New Friends

Murphy is this adorable, absolutely beautiful fiesty little girl who lives in Solvang, CA. She is the girl version of Cole. They finally met this weekend because Murphy was in Colorado for a dance festival.

Later in the day I said, "Isn't Murphy pretty?" Cole responded, "She's more like hot!"

We think they should get married and have three little babies that are gorgeous and fiesty just like them.

Same Old Same Old

Some recent happenings:

Math Night at Emerald - SUPER FUN

First Report Card - AWESOME

Praticing Counting, Spelling, Reading - BABY GENIUS

Cole is getting so smart. He loves Kindergarten, his teachers, his friends. He is one HAPPY little man.

I will say though, that he has required lots of patience these days. Sassy pants. I have absolutely no idea where he gets it from....ha.

Nothing too exiting to report - except we're excited for Grandma Carol, Grandpa Jack, and Aunt Emma's visit next week.

Dragon Dash 2009

Fitness is really important in the Velez household and racing is how we motivate to stay fit and meet goals. So, it's an important day to document that Friday, November 6 was Cole's first race. It's an annual celebration at Emerald Elementary and it was precious. He had his own bib, he had his running shoes on, oranges and water at the end. The whole school participated, even all the teachers. The Kindergarten classes went all the way around the school. Police closed off all the streets and the kids race, Bolder Boulder style from start to finish with water stations along the couse.

Great job baby! You did so awesome!

Indiana?

Saturday:

"I want to go to Indiana," Cole told me.

"Why Indiana?" I asked.

"Because Mrs. Stephens wife lives there," he said. (doesn't make much sense but ok)

"OK," I said.

Sunday:

"I really want to go to Indiana," he told me again.

"OK," I said

"Do you know why they call it Indiana?" he inquired, prepared to tell me.

"Why?"

"Because that's where all the Indians live."

What's what

What is 3 and 2?

What is five zero zero?

What does "stashed" mean?

What is 4 and 7?

32

500

to put away; to hid something

47

Don't you just love Kindergartens? I do, especially my little Monkey. And according to the Chinese Zodiac, he really is a monkey. Described perfectly: You are very intelligent and are able to influence people. An enthusiastic achiever, you are easily discouraged and confused. Avoid Tigers. Seek a Dragon or a Rat...or a Rabbit (since that's my chinese Zodiac, I thought it would be safe to add). Mr. W is a Monkey too.

I wonder what happens when you realize your baby isn't a baby anymore? Cole is still my baby, he always will be. But lately, he just seems so grown up. He doesn't pronounce Yellow, LELLOW. He doesn't say Haer for Halo. He knows how to spell simple words and do simple math. He can write sentences all by himself. He is self sufficient with getting ready. He knows how to operate the remote for the TV/DVD and fast forwards as he sees fit to the parts he likes most. I think we still have awhile for him to be baby, but not much longer. Oh, those soft cheeks, the snuggles and cuddles he still lets me do. How I love to lay in bed with him and touch his soft skin. When will he not want me to do that anymore? I hope no time soon.

It's funny when I use to hear parents say that "it goes by so fast." It's so true. There are times I want my little baby back and other times that I'm ready for him to be 10. But there is nothing quite like loving these moments right now.

Happy Halloween

You just never know what Cole will be for Halloween, given that he has like 6 costumes that he wear randomly throughout the year. His official costume this year was a Zombie Convict. His mask was pretty scary too. We celebrated at Kiddie Academy's Fall Festival Friday night. There were games in different rooms, all his teachers dressed up, there was a chili cook-off. It was tons of fun.

For official treat-or-treating, he was Spiderman. He met his friend Eric for a little party and then it was neighborhood friends who gathered to go treat-or-treating together. The pumpkin fairy will visit tonight and exchange all his candy for a sweet little toy....think Astro Boy this year. Meanwhile, Dad and I already got dibs on the candy we wanted (tootsie rolls - it's my version of crack).

Happy Halloween to all!

Perspective

I don't know what to write about tonight, only that last night when I took the dogs for walk, I wrote a blog entry in my head with intentions of actually getting online to make it official, but I opted to read instead.

In case you don't have one, you really should get a Kindle. Let's talk about the Kindle because I had an interesting conversation with a woman at a birthday party Cole went to about the Kindle and expense and the non use of the library. Expense, yes. Library check-outs, no. I love the library. I miss studying at the library, the quiteness, finding books, doing research. And yes, library books are free. But there is something innovative, futuristic, forward thinking that makes reading on the Kindle a treat. So, I simply must say, I love it. And I still also love my local Mamie Dowd Public Library right across the street.

