January 29, 2013

Lets go to the Beach Mom!

As soon as his little eyes opened, this is what he asked for.  Four years old and ready for adventure.  The only problem is, 1) I'm not allowed to drive and 2) It would take over an hour and we couldn't make it back in time to pick up his brother from the bus stop.  Plus it would not be very fair of us to run off to the beach with out everyone else.  So I started thinking.  What is the next best thing?

Cloud Dough!

I have seen the homemade cloud dough pins all over Pinterest.  And so I tracked one down. This is how I discovered The Pinterest Project!  The best part was that this one really looked like sand from a beautiful beach!  Jackpot!  So, in the 10 minuets it took Alex to get out of bed and go to the bathroom, I was packed for the beach.  With a bucket full of sand, spoons, cups and dish to set it all out in.


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Guess what he did with this ball??

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The best part of building sand castles is tearing them down :)

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Eat it he said.  It will be good he said!  PASS

After our little trip to the beach we headed to the park and then took a little walk around the hood. This boy just wouldn't stop today.  That is until 15 minuets ago when he passed out on the floor. Before he fell asleep he asked me what tomorrows adventure was going to be.  Well actually, its going to be a trip to Dr., a few shots and maybe some icecream.  Then....a nap!

January 26, 2013

One of these things is not like the other....

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Things in the house have been very crazy.  Both boys are sick.  As am I.  Last night, the little one was having horrible growing pains and so I was rubbing his legs.  I kid you not when I say I stood by the side of my bed for an hour, just massaging his little knees and calves.  I stepped out of just a minute.  When I came back to the room, not only was he crying, but my husband was standing in the bathroom covered head to toe in hives.  Huge welts, everywhere.

So I walked out and went straight to the medicine cabinet.  I realized it was also time for Ants and my meds too.  I filled the little cups and got the kid all medicated.  Filled a little cup of Benadryl for David.  Then it was my turn.  I started pouring my cups then realized it looked funny right before I threw it down the hatch.  What was it you ask???  In the middle of all the craziness, I grabbed the wrong bottle.  Yes it had my name on it, and it was the little small bottle, BUT...

What I needed was cough medicine.  What I almost took...laxatives!!!  

Luckily I caught that before I took it.  Lord knows the last thing I needed was to have to lock myself away in the bathroom while the rest of the family fell apart.  

Today was better.  Anthony is feeling better.  Alex spent the day with his Grandma.  David is still a little under the weather and his hives came back again tonight, but no where near as bad.  We will wait and go to the clinic instead of the ER.  And my chest is clearing up.  I sound like a 30 year smoker but it could be worse!  The day was spent resting and reading, but I guess that's what weekends are for right?

**Just a friendly reminder to always read your medication labels.  Make sure they are the right ones as well as the side effects so you know what to expect!!**

January 24, 2013

Change! It's whats for dinner!

Growing up, dinner at the table was mandatory.  You were to be washed up and ready to eat as soon as Dad called.  The food was brought to the table.  Us kids would set the table and we would eat as a family.  The picture perfect family.  Well at dinner time anyways.  

I remember the very first time I had dinner at Davids house.  His mom had made tacos.  She made our plates What!?!  And then we took our plates up to his room.  Yes to his bedroom!  This was crazy!  You cant eat in your bedroom.  But we did.  And even more insane was they had soda with dinner.  Not that I hadn't had a soda before, but I always had to buy my own soda.  And my dad would most certainly have a fit if I had it with my dinner.  He flat out refused to spend his money on that sugar crap, as he called it.  

So when David and I left home and moved in to our first apartment we did things his way.  I served him his plate from the kitchen.  Made my own and then we sat down and ate together. Usually in front of the TV. Don't get me wrong, I love this.  I was more than happy to do it, but it was a little strange not sitting at the table and passing the food around.  But it worked for just the two of us.  

Thirteen Years and two kids later, I find myself longing for the way things were when I was little. The truth is, dinner time was one of the few things I looked forward to as a child.  It was when our family was normal and happy.  Most of the time.  We were together.  And I want to give that to my kids.  I want them to remember sitting as a family, talking and eating and just being together.  Even if its just them and me.  And my sister.  I think she missed out on this goodness too.  David is usually working but on the weekends, we can totally do this right?

Right now dinner time for us goes a little something like this.
  • I make the boys plates and take them to the table.
  • I go back to make my own plate.  
  • Someone needs a drink, so I stop making my plate and get drinks
  • I finish making my plate and go to the table
  • Someone needs seconds or a napkin or something so I get up and get it
  • I sit down and my plate is cold
  • I microwave my food and go back to the table
  • Everyone is done and its bath time, so
  • I put my plate in the microwave, if I even made one and eat when David gets home.

