You're my Pumpkin.

Wonderful October.
This month was great. Ben and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary. So much has happened since we knelt at the altar and were sealed for all time and eternity.
We moved from Nova Scotia, started a family, and changed career plans. All great things.

We had a great feast at El Ranchito. We ordered all we desired and left smiling  and aching of satisfaction, basically we pigged out. It is somewhere we wish to return soon. And it was our first night without our adorable son. His first stay at Gramma and Grandpa for the night. We missed him and were at the same time grateful to get the best sleep we've had since his birth. Sleeping in is a luxury as parents. Also I can not forget to mention that Ben gave me the most beautiful bouquet of flowers I've ever seen, they lasted me over 2 weeks. I love flowers but my husband way more.

HALLOWEEN!
Our theme this year was Star Wars. We had hoped to borrow our friends costumes of Princess Leia and Darth Vader. Sadly it didn't work out. Ben ended up been schedule to work that night. We had no costumes, only Levi did have one. He was Yoda. Before going to my in-laws, I found for 20$ a Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper costume. I miraculously fit in the Storm Trooper costume with my big belly and went out with Levi to trick-o-treat.  We knocked 12 doors and then Levi said to me "Up!" I knew then, it was time to head back. Levi is too big and must be weighing about 30lbs.

So here are some comments we received that night: "That is adorable", "What a cute Yoda" , "What a cute sheep" What a cute rabbit". I really tried to hold it in. It was Levi's first time going out for the hunt, he was confused to knock at people's doors and receiving candy. He does not eat candy but we did get healthy fruit bars.

Here are a few things Levi has been doing lately: identifying cars: tatas van, grammas car, tells you that he is filling his pants but will say no! if you ask, dances to all sounds: classical music ,printer ,washing machine , salsa music, learning to put words together, a little helper with laundry, cleaning, garbage and recycling. Two of my new favorite words are "O-ha" = oja = leaf in spanish, "an-hahaha" = naranja = orange in spanish.
Oh and I did finish Levi's quilt about  a month ago, just take a look at him laying on it on my front page. It turned out great. Levi loves it.

Velvita cheese!

 Time is tickin'. I am over 30 weeks and getting nervous. Taking care of two is not my biggest worry, only the D-day. All I want to see happen is my husband by my side when Zoe comes to join us. Yes! Her name is Zoe but only to me. Ben has yet to come up with another name that we both will approve, that or she will be Levi #2. I've searched for her name, prayed about it and went to the temple to receive an answer and I made up my mind. Marriage does not permit me to be selfish and I agree. It will be a joint decision.
Zoe is definitely making herself notice these days. Every night, I feel so bloated and uncomfortable. Like my belly cannot stretch out any more but it can. For my first pregnancy, my innie bellybutton became an outie. Pregnancy #2 has not yet. Levi enjoys saying Hi! to Zoe, rubbing my belly and hugging it. Its sweet, I'm sure he knows mommy is going trough something and maybe that there is truly a baby inside, who knows. Siblings are great, I know he'll be happy to be a big brother. Thanks Virginia for the Big Brother to be t-shirt you gave us and Zoe's first pair of shoes.

October is an important month for us. It will be our third wedding anniversary. I've been looking at our wedding pictures and Levi's first year album and feel overjoyed to have been so blessed and know that we are sealed for all time and eternity. Every one in the world can receive these blessings, it just a matter of choosing to have them. Heavenly Father loves all His children, it's true. Once you know of His love, it will change your life forever.
October is going by pretty quickly, we were sick for 2 weeks, Thanksgiving dinner with my and Ben's family,had a Swap event at Virginia's (it was a hit!) and will be going to a Baby Halloween Party. Levi will be Yoda this year, Ben as Darth Vader and hopefully I will find mine soon.
Ben is crazy busy these days with school and work, he has been lacking sleep all week. He is currently having a nap with Levi. I love seeing them together awake and asleep. We are so blessed.