On a different note, I'd like to point out:
My boss got fired
I now report to someone else
My "new" car is having problems
My feet are killing me and making me very frustrated
Money is short

BUT
I have the most beautiful family ever! Seriously, you've seen Cole right? And Mr. W looks very fashionable in his new winter hat.
We have a wonderful home - who cares that it's cracking in all sorts of places, that our walls have been empty since my living paint job this summer.
We have silly, playful and lovable dogs.
We have the best neighbors - they invited us over for tea and pumpkin spice cake last night. It was such a nice treat.

It's all in our perspective of things. That's not to say that I haven't been stressed out over the other stuff, because I surely have....just ask CV. But, in the end, today was a great day and tomorrow will be too. It's our choice!

Ellie-Bellie Photo Shoot at the Great Halloween Pty

I'm pretty sure this is the cutest little kitty around!

Age

The best thing about Facebook, for me, is reconnecting with my old high school and college friends. It's a bit nostalgic to reminisce, day dream of the crazy adventures we had. Here's to the good old days.



I was just typing my best friend from middle school and high school (before I ditched everyone for a guy) and while it's fun to reconnect, it makes me sad to know that 15-20 years have passed. 15 years that have been missed with someone I was so close to. Like sisters with. We were attached at the hip.



In my mind, thinking about those times, they seem like yesterday. I can remember the smell of of early morning track meets. I can hear the loud buzz of people congregating in the commons between classes or at lunch. I can see people's faces so clearly. Hear teachers talking. Remember Yearbook class, or Flag practice, or getting out of swim practice past dark in the cold. I can remember making waffles (all the time), slumber parties, first cars, first kisses, first best friends.



And grad school. Well, I remember Madonna concerts, parties, bars, and crazy (and I do mean crazy) girls weekends. Here's to BFF's, Rachel. To watching each other mature (or get old, which ever is easier on the ears), seeing each other get married, be professional business women, have kids. Here's to, in many ways, a simpler life. Where we enjoy smaller, more intimate dinner gatherings, with good wine, good food, and good company.



I can remember it all like it was yesterday and yet over 20 years have passed since I was in middle/high school; I went to college and graduate school, I'm a home owner four times over, an accomplished business professional, a mother, a wife, an aunt. I'm old!



When did this happen? When did I reach my mid-30's? Where did high school go? College? Youth?



While I wouldn't trade a day of my life, it's super fun to look back; to see old friends, reminisce about youth, being naive. Everything that has happened has gotten me to where I am today, even if I do feel a little old. Nothing that a day at the spa or shopping won't cure.

Balloon Festival

Last weekend, Katie and I took a road trip to Albuquerque, NM to watch the balloon festival. Turns out we weren't all that excited about seeing the balloons, but WOW. We were absolutely blown away. We woke up at 6 and watch out the window of the house as the "dawn patrol" was making their flight to test to the wind. We saw the after burn in the dark morning. It was magnificent. We drove over to a hill and watched from a distance as the mass assention started, something like 700 balloons. Then, we went and watched from the rooftop of the house as hundreds of balloons flew right over our heads. Next stop was down to the Rio Grande and watch some very skilled pilots do a dip and dash. Then back home for a warm bowl of oatmeal. Truly incredible experience.

Monster Mash

Well, we survived Cole's Halloween Costume Party, thanks to the good likes of Mr. Wonderful, Umple Joe, Deborah, Umple Derrick, Aunt Veronica, Grandma, and Cesar....(did I miss anyone?) They all stuck around and watched the 10 crazy kids in costumes, in a sea of chaotic adventure.

There are things I just know about myself. Like, I don't think I could ever be a stay at home mom. I've been home 2.5 days with my sick little monkey and I know for sure, I would gain about 100 pounds. Snack, snack, snack, oh, didn't get quite enough sugar with that snack, so another more sugary snack. My jeans feel tight today and I keep telling myself that it's because they just came out of the dryer. Wendy, just stop eating. Stop watching the Heene balloon nonsense on the internet. My dogs are even annoying me - they want out, then they want in, out, in, out, in---URGH. I'm meant to sit behind a desk from 8-5, in an office outside of my house.

I have though, been very crafty getting everything ready for Cole's 1st Annual Halloween Costume Party this coming Sunday. It's sure to be a good time. I just love watching 10, five year old run around having fun.

On the agenda:

Monster Mash - with the strobe light (that is a Cole requirement)

Skeleton Hunt - find the pieces and then put him together

Guess How Many Candy Corns

Zombie Tag

Candy Necklace kits

Cotton Ball run

Mummy Wraps

Add some sugary treats (of course sugary, because I can't seem to get enough of it) and some dry ice to the punch and you have yourself a party.

