Birthday Boy!

We celebrated Cole's 6th birthday yesterday. Grandma made him the best Super Mario cake with lots of little Super Mario figurines.

You finally got that Nintendo DS that you've been asking for, plus lots of other cool presents from your friends.
You had to have a Spongebob pinata.

You led the group and everyone had a chance to give ol' Spongebob a whack before he finally cracked open.
Happy Birthday Cole! We love you soooo much. I can't believe you're already six.

Thanks to all our friends and family who helped us celebrate.

Too much love

Dear Cole,


Tonight when you hugged me goodnight, you said, "I love you too much." I've been thinking about that. Sometimes I think I love you too much. That you are my whole world. That if anything were to ever happen to you, how my world would end. That's how I know. And I will keep on loving you too much for as long as I'm alive. I don't know if you'll ever stop being my world - maybe one day when you're all grown up and don't need me as much. But, I hope that you will always need me, the same way I always need my mom.


I can't believe how fast six years has gone by. How big you are getting. How smart and loving. Thank you for being my son. For being my world right now and for loving me too much.

Big hugs birthday boy.


Love,

Mama

More than skin deep

Dear Rachel,

You know we've been friends for like 12 years now. Can you believe that? You are my longest adult BFF. 12 years of amazing adventures and stories and experiences. Secrets about our darkest places, our character flaws, our weaknesses - all shared usually without judgement. You keep me sane sometimes. I value your perspective, your opinion, your guidance. I love watching you be a mom, how tender you are, graceful and patient. I hope you know how much I love you. How much I value our friendship. And oh how I still cherish our adventures. Here's to us...and South Dakota!

On the road

In the end!

The Reading List

I'm addicted to my Kindle. You already knew that, but I love to say it. Recent books I've read include:

• Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner-loved it but it took me a while to read it
• A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer-sad
• The Help by Kathryn Stockett - just finished it last night...couldn't put it down.
• Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner-good
• The Luxe by Anna Godbersen-great
• Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch-GREAT
• Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides - URGH! I'll admit it, I only made 2/3 before I gave up
• Never Let Me Go-WEIRD
• The Road by Cormac Mccarthy-ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
• The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen-May have been my first detective book, engrossed in it but it gave me creapy dreams
• The Swimming Pool by Holly Lecraw- LOVED IT
• Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen- LOVED IT

Next up: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson and I Curse the River of Time by Per Petterson.

What are you reading?

Super Funny Post

My brother is one funny son of a gun. Check out his latest post, May Mustache Madness. I've been laughing for about 10 straight minutes. I even had to call V so I had someone to laugh with. OMG, I think I may just laugh about it all night.

And on another note, Mrs. Rachel blogged about our road trip/camping adventure in South Dakota. Check it out here! I'm now two weeks behind in my blogging manuscript. Must motivate.

Happy reading.

Announcements

Dear World,
I have a few very important announcements.

1. Gramie Barb is doing much better. She is getting stronger and stronger by the day. What a scare it's been now for four weeks.
2. Cole graduated from Kindergarten last week. We threw a party for him last weekend. Little Monkey, we love you so much and are very very proud of you. You are such a great little reader. I love to hear you voice read to me...and sing to me at night.

3. It was time for Cole to lose the mop on his head; you know when the crew cut comes that it's definitely summertime.

4. A big thanks to Aunt V for watching Cole on Tuesday. We love you so much. Can't wait to see Ellie in her recital this weekend. Besides a naughty dog that does things in the house that he's not suppose to, life is great!

Signing off,
Wendy

A Perfect Day

Today was a perfect day. Well, maybe a game of tennis would have made it exceptionally perfect. But, I won't complain. Sleeping in, cleaning my car, mowing the lawn, reading my books, eating chips and guacamole and drinking Mr. W.'s margs! Seriously, a perfect day!

The Start of Summer

Cole officially made it through Kindergarten. On to bigger and better things. Like celebrating the start of summer in his undies in the sprinkler. I love this little monkey soooo much!

Field Day

Cole had his first field day. Check it out!

Visit from the Pope

The original Pope's were in town this weekend - Dad, Carol and Emma. They helped move the other Pope's - Derrick, Veronica, Eliana, Parker - to their new house. We had dinner at Pappadeux's on Thursday night. Cole and I helped unpack the Pod for couple hours after work on Friday. Then, we helped Saturday morning until it was time to go to Michael's 6th birthday party. After that, it was time for Cole to have a sleepover at Sofia's house. This meant that date night for Chris and I. We went to PF Chang's and enjoyed dinner off their gluten free menu. It was delicious. The best part, we got to sleep in...

