Happy 3rd Birthday Cruz!

Happy Birthday to my baby, Christian Cruz Padron! I don't know what happens to a mother's mind & memory, but I honestly don't know where 3 whole years have gone. I love how much you love me...and I love you back twice as much. Your baby snuggles are THE best. Your kisses are THE sweetest. And I melt when you tell people your name is "Mommy's Baby." I know you are growing up to be a big boy, but for now, I'm enjoying every last baby moment!

God dearly prizes & loves you...

Just going back through some notes I took at church this week. So many poignant thoughts I want to remember.

You are a beloved child of God. He loves you with a sacrificial love that is pure & fruitful. We are to walk in love the way Christ loved us, but if we aren't understanding the height, depth, length & breadth of his love, we won't be able to mimic and share it with the world. It's a radical love that allows us to love the unlovable. It is intentionally cultivated and produces fruit that is good, right & true. It is agape love...a love that gives what is needed, but not always what is wanted.

I am so humbled when I think about the fact that God loves me just the way I am. I am so thankful to be forgiven. I am so grateful to be a part of a church that is teaching me how much God loves me.

Icemagedon 2013

Bless our sweet little southern hearts. We just don't know what to do when the weather is cold & icey! 

They are calling today "Icemagedon 2013." 

Government offices, schools and businesses are closed.

Power is out across the metroplex.

Trees that still had their Fall leaves have grown heavy, split and fallen down.

Yes, I am worried about us surviving...but only because the boys are bouncing off the walls with cabin fever and I am ready for the men in the white jackets to knock on my door to haul me off to the funny farm! 

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree 2013

Since the great icemagedon of 2013 have us all cooped at home today, we decided to be productive and put up the Christmas tree. We usually have it done the weekend after Thanksgiving, but this year we were running a bit behind. 

I' glad I got this one smiling picture of Noah because he has been a major TOOT today. Bless his heart, he's been in time out, grounded to his room and spanked more times than I can count. I think the ice must have his ears clogged because he is not obeying and being downright defiant.

Luke has been so helpful! He's had a great time putting the ornaments on the tree and is learning to be a real peacemaker who comes up with solutions & ways for everyone to get along. 

This was the first year that Cruzie really got in to decorating. His favorite part was eating...er, I mean hanging... the candy canes on the tree!

The obligatory Christmas picture. It makes me giggle for so many reasons. Mainly because it truly does capture the moment of today!

Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar...

...not me...couldn't be! 

 Gumdrop stole the cookie from the cookie Jar! 

Silly Gumdrop must have heard Noah inquiring if he got hungry when flying home to the North Pole each night. Noah wasn't sure if he would have time to rest or eat when making his report to Santa. I guess now we know!

Gumdrop Returns 2013!

We had begun to wonder whether gumdrop would return this year or not. Last year he appeared the weekend after Thanksgiving. This year, he took just a bit longer to make his annual grand entrance. 

With a clever poem, he reminded the boys of the rules: 

#1 - He can't talk to them with his voice

#2 - They can't touch him or he will lose his magical abilities to fly back to the North Pole each night.

This year, Gumdrop wants the boys to focus on serving others & being generous. 

To help them get started, he left an empty box they are to fill with their old toys to donate to boys & girls who are less fortunate. 

The boys were so happy to see Gumdrop! All three belted out Santa Claus is coming to TOWN!!! 

New Tradition - Watkins Turkey Trot!

On Thanksgiving Day morning, Luke & I participated in Watkins Elementary's First Annual Turkey Trot!

Yes, you can call us crazy...for a number of reasons. Maybe because we were running in 30 degree weather...maybe because we did it on what is arguably a mother's busiest day of cooking the entire year...maybe because of the crochet turkey hats we wore! 

Luke met up with some of his buddies from school to run in the one mile fun run. 

I was so proud of Luke for coming in 7th over all! 

Next year, the turkey trot is sure to be even bigger and more fun. We both decided we want to go back...and maybe even get Daddy & the little boys involved. 

Thanksgiving Week Crafts

After the first day of sleeping in on Thanksgiving break, the boredom set in. I must have heard, "Mom.....I'm BORED!" about a thousand times. So, when I was at the craft store buying yarn and saw Thanksgiving crafts 40% off, I didn't hesitate to pick some up! 

We made turkeys, foxes & owl puppets with glitter peel & stick pieces. 

And, after chasing the boys away from my "nice" bead collection, I decided to get them their own set of beads. Yes, boys like to string beads too! 

 

We also continued our annual tradition of Thankful Hands. 

Each boy traced their hands on colored construction paper and wrote what they were thankful for. 

 When I take these hand prints down, I file them away in my box of special things as keepsakes. I love looking back at how much their hands  have grown & what their little hearts were thankful for that year. 

Cruz's First Music Program at LAP

2013 - Learning Academy Preschool

Music Program

2 Years Old

All dressed up and ready to perform a medley of 5 Little Ducks (went quack, quack, quack), Twinkle Twinkle Little "Me" and God Created Seven Days.  

The grand finale with all the school was Thank You Lord for Making Me (clap, clap, clap, stomp, stomp stomp).

These funny little faces make my heart smile!

Every moment is our family's "last" since Cruz is the baby. They are so bittersweet and we are treasuring every one!