Some days I don't even bother to make a plate and just wait for David.  Sometimes that means 8pm and sometimes 11 or 12.  Which yes I know, is WAY to late for me to be eating.  And some days he gets home and doesn't eat and I forget to eat myself.

Last night Melisa and I brought all the food to the table and we all sat down together.  There wasn't much talking though because we were sorta busy stuffing our faces with ribs.  Anthony ate 3 servings of ribs, when he usually doesn't eat meat at all.  And Alex took a few bits then had a meltdown.  That's a whole other story in its own.  

This morning on our walk to the bus stop Anthony asked.  Can we bring dinner to the table again tonight?  When I said yes, he smiled and told me that we should do it like that every night.  It looks like change is coming to the Munoz house for dinner.  And it looks like its a change that everyone will be OK with.  

What is your dinner routine?  Do you serve your family or is it everyone for themselves?  Is food kept in the kitchen or brought to the table?  

Oh one last thing, because it was always my favorite part of dinner and Anthony asked about it this morning. Do your kids have friends over for dinner or is this just something we did back home.  We always had friends over for dinner.  And they ate things they would never have at home.  One kid at up her meal and when my dad asked her how she liked octopus she replied "I don't eat Octopus"  You should have seen her face when Dad told her "Well you just did!"  I'm sure some of you that ate at my place have your own stories, so feel free to share them here.  I'd love to hear them!


January 18, 2013

The Sick Room

I heard David moving about the room so I jumped up and apologized for not packing his lunch before I went back to bed.  Confused, he looked at me and let me know that it was 3 am and he was just getting home from work not leaving.  Yup, it was one of those nights.

Yesterday I kept Ant home from school because of his very bad cough.  The same cough he had so graciously shared with Lex and I.  The same cough I was praying would just go away.  No such luck.  I had the boys in bed with me watching a movie early in the afternoon.  They both fell asleep so I let them sleep.  Come bed time, thankfully Anthony went straight to sleep but Alex was up well into the morning.  

He fell asleep around one.  By 2 he was crying because his legs were hurting and he was burning up.  So I gave him some medicine and we went back to sleep.  At three I woke up and freaked out about Davids lunch.  Around 4 the vomiting started.  Another hour of sleep before round two.  At 5:55 he had to go to the bathroom so I figured I would just stay up.  When I went to wake up Anthony.....he was burning up.  So while his brother was finally sleeping I got him all medicated and hydrated and sent him back to bed.  

Alex only slept for a little while and David was still tossing and turning, so we went and camped out on the couch for a little bit.  But then the couch was uncomfortable and Alex was sweaty and getting stuck to the leather.  So we went and camped out in the boys room.  Me, Alex, Anthony and Poncho all snuggled up on the bed.  If only I could have gotten a picture.  P-Dog takes up more space than I do.  And between the 3 boys, I was sweating up a storm.  

Before he left again for work at noon, David came in and declared the room the sick room.  He said goodbye to us and was on his way.  I honestly think he was running away,  its like the plague in here.  Alex and I moved back to my room.  Its much more comfy in here.  And he is currently sleeping like a rock.  I give him a few more minuets before he starts crying because on top of it all, he has major growing pains.  And will scream out in pain until I massage his legs.  Breaks my heart to hear him cry like that.  

Tonight, its chicken noodle soup for dinner.  I'm going to give this recipe a try.  Heart carrots and all.  Aren't they the cutest carrots you ever seen!  Click on the picture to hop over to Sophistimom to get the recipe and see how she shaped the carrots.  

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Sophistimom: Chicken Soup and heart shaped carrots

The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend.  Plus its a long weekend.  But my chances of going to the Zoo like I planned aren't looking to hot right about now.  Although some fresh air might do us all a whole lot of good! Anyone have fun plans for the weekend?  Hopefully we will all be better and I will have stories and photos to share.  I LOVE the San Antonio Zoo.

Kids are crying, that's my cue!  Have a great weekend!  

January 12, 2013

Dear Alexander

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Dear Alexander,

Four years ago, you were placed in my arms and I was with out a doubt sure that our family was complete.  When you came in to this world, you brought with you so much love, happiness and hope.  I knew you would be amazing the minuet I found out I was pregnant.  I knew that life would never be the same again.  Boy was I right.  I also knew you would be a boy.  I had dreamed of your face with your big brown eyes and your perfect little lips.  You are a dream come true.

If I had to pick one word to describe you, it would have to be Emotional.  You have such a tender heart.  Your feelings get hurt so easily and yet you are so quick to forgive.  You are brave but cautious.  Curious and determined.  You are confident and proud of everything you do. So mischievous and impatient.  Shy one second and then demanding the spotlight.  You are all these and more.  And usually all in one day.

As I look back to the first few years with you, I am overwhelmed with love and happiness.  In such a dark and scary time in my life, I found hope in your eyes and happiness in your sweet little laughs.  A mother is supposed to be the one protecting her children, but you were the one protecting me.  I have said it a million times and I will say it again.  You are my saving grace.