It was a laid back Sunday - coffee and conversation on Veronica's new patio with Carol, 2 hour nap with Cole, and sushi dinner with the whole gang before the original Pope's left for the airport.


It was a really nice weekend and a treat to spend time with the family.

Early morning

It's early. About 5:30 a.m. I love that the sun starts to light the sky around 4:45 a.m. It's always easier to get up when it's light out. I'm sitting in the kitchen. I can hear Cole's breath as he sleeps, deep and peaceful.

Cole and I helped Umple Derrick and Veronica move yesterday. It will be another long day for them today, even with our help. There were some good laughs to be had though. I love them so much. I love Veronica's ease and grace. Her patience and beauty. I love my brothers intensity and his humor and laugh.

Some inside memories from yesterday to bring a smile to their faces: Derrick falling down the stairs with a gianantic plastic rubbermaid, twisting his ankle and then immediately spearing himself in the back with the stair rail, having Cole say, "Do you want me to carry you like a baby?" Emma talking to Derrick about his man hole (what she meant was man cave, but we got a good chuckle at man hole), who ordered these stairs?, and well, I think we agree that you guys have way to many books. It's time to donate, sell, and buy a Kindle.

Moving sucks but atleast we had fun and were in good spirits.

Note

I came home from class tonight, went to the bathroom to get ready for bed and I found this note from Cole stuck to my toothbrush (with toothpaste already applied - thanks Monkey) -

This note just completely made me so happy. He wrote it all by himself. He loves to get my toothbrush ready at night....and he bought me Milk Duds....God, I love this little boy!

Some firsts

The Emeral carnival was last Friday. Cole had a blast. Snow cones, cookies, games, hot dogs, prizes. I must say though, I'm pretty sure my face painting abilities, although never used, would be better than the clown face Cole got from a very nice volunteer.

First trip to the Principal Leatherman's office. My sweet boy. Really. Are you sure? My son is Cole Velez. I think you've made a mistake. I think you have the wrong parent/kid combo. Really. No. Ok. Not too upset that he got in trouble, more disappointed because he lied to me about it.

First Bike to School day to celebrate Earth Day! Remember when he learned to ride a bike....

Wrinkles at 35

It's official. I'm 35. I think the night I made the transition, a new wrinkle appeared on my lip. No, seriously. It hasn't been there and then, all of the sudden, presto - new wrinkle on my lip. That's probably the most noticable thing to me as I age...wrinkles, about 6 consistent gray hairs, and saggy boobs (breast feeding may be good for babies, but I'm not so sure about mamas.).

So, on April 13, 1975 I was born on a Sunday morning around 6 am. A little six pounder. Thanks for having me Mom and Dad. You gave me life and I will forever be in your debt, wrinkles and all. I love to hear my mom tell the story of my delivery. Every so often, I recount to Cole the story of his birth. It's amazing how fast it goes by. Thanks to everyone for celebrating with me.

Cesar and Fia

Michael! Umple Joe - thanks for taking the pictures
Cole and Ellie
Sweetness!
This card was super funny. Mom, remember Jem?

Aunt Veronica and Pa-cho! Ha.

Crab for lunchFamily celebrating life - how did miss Umple Brian?

Just how much

I realized I haven't written lately about how much I love my sweet Cole.

How I love to kiss his neck

How I love to touch his skin

How I love to watch him sleep

How I love to hear him breath

How I love to watch him play

How I love to hear him read

How I love to listen to him tell me a story or sing me a song

How today, as he slept in the car, it made me think of him as a baby

How fast time goes

How truly precious every single moment is

How I love to watch him grow

How I love to see him try news things

How I love to take care of him when he is sick

How I love to be his mom

How I love to know he grew in my belly, that we are forever tied

How I love his little voice

How I love his beautiful eyes

Oh, how much I love him

I can't even describe

Fishin' and such

We played with Umple Joe and Michael today. We went fishing, but the fish weren't biting and the wind, coupled with the clouds, made us feel like we were ice fishing so after about an hour and half we headed back to the warmth of the car. Then, we went to the mall and watched the kids play indoors for about an hour and half. Burger King was our final stop. I'm pretty sure they both love their Spongebob watches. Cole asked me if he could wear his to school.

