A new house??

We sold our "old" house in January and have been living in a rental while we look for something new. We think we might have found a good fit!! Will this be our new home??? Stay tuned.....

Look Who's 5!!

This year, in the interest of time and sanity, we decided to "outsource" the birthday festivities instead of having it at our house like last year.

On the day of their birth, we had a pancake and sprinkle breakfast followed by 4 hours of games and fun at Chuck E. Cheese. Then we had a Monster celebration with a few friends and family at a place called Bounce U over the weekend. There they bounced, played, glowed in the dark, and ate. We spent tons of time the next day assembling all the Legos they got for presents and then finished out the party weekend at Hawaiian Falls water park. It wasn't totally homemade, but I think the boys still had a blast!!

Happy 5th Birthday Boys!!!

House Update

We finally put together a little "then and now" video of the house. We envisioned we'd have a few more changes and updates complete after a year of living here, but, well, this is what we managed to do so far.....still plenty of plans in the works - so enjoy and check back again next year!!

 

Happy Anniversary......

Nearly 17 years together, and, as of today, 10 years married!! Time sure does fly when you're having fun!! Here's the "short" version of our Anniversary video. Happy Anniversary my love, may we have at least 50 more!!!

 If you wanna see one of the LONG videos, click here.

Ahoy Mateys!! Our Pirate Party!!

Here it is, the long awaited pirate birthday party video!!

Despite my reservations about hosting a party with 35 guests in 106 degree weather at our house, it actually turned out pretty well (at least that's what I think). We had loads of activities and games, many of which we never even had time for, and plenty of food. We got to dress like pirates, create telescopes, engage in sword fights, walk the plank, earn gold doubloons, pop cannonballs, hunt for treasure, eat cake, make messes, and have lots of other fun.We even got to eat a delicious and beautiful strawberry treasure chest cake and plenty of yummy pirate banana cupcakes all lovingly baked and designed by my good friend Erin. Thank you Aunt Erin!!!!

I think the kiddos and even a few adults had a good time. Happy 4th Boys! Enjoy the video:

First Dental Visit

The boys finally had their first dental visit yesterday. Other than having to wait too long to see the dentist, it was fun. The boys did GREAT!!

They showed the x-ray technician how they could open their mouths like lions, they listened to the hygienist, payed attention to the dentist, and even reminded me that they couldn't eat or drink for 30 minutes. Both their teeth looked good, although Alex has a few little spots that could turn into his first cavities and the dentist had to remind him not to eat the toothpaste or his grown up teeth would also be discolored. They got the usual toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss on their way out and then they each got a bonus balloon animal as well. They are already looking forward to their next appointment in 6 months.

The rest of July

So, as much as I didn't think I liked these "catch up" posts and videos....I suppose it's really the best way when I only have a couple photos of everything. I mean, how interesting is a post about our trip to the movies with only a photo or two?? Or a post about another trip to Lowe's to attend their build and grow workshops? I think it's way more fun to see a re-cap of everything instead, what do you think?

Anyhow, we've been mostly trying to stay indoors during our 100 degree plus temperatures. We did venture out to two different aquatic centers, we went over to my friend's house for kid swim day, we explored the local farmer's market, and we built and filled our sandbox. The rest of the month was spent indoors enjoying Lowe's Build and Grow projects, swimming lessons, library visits, indoor play spaces, roller skating, story time theater, hanging out at home, hanging out with family, and our first "full length" movie theater movie: Winnie the Pooh. The boys did great overall, but thought we had to wait too long before the movie started. Good thing we got the giant bucket of popcorn to keep them busy, and they finished the entire thing!! So, without further ado...here is our "The Rest of July" video:

SOLD!

Well, it looks like the Traveling Wilburys actually bought a house!! We closed today and now have a lot of work ahead of us....but, we have a house. Here are just a couple pics from today:

Our House

   

Could it be??

Well, Jaime started working for a company in Las Colinas called Terremark almost a month ago. He's still settling in, and hopes to have his own customer or two soon. So far he seems to really like it.

Just before he began his new job, we moved into a temporary apartment in Irving so that we would be closer to Las Colinas. It's a three bedroom and they have a great pool, plus it's a VERY short commute for Jaime, so we are enjoying ourselves here while we look for a house.

It seems like we've been looking at houses since before Christmas, although I'm pretty confident we didn't start until sometime after that. We've looked at tons and tons of houses on-line, and, as I'm sure our realtor would agree, we seen many, many, many houses in person. While we've found a couple that we liked, none have really worked out for us....until now.

Last week we decided to look at a house that was a bit older than we originally wanted and that needs a little more work than we originally wanted to put into a house. We liked it. It's still close to Jaime's work, and, with a little negotiation, we were able to settle on a price. The inspector came out today, and, for the most part, everything looks good. So, we are moving forward!!

Can you believe the traveling gypsies might actually settle down for a little bit? Ha!! We can't either!!! Here's a sneak peak at the house we just might get:

We can do it!!!

One day, while my cousin was visiting, the boys decided that they didn't need to use floaties to swim anymore.

So, they took them off and just "jumped" right in. They already think they are expert swimmers...which they just might be by the end of the swimming season.