The fours are fun.  I cant wait to see how much you grow this year.  You are so eager to learn new things and explore.  The world is yours little man.  Lets see what we can get ourselves into!  I love you to the moon and back.  You.  My Alexander the Great!

January 10, 2013

My 2013 reading list

The Blog Dare on Bloggy MomsWriting from bed today.  Brought down by another bug that I'm hoping is just a 24 hour one.  Welcome to life with a compromised immune system.  It seems as the years go by, I get sick more and more often.  Not complaining, just stating!  After all, I have a bad liver.  Its going to get a lot worse that this!

And while I am laying here in bed catching up with TV shows that I missed and blogs that I love reading, I cant help but long for a book in my hands.  Last summer my brother gave me a kindle.  And so I read a free book but nothing beats turning the pages of a book.  My only problem is I go though them so fast that by the end of the week, I have nothing to read.  Saturday I picked up Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich.  I love this woman.  Seriously.  Read all her books.  Every one of them.  Not just the 19 Stephanie Plum books, but the 2 from the Wicked Series, 4 Barnaby and Hooker Series,  11 of her previous books, the 6 from her Full Series and 2 others that she co wrote. And I have The Husband List is on hold at the library.   And I read all but 5 of these books just last year.  On top of the Sookie Stackhouse Series of 12 and the 50 Shades trilogy.  There were also a few others in there too. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was one of my favorites of the year.  In total I read well over 50 books.  Not to bad.  

What have I read this month?  Notorious Nineteen and the True Blood Cook Book, if cook books count.  Yes, they really did  made a cook book based on the series.  I even plan on trying a few of the recipes.  But now I'm here in bed, with nothing to read.  I have books waiting to be picked up, but seeing as I can't drive, I'm just going to have to wait till the weekend.  I have been adding books to my wish list everyday.  Whats on my list?  

Catching Fire. 
A is for Alibi.  And the rest of the series if I like it.
The Miracle Strip
Unglued:  Making wise choices in the mist of raw emotions.
Happy:  Simple steps to get the most out of life.
The Husband List.
Gone Girl.
Handle with care.
Change of heart.
Defending Jacob.
At first sight.
Hopeless.
The choice.
The Bungalow.
Toxic Relief.
The Taker.
A Game of Thrones.

I just discovered Good Reads. How have I now known about this before.  I will be adding and browsing for more to add to the list.  But for now this is all I have. What else is out there?  What are you reading? 

January 8, 2013

Sweet Sweet Baby

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Alexander @ 2 months

Looking at this picture I can't help but wipe the tears that fall from my eyes and the swallow the lump in my throat.  My sweet baby boy, is no longer a baby.  As a matter of fact, in a few days he is going to be 4 years old.  Gone are the days of late night feedings and diaper changes.  He can dress himself and he even makes his own PB&J sandwiches.  He has traded his Mickey Mouse in for toy swords and guns.  And the old man hair is gone.  He now has a full head of beautiful curls.

Its amazing to look back at how far we have come.  The very same day I learned I was having a boy, I learned my liver and spleen were enlarged.  And while the remainder of my pregnancy was a blur of  doctors, needles, scans and tears, I would do it all over again if I had to.  This little is my saving grace.  If he was a girl, that is probably what we would have named her.

Every day this kid makes me laugh and smile.  He is random just like me.  He can't hide his emotions.  Sensitive but strong.  Sweet and well, sour at times.  One hug and kiss from this kid can erase even the worst of days.  He would follow his big brother to the end of the world and his eyes light up with he is with his daddy.  And I love love love the way his eyes close and his lips drop when he says yes and no.  I just love him to pieces.
 
There have been so many highlights over the last 4 years but I will wait to share them later this week.  So be warned there will be pictures and a lot of them.  For now just this one.  I sure do miss the little baby who would stare at me for hours.  Not even a peep out of him.  Boy has be changed.  And its been so much fun to watch.  I am truly blessed.


January 5, 2013

Commitment Issues

I will be the first to admit this.  I love life.  I love challenges.  I love projects.  I suck at commitment.  More so following though than making them.  Aside from my family and marriage of course.  Yes it is true.  I have so many things I want to do, but I something always comes up. I get distracted and behind and then just give up.  What am I talking about?

I once had 3 blogs but after neglecting my family and photo blogs I decided to combine them here.  Convenient, yes. But I don't post many photos anymore.  And mostly I just complain about my family.  I am hoping to change that this year.  See!  I'm doing it already.

I am also going to follow the Drs orders and walk everyday.  Well, more than to the bus stop and back.  Its only at the end of the road.  But if he says walk, then I need to walk.  Right?  I haven't had the time yet this year, but tomorrow I will!  What!?  I will!

