks. (THANK HEAVENS!) Can't wait to see what these little guys look like.

I am so proud of my man!

2010-05-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

HE did it!!!

He is a Champion!

It was so exciting and emotional for me to watch him win.

I know how hard he works everyday and how much he wanted a championship. They knew they could do it but that it would not be easy. The first two matches both went to 5 games and were over 25 points. The third match however, was a blow-out. The fan support at home was amazing and I love to see how much other people adore my man as well! I'm so happy I was able to be there with him to see it!

*I'm so proud of you Papi!*

Vic's 2 BIGGEST fans. They like nothing more than watching Vic play volleyball. In their eyes he can do no wrong. I love to see how their eyes light up when they watch him play. They love him so much and one day I'm sure they will be as proud of him as I am for all he has accomplished in his volleyball career.

two thumbs up

I'm so sad that this pic turned out fuzzy. But I love it anyways.

Two of Victor's fans dressed up as him. They were so excited to show me when they got to the game. And I loved it also!

CHAMPIONS..... NEED I SAY MORE?!

Counting down...

2010-04-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm just a big clock.... counting down to everything. . .

4 days until Vic's big game. *If they win they are the Spain league champions!!! I am so excited for this game... if they lose then play again Sunday. If they lose Sunday than they will travel back to Almeria and play one more game.*

2 weeks until I head back to St. George. * Can't wait to be around family again. Warm Weather. Playing in water. Going to the grocery store and knowing what everything is. Speaking English. Going to lunch. Preparing for babies. Looking (and hopefully finding) a house. Going to a Dr. that actually knows something.

2 1/2 weeks until Vic and I will have been married 5 years. *A ton has happened in those 5 years. Can't wait to see what the next 5 are like*

15 weeks until the babies are "full term". *Which is only 37 weeks for twins.*

So many things in the near future to look forward to. 1 thing I am NOT looking forward to... the season here ending resulting in Vic's summer traveling. Between the National team's practices and Tournaments and him traveling to coach camps he doesn't spend much of the summer at home. Though it always makes me grateful to have him around.

On another note I'm feeling 100 times better. We got my lab results back and my Iron was a little more than 1/2 what it should be. Got some Iron and am feeling MUCH better. Still feeling the effects of pregnancy but not near as bad as it has been.

I really hate making posts with no pictures but my dear camera decided to take it's last picture. I'm sad to see it go. Hopefully we can get another one soon.

Maybe this week I should focus on living in the NOW. Not looking at what is to come. Enjoy the great weather we have been having. Enjoy the time with my 2 boys before they become 4 boys.

For Jiovan's actually birthday Vic took the boys out and they had some trampolines set up in the street and they jumped on them for a while. Then they came home and we took them to play at Camelot. It is a place here that is just a big play area. We had cake and ice cream and had him open some presents. He is still excited to have his birthday party at aunt crystals ("with lots of balloons.")

Jiovan turning FOUR?!

2010-04-23T02:13:00.000-07:00

I swear this was just yesterday... however this was when he was a year and a few months old when Corbin was born. It's crazy how the time flies once you have kids.

Jiovan says he wants his Birthday party at Aunt Crystals house with everyone there. He loves to be around his cousins.

He still loves to play in the water no matter where it is.

He loves his brother, loves to tease him and loves to stick up for him too. He hates it when he is napping. He gets really bored.

He loves Toy Story. He is always Buzz Lightyear and Corbin will be Woody.

He loves the letter factory movie and knows all the letter in caps and most of the lower case letters.

He can count to 17-18 without messing up. And can count to 10 in Spanish.

I just barely taught him the ABC song and he loves to sing it.

He's still a picky eater but at least now he will try one bite before he decides he's going to bed without eating his dinner.

He loves to brush his teeth and would do it 50 times a day if we let him.

And the thing he loves the most is his Papi. He has a jersey that is the same as Victors game shirt right now and he LOVES to wear it. He loves to play volleyball just like Vic. Pretty much if Vic does it Jiovan loves to do it too. He has a puzzle board with the alphabet he takes that board and puts it on the floor and has Corbin hold up the shapes board and then he act like he is typing on in like it is a computer. It is the funniest thing.

He is so helpful and is pretty good about doing what he's told.

If you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up he will either say he wants to play volleyball or airplanes (big ones with lots of people to come inside). And that he's going to be buzz lightyear when he gets big and gets wings.

And he loves to say prayers before bed and sometimes in the middle of the night when he wakes up.

I Love this kid and can't imagine life without him! I can't believe that tomorrow he will be 4!!

Side effects of pregnancy...

2010-04-16T02:11:00.000-07:00

I'll begin by saying... NOT-FUN-AT-ALL!

I really do not understand those who LOVE pregnancy... I do no find it enjoyable.

I can not breathe already.

I can not sleep... when i finally get to sleep, if I have to wake up to go potty (like 2 times a night) it takes me at least an hour to fall back to sleep.

My back hurts.

My stomach itches like mad! Yes, I know this means my lovely skin is stretching... ANOTHER PLUS RIGHT?! right! I did no get big ugly stretch marks with the other two, just some small ones.. and my stomach did not itch either! ugh!

I'm tired all day every day. I really think that I could sleep all day. Luckily I have my boys to get me out of bed.

(these are all things I didn't really feel until the END of the pregnancies with Jiovan and Corbin.)

And Dr. appointments... not a fan. I love the Dr. I have in the states. He's great. unfortunately I don't think I'll be going to him since he is in Payson... and my appointments will be frequent with twins. . .driving that much isn't really practical.

And the Dr. here... lets just say he is lacking... My first (and only so far) consisted of him asking how far along I was. weighing in and taking blood pressure. Then he gets out his ultrasound machine.... see's two heads measures one to make sure it's the right size for the due date. I do not hear the heart beat or anything and he says we need to go somewhere else for a more detailed ultrasound cause his isn't good enough. He gave me a prescription for prenatal and cream for stretch marks and sent us on our way. I have another appointment on Monday so we'll see how that goes.

The one thing (and probably only) thing I like about pregnancy is feeling the baby(ies) move... I'll be honest haven't felt them move a ton and sometimes It worries me but at our second ultrasound that was a week ago they were moving like crazy and I didn't feel it so I'm sure it'll come. I do feel them on occasion though.

And I'm pretty sure I am now a twin expert all the reading on the internet. Learning a lot of things I didn't know and I don't think I can possibly learn more until I have them. This pregnancy Has been a TON different from the other times. And I really don't know what to expect.

However I am preparing early, JUST IN CASE... I've gotten all of the big things we HAVE to have before they come and I'll be making trips to wal-mar, target and getting some clothes as soon as I get back. With Jiovan I was a week over and ended up having c-section and then planned c-section with Corbin. I knew what to expect, I knew I would go the whole 40 weeks. I knew I would be having 1 baby to wake up with at night and feed. Though Jiovan and Corbin are so close they were not new born babies at the same time.. Guess we'll find out! :)

And last but not least... How are we supposed to pick 2 names when we couldn't even decide on a name for Corbin until a week AFTER he was born and we were blessing him!?

I hear the first year is Hell and then it's fun...

terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day

2010-04-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ever have those days where you want to crawl in a hole and hide, somewhere that no one will find you?! Who am I kidding? EVERYONE has to have had a least one of those days. . .

Today is that day... Everything the boys are doing is driving me nuts (even if it shouldn't). But i recognize that it is me, not them so I'm just trying to ignore them...

However, bedtime will come early tonight. ahhh.

Tomorrow is a new day.

PS. i really like the book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" . . . I must remember to purchase that one when we get back.

no rufflebutts for me :)

2010-04-09T02:03:00.000-07:00

So our ultrasound wasn't supposed to be until NEXT Thursday but Vic wasn't going to be able to take us so we had to find somewhere else to do it. Luckily we got in sooner!

If you can't tell...They are BOTH BOYS!

Both have good strong heartbeats and are good size.

It's amazing how much you can love them when they aren't even here yet.
I've been feeling them move quite a bit more. It's not just the "butterfly" feeling anymore. I'm starting to feel actual kicks/punches.

.....Now to name them!

Wednesday wishes

2010-03-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm just sitting here wishing....
Wishing it was really warm outside.

wishing it was 2 weeks from today (which is the day we get to find out what were having).

Wishing Vic would call and say he won his match so I can go to bed.
wishing that Vic was here.

Wishing these babies weren't making my back ache so terribly so early in the pregnancy.

and secretly wishing one of them is a girl so I can purchase some of these:

(aren't they the cutest little diaper covers?!)

Sunny days make me hungry for Summer!

2010-03-26T01:35:00.000-07:00

The last week has been filled with beautiful weather! We have been to the park quite a few time and this is by far the best. It feels so good to be at the park when the sun shinning on you makes you warm.

Makes me want summer to come even sooner.

This building is across the street from the park. It's old of course but i like to look at it anyways.

This bridge is just for walking. I love it. It's amazing the things they were able to build without all the machinery we have available now.

this photo was taken by Corbin.... this was the only one that actually had something other than the sidewalk in it.

and this one was courtesy of Jiovan. Not as bad as I expected.

You don't always get what you expect....

2010-03-23T15:09:00.000-07:00

Miscarried in October.
Should be having a baby this month.
Seeing a lot of friends posts on their recent delivery.
It's a little depressing...

BUT....

We Went to the Doctor today.
We knew we had a baby in there.
We knew we were about 17 weeks along.
We didn't know if everything was okay...
and we CERTAINLY didn't know there were 2 babies.

After the last miscarriage I had pretty much made up my mind that our family was complete the way it was.
Sometimes you get the unexpected.

Happy but still processing.

Valencia City of Arts and Science

2010-03-19T01:07:00.000-07:00

Vic Had a day off so we decided to et out of Teruel. Valencia has the City of Arts and Science has a bunch of stuff to do. They have a cinema, science building and Aquarium. We did the Science and Aquarium. They recommend you take at least 6 hours to see everything. The boys LOVED all the ocean life. Of course they pointed out all the characters of Finding Nemo.
We also Got to see a Dolphin show. They boys that it was so cool and loved clapping for them.

