Christmas is Exhausting!!!

On Christmas Joshua woke up at 1:00am and sent back to bed by Alex and then ended up in our bed at 3:45 where he finally fell asleep until about 7:00am when he was finally able to get Christmas started. At 3:00pm Christmas Day, this is how I found him - half on and half off the back of the sofa. Apparently he had stopped long enought to watch something on TV with one half of his body over the back of our sofa - and he fell asleep that way - just like a cat!

Fun With Uncle Jon!

Whenever my "little" brother Jonathan comes for a visit, the living room turns into a WWF wrestling arena. Ben and Josh have so much fun jumping and tackling their uncle. What fun!

Junior Firefighter

This weekend Josh had so much fun. He went to his friend Dylan's birthday party. The fire department came with a truck and the kids got to take turns sitting in the driver seat. The other highlight for Josh was using the firehose (with a little help of course) to knock over orange safety cones. What a great day for a little boy!

She got me again!!!!!

Okay, so Michelle "tagged" me again. I guess she figures that may be the only way to get me to update my blog. Well, I got her this time - I updated it before I read in hers that she tagged me. So, this is how this tag works - Give one word answers to the following questions and then tag 6 people.

I Tag: Laura Lee, Liz, Jesse, Candice, Erica & Cyndy

Where is your cell phone- Pocket

Where is your significant other? Garage

Your hair color? Blonde (ha, ha)

Your mother? generous

Your father? unique

Your favorite thing? family

Your dream last night? None

Your dream/goal? serenity

The room you’re in? bedroom

Your hobby? cooking

Your fear? failure

Where do you want to be in 6 years? contented

Where were you last night? Home

What you’re not? patient

One of your wish-list items? car

Where you grew up? California

The last thing you did? eat

What are you wearing? jeans

Your TV? big

Your pet? gone

Your computer? Home

Your mood? relaxed

Missing someone? Michelle

Your car? dying

Something you’re not wearing? shoes

Favorite store? Target

Your summer? great!

Love someone? David

Your favorite color? blue

When is the last time you laughed? Lunch

Last time you cried? Tuesday

Girls Just Want to Have Fun!!!

This has been a really fun year for Abby at school. She has made some really good new friends and re-aquainted herself with old friends. She and her friend Taylor and Jessi all dressed up alike for school on Halloween and then went trick-or-treating that evening together. They had asked me if I could do "big" hair for them. Well, of course being a "beauty school drop-out" from the eighties - I know "big" hair. I had so much fun with these crazy girls. They are definately out-going, loud and very active! When I asked what they were - they decided to call themselves the "neon ballerina's".



Tayor, Abby, Jessi

I've Been Tagged!

Okay, so I'll admit, i wasn't sure what I supposed to do when I saw on my daughter's blog that she tagged me. So, she filled me in. I guess you are supposed to to the 6th folder in your picture file and choose the 6th picture in it and then tag 6 other people. So here is my picture!!! Josh is wearing Alex's Scout uniform! (and I couldn't figure out how to rotate the photo - what a loser)

So I tag Kaylene, Kim, Liz, Nicole, Rhonda & Jodi

IT'S PARTY TIME - KIDS' ARE BACK TO SCHOOL!

I can't believe how long it has been since I last updated my blog. It has been a very busy summer. Whoever said that you can take it easy during summer vacation must be crazy - or not have teenagers! Both Abby and Alex played in a summer water polo league. They both had so much fun. Abby did really well, and is looking forward to playing during this year at school. I was really blessed to be the Stake Camp director this year. We had a Beehive camp and it was awesome. But, I was so relieved when it was over - my family was too! The last 4 weeks before camp are always crazy!!!!! We had an awesome visit with our loved ones in the San Diego area. The day after I got back from camp, Michelle and Andy came for 2 weeks. It was so great having them here with us. It was great to see how well Andy does with the insanity in our family. He is a terrific addition to our family. Anyone that can spend 2 weeks here and not run away screaming in pretty amazing. He and Michelle are so cute and so in love - it's great! The left to head back to school Thursday right after the kids went back to school.

