Guerrero Family

Reading

2012-02-14T14:47:00.002-06:00

Loved catching this moment (of course, Emma looked up from her book when she saw me come over with my camera). I hope my kiddoes never loose their love for reading!! :)

Chloe's Baptism

2011-10-30T17:02:00.008-05:00

October 29, 2011

Chloe loved her baptism! It was a great day! She was blessed to have her Aunt Vipha, Grandma Esther, some of her friends (Gabe, Leora, Jordan), her primary teacher, Sister Sonia Payne, Bishop Ted Beal, and her primary president--Sister Ashley Walker.

Gabe's mom, Jordan's mom, and Leora's dad and brother Kenny also came. And, Simon's good friend Rob Haynes.
We had yummy ice cream sundaes afterwards in the kitchen at the church.

And, at her confirmation on Sunday, her Uncle Cesar came to stand in the circle while her dad confirmed her a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and she received the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Halloween in July!

2011-08-11T21:37:00.005-05:00

Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), ladybug, LarryBoy

Some Easter Thoughts. . .

2011-04-20T00:23:00.004-05:00

I was just thinking today how wonderful it is that Easter and Christmas are both celebrations of the fact that Christ lives! Easter, in particular, being about the final event of the Atonement which began in the Garden of Gethsemene, continued on the Cross, and culminated with His resurrection.

I just feel very blessed that I am able to better know Jesus Christ through reading His words and feeling the influence of His Spirit.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T16:04:00.002-06:00

The kids (and their friend Emma P. from down the street) enjoying the loot from their class parties at school this afternoon! And, Emma (my baby) enjoying that they're sharing with her :)

Simon and I at the stake adult Valentine's Day dinner and dance on Saturday night. We had a really good time! Great conversations and some fun dancin'!!

The Birds and the Bees. . . well, at least part of the story

2011-01-28T21:58:00.002-06:00

So, my sweet 7 year old girl asked me the other day how babies get into the mommy's body. So, we had a nice discussion about how girls are born with lots of eggs, simple explanations of periods, that when an egg gets fertilized it grows into a baby, and how the baby gets out.

Then, today, my sweet 5 year old boy asked me the same question. We had a similar discussion (leaving out the sections on periods and how the baby gets out). (lots of giggling & laughter)

So, he runs into the kitchen and tells his dad that girls are born with 100s of eggs and when one of them "hatches" the doctor gets the baby out.

Now, I'm just waiting until one of them asks how an egg gets fertilized. . .

In the car Thanksgiving Trip 2010

2011-01-18T11:45:00.002-06:00

Final Destination: Brownsburg, Indiana Thanksgiving 2010

2011-01-18T10:42:00.004-06:00

The kids really loved getting to have a sleepover with their cousins in the basement. Between air mattresses and cots, there was room for all. However, it tended to be a bit on the cold side down there, so we bundled them up with layers of pj's, hats, gloves, and multiple blankets.

Chloe and Sarah Aaron & Josh

Nicholas, William, Joshua, Beth, Anna, and Emma (Emma didn't sleep downstairs)

Emma sure loved going up and down the stairs! (Uncle Alan at bottom)

All the kids enjoyed getting a ride with grandma on her lift chair up the stairs!

We all had a lot of fun in Indiana with some of Natalie's siblings and their families. Fun times!

Next stop: Nashville (Thanksgiving Trip--en route to Indiana)

2011-01-18T10:18:00.003-06:00

We're very hit and miss on taking pictures. We sure enjoyed our stay in Nashville at Uncle Chuck and Aunt Freda's home. We had planned to stay one evening, but due to our car accident (see below) we got to stay an extra day. It was fun! Brad, Zoe and their two kids (Ashton and Barret) came over and we had fun talking with them and the kids sure had fun playing together. (Nat's sister Lori and her family were there also: Lori, Dan, William, Anna, and Sarah)

The kids especially liked sliding down the stairs that lead to the basement. Lots of laughing! Fun times! We also enjoyed going to a kids science musuem there in Nashville! The older kids got to experience what it would be like to walk on the moon :) (poor Aaron, he wanted to but was too short)

Pictured below is Ashton, Sarah, and Emma We ended up staying in Nashville a bit longer than we had planned (an extra day). We were rear-ended 30 minutes from our destination (Natalie's aunt and uncle's home). It was a 7 car pile-up. Traffic came to a sudden stop. Nat came to a sudden stop several feet behind the truck in front of her. The truck behind us also stopped before hitting us. But, behind him, he was hit which threw him into us which threw us into the truck in front of us.

Our car ended up totaled. Hate being in a wreck, but love the new (used) van we decided to get to replace the car. Yeah :) We really enjoy not being all squished in a car now :) All five of us did fit (carseats and all), but it was a tight fit. Yeah for larger vehicles :)

Thanksgiving Trip--pit stop in Arkadadoo

2011-01-17T21:01:00.003-06:00

I was so excited to get to see a couple of great friends from high school. Ann Marie & Jan (Jan's baby refused to come be in the picture--hence Jan is sans baby) It was so much fun to see and chat with them! Our older girls seemed to have a good time playing together (Chloe is taking the picture) and Lynli and Emily are below.

I didn't get a picture of Aaron, but he had fun chasing the girls around trying to kiss them. . .not sure what we're going to do with that boy when he's a teenager. .

On our way to Indiana for Thanksgiving, we stopped over in Arkadelphia and stayed the night with Natalie's brother. We also got to go out to dinner with Sam (Ronna) and her husband and daugther (Jim and Sidney). We realy enjoyed getting to chat with them! And, later Chloe told me she had fun talking with Sidney and her dad (she was sitting by them). Sam is the aunt of a good friend of Natalie's from junior high/high school (Chrissi).

*Oh, and the battery went out on our way to Arkadelphia (had to get a jump at a McDonald's an hour or so before we got there). So, Simon got to run to Wal-Mart in Arkadelphia and get a new battery for the car. . .a shadow of things to come. . . (see next posts)

Triple Birthday/Halloween Party 2010

2011-01-14T09:48:00.010-06:00

Emma and her cousin Ava! Dry ice is sooo cool!!!

Scott--maskless & Simon-the cop

Claudia, Kenda, and Ava

Esther-what a costume!

Backview--Emma's cute ladybug wings

Decorating treat bags (Bradley, Chloe, and Aaron)

The party planners!! (Claudia--scarecrow & Natalie--Cleopatra)

Emma feeding her new baby doll

Chloe took the video below as we were setting up for the party. It's the only pics we could get of Aaron in his cute Larry Boy costume (the Batman like superhero from VeggiTales). Aaron was being awfully camera shy this evening. . .

Pumpkin Patch Fall 2010

2011-01-13T08:35:00.002-06:00

Aaron, Chloe, Emma, and Cheyenne (friend from school)

Chloe's 7th birthday 2010 VIDEO clips

2010-12-27T11:47:00.004-06:00

Other kids not previously pictured: Caylin, Bradley, Ava, Nathanial, Gabriel, Erica

Chloe's 7th birthday 2010

2010-12-27T10:21:00.006-06:00

September 25, 2010
Strawberry cake made by mommy! :)

Pinata--Princess Castle (also made by mommy) --notice the cool strings

attached so all the kids get to pull on the count of 3 and out comes the

candy in the middle!! :) Daddy--the great pinata holder :)

Friends decorating treat bags

Friends & bday girl (Kierable, Chloe, Daisy, Cheyenne, Gabe, Emma P,

Aaron, Mackenzie, Jasmine, Austin)

Presents!

Talia (friend hitting the "inside" segment of the pinata--due to wet outside conditions)

1st Day of School 2010

2010-08-23T20:30:00.005-05:00

Aw my sweet, sweet kiddoes! They both had a great first day of school. Aaron's in pre-k and Chloe's in 1st grade this year. Neither one had any difficulty saying goodbye mom and see ya later!

And, I had a great day too! Emma and I went to the store and then played in the playroom for a bit. Then, Emma had lunch and a wonderful 2 1/2 hour nap while I actually stayed busy getting things done around the house.

Wow! This new schedule might actually get me to organize my home/life/family and get a few other projects done was well. Here's hoping since I'm off to a good start :)

(random thought: I was sick (throwing up kind) Saturday night and I had flashbacks of pregnancy and thought about how wonderful it is to have the two oldest in school, one at home, and not have to be dealing with the constant nausea I had during pregnancy. I look back and have no idea how I go through three pregnancies like that--well, actually, I do know--the Lord's help (including the personal strength He gave me and those whose hands He used to help me.)

