Wild Waters

It was not overly hot, but we still made it to opening weekend and enjoyed the relaxing sunshine.

 

Leg Day and Brunch

Leg day and brunch with this cutie. Gotta admit, so glad she isn't leaving and that we get to do this together.

 

Wedding Reception Date

Trying to get a photo of us takes at least 30 shots. It was decent food (Jody wanted 2 plates and the waitress was hassling him), lots of gay Hispanic men, great music but no dancing?, and no wedding cake but I still had 5 macarons. The walls were brick and then they weren't. It was still a lovely evening. Also I almost tripped and fell off the top floor of the parking lot. 

 

Getting Ready for Finals

It is such a busy time of year trying to wrap things up. We are all working hard and trying our best.

 

Getting Ready for Middle School

Maria was an excellent guide, taking us around Sky Ranch. She had only gone there 1 year due to covid... but it was helpful. It's a huge school and the library is a dream! Eli's main concern was the external reward program. It was interesting for me to note as a mother.

Overall, great school! Great principal *She remembered Christina and told us to tell her hi. So here's hoping for the best!

 

Josh's Birthday

We were excited to celebrate with good food and good company! It was a beautiful sunset too!

Dirty Thirty

My gym spouse turned 30. We celebrated with his family and it was lovely. Great food. OMGoodness POSOLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could eat it everyday.

We got to have some good conversations with new people and overall it was very enjoyable. I adore his family even though most of what I know is from what he has told me! It was nice to finally spend time with them!!

 

Nancy Kerriganed

 

Eli had an "accident" at school. When they called I thought it was Ella going for the 200th time, so I ignored. They persisted and called my work number and I ended up having to leave halfway though the day... Ty subbed for me since there are no substitutes. The nurse had told me he couldn't walk or stand. At this point I'm thinking, well why isn't he in an ambulance then? But when I picked him up he was able to hobble to the car. It was pretty swolen and he said that he had cried. I told him it is always OK to cry. We cry especially when things hurt!!

It was his first time at the nurse in his entire elementary school career. That we can remember.

We got some pho before heading to urgent care because you never know how long it will take. We ended up being seen pretty quick. Nothing was broken but unfortunately we discovered through an xray he has an abnormal knee cap and extra bone growth on it.

It was not the year for knees, I will tell you that much. It took about 3 days, but he is able to walk just fine now. Thank Heavenly Father.

Papa's for Mother's Day

It is always depressing to not have my mom or Yiaya around. Papa cooked a feast and we had a good time doing awkward family photos with Ram and her kiddos. It was a great day. We are truly so blessed.

 

Mother's Day Breakfast- BEST EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Talk about spoiled. I woke up and got to read in my room (and do homework) for 2 hours. When I came down the entire house was clean and backyard. The kitchen was scrubbed with a Mother's Day banner and the most delicious breakfast prepared by Christina and Maria. Jody took them shopping and they got everything so I didn't have to. It was quite spectacular and VERY CLASSY!!! I was so impressed by their talent and presentation. The cards were beautiful and I felt very grateful for these sweet offspring of mine. They are my biggest blessing and my everything. They are my reason for this life and I adore them more than I could ever possibly express. I am so proud of them, but more importantly I hope they are proud of the human beings they are that would take this time to serve another.

They truly are so Christ like and wonderful. 

THANK YOU CHILDREN!!!!!! And Jody!! 

No trauma this year!!! Hooray!!!

 

20 Year Anniversary

Some people do cruises or a special trip. We went to Carson City for dinner, with a stow away because I wrote a birthday party date wrong on the calendar.

Joe got me a plant, mnm's, roses, a card and crumble cookies. I got Joe a speedo to wear in Greece and a heart felt card. I also have not stabbed him. I'd say those gifts are meaningful and well appreciated.

I remember after a year of marriage listing things we had learned. We had learned nothing.

20 years later the list includes:

Joe

1. How to keep crystal bowls on your dresser

(We do not have one nor have we had one on our dresser for 17 years)

2. "Just write down whatever you say"

(Obviously someone is lacking enthusiasm for posterity and feels candy crush is more beneficial than telling the generations what 20 years of marriage is like)

Sofia

1. Be patient. Be more patient. And then pray to God to help you have patience.

2. Put God first and everything else will happen as it should.

3. Women and men are not equally yoked. Do not expect anything and be prepared to do it all with a good attitude until you snap.

4. You can not make choices for other people, you can only choose how you will respond to those choices. Set healthy boundaries.

5. Give. Give all you have.

6. Never underestimate the power of a good meal and a good cook.

7. Let go of expectations and be present.

8. Smart Phones suck. Never let them take priority over being with people.

9. Find the good in each other and be generous in your praise and sincerity.

10. Be there. The good, the bad. Be there for all of it.

Maria... "I bet $10 you guys are just going to end up at the Peppermill."

I guess we owe her $10.

 

Swim 2022

 

It was another great year for swim. Lots of friends, good times, and hard workouts!! The girls had the Bransons again, who are excellent coaches, and loved it. Maria made Nina a special poster at the end of the season, it was pretty hilarious and everyone on the team signed.

Peanut Allergies

We found an allergist who is willing to work with Ella. She is over 100% allergic to peanuts and we will be starting immunotherapy so reactions will not be deadly.

 

Greek Easter

I miss my Yiaya and my mother so much it hurts sometimes. I can't believe it's real that I don't have them by my physical side. I wanted to celebrate my heritage and take the kiddos to Greek Easter. It was everything I ever could have hoped for.

We started the day a little late because the movie Bad Guys came out. Elijah read every book in the series and has been looking forward to the movie.... FOREVER!!!!

It did not disappoint.

The girls had a swim meet so we divided up and headed to Sacramento separately. We attended the midnight mass together which was lovely... just a little long. We came at 11:30PM and left at 2AM. My kids were dying!! It was hilarious. Something we are definitely not used to. The Greeks stand up for long amounts of time to show respect and reverence. There was a candle lighting ceremony and it was very special. The kids started playing with the wax, so I am glad no one got seriously burned.

The next day we headed to the morning service, which was a lot shorter! After there was the most amazing luncheon! Families brought their own picnic items and something to share. THE LAMB!!!! OMGoodness!!! We had never tasted anything like it. Jody made friends with the entire congregation and we even got authentic Indian food. There was an Easter egg hunt for the kids and it was all very classy. We had a blast. Plus it was just so nice to spend time with Thea Popi, Jackie, and our Cousins. The girls and I went shopping on the way home and Maria got an ugly frog statue at a garden center.

They are a blast. I love them so much. We are truly so blessed. As we take the time to reflect on the Savior and His resurrection, I'm grateful to know that I can one day stand before my Yaiya and mother and tell them thank you again for the wonderful life they gave me here on earth. And a huge Thank You to my Heavenly Father and Jesus for helping me and loving me through it all.