Week in review

We made it through the first week of school!  The boys did great!  I have to get a picture...every morning Christian walks Ayden to the back of the school (where his classroom is) holding hands.  When school gets out they are walking holding hands to the car.  Its about the cutest thing I've ever seen.  I told them to hold hands because I was afraid that Ayden would walk through the crosswalk without stopping.  They really seemed to get the routine down in the first week.

I got a phone call from Ayden's teacher this afternoon.  She wanted to give us an update and let us know how the first week went.  She said that Ayden did great and is picking up the routine rather quickly.  She said that he's a little "handsy" meaning that he and the other boys can't keep their hands off one-another.  That doesn't surprise me :)  She was very understanding about it and said its completely normal for the boys and they they will work on that during the school year.  I asked her about nap time.  She said that some days he slept and some days he didn't but when he didn't he laid quietly on his mat.  That was great news!  I was truly concerned about how nap time would go and I was especially pleased that he slept even if it was only a day or two.

Christian's teacher seems great and I am looking forward to this year.  I think he will do great.

Cub Scouts started up again on Monday.  Christian loves scouts and since he's not particularly into sports at least he has an interest in scouting.  Dominic promised to be more involved this year and is hoping to have Christian's troop over to build tool boxes to help them earn a badge.  The popcorn fundraiser starts next month again.  We did great last year and still have some extra money to update his uniform for this year.

Mason and I had a great week together at home while the boys were at school.  We went shopping one day which worked out great.  Mason took almost 3 hour naps all week!  How wonderful that was!  I even had some time to read a book!  Its been a very long time since I've been able to read.

I'm anxious about this coming week and excited to see how it goes.

Great First Day!

Today was the first day of school!  Christian started 4th grade and Ayden started Pre-K.  It was a great day.  They got out of school early so we'll see how tomorrow goes though.

Ayden said that they played.  I asked if they had circle time, music time and story time and he said yes.  He ate breakfast and lunch at school.  I'm anxious to see how nap time goes.  He hasn't taken naps in way too long.  I know that once he gets into the routine of school he will do what everyone else is doing so we'll see.

Ayden LOVES his backpack!

Christian said that he met a friend named Ethan today.  He's new to the school this year.  Hopefully they will develop a good friendship.

Off to school!

Christian starts back at Cub Scouts tonight too!  Busy day!

Busy week

Whew its been busy but not too crazy.

Mason woke up at 2:30 am on Sunday morning screaming his head off.  It was the kind of scream that made me think someone was in his room.  He was scared which scared me.  I went in there and he was grabbing for me as I went to pick him up.  He must have had a nightmare or something.  I'm not sure.  He was warm but not so bad that I thought he had a fever.  I rocked him in the recliner until he fell back to sleep then put him back in bed.

In the morning he woke at 5:30 with a high fever.  We started with Tylenol and did the typical switch between that and Motrin every four hours.  His highest fever was 103.5.  I decided to see if we could make it thru the night and would take him in for a same day appointment at the clinic on Monday.  He didn't have an ear infection and his fever finally broke yesterday evening.  He was attached to my hip for 3 days!  Poor baby.  I know he didn't feel good but he's doing much better now.

Christian had a check up for his ADHD meds today.  He has a new doctor.  I really liked her.  She asked lots of questions and was very thorough.  I told her that I had a few concerns but that I wanted to start the school year on this medication with his new teacher so that I can compare the teachers thoughts on the matter.  We will go back in a month and might make a change at that point.

Tomorrow the boys have a dentist appointment in the morning then we have Meet-the-teacher night at the school in the evening.  Ayden is so excited about starting school.  He even knows his teachers name already!  School starts on Monday!  I might cry when we drop off the boys.  Its a huge thing to have two kids going to school.  I can't believe it.  

Christian's 9th birthday is Friday.  We are going to take Christian and Ayden to the local water park for part of the day and Mason is going to stay with a friend.  I'm looking forward to that.  We might do a special dinner and dessert that night.  Then on Saturday we are having Christian's party.  He wanted a pizza party this year.  We'll have some pizza and salad.  We will put up the big inflatable water slide for the kids to play on.  That's always a big hit.  

REAL Family Photos

Erica M Photography

ericamphotography.com

These are just a few of our favorites!

Macias Family Vacation - 2009

First off,  is anyone even reading this anymore?  I know, I know...its been FOREVER since I've posted.  Sorry!

Its been a busy and very eventful summer and I can't hardly believe that its almost over.  We started our vacation off by hitting the road and driving to California.  We gave ourselves too much time to get there so we added a night to our hotel and took the boys to the beach.  It was Ayden and Mason's first time to see the ocean.  I have missed seeing the ocean living in Texas.  Being from California, we were only a few hours from the ocean.  It would take us a whole day to drive to the ocean now.