That thought really has nothing to do with this post except this is the first time I've had one baby at home at the almost 2 age and am able to fully enjoy her cause I'm not sick with pregnancy. (because when Chloe was 2, I was pregnant with Aaron, and when Aaron was 2, he anc Chloe were still both at home all day during the school year. ) Just something I'm grateful for at this particular point in my life.

School starts tomorrow!!

2010-08-22T09:33:00.002-05:00

Wow! School starts tomorrow. My 6 year old will be in 1st grade and my 4 year old in full-day pre-K!! Wow! They are both excited (as am I!). Haven't posted much this summer. It's been a fun summer! We had season passes to NRH2O this summer and we've had lots of fun cooling off in the water there!!

well, i'm out of thoughts for now. think i'll go take a much needed nap--am currently home by myself (hubby and kids at church) trying to get over a stomach/intestinal bug. I'm ready to eat something besides white rice, but I don't dare yet. . .

Kindergarten Graduation May 2010!

2010-07-18T18:49:00.004-05:00

The Happy Graduate :) Fun day for Chloe!

Three of the spectators :) (Esther, Simon, & Emma--Nat's taking the pics)

More LeVar Reunion pics

2010-07-18T01:23:00.006-05:00

Chloe loved riding the horse!

Chloe & Aaron helping guide the horse with daddy riding :)

Feeding the horse:

Fun with cousins!

Lovin' the outdoors:

Natalie's dad's grave in Arkansas:

LeVar Family Reunion 2010

2010-07-18T01:08:00.005-05:00

The reunion was in June (Father's Day weekend). So, I'm a bit late posting them. We had a great trip to Columbus, MS! It was way hot and humid but fun. We stayed with Nat's sister (and reunion organizer this year)--Lori. These pictures are all out of whack as far as any type of order. Oh, well.

Aaron rode once. . .

And then he wanted to help guide the horse:

Aaron's sister and female cousins had fun dressing him up. It was too cute not to post :) I'm sure one day he'll make me delete them. . .

Things I'll miss as the years go by. . .

2010-05-16T11:44:00.003-05:00

Aaron getting off the potty with his underwear and pants pulled down to his ankles and waddling to the toilet to flush then quickly trying to waddle away while it flushes. . . one day he'll finally decide to follow my instructions and pull his underwear and pants up first before he flushes--but, hey, where's the fun in that??

Emma running on her short little baby legs.

Chloe on the floor reading by her nightlight (when she's suppose to be in bed).

Aaron's never ending supply of kisses.

Emma's cute baby smile and laugh.

Chloe's hugs and "I love you" s

An many more things that I hope to record at random times before I forget them. . .

Emma Reading

2010-04-18T21:00:00.004-05:00

You Are My Sunshine (kiss kiss)

2010-04-07T09:26:00.002-05:00

This is Aaron's comfort song to Emma. On many occassions, I have come upon Emma crying and Aaron singing to her (sometimes it calms her down, and well, sometimes it doesn't). Either way, it's awfully cute. Of course, this video below is staged (I told him to sing it for the video), but the scene is much more precious when I catch it candidly.

General Conference

2010-04-04T17:16:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I didn't realize until the brother giving one of the last talks (can't remember his name--hard to pay close attention to details with three little ones running around. . .) said that they are not given specific topics or themes for conference talks. I may have heard that before, but it never registered until this time. Cool. So, I guess that means that the Lord really wants us to better understand the role of parents in teaching their children since I think that theme came across in almost all the talks in all four sessions! (at least all the ones that I was able to pay any attention too--again, note, 3 young kids running around. . .

Which brings me to how grateful I am for technology and being able to watch General Conference at home. Growing up we always had to go out to the church to see it on the satellite t.v. connection out there. My parents ALWAYS attended all 4 sessions. That made a huge impact on me when I went to college. I remember my freshman year at BYU when the October General Conference came around and I realized that I could skip the whole thing if I wanted. . .(ya know realizing your newfound total indepence--or at least thinking I had that much independence or something like that).

Regardless, I remember consciously thinking that I supposed since I was an adult now, I should watch all 4 sessions of conference since my parents always did (they didn't require us kids to watch all 4, if I remember correctly, at least 1 when we turned 8 and two or three as a teenager? not sure.) Actually, I remember loving conference weekend as a kid cause I got to go out to the church while my parents watched the Saturday sessions and play with my friend, AnnMarie. I fondly remember playing in the classrooms and in the big back yard of the church that was adjacent to some woods. (our parents, the missionaries, and possible a few more people were generally the only ones out there on Saturday). Then, on Sunday, in between the sessions, our branch always had a delicious potluck dinner! It was always good eating!! And a great break after having to (um, I mean "getting to") sit 2 hours watching the Sunday morning session (and my parents philosophy was that once we were 8 years old we needed to listen, not color or write--always a bit jealous of my friend, AnnMarie, who was still allowed to color and write during church after turning 8).

Okay, so back to being grateful to being at home to watch conference. Now that I'm a mom, it sure is nice to be able to just go put the baby in her crib for her nap while I return to watch conference. And to let the kids play around us (or better yet, when they decide to go to their room and play--ahh, I actually get to pay close attention for a bit). Okay, maybe not "better yet" cause I also love that when they are out playing while we watch they do occassionally pick up on something (normally a familier word or one they think is funny) which allows me to interact with them about what the speaker is talking about. Or rewind the t.v. when a speaker is telling a story and some pictures come up on the screen of a children's book or children so that they can see it. Though, I'm not so excited when they are blocking each other's view on purpose and then loud protests and crying ensue. . .or when they're playing and just start arguing about something and loud protests and crying ensue again. . .okay, could do without those incidents.

But, overall, love the ability to be home to watch conference rather than dragging the kiddoes out to the church four times in one weekend (the fond memories I mentioned earlier were when I was old enough to remember, therefore, not a baby. I'm sure my parents did not relish attending conference at the church with 6 kids. I'll have to ask my mom about that. . .get some stories--family history.

Anyway, that said, this weekend's conference was great! Lots of talks about our parental responsibilities to teach & nurture our children. A great reminder to me to re-evaluate what/how I'm doing in that regard and make some much needed changes. Someone also mentioned how losing your temper is always a negative thing. That's something I've been thinking about and talking with Simon about a lot lately--what I say is that yelling is always bad parenting. So, why do I still do it so much??? I really am trying and I do realize I am a much more effective parent when I speak in a normal tone of voice. But, also, how come, so often, my kids do not respond to me when I'm talking to them (even when I've repeated the same thing--i.e. calling their name--numerous times times in a normal voice) until I yell. Then, I suddenly have their attention. Feeling the need to get something accomplished without wasting anymore time, I often resorted to yelling in those cases. I don't keep yelling, just yell their name or what I asked them to do and then return to a normal voice. I still don't think that's a good idea, but I still do it . . .

I would be a much more effective parent if I would get my act together and communicate better to my children exactly what my expectations are before the fact. Or something like that. Anyone else out there ever get that bogged down/a bit overhwhelmed feeling when you think about how to get the household organized enough that everyone knows exactly what's going on and when and what's expected? I'm not talking about having everything all scheduled out all the time, just making sure my kids. . . something, I can't even explain what I'm thinking or feeling in words. I would love if we could communicate our thoughts and feelings rather than having to translate them into words. . .a seemingly limited form of communication.

Anyway, enjoyed conference, working on being a better parent.

Shhhh. . .I don't want the bug to hear me.

2010-04-03T21:50:00.002-05:00

I'm outside with Aaron the other day. He comes to me, whispering "look mom, there's a bee getting nectar from that flower" (wow, didn't even know he knew the word 'nectar').
Me (whispering back), "oh, yeah, it is. Follow me." (we proceed to walk to the backyard to water the garden). Aaron is still whispering, so I'm still whispering too.
Me, "why are we whispering?"
Aaron, "I don't want the bee to hear me."

A couple of days later in the back yard Aaron comes up to me, whispering again, "mom, look there's a bug on my arm." I see what appears to be a microscopic gnat and whisper back, "Yeah, it is. Why are we whispering?" Aaron, "because I don't want the bug to hear me!" Me (both of us still whispering), "oh, okay."

Yucky food/Yummy food

2010-02-19T19:36:00.002-06:00

some more random pics

2010-02-19T19:25:00.002-06:00

These are all from a while ago:

Just a cute face :)

I remember walking into this scene and just thinking it was cute. Soon after we put a child lock on the cabinet with the cereal boxes. . .