It's amazing how much they learn on their own from one day to the next. We are happy that they are SO comfortable in the water, but now we need to be even more careful with them when they are near the water.

Here's a short video of what they are up to:

Let them be little (video)

It seems people are always telling us to "enjoy the boys while they are young" because "they grow up so fast." The seniors I know remind me that time passes all too quickly and it only seems to speed up as you age...

Even though the day to day can be monotonous, frustrating, and exhausting, we still need to remember to enjoy each day that we have...and especially to enjoy each day we have with our little ones.

Sometimes I watch older children and teenagers, and I find myself already missing the boys toddler-hood. Even though I look forward to each stage ahead, and I am curious about the adults they will become...It still makes me a little bit sad.

I know, they are only two and a half...

I think it's the wonder and amazement they have a this age. How everything is pure joy, pure excitement, pure pleasure...how everything is wonderful and magical and new. Sure, they also have major meltdowns where they think their world is coming to an end, they have anger and frustration and sadness...but the "bad" things seem to disappear almost as quickly as they appear, and they spend most of their time in a world of wonderment and joy...

At this age, kids truly "live in the moment." Something it seems adults are always striving to do. What a gift to be allowed to share in this wonderment...even if it's only for a little while.

Big Boy Beds (Video)

We kept putting it off and putting it off...for no good reason really, the boys were getting in and out of their cribs as if they were beds, and we finally just put the sides down to make it a little less "hazardous..." I think we were just avoiding it because it was easier. Well, last week, we decided to "take the plunge" and get the "real" beds.

The boys were super excited when we told them they were getting big boy beds, but I think they were mostly just excited about jumping on the mattresses.

For the most part, it's as if nothing changed. I guess, since they've been escaping from their cribs for ages, they didn't have the 'new found freedom' problem. And, since they've been known to nap in a twin bed or even our almost queen bed, it wasn't as if they felt 'lost' in their new beds...nope, just regular nights same as before.

Connor did fall out last night, but only because he fell asleep at the foot of his bed (near the door) and not on his pillow, but we just picked him up and put him back in bed and he barely made a sound. Alex was the one who woke up because of it and caused more of a fuss...go figure.

They still aren't napping these days, but that was a problem before the bed switch. We've just been letting them have "quiet" time (which is anything but quiet or relaxing), then they are a bit cranky the remainder of the day, and then they go to bed at 7:00 instead of 8:00. Good thing it's still relatively dark at 7:00, I'm not sure how this will all work once we change the clocks next month...Oh well, one day at a time. Enjoy the video...

Anything exciting going on here??

Yes and no....

It seems the "real" potty training has begun, and, so, we have been sticking close to home these days (more than usual).

Yep, this is going to be a potty post.

The boys actually semi-started training shortly after we returned from the States. Once they were back in the swing of things at school, the teachers had us bring them with undies over their diapers. Then, they would go diaperless while at school using the potty when they needed to go (coached by the staff, of course). Then, the teachers would put them back in diapers when we came to pick them up. We were suppose to let them go diaperless as often as possible at home too, but, for the most part, things (real or imagined) kept getting in the way....Potty training can be a lot of tiring work.

Then, about a week ago. We picked up the boys from school and Ms. Rosy told us that the next school day they were to come in undies only and they would be leaving in undies as well. Um, scary! Our first thought was how we would manage to get them from school to home without an accident in the car...

We enjoyed our last couple days of diapers, and then, along with school, started the "undies only except for sleeping policy." We started with a timer, sticker charts, M&M's (or "em a lems" as the boys call them), and plenty of prompting...and, overall, it hasn't been too bad. Of course there have been plenty of accidents, mostly of the messier variety, but they seem to be doing really well.

Their main issues are going when they are busy doing something fun or interesting, and telling us when they need to go if we aren't at home. We carry a little portable potty when we do head out for short errands (and for school pick-up), and we still provide more prompting than is probably necessary, but maybe...just maybe we'll have two daytime potty trained boys very soon. Then we can start venturing a little further from home...just maybe.

"It's all to do with the training: you can do a lot if you're properly trained." ~ Queen Elizabeth II

A few of our favorite things

Connor:

• How I Became a Pirate
• Bananas
• I Spy Book
• The Color Orange, then brown
• Grapes
• Bubbles
• Popcorn (while watching Dora)
• Dora
• Elmo

• Can't really say the letter "F"

Alex:

• The color blue
• Jumping
• Dancing
• Keys
• I Spy Book
• Balls
• Lacing Beads made into necklaces, the more like Mr. T the better
• Popcorn (while watching Dora)
• Dora
• Elmo
• Balloons
• Bubbles

• Can't say the letter "S"

• They both say "Em a' lems" instead of M&M's which are their "reward" for going potty in the potty and not their pants

December Happenings (Video)

Not much really...

The boys are back in school, crying most of the way there, but loving it once they are inside. Potty training started this week and is going okay. We aren't rushing things, but they need to be trained before they can move up to the next class at school...the one with the "big" (2 and 3 year old) kids.They have their school party next week, and then will probably be on a bit of a break.

