5 crazy boys

Yesterday we went to my sister's house after picking up John David at school. The plan was for the boys to play, and eat dinner together. I must admit it gets pretty loud, especially when they start trying to play football. The boys watched a scooby doo movie and after dinner enjoyed a push up pop on the patio. They also all headed upstairs together to take a bath. Ethan was the only one that opted for a shower, smart move on his part. He was done and dressed before everyone else. All the other boys got in the tub. The played a little more football with Hanh and then we got ready to head home. Obviously my boys were not too excited about heading out, but it was a school night.

swinging high

I forgot to mention that Tuesday Emma had another first. After John David got home from school we ate an early dinner and headed to the playground. Emma got her first push in the swing and she loved it...she was lauging and smiling. Carlos was swinging next to her and both John David and Sammy were taking turns pushing the little ones. It is great having two older ones, and two little ones. That way there is no fight over who gets to push.

I got a medal today

John David came home very excited today, and was ready to call daddy to share the news. At his basketball class...he was one of the people that got a medal today. He was very ecstatic and said that it was because he was good, and he didn't even complain when he was the shark. He put the medal in a ziploc baggy and asked where he could put it in a safe place. I actually took the medal out and hung it up on one of the walls, he was beaming from ear to ear. It was the first thing he showed JP when he came home.

Oatmeal

This morning I decided to make breakfast...in other words oatmeal. That is as much cooking as I do during the week for breakfast. Carlos was excited and couldn't wait for his oatmeal to cool down enough. He was walking around with his spoon. His actually tall enough and smart enough to open drawers and pull out his utensils when he is ready to eat...very cute. Once I gave him his oatmeal he ate it up...and Gavin wanted some. He even ate it all too. I also fed Emma oatmeal for breakfast and she loved it as well. We have added another food to Emma's list. I can't wait until we can start yogurt and cheeses...yummy.

Peach Cobbler

Sunday was another packed day...it was a packed weekend, but who is keeping track. We went to church and heard Fr. Bob's 28th annual "Good Stop" homily, so that was a fabulous start to the day. Afterwards we met JP's family for lunch. We went to eat bar-b-que at the Salt Lick. The kids were all pretty good, and even John David ate meat, because we told him that if he did not, he couldn't have blackberry cobbler. He is very much a dessert type of person like his mommy so that was a great motivation. At dessert time Emma was beign held by grandma and she was eyeing the peach cobbler...so Aunt Laura gave her some of the bread and peach, no ice cream yet, and she loved it. She kept asking for more...big surprise that Emma would love peach cobbler. Actually I can't think of any reason why anyone wouldn't like peach cobbler from the Salt Lick. We prefer blackberry, but the peach is good too.
Afterwards we headed to Costco to buy snacks for John David's class. He was very specific and knew what snacks he wanted to take. Earlier in the week he had made a shopping list with the specific items he wanted. He wanted Nutri-grain bars, Cheez-its, Goldfish, and raisins. He was upset that Costco did not have raisins, so I still need to buy those, but he helped daddy take the snacks to school.
We then headed to Kyle and spent the rest of the day there. We got to spend sometime with JP's parents and aunt and uncle. Everyone but John David fell asleep on the way home, obviously a sign that our full weekend had wiped them out.

Crazy Saturday

Saturday was a packed day...we left at 9:30 am and did not come home until 5:30 pm. We went to the UCC to give a talk at the Marriage Prep Weekend. I was proud when our kids behaved decently for two other couples who babysat while we gave our talk.
From there we took the boys to eat pizza at Gatti's. We were sitting in the cartoon room, and it was on cartoon network...some carton I do not know was playing. However Sammy made a comment..."mommy this is very interesting." I asked what he meant and he said the cartoon was interesting. To me that was a very grown up comment. My four year old is more attentive than I thought, and apparently nothing gets past him.
We then went to Pump it UP for a birthday party...everyone had a blast. Carlos enjoyed the slides once again, and ate all the black batman frosting from his piece of cake. Did you know that black frosting will turn your stool a neon green...if you are wondering how I know that let's just say that I had proof in a Pamper. Emma did some light bouncing on the outer step with mommy. John David and Sammy had fun by themselves and with daddy. Apparently JP caught Sammy hitting a boy that was trying to push him out of the way. SO JP told him he was proud that he stood up for himself...I don't know if I agree with that but oh well. John David had so much fun, despite bringing the party to end...that he says that is where he wants his party next time. I'm sure you are wondering how he ended the party...well let's just say he did not keep his juice down. If you think the day is over...not yet.
We went to get the boys haircuts. They all look so handsome and grown up with their cuts. Carlos' hair is shorter so JP is upset that it is not as curly.
Our final stop was dinner...Dairy Queen. They boys saw a poster ad for the blizzard and John David requested Oreo ice cream for dessert, and Sammy wanted M&M. So JP has come to the realization that our boys are getting a more expesive taste for dessert. Before a plain cone did the trick...I doubt that they will go back to those days. Only a sign of what is to come.