This was really cute. I came in and Chloe and Aaron were "camping" in their room. Tents, toothbrushes, toothpaste, cup for water, and a spit cup. When I first discovered them (before I had the camera) they were brushing their teeth. But, the time I got the camera, this was them.

Just a cute pic

2010-02-19T19:15:00.000-06:00

Winter Wonderland

2010-02-14T19:54:00.003-06:00

Our street. There seriously was at least 6-8 inches of snow in our yard!!! Fun times!

Chloe's snowbaby with hair :)

Our snowman.

Little bit didn't stay out very long--too cold and wet for her!

Daddy and the kiddoes

Mommy and Chloe

Chloe and her gargantuous snowball!

Aaron making a snow angel and Chloe building the snowman.

Too many video games. . . ?

2010-02-09T18:47:00.002-06:00

The scene:
Aaron and I are at the park today playing hide n seek. The place is empty (of course, high was in the 40's today), but my crazy son and I went outside to play.

Aaron, "now it's time go to level two. We both count." yes, again, we are the only two playing.

after a round of level two. . .

Aaron, "now it's time for the hard round--level 3. We both count and hide."
Me--thinking 'um, okay, this ought to be ineteresting. . .'

I don't necessarily recommend Hide N Seek Levels 1-3, but Aaron and I, we had a good time :)

When will I get potty trained. . .

2010-02-08T20:23:00.002-06:00

A few days ago:

Chloe, "When is Aaron going to get potty trained?"
Aaron, "I told you, before I die."

Today:

Me (being inspired from something a member of our stake presidency said yesterday during the combined 3rd hour), "Aaron, daddy's job is to go to work and earn money so we can buy food. Chloe's job is to go to school and learn. And, your job is to get potty trained so we don't have to spend money on diapers for you anymore."
Aaron, "I'm going to get potty trained when I'm a daddy because daddy's go potty all the time."
Me [insert chuckle], "Oh, well, I hope you're potty trained long before that. Ya know four-year-olds go potty all the time too."
Aaron [sheepish grin/smirk], "No, there's one four-year-old that doesn't go potty, but goes in his diaper all the time. . ."

[grrr--he's just so darn cute about it]

Oh, that's what a testimony is. . .

2010-02-08T20:20:00.003-06:00

Me, "What do you think of when you here the word 'testimony'?"
Chloe, "Prayer"
Me, "Yes, praying is how we get our testimony."
Chloe, "No, a testimony is just like a prayer except you get to keep your eyes open. But, you still end with 'amen'."

-at least now I know she does pay some attention during Testimony Meetings at church. :)

Tonight's Family Home Evening

2010-02-01T20:22:00.003-06:00

Opening Song, (Chloe's pick) "How Firm a Foundation" (she wants me to play it in time with it on the computer where the words show up--on lds.org)--me, trying to play it that fast (not one I've practiced) had to leave out several notes. . .

Opening Prayer, (Aaron), "Dear Heavenly Father, please bless that we'll have a quick Family Home Evening and bless the treats. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

Lesson (Simon), "What did you learn in your class on Sunday?" (Natalie) "Did you learn about Jesus?" followed by some open ended questions and guidance on some spur of the moment lesson material. . .

Meanwhile. . . Chloe starts rolling around on the floor, laughing, "Oh, my butt." repeated over and over and over and over. . .and then Aaron (little repeat) follows suit and Emma just toddles around them laughing. . .

Natalie "Alright, time for a closing song. . ."

Things I LOVE!

2010-01-25T19:58:00.002-06:00

I love the way Aaron says his r's kind of like w's but hard to describe. . .way too cute, will be sad when he outgrows it or goes to speech therapy to correct it in elementary school. . .

I love Chloe & Aaron's hugs and I love you's.

I love Simon's sexy smile!

I love Emma's happy demeanor.

I love Chloe's silliness.

I love listening to Chloe and Aaron playing and laughing together.

I love listening to Chloe & Aaron playing with Emma and getting her to laugh.

I love dancing with my sweet hubby.

I love dancing with my kiddoes too.

I love eating good food.

I love reading a well-written suspense novel.

I love listening to Emma's baby talk.

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.

*there are many other things I love as well, but these are the ones on my mind right now :)

Christmas Pic and Letter 2009

2010-01-19T12:36:00.002-06:00

December 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas!! We are so grateful for the birth of the Savior, the perfect life he lived, and the Atonement. The Christmas Season can be such a fantastic time of year—especially with young children. The magic of it all comes to life. We enjoy seeing Christmas light displays on homes, listening to Christmas music (especially on the radio’s “Christmas Station”), writing letters to Santa, baking cookies, and wrapping gifts for others. We are trying to teach our kids the joys of serving others, but (of course) always need to do better.

We feel very blessed and have had a good year. Simon finished (and passed!) his final architectural licensing exam. YOOHOO!! We are very excited for him. A few more hoops to jump through and he should have his license soon. He enjoys his calling as the primary teacher for the 11-12 year old boys and assistant scout leader.

Natalie tries to balance her life of kids and taking care of her mother. She enjoys her calling as the ward activities chairperson since she likes to organize and delegate (especially delegate J).

Chloe loves being in Kindergarten this year. She loves to read and is even on her school’s Battle of the Books team. She’s a fantastic big sister to Aaron and Emma.

Aaron loves trains (especially Thomas the Train). He is a very loving big brother to Emma and often plays well with Chloe.

Emma is now walking and getting pretty good at it. She is such a joy!! She’s a very smiley, happy baby who brings us lots of fun and laughter.

Watching the kids interact can be so heartwarming and fun (at least when they’re not arguing. . .) :)

Natalie’s mom, Karma, is still living with us. We enjoy her company and having her as part of our family. The kids keep her on her toes as they visit her room often. She is doing okay, but recently found out that the cancer in her neck has returned. She is struggling with decisions to make as she considers various treatment options. Please remember her in your prayers.

Natalie has been focusing on being more “self-aware” of her weaknesses and is constantly trying (though often failing) to improve who she is. Simon has joined her in the quest for improvement. They are both trying to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and be more patient and loving with each other and the kids. They are re-discovering (with a renewed sense of hope) how hard old habits can be to break.

May everyone have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,
Simon, Natalie, Chloe, Aaron, and Emma Guerrero

Poopie Talk

2010-01-16T07:19:00.003-06:00

Right after his bath a few nights ago. . .

Aaron, "I feel the poopie starting to comeout"
Me, "okay, let's go to the toilet before we put a diaper on"
Aaron [sounding a bit exasperated], "I said I'm going to be potty trained at pre-school, but at home I wear diapers."
Me, "Aaron, if you know the poopie's about to come out you're going to sit on the potty before I put a diaper on."
I somehow convince him to get on the potty.
Cute red face as he pushes. . .he smiles and says, "It came out but it didn't make a plop." He starts pushing again and says, "I hope this one plops in the water."

After he's finished, Aaron, says "The poopie told me to go in the potty all the time now."
Me, "great!"

The next day. . .

Aaron, "Mommy, I have a poopie diaper"
While changing his diaper I say, "I thought the poopie told you last night to use the potty now."
Aaron, "All of a sudden it just came out of my bum!"

*this boy changes his mind on a daily basis as to whether or not he's going to be potty trained (yes, he turned 4 last November!). I don't need any suggestions, we've tried everything, nothing works. He can control it cause he does when he's at preschool classes at the Rec Center. I just got a good laugh out of this conversation. He's sure a fun and funny kid!

It's all about him being in control. . . one day he'll decide it's better to be out of diapers. Until then. . .

Uno--6 year old style

2010-01-07T16:32:00.003-06:00

Okay, so Chloe wants to play Uno. I say, "get it all set up and I'll be right there." So, I finish what I was doing and join Chloe at the table where she has piles of 12 Uno cards set out for each of us. She informs me that we're not playing the normal way.

Me "Okay, how do we play?"
Chloe "Don't look at your cards. Okay, look at your cards."
Me "wait, I thought you said don't look at your cards?"
Chloe--eyes widen in an 'oops' look and giggles, "yes, we're going to look at our cards. Pick out your favorite card and set it down next to your pile."
Me "okay"
Chloe "now take the top card from the stack in front of you and put it on top of your favorite card. Now close your eyes. Stand up and do 5 jumping jacks with your eyes closed."
[meanwhile, I really am following all her instructions]
Chloe, "open your eyes and see if a card is missing"
Me, "My favorite one is gone."
Chloe, giggling, "You have to try and find it." . . .