Blessings

Thank you for my life

for my beautiful Cole

for my wonderful husband

for my amazing family

for all my true friends

for all the hard things that make me grow as a person

for all the simple things for me to enjoy

Thank you for my life

Little Cole said tonight, "Mama, let's go in your room and lay on your bed and cuddle."

Who could ever pass that up?

He is learning how to read and when he recognizes a word, you can see how proud he is.

He learned how to skip a couple weekends ago

He loves to jump rope

I love to watch him do just about everything

to smell his hair after his bath

to feel his soft skin as I put lotion on him

to hear him say "Mom, you're pretty."

and I love surprise visits to my office

Sepsey Family - There is power in love; be patient. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I can just see John as he comes out of his coma try to talk with his jaw wired. It will be nice to see his smile again.

Broomfield Days 2009

I did mention how sweet my nephew is, right? I mean seriously!

Well, what about my niece? Adorable, right? I mean seriously!



And we all know how cute Cole is. I mean seriously!

Thanks for bringing the babies to the Broomfield Days parade. It was a blast!

HU-GANTIC

It's like huge and gigantic put together - a "Cole" word that I absolutely love. And that's what kind of weekend we had. We went on a hugantic hike Saturday to Button Rock Preserve with Mr. Wonderful and the dogs. We had a hugantic photo shoot with photographer, Christy Lee. Mr. Wonderful and I had some solo time Sunday to do a great mountain bike ride. The weather this weekend was absolutely incredible.

I'd also like to apologize to my readership, if I have any besides Rachel and Veronica, and say that I will try to be better at posting more often. I so enjoy reading my Nie and CJane because they post something almost every day. And I want to offer that to you...yes, you! If only I had more time.

I've missed some important events from August - yes, I said August. Shame on me. I will post some of the events I've missed, hopefully before we reach Christmas time.

And for the record, I saw my niece and nephew Sunday and can I just say that they are cutest little people and that I absolutely love them? I can say that right? And it's true that I do want to eat their little faces...but I practice self control....Oh, the sweet baby cheeks....I don't know how I resist - oh, I know, because I usually just gum their faces pretending I have no teeth at all and that somehow satifies my need to eat the cheeks.

Turtle Goes Into Retirement

Well, it's official - Cole's first backpack, Turtle, has gone into retirement. He did a fabulous job riding around on Cole's back, being stuffed with little cars, action figures, swim trucks, snacks, and really, just about everything. He lost both his eyes by the time his time came but he didn't much need those anyway since he was always on Cole's back.

We'll miss you., Turtle. We've made you a nice bed in the "save me" bin so when Cole is bigger - much, much bigger - we can show him his first backpack.

2005 - 2009

What every person should have

A BEST FRIEND

Procrastination

There are nights, when bed time is flawless. Go pee, wash your hands, brush your teeth, get your pj's on, climb in bed, read a bed time story, turn the music on, and fade the light, and without a word, he drifts silently into dreamland.

Then, there are nights where most of that happens, BUT only after about five times of asking, each time with increased frustration as he calls from his room "Mommy" for the 100th time and yells something like this:

I need a drink

I need to tell you something

I need to give you a kiss

I need to give you a hug

And so forth and so on.

At some point, there is the threatening to give spankings, but I can't quite bring myself to do it because honestly, how cute is it that he wants to kiss me under my chin because he knows it makes me laugh.

And, on this particular night of which I write, after the 45 minutes of pure procastination and complete uninterest in going to bed, he says,

"Mommy, can I sleep in your bed?"

Exhausted, not up for the battle, defeated, I say, "Yes."

I hear him guide down his slide with no hestitation and appear as fast as lighting in my room afraid I will change my mind with each passing second.

He snuggles in the bed, entangling himself all around me - like a pretzel, with his baby soft skin and his soft warm breath on me. And I entertain his kisses and hugs and pats.

Until, I finally say, "no more talking"! But of course after a moment of silence when I think I'm saved and hear only the candence of our breath as we finally relax, he says something funny that I can't resist and after a few more bouts of giggling, I again say "no more talking"!

And in one last attempt, I try to explain the invisible line that runs down the middle of the bed. The line that should keep him on dad's side, the line that always gets broken when he intrudes on my sleeping headquarters.

And so it goes, atleast a half dozen times during our sweet slumber, I push him back over that invisible line because he has pretzeled himself around me and I am suffocating from heat.

And he is so sweet and soft that I love touching his skin and watching him sleep. I think he slept like bear in hiberation and I woke up wondering if I ever went to sleep at all....good thing it was only Sunday.