A day of playing wiped this little guy out. We love you guys soooo much!

Still sleeping. He has no idea his crown as fallen. What a sweet prince!

Birthdays and such

It's been birthday central around here. Exhausting, but I absolutely love birthdays. I mean, you are celebrating LIFE~ and what better way to do it then with family and close friends.

First, Skate City for Brody.

Second, sweet Parker and Ellie. Love you guys so much.

Third, Caitlin from Emerald.

Fourth, Aunt Veronica turned the BIG 3-0 yesterday! She just may be the most unselfish person I know. Look, the kids are helping her blow out her candles. As for the second picture, she looks gorgeous and get a load of Cole's face. Think he wants the cake?

And, let's not forget, Rachel taking me out for my upcoming birthday. The Rio, margs, and great conversation...truly a friendship that will last our lifetime. I love you girl.

Spring Break 2010

We're just back from Spring Break.

We took Cole to Phoenix.

We stayed at the Arizona Grand Resort.

It has a fabulous water park.

Monday: breakfast burritos from my favorite shop -the Burrito Co., pool time, nap, dinner at Trip and Tiffany's. Cole played with Taylor. They had a blast.

Tuesday: RAIN - breakfast at the hotel, shopping at IKEA, lunch at In-n-Out Burger, nap, dinner at Steve and Nicole's. Cole and Isabell were instant friends.

Wednesday: breakfast at another burrito shop, not as good. Pool time, nap, dinner at Pita Jungle

Thursday: early flight back to snowy Colorado...I miss the desert already.

It was great to be in the sun and watch Cole swim and have fun.

Lesson learned: make sure you are willing to do what you encourage your kids to do. "Cole you should really go down the slide." "No, I don't want to." Repeat about 10 times before he gives in only to find out he isn't tall enough and they don't let you go together. Then, Mr. W. decides to go down the steep slides, which don't look all that fun to me. Honestly, just looking at them gives me a knot in my stomach. Mr. W. says I should really do it. Then Cole chimes in. They gang up on me. Repeat about 10 times. I have to do it. I can't be a hypocrite. But seriously, I'm scared. The slides are really steep. Do I really have to do it? I had that pit in my belly the entire walk up who knows how many flights of stairs. I can feel it right now just typing this. Anyway, I obviously made it to the top and I screamed like a baby the entire way down. I did it...once. There. Everyone happy?! I'm scared of a steep water slide, yet, I've jumped three times out of an airplane. Seriously! What's the matter with me? I've done some pretty crazy stuff so I have to laugh at myself for being scared of that silly slide.....it was really steep though. Ever gotten a water slide burn? I got it on my elbows. Ouch!

Happy Spring Break Cole!

It was so much fun hanging out with you.

Scams

I've got to say it. Casa Bonita is a scam. OK, that might be a little too harsh, but really $50 for lunch. Here's the breakdown $14 for my food, $5 each for the kids, plus drinks and oh, don't forget the tokens. Cole thinks the acting is terrible and we never get a seat where you can see the divers hit the water. I don't think I'm sold. But Cole and Sofia - they love it, which is funny since Cole hates Mexican food. Good thing they sell chicken tenders. This post sounds negative.

Glad I could make them happy. Was it me that made them happy or the guy dressed up like a gorilla? Maybe it was the chicken fingers? Or the tokens? Or the gift shop windown shopping?

All I know is for the hour and half round trip drive and hefty bill, they would have been equally satisfied going to McDonalds and playing together. End of story.

Slow Eating - March 21

Cole has become like his Aunt Veronica (pre-baby) where the pace at which he eats is slower than slow. He eats so slow that Mr. W. and I wanted to fall asleep at the table last night while we watched him finish his hot dog. If we hadn't been at a restaurant, we probably would have. Instead, right before our heads might have hit the table, Mr. W. said, "We're leaving. You can take that with us and finish it in the car." It was humorous to be sitting, completely done with our meals, watching Cole, slow and steady, bite after slow bite eat this hot dog that even after 45 minutes, he hadn't been able to finish.

The same thing happened at breakfast yesterday with Grandma. We were both finished with our meals and Cole was still slowly munching on his french toast and sausage. I thought he might never finish. And the same thing happened...I finially said it was time to go but Cole wanted to take his syrup cover saugage with us. That was a BIG NO. We finally made it out.

He sure is cute though.