Quad Birthday Party

2009-12-25T00:58:00.006-06:00

Aaron and Emma both have November birthdays as do two of their Guerrero cousins (Bradley and Noah). We had a quad party at Claudia's house for the four kiddoes. It was very fun! I even made my first pinata that wasn't just balloon shaped :) Aaron LOVES Thomas the Train--so I made that pinata for him.

Rowlett visit awhile ago. . .

2009-12-25T00:43:00.004-06:00

Just some cute pics of a visit to Rowlett a few months ago. Aaron and Emma playing with their cousins, Ava, Bradley, & Destiny (who did not have school that day). Chloe was at school.

Playing on the swings. But our fun was cut short when the sprinker system suddenly came on (it was the middle of the day--around noon!) Crazy!

Halloween 2009

2009-12-12T20:59:00.009-06:00

At our Guerrero Family Halloween PARTAY! :) Aaron's Thomas the Train costume that I made out of a box (well, Simon drew the face, but Aaron, Chloe, and I did the rest--cutting,painting). Chloe's Ariel costume topped off with cheap temporary hair color that gets all over everything!!

Chloe went to the ward party as Snow White (and she loved Maggie's pink hair!). Chloe and Aaron at Chloe's school carnivalAaron and Emma at a Halloween party at the Methodist church with a Caring Christian Mother's group I am involved with.

Celebrating Christmas

2009-12-12T20:53:00.003-06:00

Just got this as a forward and I really enjoyed it, so I decided to post it. While the whole "letter from Jesus" idea is a bit on the cheesy side, the message is a good reminder to us all. I hope you enjoy it too!

Natalie
_____________

Letter from Jesus about Christmas --

Dear Children, It has come to my attention that many you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. . . although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. Not just during Christmas time, but all through the year. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the president complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sends out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family? Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions and words that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :

I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

Simon the "Architect" well, almost. . . :)

2009-12-07T20:44:00.003-06:00

Simon found out today that he past the last architecture licensingexam he took. It was his final one!!! YIPPEE!! He's now finished with all of the exams.

Now he needs to finish entering in his internship hours over the past two years into their appropriate categories (there are 15 categories in which he has to have a certain number of post-graduate school internship hours.Categories such as design, construction, office management, community something or another etc. etc.)

He has kept detailed time sheets, but since he's been pre-occupied with studying he hasn't gotten them all logged in. It'll probably take him another few weeks to a month to get that all entered in and see exactly in which categories he needs more hours. We're sure his boss will be helpful in letting him get the hours he needs in his deficient categories. We are so excited!!!

A big "WooHoo!!"

Battle of the Books Team

2009-10-30T08:46:00.002-05:00

Chloe made the Battle of the Books team for k-3rd!! YooHoo! According to her teacher, she's the first kindergartener to ever even attempt the tryout test, much less make the team!! She had 15 books that she read and then they had a test with questions from the books.

The team is kind of like quiz bowl (I think)--all the questions will be about the books. Below is the list of books she had to read for it. She's quite the little reader!! (I did not read them to her, she read them all by herself--but I did discuss them with her and asked her some questions. I was quite impressed with her comprehension and retention of what she had read!!)

Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair by Patricia Polacco
Bedhead by Margie Palatini
Big Bad Wolves at School by Stephen Krensky
Critter Sitter by Chuck Richards
The Dog who had Kittens by Polly M. Robertus
Grace for President by Kelly S. DiPucchio
Lost: A Story in String by Paul Fleischman
Make Way for the Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Max’s Words by Kate Banks
Pictures from our Vacation by Lynn Rae Perkins
Princess Grace by Mary Hoffman
The Secret Science Project that almost ate the School by Judy Sierra
The Spectacular Adventures of Sophie & Sebastian by Ruth Jeyaveeran
Titanicat by Marty Crisp
Woolbur by Leslie Helakoski

8 Down 1 More to Go

2009-10-10T23:36:00.003-05:00

Simon got the results today from the last licensing exam he took about a month ago and. . . he passed!! YIPPEE! Only one more test go to and he'll be an architect! YooHoo! His last exam is scheduled for November 2nd. He's been studying hard!

Yay for Simon!!!

just cute

2009-10-08T09:29:00.002-05:00

Book Club

2009-10-03T21:35:00.003-05:00

Simon, "What did you talk about at the book club meeting?"
Me, "Um, the book."
Simon chuckles and we get ready for bed.

Later: Laying in bed ready to sleep, I suddenly start expanding on my answer and tell him about some of the conversations.

Simon, "So it's a lot different than if I had a book club with a bunch of men. It'd be 'I liked the ending' and 'yeah, that was cool.'" [followed by silence]

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Potty Training Woes. . .

2009-10-03T21:13:00.003-05:00

Okay, so my cute, adorable, fun, energetic, frustrating, obnoxious little 3 year old is once again back in plain ole diapers (yes, he will be 4 next month). He's very strongwilled (what 3 year old isn't, right?). We've been trying to train him since he was 2. Trouble is, the harder you push this little one, the harder he pushes back (normal though, right?)

So, we've tried about every possible technique known to man. I just wished I could turn back the clock and we wouldn't have started until he was older. I tried to get my dear sweet husband to back off on many occassions, but well we just haven't seen eye-to-eye on this issue (part of the problem).

We've done instant rewards, charts, potty in front of the t.v., story time and games while on the potty (well, that was all Simon--for a while there he would spend up to an hour or so with them on the pot playing games--this was all a year or so ago. When I took them to the potty, I maybe read a couple of books, but if they didn't go by then, it was okay and we'd try again later.)

So, okay, the past is in the past and now we're here. For the last 6 months he goes on the potty when he wants to and will go to get a treat (if he's in the mood), but it's ALL about CONTROL with him. I have to figure out a way to make sure he fully believes that it's all his decision to stay dry.

So, about a month or so ago I began to really wonder if he indeed had a bladder control issue because I would take him to the potty and then take him again 30 min. later (sometimes sooner) and he would've already gone again in his pull-up.

But, knowing my little guy, I had a sneaking suspicion he had the control, but was just playing games with me. So, I decided to take him to church in regular underwear. It was fantastic! He went to the bathroom when I took him (no complaining or screaming--apparently he prefers public restrooms to ours at home) and came home dry. But, once we were home if I tried to take him to the potty it was "I don't need to go potty" and "I promise I will tell you when I need to go" followed by my eventually checking his pull-up and it'd be wet or dirty. . .every once in a blue moon he'll actually tell me if he needs a diaper change.

So, for 4 weeks or so, I left him in regular underwear during the day and diapers at night. It was always the same story, if we were out and about, he was fine--liked using the public restrooms--but at home, well, accident after accident and he NEVER had to go when I tried to take him (but then, he would mysteriously be wet just five minutes later. . .hmm)--even when he was having to clean the poop out of his own underwear. . .and did he tell me he was poopie or wet??? Of course not--I always had to just figure it out.

So, for 4 weeks I think we actually had one day where he stayed dry all day, so I know it's possible. We rewarded and praised. . .to no avail. After a few weeks of excitement (I was really thinking we had made a breakthrough and he was going to decide he prefers dry underwear, but alas, he doesn't. He continued to pee and poop in his underwear (on purpose, mind you) until a few days ago and I finally gave up, declared him the winner, and put him back in regular diapers.

I'm done. When he wants to be potty trained he'll just have to let me know. . .

Suggestions are welcome, but most likely, I've already thought of it, tried it, and it failed. . . I think I'll wait until Emma is 4 before I'll even attempt to introduce her to the potty (unless she insists on it before that and just does it all on her own---here's hoping!)

Emma

2009-09-27T15:50:00.004-05:00

Rain and Piano

2009-09-27T15:42:00.003-05:00

A week or so again when we were having a rash of lots of rain, I walked into the living room to this cute scene (though the scene I first saw but didn't catch on the camera was even cuter cause Aaron had his arm around Emma). Cute!! Aaron had opened the window and they were watching the rain through the window screne. I love rain!

