Nana Carol and Papa Jim

Every time the boys go to Sean's in Riverside, they get to spend time with Nana Carol and Papa Jim. They live near Joshua Tree. They usually bring the boys home to us, but this time we met them up there instead. Nana Carol works at an animal rescue and let us hang out at the ranch and play with the horses. Some of them were abused, and all except one were friendly and let us pet them. They had one goat, 4 dogs, and a donkey. The donkey had the best personality of all of them. Steveo is a true animal lover. He was gentle with them, and had a lot of fun. Unfortunately, his allergies acted up. Other than that is was so much. I cant wait to do it again. This time we will bring Nick along. (he was staying the night with friends)

grateful

Ive never met another soul that is so giving, so loving, and guarded at the same time. Sometimes he holds back his emotions, the way boys sometimes do. I want to always be there to guard his heart and cushion all the blows that life will throw his way. He is wise beyond his years. He is beautiful inside and out. He is thoughtful, he writes me letters, and hugs me when I least expect it. I hope he stays this way forever, but know how cruel life can be. I want him to be strong, I want him to be happy, and do the right thing. I dont ever want him to lose sight of who he is.
I am so truly grateful to have my sons.

Post Holiday 2009 Pics

Baking and Gingerbread houses

"domestic goddess"

Some may be surprised that with all the talent I possess, I cannot cook or bake. Luckily for my boys, there soon to be step-father is a wonderful cook and loves to bake. Steveo has taken an interest in this. He is always asking me to whip up some tofu and rice like Tom does, or make a chicken-rice-cheese quesidilla the way Tom does. So when this happens and Tom is not here, we make do with Del Taco or microwaved Chicken Nuggets. Now baking is, WAY OUT OF MY LEAGUE. There was nothing I could offer Steveo to satisfy his baking interest. So yesterday, after making the club house, Steveo and Tom baked there little hearts out. They baked the yummiest cookies, I helped him make a gingerbread house that we gave to grandma as a gift. And Steveo (and I think Tom) learned lessons in patience. Steveo wanted the cookies NOW, and Tom had to patiently explain (over and over) that baking takes time. So while the boys were baking, I took some photos. Precious.

Other than cooking, I AM a domestic goddess, just had to throw that out there!!!

Welcome to Steveos Club house

We used every throw pillow in the house, Charlie even got inside. It was pretty cozy until you try to sit up. We had fun anyway.

December 18th 2009

8 years ago, I gave birth to Steveo. I cried, Sean cried, my mom cried. It was one of the best days of my life. The joy that he brings me is infinite. He amazes me daily with his wit and sarcasm. He has my dark sense of humor, his brothers fearlessness, and I'd like to believe he learned sarcasm from the king (Tom) He is truly an old soul.

Happy Birthday Steveo, mommy loves you more than you know.

I dont mean to brag, but...

This IS the 3rd year in a row that Steveo got student of the month!!!!!! He chose Panda Express for dinner. I told him how proud I am of him, I hope he stays motivated. I had his parent teacher conference today, and he is in the highest reading and Math group. She wants to test him for G.A.T.E classes. I forgot what the gate stands for, but I know its for the very smart, and in Steveos case, extremely gifted, artistic, creative, funny, and just plain sweet kids in his school.

So Congratulations Steveo, I hope you read this one day, and remember how much I love, adore, and cherish you. I am a proud mom, honored to be able to call him and Nick my sons. Not a day goes by that Im not grateful for having healthy, happy boys.