Funny story this week. Levi was snooping under the bathroom sink and found one of my pads (new of course) and called it "cheese". He was confused with the Velvita cheese squares I purchased last week. He is a cheese monster. We had a good laugh.

Hips don't lie.

My hips don't lie, I am extra curvy these days, pregnancy can do that to you.
Summer has been all about family. Kids growing, a baby born and visits from family.
August started with my birthday, I'm getting old. I feel that I need to get the babies popping, because my time is running out. Levi is now 18 months and baby#2 is on its way, crossing our fingers for January 2012.
A few weeks ago we found out that we are having a girl. I screamed my lungs out in the car, when Ben opened the envelop and showed the pink cookie. Just what I was hoping for. During the ultrasound we saw her squirm, suck on her lips and thumb, rolling and saw her crossing her legs (she's a lady). She is gorgeous and looks like his daddy, that nose is a Cole. It is not a button nose like Levi but a straight pointy nose. Levi did get the reddish tint, that was amazing. I find he looks like my mom but his head shape is growing to be like his daddy and has a long torso like him too. The shirt I put on him today, looked too short and it's size 18months.

Levi is growing so fast, he is now going to nursery, drinking from a cup, sorting and lining up his cars,swimming in puddles, taking naps in his bunk bed and understanding more short instructions. Today in the car he was signing the alphabet and burped in the middle of it. We are working on manners, it will come.
We bought him this week an Elmo stuffed animal and a baby doll. We were told the baby doll would prepare him having another little person around. It does not have a name , like our unborn baby, for now her name is "bebe". She's been sleeping in his crib during the day, he knows that babies need a crib to sleep in and that means sharing.
Tonight at our home, we had Ola & Noah, Suzette & Devyn over. Levi can share, is gentle but sometimes not so much. I am just glad he's not violent. Our kids are growing together, they are months apart and learning about the same things. My hope is that they will remain friends during adolescence, it's really tough to be LDS when you're in highschool. I would know, I was the only member at my school.  These mommies are wonderful and strong believers.

Our goal these days is to find baby#2 a name, Levi to know about 200 words before he is 2 years old and enjoy the rest of the summer . 






     

Writing on the wall.

"Writing on the wall" what does this really mean? In our home it means Levi's scribbles all over our white walls. Thankfully, this time it was pencil, Ben had to use the eraser to fix it. Ouff!
This summer, we have been enjoying the sunny hot weather and spending time outside. We bought the year before a kiddie pool, cost less than 10$ and have used it over 5 times. Advice:buy items at the end of season, things go on sale for good prices. It was a great purchase and well worth it. He's not only been swimming in the baby pool but also the lake,the  inside and outside pool, splash pad. He has been swimming in style with one of the cutest swimsuits, frog suit with matching hat. We have received lots of compliments.

 Today, it was our family day. Ben had the day off and we biked for over 3 hours. I biked and pulled the bike trailer with Levi in it and Ben roller skated all the way. We didn't stop once we got home, oh no, right away we changed and went for a swim. So, I'm exhausted, my quads are hurting, my butt is sore but I feel great. Remember folks, I am a pregnant lady, I  biked while pulling her toddler and was going mostly uphill during this adventure. I did quit on my way back, I was a block away from home when I decided to walk the rest of the way home. I just couldn't do it, I was feeling sick. I am proud of each other, it was long. As for Levi, he had a nap on the way there and back, but did stop at half way , he went on the swing and went to the splash pad. We will be doing this again soon.
Other news: we are having my family over soon and will be seeing more family the week after and Ben got an A on his Clinical psychology class. I have a smart husband.
Summertime is great!

He knows!!!

