The Kids of the Casa

So, Ant started school last week. A sophomore. How can that be? I just picked him up from third grade, like, yesterday. Right?

Le sigh ... like sands through the hourglass, right?

But he seems to be off to a good start. (Knock on wood!) He's taking driver's ed, so I'm slightly anxious about that. I'm sure he'll do fine. He has a healthy fear of driving, so I'm hoping that fear is accompanied by a respect for the responsibility of it.

Esai's doing great, as well. He just got over a little cold, but he weathered it like a pro. He's a tough little dude.

And Esai's officially the most useful member of Casa Ornelas. He not only "helps" us with each and every chore around the house; he also takes it upon himself to clean his high chair and take out the trash. You think I'm exaggerating? I'm not. The child actually took out the trash by himself yesterday.

Here are some recent photos of the crew ...

Helping Daddy Fix the Vacuum Cleaner
















You Can Take My Picture, but You Can't Make Me Smile






Soccer Practice

A child needs both storms and sun to grow strong.

A friend of mine sent me a piece of Facebook flair that said that. My brain tells me it's true, but my heart struggles to understand it.

I watch both my sons struggle with very different lessons in life, and it hurts me to want to help, but know that there are some things they have to learn on their own.

Anthony's struggling through a lesson on financial responsibility, consequences and humility. I'm not convinced he's learned it, but I know he needs to. I pray that he can understand that no matter how much I want to bail him out, it wouldn't be fair to do that. I know that I've tried to instill certain values in him for years. I just hope and pray that some of what I've taught him has sunk in. In as much as this is a test for him, this is a test of my parenting skills. I have reserved confidence that we will both succeed.

Esai ... well, he struggles with lessons that are much more basic, but just as important. He's working on learning patience, self-control and empathy. Empathy, by far, the most important lesson I can teach my children. He needs to learn that he can't throw his food to signal he's done; that sometimes Mama has to finish taking a shower before she holds him; and that no matter how hard he tries, a square will never fit in the round hole.

American Idol: Here he comes!

The Best Photo Ever!

The Wedgie Wars

WrestleMania continues in the in-laws' pool ....

My baby's back!!!!

Not Esai. My big baby .... Anthony. His mom was in town visiting for a month. And while he was only two blocks away, he was in full Mom Mode; so we didn't see nor hear much from him. But now he's back! Our house is again complete.

And while I'm sad, because I know it can't be easy when your "real" mom lives so far way, I'm selfishly happy to have him back at home.