Can it really already be time for Kindergarten?

Our little monkey had his first official day of Kindergarten at Emerald Elementary today, August 20. Mr. Wonderful and I dropped him off and were the very proud parents of the cutest boy in the universe.

He is a sweet little man.
Here's to PE, Music, Art, Recess, Sack lunches, new friends, and your new teacher, Mrs. Truxel!

When I picked him up from school, he was TIRED. It was so cute.
I asked, "What was your favorite part about your day at school?"
He replied, "I just loved everything about it."

Mr. Wonderful Turns 41 - August 14

Happy Birthday!

Mr. Wonderful came home Monday night....and it's wonderful.

We celebrated his birthday with yummy cake, balloons, and a fun fondue dinner at the Melting Pot.

We love you.

Stephanie Phillips - August 11, 2009

In loving memory of Stephanie Phillips

1996-2009

Sissy's Song
http://www.cmt.com/videos/alan-jackson/355885/sissys-song.jhtml

Why did she have to go

So young I just don't know why

Things happen half the time

Without reason without rhyme

Lovely, sweet young woman

Daughter, sister, best friend

Makes no sense to me

I just have to believe

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels

By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees

And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting

And I know she's smiling saying

Don't worry 'bout me

Loved ones she left behind

Just trying to survive

And understand the why

Feeling so lost inside

Anger shot straight at God

Then asking for His love

Empty with disbelief

Just hoping that maybe

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels

By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees

And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting

And I know she's smiling saying

Don't worry 'bout me

It's hard to say goodbye

Her picture in my mind

Will always be of time I'll cherish

And I won't cry 'cause

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me

Don't worry 'bout me

Don't worry 'bout me

Lyrics and Song by Alan Jackson

Missing You Know Who

(March 1, 2003 - St. Johns, VI)

All I know for sure is that I miss Mr. Wonderful.

I want to hold his hand.

I want to hear him snore.

I want to talk to him flesh to flesh.

I want to kiss him and snuggle with him.

I need his man talents, like fixing stuff, weed whacking, poop pickin and other secret stuff.

I want to hear him to tell me I look pretty.

I need a good home cooked meal.

I just need Mr. Wonderful to come home.

I miss you.

Cole misses you.

Estes and Smokey miss you.

But, I miss you the most....

Pen Pal...Introspection...and a P.S.

Ok folks - you remember my new "old timer" friend, Toby Buchanan from Easton, WA....well, I did write to him. Just the thought of him driving his old pickup truck into town...probably a quarter of a mile to go pick up his mail at the shoebox post office, brings me happiness. He got my letter and he responded:

Dear Wendy,
Yeah, I was wrong. You did write. I'm so glad you stop at CB's that day and I got to meet you. I don't write much any more as you can see. You are a great friend. I got a call on July 2 that my only Aunt passed away on July 1st. She was 84. Hope to see you again sometime. It was so nice to talk to you and wish you had more time to visit. Yes, you are a great friend and I hope to hear from you soon.
Take care.
Your friend,
Toby

******************
I mean, does it get any better than that? I wonder in my lifetime, how many lives it will feel like I've lived? How many experiences, opportunities, failures, disappointments, successes, and relationships with others, have shaped the person I am today? I've been too introspective lately, if that's even possible. Me, the person who loves being alone with her thoughts, is thinking that maybe I've had TOO much time. Chris - come home - I need adult conversation soon before my thoughts eat me alive, before I become a complete sap.

On introspection - I tend to beat myself up over past events that I didn't handle well or opportunities that I let slip by. A failed 1st marriage for one. It is, to this day, my biggest failure, my biggest disappointment to myself. One that I've practically hidden for 10 years and convinced myself never happened because it's to ugly of a disappointment in myself. I seek redemption from a man who may never give it to me. And while I may not get it from him, I can try, but the real work is in the present. To love this life and learn from my mistakes, or atleast try. There will be new mistakes to be made and new lessons to be learned, but to find peace in knowing that ALL my experiences have made me the person I am today- for better or for worse. They are who I am. And I am thankful for everyone of them.
****************************

P.S. More introspection during a long hot shower...on marriage...It's not my decision that disappointments me in reference to marriage #1, it's how I handled and managed that decision. How immature I was. How naive. And how selfish. I don't think I understood fully the concept of marriage and the vows I took, although on that day when we wed, I thought I did. I can't appreciate it like I can today. I can't imagine being married to anyone else in this entire world except Chris. I understand the vows I took and maybe it's different because of Cole but I know that marriage is a sacrament and that I will do my best to preserve it. Thank you for loving me Chris and being my husband.