Our little squirt can now reach the piano--she's so proud of herself! And, what a cute big brother :)

Soccer

2009-09-27T15:36:00.002-05:00

Chloe's soccer team
Aaron's soccer team

Haven't played much. . .been a lot of rain. . .hopefully will get to have practices AND a game this week! Here's hopin'

6 Years Old!!! & Camping!!

2009-09-27T15:01:00.008-05:00

Chloe's birthday breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and milk. We were going to bring it to her in bed. . .but she woke up before I had it all finished and then said she didn't want to eat it in bed--likes to keep it clean :)

Chloe's pink princess cake!! (she helped me make it)

Chloe and her cousin, Christian, with the pinata Chloe, Aaron and I made! Christian helped us get it all hooked up with a rope and ready to hit :)

Presents!!! (Aaron, Alexis, Natalee, and Chloe)

Yeah for our pop-up gazebo! Shade is a wonderful thing :)

We fit two airmattresses and a pack-n-play in that tent. We even had a little room to spare :)

Now, if only the wind hadn't blown so hard around 1 or 2:00am and woke Emma up. . .other than that, she was quite a good lil' camper :0)

Aaron and Emma--Chloe still asleep? (btw--Emma did not sleep with Aaron and Chloe--she was in her pack-n-play)

Ahh. . .they do love each other :)

Chloe gives her Uncle Cesar a big hug!!

Emma enjoyed some of the sights from her Pack-N-Play

Chloe and her cousin, Alexis, doing some fishing. (it was Aaron and Chloe's first time to fish--they enjoyed it, but didn't catch anything this time.)

Chloe and Aaron

Simon's sister, Sandra, her husband, Josh, Natalie & Chloe

Cesar, Vipha, Elijah--beautiful campgrouds!

*Simon's sister, Sandra, her husband, Josh, and their kids, Alexis and Christian, all camped overnight with us. It was fun. On Friday night we roasted marshmellows and ate smores. Chloe and Aaron were SOO excited to get sleep in a tent. The weather was perfect!! Not too cold (cold enough we had to bundle up for the night--but not freezing--nice and cozy), and definitely not to warm (well. . .not too warm until mid-morning on Saturday--it started to really warm up by the time we left). And, no rain !! Hip hip horray :) (since it's been raining almost nonstop for the last few weeks. . .)

*On Saturday the kids played at a fun little playground. Simon's brother, Cesar, his wife, Vipha, and their kids, Nick, Nate, & Natalee joined us for lunch and a birthday celebration for Chloe on Saturday.

Fun times!

"Do you need something for your breasts??"

2009-09-24T19:26:00.003-05:00

What Aaron asked me rather loudly in Wal-Mart today as we were walking past the bras. . .maybe they shouldn't be visible from the aisles :)

And, when I gently ssshh'ed him, he whispered the same question to me. . .(followed by a smile)

Smiles. . .Happy

2009-09-14T21:20:00.007-05:00

So, apparently in his class at church yesterday (Sunbeams), Aaron learned that when you smile it "makes people happy again." So. . .all day almost immediately after he got caught doing something he's not suppose to, he turned and looked at me with a huge grin on his face to "make me happy again." It's the cutest darn smile in the world. I will have to take a picture of him with the goofy grin on his face tomorrow and post it with this entry.

So, I think now he thinks it's okay to do something wrong as long as he smiles right after doing it. . .poor Emma, he's been sitting, hugging, etc. on her all day until she starts to complain about it and I say "Aaron" in my 'what are you doing--please leave her alone' voice and then he gets in Emma's face with a big smile and turns to look at me with that his big cheesy grin.

(hmm. . .maybe I can come up with yet another paragraph that starts with "So". . .)

Aaron's 1st Salon Haircut--a month or so ago

2009-09-11T13:39:00.007-05:00

We love that Simon's sister, Sandra, is attending the Ogle School of Hair Design! It's great for the whole family :)

So far, my mom (Karma), Aaron, and I have gone to have our hair cut by her at the school's student salon. (Chloe has opted out because the only thing she wants is for her hair to be longer. . .it's pretty long already).

Aaron also, at first, asked for his hair to be longer and picked out a picture of a little girl with a bob when I asked him how he wanted his hair cut. But, thankfully, he changed his mind when I pointed out the picture of the little boy with a cute short haircut.

Anyway, below are pictures of Aaron's experience at the salon. He was quite the sport. He was in that chair getting his haircut for about 1 1/2 hours!

He was especially excited to get his hair washed! He had come with my mom and I a week earlier with the plans to get his hair cut, but we ran out of time (Sandra is very detail oriented/perfectionist and it took her a while to cut my hair and my mom's--Aaron was quite a sport and did pretty well being stuck at a salon watching us get our hair washed and cut for 3 hours!)

So, he and I came back about a week later for his cut--just the two of us. Good mommy and me time :) By the time we got home he was sound asleep in his carseat.

BYU OU Game @ new Cowboy's Stadium

2009-09-08T12:34:00.007-05:00

Way fun game!! What a fantastic stadium!! Loved the humungous screen where they replayed EVERY play so I didn't miss a thing!!

(notice the sea of red. . .poor OU fans. What a disappointing loss for them.) What a fantastic, unexpected win for BYU!!! YOO HOO Go Cougars!! (fun cheering--felt like I was back in college again :)

My brother and his son and excited fans!

Our stadium neighbors

BYU Quarterback, Max Hall

My brother and his family from Arkansas, my sister from Mississippi and her family, my aunt from Florida, and my sister here in Texas all came! Fun times! Simon and I originally had offerred to babysit everyone's kiddoes while they went (not because we didn't want to go, just economical reasons), but then my sister and her husband here in Texas decided to give us their tickets (they've been stressed out by job searching, selling house, etc. etc. and decided to just go home and relax instead of going to the game). So, YOO HOO! We found a babysitter and got to g0 (and my sis did end up going too because my brother decided not to take his youngest son, so she got his ticket).

So, to make that long story a bit shorter, thanks to my fantastic sister (DeeAnn) and her great hubby (Dale), Simon and I got to attend the awesome game at the fabulous new stadium! :)

Asinine

2009-09-02T22:05:00.003-05:00

Okay, I was just watching the news. . .story about a speech on education that President Obama is apparently giving sometime soon to students across the country.

So, Plano school district (in north Texas) is planning to have the speech available to students on their website, but apparently due to numerous calls from concerned parents are not going to "interrupt" the school day to show the speech.

Is it just me, or does it seem simply asinine to anyone else that any person would be upset about the prospect of, heaven forbid, "interrupting" the great learning taking place during the school day to watch a speech from, oh, the president of the United States?

I don't care who the president is (Bush, Clinton, Carter, Nixon, etc. etc.) I would think that a speech from the President to the students is in and of itself educational (this coming from a former History teacher).

Please comment, I'm just curious what others think!

1st Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-29T07:41:00.004-05:00

Here she is! All dressed and ready to go! This picture was taken on Monday. She's now got one week of kindergarten under her belt :) She loves it! Great teacher, friends from pre-k, new friends, recess, lunch, music class, etc. etc. fun times!

Sleep

2009-08-19T20:26:00.003-05:00

Kids sure do go to sleep quicker when they've been playing outside during the day. . .didn't feel like cleaning up wet, dirty children today. . .I'm tired, not feeling great, so we stayed inside and watched too much t.v. . .but then children take longer to go to sleep at night. . .We did make it to storytime at the library, just not outside for running off energy. , . Did I mention my children take longer to get to sleep when they don't get to run around outside in the sun (and water--during these hot summer days)? Guess we'll be sure to go outiside tomorrow :)

I'm sleepy. Will update with more entries and photos one of these days. . .

I know this is a disjointed entry. just seems easier than writing complete sentences. i think i like it.

"Emma thinks I have a breast"

2009-08-08T21:17:00.002-05:00

Okay, just too funny not to share. In the mornings, Simon is usually up before I am and gets Emma when she gets up to bring her to me to nurse. I normally nurse her in bed (get a few more minutes of rest while she eats) and then get up.

Well, Aaron and Chloe also like to come climb in our bed in the mornings as well.

Anyway, Aaron had already come climbed in bed with me when Simon brought Emma in (about 6 or 6:30ish) and put her in between Aaron and I. First she turned to look at Aaron (not use to him being there when she comes in)with her big happy smile (she's such a Happy baby!!) and Aaron says to me, "Emma thinks I have a breast."

Kids are great.

Hi Beautiful!

2009-07-16T18:57:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I'm on the computer the other day when I hear my oh so sweet 3 year old in is grandma LeVar's room using his favorite insult/cuss word, "dumb." Then I hear my mom tell him that he won't get to have any m&m's (a favorite treat for my kids that my mom keeps stocked in her room for when she needs to bribe them into submission. . .) if he's going to call her that. A silent pause ensues. . .then Aaron's honey sweet voice says, "Hi beautiful!"

hmm. . .

Parents and Kiddoes

2009-06-30T14:51:00.003-05:00

Natalie and two of her babes (I think this picture makes my face look thin--or at least thinner than it really is--yeah for good picture angles :)

Simon and his girls.

