Stubbed Toe

Today was our first cold day of autumn, and while I was gone running errands today, Marina stubbed her toe . She ran out the door to greet her daddy and stubbed it on the driveway. It's got a good chunk of skin peeled back. I feel for her. It reminds me of the times, many times, that I stubbed my toes when I was a kid. Pretty much every summer it would happen--either riding my bike or just running around. Stubbed toes and summer go together. Marina is worse than April or Veronica about this kind of thing. You'd think her foot fell off. Veronica would get upset, April needed a cane or an ace bandage for everything, and Marina looses it and can't walk, or worse, is going to die. Taking a shower was a whole lot of fun. It about wore her out. She hasn't been to bed so early in a long time. I'm not happy about spending the second night on the couch because I snore and Dave can't get to sleep. Time to make some changes, I guess.

Sweet Sundays

Today I'm grateful that Veronica is feeling better after being sick for 11 days with a kidney infection. She also had a urinary tract infection and an ovarian cyst burst at the same time. She is looking forward to getting back to school. Now we just need to concentrate on April. Lastnight she starting feeling congested and having body aches. She seemed to be feeling a little better today. Marina and I got to take a walk to Bohn school with Kahlua. It was a little hotter than I had imagined, but a lot of fun. Swinging with her is one of my most favorite things to do. The best part is when you close your eyes and lean back as far as you can. Veronica has been bugging me to get out of the house for a couple of days now, so Marina, Veronica and I went to Target to get a few things we needed. All-in-all it was a pretty relaxing day that went by way to fast.

Very Busy Day

Wow, today was crazy. Took Marina to school; came home picked up Veronica and went to our dermatologist appointments in Manteca; while in Manteca witnessed officers running with guns drawn at the Bank of America where two guys had just robbed the bank; went to doctor's appointment for Veronica's back pain; took perscriptions to pharmacy; went to lab to have Veronica's blood drawn; went home and sat down for 5 minutes and fell asleep; frantically woke up and picked up Marina; went to the high school and picked up April; went home to get Marina's flip flops and some water; went to store for food supplies and perscription; came home and unloaded groceries; started dinner (Chicken Wraps, yum!), went to bank and got some cash for April; took April to Ganje's house to celebrate Ganje's b-day, came home to finish cooking dinner; ate yummy Chicken Wraps, sat down with Dave, Marina and April to watch Houdini, read to Marina; put Marina in bed; and here I finally am at my computer. Whew! I'm exhausted. I'm so glad it's a three day weekend. Yippee!

Good Friend

Had a great time visiting with Michelle today. What a very lovely person. I love seeing her face light up when she talks about Alex. I'm looking forward to seeing her more and taking the girls over for a visit. Life is too short. Marina had dance today and Veronica was able to see her do her thing. I love to watch Veronica's excitement when she's watching her little sister. April, Dave and I had our first night of Community Choir. It was a lot of fun. We practiced a latin song. This will be interesting and fun. Veronica really hurt her back tonight. BLess her heart. I pray she's o.k.

The Big Bad Musical

April was Little Red Riding Hood in The Big Bad Musical tonight. I'm so proud of her. She did a fantastic job.

Bethany Reservoir

Dave had to work a super long shift today, so we (April, Veronica, Marina and I) set out to find Bethany Reservoir. It was an overcast, windy day with light showers, but nevertheless, a beautiful day. We had lots of fun exploring the area, taking pictures, throwing rocks in the water, collecting clam shells and laughing.

1st Day of Swim Lessons for Marina

Marina had her 1st day of swim lessons today. She had a great time and is doing very well. We spent a little time in the outdoor pool, too. I love seeing her having so much fun. I can't help but remember the days when she said she would never take swim lessons. : )
I made my wonderful Amish Friendship bread yesterday, and man was it delicious. I passed the recipe on to Chris, my neighbor next door.
Veronica and April registered for school today. It's coming up pretty quick here. What a year this is going to be with April being a freshman and Veronica being a senior. I'm not looking forward to the new school year because I'm enjoying the summer vacation. We need to get to our Secret Beach real soon.