This is a map of the "city". It's huge.

I think Vic enjoyed it as well

They did not want to sit still for a picture. And we couldn't
use a flash. So we didn't take too many pictures.

Spain...

2010-02-23T05:14:00.000-08:00

January

2010-02-23T04:23:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty behind so all I'm doing is photos....

In Jan we did a little of this:

and a little of this:

then Vic left for Spain....

Family Pics

2010-01-26T09:35:00.000-08:00

not too much to update. Vic has come home from Puerto Rico and was here for about a month before leaving to Teruel spain. We should be joining him soon. That's pretty much it. Nothing too exciting.

because i can, and I love them.

2009-10-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Just some random pictures because I LOVE them and I think they are cuter than everyone else... but what mother doesn't think that about their kids??
I just LOVE these boys!! and miss their long hair!!!

This is a photo of all 11 grandkids on my side of the family.
Kyler, Avery, Reagan, Draygen, Tayton, Briggs, Corbin, Jiovan. Front: Camden, Ayden, McCoy

UPDATE

2009-10-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

since I am also the worlds worst journal keeper I like to keep random updates on here.... unfortunately not all are happy times...

We found out in July that we would be expecting a baby... Things felt normal and we went on with our summer plans. We went to Dominican Republic, Victor played volleyball, we returned without him and he traveled on to Puerto Rico to play this season there.

I began to have feelings that something was wrong with the pregnancy but had no signs of anything being wrong so I passed it off as nervousness. I couldn't get rid of the feeling and finally said something to Victor a couple days before my Dr appointment. He of course told me everything would be fine.

As I went to my appointment I had hope that all was well but was not surprised to see no heartbeat on the monitor. He didn't have to tell me. I knew. I was alone and scared. Our first pregnancy ended early as well. I knew the pain that I was about to face. Both physically and emotionally.

Unfortunately the body does not know that the fetus has stopped growing and continues to gain weight. I had been carrying the dead fetus for months. I had a feeling it wasn't going to finish on its own But I was waiting to find out if Victor would be able to come back home for a little while to help me, support me.

A week after my appointment we found out Victor would not be able to come back... thanks to the most heartless coach ever. So I called the Dr and went right up for a D & C. This is supposed to be routine, in and out. However it was bigger than the Dr had expected and I lost too much blood. 1 1/2 liters to be exact. They kept me over night and gave me medications to contract my uterus to limit the bleeding. The result is extreme exhaustion.

thanks to my family for helping with my kids and supporting me it this crappy time... But I can't wait to be back with Victor.

Some other things we are up to:

The reason I came back and Victor went to Puerto Rico is we are going to be buying a house....House hunting alone is not easy either. But we are determined thanks to technology!!!

I can't wait to have a place of our own. Somewhere to come back to and move out of our storage unit!!!

Halloween is coming and I ordered the boys costumes online... they are going to be Woody and Buzz Lightyear from TOY STORY... The costumes came today and I tried Corbin's on... IT'S SOOO CUTE! I can't wait... each year the holidays get more fun as they get older... I can't wait for Christmas!

Dominican Republic

2009-10-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

I will admit to being the world worst Blogger... Also photographer. But deal with it:)
We had a great time in DR this year. We spent a lot of time at his brothers house so that we would all be together....
we went to the beach, hung out at Vic's practice, went to a club place to swim, went to a water park (sorry no pics) And spent time with his family. The boys loved it and we can't wait to go back.
I know, Crappy post. But what do you expect when I have waited so long to post it??

at the house of a friend of Victor's Mom. The boys had fun playing with the other kids.

THIS IS AT A CANAL TYPE PLACE THAT THEY GO TO PLAY IN... THE WATER WAS FREEZING BUT IT DID NOT STOP THEM FROM SWIMMING! AND MY FUTURE DAUGHTER INLAW!! HAHA

SOME LONGTIME FRIENDS OF VIC.
VIC'S FIRST NEPHEW ON HIS SIDE.
ROBIN YARIEL BATISTA
PROUD PARENTS

THIS IS ONE OF THE WAY PEOPLE EARN A LIVING THERE... I ADMIRE THERE HARD WORK... I COULD NEVER DO THIS.. THEY PUSH THESE CARTS EVERYWHERE SELLING THEIR GOODS... THE BLUE ONE IS LIKE SNOW SHACK AND THE OTHER I BELIEVE IS SELLING FRUIT.
CORBIN KISSING JIOVAN
JIOVAN KISSING BACK... SO PRECIOUS
JUST PLAYING AT THE PARK
PLAYING AROUND AT THE GYM. THEY LOVE TO WATCH THEIR PAPI WORK
THE BEACH OF COURSE
THE BIG GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT VIC'S BROTHER PLAYS VOLLEYBALL WITH AND OFTEN HANGS OUT....

THEY LOVED PUTTING ON THEIR GOGGLES TO PLAY "SUPER CORBI/ JOVI"
ALSO IF THEY WERE NOT OUTSIDE THEY WERE IN DIAPER/UNDERWEAR.... IF I COULD HAVE
ENJOYING SOME GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES WHILE WATCHING A MOVIE.
THE POOL

WHAT KIND OF WOULD HE BE WITHOUT TEACHING OUR CHILDREN SOME BASEBALL??
NEW HAIRCUTS

WATCHING THE COWS ACROSS THE STREET FROM VIC'S MOM'S HOUSE
CORBIN GETTING A HAIRCUT AT THE SALON
JIOVAN AND VIC'S SISTER...
VIC'S PARENTS
WHO SAID A MOTERCYCLE IS NOT A FAMILY VEHICLE?? THERE WOULD ALMOST ALWAYS BE 3 OR MORE PEOPLE ON ONE BIKE. I ONCE SAW SIX PEOPLE ON ONE BIKE.

way too long.

2009-09-15T04:54:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything in far too long. Though I'm not able to upload pictures right now I just wanted to note what we've been up to...

Victor had left for Dominican Republic to be with the National Team once again. They practiced for a couple weeks then went to California (where I was able to meet up with him and spend a few days, thanks to mom/sis for taking care of the boys), then he headed to Mexico and on his way back to DR the boys and I met up with him and are able to spend a little over a month hanging out with his family.... It has been another great trip so far.
The weather has been the hardest adjustment since is stinking hot AND humid. The boys RARELY have anything on besides underwear/diaper for 2 reasons. First because ITS STINKING HOT AND SWEATY! (and if I could do the same I would sure want to.) and second because washing clothes is not quite as simple. they have these washing machines though they are not the same as ours. you put a small load in to wash, it washes and then you take them out and rinse them by hand and put them in a little spot to spin then hang to dry, much work and lots of sweat.... THANK YOU VICTOR (and his mom) for doing the laundry...

I'm so grateful to be able to spend time with Victor while he has to play with the national team and at the same time spend some time with his family. The boys are loving it here and now is one of those times I'm happy I had them so close. They are best friends and have been fighting MUCH less. They are great entertainment for each other.

thats our happening as of now and I will be sure to post lots of pictures when we return!

Corbin's Birthday....

2009-07-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

Brand New
Corbin had fluid in his lungs and had to be in a NICU for 4 days. What a long process... though he was a GIANT compared to all the babies in the nursery.
4 weeks after he was born we moved to Puerto Rico for the first time... we rigged up a little shade for him. to this day he lOVES the water.
I'd like to think that these boys will be forever best friends.... They fell asleep like this in the car Christmas Day 2006`
Corbin is my little snuggler. He is also my feisty one. Right now he is also a one man wrecking crew. Turn your head for one minute and he is doing something he knows he shouldn't. He loves Jovi More than anything (he also loves to tease him). He's not sleeping as well as I would like... he gets up and doesn't want to go back to bed even though we never let him stay up... we just take him back to bed 100 times.
He loves his grandma and his favorite toys are remotes and computers (the things he can't have.) He talks up a storm and 1/2 the time you can tell what he is saying. The rest he is speaking his own language. He is a great swimmer. He loves to go underwater and jump back up. He is the sweetest little boy we love him lots and what a surprise he was when his blue eyes never changed.... (well one of them is kinda green). Even though this Birthday post to him is late. We love him all the same! How much they change in just a couple of years.... and more yet to come. We love you Corbin!

St. George Road Runner's game

2009-07-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

We hit the St. George Road Runners game a few weeks ago. It was hot but the boys LOVED it... afterward they had fire works. Corbin hated them at first (on the 4th he just wanted to go inside, I just figured he was tired). He was trying to run away. So I picked him up and ooo'd and awe'd a few times and then he loved them...

We also found out they have a bunch of Dominican's on the team. I think Vic was excited to see people from him home land :)

To say the least we had a good time!

Jiovan loved to do ANYTHING his Papi is doing.

Jovi was using his pack of glow sticks we bought like a baseball bat.

so far...

2009-07-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

SO FAR IN JULY>>>>>
had some nap time... this doesn't happen very often with Corbin... he's a little too active :)

we went up north and spent some time with my sister while Vic did a camp... University mall has a great little play area for the kiddos.

We then got together with my sister and brother and their kids in St. George to watch Ice Age 3 in 3D...The boys LOVED it

4th of July of course... we had a few small fire works infront of my grandpa's house on the Black Hill before the sun bowl fire works... Every year we go ontop of his garage and watch the big fire works (best seats ever) and have root beer floats.
Corbin tried sparklers once and didn't want anything to do with them after that.... so we just got some random ones of him..
I know you can't tell by the pic but Jovi LOVED the sparklers... though he would just stare in amazement and watch them burn.

The boys had fun playing with the smoke bombs.

My nephew Ayden thought it was funny to make it look like smoke was coming out his @$$. I have to admit... I laughed too.
Why do boys love playing with fire??? Vic was burning a pile of matches.
FINNISHED MY PROJECT!!!!! I'M SO EXCITED. they turned out so cute.... they are both the same but here is the outcome!

June

2009-07-09T18:08:00.000-07:00

A trip to the park... kids never get sick of this stuff, do they?!