Simon and his little boy (and top of baby girl's head. . .)

Anyone know a good plumber?

2009-06-26T22:03:00.002-05:00

In response to a question about what happened with all this:

Well, we are still trying to get some competitive bids. . .another plumber came by to check it out and was suppose to get back with us a week ago and hasn't returned our calls. He thinks there is not enough of a slope to take the washing machine drainage pipe around the house (which is what needs to happen since the drainage pipe under the house is corroded--and there's really no good way to fix it) and was going to call the housing code office to see how much latitude he has in how deep the drainage pipes need to be so he could have enough of a slope for the water to drain well. But, he's never gotten back in touch with us. I'm beginning to think he doesn't want the job.

The kitchen sink and dishwasher are going to be re-routed through a bathroom that shares a wall with the kitchen. We'd like to at least go ahead and get that done, but this guy (who seemed to know what he was talking about and was somewhat reasonably priced--for a plumber) has not gotten back in touch with us since he was here.

Meanwhile, we have been able to use the kitchen sink, dishwasher, and washing machine, but because of that we have a nice little swimming pool on the side of our house from washing machine drainage and we know that under our kitchen we're just watering the ground since the bottom of the pipe is essentially nonexistent. . . Oh, and we also still have a nice 6 foot tunnel under the foundation which can't be good. . .(there is a pile of dirt next to the tunnel, not sure how easily it's going to be to get that back under the house and packed in correctly. . .)

So, in other words, it's still a mess. We basically paid about $1000 for the initial plumbers to dig a tunnel under our house, clean out a clog in the pipe, and determine the pipes were corroded and needed replacing. But, nothing has been fixed yet. . .grrrr. And, their price to fix it all was quite high. But, who know, we may end up having to use them anyway. . .still waiting to hear back from yet another plumber.

I'm sure many more details than were necessary, but hey this is for my posterity, right? So, lesson for my kiddoes, do not buy a house whose foundation was built before they began using PVC pipes for the plumbing. . .

"No Dumb-It"

2009-06-25T17:05:00.002-05:00

"No Dumb-It," Aaron screams as he chases Chloe around the room. . . typical scene in the Guerrero household. (sigh) "Dumb" is Aaron's new favorite word/insult/frustration word, etc. We've had many conversations about name calling. Oh, well, one day it will sink in, right? Until then, I guess it could be worse. . .;)

Baby Food

2009-06-19T13:36:00.002-05:00

So, my friend Olivia steams and purees veggies (i.e. butternut squash, green peas, green beans, etc.) and puts it in ice cube trays to freeze individual portions and then pours them into a large freezer bag. And, voila, individual baby food servings. What a fantastic idea!!! I started doing this and it’s GREAT! So far, I’ve only done frozen peas and fresh butternut squash. It has worked like a charm! I’m so excited about it!

When it rains it pours. . .

2009-06-16T16:37:00.002-05:00

So, about two weeks ago I am outside and notice quite a bit of standing water on the ground near the side of our house. It had not rained for days and I could not see a trail from the house. Then I noticed that some of the water was moving and it just appeared to be coming from nowhere. I knew immediately that something was amiss. So, I called for Simon to come see. I was sure we were going to have a call a plumber. It was a Saturday and we decided we’d have to wait until Monday (well, actually Tuesday, since that Monday was Memorial Day).
So, Tuesday, a plumber comes out, briefly looks it over, and says it appears to be a break in the drainage line in the foundation coming from the washing machine. ( job that will be at least $1000.) Great. (heavy sarcasm). So, I call around to a couple of other plumbers (referrals from Simon’s boss) and get one to come out for a second opinion. They do a much more thorough examination and discover a major blockage in the line under the kitchen floor. . . unable to clear it by running a long, electric something or another through the kitchen clean-out under the sink. Plumber thinks the line may be damaged there as well.

Friday, they send out a guy to start digging. They’re going to dig under the foundation to get to the problem in order to fix it. Guy starts digging, hits locks of rocks, digging is slow and tedious (I imagine digging sideways under a house’s foundation couldn’t be anything but. . .). Guy gets far enough for them to run the long, loud, electric thingy through the pipe and are able to clear the blockage under the kitchen floor. Yeah! That, hopefully, means the line is not broken :)

Plumber leaves us at the end of the day on a Friday with instructions to avoid using the kitchen sink, dishwasher, and washing machine until they come back on Monday and can run a camera through the line (now that it’s cleared they can check to make sure everything is okay further down the line). (the problem at the end of the drain line had not yet been fixed—just discovered—so in order for them to be able to access the area without a small lake to wade through, we obliged.)

Fun weekend of washing dishes in the bathroom sinks (Simon had a better idea when he took the take out part of our large roaster, put it in the bathtub, and washed dishes in it. Smart man. Bathroom sinks are just to small to wash most kitchen items. . .as I had discovered).
Monday comes, they put a camera through the line. . .bad news, the pipe under the kitchen sink is all corroded and part of it is missing the bottom part as well as having a “belly” spot where water collects. . . heavy sigh. Main plumber guy (owner) comes out and gives us three options. Then sends us an estimate for each one. . . cheapest one being about $6000. And, I forgot to mention my conversations with our insurance agent. Our house insurance does not cover damage from water leakage if the problem was over time and not caused by a specific event. (the foundation to our house is old and has cast iron plumbing tubes that I guess corrode over time. . .now they use PVC)

So, on Monday, we have yet another plumber coming out for a second opinion and repair bid estimate.

And, our DSL modem keeps kicking us off the Internet. I’ve been on the phone several times this week with AT&T people and at this point they’ve done everything on their end and it appears we just need to buy a new modem. (which is, thankfully, a lot less than $6000)--hence this post was written days before I actually got to post it (wrote it in MSWord and copied and pasted it today)--hopefully the Internet will stay connected long enough for me to post it. . .

But, on a brighter note, I did find our camera a few weeks ago. Simon had put it in a random spot and forgotten. . .been looking for that thing for weeks!!!

Growing up

2009-06-06T14:59:00.006-05:00

So, my sister-in-law, Claudia, and her mother-in-law, Vicky, both make cute jewelry. So, I offered to through a party for them to sell some. Cute stuff! Chloe had fun picking out some beads and watching Vicky make some clip-on earrings for her. Below is a picture of hers.
Cute girl! She looks so grown up to me!! She's going to be in kindergarten in the fall!!

Aaron Renee Guerrero. . .

2009-06-06T14:55:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I just wanted to document that for the last few weeks (or maybe months?) Aaron has made it unequivocally clear that he wants his name to be Aaron Renee Guerrero instead of Aaron Jeddy Guerrero. He corrects me (and anyone else) who ever uses his whole name. (yes, even when he's in trouble he will take the time to correct me, sometimes through tears) It's always very cute. Kids are fun :)

Blogger's Block. . .

2009-05-20T19:01:00.002-05:00

Okay, throughout the day, almost everyday, occurrances happen that are funny, cute, etc. and I think, 'I should put a post in my blog about that'--assured that I will remember it (cause I'm usually not in a position to write it down or take a picture--i.e. driving, feeding baby, changing diaper, pushing a baby stroller, etc. etc.). But, alas, whenever I sit down at the end of the day (or week or whatever) I can't think of a single thing to post. This also goes for great ideas, thoughts, opinions, etc. that I think of that would make great blog posts. Even some really funny, creative things (I really do have spontaneous creativity from time to time--I just forget it too fast).

Oh, well. Maybe another day. . . or week. . .or month . . . or year. . . ya get the picture!

On the move. . .

2009-05-13T20:25:00.005-05:00

Yes, it's officially, our little Emma is now mobile. Not crawling, just doing full turns and able to get from point A to point B. She's been turning onto her stomach for weeks, but just started being able to go from stomach to back a couple of days ago. (well, I saw it for the first time today, but my mother said she did it the other day when I left her on the floor in her room for a bit.)

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T21:10:00.007-05:00

This morning I woke up to a wonderful breakfast in bed! Fried eggs, cheese grits, bacon, wheat toast, and orange juice. Yum!! My favorite! I even got to eat and then go back to sleep for a little bit :)

not my best look. . .kids look on with hungry eyes. . . Aaron's face is a little unsure with that big bite of food in his mouth (well, sweetheart, daddy cooked it, not mommy. . .)
j/k Daddy did a great job! See, Chloe loved it! (Aaron did too)

Then, during the last 20 min. of church all the women got to eat cake and fruit. The chocolate cake was very moist and tasty!