Sycamore Grove Park with Marina

Marina and I went to Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore to ride our bikes today (7/6/09). It was so much fun. What a special day! We started out with a bike ride. We went all the way to Arroyo Rd. and turned around and came back. We took a few pics along the way. Marina caught a few little fishies in a bucket we found and tossed them back, then she tossed some rocks and collected a few as well. When we went to the other side we spotted a few bigger fish and collected more rocks. After "just one more rock, mom" we went home with a bucket-full. I was so proud of her on her bike. You're a trooper, Marina. Next time we'll have to bring April, and maybe Veronica (if she'll come).

Golf Lesson for Dave

Today, July 3, Dave and I went out to the golf range so Dave could take a lesson. His instructor told him he was much better than he thought he was. I always have thought so, too. It was fun watching him and snapping a few shots. I got a nice, spicy Bloody Mary out of the deal then left him to play a few holes with his buddy, Dave. He had a great time.

April and Marina went with me to get some fireworks tonight in Manteca while Veronica had fun with Tiana and Desire. Wish I would have brought my camera to the firworks display. Those would have been some good shots. I'll get a picture of the stuff I bought and add it later. I've got to start remembering it wherever I go. Anything and everything I do has its place on my blog.

Evening Walk

Yesterday I went for a walk with April, Marina, Kahlua, and Monty. It was a beautiful evening to take a walk. We always have so much fun. Every time we go out it's like a new adventure with lots of singing, and being silly. I'm glad I brought my camera this time. I love walking with my girls. :D

Early Bike Ride

April and I got up a little earlier and went for a bike ride. It was much cooler than yesterday's 107 degrees. Our goal was to ride out to the mall and we did it. Way to go, A! You're a trooper. I love taking rides with my girls. Now I'm wishing I would have brought my camera. Hopefully, we can take another ride tomorrow, and I'll bring it then. I'm lucky to have the time with them. April has told me that she'll still ride with me when she's older and has her license or has a boyfriend with a car. : )

Veronica had work this afternoon and April had Drama Camp. They are doing the Big, Bad Musical this year.

April's Girl Scout troop tie-dyed shirts lastnight at Sue's house (April's Girl Scout Leader). We're making them for our trip to Disneyland on the 21st. April and I untied them and rinsed them out tonight, and they look so cool. It's really fun to see what you end up with. I want to do more tie-dying real soon. Marina's had a kit for a long time that we need to use. Now we need to get some pillow cases, more shirts, socks, panties, tablecloths, etc. Let's tie-dye everything.

April's Dance Recital

April's dance recital was on Sunday, June 28th, 2009. She was such a beautiful ballerina and danced like a star. Her natural ability for getting up in front of crowds and doing her thing is awesome. She tells me she doesn't get nervous. Our family really enjoyed all the performances put on by Tiffany Dance Academy, but I'd have to say, the Austin Powers performance was my second favorite. The faculty did a great job. It's such a wonderful feeling to see your child up on stage dancing with a huge smile on her face and having the time of her life. Very special!

Ouch! Sunburn!

Today, Saturday, we were sunburned pretty bad. The sun and the 104 degree heat-wave we had today felt miserable. Dave and I got up and went for a bike ride. We wanted to beat the heat. It was really nice. : ) I can't remember the last time I went on a bike ride with just Dave. We took advantage of the girls being asleep. I love my time with him.
Veronica had to say good-bye to her boyfriend, Dave, today. I feel so bad for her. It's hard to see her so sad. She had a great 16 days with him while he was on leave from the Army. Now he's going back to Washington, and hopefully, he'll get to come back once a month until he gets deployed towards the end of the year.
Today I handed out batches of some friendship bread to Zeke's (April's boyfriend) parents and Dave Reid's parents. It was tough. At one point I had the bread starter in the car...the mice we got for Monty, the snake, and fish for Daisy, the turtle. Since our AC wasn't working in the suburban, I had to carry all that stuff over to Zeke's house. All of them wouldn't last long in the 104 degree car. Thankfully, his family wasn't there, so we took them home. April, Marina, Dave and I watched Daisy enjoy a very good meal.