In July Victor and I got to spend some time alone with out the kids... we hung out in Vegas after Victor flew in from playing some V-ball. We went to Hooters (it was his 1st time). and he got a HUGE sandwich.

we also booked a tour of the dam. They served dinner and it was really nice and relaxing.We got back and realized we had left a LOT of cash in the safe at the hotel so Vic, me, and the boys headed back and stopped at in-n-out and the boys had fun with stickers and the hats.

I started a new project. I decided to make quilts for each of the boys for their beds. I also made matching pillow cases. This is before it was sewn together.

If you really know my dad he LOVES to water the lawn with the hose... he got a major upgrade when they had their water going and got the pump out.
and another day at the park... love this pic.
That pretty much sums up the pics I have for June.

May .....

2009-07-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

In May my sister came down and we were able to go to the splash pad and have some fun... here are some pics from that...

Baptism

2009-04-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

So our good Friend Dionis got married last July. Her husband was not a member of the Church and when i went up north for Easter found out that he was getting baptised. I had to go! The whole thing was in Spanish though I caught bits and pieces (and missed most of it. Church Spanish is much different of course) Though the spirit has no language. I remember the day Victor was baptized and what a special day that was for me also. To be that much closer to being an eternal family. The spirit was so strong that day and so it was so exciting to know that someone else was receiving that blessing too. Jiovan and I went to the baptism with Cala and Jesus, very good friends of ours. It was good to see them and the people who used to watch Jiovan when he was a baby. We keep in touch and Jiovan just LOVES her girls!

well we missed easter (by a long shot)

2009-04-27T19:58:00.001-07:00

So I tried posting a couple times for easter without being able to upload the pictures so here we go...(again). We went to my sister Michelle's. On sat we went to an Easter egg hunt Payson had. It was cold and rainy and the boys wanted NOTHING to do with it... Easter Sunday was better. It was warm and sunny. The boys loved their baskets and I have to say looked freaking hot in the new clothes. They loved playing with Reagan and It was fun to see my sister. That's everything in a nut shell but that's what you get when you wait long weeks after Easter to post :)

Happy Birthday letter to our Jiovan!!!

2009-04-23T20:50:00.001-07:00

My sweet Jiovan. where do I begin?! I love you so much! You were not a planed baby but I would never call you a mistake! We were on Vacation in Dominican Republic for the first time, I wasn't feeling well and I thought it was because I had drank some of the water from the tap while brushing my teeth. Though when we returned we realized you were coming. Papi was so excited, I remember I told him while he was practicing volleyball at BYU and he screamed it to the team. I wasn't so sure about you coming, I was nervous and didn't know if I was ready to be your Mami.

You didn't seem so sure of coming into the world either. You were one week late though this was good because Papi was playing volleyball matches with his team in Hawaii.
I went into the hospital on the night of the 23rd. They gave me some medicine to help you come but sent me home for the night. The next morning we went in bright and early to get some more medicine. You still didn't seem to want to come out. The doctors ended up having to cut you out of my tummy.
We were so excited to see you. Our precious baby boy! 9 lbs and 7 oz 22 inches long. We were the most perfect baby! You never cried unless you were hungry and even then it was more of a coo. Right away you were a Papi's boy. You loved to fall asleep on his chest. (you still do). You loved to eat! you ate so much! We asked the doctor if we should limit you but he said you were fine. at your 3 month check up you weighed 21lbs. YOU WERE HUGE! We loved all your rolls! We can not love you more! I can't believe you have been with us for 3 years!

Some of the things you like right now are:
Airplanes. you love airplanes. You can hear them and love to point them out in the sky. You never miss one.
You like riding your scooter and you have been able to ride is for over a year now.
You love to color, and play with cars. You love playing with Papa's Chevron cars. You are a picky eater. If you don't like what we are having for dinner you will pass even though you can't eat anything else. You go to bed without.
You love Corbin. You like to pick on him but if he's sad your right by his side. You always hear him first when he wakes up from naps.
You love the water, doesn't matter if it is the ocean, a pool, the splash pad or the bath tub. You are a little fish. You were never afraid to put your head all the way under water.
You know almost all of your ABC's but if I'm quizzing you, you like to tell me they are different letters. Though if I tell you it is a different letter you always correct me.
You know your colors and most of your shapes.
You always through your trash away even if you're playing outside, you'll bring it in. (I love this)
Your favorite cartoons are The Micky Mouse Clubhouse and Little Einsteins.
You love playing with your cousins and Always want to go play with Uncle Josh.
You love your brown checkered Vans. *you are on your 3rd pair
You always have to have a love and a kiss (usual multiple times) before falling asleep.
And you usually rather me fold your blanket up and you hold on to it rather than being covered with it. You sleep with no covers at all.
You are so polite. You always say please and thank you, Bless you, and You're welcome.
I love your smile and your contagious laugh. and your long curly hair. I can't go anywhere without people stopping me to say how cute you are! We are so lucky you chose us to be your parents!

This is your First "bike" you were about 6 months old.

And your precious blanket

You Hate being dirty. . .maybe this is why:) we were camping at Coral Pink Sand dunes
9 Months old

6 months old. (your blessing)

4 weeks old

PNEUMONIA!

2009-04-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

So Right when i got back to the states I got the stuff done for our health insurance... Well wouldn't you know Corbin just couldn't wait to get sick?!

The poor little guy started coughing one day and I figured he just had a cold. It wasn't a bad cough... the next day I couldn't tell if it was a croup cough or just regular... I took him to insticare (always the best place ***rolling eyes***) and they looked in his throat said it looked really bad. They just put him on an antibiotic. That was on Friday and on Monday he was still feverish and not eating or drinking anything. I took him in to see his Doctor. He said his throat fine but he thought he might have Mano because C was going to bed at 7 sleeping until 10 then nap at 12 -4 and back to bed at 7. sometimes longer. and he had a crackle in his lungs. He decided to wait it out because we didn't have insurance and they couldn't test him for it for a few more days anyways... well two days later C wakes up in the middle of the night coughing and not being able to stop. There's nothing worse than when your kids are sick and there is nothing you can do for them. So I woke up my dad to give him a blessing and he stopped within a minute or so.. such a miracle. I took him in the next day to find out he's got wheezing AND crackling... He had Pneumonia. The treatment for all this is to stay on the antibiotic and do these breathing treatments... NO FUN FOR EITHER of us. Well it has been over a week and all is well now...

2009-04-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

So spring break weekend my Sister Michelle came to St. George to spend some time with her in-laws. We managed to sneak a peek of her as well a few times. The day she was going back home we decided to get together and make lunch at my G-pa's house. The picture above has my two, the one in red is my sister Crystal's. and Michelle's are in green and the little guy hiding in the back with black/gray stripes. It was fun to see everyone. the only ones that couldn't make it were Josh's kiddos. (*** Jiovan and Regan look like siblings, don't they?!)
These handsome fellas are Crystal's boys.. Draygen, Tayton, Briggs,and McCoy. I can not imagine having 4 Boys!!!
This is most of the kiddos eating suckers out back at Grandpa's house!! what a sport he is for having us all!

First week back.

2009-04-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

So the first week we were back it was spring break for my brothers kids so they stayed at my mom's house and we watched them. It was so nice for the boys to have other kids to play with and they were so good with them! One day we made cupcakes and had spring sprinkles and leftover valentines sprinkles and i just let the kids do there thing... This of course was too messy of an activity for Corbin so we did it while he was napping.... Here are the results... Jiovan loved it but didn't really care to eat it.. had maybe two or three bites.

This is Ayden. My brother's son.
And Avery. His Daughter
Then them together..... and last but NOT least...
Jiovan! (I can NOT believe he will be 3 this month!)
And Corbin... this is him coloring. His favorite thing to do.

Our Last Week In Italy

2009-04-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

So were back. When I say we, I do not mean my whole family. I mean the two little boys and myself. Yes, we had to leave Vic in Italy. We didn't realize until it was too late that we had to extend our "tourist visas". But Vic had to get a visa to even get into Italy since he is a citizen of Dominican Republic. This was very hard. I hate being away from him and it is even harder to explain to the kids that we have to leave him again for a while. The first few day Jiovan told me he wanted to go home. That was sad. As much as I enjoyed touring Italy, I did not like living there but I would give anything to go back and be with Vic.

These are their drinking fountains... they run constantly and the last week that we were there I decided I would actually let them play in it.
*notice the graffiti on the roof? yes, it is covering the entire play set thing

Just a random morning I took a picture of the boys with their Papi... Love you, miss you!

Fat Doggin

2009-02-26T11:51:00.000-08:00

Corbin is my little eater He eats ANYTHING and a lot of it! we have these rolls that he loves and he eats 1/2 of it a bite at a time then he shoves the rest in his mouth... it is so funny because he'll walk around like this forever with it in his mouth like that.

The other day Victor and I had one of his teammates (and his girlfriend) coming over to babysit so we could go out so I was trying to keep Corbin awake so he would sleep while they were here. Well we put him in his chair for lunch he ate and seconds later this is what we find.... Corbin passed out in his chair.. I think this is the exact deffinition of Fat doggin.

Lately we have been trying to get Corbin to say Papi... (he said a ton of things, thanks please welcome two, three (skips one as previously said and a lot of other things) but refused to say Papi, every time you ask him to say Papi he says Mama!... So the other day after lunch I told him he had to say Papi before he could get down. He sat there for an hour without saying it (i would come in and try to get him to say it and leave because he wouldn't) So then I sat down and told him to say "pa" he did, then told him to say "pi" he did then I said say "papi" and he said NO! so then I tried again, Say "pa" he did. Say "pi" and he had figured out what I was doing and goes back to "mama!" and still will not say it.. we'll keep trying.

