'Uncle' Jose

Today has been an awful day. I got a call early this morning saying, a childhood friend of mine was killed in a car accident. Since I hung up the phone this morning, my heart has been filled with hurt. Jose was 32 years old and though he didn’t have the easiest life, he was one of the sweetest and most loving guys I've ever known.

Jose and his sister Kim lived in the house next door to me and we've known each other since early childhood. Our parents still live in the same houses we grew up in. From the time I was old enough to play, all of us were playing together outside or into something. If I wasn’t at their house, they were at my house. We spent many summer days in the backyard playing in the sprinkler or on the slip and slide. Back then, life was easy. We had no worries and were able to just be kids! We were not perfect kids by any stretch of the word but we all got along and were like family.

When I spoke to Kim early this morning, there wasn't much talking; she told me the horrible news and we just cried together for about 15 minutes, not saying one word. Kim and I have always been very close, she has been there for every major milestone in my life. Kim and Jose both adore Zoe, and have watched her grow up. Not long ago, Jose was here visiting, he was great with Zoe and loved her very much. They had an instant connection, and it was amazing to see them interact.

Jose has had a pretty rough adult life. He veered off course a little and had some personal struggles, but that didn’t stop anyone from loving him to the fullest. He was one of the funniest people I knew, and always made me and everyone else around him laugh.

We are heartbroken. We love you ‘Uncle’ Jose and you will be missed dearly!

Sunday

In this house, there is no such thing as sitting around and relaxing. That went out the door about 6 months ago when we took in two ACTIVE 3 year old boys. People always ask us, “How do you do it?” The truth is I don’t have an answer. I just try and keep the kids busy. Sitting around the house just doesn’t work. All three kids are very active and have too much energy to just sit around. We have to keep things moving around here.

This morning, Zoe and I snuck out to get some grocery shopping done. But first, we stopped for breakfast at Dunkin Donuts. Zoe got her favorite – sesame bagel with cream cheese. We can’t go to Dunkin Donuts without the girls behind the counter giving Zoe a few munchkins. As soon as they see her coming, they grab a few and hand them to her. That is always a perk in Zoe's eyes!

On our way home from the grocery store Zoe says, “Mommy, can we go to the pool today?” My answer was, “YES!” That was the perfect plan. We got home, put the food away, and got the kids swim suits on. They were beyond excited. I think all three of them are part fish. They love going to the pool.

We typically make Sunday, the day we eat outdoors (weather permitting). The kids ride their bikes or scooters and we throw something on the grill. It’s usually our family day!

Jaylyn's 2nd B-day

I think the pictures say more than enough…
We had a BLAST!!!

Shelli (Clifford) was a good sport --- HA!!

Potty Training

I never thought we would get to the point where we would stop buying diapers. I’m proud to announce the boys are out of diapers and in BIG boy underwear. The only time they use pull-ups are at night. They even go to school in BIG boy underwear. This is huge for them! Having boys is so different, and having TWIN boys is even crazier. I never in a million years thought we’d have three kids nonetheless, TWINS!! That just adds a whole other element to the mix.

It’s been almost 6 months the boys have been with us. When I look back at the first couple weeks, I can’t believe these are the same boys that came through our door on that cold February night. They were scared, cold, tired, unable to communicate, and had no clue what was going on. The first night, Luis fell asleep on Shelli after crying himself to sleep. They’ve overcome so much in such a short period of time. I don’t want to get into too much because the boys that came here in February are not the same boys we have today. They have come so far and I’m so proud of them. Seeing just how far they’ve come helps Shelli and I get through the days that are not so pleasant. Raising someone else’s children is not an easy task. Shelli and I had to re-program our life to fit in two little boys who needed extra attention through this journey. In essence, it was like having two 1 ½ year old boys.

Zoe loves having the boys here. We told her we are helping the boys parents by taking care of the boys while their mommy and daddy can get on their feet. Zoe loves the constant playmates but we worry about how this will affect her when they go home. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions for all of us. We try to make the best of each day. Having a big family is great however; I’d be lying to say I’m not exhausted! This is the most selfless thing we’ve ever done. Would I do it again? YES!

Jax

For the next couple Wednesday’s, Zoe and I, will be helping out some friends by watching their sweet Jax. He’s 8 weeks old and sweet as pie.

With a house full of tots running around for almost 6 months, having Jax is so different. I don’t know the last time there was an infant in the house. It sure makes me miss having a baby around. The boys were at school all day so it was pretty quiet around here. Zoe was a fantastic help. She is crazy about babies and loves to lend a helping hand.

It’s been four years since I’ve last made a bottle. CRAZY! Where does the time go? I forgot how much ‘stuff’ we had when Zoe was a baby -- swings, bouncy chairs, toys, baby gates, bottles, pacifiers, bibs, blankets, burp rags, etc. Having Jax here brought back all those fond memories.

Zoe didn’t even want to take a nap today because she thought she was going to miss something. I guess I can’t blame her. Having a baby in the house is very exciting. We had lots of fun and can’t wait to see him again next week!

Lunch

Lunch with Shawn today....

Home

We made it home safe and sound! The kids did great considering we were in the car almost 8 hours. The drive home was heavenly. The wind was cool and the kids napped for a few hours.

We spent 10 days in North Carolina and when it was time to come home, the kids wanted to stay-They wanted to stay all summer! We did lots of fun summer things. We didn’t have a ‘schedule’ and I think that is what made it all the more fun. We just got up and did what we felt like doing for the day.