I caught Levi in his room with the bottom dresser drawer opened and emptied on the floor. He knows how to open drawers and jars. He didn't stop there, he opened the kitchen drawers and emptied what he could, while mommy was trying to pick up the rest. ARG... and thumbs up for you baby, you're so smart. It does mean more work, to tidy things up but it was meant to happen.
Levi has been saying new words, two of my favorites this week is "please" and "mango". He is now enjoying trying to blow bubbles, coloring, playing in puddles and using his utensils and cup. For comfort he has been sucking on his bottom lip and touching his and my belly button.
 Ben, my wonderful husband. He made a toy wooden chest for Levi's toys. Amazing! I showed my dad and ,said he needed one too. Its a light wood with a padded blue leather seat/cover, that matches perfectly with his bed comforter. He is talented. He is soon going to finish his summer courses and finally get somewhat break from it all. Levi's father's day gift to daddy was peeing on the toilet seat, one drop might have gone in the toilet.
As for me ,my tummy is growing. If you didn't know me well enough, you'd think I was fat but really its a baby bump. I have geared up on summer clothes, yoga shorts, and one bigger t-shirts. Pregnancy has been better to me, less barfing but more blotting and other unpleasant things. Our bathroom is cleaned regularly, almost every day, it needs to because I'm spending lots of time there. I'm excited and looking forward to that first ultrasound to see our baby and to know if its a girl or a boy. I like to ask Levi where the baby is, he points to my belly. He will soon be the Big Brother.

Brain Freeze!

Have you heard of the great sale at Costco? Jumbo freezes on sale. Woohoo! It has been a hot summer and I have been craving freezes. Levi loves them and for the first time today, had his first brain freeze. Ouch but hilarious at the same time.
By the way, we're pregnant. We are so happy and in disbelief. My family and others are cheering for a girl. It really doesn't matter girl or boy, either way he or she will be super cute and super loved. We are again expecting a winter baby. How am I feeling? For those who remember my first pregnancy, I was having diarrhea and I was barfing at the same time, appetite got smaller and craved for fruits, tomatoes and Nutella. This time, it's dry heaving, occasional barfing, diarrhea again, blotting, need to go to the bathroom regularly. For foods fruits, tomatoes and Nutella are still a must , and my new craving for Freezes.
I have to say, I have been praying more often to my Heavenly Father to help me cope with it all, so I can take care of Levi. Prayers have been answered and my doctor has recommended drugs, but those will have to pass. I survived with my first pregnancy without using any drugs and now, I will try my best not to use them again. I am grateful for modern medicine but only in desperate needs and as recommended by your doctor. I'm not desperate yet! Ben has been wonderful as always, helping me out with everything and been sympathetic. I love him, he is a wonderful husband and great father.
"Still want 5 kids?", I get this question often and I do ask myself the same, "Can I really do this another 3 times after this little bundle of joy comes??? I don't know, but I did a few hours after my first baby. I said "One down, four more to go." My mother-in-laws answer to my reply was "Bless your heart".
I am scared of a few things for this pregnancy: natural labor instead of C-section, 3 first months of sleepless nights and baby blues, constipation and recovery. I think pregnancy is not the tough part , its the afterward ....DA...DA....DAaaa. Besides my fears , I am so grateful once that baby is out. You feel this flow of love just overcome you and feel so happy and grateful to be its mom. Motherhood is so amazing. I love to be a mom. I have tears just thinking about it, 6 months to go.
Other great news, my best-friend Virginia is back with her family and hope , they are staying for good. My brother will be visiting us in July for two weeks and by August I should know if I'm having a boy a a girl.

Life is great!

Appreciation!

This week has been super busy and overwhelming for my poor husband. Sadly, that is life and time will not stop for anyone so they can get a break. Aside from all obligations and responsibilities, family support must be felt.