Today I put the kids to bed and came in picked up their toys and got on the computer soon after I hear corbin come out of his room, I told him to go back and he didn't so I got up so I could lead him back. He ran (All the lights ar off in the apartment so he's going by the light of the TV. and it is in the other room) he runs down the hall to go to his room and ran smack into the door and fell on his butt. It was pretty funny and he didn't cry... Thats what he gets for getting out of bed AND running from me:)

Our Italy Apartment

2009-02-17T22:46:00.000-08:00

So my friend wanted to see Pictures of our place here and I also thought I should document it now so that later we could look back on it. There is first the living room that has an entertainment center and rug with a little dining area and two doors that go to a balcony. I'm not sure witch is the view from those balconies. then there is a TINY kitchen with a not so tiny table. When the kids are in there with me it feels crowded. there is no Dishwasher OR microwave. The dishes get placed in this drying rack thing that is above the sink in a cupboard. (PS please disregard the two bags of trash that are hanging on the balcony door. This is because we have 3 other trash cans under the sink and there is no where else for these ones. Recycling took us a little while to get the hang of. So yes, we have 5 trash cans in the kitchen. 1-glass and aluminum. 2-diapers and other things that don't get recycled 3-the food scraps and paper towels. 4-plastic and 5 paper (such as boxes from cereal, and other stuff like that. there are no windows just these doors that go to the balconies. there are metal shade things that come down kinda like a garage door or something. you can open them to vent or open them all the way. When they are closed I kid you not you can not tell from midnight to noon if they are shut all the way.) The bathroom has a 2x2 (or close to) shower and a little sitting tub next to it. then there is the baday (don't ask. i have NEVER used it and probably never will) then the Toilet. in front of the toilet is this tiny washer (though i am thankful for it) that fits like 5 articles of clothing. as you can see my 2 year old son Jiovan is bigger than it. then the pedestal sink. the master bedroom is nothing special and the boys room is even less so. (it also serves as our drying room where i hang the clothes to dry. Every room has a balcony and everyone used them. I don't have a picture of it but the locks on the front door are crazy. it is like a bank vault. but at least it is safe right? And the elevator (thankfully there is one with the boys it would take all day to come up the stairs) is so tiny the four of us have to sardine in there to fit.I will be returning to the states (with out my dear hubby) on the 17th of March. We didn't get our visa's before we came because you can come with a tourist visa. Unfortunately they only let you stay for 3 months:( I'm happy to be leaving here but not happy to be leaving without victor.. . for some reason living in amazing countries isn't quite as great when your living and not visiting. and please don't shoot me for saying so! well that's pretty much the gist of it!

more carnival pics

2009-02-17T10:23:00.000-08:00

Italiano Carnival

2009-02-17T10:20:00.002-08:00

Pretty much the "Carnival" is a Parade. But here everyone that comes to watch dresses up in costumes like it is Halloween and everyone throws confetti and the crowd does silly string (which I never thought I wouldn't like. But believe it or not.... I HATE IT. it gets color on everything besides being sticky. oh well they liked it) It took the boys a little bit to like the confetti. Jiovan was going crazy trying to get it all of (which) was nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get out of their curly hair.) I was picking pieces of silly string out of Victors hair for like 3 days. It was interesting to watch and the boys just loved it. One of the floats were men dressed up as "the girls of playboy" aka The girls next door. I thought it was nasty yet funny.

The Moster at the end of this Book

2009-01-28T09:43:00.001-08:00

The Boys have been obsessed with reading lately. One of thier favorites (thanks to Grandma-Mac) is The Moster At The End Of This Book. It's one that they can totaly get into and they both scream pretty much through the whole thing. Tonight Jiovan was reading Corbin the book before he had to go to bed... So tender!

Just love them!

2009-01-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

I just LOVE these guys!! I can't believe how fast time goes by! I'm so greatful that I get to stay home and raise the boys!
Sometimes they get out of hand, but what kid doesn't?! They are so funny and give such great loves!! (Corbin's are still wet most of the time) Jiovan has been making really crazy smile faces lately which makes for not so great pictures but he's still so dang cute!

PICS!

2009-01-16T02:55:00.000-08:00

Amazing!

2009-01-16T01:17:00.000-08:00

It has never happened!!! I have never been able to get my internet to get me to a new post! So I am taking advantage of it now!
A little update since we arrived to Italy:
First we *me, my mom, and my boys (victor was already here) got here and adjusted to the 8 hour time difference!
We than went to Venice. It is crazy how much old stuff is still standing and you're able to go inside not just look at from outside!! Everything is so well preserved! I was worried about my stroller working out for me and being too wide for doorways.... well in Venice it barely fit down the street!!!! There are no cars there so no need for streets wide enough for two people to walk side by side right?!?! But we made it and had lots of fun.

We had Christmas here with mom we managed to find stuff to make a Christmas dinner (with much struggle since they don’t even have tin foil...I mean seriously!? Our Christmas tree consisted of a cut out tree from a long roll of wrapping paper (not one Christmas tee lot in our whole city!) and decor cut from a different roll of wrapping paper. Santa seemed to find us anyways! On Christmas eve Jiovan was opening his pajamas and says "Oh I lub it!" So precious! Jiovan got an airplane and boat thing a mat for his cars and a bunch of cars, and some blocks. A doodle pad thing (the magnet kind) some helicopters. Corbin got some animals the same doodle thing. Some cars and a xylophone. A ball and a bike. They loved their stuff!

We spent New Years in Rome and it was amazing also. We walked for hours on end and pushing the kids in the stroller. Amazingly they did pretty good! There was a huge concert in the coliseum so we couldn't go in. which was a bummer.

We had a crazy snow storm and built a snowman with bare hands! Burr it was cold.

We also went to this old church here in Crema that was built in the 1500's (I think) anyways there was this REALLY creepy statue that was in there of a woman with her hand chopped off and bleeding and looking up with a horror look on her face... IN A CHURCH?! Wow. But it was built in like 1600 or something like that. Anyways I thought it was odd. Won’t go back there.

Corbin went pee in the potty the other day but is not ready for potty training I was just getting him used to the potty before he is and much to my surprise he actually went!!! He's saying lots of things like "I don’t know" and just different thing. We were teaching Jiovan to say his full name and Corbin started saying "tista!" .....and won’t stop! Jiovan is starting to talk more clearly. They both say Chow to everyone who walks by, which usually gets a smile but people here are so sober no one is smiley here.

Well I know I missed a ton but you can't expect me to remember everything. I still can't upload pictures (sorry Michelle) but hopefully I can comment on your page now :)
My Mom went back home on the 9th and Was glad to get back to my Dad. We are glad she was here and was REALLY glad for the help on the plane and while she was here. So any visitors are welcome!

Menzis Camden Macfarlane

2008-12-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

Menzis Camden Macfarlane
8 pounds
six ounces.
19 inches long!
Congrats Josh and Kristin!!!

My brother had his baby on Thursday and he is one cute little bugger! Since Kristin is diabetic the baby had some problems with his sugar when he was born (his sugar was better the next morning). He had a hard time breathing and was put in the NICU so he could be on a c-pap machine and some forced air. They put some meds in his lungs to help them develop and so he had to be there for 48 hours after that. He cant eat because of the air so they have tubes giving him his food.
He has now been taken off the C Pap machine and they are lowing the level of the forced air. He seems to be doing well and he is much less swollen since these pics and still just as cute! They still say he'll be in there for at least 3 more days.

Seeing him really reminds me of when Corbin was born. He didn't have the C-pap but he had an IV in his belly button (which made it so I couldn't hold him for 4 of the 5 days he was in there) and some breathing things. plus all the wires they always have hooked up for monitoring. This makes me want another one even more (not right now but eventually).....Vic still says "NO!!!" So we'll see.

Bolt

2008-12-10T12:21:00.001-08:00

On Monday I decided to take the kids to a movie so my Mom, Dad, Corbin, Jiovan, Uncle Greg (not pictured, he was late), and I went to see. I was worried about how long they would be able to stand sitting to watch the movie but they ended up doing pretty well!

Jiovan sat through the whole movie and just loved it, Corbin sat through 45 minutes (thanks to 3 cup fulls of popcorn) then got up and was able to wonder a little bit since we were the only ones in there! It was a cute show and Jiovan loved watching and Corbin loved the treats!

Before and After

2008-12-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

This is Corbi's before haircut/gel and... his after. MUCH BETTER!

and Jiovan's after gel and ..........................................his before.

Now you know why the gel is such a prized possession.

Corbin's first (real) hair cut

2008-12-05T22:45:00.000-08:00

Today I finally took Corbi over to Crystal's to get his hair cut... I don't know why but it grew completely uneven when he was a baby. It almost looked like a Mohawk so I would "trim" up the top to make it look better. Well since it has been almost a year and a half it was well past due to even it up and get rid of the thin stuff and mullet looking back.

He did NOT like it at first but as soon as he realised I had the camera he was all smiles! I forgot to take an after picture so I'll post that later, but it looks SO good. Its much shorter but looks thicker and a little darker too!

OH! On a side note... Our gel came today!!! There is only one kind of gel that works well in my boys hair. Through trial and MUCH error Victor found this get that worked amazing in his hair. It stays soft yet doesn't get white and flaky and doesn't make it frizz more! We found it living in Provo at smiths. (yes it was a last resort place to check but we had tried EVERYTHING from EVERYWHERE!) Then, they stopped carrying it. We were devastated and looked in ever salon and ever store to find this gel for "ethnic" hair. No one had it so I turned to the Internet finding it at Walgreen's.com! AMAZING!!! Anyways we have been out for weeks now (I have some hidden from me in storage somewhere). So It got here today and my kids will finally look like someone cares for them! YAY!!

*The other day Jiovan came looking for me and came across my Mom and said "Mami?" and my Mom turned around. He then says "Oh, you not Mami, you Mama." We thought this was so cute and today when I was giving them a bath I wondered what he would say if I called him Corbin. So I say, "Corbin come here." and he replies, "I no boe-bee, I ME!" It was so cute!

