Gabby’s Ground Hog Day Project
I love when my kids make stuff. I know one day I’ll miss these little “projects”. That’s probably why I shamelessly snap pictures and record videos!
My Sweet Little Girl
My Sweet Little Girl
Earlier tonight, Gabby found herself in “trouble”. She recently has developed this audacity that knows no bounds. She asks. We say no. She asks again within two minutes. We say no again.
Tonight she did the same thing with this question, “Daddy, can I have desert?”. I told her no because of something she did that we’ve asked her not to do and she got mad! She threw the desert down and pitched a fit.
I told her quickly to pick it up and not to let a situation cause her to do something that would really get her into trouble. She picked it up with a disappointed face and life went on.
It wasn’t until an hour later that I realized why she was avoiding me and whispering with her Auntie and Mommy. You you guessed it. The picture above says it all. In case you don’t speak “kid” it says:
I am sree (sorry) for all the things that I did. Gabby
.
She made me a bookmark with my name on it out of beads, brought me a bottle of water, and my favorite candy, a Reese’s Cup.
She is way too sweet of a kid.
Now I realize that the disappointed face was not because she didn’t get what she wanted, but that she disappointed me.
We must be careful with the stewardship of our children. They look to us as God wants us to look to him.
Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3 NIV)
Gabby, I don’t deserve you dear. That’s how I know I’m blessed! God is strong in you and He uses you everyday to teach me how to be better for Him and you.
Esther Santillan Corral
Suegra,
I imagine you looking like this when Jesus says, “Tell me about your family.” I see you pointing to all of us and saying, “Take a look for yourself.” proudly then putting your hands on your hips just like in this picture.
This is one of my all-time favorite pictures of you and such a fun day. This is the way I remember you. Always full of life and love. You knew no definition for “stranger”. You spread comfort and care. You touched the hearts of all those you came in contact with. You were “Small but MIGHTY”. I’m glad you are on my side.
The tough times are fading and my memories of love, life, and laughter are taking over. You are infectious, caring, loving, fun, smart, witty, wise, and crazy about all of us… the fortunate people that had the chance to know you.
So many wonderful people seem to be coming out of the wood work. They have come to show the same love to us, your family, that you showed them every chance you had. They are here with us and I can’t help but feeling like you will walk in any minute — late as usual, but that you will walk in any minute with some tasty treat and steal the show. I loved when you would seemingly make up some word and say, “That’s what we say in Spanish”. I miss you with all my heart.
Gabby and I thought about how happy Chase and Butler were when you walked into Heaven and it made us smile for a minute or two. Just think, no one there will get on to you for giving them too many treats.
You are loved and missed.
~ Yerno
[ That's how we say "son-in-law" in Spanish 
]
Sunday Walk
Sunday Walk
Gabby is learning to make home movies to preserve and document the fun things we do as a family. Frankly because I need help keeping up with our crazy family and she likes to help with the cameras.
I let her use my camera and she wants to play with it but she doesn’t know what to film. We made this little film of a Sunday Walk near her school, Cedar Ridge, to show her that anything we want to remember is worth taping. I think it is cute because she is so outgoing… until the camera gets to rolling! She will get over her “Camera Shyness”. I did. Come to think of it, the way I overcame my “Camera Shyness” was by taking hold of the camera. Hmmm, how about that?
How about you? Are you camera shy? Have you ever overcome it? How?
Leave a comment tell me how.
Auntie Pulled My Tooth
Auntie Pulled My Tooth
Gabby is racking up when it comes to the Tooth Fairy. She has complained for 2 weeks about that tooth that was flapping in the wind hanging from her top gums! Until today…
Auntie snatched it out without any pain. In fact, without any feeling at all, apparently. Gabby didn’t even know it was out.
These days will end one day. These days of losing teeth, learning to ride bikes, and having “play dates”. I just hope the days of totally trusting Mommy and Daddy, loving her brother, and staying true to her heart never end.
A Great New Friend
Pickles (Pee kels) A Great New Friend
For a dog that we found as a stray, she is turning out to be a great friend. I know that somehow, Chase and Butler sent her to our family. The boys knew how much we loved them and I think that’s why she’s here.
Whether you call her Pickles, Ahh, Dog, or Peekles, she comes running. She loves attention and walks. She meets me at the door after a long day at work. She’s an amazing little friend.
Linky is Counting The Days
Linky has been a part of our Christmas Tradition for only 2 years, but that doesn’t stop him from being as crazy as one of the family!
I wonder where he’ll show up next.
Little Man
Evan, you are hilarious, Son. You make me smile with your personality. The day I took this picture was “Hat Day” at your school. You were not even two-years-old yet. Actually, about 1 year and 10 months to be exact.
You put the hat that Auntie Bea got for you one your cute little head and you seemed to become a star. A little Frank Sinatra. The truth is, Son, you already were a star and still are. Keep shining, Son. You will make the world smile… just like me.
Two Front Teeth
Gabby lost her two front teeth last week. They were basically flapping in the wind they were so loose. She was just fine to wait patiently until they fell out… Yeah Right!