We met up with some family in Anaheim and had a nice dinner together.  The next morning we hit Disneyland hard.  It was very exciting to be able to take the boys there and also to be able to share that experience with our family.  We rode lots of rides.  The boys loved it.  My sister who is very pregnant wasn't able to go on many of the rides so she was the designated kid watcher.  She hung out with Mason and Ayden when he didn't want to go.  Most of the rides didn't take that long to go thru so that was good.

Family all left the next afternoon after we met for breakfast.  Dominic, the boys and I hit Disneyland one more time then made it over to California Adventure for a couple of hours.  After that it was time for us to hit the road and head to Las Vegas.  Its about a 4-5 hour drive, so not too bad.  Mason slept almost the entire way there...poor baby was whooped!  We arrived at our friends house late and they were in the garage waiting for us to pull in.  The boys made themselves right at home.  Its always great to see them.We were able to get a babysitter one night and go out with JR and Amanda to Margaritaville on the strip.  Great food, great drinks and great company.  We had a blast...while it lasted :)

Amanda and I

Amanda and JR watched the boys for us for 4 nights while Dominic and I stayed at the Luxor.  It was the first time we had spent an extended period of time alone together without the children since our honeymoon.  It was so great.  We saw Carrot Top perform and also went to a Cirque de Sole show called Zumanity.  It was H-O-T!  We ate at great restaurants and shopped.  The walking got old quick though.  We decided that our next vacation...whenever that may be...will be more relaxing.

The day before we left Vegas to head home we were able to visit and spend time with one of our best friends that we met when we were stationed in England along with JR and Amanda.  Laurie and her sister-in-law flew into Vegas the night before and we got to spend some time with them the next day.  We haven't seen Laurie since before we left England almost 4 years ago.  Her husband, Ben and their new baby boy, Liam stayed in Montana so we didn't get to see them.  We are hoping to plan a England reunion trip next year though.  We had the best of friends there and its just not the same without all of them.

Our trip was long and exhausting but we had a great time.  We made lots of memories for the boys and our whole family.  I am still excited that we were able to take them to Disneyland.  

Now we are getting into the mindset for school to start.  Ayden starts Pre-K this year and will be in school 5 days per week, all day.  Christian is going into 4th grade.  I can't believe that I have a 4th grader!  It goes fast.

I'm going to try to post to my blog a little more often now that things should be settling down...I hope!

Surprise Weekend

My sister and her boyfriend, Julio had planned their baby shower for Saturday afternoon.  I wasn't planning on going since I knew we would be seeing them in two weeks time for our family vacation to Disneyland.  I just couldn't justify spending a whole bunch more money right before our vacation.

My sister and I

When my sister called me crying and upset the week before her shower it broke my heart.  I just felt for her because she wanted mom to be there and sort of felt like there wouldn't be much of our family there.  I was crushed and I know she was too.  

Dominic was very insistent that I fly home to CA for the baby shower while I was still not able to get past the money issue.  We spoke to a family friend and she reminded me that its not about the money....its about the memories.  From that point on, I knew she was right.  I had to go.

So I bought a plane ticket and reserved a hotel room and rental car.  I figured that if I am going to surprise my sister I might as well surprise everyone!  How fun would that be?

Me, my brother and sister.

So I flew into Sacramento on Friday evening, rented a car and drove to my hotel.  It was already very late and I was not feeling well from traveling.  I grabbed some food and and crashed for the night.  The next morning I woke up and got ready but still had to wait until 1pm for the shower to start.  I was ready to leave at 10 am and I was so anxious to get on with the day.  I couldn't wait to see the surprise unfold.

I drove to the mall to kill some time and did some shopping for our Vegas trip.  After that I drove out to the Edible Arrangements store where I had ordered an arrangement for the shower.  I picked it up and headed over to Kara's house.  As I pulled up to her house I saw my dad's truck parked on the street.  I was so happy to see that he was there.  I was hoping he would be there.  Then as I came up to the corner I saw Julio tying some balloons to the street sign and I covered my face as I turned into the court so he wouldn't see me.  I parked the car, grabbed my purse and started walking towards him.  As I approached I yelled "can I help?" to him.  He looked up and smiled as if he was trying to figure out who I was and as I got closer his jaw dropped.  That was a great feeling.  My whole body was trembling as I hugged him.  He was shocked and surprised and hardly had any words.  

I followed him to the front door and while he went inside to get Kara I stood outside.  She came to the door and opened it.  She immediately started to cry as did I while we hugged.  It was really great.  After we hugged for a bit Kara asked if dad knew I was coming.  I said no and just as he was coming into the house from the backyard we were walking right towards him.  He hugged me so tight and was really happy to see me.  I felt very loved in that moment.  Dad helped me bring in the HUGE fruit arrangement and as we walked to the car he said "when I was taking my shower this morning I just wondered if you might show up".  

As the day went on I was able to surprise our Aunts, and lots of family friends.  It was like the gift that keeps giving.  I really had a great time and I was happy that I could be there for Kara and Julio.