Dickens Festival

2008-12-05T22:27:00.000-08:00

We went to the dickens festival mostly for the Santa that they have. He is the best Santa I have ever seen... Maybe even the REAL Santa!!! We let the kids nap fed them and took them straight there so they were in a good mood. Santa was feeding his reindeer and wouldn't be back for like an hour. So we let the kids play in the waiting line since no one was there and then it was time!!! ...THE kids got to see Santa!!! We did pictures of each child alone and as single families and than as a group (sadly my sister Michelle could not have her kids there with us). It took us 35 minutes and the kids were eager to get the treat!

Jiovan and Corbin both decided they were NOT going to smile. This was okay because they weren't screaming. As soon as I took Corbin from Santa he started saying "cheese!"...bother! I also could not resist posting the picture of my nephew Tayton him and Santa are pulling faces and it is SO cute!

After seeing Santa we walked around. Many neat things that made me wish I had a place to decorate. One day, I tell myself....One day. But I did enjoy looking! My Dad forced my mom to get her picture drawn by an artist there and I think it turned out well. It took about a half hour and my Mom's poor neck was stiff. Meanwhile Jiovan is screaming his lungs out while I walk around ACTING calm. This is very embarrassing! Finally he calms down and Corbin falls asleep. Than I get to walk around and actually look at stuff. At least 5 people had asked if Jiovan and Corbin were twins. . .It's starting already.

By the time we left we had been there for 4 hours!!!! I was ready to go home and the kids were as well!

Christmas!

2008-12-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

This week (and last) we have been getting my Mom's Christmas decor out. We did my Grandpa's lights on Monday, which usually get done the Monday before Thanksgiving but who knows why it didn't happen. Then yesterday we got all the lights up at my Mom's house and it was FREEZING.

Since we do not get to spend Christmas with any extended family this year I have been really been enjoying the pre-Christmas traditions. Like, going to the festival of trees (and doing a tree this year, turned out great, was madness, and never again) Lights, decorations, Dickens Festival and Making a gingerbread house.

I had the stuff to make a gingerbread house for like a week now but haven't gotten around to it. So today I put Corbin down for a nap so Jiovan and I could decorate it... Looks don't matter right? It's how much fun you have making it! Jiovan LOVED it he was giggling the whole time and loved ever minute of it. (I'm sure a lot had to do with him eating more treats the actually putting on the house) And I was more messy than he was! He told me "Mami, your hands are MESSY!" then he proceeded to like the frosting off my fingers.

Christmas is my most favorite time of year, and although I will not be able to spend it with my side of the family (like have been my entire life) I'll be with my own little family and we can start our own traveling Christmas traditions!

Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T23:40:00.001-08:00

I'm so thankful for many things! My parents are amazing! They let us stay with then between teams, Mom my is always helping me with the kids when Vic is away. My Dad will do anything for any one. I'm thankful that I get to stay home and take care of my kids. I'm thankful for the Church and the freedom to choose which one to attend. I'm thankful for my family and that we can get together and enjoy ourselves. Most of all I'm that I found such a wonderful husband who works his butt off to take care of us and makes sure we have everything we need and/or want. and sometimes has to sacrifice being alone without us. I know how hard it is for him to be away from the boys. I'm thankful for my little boys with their so sweet and unique personalities. I can not put into words how much I love them. I am so blessed to have them!

This year we had Thanksgiving at my Grandpa's house. My Mom's sister and brother were also there. Of course we had the usual...
Turkey, stuffing, corn, Dixie salad (modified to our liking), rolls, salad and more. Joined by much talking and laughter.

Before Dinner My sister got the candy for the little kids to make some turkeys. The kids loved it and they turned out really cute! I gave my sister's baby some crackers a little early and he made a HUGE mess. And of course Jiovan could not complete the night without injury. The neighbors have this little swing made of rope and a 5 gal bucket lid. It came back and hit him in the eye. The pic is when it first happened and it's getting darker.

It's not very often that we can get together as a whole family (as usual, minus victor). But we had to get a pic of just us siblings and Just us girls. It was fun to be together and I enjoyed seeing everyone again before I go...who knows when:)

* a side not I forgot to include. Crystal had Thanksgiving down the street at her in-laws house and couldn't make it until dinner was over but as we all hung around and were visiting I saw Crystal pull up through the window. I said "Crystal's here." and my Uncle Greg says, "Hurry! Everyone hide and turn out the lights!" So EVERYONE ran downstairs shut off the lights to hide. (even thoes laying down to let the food settle, AND the "old" people) When we get down there I'm like "did anyone get Corbin?" nope nobody did. S no one was upstairs and the lights were off. Just Corbin wandering around. Crystal had no idea where everone went. and then we sent Jiovan upstairs. then turned on the light so she would come down. Then when she got to the door we all screemed and scared her. It was funny!

HUBBY TAG...

2008-11-24T23:03:00.001-08:00

1. Where did you meet? At guy's birthday party in Provo. (we were going to hang out with "the hot Mexicans"... note: NONE were from Mexico)

(this is in November 2005..the month after we started dating)

2. How long did you date? we dated for...7 months

3. How long have you you been married? 3 years and 6months! ( so much has happened in so little time...seems like FOREVER, a good forever!)

4. Favorite Feature? His height...possibly tied with his hiney.

5. What is your favorite quality of his? He puts up with me and all my madness... What a champ! (he is always smiling! I get people ask me ALL the time if he ever gets upset. very rare!)

6. Does he have a nickname for you? "Mami" or other normal pet names... He never calls me by name. I like that.

7. What is his favorite color? I would say Blue...Red....or Black? It's been a long time since I (remember) asking.

8. What is his favorite food? Here: Funeral Potatoes, and chicken chulapas Republica Dominicana: I think everything Mona (his mom) makes.... PLANTAINS AND CHEESE!

9. What is his favorite sport? Volleyball I suppose. He like Basketball too.

10. When and Where was your first kiss? Out side my door (Alta Apartments in Provo) ....I suppose in September sometime.

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Go to movies...we see LOTS of movies!

12. Do you have any children? YES! the joys of our life! Jiovan 2 1/2 Corbin 1 year 4 months.

13. Does he have a hidden talent? He is a fantastic dancer... especially compared to me:)

14. How old is he? 29!!!

15. Who said, "I love you first?" He did... I think. It was mutual.

16. What is his favorite type of music? Latin music and hip hop / R & B.

17. What do you admire most about him? This is a hard one... I love everything about him! I love how he stays calm in the most stressful times. He always puts things into perspective for me. He is a hard worker. An amazing companion and even more amazing Dad. He helps a TON with the boys (even though I'm always nagging at him to do more) He has amazing patience! I love life with him!

18. Do you think he will read this? Sure...maybe not read but I know he looks at the blog.

I tag (changing in to wifey tag) MR Orrin Lemon and MR Ben Hulet and.....Its up to you Karlee and Seph tell them I say they HAVE to!

Traveling! (longest post ever..)

2008-11-23T21:08:00.001-08:00

This weekend we took a quick trip to SLC for my Grandma's 80th B-day party put on by my Aunt Becky and Uncle Kelly. It was the first time in....well forever that my siblings and I have been in the same place at the same time. (Minus Michelle's husband Scott and of course Victor who is in Italy). It was also My sister Crystal's birthday! LOVE YOU CRYSTAL!!!!! we celebrated by having some yummy cake before going up to Grandma's house.

This is a rocking chair given to my Grandma's Mother for her 4th birthday! I just had to put these pics on!

*don't mind the goober on Corbin's shirt. He seemed to get a hold of some one's drink, dump in down the front of his shirt, AND stain part of his shoes pink... oh well, oh and the chapped face from a: dry weather, still adjusting, and b: SLOBBER! something that happens when they get 4 teeth at the same time (was 8 but 4 molars came in). ANYWAYS...

While driving back home from our little vacay I was thinking how I am so thankful for portable DVD players and how my Mom and Dad would travel with all 4 kids and NO DVD player. Though kids are still hard to travel with I can't begin to imagine my life with-out them. They are so different yet I love them equally! They are the center of my world here on earth! I love them more then I could have ever imagined. I'm so thankful for them and they teach me so much! I will forever cherish the memories of the hard times and the laughter from the good! I JUST LOVE THEM! -nuff said!

GOOD BYE.....

HELLO.....

I also had to buy a new stroller :(. I love the one that I have. It has seen many games, shopping centers, and countries! Good-Bye to my dear Graco Duo glider LXI in Samba that I search for many months for before Corbin was born and hello to Combi Twin Sport Stroller! The old one was too big for our car in Italy so I had to downsize. I'm very sad about having to go with a side by side, worried about getting through doors, but at least I will no longer have to listen to Jiovan OR Corbin scream about he other one kicking them in the back. Also this one folds in half and then half again...amazing! Hopefully it will be good to me!

Jovi got his stitches out!

2008-11-18T22:47:00.001-08:00

Jiovan got his stitches out on Sunday. . . He then got them replaces with some steri strips. Stitches looked better but we are working on having little scaring and keeping it closed. I also included some pictures I took that same day that I thought were cute and the one Corbin's eyes look SOO blue! And I love the one of Jiovan like this too!

We were past due for one of these!

2008-11-11T19:19:00.000-08:00

Today I woke up and decided instead of showering and getting ready first thing in the morning I would clean up first. Well, I had just gotten Corbin out of the tub, laid him on the bed (didn't even get a diaper on yet) when I hear Jiovan hit the tub, a cry, then nothing.... I knew he was crying too hard to cry. So I waited for him to come to me when I saw a mouth full of blood. I picked him up to love him and noticed a cut on his chin. My mom had my car at a neighbors house so I called her to come home. He ended up with 4 stitches. He did so good! when the doctor was looking at it he held perfectly still while he spread it apart and pushed on it. Then when the doctor was giving him stitches he didn't even have to get strapped to the board like they normally do for small children!! He didn't cry either just whimpered a bit! After breaking a leg splitting his nose open falling down the stairs and getting a concussion and all the many other accidents this must have been easy. I just know there is more to come raising these two active boys!....

*oh and these pics are taken after we were home and he was in bed. I cleaned up his face, moved him around to get a good pic, took pictures, put oitment on and a band aid all without him waking up! I love how deep he sleeps. I can also change his clothes without him waking up!