And, to top it off this evening, Simon made dinner (a ground turkey with potatoes entree, toast, carrots, celery, and rice). It was yummy.

Below is a picture of my mom (Karma) with a bouquet of flowers one of my brothers (Alan) bought for her.

Yeah for mother's day!

Conference weekend April 2009

2009-05-09T21:26:00.006-05:00

This was the weekend that my sister, Lori, brought my mom back to live with us.

Emma--just chillin' while listening to the Mormon Tabernacle choir sing.

Aaron--maybe a bit too much for him??

Lori--making cute socks with beads on the top for Chloe (and Aaron--since he insisted he wanted some with blue beads after Lori finished the one for Chloe with pink beads)--Chloe loved hers too, but didn't want to be photographed wearing them--don't know why.

In-between sessions: Chloe reading Emma a book. (I have a video of her reading--will eventually post it).

My two little girls:

More cooking pics

2009-05-09T21:16:00.003-05:00

Yes, Chloe's reading the recipe, I'm putting ingredients in, and Aaron is stirring (looking oh, so cool).

Propeller Beanie

2009-05-09T21:07:00.004-05:00

Aaron LOVES this little beanie hat. And, I think he looks simply adorable when he wears it! And wear it, he does! He wears it ALL the time! I've taken him to many public places with that cute thing on. He always gets smiles and comments about how cute he is with that on.

Daddy and Emma

2009-05-09T21:03:00.004-05:00

Easter Weekend

2009-05-09T20:08:00.004-05:00

Okay, yes, way past due. . .Easter weekend was lots of fun. My sister, Lori, had brought my mom back to our home the weekend before (drove her and all her belongings from Mississippi). Then, Easter weekend, she (Lori) came back with her husband (Dan) and their three kids (William, Ann, and Sarah). It was a fun weekend. The kids enjoyed going to the annual Easter Egg Hunt put on by Brian and Chalea Blair (from our ward). Then had fun times coloring eggs and looking for them Easter morning around our house (yeah for 1:30 church on Easter :-)

Chloe and Aaron were so excited to have a "sleepover!" with their cousins. They all slept in the same room. Between an air mattress and a bed (both queen size) they all found a place to sleep. It was fun hearing the talking and laughter coming out of that room after the lights were turned out. I also heard them discussing whether or not they heard the Easter Bunny in the next room. (it was me they heard in the kitchen)--I came in and told them that the Easter Bunny would not come until they are asleep (just like Santa--we had a conversation the day before in the car about how Santa and the Easter Bunny are magical friends). So, then, after I left, every once in a while I'd hear a loud "shhh, go to sleep or the Easter Bunny won't come." It brought back fun memories of my childhood--especially get-togethers with my cousins!

Action shots at the Blair's annual Easter Egg hunt!

Success! Chloe and her cousin Sarah

Painting Eggs for the Easter Bunny to hide.

Looking for eggs Easter morning:

Mother's Day Bowling

2009-05-09T20:01:00.002-05:00

Okay, we did take our camera, but oops, forgot to put the memory card back in. . .so, no pics. But, we took my mother-in-law bowling this afternoon. It was her first time ever to go bowling. Very fun. Chloe and Aaron even each got a strike (okay, it was with the ramp thing you push the balls down and with heavy bowling balls. . .but still, they were pretty excited!).

Fun day. Before bowling we had a delicious dinner with my mom and my mother-in-law (Karma and Esther) of oven-baked chicken, corn on the cob, fresh strawberries, fresh avacado, cucumber, and carrot slices. And topped it off with a pumpkin pie made from scratch (even the crust). I did most of it, but Simon did cut the strawberries, shuck the corn, and helped the kids make the pumpkin pie filling. So, it was a fun family function :)

Just because. . .

2009-05-07T20:26:00.003-05:00

These are random pics of Chloe (not Emma) from years ago. Just thought they were cute.

Below is Chloe with her cousins Beth and Josh and a nice mess of popcorn (again, from years ago)

Chloe and Aaron

Just a random pic of Nat at Simon's parents' home in Covington years ago eating one of the many delicious meals we had there!

Easter Sunday pics

2009-04-29T10:10:00.007-05:00

Actually. . .

2009-04-29T10:04:00.002-05:00

Emma's first haircut. Her hair was getting so long in the back for a 5 month old!! Poor kid was getting hot and sweaty on the back of her neck, so we decided to cut it. Below are the before and after pics.

Grandma LeVar smiled big when she saw her. She' been telling me to get that baby a haircut for a while (she prefers short hair anyway on kiddoes).

Aaron, however, had a different reaction. He said, "Actually, that is what a boy looks like, Emma." He repeated that to her a few times--I don't think she quite got it cause she just smiled back and him with her big cute, happy smile :-) She's a very smiley baby!

Education and other thoughts

2009-04-22T19:19:00.006-05:00

I was reading the April Ensign today and there are some fantastic articles about education in there! It was so nice to read about how a formal education is important for everyone. I especially enjoyed the article by Sheralyn Mitchell who wrote about how her husband became very ill and she had to go back to school in order to be able to support the family. She wrote about how, even though she had great family support and was able to get a nursing degree at that point, she wished she had taken her schooling more seriously as a young adult. She wrote the following, "We've talked about education being important not only for just-in-case situations but also for all situations. Education and family life aren't mutually exclusive. . .trying to help them understand that the preparation that education provides will help them in all aspects of their future lives."

Part of why I was so impressed with this article is because it laid out the philosophy that I (and many others) have always expressed. One of my pet peeves was when some men and women in the church would always emphasize the need for a women to get an education so that if something happens to her husband or she doesn't marry, she'll be able to support herself. While, that's certainly a valid result of having a formal education and a good reason to do so, it is only one of many. I was always solid in my belief that education is just important no matter what the future holds. So, it was just nice to read an article in the Ensign that illustrated this point that I've been so passionate about for most of my life (not to say that there haven't been other similar articles, but this one just touched me today).

I also liked the following paragraph, "There are days when we all wish I could be a stay-at-home mom, but that wasn't what was in store for us. Instead of dwelling on what I wish my circumstances were, which only leads to frustration, I try to focus on how blessed I feel to work in a job that I find rewarding, that offers much variety, that has provided good health insurance for my husband, and that gives our family an element of security."

It is nice to see articles in the Ensign (as there often are) that illustration the exceptions to the ideal and how important it is to live close to the spirit so we can be inspired to do what is best for us and our family in our individual circumstance. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost!

I feel very blessed that my circumstances allow me to be a stay-at-home mom. We do make some sacrifices and have lived on a very tight budget for a while, but we have been very blessed in our ability to make it work out as well as it does. I am very grateful for the many lessons I have learned and continue to learn as I fulfill the role of being a stay-at-home mom.

It's interesting as I look back to when I finished graduate school and had earned my master's degree in Social Work as well as passing my licensing exams (LMSW) only to end up with a teaching job (I did NOT want to return to teaching, but it paid better than entry level social work jobs, my husband would still be in school for a couple of more years, and we wanted to start having children.). It's amazing how this job (that I didn't want) worked out so well for us. We were able to put a decent amount in savings to prepare for my going part time when our first baby was born (which came quicker than we expected) and then I was able to teach part-time for two years with full benefits. It's amazing to me how we can each be blessed in our own unique ways--the ways that the Lord knows is best for us.

Six Flags cont.

2009-04-08T20:09:00.002-05:00

On the train that goes around the park. Aaron was SO excited to go on the "real" train that had smoke coming out of it. He and Chloe had a great time with their cousins!

Aaron LOVED the bumper cars! At first, the guy wasn't going to let him ride by himself (he rode with Beth in the picture above) because he just barely met the height requirement but his little legs are still really too short to push the peddle. He was also afraid that Aaron might get upset when he got bumped (Aaron is older than he looks). But, we talked the guy into it and Aaron was in his prime! When he got bumped his whole face just lit up in a big grin. Even though he was stuck at the wall for most of the time, he still loved it. He did manage to manuever it a little, but had a hard time figuring out how to back up or turn around to get away from the wall.

Six Flags

2009-04-08T20:00:00.008-05:00

Weekend before last we went to Six Flags with, my sister, DeeAnn, and her husband, Dale, and their kids, Beth and Josh. They got season tickets this year and got to take us that day for free! YIPPEE for us! It was a rather cold, but enjoyable day. The kids had a blast. Here are some pictures I "borrowed" from my sister's blog (since our camera's battery went dead as soon as we got it out to use it. . .guess I should've charged the battery!) While Aaron was timid about some rides (he cried almost the whole time when he and chloe rode the airplane ride--Chloe took it up high and he wanted to stay low--he's happy in the above picture because Chloe had brought the airplane back down), Chloe was good to go for almost all of the kid rides! (or at least all the ones they went on) She's getting to be such a big girl!