Yesterday, I was not feeling too well. I'm not sick, just felt blah, tired , not comfortable in my own body. Ben was tired from his 8 hour shift, standing for that period of time with no air conditioning in the building. Plus he worked 28  hours this week , is taking 2 classes, one of them is a 3 hour lecture twice a week. He has had no days off and is currently working today, Sunday. I wish they would respect him more and honor his desire to keep the Sabbath day Holy. Basically he was tired.
We debated on whom should go and get some groceries or give Levi a bath and do his night routine.  I was certainly not bugging in about going out, so we agreed on just eating what we had.  Levi is not a choice, plus we LOVE him so much,  of course we will care for him. I finally started to get Levi ready when Ben said: I'll go and get some groceries.
Once Ben came back he handed Levi a Hotwheels' car and me, a magazine + chocolate covered almonds. He said these gifts is to show us that he appreciate and loves us. How sweet. I haven't been craving chocolate covered almonds but they are my favorites. Thanks Honey! We appreciate you too.

Second story. Last week I taught about prayer and had 3 activities during our 40 minutes lesson. We had fun. At the end I asked my kids: "Do you like my lessons?" -"Yes Sister Cole!!!" That made my day. I've been teaching in Primary for over 2 years. Let me tell ya, I have learned lots and still am. I thought that I was just filling in a calling that it really wasn't meant for me. I was wrong, I'm glad that I was.
This week, the lesson was about the Holy Ghost. I organized a scavenger hunt for my class, as a gesture of my appreciation for their appreciation for me. I had 5 rules.
1.Not aloud to speak unless asked to speak
2.No running in the church
3.Running is aloud outside of the church building
4.We must all stick together
5.If rules are broken, all must go and sit in Sharing time for the last 2 hours of meetings.
I was very stern and clear about all the rules. Rules were repeated many times before the hunt. Class had 3 chances or else.
The kids seemed to enjoy the lesson, and I didn't need to stop the lesson because of broken rules. This was a success. Hurray!!

Levi was impressive too. He stayed in nursery for a whole 15 minutes by himself, no Gramma. She has been taking him, he is just too busy for Sunday school and Relief Society. He will be there, once he turns 18 moths. Our baby boy is growing up.
This week has been nice and sunny. We've had lots of fun going to the park and picnic with the Coolest Mommy group, Devyn's birthday party, hanging out with Grammy, gardening with Carolyn, going to the park with daddy.

 Life is wonderful. 

Remember to appreciate and love one another.

Domination.

Giggles, I can't help myself. Who would have thought that I would become a board game geek?! I have a philosophy about any competitive games, "Play for Fun. But if you win, celebrate." I feel I can rub it in to my husband's family noses just because they are SUPER COMPETITORS. Bless their hearts. I do agree that it has helped build strong family bonds but at the same time has brought disputes and contention. Remember friends and family, its all for fun and its only a game.
Playing games  is what I look forward during Christmas time at my in-laws. Playing games is what I look forward when Levi goes to bed. Playing games is something I know I will lose at, more than 50% of the time but that's o.k with me.

Tonight, I celebrate. Another sweet victory against the "Trader of all traders"= Ben and Carolyn the Genius builder, at Traders and Barbarians of Catan. 

So what's new? Levi and I have been sick for the thrid time with a cold. It seems to happen every time we're around little ones. Oh well, we are building stronger immune systems. I do have to say that I do have a headache from blowing my nose so many times. Besides that, Levi has been recuperating well and cheery like always. He helped the other day by cleaning the kitchen floor. He was happy to be part of it all.

Despite all of this we have been going to the park almost every day. Here's Levi in his new summer hat. One of these days, it was so hot I could feel the sweat off my chest. I was amazed at the heat because I had the chills from my cold. Levi was protected from the sun, I did use sunscreen. He did not mind and now has a tan.

I am so grateful to be a mom, its the best and you can only understand once you have a baby. I get it now Mami! We are soon going to visit my parents and brother. They have not seen Levi since he started to walk. He can converse and sing, walk backwards, eat on his own, make more animal sounds, follow simple instructions, give kisses and hugs, make puzzles, play with hotwheels on tracks. He is one amazing little guy. 