SNOW!

2008-11-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we got snow here in Pine Valley. . .We (Victor and I) HATE cold weather. When we were dating, living in Provo, we had to walk through this huge feild to get to eachother's apartments. As we would walk through it Vic would write stuff in the snow (with his shoes, he will not touch it) So this Sunday when the snow was falling and I was miserably cold by myself (because Vic is already in Italy) I decided to write my own message on the deck and take a pic for Vic so he could se what he's missing:) So there it is Papi... Snow! ...still sitting out there as I type! Though I must admit that it makes it feel Christmasy and I love the holidays!

Crema Italy

2008-11-09T06:28:00.001-08:00

It is official...We are going to Crema Italy. Victor left on Friday to go to San Fransico to get his Italian visa then off to Italy. We will be joining him as soon as he gets everything ready. I'm excited to be able to go and see everything there! ....once again not so excited for the plane ride.
I will be posting plenty of pictures once I get there!

way late, I know!

2008-11-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

Just before Halloween I took the boys up to see my sister and her two cute little kiddos. Jiovan and Corbin loved riding in Raegan's power wheel. And my sister's baby is the happiest little thing there ever was. I swear he hardly ever cried (only when being abused by Corbin.) Then for Halloween I borrowed a M & M and Whoopee Cushion costumes from my sister and we went trunk or treating at the church and then to a couple houses. Jovi didn't want to go at first then when he figured out what was going on he was totally into it. Raegan was Belle and Kyler was Squirt from Finding Nemo.

Tagged!

2008-11-03T20:27:00.000-08:00

Steph tagged me... Go to the 4th folder and the 4th pic. Then explain....
This is Victor with his Madre when she came to visit in December of 2006. She spent Christmas with us and it was so fun! This was the first time she had seen Jiovan (8 months at the time). We were living in Provo and went up to the Salt Lake Temple to see the lights. So this is in front of the nativity scene there.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!!

2008-10-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

As soon as I got the Camera out Corbin started fallowing me saying "Cheese". This is him holding on to my pants so that I could not walk without taking his picture! (please excuse the Doritos cheese on his face...whatever keeps them happy, right?)

And I guess Jiovan could not eat the cake fast enough with the fork so he resorted to this. No he has never seen anyone eat anything like this so he did not learn this horrible behaviour from me.

This is my dear, sweet Grandpa who turned a young 72 today! He is the sweetest Grandpa. He always loves to see us and Loves to make us laugh! We Love you!

*little update on Vic - He just left Spain heading for Korea to let them see him play. This is a killer 14.5 hour flight! He is on the flight as I type! - GOOD LUCK PAPI!

Swords

2008-10-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

Almost our whole family was together for dear hunt and while everyone was hunting my mom and I had all 8 kids to take care of. One day when I ran to St. George (from Pine Valley) We got these foam swords for the kids. My kids had Blue, Crystals green and Josh's red. They had so much fun hitting each other playing pirates on the trampoline. Then they ran inside and attacked Grandma. So much fun with such a cheap toy!

Painting Pumpkins

2008-10-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

We got all the grandkids ( minus My sister Michelle's kids, Raegan and Kyler) together and painted pumpkins grown in my Mom's garden. It was very quick but the kids loved it! Jiovan was a little worried about getting dirty but then went at it. even after his pumpkin was covered in paint he painted on the paper. Corbin didn't like it quite as much...I more forced it on him... He'll be thankful later...Right?

Vic's adventure

2008-10-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

So Vic has had quite the trip to Spain...
First we woke up at 4:00 am to take him to St. George to catch the shuttle to vegas. We got there a little early but the shuttle never came! It was an hour past the time they leave when someone else that was waiting asked if he wanted a ride. So he went with her to the airport. Well as I'm driving back to my mom's house I see the the key light blinking (our car does not need the key in the ignition to start). Victor took my the keys. After a little mess Vic left them in Mesquite for me to get. Then he got to the airport and realized he left his sleeping pills in the suit case that he checked. Well then he gets to Barcelona and they wont let him go because he does not have a visa. (the owners of the team wrote a letter hoping i guess that it would let him in). He got there at 10 am and it is 9 pm right now. Unlike the movies where they are in a room with a table and chair they are being held in a room with a bunch of beds (no sheets). They are hoping he gets out tonight. If' he's still there at 9am tomorrow morning they will send him back home.

We are back!!

2008-10-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

Okay so we got back a couple days ago. Vic's team lost in the semi-finals. Good, but bad. Right after we left they got hit by a hurricane and postponed the finals. I HATE traveling with kids. It's such a long flight and keeping kids contained (and quiet) on a plane for like 1000 hours is not an easy task. And can I just say that I freaking hate the economy right now?!?! The airlines have nothing for free. No drinks no crackers NOTHING! and we had to pay 15 dollars for the first checked back for each person and 25 for the second. arg! Although it was our lucky day. ALL of our bags were over weight and we planned a lot of time to rearrange bags and we got there and the guy said it didn't matter how much they weighed for the next few days! YAY!!

So we're back. Not for long just a quick visit. Victor left today to check out a team in Spain and maybe Italy and once things are decided the boys and I will be joining him. Yes, It's a crazy life, but it's the one I have. I enjoy seeing the world and I'm not too attached to my things that I can live with-out them. I love seeing the world and it's a once in a lifetime experience. I'm missing my hubby but hopefully it won't be too long.

El Nuevo Dia Article of last nights WIN!!!

2008-10-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

This is another translation from 'freetraslations.com' so please forgive the horrible english.
* if you would like to read the article in spanish go to http://www.elnuevodia.com/diario/noticia/voleibol/deportes/mayaguez_gana_y_recupera_el_aliento/468471
By The New Day The Indians of Mayagüez have life in the series, thanks to Víctor Batista.
With 31 points of Batista, Mayagüez avoided to fall in the pit upon achieving its first victory of the series in five partial before the Patriots of Hearths, in the third party of the semifinal of the male upper volleyball.
Down in the series 0-2, the victory of Mayagüez was produced with partial of 25-23, 21-25, 23-25, 25-16 and 11-15, in party performed in the court Wilfredo Bull, of Ant hills, provisional home of the winners. Even so, the Patriots maintain the advantage in the series, 2-1. The series rests today and resumes tomorrow.
Batista charged its Indians in a crucial moment of the series. Of their 31 points, a total of 30 they were in attacks.
Play for today
Carolina (1) in Corozal (1), 7:00 p.m.
Last comment 05 October 2008 07:11AM masajista69 New Gigantic to steal us that play, basket dificil, but isable! !!!!
Its companion Nils Dauburs continued him with 14 points and Mannix Román with 12.
The acomodador José Guilloty contributed 15 assistances and Angel Matías 16 defenses.
In cause loss, Dimar López and Damien Scott achieved 21 points, respectively.
Timothy May added other 17 so many and Josúe Núñez 10.
The colocador July Acevedo obtained 18 assistances and the I free Gregory Berríos 17 defenses.
Before the play, the Indians in the season never had lost three parties in line. And last night they avoided it, after to have lost the first two challenges of the series.
Today, the action of the semifinals continues in Corozal, in the court Carmen Zoraida Figueroa since the 7:00 p.m.
There, the Banana localities will seek to take up again the advantage in the series, after the New Giants of Carolina equaled a party the series with a victory night before last in five quarrelled partial.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICTOR!!!!

2008-10-02T05:28:00.001-07:00

Victor,
Thanks for being such a great husband. Always loving me, and being an amazing Father.
Thanks for showing me life outside of Utah, and taking me on this crazy journey! I love watching you play and the expressions on your face and the chanting of the crowd.
I love the way Jiovans face lights up to see you when the game is over and he can run and give you a big hug. I love the way you sing in the car and your moves to all the songs. I love that even though I have no ability to dance, you still try.
Even though it has only been 4 years since we celibrated your birthday together for the first time, it seems that I've known you forever. Thanks for all you do for me ! Here's to your 29th birthday and Many more to come! I LOVE YOU

Semi-Finals here we come!

2008-09-28T15:59:00.001-07:00

Thanks to last nights win (and my amazing hubby) The Mayaguez Indios are deffinately going to be in the semi-finals!!

ZOO

2008-09-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

Today we decided to take the kids to the Zoo. Mainly Jiovan because Corbin doesn't really know the difference. Jiovan walked almost the whole way (except for some quick stops for eating, and waiting for the rain to stop). Victor and I would pick him up so he could see over the fence to look at all the "am alls" . At one place in the zoo there are some cut-outs of different kinds of animals so kids could see if they are bigger than the animal and we were sure to stop and take some pics! We got a family pic by the elephant even though you can't really see it. Then Jiovan was waving "bye-bye" to him. We stopped at this place there to get the kids something to eat and drink. Like always Jiovan wants to do whatever his Papi is doing. Corbin was just happy to get out of the stroller and run around. Jiovan was loving it! He got to see tigers, lions, giraffes, all sorts of birds, monkeys baboons, hippos, camels, llamas, ostriches, iguanas, turtles, zebras and tons other ones that I cant think of!

This is front and back of some t-shirts we got for the kids and they were so excited to put them on when we got home. Jiovan likes anything new!
I just liked this pic of Jiovan looking at the giraffe! He loved them!
While we were waiting for the rain to stop Jovi decided he had to go potty. And when a kid has to go a kid has to go!

Swimming

2008-09-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

The other day at the pool we caught a lizard and when we let it go it didn't run away. It just stayed there while the kids pet it. When we showed Jiovan the lizard he looks at it and said "hi" to it. So precious!

We went to the pool a few times with this other family that has a vacation place here. Jiovan loved playing with their daughter and the floaty was perfect for Corbin. He loves to walk around in the pool and occasionally he would fall. He can usually get up himself but would need our help if he fell back. The floaty kept him free but also afloat.
This is just after Jiovan Jumped into the pool. He LOVES the water. He likes to run and jump into the pool (trying to upload a video of it). He also likes to sit on the bottom of the kiddy pool with his head under. In the big pool he pushes of the steps and kicks his legs and arms trying to swim to us. He'll succeed in no time!

