Paradise Cafe at Grandma's church

 Every year, grandma's Methodist church has a themed concert with dinner. Grandma enjoys going and loves having us come also. She loves music. My grandma will get tears in her eyes when she listens to music. It calms her and just makes her so happy. Grandma made the dress she is wearing. The music was a pianist, cello and singer. My grandma would be tapping her finger to the beat or I'd look over after they played and she would have this smile on her face like "wasn't that amazing!" I leaned to my mom saying someday I will miss this. I'm grateful for everything my grandma has introduced me to and all the things she enjoys. They had appetizers and a main course and dessert. All the food was not food you would eat everyday. It was different but tasted good . . . most of it!

 My grandma and her next door neighbor, Fran. They both have lived next door to each other since 1959.

 The woman playing the cello said we looked a lot alike afterwards. Love these moments with my mom and grandma

I love my grandma!

Foam Pit at Gymnastics

Gymnastics with Carter finished a couple weeks ago. He enjoyed it and so did I. The first day he did a lot of running around but by the end of the session he understood more about taking turns and listening to directions. He loved the foam pit. This is new at Kips and he could spend a long time in there. He wasn't even scared, just jumped right in. 

 It was funny to see him so interested to have his name called. He was sitting so quietly and listening for his name. As soon as they called his name he got up all fast and ran to her. It was real cute. He seemed so proud and so was I!

Goodbye Altima!

 So bittersweet! The Altima sold last week. Keys were handed over, money was given to James and we sat and talked about all the memories and times in our lives that car has been there. It was so good to us and will never be forgotten. James bought the car, his first car ever bought in 1999. I remember seeing that car in the parking lot at Ralphs where we both worked. At the time, it was only a couple years old and I thought it was impressive that James was working 2 jobs at the time and had his own car. The first year we were married the car was paid off. It got James to work and school full time everyday. It got him through his Masters. I was having troubles with my Mazda 626 in 2005 and we decided to get a new car for me and James keep the Altima. He never complained about driving it. In 2010 right before Carter was born the car died. We got it fixed but James was driving long miles, it was best for him to drive the Camry. I drove the Altima locally for the past 2 years. Jessica taught me how to drive stick shift one night and I started driving the kids in it.

 I have to admit I hated it. At first I didn't mind but it wore on me. It was old and falling apart. We never got hubcaps on it when we got married because we weren't planning to have it around so long. Then we didn't want to put anymore money into it. It was embarrassing though pulling up in my beat up car while these other moms are pulling up in their Armadas and Sequoias. It humbled me and I kept my head high. I know this was a stepping stone in our life together. Driving this Altima aloud me to stay home with my children, no greater joy. (James new car is in the background!)

 James insisted I get a bigger car for the kids and me but I just couldn't. James has worked so hard for us. Since James was 18 he took the bus to work, he finally got a car at the age of 23. He has worked so hard, he deserved a brand new car, one that he loved and wanted and picked, besides the car I want is out of budget right now but maybe in a couple years will be able to afford it :) James got a Passat 2012. It's so nice and drives wonderfully! James is happy so I am too! I'm happy the car is gone though, I feel growth in our lives . . . onto bigger and better things!

Carne Asada and Smores

 My best friend, Melinda and her family came over for dinner and smores. We love to BBQ Carne Asada. We get the meat from El Tapatio already marinated. It's so good. Carter and Paytin are 8 months apart. They have such a great time together and love to play.

 Smores for dessert! Yum!

 Carter and Paytin playing together

No matter how much we talk and spend time together we always have so much to talk about!

 Love this couple! Such great examples to James and I. Tyler baptized James and Melinda and I met at Ralphs. She has been such a huge blessing in my life!

Preschool Graduation

 Jocelynn and Senora Kim. On Friday at preschool the kids learn Spanish. Jocelynn has learned a lot of Spanish at preschool. Way more then I know and I took 3 years in High School. She knows lots of songs, colors, numbers, fruit, many others. Parents were invited to a Spanish showcase to show us what they know. I was impressed. 