Otherwise, we have mostly been hanging out at home doing regular things and getting ready for the holidays. Lela and Lelo are still living in the house above us since the weather has been decent, and they are having some remodeling done on their flat in the city.  So, we will spend Christmas Eve up there with them, Christmas Day mostly at our place, and then we will host New Year's Eve again on our patio. Seriously, I can't believe Christmas is next week and 2010 is just around the corner....

Twenty Years??

One of the reasons our trip home was scheduled during the Fall, was so we could attend my 20 year Berkner High School Reunion!!! I never really feel like I am nearing 40 until something like this comes along to remind me. Similar to the 20 year re-release of E.T. or the 20th anniversary edition of Star Wars. Where do the years go????

Anyhow, the reunion weekend was really fun. Not as fun as the 10 year (I think these people are getting old and reserved or something), but fun. A friend of mine had a wonderful small party at his house on Thursday, then I attended the ice breaker on Friday, then we all went to the family picnic on Saturday during the day, and then Jaime and I attended the "formal" event on Saturday night. We left Saturday's event a bit early to attend the 40th birthday party of a friend from California that now lives in Texas. It was a VERY busy and tiring weekend, but we got to visit with old friends and we even made some new ones!!

There are tons of pictures on Facebook of all the events, but I seem to really only have pictures from the family day. I guess I was just too busy chatting or something to take pictures. The family day was organized separately by a couple of classmates, and, other than the ugly weather, turned out very well.

Okay, and I do have these pictures from Saturday night. The first one is at the reunion (don't look too close at that 80's hairdo picture on my name tag), and the other two are from the birthday party afterward:

"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?" ~Satchel Paige

A Potty for Me!!!

Okay, we aren't exactly potty training yet...but, today, Connor went pee pee in the big potty!!! He just randomly asked to sit on the potty, and, surprise, he went!! Yei Connor!!!

At daycare, once the kids turn two, potty training begins....Well, normally, that is. Since we are heading to the States for 7 weeks, our training start date will be delayed until our return. We have also been meaning to get them potty chairs at home for awhile now, but have only managed to get a toilet ring so far. Both boys have tried it out and will occasionally sit on it to go pretend potty. Until today.....

Connor was SO excited about the "agua" that came out, that he wanted to try again and again...it was a bit hard to explain that "agua" doesn't just come out all the time....but that didn't stop him from sitting and waiting for awhile anyhow.

Of course Alex wanted to potty too, so he sat and waited and waited and waited. Nothing exciting for him, except Connor waiting with him and reading to him while he tried. I didn't get a picture of Connor, but we got this one instead:

Climbing Monkey Update

As Jaime says, the cribs are more of a psychological barrier than a physical one these days. The boys love to climb on everything and we rarely need to take them out of their beds anymore. Still, we are trying to hold off on toddler beds as long as possible or at least until after we return from our trip to the States....but then, that's when potty training will begin....so, who knows.

Movin' on up....

The boys are now complete experts at climbing into and out of their cribs. It's like second nature to them, and they appear to take great pleasure in their freedom. Nap times are a constant struggle, and, although they still don't climb out at night, bed time seems to be getting later and later...they just don't want to miss any of the fun.

Anyhow, now that climbing in and out of the crib doesn't present a challenge anymore, they have decided to move on up.....

"Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory." ~ General Geroge S. Patton

Crib Antic Update

Well, after that initial escape episode on the 17th of last month, all was "quiet" on the Ortega front for two weeks and 3 days...

Then, on Sunday, the 5th of July, I was typing away at my computer while the boys were napping.... I started to hear chatter and giggles (normal signs of them waking up) coming from their room...but then the sounds became louder, so I looked toward their bedroom door to see the light on and Alex peeking out and grinning. When I went to investigate Connor was right behind him just as pleased with himself. They had both climbed out of their cribs, slipped on their sandals, and were heading for the door...

Since then, things have back and forth. Bedtime hasn't been a problem yet, it just seems to be nap time for now. I think perhaps it's because at bedtime it's dark, and nap time they can see better, or, maybe they are just more tired at night time... ah, really, who knows? It's probably because they are kids, and that's what they do.

Some days are no problemo. They go to nap time and stay in bed. Other days, not so much. Alex will climb out, then Connor or vice versa. Sometimes, it's just Connor. They might be jumping on the twin bed (changing table) in their room, playing on the floor, turning the light on and off, or climbing into each others bed and then jumping, fighting or playing until Mom or Dad comes in.

Every mom I've talked to tells me to wait as long as possible to transition to toddler beds, and we certainly agree. We figure that, if we give them toddler beds, they will just be able to climb out easier, and that would not be fun for us. So, we try not to make a big deal out of the climbing, and just keep putting them pack where they belong and telling them it's time to nap. Sometimes they need to be "reminded" many times and other days, it's like something clicks after the first time.

So, that's the scoop. They are both climbing out on a semi regular basis and we just keep putting them back to bed. Hopefully, they will decide it's just not worth it, and go to sleep like they are suppose to at both bed AND nap time. Wouldn't that be great?

"You learn something every day if you pay attention."
~Ray LeBlond