One of those days...

2008-09-20T15:48:00.001-07:00

As I'm sure most of you parents know that once in a while your kids have a day that you just KNOW your kid(s) are out to get you. Well yesterday Jiovan decided to have one of these days. I almost let him get the best of me, but I'm so lucky that Victor is home with me and I can run in my room and get a little breather. He decided that NOTHING was going to make him happy. Not snacks/treats, toys, hugs, kisses (and I'll admit a few spankings.) If he wasn't crying he was whining. And to top it off he did not make it to the bathroom to go potty (NOT EVEN ONCE!) Luckily bed time came (way later than usual) but it came. And today was a new day and he was back to his sweet giggly self.

Kids say the funniest things.

2008-09-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

So only I would do 3 posts in one day, but I just remembered something funny Jiovan said the other day and I had to write it down.
So If I ask Corbin if he is poopy Jiovan will walk over to him, pull his diaper out and if he is not he says "nope!" and if Corbin is poopy he says "eeew gross".
Well I was buckling Jiovan in the car and I smelled a mysterious smell so I gave a little sniff and Jovi says "I no poo Mom! Bo bee poo."

Going to the beach!

2008-09-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we finally went to the beach. Since the hurricanes have been passing us we hadn't had a lot of good weather. So the first sign of good weather we headed to the beach. We went through the palms in this one spot and got attacked by mosquitoes. Seriously there were like six on us at one time it was bad. But we had never had this problem before so we walked to where we were the last time and there were no mosquitoes. Thank heavens! We had a good time the boys loved playing on this cheap little raft we bought. They both love to dig in the sand. Then we were going to leave, we always bring clothes, soap and lotion for the kids 'cause they have showers and we bathe them and they fall asleep on the way home. Well, we could NOT find the keys to get the clothes from the car. So I set the chairs back up and gave the boys a drink while Victor went back everywhere we had been. He didn't find they keys and decided they had to be in the water. So he went to where we had been swimming and started to look. And he actually found them. How lucky huh?!? I mean what are the chances of finding keys in the ocean after we had been swimming for 3 hours? incredible.

Time Out

2008-09-13T05:18:00.000-07:00

The other day we took the boys to Time Out in the mall
to let them play. Corbin loved to play in this little space
ship ride and Jiovan liked anything with balls or a steering
wheel. Vic was a good sport and helped the boys with the
games. Victor and I played some air hockey I kicked his but
the first game and then he beat me by one point the second.
I was pretty pleased because he usually kicks my butt. (at
everything!) I think over all we had a good time and tired
out the boys.

Another face injury

2008-09-07T12:22:00.000-07:00

Its really hard to tell because of poor quality, but The other night at Victors game Jiovan was running fell and hit his face on the floor. For some reason whenever he falls (which is quite often) everyone freaks out and he just hops up and keeps going. Well the same thing happened and he got up and was still crying and then there was blood. Everyone was freakin out more so we just went and got some ice. No big deal but his lip swole up pretty good. about the size of a small grape. Not to mention he has a scar on his nose and a scratch on his eye (he was jumping on the bed and hit his face on my toe nail...yeah i know) anyways. This kid is accident prone but nothing compared to my cousins Dave and Summer's little boy.

Our Computer Baby

2008-09-07T09:51:00.001-07:00

What do you think about my little new baby baby girl?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?
For those of you who always say we need to have a girl....
Still think so? haha

Translations of the below article :)

2008-09-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

For those who are interested here is what the whole article says (translation done at www.freetranslations.com) :

Batista: the offensive machine of the Indian Víctor Batista, of the Indians of Mayagüez, averages up to now 4,91 points by partial. (First Hour / File) Wednesday, 3 of September of 2008 Brought up to date 19 hours ago (00:00 to.m.) José Ayala Gordián / First Hour The Dominican reinforcement of the Indians of Mayagüez, Víctor Batista, is found of leader in annotations of the phase to regulate of the League of Male Upper Volleyball (LVSM). Batista, that reinforced last year to the Patriots of Hearths, counts on a total of 363 points, divided into 319 attacks, 18 blockades and 26 direct services. Batista is averaging 4,91 points by partial. In turn, Yosleyder Cove, assailant of the New Giants of Carolina, occupies the second position with a total of 349 points. Of these, 318 they have been in attacks, 16 in blockades and 15 in direct kick-offs. Meanwhile, Damien Scott, of the Patriots, is found in the third place with 347 points. Curt Toppel, of Carolina, is room with 327 so many. While, the colocador of the Banana of Corozal, Fernando Moral, is first in direct services with a total of 32 aces. Toppel continues him with 28 successes, while Batista (26) is third and Scott fourth with 22 successes. Despite that was replaced by the Patriots, the imported Kristopher Kraushaar is of leader on the whole of pass with 363 in 72 partial disputed, good for average of 5,04 by episode. Kraushaar shows off the new mark of more pass in a party of the LVSM with 51. On the other hand, the mayagüezano Angel "Baby" Matías, sweeper of the Indians, is the leader in defenses with 251 raise in 75 partial and average of 3,35 by sleeve. The national sweeper and member of the Patriots, Gregory Berríos, occupies the second place with 236 defenses in 76 partial. José Spanish, of the Mets of Guaynabo, is third with a total of 214 defenses in 76 partial. Matthew Denmark, head office of the Mets, continues of leader in blockades with 50 caps and average of 0,70 by partial. Mannix Román, head office of the Indians, is second with 50 hats, but with average of 0,69 by partial. Josué Núñez, of the Patriots, is third with 48 blockades. In the line of acomodos, Moral also is in the first position with 418 acomodos and average of 6,06 by partial. José Plots of land, of the Giants of Enclosed, is second with 409 acomodos, while July "Gabi" Acevedo, acomodador of the Patriots, is third with 297 acomodos. Corozal visits to Mayagüez The Banana of Corozal will visit this night to the Indians of Mayagüez in the court Wilfredo Bull of Ant hills in search to trim the advantage of the Indians in the first position of the global board. Mayagüez is the current leader of the tournament with 39 points, but a victory of Corozal in three or four partial would approach them a point of the tie. The Banana they occupy the second position of the standing with 35 points. The party between Banana and Indians is the unique one in calendar for this night. Tomorrow Thursday the Changos of Naranjito visit the Patriots of Hearths.

"Bastisa: The Indios Offensive machine"

2008-09-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

This article took up the whole page in todays Primer Hora newspaper.
Basicly it says my husband is AMAZING!

http://www.primerahora.com/noticia/voleibol/accion_deportiva/batista:_la_maquina_ofensiva_de_los_indios/226195
Batista: la máquina ofensiva de los Indios
Víctor Batista, de los Indios de Mayagüez, promedia hasta el momento 4.91 puntos por parcial. (Primera Hora / Archivo)
miércoles, 3 de septiembre de 2008 Actualizado hace 19 horas (00:00 a.m. )
José Ayala Gordián / Primera Hora
El refuerzo dominicano de los Indios de Mayagüez, Víctor Batista, se encuentra de líder en anotaciones de la fase regular de la Liga de Voleibol Superior Masculino (LVSM).
Batista, que reforzó el año pasado a los Patriotas de Lares, cuenta con un total de 363 puntos, divididos en 319 ataques, 18 bloqueos y 26 servicios directos. Batista está promediando 4.91 puntos por parcial.
Por su parte, Yosleyder Cala, atacante de los Nuevos Gigantes de Carolina, ocupa la segunda posición con un total de 349 puntos. De éstos, 318 han sido en ataques, 16 en bloqueos y 15 en saques directos.
Entretanto, Damien Scott, de los Patriotas, se encuentra en el tercer lugar con 347 puntos. Curt Toppel, de Carolina, está cuarto con 327 tantos.
Mientras, el colocador de los Plataneros de Corozal, Fernando Morales, está primero en servicios directos con un total de 32 aces. Toppel le sigue con 28 aciertos, mientras Batista (26) está tercero y Scott cuarto con 22 aciertos.
Pese a que fue reemplazado por los Patriotas, el importado Kristopher Kraushaar está de líder en total de pases con 363 en 72 parciales disputados, buenos para promedio de 5.04 por episodio. Kraushaar ostenta la nueva marca de más pases en un partido de la LVSM con 51.
Por otro lado, el mayagüezano Ángel “Bebé” Matías, líbero de los Indios, es el líder en defensas con 251 levantes en 75 parciales y promedio de 3.35 por manga. El líbero nacional y miembro de los Patriotas, Gregory Berríos, ocupa el segundo lugar con 236 defensas en 76 parciales. José Castellanos, de los Mets de Guaynabo, está tercer con un total de 214 defensas en 76 parciales.
Matthew Denmark, central de los Mets, continúa de líder en bloqueos con 50 gorros y promedio de 0.70 por parcial. Mannix Román, central de los Indios, está segundo con 50 sombreros, pero con promedio de 0.69 por parcial. Josué Núñez, de los Patriotas, está tercero con 48 bloqueos.
En el renglón de acomodos, Morales también está en la primera posición con 418 acomodos y promedio de 6.06 por parcial. José Quiñones, de los Gigantes de Adjuntas, está segundo con 409 acomodos, mientras Julio “Gabi” Acevedo, acomodador de los Patriotas, está tercero con 297 acomodos.
Corozal visita a Mayagüez
Los Plataneros de Corozal visitarán esta noche a los Indios de Mayagüez en la cancha Wilfredo Toro de Hormigueros en búsqueda de recortar la ventaja de los Indios en la primera posición de la tabla global.
Mayagüez es el actual líder del torneo con 39 puntos, pero una victoria de Corozal en tres o cuatro parciales los acercaría a un punto del empate. Los Plataneros ocupan el segundo puesto del standing con 35 puntos.
El partido entre Plataneros e Indios es el único en calendario para esta noche. Mañana jueves los Changos de Naranjito visitan a los Patriotas de Lares.

Binki Free!