The baby shower was beautiful, very well done by Kara's closest friends.  They got lots of great gifts and are so loved.

Whirlwind!

We have had a very busy week but its been so great to have Dominic home.  He's been very helpful with the boys while still learning all the new things about the boys and our routine.  It has been so nice for me to have help getting out of the house.  I used to make 2-3 trips to the car before we could actually leave.  Now, we are out the door all together.  That is nice!

We have done lots of shopping lately.  Dominic wore his tennis shoes out from walking in the sand so much over there.  We got him some new shoes and the boys too.  Dominic and I took the boys to daycare on Thursday so that he and I could spend some time together.  I took him for his first pedicure.  His feet were a mess from being in boots or tennis shoes all the time.  He said that the pedicure tickled :)  We had lunch together and went to see a movie.  It was a really nice day.  We also took the boys bowling one day.  That was fun!

On Wednesday we went to the squadrons welcome home bbq on base.  The food was catered and it was AWESOME bbq.  They served brisket, sausages, bbq pork, buns for sandwiches, coleslaw and potato salad.  It was the best bbq I've had in a great while...Dominic too :)

We got Mason some cowboy boots.  They match the boys that they got at Christmas time.  Mason loves them!  He ran all around the house in his diaper and boots the other night.  It was so fun to watch him.

Dominic installed our new dishwasher yesterday.  Oh man!  I have been WAITING to have a dishwasher back.  I have been hand-washing dishes for close to 3 months now.
Yesterday we went over to John and Laurie's house.  The boys swam and had a blast.  Mason LOVED the water.  He's a little fishy without gills.  We put arm floaters on him and he was so comfortable in the water.  He absolutely LOVED the pool.
When it got dark we were able to sit in their backyard and watch some fireworks from the country club.  It was amazing!  We had the perfect view and didn't have to fight a crowd or find a place to park.  Laurie and John made some homemade ice cream and we sat and talked.  They are such great people and we really enjoy hanging out with them.

We didn't do much today.  We did some more shopping then we came home and made some dinner.  We had some steak, bacon wrapped scallops, zucchini and squash and fresh corn.  It was a lot of food and we came to the realization that we just don't eat like we used to.  None of us eat nearly as much as we did 6 months ago.  Dominic lost fat and gained quite a lot of muscle, I lost 53 lbs (so far), Christian doesn't eat as much because of his medicine and Ayden has his on and off days.  We need to start cooking less :)

I hope everyone had a nice 4th!

Happy Homecoming!!!

He's finally home! The homecoming was so great. It was an unforgettable moment.

The boys have their daddy back!

We were interviewed for the local news channel.

We're down to hours!

Its surreal.  I cannot believe that in only a couple of hours my husband will be back from his 7 month long deployment.  

I have stayed very busy so far today which is perfect.  I bathed and dressed the boys.  Mason is taking a nap and the big boys are watching cartoons.  I showered, did my hair and makeup.  We hung the "Welcome Home" banner outside on the porch.  Now we just wait...only a little while longer and I will have my husband back.  I'm so excited, I could burst!

2 More Days!!!!!

My baby is comin' home!  I'm so excited and that doesn't even begin to describe how I really feel.

Dominic and the rest of the guys went on lock-down today.  They won't have access to anything and they can't leave their designated area.  Its all for security and customs.  I got one last email from him this morning.

Tomorrow they will fly out and I should hear from him sometime really early in the morning on Saturday.

I can't believe its finally here.  Its been way too long.  So much has happened since December 1st.  Many people said that it would go fast and in some ways it probably did.  Overall, I would say that it did not go fast.  When I think back about that time I realize how much I accomplished.

Sylvan twice per week

after school math tutoring

LOTS of doctors appointments and immunizations

getting the house painted

having some electrical issues fixed

having the washing machine fixed

Dad replacing lighting, electrical sockets and switches and a new toilet

starting and trying new medications for Christian

dealing with Christians teacher this year

staying on track with my weight loss

getting the cars in for service, oil changes and inspections

finding a dependable person to mow the lawn for me

finding a babysitter then losing her :(

holidays and birthdays

family drama

meals, naps, baths, bedtime stories

crying, yelling, screaming

smiles, laughs and special memories

Its been a rewarding time for me because I learned that I can live without Dominic if I have to.  I hope I never have to again, at least not for this long.  I did gain some much needed independence.  I also know that I couldn't have made it through this without so many people.  My sister has always been there, online, all day for me to talk to or vent if the need was there.  She has helped me find confidence in myself.  My dad was always a phone call away if I needed help and boy did I need help :)  Thanks dad!  Jim and Patty (my in-laws) have called lots of times to check in on us.  They helped make birthdays special.  My friends, you know who you are, have been amazing support.  Two of them have done this before and offered lots of encouragement and understanding.  I love you guys!

Its almost over :)