Snow

It is currently snowing here in Albuquerque. On Monday it was 75 degrees (according to my van) and 72 on Tuesday. Seriously, I never lived in a place were the weather was so screwy. I hope that this weather does not affect my early morning shopping trip!

Happy Birthday Josh!

It finally happened. Josh turned five. He has been so anxious for this birthday to come. He had a great birthday too. First we had a family party with his Grandma and Grandpa Piñon, Aunt Marissa, Uncle Aaron, Gabe, Carly, AND Grandma Bates. He had the best time being the center of attention and getting lots of presents (of course!).

Just this last Saturday, on his actually birthday, we had a party with his friends. They all had so much fun with bingo, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, and the piñata. His theme was Diego and so they decorated their cupcakes with jungle animal sprinkles. It was a great party for our great five year old. And the fun is not over, today Papa is taking Josh on his very first golf outing. Golfing is the very reason why Josh has been so anxious to turn 5, the youngest age they allow on the golf courses. Joshua is such a special little man, our bug, our clown. We love him very much and are so happy that he had such a wonderful birthday.

I can't resist adding this picture. This little girl is Madison. She is a friend from church and she goes to Josh's preschool. I think that he has a small crush on her. He talks about her all the time. Yesterday she was gone from church because her family went out of town and Josh cried because he was so sad that he would not see her that day. SOOOO CUTE!!!

Friends

Took my Mom to the airport today. She came for a quick visit before the big move to Florida. We enjoy my Mom's visits, but Joshua is the one who's day is brighter when Grandma is here. He adores my Mom. They have this connection I think only they can explain. When Grandma is here, I am nothing to him. So he cried today when we took her to the airport; cried the whole way home. A very sad and pitiful cry -- breaking my heart. When Grandma leaves he wants time to himself, maybe to ponder his loss, but inevitably the question comes, "when will Grandma come back?" I don't have an answer.

We lucky that we have Brandon's family near by. They can be a part of the kids daily lives. I feel bad that we are so far from my parents. They can only be part of the kids lives for a few days a couple of times a year. Despite this Josh has this wonderful relationship with his Grandma Bates. How lucky he is that he has this special friend.

gone

brandon took my mini-van on a young men's outing. he left me the beast to drive. i miss my van.

Autumn

Most people know that I am not particularly impressed by the scenery here in New Mexico. But this time of year is very pretty; as beautiful as I have ever seen it. In Albuquerque we have very few pine trees, we mostly have deciduous trees that turn into a variety of gold and orange colors. As you come down from the west mesa you overlook the bosque toward the east side of the city and it very beautiful. The bosque (the forest that is along the Rio Grande) is thick enough that you cannot see the river. It provides spectacular colors and is really the jewel of the city. I love the leaves that are scattered along my street and into my yard, up to my door step. They crunch under our feet, the kids like to throw and kick at them. The nights are crisp, yet warm during the day with bright blue sky, hardly any clouds and brilliant sunshine. We have the Balloon Fiesta, pumpkins patches, and chili roasting -- which smells wonderful! At this time of year, I am happy to say that this is my home.

Buggin'

It seems lately like the little things have consumed my time. I am mostly referring to housework here. And I say little because our house is little for the 5 of us, but keeping it clean is no easy chore. It just seams to worst than usual lately. I don't know why, but lots of things are bugging. I am not sure what is up with my attitude, which I know I need to improve , but seriously, WHAT'S UP! So here are just some of the things that have been "buggin."

• Joshua decided to help clean the outside of the bathtub, with the brand new bar of kiddy soap that I just bought.
• Both of the boys using Katie's soap as bubble bath. When it didn't suds up... they used more.
• They have been doing construction in front of Eric's school since the beginning of his 1st grade year. He is now in 2nd grade. Same construction.
• Gas Prices
• The boys bedroom ... WOW... I will have to devote a whole day to it this week before my Mom comes.
• My kitchen table is never clean. I honestly try, but, well, you know...
• Josh thinks that the mini-van is a playroom.
• The boys bathroom. Need I say more?
• Eric and Josh only need things when I am nursing Katie, never before and they cannot wait until after. RIGHT NOW! This is the when the phone rings too.
• It takes the kids all morning to get ready to go to school, and only 15 minutes on a non-school day.

But this is the life of a stay-at-home Mom. My friend (and boss) told me once that I would be bored at home. Can you imagine? Boring is certainly not a description of my life. So despite all of the gripes that I listed above, I love being at home. Just sometimes things bug.