Now, thankfully, I may get back to my normal, crazy routine since school has started again! Ben is now in 5th grade, Abby is a freshman and Alex is a senior this year. I can't believe how fast time flies! Now the challenge will be to keep Josh occupied while everyone is at school! I've included some of Alex's senior pics.

Summer is here!

Well, whoever said that my schedule would get easier when the kids were out of school was out of their mind!!! Abby has joined the world of aquatic sports with her brother Alex. She is playing summer Water Polo. I have been so impressed that she has not missed a single practice and is actually loving it. She has adjusted well to all the laps they have to swim and the various drills - now it's just trying to figure out HOW the game is played! It has been really cute watching Alex with her. He is having fun teaching her about the game - he enjoys being the "big shot senior" and sharing his vast knowledge of the game. He has been really sweet to her. Last week before her first game he and his friend asked her if she knew what to do and after seeing that she didn't, they got the white-board markers out and drew a diagram with x's and o's on my huge dining room mirror. What a great memory for a mom! Ben is busy with Cub Scout Day Camp and Abby with summer school. We are getting ready to go on vacation as a family for the first time in a long time. We are all excited and can't wait to see all our loved ones down south. We are going down for our Nephew Jordan's missionary homecoming and my niece Ryann's (Ted & Kristi's new baby) blessing. We are then going to hang out at the beach, visit the zoo or Sea World and my sweet Annie and I are going to go antiquing! Yeah!! It is a long awaited trip!

My Idea of a Great Mother's Day Weekend!

This Mother's Day weekend was my idea of perfect. It may seem a little unconventional to some, but for me at this point in my life, it was great. David took my two little boys to the coast for the annual Father and Son's outing. So, with Abby and Alex (who could not go because he was swimming in league championships) in school - I had all day Friday to myself! Yeah!!! I went to the mall. It took me a while to figure out what I was doing though. I'm so used to stopping by some snack spot to get something to bribe Josh and then hurrying to get the needed purchases while making sure Josh (who feels that he is way too big for any type of stroller by the way) does not pull clothes from racks, or escape the store before he begins to whine that he wants to go home. Anyway, I was actually able to take my time and shop and actually try things on before buying. I then treated myself to In-n-Out, fun! That evening I went to watch Alex swim in the WYL league championships - his school came in 2nd in the league. Saturday I got to spend time with my brother Jonathon and his son Lance. We all took my mom out to a late lunch at our favorite Mexican Restaurant - and then I just hung out and relaxed and watched some "chick flicks". Sunday morning Abby and Alex fixed me breakfast, and David and the little boys got home in time for David to go to church with me and then they took care of dinner! It has been so long that I have had time away from the little boys, that it was really relaxing to just be able to come and go as I pleased and not have to worry about chasing boys or cooking! I was glad when they came home - it's just not the same without my whole gang around!

Prom

Well, I lived through another prom. I actually thought that it was going to be easier with Alex then it was with Michelle - you know that whole girl vs. boy thing. Well, you may not have to spend the time picking out the right "modest" dress, shoes, getting the hair and nails done and all headaches that go along with it, but.... teenage boys being who they are provide a whole other headache! Being that they are male, and in our case a little brain dead at times, trying to get him to fill us in on where, when and how this date was going to take place and how he was going to pay for things and how much it was going to cost was trying. His group (five couples) did decide to have myself and another mom have a dinner for them. That was really fun - great to see all these terrific kids all dressed up and so excited. But, the irony of the whole "prom hype" is that the dance starts at 9:00pm and they left the dance at 11:15! They spend so much time planning, preparing and primping for a formal dance that they only stayed at for 2 hours and 15 minutes. But, being the proud mom that I am, I do have to admit that my son looked quite handsome and
his sweet date Megan looked beautiful.

Blogging Handicapped!

Okay, I admitting it! I am totally handicapped when it comes to my blog. I have suspected it all along, but this morning it has been confirmed! I was checking out several friends blogs, and when doing so was greeted by music - their favorite music! I told myslef - "Ginny, you can do that to your blog - try it". So...I tried...searched...read...failed! It has confirmed what I already knew but was afraid to admit - only those under 30 can figure these things out. Not those of us who went to high school before the invention of the personal computer or the internet! I give up...for now...I will probably have to get Alex to help me (Ben could probably even figure it out)! Oh, by the way....how do you put a custom background in there? Can't figure out how to do anything but use the template! I know....loooossser!