As for daddy, he is still in denial about cutting his hair. He says he feels like Samson, his hair is his strenght. He is just been silly. We have notice that he does have his mom's hair, blond and curly with ringlets. It is gorgeous hair , its just too much of it. Summer's heat will convince him to get it cut.  He started this week summer school. He is working hard and we are grateful for him. He makes us happy, laugh, provides shelter and food for us and love. I know he has lots of responsibilities, and must feel so much pressure. I am doing my part, to make his load lighter. I know he appreciates me, and he does show me. Families are awesome, and eternal founded upon the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Cookie Monster to the rescue.

Fifteen month anniversary Levi! This month is important for my little boy. It was time again for him to receive his immunization shots. I have been bringing  him to his every appointment. I am grateful for modern medicine but not for his cries and tears after his injections. He was pricked with 2 needles on each arm at the the same time. I had him sitting on my lap and holding his little hands. He was trying to let loose as soon as he felt the needles go in. As you know, flexing your muscles makes the pain worsen. He had crocodile tears running down but I changed him right away and sang the Cookie Monster song. The one that goes " C is for cookie, its good enough for me...cookie, cookie, cookie, starts with C" His frown turned into a smile right away. Of course, I did have cookies to reward him for his bravery. He honestly only cried for a minute. I don't think it was my horrible singing that made him smile but the message of the song. Cookie does start with C and Levi loves cookies.
The nurse said he was a happy boy , brave, and he apparently looks like Keanu Reeves.

Other good news, Ben received his final marks for this semester and has done wonderfully. He has an A average in University. Woohoo! We are so proud of him. That's my man.

Cheese Please!

Rumors.
Rumors have been spreading about Levi. He has been accused of stealing other kids' snacks in nursery. Gramma Cole has been taking him to nursery because he is getting more difficult to have him sitting down for class. Cannot blame him, our services are 3 hours long and he does not understand yet what is going on. His agenda is to explore, talk to everyone, play, eat and sleep. The funny part in this is, that he is the first one to finish his snack and will steal cheese from the other kids. Cheese monster.

Independence.
Feeding Levi is a NO. Only because he wants to eat by himself. We have a shirt bib to help with the mess. Today's menu was Red River Cereal and a cup of milk for breakfast, followed by an egg salad sandwich, yogourt, banana and cheese for lunch and finished with Grammy's spaghetti with meat sauce and strawberries. He did eat all of those meals by himself. He is no more a baby but a little boy. I have to say that I had to bathe him after breakfast. His cereal was all over him and in his nose. He also took a bath after his lunch. I'm glad that he loves getting baths.

Victory.
Board games is part of my husband's family traditions. I was initiated, I was willing. I admit , I have not won many games but have tried to. I need to be reminded at times, that  they all have been playing games since they were little children. Once in a while, luck shines on me. Last night, we played Traders and Barbarians, part of the Settlers of Catan board game. Interesting game, it had a new twist on things. Besides collecting resources from the earth, you can also be fishermen and collect fish. Fishes gives you certain privileges. Its awesome. What is more awesome is that I won against the unbeatable Carolyn and Ben the game expert. Woohoo! I was giggling the majority of time because I could not believe I was actually winning. Of course when it got close to the end, I was picked on. Oh well, victory was mine.

I'm not going home!

A typical day at our home starts as soon as Levi screams "I want out". This is usually at 6am every day. We don't get a break or longer snooze on weekends and holidays. That's alright, I think!? Or is our little boy vengeful ,because we put him to bed early. We have come up with a routine for one another. We have a night routine, and in return he has a morning routine for us. I believe we have a democratic home.

Ben had his last exam today. We celebrated by getting a chair for our bedroom, grocery shopping and burgers on the bbq. One school year has gone by and 2 or more years to go. I'm so proud of him. I know it requires sacrifice and time but it will be worth it at the end. We must persevere as a family. Education is important.

