The Lord is My God

Elijah is the Samuel L.Jackson of prophets. He's just in your face, all that and a bag of chips.

Hence, why we will be naming our BABY BOY after him!!!!

Elijah means The Lord is My God

Cedron is the valley in Jerusalem where the Mt. of Olives is.

Elijah Cedron Lykes

Making his earthly appearance September 18, 2011.

I must admit.... I'm excited. And nervous as all get up. All I could think at first was little boys die. I can't have 2 little boys die. But then I was listening to the radio and this came on and I felt better. I need to let all my positive emotions, all my hope, all my confidence come together, right now, over my sweet 2nd born son. God is good and His will always be done. 

 

We were at the doctors office for 2 hours.... I guess a slow day. The people before us in the ultrasound room came out and the guy was just floored. He was so upset that their 2nd child would also be a girl. I thought he was going to cry. It was pretty funny. Then we go in and all of the sudden this psycho stabbing music comes on. I thought, is this some sort of sick joke?? I guess the ultrasound tech's ex husband was calling and that was his ring tone.

I was able to tell right away it was a boy and Dr. Mellum joked, "That's not a boy, that's a man." I'm on cloud nine!!

Easter at Papa's and Yaya's

We love our Yaya Sofia! Supposedly the tooth fairy came to her house and gave Christina $20! Solid!!

She put together some lovely baskets for the girls. Every time we see her, she ALWAYS has a gift for them. Sooooooooo loved!!

It was pouring rain outside, so dad brought the bar-b-que in the garage. Don't tell the insurance company.

Ahhhh.... food. Joyous delicious food.

This year, since it was so wet outside, we had an indoor hunt. The creative mastermind, Yaya, planned a lovely hunt. Full size candy bars and eggs filled with coins. If they found $5 worth of coins in the eggs, they got a surprise.... Tangled!!! Did I ever mention how much we're loved?? 

Needless to say, the girls were in heaven!! Such fun!!

Thanks Papa and Yaya for an awesome and wonderful day!!! Saturday is always our "celebration/fun" day. We were also quite lucky to have Joe with us. He had a pow-wow at UNR and was working from 6AM-2AM.... no joke. No overtime. Ah, the life of an educator. Anyways, he did manage to get a few hours off for lunch, so it was nice.

Saturday Easter Morning

Easter morning was quite egg-citing for the girls! They got simple baskets full of goodies from the Easter Bunny. I didn't get a picture before all the commotion and shredding into, but needless to say, lots of sugar was involved.

I had a bit of a panic at one point. Christina had been in the laundry room and noticed a box where I had kept some Easter treats. She looked at the box and then at me. There was no accusation or betrayal in her voice. It was a simple statement. There was no hurt. "Mom, you're the Easter Bunny."

But my goodness, she's 6. Let's keep this up another 4 years at least. I asked her if I looked furry. She smiled. I asked her, why would you think I'm the Easter Bunny? She replied, because I remember seeing carrot bubbles in your box and now they're in my basket. Well.... of course if the Easter Bunny comes over I'm going to offer him stuff I've picked up on clearance. He does all the candy and if he needs help with other types of goodies, I want to be a good helper.

Then the relief set in. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, you just help the Easter Bunny!

But where is your basket?

I donate mine to the poor and needy. The Easter Bunny gives me and daddy the choice.

 The morning was very spring like. Green and rainy. Just beautiful.

  

 Carrot bubbles and princess paper coloring rolls were the hit!

Dying Easter Eggs

This year we went up to Yaya Sofia's and made a mess. It was fantastic. I forgot to bring food coloring so the eggs weren't as bright. But it was fun and that's all that matters. The girls love to eat hard boiled eggs! I never make them because I don't eat them, so it's quite the treat!

Shopper's Square Easter Bunny

I think the picture really says it all.

2nd Tooth Down and Out

I pulled out my daughter's tooth. I wasn't planning on it. I just jerked it and it came out with a bit of blood. She was so excited!! Not only does she get a visit from the tooth fairy but the Easter Bunny as well... all in one night!!!!