they were kicking my little brother out

On friday we went to my sister's house for her birthday. She was very ambitious this year and decided to cook. She proved that she can cook...she made some good mole chilaquiles. The boys were excited about going over and playing with their cousins. My sister had some other friends over with their kids. At one point Sammy came and got me...when I went down Ethan and Evan told me that John David was crying. When I asked him what was wrong he said the big kids were throwing the ball too high. The big kids would be Ethan and Evan (Evan just turned six in October and Ethan will be six in December...so not too much bigger than John David.) I told him they were his age...he was quick to remind me that Evan is six. Then I told him they are all in kindergarten so that makes the same age. He then drank some Caprisun and continued to play. About ten minutes later...Keaton (Evan's 4 year old brother) comes and tells me to come down. Once again John David is crying. I tried to calm him down to determine what was wrong, but couldn't get much from him. All I could get from him and Sammy is that the big kids were winning.
JP came down and talked to John David and learned why he was upset. He said they were trying to kick his little brother out. He was referring to Carlos who had ventured downstairs to play with the big boys since Gavin had gone to bed. I was touched to learn that John David was being a fabulous big brother and watching out for his little brother.

Why can't kids go?

On Thursday the "G's" or Gutierrez family had a family dinner. That means that the hubby stayed home with the kids. We went to Fonda San Miguel for my mom's birthday. It is always nice to have a dinner with your parents and actually be able to talk to them. We decided to walk the turkey trot together...my brother will run...but the rest of us are being realistic.
John David was quite intrigued as to why he couldn't go to the dinner for Abuelita's birthday. All I could say is that it was after his bedtime, so he had to stay home with daddy.

That's a nice shirt

Today I dressed up my little boy and girl for lunch with my family. Emma was wearing a cute dress, and Carlos was in a button down. Sammy came in the room and saw Carlos...he said "Carlos that's a nice shirt." I found it cute that he would compliment his baby brother on his clothes.

Fabulous Day

So I want to say that my hubby rocks...he was attempting to take an afternoon off and surprise me, but he let it slip yesterday. It was still nice to have him home early and spend some time with him and the kids. He even brought me flowers...my house smells so pretty!
I'm sure everyone at John David's school knows that it's my birthday...why do I say that...well his basketball coach wished me a happy birthday when I picked him up. Then he told me he told his friends and his teacher. What is even sweeter is to have him serenade me with "happy birthday dear mommy." Carlos was the one who ate all of the frosting from my cupcake at lunch. Sammy was fine with fries and ketchup at Catfish Parlour. Emma was content with cheerios, cake for her next year.
I spent time with my family so that helped make my day great too. I had both lunch and dinner with my parents and sibblings. My mom and sister also have birthdays this week, so we will be seeing plenty of each other this week.
I can't forget to thank everyone for all the great wishes via emails and phone calls...everyone has definitely made my day special.

Sleep Deprivation

No matter how many kids you have, sleep deprivaton can still find you. So everyone in my house was sleeping through the night....I know that makes me spoiled, but I must say I love my sleep and so do my kids. Then 4 weeks John David got a cough which led to an ear infection. Eventually everyone got a little run of the family cold. Emma got a double ear infection two weeks ago. So now I sleep in increments instead of longer stretches. The constant waking up has me in a state of sleep deprivation, and let me tell you that it sucks. I feel like I have a newborn all over again....can't wait until she gets better, so she and I can rest again.