Easter weekend was filled with laughter and wonderful company. We started by going to Cloe and Claire's 1st birthday party. Their mom had sent us an invitation saying "... and you know how Claire and Cloe just love Levi...". I thought that was cute. We did go, we had lots of fun. The girls did stare at Levi during lunch and had pictures taken with them and Levi did try to hit the Thinkerbell pinata. Claudia told us that the girls always giggle when they see my little boy. She swore she hasn't been encouraging this behavior but it makes sense, Levi is handsome.

Later we went to my in-laws for Ham dinner. We were 12. It was so nice to see Sara, Chris, the adorable William, Christy and Dustin, we don't see them often because they live out of town. Holding William, makes me reminisce about our Levi at his age. Time does go by fast. Levi needs a sibling.

The next day we were delighted to have roast beef at Grammy's. She's been telling us lately that she should pay us for gas, because we drive her around all the time. Ben was quick by saying " Just keep feeding us". We love and appreciate her meals but mostly her love and care. We know and have seen how Levi has a special place in her heart, by the way she talks to him and spoils him. Levi has toys at Grammy's. A typical visit at Grammy's  is; Levi finding his toy box, empty out the box, find and press every button in her house ( remote controls, phones, t.v, couch buttons, vcr), open drawers, take out the pots,  pull out books, pans ans bowls from shelves and my ultimate favourite shake Grammy's soda pops. I haven't asked her yet if any of her pops have blown up on her. We love our Grammy.

Today's event was going to the park in the morning while Ben was studying.
We walked to the nearest park. Once we were near, I let Levi walk to the swing. We played peek-a-boo, took lots of picture, and played in the dirt. He was a happy boy.

Once, I told him we were heading back home, he kept going the opposite way. He was heading back to the park. I'm sure he was thinking "I'm not going home,mom". I tried 3 times to guide him back home. He would not give in. He started screaming, which seems to be his favourite sound these days, he did discover he was echoing. This only motivated him to keep been loud. Fine by me, as long as we are outside, I didnt care. Out of this outing, I did get a bump on my head, for hitting a metal bar on the playground set, get wet from the rain and a cute dirty little boy to clean once we got home. How do you remove grass stains again???

Domestic.

I believe I am domestic, that is what my husband says. He is a happy man. I've heard him say repeatidly "My dream come true". It took me over 2 years to come this far. I've been cooking and enjoying it. Key word "enjoying" it. Taking care of the home like always, of our son, him and myself.
I believe I have a well balanced life.
I play volleyball every week, read, sew, go for walks, spend time with other moms and family.

A while back, I had lost Levi's baby blanket I had made before he was born. It was super cute, turquoise, yellow with moons, suns, clouds and stars. I had put lots of work into it. I have a hard time looking at pictures where Levi sat on it.
 To redeem myself, I have started to make a new one. Here is the design I'm making. It's going to fit a single bed, for his bunk-bed.
A little bit more mature, it has cars and trucks.
I'm happy with what we've been able to come up with. I luv my sewing machine.
When Ben and I were newly married, we had gone garage sale hunting. We were up early and found a Singer 560 with my name on it, litteraly. Guess how much? A huge 10$. It works.
Tonight at volleyball, we didn't have a huge crowd and decided to go home. I was a bit disappointing but ,at the same time, glad that I could work some more on my sewing.
Also, I'm making him a quiet book, made of fabric. I have lots to keep me busy and creative.
I am truly domestic.

While you were sleeping!

 

While you were sleeping I was able to:
 shower, make lasagna and bread. Can you, Levi, fall asleep for that long IN YOUR crib tomorrow???