Here is the following from the tooth fairy:

Dear Miss Christina,

Congratulations on losing your second tooth. I checked with your dentist and found that you have done a wonderful job taking care of brushing, flossing and avoiding cavities. His office secretary has informed me that you have a check up coming next week. Enjoy!!

In my job, I see many teeth. I have a special magical toothbrush that when rubbed against a child’s tooth, can tell me whether that child uses his or her teeth to do what is most important- that is smile! Nothing is more important than making sure the world is filled with smiles and happiness. I am very proud of you young lady for being a happy and wonderful smiler.

As with tooth fairy law, I hereby present you with a gift of thanks for your happiness and joy you have spread to others through smiling.

I hope to be visiting you again soon. Keep up the great job! Please say hello to your little sister, I look forward in a few years to checking her smile with my magical toothbrush.

Your friend,
The Tooth Fairy or some call me Miss Tooth

PS Seeing as your smile is dazzling and sparkling, I thought it appropriate to leave you something to match! Keep up your wonderful dental care!
 
** She left a Barbie dress up costume from Barbie in a Fashion Fairytale **

Easter Teacher Appreciation

Every holiday we try to do something nice for our teachers. I was lucky to find a couple coupons at Walgreens and got 4 large bags of M 'n' M's for $4. I saved $8 supposedly. Baskets were $2 at World Market and I just added some ribbon and flowers.

No Training Wheels: Take 1

I told Christina that by this summer we need to try riding our bike without training wheels. She was hesitant, but replied, why don't we try now?

We went around the court a few times just holding her bike. She was pretty panicky but brave at the same time. She had a great little cheerleader on the sidewalk cheering her name, running and saying "You can do it!!"... all in high heels! 

Apologies...

Sorry if you were cut off before you were added as a reader. I was trying to find emails to send invites and it just took me a little while to do so.

Drive-In Firsts!!!

29 years and I don't ever remember coming here. Is it possible I did go as a child? Sure. But I tend to block out bad memories. Reno, thank you. Thank you for having a place like this. I wasn't able to get a picture, but upon entrance there was a sign that had "No Animals, No Drugs, and No Alcohol" with sketches to match. I didn't realize that places need to post signs about not doing drugs.... interesting.

We waited for 15 minutes to get in and the whole time it just filled up. I'm sure because it was a free night. But there must have been at least 700 cars. I felt pretty claustrophobic. They said the mother started at dusk... but 8:20 PM is well after dusk. And can I just say I love my typo- movie verses mother.

Because I was fearful to unlock the car, we spent 3 1/2 hours until we finally decided to head home. The girls did great. It was exciting to eat dinner in the car and people watch. We watched a good 3/4 of Tangled, but then the drive-in's paused the movie and I seized the opportunity. The girls were tired and wanted to go home even though we were all having fun. Especially Joe and I as we were asleep. So we beat the traffic and called it a night! A good night!

Why did I go private?

I'm usually not paranoid. But in all honesty I don't like my father in law or step mother in law. I think I definitely have some "forgiveness" issues to work on. Also some "judging" issues. In the meantime, while I take some time to sort through the mess, I'd just like to keep all information on my children and my life to those closest to me.

And, I'd like to take a personal pride moment and pat myself on the back for not posting a picture of the devil and Nadine from Steven King's the stand as the picture for this post. :)

Going Private

It's been long over due.... but this blog is going private. If you'd like an invite to read, just leave your email address. Also, I'm making Christina's blog private also. Have a good one!!

Sunshine Student Finale

Christina's class made her a book to celebrate her as the sunshine student. Christina made the cover, but what you can't see is her title that she colored over with purple, it reads...

prepare yourself....

melt your heart she's just the sweetest...

"I love you all."

She then drew a picture of the teacher and her whole class. I asked her if she had any help coming up with the title, and she said no, she did it by herself and that most books don't have titles that they make for each other. 

This was Lily's picture. She wrote about Christina, "I like Christina because I like your hare and you nice"

 

This is from a boy named Thomas "I like Christina becaus she bus cowl the nigs. My favorite colr yelo"

I really can't for the life of me figure out that one :) 10 points for someone that can

So sweet, from her best friend Olivia who writes, "I like Christina because she has nice maners."