She asked everyday. Sometimes, twice a day. Finally I had enough. After we finished brushing our teeth, I decided to tie a little “tooth noose” with dental floss around her two front teeth. I left her a little slack and told her that all she needed to do was to ….
Just then, a hand comes out of no where and snatches the string, the slack, and the two front teeth right out! One tooth hit the sink and the other hit the floor. The funny thing is that second tooth on the floor was right next to mine and Gabby’s jaws!
Amber obviously had enough too.
Happy Birthday Mom – Lake Rabun 2011
Happy Birthday Mom – Rabun Beach Campground 2011
(picture gallery at the bottom of the post)
Do you remember your first family camping trip? Camping has always been a part of our family. That’s why I couldn’t wait to get my kids out in the woods exploring nature on their first overnight trip. When you have kids that are almost 6 and almost 2 it is challenging. Not just challenging once you get there and start setting up a tent with a 2-year-old stealing tent pegs. I mean challenging from the planning stage on…
This year we celebrated my Mom’s Birthday with a family camping trip at Rabun Beach at Lake Rabun Georgia. Ole Phyl had a great time. In fact, Friday she, Evan, and I drove up to the campground 1st to claim a great campsite. Once we got there it did take a few minutes to decide because each of the sites had it’s own unique reason to choose it. I won’t post which one we chose, because I can’t give away all of my secrets, but they all were very good.
Mom spent the afternoon following Evan around and laughing at him. The wonder in his eyes, the amazement in his face, and the craziness coming out of his mouth. I don’t know if I have every heard her laugh as much as she did that afternoon.
The rest of the weekend was amazing too. Amber, Andria, Bradley, and Gabby arrived that night (after dark). There was an incident with Daddy Long-Legs (read below) but for the most part a great trip.
Lake Rabun and Rabun Beach
The campground at Rabun Beach is very well kept. There is a “host” that (I think) lives on site. The rental fees are $14 per night for tent campers and $22 per night for RV’s. There are trails running throughout, several bath houses (with hot water), and hiking trails that take you to Angel Falls and Panther Falls. The falls are very beautiful and well worth the walk.
From the trail head, the walk is only about 1/2 mile to Panther Falls and then another 1/4 mile or so to Angel Falls.
We did see a copperhead snake on our way down, so be watchful.
The Kids
Our camping trip was a great experience. When Gabby, Amber, Andria, and Bradley first arrived, Amber took Gabby to the bath house. Gabby freaked out because there were Daddy Longleg Spiders everywhere. I suppose I would freak out too if I hadn’t seen that many of them before and there were 20 of them all in one place!
By the end of the weekend, Gabby was practically picking them up and laughing about it.
Evan was a trip the whole time. His little eyes were amazed by everything he saw. He didn’t want to go to sleep. In fact, he went kicking and screaming to bed each night because he wanted to stay up and have fun.
Amber was apprehensive about going camping. I don’t know why, because she grew up going in California and loved it. Maybe it had something to do with having to small kids in the woods! Anyway, she did great too. Whether she admits it or not, you could tell she had a good time too.
Camping Question:
So. Do you remember your first family camping trip? Tell us about it in a comment.
Picture Gallery
Family Movie Night – The Lion King
Family Movie Night – The Lion King
Almost 20 years ago Disney released The Lion King and all of its magic. I didn’t realize how it affects you until I watched my kids faces as they reacted to the colorful lights of this epic tale falling off the silver screen.
Gabby, of course, is old enough to appreciate the storyline and the music. That would account for those genuine tears she produced as she heard Rafiki say, Read the rest of this entry »
Columbia County House Watch Program
House Watch Program
What is it?
Ever heard of Neighborhood Watch? The House Watch Program is like that only on steriods.
Living in Columbia County Georgia is great for many reasons. No way to go into all of them here, however there is one HUGE reason and I will name it. The House Watch Program.
Here in CoCo the Sheriffs Office set up a program to keep our county safe and to give people peace-of-mind while they are away from their homes on vacation or for any reason.
We will use this every time we go out of town now.
Thank you COCO.
How does it work?
Basically, you call the Sheriff’s Office, answer a few questions about you and your trip, and they visit your home each day while you are gone to deter or report any foul play.
Seriously? Yes, seriously.
How much does it cost?
This is the best part… IT’S FREE!
Here are the details of how to use the service:
House Watch Program
Just in case the link gets busted… Here’s and excerpt from their site:
House Watch Program
The House Watch Program was set up over 10 years ago to help protect the homes of people who are going to be gone for an extended period of time. This free Service was designed to allow people living in Columbia County to have peace of mind while on vacation or away. In order to be placed on the House Watch program, contact Columbia County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (706) 541-2800 at least 24 hours prior to departure. You will be asked a series of question including, but not limited to:
Home Phone Number Address Emergency Telephone Number If you have an Alarm Company and who If you have any pets Are there going to be any lights on Any vehicles in the driveway Is there anyone Authorized to be there A contact number for a person with a key An Emergency Contact Number Leaving Time and Date Returning Time and Date Once the information is entered into the system, our deputies will check on the houses periodically during the day and night. If you find that you will be away longer than expected, call dispatch and tell them about the change and they will be happy to adjust the times.