This morning I was feeling "Cabin Fever". Crazy is what you might think. It was such a beautiful day and I was at home. I did plan to go out and succeeded.
Levi and I went to the grocery store to get a few things. I walked mostly uphill for 40 minutes. Let me tell you I did feel it on my hips, I was itching every where and sweating.
Once we arrived, I took Levi out of the stroller and looked around. I was soon regretting my decision when Levi decided to take everything from the bottom shelves out. I was cleaning up and chasing after him. He was very happy, people smiled at his cuteness while I was frantic. He is now recovering slowly from his cold. His nose is chapped, small appetite and still "sucky" for mommy.
We eventually headed back home. I did let him out again, of course I did regret. He was heading for the traffic. I'm so grateful he doesn't run yet. You need to understand that I am promoting his new found love of been free on his two feet. Walking is a wonderful blessing from God, a privilege.
From our walk, I got a tan. WOOHOO!!! I've been tempting to go to the tanning salon. I am as pale as I ever been. I definitely want to get darker. I am looking forward to our Mommies and Babies walk tomorrow. At the same time, I get to show off my new glasses. Can you believe that I bought 2 eye prescription glasses for less than 40$. Amazing.   

Attack of the Tissue Monster.

Levi has been sick for about three days. I don't blame anyone but I have suspects. Levi and I haven't gone outside much because of his fever, runny nose, lack of sleep and him being "super sucky".  I have been chasing Levi around the house to wipe his nose. I'm guilty, and if you've guessed right, I AM the TISSUE MONSTER. Levi hates it but it has to be done. His nose is running so much that sometimes it runs into his mouth and he licks it up.  Gross!  His nose quickly became red from wiping it so much and we found out that we were using the non-lotioned kleenex. Sorry Levi. A call for help to Grandma and Grandpa Cole and they came to his rescue and brought him some of the nice tissues. I have been converted to such invention, genius I say. Your nose does not become chapped or red. Lotion kleenex get some!
Even with all of these symptoms Levi still smiles and what's great about this is that he is very cuddly. In time of trials we must keep positive. Levi's trial at this moment is a cold , I feel sorry for my poor boy. He has even been crawling at times because he feels too weak to walk.

Life must go on. I was sorting our recycling to go out, Levi decided to help. I tipped over the bin, and he was in , taking cans and flyers out for me. Thanks Levi.

 

Yesterday, I felt like I was cooking all day. Ben was studying in our bedroom for his exam. Levi would lye down and peek underneath. He knew where his daddy was. 

Like I said, I was mostly in the kitchen. Did I ever make a mess! Thank goodness for dishwashers.

We started with breakfast burritos, so yummy. It includes: onions, peppers, eggs, cheese and sour cream on a tortilla shell. Delicious. 

For lunch, we had rotini with tomato sauce, peppers, onions, tomatoes and cheese. Yummy again. Then, I had a request for cinnamon buns. Seriously!?!?! I'm not a chef and I let Grammy Cole be the one to spoil us with making us such a treat.

I dared to try. Basically it's making buns with lots of sugar and cinnamon.

Horray!!! It was a successs. Delicious and sweet cinnamon buns. Our house filled with its aroma. My mouth is salivating just thinking about it. We ended with "Casamiento" ,it means marriage between black beans and rice , tortillas and let's not forget feta cheese.

While I was making all these meals, I had Levi play with his toys in the kitchen floor. It was the best way to keep an eye on him. Levi always makes noise when he does everything. So, it was silent for a few minutes. I didn't look right away but this is what I saw. He was on the floor with three tortilla shells he had grabbed from the table and he was eating one. Hungry, aren't we???

I decided , to let him be. Don't worry readers, it was a whole wheat tortilla shell. We are trying to be more healthy conscious about our eating habits.                                                                                            

Levi, is still sick. Ben, had a monstrous exam and our kitchen is a mess.  Life is wonderful.

 

Brown is not my favorite colour.

 It started with a busy morning, about a few months ago. I was to meet some friends at the mall and wanted to get there at the time I had planned. Every time I have a deadline I get frazzled, stress and I feel everyone is in my way , against me trying to sabotage my day. Arggg... I seriously have an issue with timing, not from others but for myself.
So, I had already fed Levi, when I smelled something extremely repulsing. Poopy diaper. Right away I undressed him, wiped the poop off and bathe him. He was smelling great again. Off we went to the mall and met with our friends. We ended up waiting for over an hour for them.