 Jocelynn and Ms Brooke

 Jocelynn and Ms Natalie (Ms Natalie helps out on Fridays)

Jocelynn at preschool graduation. It's hard for me to believe Jocelynn has finished preschool and will now be going to Kindergarten. It seems like yesterday that I was walking around my house with a newborn baby and thinking and wondering how my baby girl was doing at her first day of school. Was she scared? Was everyone being nice to her? Was she feeling lonely? Jocelynn used to cry to go to preschool, it was so hard for me. A lot of that changed when she started reading at school. She was ready to read at 3. After she began reading at school it was easier for her to go and she began to really enjoy it. 

 Deciding to put Jocelynn into Kindergarten this year was not an easy decision for James and I. We fasted and prayed for months. Originally I felt good about holding her off another year, it gave me another year with her. It was like I all of a sudden felt rushed, like I wasn't ready for her to go. I wondered if she was ready and she would be one of the youngest i her class. Her birthday is Oct 4. They have also started a requirement of starting Kindergarten at age 5. I want her to have the advantage in school and being confident. She is very shy and I worry about her self esteem. One day I talked with her teacher and she was concerned that Jocelynn would be bored if we waited another year. James all along was worried about that. She is very smart in a lot of areas. We decided to start her instead of waiting. I kept waiting for an answer to prayer but nothing was happening. I was waiting to feel peace or excited. I still wasn't sure. I got a letter that she got into Orange Elementary and school I got her transfered to. James and I went to a Kindergarten orientation and this was so comforting to me. They talked about how we walk the kids to the gate and the gate is locked and it's all separate from the rest of the school. I left the orientation feeling really good. Last week i got a letter from the school saying who her teacher was, it was the teacher I was hoping for and there are 3 other kids from her preschool in her class so I was happy about that also. I feel like this is an answer to prayer so it must be the right thing to do. Everything has worked out to start her now. I'm sure if it wasn't the right thing there would have been a lot more obstacles but there are none. I pray that this was the right decision we made for her. I'm sad she won't be home with me. I loved this time with her!

 Jocelynn and Pierce, Pierce will be in her Kindergarten class

Growing pumpkins and staying cool

 One day after Carter's nap i had to snap a picture. I love after naps and cuddling with them. This is exactly how he looks, dog in one had, blanket dragging along as he is holding it like this or he is holding on to two blankets. He loves his blankets. 

 Jocie enjoys riding her bike.

 I was watching my friend's boys while she was at an appointment. We love having friends over to play.

 Jocie used this pool when she was Carter's age I didn't realize how small it was. They still loved it though and it cooled them off.

 We put the slide in for some fun

1. I check on the kids before I go to bed found Carter here. 

 Mother's Day was wonderful. Poor Carter was sick but James brought me home flowers Saturday. Sunday I slept in and they made me breakfast and cards. I loved it. 

I've never tried to grow anything. I thought it would be fun to grow a pumpkin with the kids and they could have their own pumpkins for October. I was so excited to see it grow below! Jocelynn was excited also!

THe night before I just mopped my floors. I woke up in the morning and look who was playing with the Bisquik!

Our pumpkins growing more and more

THe past couple of nights Jocelynn wanted to take a shower. I thought to myself I need to get more pictures of them in the tub because it could be their last together. They love to play in the tub. Many times I let them play while I hang up clothes or pick up. They like to pretend they are dolphins and whales, when it gets that far I have to say ok it's time to get out because water starts getting everywhere. 

Swimming at grandma and grandpa's house. Jocelynn is a fish and Carter loves to jump in the water.

Janelle has been my friend since we were 12 she had a surprise party James and I went to. Her new baby boy is so sweet.

Their sweet family!

our pumpkins were growing so much we had to put them outside in a bigger pot. I don't think they are doing so good outside :(