family - It's a Vivas Thing!

Jan 17 2011

Monkeying Around

This weekend was the grand opening of The Monkey Gym. B-boo and the Drama Queen had been looking forward to this grand opening as we knew there'd be live monkeys! And well, B-boo just LOVES monkeys.

And apparently, they love her. The little monkey was quite spastic, monkey around and jumping all over the place. Until she jumped on to B-boo…and instantly calmed down. Aren't they cute together?

And then the Drama Queen did some monkeying around herself until she was exhausted enough to have some serious monkey time.

BTW…Don't I have some gorgeous girls?!

Jan 08 2011

Changes

I knew coming into 2011 would be a change for us. We have so many changes coming up.

The Good-Looking One will graduate from college this year. HUGE!

The Talented One will graduate from high school this year. He'll start college in the fall. HUGE! (and did I mention he'll turn 18?)

B-boo is turning 16. (Makes me wanna cry.)

The Smart One, our youngest son, just turned 13.And he just might get that black belt this year!

And the Drama Queen…well, she recently turned 10. And she starts middle school in the fall.

This year, we'll have two more legal drivers.

In case you didn't notice, my kids are growing up.

My oldest is moving forward in a career.He's trying to figure out where he'll live, thinking about a family…all of those adult things. Not my baby anymore; he's ready to take on the walk of his life.

The Talented One is graduating high school and about to become an adult. He's taking on responsibility and dedication by sharing his music every Sunday to help lead worship; in the morning…and in the evening. Then there's college, a job, and more. He'll be smiling as he starts a whole new phase in his life.

Then there's B-boo. Sixteen in just a few short weeks. She's grown into a beautiful, young woman. She's planning her way through high school, trying to take the right classes to help her in college. She reminds me so much of myself; only she has a bigger heart, bigger smile, and well, she's much prettier, too! She's so full of life and ready to go wherever God leads here!

And the Smart One. I'm not sure how he's managed to grow up so fast. No longer a child, but a teenager who shaves, he's already planning his way through high school so he can attend the right college. And his in spare time; he's my go-to man. Need a bulb changed? He's the one to call. Need a batter or want the TV to work…he's the man! Want to find a particular tool…just ask him. Bright eyed from the beginning, he's looking constantly looking to see what he can do in his future.

And then…there the Drama Queen. Now in double digits. Starting middle school in the fall. Singing. Dancing. Laughing her way through life.

Last night, I was cold and tired after a long week. It was Friday and seemed a good night to cuddle. I call her my *furnace* for a reason; she's so warm. So, I asked her if she wanted to come cuddle with me and watch a movie.

And she turned me down.

Yup, that's right. She turned me down.

"No, thank you. I'm tired and going to my own bed."

That's what she said.

And she's my baby! There's no next one left to cuddle with; she's it!

*Sigh*

There's definately changes happening in the Vivas househole this year.

Jan 01 2011

Today Begins a New Year!

Today begins a new year. As I sit here thinking of how I'd like to see this year go, I can't help but reflect on last year.

And I'll admit; last year was probably the hardest I've ever been through; we've ever been through, as a family.

We started out the year with the possibility of breast cancer. And my niece being hospitalized for the third time. Oh yeah; and I came very close to death. A simple surgery turned bad and many, many, months of recovery. A husband without a job, a wife who couldn't work; children who needed so much and who didn't understand anything that was happening to them or to the ones that they loved.

And finally, losing the battle to keep the youngest two safe from anymore harm and not understanding at all what God was doing or why, but learning even more to trust, have faith, and carry on.

And then, my returning to work after many years of being home.

What did we learn in 2010?

That God always, always, will take care of us. Even when it seemed impossible, He found new ways to prove it to us; through our family, friends, church family, and strangers. In the simplest things; and in ways we never dreamed of.

So, what would I like to see happen this year? I'm not sure.

I know B-boo is turning 16; she's growing up so fast.

The Talented One will graduate from high school and start college during 2011…and the Good Looking One will graduate from college and begin his career as a full fledged adult, ready to take on what life has to offer.

Hopefully, the Smart One will receive his black belt in Karate, and the Drama Queen will start middle school before the year is out.

And I pray that the youngest two will finally have the home and the family that they deserve and so desparately need. And that they will be safe, and loved, and cherished. And that we'll finally get to love on them; we miss them so much.

We're looking at a year of uncertainties; we don't know where we'll be living, or whether these hard times will turn around or not, but of one thing I am certain.

I know God will continue to take care of us. That our family will become even closer. And we can look forward to the year with joy in our hearts and anticipation for what it will bring.

Dec 27 2010

Nerf Gun Wars

Thanksgiving weekend, the Good Looking One and I were watching "A Christmas Story" and laughing at the many memories that the movie has brought us over the years. We joked about getting the Smart One a "Red Ryder Rifle." It was at that point that he suggested I get them both matching guns for Christmas.

Yeah, ok. We live in the city…not the country; not a lot of opportunity for gun using here.

However….I became bound and determined to get them matching guns for Christmas.

Enter, the Nerf gun war.

This is the Good Looking One getting ready for fire.

This is the Smart One being attacked.

What you can't see here, is Punky being attacked by their joining of the forces!

I have never laughed so hard at Christmas. And the gun wars have continued…with a house full of extra teens like Little Bits and the Twin, the darts have been flying! It's not safe getting into the van, walking around a corner, or sleeping.

It's always fun to have memories like these to fall back on!

Dec 01 2010

Laughter is the Best Medicine

I'll be honest and say that things have been really rough this week. The Princess and Chicken Noodle Butt's lives are turned upside down and my hands are tied in helping them. Being the mother/aunt that I am, they are constantly on my mind as I wonder what they are thinking and feeling each moment of the day and unable to comfort them at all. I have never felt more helpless in my life.

Last week I was off for most of the week. We celebrated two birthdays and Thanksgiving. Family time was high on the list as we had three days of celebration.

It was wonderful to make new memories as we laughed and laughed over old memories!

We went on a roller coaster ride despite my fear of rollercoasters. And we laughed (ok, I was laughed at) as they talked about my fear the last time Dad made me go on one…and made fun of my look of terror.

And then we talked of skydiving…and how I'll jump out of an airplane, but am afraid of a little ole rollercoaster…yeah, ok. At least with skydiving, you are floating, not crashing down at speeds no human being should have to endure!

We laughed at my baby nephew as he kissed the dog…while the dog kissed him…and how fast his mom swooped him up!

We had enchiladas and remembered making them for fundraisers for mission trips to Mexico…and how our friend who shall remain nameless thought Taco Bell was/is an appropriate place for Mexican food. Of course, said friend and family were there to share with us…and the many memories we've had over the years.

And we watch Christmas Story and laughed all the way through. We talked of Red Ryder BB guns and leg lamps that we'll get as a prank gift for someone one day. And washing mouths out with soap and poisoning children…and placing your tongue on frozen things…and laughed at our memory of the older kids convincing the Drama Queen to place her tongue on a frozen can of orange juice…and then her bleeding tongue…and then me finding the frozen taste buds glued to the can a few days later.

We have so many wonderful memories and lots and lots of laughter.

Sometimes, we just need to laugh.

And find our joy.