Let me say this, I know it's so stereotypical but I feel I can say this because I am Latina. Latinos in general have a horrible timing issue. You say I meet you at 1:00pm you really mean 2:00pm, if you are late less than 30 minutes you are doing great. I say, be patient with us, we are loving people, loyal and trustworthy.

I'm waiting at the Second Cup, drinking my hot chocolate. Best hot chocolate in the world and the best part, its Canadian. With my luck I dripped some on my new Costco nockoff sweater for Christmas.Which, by the way, was a hit during the holidays. My mother-in-law,both sisters-in-law, Grammy, and Ben's cousin also got, after they saw mine. I tried to clean it off with one of Levi's wipes. I sort of made it go away, so I decided to take off my sweater and just be in my t-shirt. No big deal.
I finally saw my friends, shopped around, talked and laughed. Had lots of fun and THEN...
Looking down at my shirt, I saw brown dried poop on my white t-shirt. Mortified!!! 

Apparently when I wiped Levi's bum in the morning, I didn't quite get it all. It must have happened when I carried him naked from his room to the tub. I didn't smell anything or see it until the end of shopping. What were people thinking as I strolled around the mall???

I'm sure worst things have happened to other moms. I love been a mother, its wonderful, excited and exhausting. Life is great!!!

Oh no! It's April fool's day.

... oh no! It's April fool's day.
This is another holiday that I do not enjoy. The other is Halloween. It's not a happy, innocent and family centered day. Most people get upset and feelings are hurt. Fun and games people say.

Here are some things I heard; my cousin pretended it was her birthday. Most of her friends fell for it. I didn't, but that's only because my birthday is on the same month.
A friend said she was moving away. I still don't know if it's true.
I thought of an April fool's joke, I was going to announce that I was pregnant. Maybe, I  will use it for next year.

Besides this. Levi is finally walking. Spring is coming.I attempted and accomplished making "casamiento" = marriage between black beans and white rice. Had family over and made them dinner. We had lots of fun.

Search of the missing pieces.

Oh! I'm in trouble

We bought a while ago a new Book of Mormon Stories puzzle. I am trying to teach Levi about what we believe. Reading the scriptures ,is not working so well. There's not enough pictures in them, so I thought I give it a try with something more visual. Plus , he is only 1 year old.
I strongly believe that you should know what you believe and NOT believing just because someone told you so. Levi will not have blind faith.
I love the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints for many reasons. We are thought, we are asked to seek for ourselves and challenged to pray to know if all things we are taught are true. We cannot live on someone's testimony or belief. I will teach him and he will have to search, pray and ponder for himself. I don't expect him to make any decisions now but once he is old enough.

I was 13 years old when I made my decision to become a member of the church. It was mine to take. I'm sure my parents worried and I do now. I can only guide and love him.

Yesterday, my wonderful husband found a missing piece of the puzzle in the bathroom garbage. I have been looking for over 24 hours and nothing. We are missing 2 pieces. I wonder, if I accidentally threw out the other pieces and not noticing them in the garbage bin. Oh Levi! Mommy still loves you.
And the search will still go on.

New Beginning!!!

Mixed feelings.
Let's be honest, how do you or did you feel about blogging before YOU started???
This is my second attempt to start a blog. I was all for it at first. I do, already, carry out a journal on my computer, with pictures and all. I thought it would be nice if I did online. Once I started, I soon realized that I "suck" at making the blog all pretty with tons of pics, characters , fancy heading, blah, blah, blah. You know what I mean. It was taking lots of my time and I was basically neglecting my baby and husband. O.C.D much, eh!?!?!
Once, I realized the affect on me and others I love, I just quit!!!

Why I am back you say???
This time, I'm doing it right. I don't need to be fancy just keeping it simple. The saying goes "Less is More".
 I hope this is a great opportunity to speak my mind, reflect and learn from others. Looking forward to all your comments or not.