2008-09-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

So Corbin turned one over a month ago and that is when I take away their binkis or bottles. It just happened that I never actually had trouble with this since Jovi refused his bottle at 9 months and lost all his binkis on a trip and never really cared. We took Corbin's bottles away before we came here but he has loved his binki (and so have I). So I have been avoiding taking it away, making up excuses and justifying that he is not near as old as the kids here that still have binkis AND bottles. (there are a ton of kids that are like 4-5 with binkis here) So I just decided I would not buy anymore binkis once he lost them. Well Yesterday he lost his last one. So we have been a full day with no binki. It hasn't been as bad as I thought.

Catch up

2008-08-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

So potty training went really easy. Jovi picked it up right away. After the second day of going every 15 minutes he got sick of it and started telling me no and yes when I asked him if he needed to go potty. Now he just tells me and almost every night his pull up is dry.
We stopped on the side of the road to eat a pizza by the shore and Jovi needed to go potty. So we took his seat out of the car (because he wouldn't use a public bathroom with out it) and set it between two rocks so he would go. I thought it would be a priceless picture in about 15 years.

Then he was playing in this little rocking chair, fell, and hit the bridge of his nose and busted it open. We took him to the ER cause the doctor was not in his office yet. The just taped it and gave us some stuff to put on it after the tape came off a few days later. Its not too bad now...just a little mark. Oh, and this was after he hit his eye on a rail at one of Victor's games and got a black eye.

Jovi likes to copy everything he sees someone doing. He likes to do push ups with Vic, and one day after there was rain corbin was trying to drink the water on the ground and Jovi started copying them. I got a picture and quickly stopped the madness.

Corbin was so funny one night at Victor's game when the camara would flash the orange light to take a picture Corbin would give his cheesy smile where he scrunches his nose. It was so funny.

At that same night Victor was playing a former teammate, Russell, and they have the cutest little girl. Jovi loved playing with her.

Potty Training....

2008-07-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

So we began to potty train Jiovan this morning. He has been telling me for a while that he needs to go potty but I would set him on, he would tell me he was done then he would go like 15 minutes later. Thus we stayed in Diapers. So today we ditched the diapers we are trying the potty break every 15 method. He has not yet gone in the toilet but it has only been 3 hours and one wet accident. Motherhood just isn't that glamorous. . .If anyone has any better ideas or tips I would LOVE to hear them. I AM SICK OF DIAPERS!!
wish us the best!

Corbin's 1st Birthday.

2008-07-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby is 1 year old already! This last year has gone by so fast. For Corbin's birthday we are in Puerto Rico again so there was no family here to have a birthday party. We just celebrated it with our little
Family. First we woke up and I made pancakes while Vic had reading time. (this of course did not last long since the boys do not have attention spans what soever) then we went to the pool at the place we live. It is so perfect (it is right on the beach though there is a tell fence that makes it so you can't see unless you go right to the fence) But it has this little kiddie pool that is the size of a Jacuzzi but it is just deep enough that Jovi can run around and kneel down and it goes right to his chin, and Corbin can sit in his floating and still touch the ground enough to walk around. They loved it. In the big pool there was a Crab. Victor just jumped right in and caught it. (without it pinching him!!) Then we showered and went to this park by our house. It is so cool you can see the ocean right from where your sitting watching your kids play. (there is a fence though so the kids don't go into the ocean and there's not much sand). But this park has EVERYTHING. It has like 5 play sets for the kids to play on. Swing, Little bouncy things...just everything. Then we came home and had birthday cake. We went all over looking for a bakery that had a cake already made and there was not a single one. Lame, I know. So we had to go to wal mart (and the walmart is freaking being remodeled so it is a mad house, more that usual even) so we got this cookies and cream cake. So i bought candles that spelled out "happy Birthday" and the number 1 to make it look more birthday like. Jovi loved "helping" to blow them out. That is pretty much all we did before it was time for him to go to bed. So Happy Birthday Corbin!

saying goodbye / Michelle's Birthday

2008-07-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

So before I left I was sure to say goodbye to as many people as I could. Since I did not have a lot of time to get packed and gone before I left. Michelle came down to see me before we left and there are some pics of us swimming at my pool. Then we all had this crazy idea of taking all 10 grand kids (since they are NEVER all together) and get their pics taken. Hard enough to get 2 done let alone 10. But it went pretty well. then we gave them a sucker (or two) to keep them quiet! While Michelle was getting pictures of her kids the other 8 sat in the benches they had there for props. the other picture is Jiovan playing Peek-a-boo with Corbin and he was loving it. Later that day Jiovan discovered some scissors. Yes that was the result. Better his shirt than his hair, I guess. Then I had a night out with the girls (yes, kids in tow) we just went to the promenade and chatted and got a shake. I brought the kids from their beds so they are in their PJ's. Then it was Michelle's B-day so we got together at my Grandpa's and had a BBQ the kids all played and the adults just chatted. There is a Pic of me and my siblings and one of Mom holding Corbin, and then my Dad just chillin. and Prest stopped by! It was so good to see everybody and have the fam together!

2008-07-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

Okay well we made it... Alive amazingly with the boys and an air plain ride that really felt like forever (no thanks to the retards who would not trade us seats so we could sit in one isle.) I know its bad but i really hope they didn't get much sleep because of the kids. It was a couple and and Jiovan and I were in two seats and then the creepy husband on the isle seat then across was his wife and Vic and Corbin in the other two seats. so yeah. Anyways we are here and I didn't get to take a lot of pictures because we are still living out of our suitcases. The apartment that they have for us is not quite ready yet so the first night we were in this hotel room with two queen beds and about 1/2 foot between the beds and the wall and then about 2 feet between the beds. and with Victor and I and two kids plus like 10 pieces of luggage it was a tight fit. So we are staying in the vacay home of the owner. It is way better, though we still haven't been able to unpack since we don't know when they will move us into our own place.
Its so nice being here. I didn't even have to adjust to the humidity and I have only had 1 mosquito bite! Its so nice to have Vic here with us and he's home ALL day then leaves at 4 or 5 to go to lifting then straight to practice. so he's gone in the evening but home at like 10-11.
Yesterday we went to a beach that he had not been to last time we were here and it was way fun. the boys were loving it (we didn't get pictures) but there will be many more trips to the beach. Anyways that's about it for now!

(the pics are of the boys since we've been here. You can't see anything from the apartment but the floor but I thought the pics were too cute not to post.)

MOVING!

2008-06-21T20:08:00.001-07:00

Okay, so Thursday we get the news.. We will be moving, yet again. I'm so excited for many reasons of course. First because we will be together as a family (instead of Vic doing camps and being gone Sunday - Friday) and Second because we will be able to make frequent trips to the beach, and it is better pay. We were in Puerto Rico last summer playing for a differant team. And I loved it! some things were hard to get used to (like no hot showers) but we are playing for a better team and so maybe things will be more updated. I'm sad that Jovi will be leaving his cousins. He can play with them day after day. He never wants to stay home. But he also HATES when his Papi leaves. So this will be good for us! Last year we went to a fosforesent bay and it was way cool and we would love to go back!
Vic is leaving to another camp this week and is gone. So i have until Saturday to move out of the town home I am renting. Seems that I always end up moving with out him. Thanks to my Mom, who ALWAYS come to help, I usually get it done. Wish me luck!

A little late

2008-06-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

So I know I'm a horrible blogger and I just thought I'd make up all in one day. But before our vacation Jiovan celebrated his 2nd birthday! Oh my gosh, I can not believe I have a two year old.

We went to the park (other than the water it is Jiovan's favorite place to be) . We had some ice cream cake, the kids played and there was this little kid who made this water rocket and the kids loved watching them launch it.

2008-06-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

So, late last night I FINALLY got to go pick up Vic from the airport. It was so nice to see him again. Last time I saw him was over 3 weeks ago. We went on a little family (okay not little) vacation to Dominican Republic. Jiovan and Corbin got to see their Abuelos (grandparents) and They also got to meet their Aunts and Uncle. The first week Victor's parents were so wonderful and took the boys to stay at their house while Vic and I stayed at a resort. It was SOOO relaxing. We were right on the beach and it was so nice... after a few days i actually started to burn, so since my Spanish is so amazing (cough cough) I sent Vic to get some sun screen. Well the lady who help him sent him back with tanning oil. While we were there we did a ton of things and the boys had a BLAST! The second week we went and stayed at Victor's parent's house. We ate lots of good food and saw a few crazy places. Some place where the gravity is messed up and will pull you up hill, Indian hieroglyphic , a trail where iguanas came running when they saw you for food (they were HUGE). We went and swam in some ponds and rivers that Victor swam in as a kid and saw a few beaches. Jovi loves any water and had a great time. While we were there we celebrated our 3 year anniversary (how time does fly). It was so good to see Vic's family again and I love how happy it makes him to go back home. When our vacation was over Jiovan, Corbin and I flew back home while Victor stayed to play for the national team. They practiced for a week in DR and then went to play some practice matches in Cuba then went to the Pan American games in Canada. They took 3rd place! (CONGRATS PAPI!) Vic played very well he was in the top players in almost all the categories.

THIEF!

2008-04-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

Did I ever tell anyone how bad I hate people who steal...expecially from me?!?!?!
So the other day (in a hurry, i guess) I seem to have dropped me debit card. (this is not unusual for me to "misplace" it. ) But I was sure I knew where it was until my husband asked me if I had shopped at Rite Aid. I said no and got online to look at our account. And there was charges adding up to $597.81. So I go through the process of calling the bank and they needed my card number. Which is when I found that it was not in my wallet. So some Idiot who thought they could go on a shopping spree with my money is out there enjoying whatever the heck they bought at Rite Aid and whatever they decided the forgot at Rite aid and went back to get, K Mart, Texaco and Sara Lee's Bakery. *note to self. DONT LOOSE DEBIT CARD.
After many of conversations with the bank and Police department I finally got a signed statment faxed in. If I ever decided to steal 600 bucks I sure as heck wouldn't be spending it at Rite Aid or K-Mart! .......IDIOTS!!!! GRRRRR