Way To Go Alex!

Just taking a minute to brag about my boy! His his high school swim team swam against their #1 nemesis - El Diamante on Thursday. There is one kid in particular who has been a thorn in Alex's side in both swimming and water polo. This swimmer from El D is a very good swimmer and polo player, but also extremely arrogant and very full of himself and loves to flaunt his superiority in Alex's face as well as the other Redwood swimmers / players. Alex found out earlier in the week that he was possibly going to compete in the 100m backstroke against this kid. He wanted so badly to beat him - but in the past has psyched himself out and not done as well as he wanted to. Well, Thursday - Alex took 1st place in the 100m back and beat that kid -

El D's best backstroker. He has been floating on cloud 9 since! Who'd of thought that the kid thatwas called "floater" as a freshman would end up doing so well.

A Mom's Worries!

This is for any or all of us who have children that may not be perfect. I was recently talking with a friend of mine and we were commiserating on the stress and worry we feel as mom's when our kids may not do, say, act the way we want them to (especially when we are not there with them). Or when they choose to do something we don't agree with. It is so hard when you have a kid that is so great, and you know of their fantastic attributes, their loving ways, their inner faith and their love for their family and what a terrific person this kid is yet others may not see it. And, there are times when during your everyday activities and encounters you may hear someone talking negatively about this child that you love so dearly - and it is clear that they do not know this child but feel necessary to criticize - not only the child - but often the parents. And very often comments and conversations like this very often get back to the child or parents, and it is very hurtful. I do have to admit that there have been times in my life when I have been critical of children or teens that I have come in contact with. I have realized as I have gotten older though that old saying is true, "you can't always judge a book by it's cover". We don't know what goes on in peoples lives or in their homes. We cannot make assumptions and judgements based on our little "snapshot" into someones life. And, for all of you who have felt the sharp sting of criticism directed toward a child that you love and hold precious - just remember that those that truly love you and love your children are the one's that count. Do not listen to or take heed to what other un-informed individuals my have to say! Just keep loving and teaching you children the best way you can. In our life - we know that the best way to do this is to help them learn the ways of Jesus Christ and to strive to be like him and to stay close to the Gospel, and keep them involved in the church and with good friends and activities.

Anyone want a 3 year old - cheap!!!

Disclaimer - If you don't want to read "potty" talk, just skip to next paragraph! Well, I thought that we had Josh all potty-trained ... I was soooo wrong. I think he is just messing with my mind. He went 3 weeks with no accidents and then he pooped in his pull-up and informed me he did it because he did not want to be a big boy anymore. I have tried rewards, bribery, logic, schemes, threats, and swats NOTHING is working. I'm sure he knows he is in control and he LOVES it!!! You would think that with 4 other kids that have learned successfully how to use the toilet as well as being an older, more experienced mom that I would know what I was doing. Wrong! Our tactic this week is Tae Kwon Do - he wants to go with his brothers, and we told him that if he could once he wore only big boy underwear. We'll see if this works!

Well, enough of that...

I am still sporting many different hats - sometimes all in the same day! Because of this I am feeling somewhat overwhelmed - but life is good and I am happy to be where I am in my life. David and I are trying really hard to get into shape. We have started walking. We are doing 2-4 miles 5 days a week. I am feeling much better - it is true what they say about it helping your state of mind! It is really such a stress reliever. Now, any hints to help with sore muscles?

Speaking of stress...My adorable Michelle and Andy decided to play an Aprils Fool joke on David my mom and I. They sent us an email of an ultrasound picture with an announcement that they were expecting and due in October. Because I have never been a real "April fools" joker - I took it seriously and got myself all worked up. I do want to be a grandma - just not yet. She was sure that we would know she was joking because we have talk with them so much about their plans. They want to wait until Michelle graduates. We determined that she definitely has her dad's warped sense of humor and that my mom and I really are gullible.

Abby is busy this week with Choir stuff at her school. She has also been accepted into Redwood High School's choir. She is excited. She is also anxious to play summer water polo and then be on the JV team when school starts. I can't believe she is going into high school!