This is from Aidan, a little boy who is quite hyper. He drew her as a princess. He didn't write anything, because he's not at that level yet.

This is from Katy, a little girl in her girl scout troop, "I like you Christina becuse your cute."

I enjoyed this picture by Scott and his thoughts, "I like you because you finish your wrc."

Earlier in the year Christina said she liked a little Asian boy named Jasen and thought he was cute. She has good taste because his dad is hot. Anyways, I digress. When she showed me his art for her I noticed little boxes with the word "Love" written in them. Just so freaking cute. This age is just plain ADORABLE!!!! He wrote of Christina, "I like Christina because I payl fasn Christina my sans is ansan. TV."

Anyways, what a lovely book. I wish the teacher would have added a page. It was very sweet for a sweet little girl.

Piano- Mommy Move It Along

Maria has always loved to be at the piano. Her fingers when we started were just so little and often times she couldn't control keeping them on the right keys. But NOW!! Holy smokes!! She does a wonderful job, especially with the rhythm. I just need to be a little more consistent with making sure we practice!

Christina gets easily frustrated at the piano. Sometimes I feel like a tiger mother, but I think she's gotten over the fact that you don't have to play it perfect the first time. She's cried a couple times while I sat and said "AGAIN!!"... but I want her to know she is strong and capable. She can do this. I know she will grow to love piano and she already talks about learning to play so she can play at rest homes to make old people happy. I need to get flashcards for her because she is at the point of reading music without any help. I also need to get her a theory book so she can know the specifics and mechanics behind the notes. I'm hoping that I can get on the ball enough to throw a piano recital for family and friends.

We don't beat around the bush....

Today marked a glorious day as Christina was spotlighted as the "Sunshine Student" in her class. She was to bring in a bunch of different pictures of her family.

So, usually you don't have to think about these things. But since we have a brother who is on the other side of the veil you always have to think about how others will react. Personally, I don't really care. I have a son.  He's temporarily gone. He's my 3rd born. I'll NEVER deny that. I'll NEVER pretend he wasn't and isn't a huge part of my life. How will my daughter handle other's questions or what are her feelings though is another matter.

In our home, we are 110% open and honest. We don't beat around the bush. Christina I found is the same way.

Today was a proud mother moment. Christina wanted to take a picture of her reading to her baby brother. I asked her what she'd say about the picture. I asked her what she would tell the other students. And this is what she said, "This is my baby brother. He loved it when I read to him. He's dead now. But it's OK because I know he will be resurrected and live again ." Someone asked her how he died and she said, "He died while he was sleeping." They asked again how you die in your sleep. She said, "I don't know how you die in your sleep, but God does so that's all that matters." She was such a good little soul, just teaching others around her about Christ and death. My heart is full.

Also, I came outside and found both girls kneeling in prayer. They explained that they had found a dead rollie pollie and were praying that it's family would have comfort and that it would enjoy heaven. Again, my heart full.

Saturday Hike - Enjoying Good Windy Weather

Originally, I wanted to hike this small hill by our house but we couldn't find a path and really, people shoot you for trespassing out here. Cun-tray folks, Cun-tray.

Somehow we ended up over here. It was desert beautiful.

We always seem to end up holding hands. What sweet and wonderful children to just come up and want to touch and be close. For a while it was just all 4 of us holding hands and enjoying the beauty around.

It was really strange that people live out here. We'd see a couple houses here and there and all I could think is what sane woman would want to have mice in their home?

The girls spent a lot of time picking mini-flowers. I think I love that most about hikes. Just having them discover and enjoy nature. I'm not all about getting to the top of the mountain, while that's great. I'd rather just enjoy the hike and watch my daughters enjoy themselves.

Christina came home the other day, "Mom. Do you know about igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks?" She was thrilled to take a couple rocks home.

Such a grand time with grand people!! It was extra special because it's been about a month since we've gotten to have a Saturday with daddy. The girls and I were very excited!!!