Sammy loves the Bob

I am soooo excited! This last week I got a new stroller...it is a Bob Revolution Duallie...or in common terms a double jogging stroller. All of you know that I will not be doing too much jogging, but it is a great outdoor stroller. I try to go for a walk everyday. In the past Sammy has not been too excited about our walks because he has to walk. When GG is here, Nene and GG ride in the stroller, Emma is in the baby bjorn so Sammy walks next to me. With the new stroller he has figured out that he can sit in the front. So the double stroller is functioning as a triple stroller...I know that sounds ghetto but hey it works. When he hears that we are going to take a stroller he is quick to ask which one. Make sure to look at the recent picture to see all three boys in the stroller.

Escape artist

Carlos figured out how to get out of his bed this past week. At night he was still going to bed fine, but he was fighting the naps. One day I spent an hour and a half trying to get him to nap...with no luck because he kept climbing out. I had to move the rail in order to trick him. So now he can't get out by the footboard, but there is plenty of room of by the headboard. I'm sure that it will only be a matter of time until he figures out that he can get out that way. For now I will miss him coming to wake me up. In the morning he would get up, close the door to his room and come to our room. He would then proceed to pull my covers, and try to grab my hand. I would motion for him to get in bed with me, and he would just keep pulling my hand as if he could pull me out of bed. Then he would bring me my slippers, and point to the door. For a little guy who can't talk he definitely makes himself understood.

Basketball

This past tuesday John David started basketball. It is actually six skill classes afterschool. He was hesistant at first, then agreed to go. He really enjoyed the first day, and is looking forward to going. It was cute to see him try to shoot when he was one of the youngest kiddos there. After it was over he told me that he was sad because he worked hard, and didn't get the medal. I told him maybe another week. He also says that he has to practice, and even tried to move his basketball goal in the garage so he could. That night when he was picking out his shirt...he was looking and looking. I asked him what shirt he was looking for, and he answered one with a basketball. I told him that the only basketball shirt he had was his San Antonio Spurs...since it had no basketball he was confused. I proceeded to explain that it is a team just like the Cowboys...I don't think he really understands, so maybe daddy can try to explain it better.

Emma is 7 months

SO I know that I am behind in blogging, but I figured I need to keep blogging the current stuff, so I don't get anymore behind. I apologize but my blog will be jumping around until I get caught up. Can you believe that our little our girl is 7 months today. She can sit by herself, until she falls down, or gets bumped by one of her brothers. She loves to play with her toys while sitting on the sofa, or playing in the piano or saucer is also fun. The three brothers are still quite the helpers...they all want to do something, and totally love their little sister. This week she has progressed a lot in food....like a true mexican she has had rice and beans and loves them. I also made her mango chicken...which she also loves. I guess I am going to have to mix the meat with veggies as well...I don't think she will too fond of that, but oh well. She can eat two puffs or cheerios at a time now and loves to drink from her sippy cup. Her personality is definitely coming out as well. She is quick to tell you what she likes or doesn't like with a cry or a fuss. I guess it is time to start planning her first birthday party. After all I already have her dressed picked out...I just have to order it.

Swim update

the boys had their last swim class last friday. I was proud of Sammy when he jumped in on the last day. John David would not try...he prefered to walk in through the stairs. Overall the enjoyed their swim classes, John David has asked when they go again. Sammy says he doesn't want to go, but he is the one that enjoyed them the most. I would like them to do more swim lessons again, but we will see when. It was a hectic routine...pick up John David from school go to the YMCA, change their clothes, keep Emma and Carlos entertained for 40 minutes, shower the boys, get them dressed, go home and get dinner ready for 4 starving kiddos quickly. they really made a lot of progress with the daily lessons, so it was worth the trouble, but I just don't know when I will be ready to do it again.

That is exactly what I wanted

Everyday Sammy reminds me how easy going he is...relatively speaking. On two days last week he told me to pick out his clothes and both times he was excited about the shirts I picked for him to wear and he let me know by saying "that is exactly what I wanted." What is funny is that one of them was a new shirt and therefore he didn't even know he had it. I don't think that would work with John David he would have been whinning away. The only day that he lets me poick his clothes is Sunday for church. Carlos will sometimes not want to wear something. How do I know you ask...well he tries to run away or pushes shirts out of my hand and tries to reach for another one out of the drawer. Sometimes Sammy does have his rough moments, but I have to say that for the most part he is very easy going.