Rice Cereal

2009-04-07T21:37:00.003-05:00

Emma is growing up! These pictures are from a couple of weeks ago when we gave her rice cereal for the first time.

Yard Work

2009-04-07T21:29:00.003-05:00

I LOVE working out in the yard! Wish I had more time for it!! Here I am fixing our flower bed out front and working hard with the wheelbarrow (or maybe I'm just posing with an empty wheelbarrow because I think it looks cool??)

Seriously, I love yard work including mowing, weeding, cutting (especially if I get to use the chainsaw--which I have cut down a few trees in our backyard back before I got pregnant with Emma), gardening, landscaping (not that I am any good at it), etc.--now if only my yard actually looked like I enjoyed doing all those things. . .

My Two Girls!!

2009-04-07T21:23:00.003-05:00

Okay, so ever since Emma was born, I was thinking she looked almost exactly like Chloe did as a baby. Well, after going through old baby pictures of Chloe, I realized I was quite mistaken. While they do share many similar features and expressions, they do look quite different. (Chloe is the top picture and Emma the bottom)

What's even funnier is that I remember Chloe having a lot of hair. Emma definitely wins in the hair contest!!

Family Home Evening

2009-04-07T20:57:00.003-05:00

Just a picture of the conclusion of one of our Family Home Evenings. Chloe and Aaron put it together.

Just Hangin' Out

2009-04-07T20:41:00.003-05:00

Chloe's 1st Birthday

2009-04-05T17:45:00.002-05:00

More Chloe age 2

2009-04-05T17:26:00.003-05:00

I've been going through cd's of old pics. . .

Me reading Muncha Muncha to Chloe

(one of her favorite books at the time!)

Crazy, cute hair

Sad face!

Chloe age 2 (I think??)

2009-04-05T17:20:00.002-05:00

Just cute pics of Chloe and her daddy! I guess Chloe fell asleep while eating. . .I remember that happening a few times.

Reading

2009-03-29T09:50:00.003-05:00

So, Simon and I were out in the living room until a little after 10:00pm the other night. When I went back to our bedroom I found our light on and our little reader hiding on the floor near the far side of our bed reading Charlotte's Web. It's hard to get annoyed (even though she should've been in bed asleep) when she looks so cute reading one of my favorite books! Especially since it reminds me of me as a kid--always staying up late to finish a book.
But, alas, we did not let her continue to stay up and finish the book. We told her she needed to go to sleep and assured her she could read more in the morning. So, amid protests, she finally went to bed. . . (hey at least she came to our room to read rather than turning the light on in her room and waking up her brother--she and Aaron share a room--for that we are grateful)

Pretending

2009-03-25T09:59:00.003-05:00

As I'm putting on lipstick. . .

Aaron, "I want lipstick"

Natalie, "Lipstick is for girls"

Aaron, "I am a girl"

Natalie, "You are not a girl, silly boy"

Aaron, "I'm just pretending I'm a girl" (emphasis on "pretending")

Aaron, "Can I take this outside?"

Natalie, "No, that's an inside toy"

Aaron, "I'm just pretending it's an outside toy"

Some form of this conversation happens all the time, I just can't remember the specifics of each one. But, he's always "pretending" or asking me to just "pretend" so that he can get what he wants or do what he wants to with something. . .I normally find it quite amusing :-)

Song Lyrics

2009-03-24T20:54:00.003-05:00

Okay, just wondering why song lyrics get changed! My daughter came home singing the "Hi, my name is Joe" song (Hi, my name is Joe. I've got a wife and three kids and I work in a button factory. . .) She says, "Hello, my name is Joe and I work in a button factory. I have a wife and a dog and a family" plus when asked if he's busy he adds "sir" to the yes or no and he "pushes" the buttons rather than "turns" them.

Okay, I know in the scheme of things, who cares, but it's annoying. I could list many other songs that I feel the same way about that my children are learning with revised lyrics. . .granted sometimes I see the wisdom in the revisions, but often I see no need for it.

Okay, just wanted to get that off my chest.

Halloween 2005

2009-03-20T08:21:00.005-05:00

Chloe & her friend Brooke. They're so cute and little!

I am pregnant with Aaron.

Guerrero Family Halloween Party

Emma 4 months old

2009-03-17T20:21:00.000-05:00

Green Eggs and . . . Bacon?

2009-03-16T21:04:00.001-05:00

Chloe and Aaron love to help me cook! (even though I'm doing the cooking in the above pics, they do get to put all the ingredients in and stir some)

Also, it's like Aaron has a sixth sense about when I'm going to make something. The second I'm in the kitchen, he's right behind me pushing a chair to stand on. I rarely get the make something without his help these days. . .but that's okay, for the most part I do enjoy having them both help. Fun times.

At school the other day, Chloe's teacher made green eggs and ham for them. Ever since that day, Chloe has been bugging me to make "green eggs and ham." Well the other day we did just that. However, we didn't have any ham, but did have bacon. So, we made "green eggs and bacon" :-)

The next day Aaron wanted to make blue eggs. So, when we put the blue food coloring in, we quickly realized they would be green again, since the eggs are yellow and yellow and blue make green! Below is a picture of our blue/green eggs.

Brushing Teeth

2009-03-15T19:23:00.000-05:00

So, this picture is from a month or so ago. I remember that Chloe was just "too tired" to brush her teeth. So, I was brushing them for her and then noticed that she had brought a book with her to read. So, I guess she wasn't too tired to read. . .Chloe LOVES to read! And, she's quite good at it!

Just because. . .

2009-03-15T19:19:00.000-05:00

Blood

2009-03-13T16:01:00.000-05:00

Okay, this will probably be a TMI (too much information) post, but here goes. Chloe and Aaron both know that tampons and pads are "for my blood." And, that the little silver trash cans in the stalls at public restrooms are for these items.

So, the other day, Chloe comes out of the bathroom and tells me that while she was going to the bathroom she noticed a small cut on her knee. She told me that she took some toilet paper to wipe off the blood and apologized for throwing her toilet paper with blood in the trash can since we dont' have a silver one like the ones at church. (yes, she actually said she was "sorry" about it)

I had to restrain very hard to not just bust out laughing.

Chloe's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-03-02T16:47:00.002-06:00

Okay, this video is from 3 years ago. Some of Simon's family is there and Chloe's good friends Brooke and Gabe. Natalie is pregnant with Aaron and Claudia is pregnant with Bradley. This is the backyard at our former home.

Below are some pics I found that I just added: In the pics: Simon, Chloe, Brooke, Joni, Craig, Cesar, Esther, Claudia, Natalie, Natalee, Olivia, Gabe, Vipha

TAG 5 Things

2009-03-01T13:06:00.000-06:00

5 Things I Was Doing Five Years Ago:

1 - Taking care my first baby girl (Chloe was about 6 mos. old)
2 - Teaching part time at Bedford Jr. High
3 - Emailing and talking with my dad regularly (this would've been about 6 mos. before he died)
4 - Serving as a secretary in the Relief Society with Rhonda Henderson as president.
5 - Enjoying our first house.

5 Things on Today's To-Do List

1 - Dishes
2 - Laundry
3 - Read scriptures
4 - Put soil in garden and transplant vegetables out there
5 - Get a babysitter for Friday

5 Things I Would Do with a Million Dollars

1 - Pay off the house & student loans
2 - Add money to the kids' savings
3 - Add money to our savings or invest
4 - Take the family to Disney World
5 - Pay to have the front and backyards landscaped

5 Places I've Lived

1 - Arkadelphia, Arkansas
2 - Provo, UT
3 - Salt Lake City, UT
4 - Alexandria, VA
5 - Fort Worth, TX

5 Jobs I've Held

1 - McDonalds
2 - Transcriptionist
3- Grounds paint crew at BYU
4 - Math/English teacher (Juvenile Justice Ed.)
5 - History and World Geography teacher at a junior high

5 Things I Want in Five Years

1 - My family to be alive and healthy
2 - No weeds in my yard (or at least a lot fewer. . .)
3 - 3 kids in school :-)
4 - My husband to be a licensed architect (thought that should be happening pretty soon. . .)
5 - To take the family to Disney World

5 People I Tag

1 - Joni
2 - Vipha
3 - Stephanie K
4 - DeeAnn
5 - Beth