Del Valle Day With the Girls

Went to Del Valle on Friday. We packed some lunch, took blankets and were off for a day of "girl fun". We had a blast! There was hardly anyone there, and it was so peaceful. The water was just right, so we all went swimming first thing. Marina went back-and-forth on that lake non-stop. Back floating seems to be her favorite. We ate a little lunch then went swimming again. After that we went to the other side of the lake and rented a pedal boat. Everyone loved it except for Marina. We talked her into going up front to pedal which brought a little bit of a smile. Come to find out "Captain Marina" had a plan to take us back to the dock. We were ready to come back in after one hour of pedaling anyway. I pedaled the entire time. What a great day for Del Valle memories. Everything from going up there with my whole family to show Aunt Patsy when I was about 8; to Carratti Jeweler annual picnics; times with boyfriends; rainy day fun with Lisa Ising; lots of times with Dave and all of our friends; camping with our girls; and the last time for Jim's Celebration of Life camp-out. Lots of memories : ) Today... lots of sunburn.

Happy Party Day To Me

June 25th is really my party day, but I never seem to get on here to blog until after 12 midnight. My mom gave me this special day to celebrate my birthday because my b-day is on Christmas. Thanks Mom. It started out with Dave smiling by my bedside this morning. He gave me a really nice card with some spending money for clothes. From there I was pretty busy with going to the store, and coming home to get April's hair done for her recital dress rehearsal. She looked beautiful. I can't wait for her recital this Sunday. As soon as we got home, April had to go to choir practice. Dave was taxi-dad tonight. Thanks Dave. Veronica made me a delicious chocolate, cherry cake with sprinkles added by Marina. Dinner tonight was tamales, BBQ corn, and spanish rice. Yum.

Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson died today. Farrah died from anal cancer and Michael died from cardiac arrest. Charlies' Angels used to be one of my favorite shows. My family would all get together and watch it. Michael Jackson was such a talented guy. Too bad his life took a nosedive towards the end. The little Michael with Jackson Five was so cute. Rest in peace.

Starbucks Day

Started out the morning going to the orthodontist for April's and Veronica's routine check-ups. April found out today that she probably won't be getting her braces off until after school starts. : ( We kind of already knew that, but were being hopeful it was earlier. After the appointment we did our usual thing and treated ourselves to Starbucks. I'm glad we do that. It's one of those things the girls will always remember. We got home and kicked back. I got a little caught up on Life on Mars (I love that show). Made teriyaki, pork shish-ka-bobs for dinner, and everyone loved them. Around 12 midnight, Veronica went to get food for the cats and discovered a couple black widows under the steps to the hot tub. A couple turned into four. We killed those and went hunting for more. We found three more and killed them, too. Great hunting, Veronica. What a trooper.

Cutie

I woke up to the little bird chirping. That was cool that he survived the night. Marina and April and I took lots of pictures of him, and Marina named him, Cutie. Later in the day I put him outside in the front bushes because I didn't think he would survive in captivity, only to find him later on this evening in front of Rusty the cat barely breathing. Marina and I brought him in and gave him water and some food. He died in my hands moments after that. Marina and I had a few tears. She has such a big heart. It's sad. On a happier note...Veronica went to Santa Cruz with her boyfriend, Dave, and April went to her boyfriend's house, Zeke, to see his cute little kitten. Marina and I went to Barnes and Noble to get her free summer reading book and to sign her up for the Tracy Library summer reading program. She is quite the book worm.

Father's Day '09

Had a great day today kickin' back with Dave and the girls. Took a beautiful bike ride and stopped off at Java Makers on the way home. Marina rode her new bike that she just got yesterday for her 7th birthday party- great job on the bike Dave. We ventured out farther than usual and took the path with the high and low roads. Marina was a trooper. April loves to ride and will take the chance whenever it comes around. She swears she'll ride with me when she's older and busy with boyfriend stuff. Came home and took Veronica out with me on an errand to the Health Food store. I miss my time with her. Marina's comment of the day..."That's why I like being little, so you won't miss me."
I just saved a little sparrow from my cat, Rusty. He looks like he has a hurt wing, so I brought him in and set him up in our bathroom with some food and water. Hope you make it little guy.