I'm also going to eat better.  Hopefully I can stick with sharing my menu plans more often and that will hold me accountable   I can even take pictures of my food and share them.  If I remember.

Last year I swore I was going to take more time for myself and be more "girly" as David called it. FAIL!  I wore eye shadow on new years eve.  I chickened out on the heels though.  Will this be the year I trade in my jeans for skirts and dresses.  Highly unlikely, but hopefully before 2014 there will at least be one dress hanging in my closet.

This year I am committing to getting healthy.  Now I have a pretty sketchy track record as you can see.  But at this point any effort is an improvement.  I think the reason I had such a good year health wise was because  I stopped pushing myself so hard.  I knew my body couldn't handle running anymore but I was determined and I pushed anyways   That always leads to crash and a 3 day recovery.  This year I will take it slow.  Even though I have the itch to just jump on the treadmill and bust out 3 miles as fast as I can, I know I need to walk before I can run.  I know I need to eat according to the diet the nutritionist laid out for me.  I had a big ole steak before the new year, but will stick to my limits from now on.  And while I will not swear off fast food, I will make better choices in what I order.  I'm really committed this time!

I should also do a bit of organizing.  Seems that my mind is as unorganized as my house is.  I feel like all I did was ramble on and on like I've had one to many drinks.  I promise I haven't.  I have noticed my encephalopathy has been creeping up on me and that is something that I can not joke about.  Sorry to be so scrambled today.  Its been a long week.  I picked up the new Janet Evanovich book and so hopefully having a good book will help me unwind.

I do have to point out that I have been pretty good at the Instagram challenges though!  WIN

January 4, 2013

An unexpected year

That pretty much sums 2012 up.  As much as I had hoped for a new year full of hope and happiness I find myself sad and empty.  The day before new years eve, I picked up the phone and dialed only to get a "no longer in service" message.  And then it all hit me.  Its been almost 6 months and it still is to hard to accept.  That scruffy voice will not answer.  There will be no talks of food and weather.  There will be no more discussions on parenting.  There will be no more comfort for my tears and worries.  He is gone.  

I kissed him good bye.  I watched my brothers carry his ashes and flag.  I sat and begged God to give him back to us as the priest told us he was in a better place.  Though tear filled eyes I watched as the soldiers unfolded and folded his flag.  I held my breath as they presented it to my mother who hesitated to take it from them.   I have cried and I cried and still I forget that his is not here with us anymore. 

My Dad was supposed to live forever.  He was strong and nothing could hurt him.  He had beat cancer once before.  I willed him to do it again.  But he got tired.  I know he fought long and hard.  I know this was a consequence of his love of smokes and whiskey.  But that call in the middle of the night... that was unexpected.  

January 4th Blog Dare: Changes I didn't expect in 2012

January 2, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: 6000 Fire Crackers


January 1, 2013

Hope for 2013

Did all that you wished would come true last year really come true?  Did you keep the resolutions you made and accomplish the goals you set out for the year?  Looking back at my Hope for 2012 Id like to think that a lot of my hopes happened.  Most of my hopes were for my family.  And while many of my hopes for my brothers and sisters came true, this was a hard year for us.  One of my hopes was that we would all get together.  In July, we all came together to say goodbye to our Father.  His one wish was always for us to be under the same roof at one time.  Just like the old days.  I wish he could have been there to see us all.

Last year I wrote:
"I am hoping for good health for me.  If this is not the year I get my liver, God please let Anna have hers.  Give her the chance to enjoy the rest of her teen years.  She is only a child.  If I could, I would let every child go before me.  But in my heart, even if its selfish, I pray for my call too.  How could I not with 2 little boys of my own.  If anyone gets their gift in the new year, I hope it is Anna!  You can read more about Anna's story HERE!"
Guess what!  ANNA GOT HER LIVER!!!  God is great!

My health was great this year.  No major trips to the hospital, no surprises.  My appointments have spread out.  Ive been able to accept my limitations and still do things I wanted to do.  I was able to step back from a few things and step up for others, without feeling guilty. 

There are a few things I need to work on this year.  And I am beyond excited to dive in.  Here are some things I hope to do this year.

Spend more time outside with the boys.  All this cold has me itching for some sunshine.

Go on more walks.  Preferably by myself or with the dogs.

Explore more parks.  The boys insist we find swings...

More family adventures.  Camping, fishing, hiking.  I want to do it all

Date nights.  Adults only.  No Exceptions!

Mom Dates.  No Dads.  No Brothers.  No Exceptions!  Unless Dad is driving us :)

Write more.  Even if its about day to day stuff.   I am not confined to one subject.

Pick up my camera again.  I miss the feel of it in my hands.  I love my phone, but...

What are some things you hope to do this year?  Big or small I think setting goals is such a fun thing to do.  When you can cross something off the list at the end of the year it feels so great.  And when you look at the things you can't cross of remember...