Christmas Time

Tonio called me a Grinch at dinner the other night because I said I did not like Christmas.  In theory I like the activities and the idea of the holiday but it is a very stressful time.  I did not like Christmas as a kid- I liked presents and vacation but the actual day was usually quick open presents, get ready so we can go to Meme's and then wait for everyone to arrive.  Then it was quick a family picture, open presents fast, hear my annoying cousins complain about being there, eat dinner fast, make fun of everyone behind their back and then hurry home. That is not even mentioning my sister that would throw fits because she either did not like what she had, wanted what I got or what my mom wanted.  I always hoped it would be better next year and it was not.  As an adult and mom, I do not enjoy the panicked gift giving.  This year the only adult I bought a present for was for Tony and the boys' teachers.  Otherwise no presents except for the boys which was really nice.  Finally we stay home too.  We dont go anywhere.  Maybe I am a grinch but what I would like is no presents at all and just a big dinner somewhere.  Give the money away to someone.


Christmas at Keith and Carols- The now annual get together with Billings Folks at Keiths.   Miguel and Tonio do not do well being the oldest.  Within in seconds- Miguel runs into the house starts beating on the giant snowman, runs on the couch and then did a flip off the back.  By the end, they were trying to throw Alex's blankie into the celing fan, running around with no clothes and pulling of Ewan's pants.  The middle was okay but man- cant take them anywhere.

Sledding at City Hall- another annual event now- three years in a row.  Tonio was interviewed and was told he would be on the news.  His interview was not on the news but he got into the corner of the screen sledding.

My Final Attempt at a Family Picture for our Christmas card


 

At the school pageant, Miguel's class sang, " Los Peces del Rio" and Tonio's class sang "Rudulfo" and he was Rudulfo.  Miguel was a pretty good dancer too.

 

 It has only been two days since school was out and they are going crazy.  Maybe because it has rained for two days straight.  Here they are making marshmellow igloos and dad's frostys.

 

Things you say

tonio- What is smarter your head or your heart?

Miguel- Dad asks, "Why do you sag your pants" and Miguel says, "because I am african american"

Tonio:  I am taking your love and throwing it away 
            - N- O- to your love
He is pretty dramatic when he wants to tell me he does not love me.

I probably shouldnt put this but it was so sweet, "I am gay because I want to marry Miguel".  He loves Miggy so much he cant imagine life without him.  Even though getting in the car on the way to school today miguel says, "I love Mommy.  I love Daddy.  I love Arrow.  I love Sonny.  I love ROcky." and Tonio kept asking, "DO you love me?"

Arrow Is walking

Arrow started to walk at exactly 10 months to the day, December 17.  Three weeks later I still cant get it on video.  Every time I take the camera out to video him he starts to crawl- the little stinker.  Arrow is one busy kid.  He is into everything and can not be held down.  He wants to move around, hates being in the car seat, cant stand the three seconds to do a diaper change or get his clothes changed.  He is one busy dude.

Arrow at 9 months

- You are a talker.  You love to say "Eh Eh Eh" and other sounds.
- You still have your 7 teeth and use them on all things.
- You love to put EVERYTHING into your mouth.
- You stand on your own and can walk down the couch.
- You like eating cat food
- You love going through the kitchen drawers and pull everything out.
- You love your brothers' room.  In the morning you will sit outside the room waiting for them and then crawl in and crawl all over Miguel.
- You roll over balls and love to wrestle them.
- You cant stand being pinned down- whether to put a diaper on, put your clothes on, put you in a stroller or carseat.  You turn into a board and do your "EEEEEE" whine.
- You charm all you meet with your cute crooked smile.
- You eat most everything now.  You especially like apple sauce with frozen blueberries, string cheese, turkey and raviolis. 

Thanksgiving at Ritas

Fun times

The Academy of Science

Whip Cream Monster

Movie Night

Aunt Ritas!

Play Time at the Library

Tennesse Valley

We did a beautiful hike in Marin at Tennessee Valley today.  The original plan was to hike to the ocean but Miguel saw a sign for a peak and up the mountain we went.  It was a big hike for the boys and I was proud they did it with little complaining.  There was complaining but not a lot.  Not like when Tonio cried the entire hike in the rain.  That was horrible.  Today there were the I am tireds but they did it.  Tonio and I sang while Brian, with Arrow on his back, played 20 questions with Migs.

Funny quotes from the day:
- "Tonio it smells like Pop Pop and Terrys' up here"- Miguel

- "P-o-o spells Poop."  Tonio
    "How do you know that?" Miguel
    "Because I am smart" Tonio

- "Here are some flowers for you mommy.  I kissed them and give them love for you" Tonio

At one point, Tonio and I looked out over the hills on the golden dry grass.  There was a cluster of these tall plants with the whitish feathers blowing in the breeze with the Pacific sparking in the background.  That golden fall sunshine kills me everytime.

To keep the troops motivated, the treat at the end would be a banana split at Toms.   

Of course there was no way for the day to end but with lots of tired tears especially with Tonio but that was once we got home.