Alex is doing great with his swimming this year! Last week he improved his time in all his races. Today they swim against the "evil" El Diamante Miners. It is always their goal to beat this team because all the schools really have a vendeta against this team. He is competing against a kid that is so arogant and he really wants to beat him. He has been working really hard this week to improve his technique. I will try to get some good pictures and post them.

Ben just turned 10 last week. Now all but Josh are in double digits! Imagine that. He is excited to be a Webelo Scout. I am his leader so that is really fun. He is anxious to take some friends to Adventure Park this weekend. He is just a great companion!

I am excited for General Conference this weekend. What a great thing that on Saturday morning we will get to sustain a new President of the Church. I read that this is only the 15th time in church history that has taken place. I love listening to the words of our leaders. It is like a shot in the arm of strength to help me get through whatever may come up in my life.

Yeah! Kids Went Back to School!

Today is a good day - everyone is back to school after spring break. I was really looking forward to the break this year, and we did have a good time off - but man, am I glad to get back on schedule. I don't know what I'm going to do this summer. I thought that the toughest part would be trying to keep up with the big kids and what they wanted to do and where they wanted to go. Boy, was I wrong!!! The hardest part was dealing with Josh. He just does not get that he is much younger than everyone else, and he can not just come and go as the others do! I was surrounded by teenage boys for most of the time. My nephew Ted came up for a visit, and then he Alex and several friends deceided to build a fort - so I had about 5-7 big "man-boys" in and out for a couple of days. That was when the fun started. Every time kids came in or went out, Josh would pitch a fit because he couldn't go with them and then the dog would bark at every entrance or exit! Chaos is the only word I can think of. I am also in need of re-stocking my pantry! I am thankful that of all the things that these guys could have been up to - they found it fun to build a fort! What a blessing to have good kids.

Happy Easter!

Well, spring is here and with it comes the beautiful weather that I love! This is my favorite time of the year - the warmer days and still cool evenings! It just doesn't last long enough - all too soon the heat will be upon us.

Life at the zoo continues to be crazy. Alex is busy with swim season - his times are already much faster than last season. Abby is getting ready for her 8th grade dance and all the festivities that go along with it... Ben is excited for his birthday next week...he will be in double digits. And the most exciting news is that it looks like Josh is finally potty-trained!!! Yeah!!! Michelle and Andy are doing well up at school and loving married life!

I'm busy with the preparations for girls camp. I am the Stake Beehive Camp Director - so we are well underway with our plans. I love girls camp and I am so excited to be able to work with the girls again this year. I'm just sad that we won't have our awesome older girls with us.

I hope everybody has a terrific Easter! My love to all.

Welcome to my Blog!

Hi Everyone!
I'm tying to keep up with the times. I thought this would be a great way to keep our friends and family up to speed with all that is going on in our crazy family. That is why I named our blog the Alviso Zoo! Dave and I are still just trying to keep up with everyone's activities.

Michelle and Andy are young, cute, and in love. What more could anyone ask for. They are busy with school and work. They are anxiously waiting for warmer weather in Idaho. They are having fun adjusting to married life. Michelle loves being married and fixing up their apartment and cooking and baking.

Alex is busy as usual with Seminary, school, swimming, Tae Kwon Do and church activities. He had his first swim meet of the season last week, and started off pretty well. His times have dropped significantly since last year. He is working with his Tae Kwon Do Master, Andy Carmona on his 3rd degree black belt.

Abby is our adorable little social butterfly. She has tons of friends and loves them all. She is finishing up her 8th grade year. She is babysitting a lot and is in very high demand.

Ben is loving 4th grade and being a cub scout. He is such a sweet, even tempered kid - what a joy. He loves spending time with his dad and big brother Alex.

Joshua is keeping my busier than ever. I've never had a 3 1/2 year old quite like him - which I think comes from being around teenagers so much - they are his best friends.

David is now teaching adult school one night a week on top of his job at the prison. I am busy with my callings as a Webelo Leader and Stake Camp Director. I am also the Secretary of the Redwood Aquatics Boosters which is getting busy again with the start of swim season. I love being at the pool though - it's such a great group of kids and parents that I get to work with.

I hope to update my blog weekly and I am trying to figure out how to add pictures! I'll probably have to ask the kids!