Birthday Party on the beach for our one-year-old friend, Gianni

As always, summer is just flying by. I had planned a schedule that I was going to follow. I had lofty goals of home-school-like morning sessions, and personal goals like working out daily, reading a novel, blogging once a week….nope. But, it is not because I am at home sitting around and being mopey. I mean sure, keeping up a house with two babies and a very active 6-year-old, and a hubby who likes to eat and then leave his dishes can sure add up and take time, but we have been doing stuff. Sea World trips, a day trip to Corona Del Mar (amazingly beautiful beach! Wow!), the Orange County Swap Meet, day trips to our own beaches in Oceanside, swimming in the inflatable pool in our back yard, family trips to the park, pizza dinners at Wings, Pizza and Things, a family reunion in Mission Viejo, fellowship group once a week, barbeques at friend’s houses, birthday parties on the beach, and even a “Gender Reveal” party (My very first one. Great idea!).

My babies had a play date with baby Kloe

Today I actually had planned a down day to hang out the house because I’m just exhausted being out all the time. Of course, given we were home and so that made time to get the oil changed and squeeze in a trip to the grocery store so again, no down time.

But throughout these busy days, there have been some little treasurable moments I must record.

recreation of the pyramid we did in 1995 with all the cousins. We are missing a few here.

Jameson– He learned the word “people” one day and the next day “lost”…..While at the family reunion, I changed his diaper in the bathroom and he told me all out the “Pepo” outside and how much he likes his cousin Peyton. Then he said, “Peyton is my people. He is MY Peyton.” Then on the way home, he dropped his flip-flop on the floor of the car and cried out, “I lost it. Oh no my flip-flop! I lost it!”

Now for the new generations of cousins to do a pyramid. The third cousins (the children of the cousins).

Benjamin– He learned how to walk finally. He took his first steps on the 4th of July at the Davis’s barbecue. My friend, Carmen Gonzales got to witness it with me. Since then, he has gradually increased his steps. I’ve seen him now take as much as 9 steps before falling. And he is so proud of himself. He gets this adorable look on his face when he makes eye contact with me while he is walking. His eyes twinkle and his little lips purse with a hint of a smirk.

Kanan and Jameson, snuggling on the couch.

Kanan—He has grown up so much. He has become so much more helpful. I have been working hard at pouring into him scripture that teaches him how to love like Jesus. It actually inspired me to write a children’s book on it which has also taken up some of my nights as I am both writing and illustrating it. But with those talks, we talk about helping his brothers, helping me, using positive, encouraging words with his siblings, and showing compassion when they cry. Today—while frustrated at Walmart, waiting for our car to get its oil changed, I watched Kanan doing something to  Benjamin and there was water on his hands. I immediately suspected trouble. “What are you doing, Kanan?” I asked in a tone that suggested, he was in trouble. “I’m washing the boogers off his face,” he said with a genuine, loving smile. Ugh! I was so moved. A year ago, that would have never happened. Kanan would never care to touch something as icky as boogers.

Jameson and Benjamin, playing with Dad (My Owen)

Owen– Even though he has been working like crazy, I’ve been able to have some blessed moments with him. When we got back from Utah, I got to watch him win an award from the Mayor of Oceanside for best business of the month. The man who introduced him, spoke so highly of Owen and the business–basically saying that Owen and his business, was the future. It was so awesome to see my husband valued and praised in front of so many because I know that he deserves it. That man works hard! I also have been able to hang out with him in his office while he worked and I worked on my book. The day before yesterday, he even washed my car for me.

So now I have four weeks left, counting this week. I will continue to try to soak up every minute with joy before I return to work on August 9th. We start with tomorrow–little Benjamin’s first birthday. We will celebrate this weekend. Can’t wait to put a little party hat on his chubby head.