When the boys came to us back in February, they were petrified of animals. They would scream at the top of their lungs every time they saw a dog, cat, or any other animal. While we were at Nana’s, we not only had our two dogs but, Nana has a dog and a cat, and my niece has two HUGE dogs. The kids are still unsure about the big dogs but, they have come a long way. I’m so proud of just how far Luis and Christian have come. It’s amazing to see them bloom into curious and adventurous little boys. Words cannot describe just how far they’ve come in almost 6 months. Has it been a lot of work? YES! I’ll be the first to admit that three kids under the age of four is a ton of work.

I’m happy we were able to go on summer vacation together and do all the fun summer things I grew up doing. We don’t know what the future holds but for now, we are making the best of it and enjoying time as a family of five. Sure we have our share of bad days but, we also have lots of excellent days! We had a great time and now it’s back to routine.

Photos

I found these pictures on Nana's computer and couldn't help myself... I had to post them!!!

Our Baby
~2 years old~

Family BBQ

I think the kids spent most of their summer vacation outside. If they were not playing in the pool, they were digging in the dirt, eating popsicles, or the kids all time favorite past time; shucking corn on the cob for Nana. We had a true summer vacation in every sense of the word.

This afternoon my Aunt Sandra, my cousin Tonya, and Tonya’s kids came up for a BBQ. It was so great to see them. It’s been a few years since we’ve last seen each other, so we were way over due for a visit. The kids played hard and enjoyed time together. The boys played ball with James and Zoe and Lilly were inseparable! The day wound down, and after baths and showers, it was bed time. As Lori was tucking Zoe into bed, Zoe said, “Mommy, I love my family sooooo much!”

Nana/Boys

Before we even got to Nana’s house, Zoe was determined to have a Nana/Zoe day. She had big plans to spend one whole day with Nana and do ‘girl stuff’. Today was that day and Zoe couldn’t have been more excited! She told the boys as soon as she woke up that it was her day with Nana which meant – THEY WERE NOT INVITED! Zoe and Nana spent the entire afternoon out and about shopping, sight seeing, and just being together. Nana even took Zoe to see Ms. Sharon to get her hair done. She doesn’t mind sharing her Nana with the boys or anyone else for that matter but, alone time with ‘her’ Nana means the world to her. It's their special time together!

For dinner, Shelli, the boys, and I went to Golden Coral. We ALL ate entirely too much. From the buffet, to the warm yeast rolls, to the ice cream, the four of us were so full we could hardly move. Luis’s favorite was the fried okra and Christian loved the fried chicken. It wasn’t a healthy meal but we had a good time hanging out with the boys. I think they said 'Hi' to everyone there at least four times. They were having a good time!

When we got back, I did something I’d never done before in my life, I let Shelli take me for a ride on our friend’s motorcycle. I was super impressed that A) Shelli knew how to ride a motorcycle, and, B) How much I enjoyed it! You only live once, right?

Homeplace

The kids had the time of their life tonight. Our friends own a ‘camper’ at a local campground and we went over this evening for dinner. The original plan was go swimming in the BIG BIG pool but for some reason it wasn’t open. The next best thing (to get their minds off of the pool) was a ride on the golf cart. Lisa loaded the kids up in her cart and Shelli and I jumped in the other cart and followed them through the park and trails. The kids thought it was super cool and enjoyed every second of it.

By the time we looked at the clock, it was after 9pm. The kids were in mini-meltdown mode and it was time to pack up the car and head back to Nana’s house. We all had a fantastic time. Nothing better than the outdoors, good food, and great friends!

Lazy 5 Ranch

This morning we woke up and took a mini road-trip. We took the kids to Lazy 5 Ranch. It’s about an hour and half from Nana’s house. I had wanted to take Zoe there the last few times we were here visiting but never got around to doing it, I’m sure glad we went!

I don’t think Shelli and I have ever laughed so much in our life. This place was so cool. Once you pull in, you stop at this little hut where you pay and pick up your bucket of feed. When you get your feed, you enter the ranch and you’re on your own. It’s about three miles of free roaming animals. The only rules were STAY IN YOUR CAR! We started off slow and unsure. I for one am not a fan of the ostrich. Shelli’s first encounter with the ostrich was hilarious. We had no idea the best method to feed the animals so Shelli decided to let this crazy bird eat out of the bucket; probably not the best method. Once he got his beak on the food, he wouldn’t get his head out of the car. We had no idea what we were going to do; all I could do was LAUGH as Shelli was trying to get the window up without getting the birds head stuck. We were laughing hysterically as the bird had his skinny neck on the outside of the window with his head inside. Once we got the bird on his way, and decided we should hand feed the animals, we rolled the windows back down and let the kids start feeding the other animals, while we kept an eye out for the ostrich’s.

Zoe and Christian were hanging out the window the whole time. Luis, enjoyed seeing the animals but would not touch or feed any of them. It never failed as we were all turned around looking out Shelli’s window at whatever animal happened to be ‘visiting’, one would sneak up on my side and scare me half to death. I would feel hot air on my neck and jump half out of my seat to find it was a llama wanting a snack. Shelli and the kids would laugh and we’d keep going. We saw buffalo, zebras, cattle, sheep, giraffe, goats, cows, deer, and horses.

We had so much fun. I’m glad we were able to take the kids. I’m not sure who had more fun, the kids or their parents!

http://www.lazy5ranch.com/