This picture was taken in October 2005... Nevaeh's 1st Charger outfit.
This one was taken September 2007... Nevaeh's latest Charger Jersey.
P.s. Nevaeh will be a Charger Cheerleader for halloween!!
2 years later
This picture was taken in October 2005... Nevaeh's 1st Charger outfit.
This one was taken September 2007... Nevaeh's latest Charger Jersey.
P.s. Nevaeh will be a Charger Cheerleader for halloween!!
Been a long time
Okay, so it has been a LONG time but for some reason I can't find the time to write!!
Disneyland was awesome. The girls had so much fun walking around and riding as many rides as they could. Nevaeh actually let Mickey touch her, which is a huge improvement. Now she keeps saying "Mickey tickle Vina, Mickey loves Vina", too cute huh!! Nevaeh and Bailey behaved extremely well and treated each other like best friends.
This is our last week with Bailey which is bitter sweet because I am happy to get our freedom back (which we sort of lose when we have Bailey here) but sad because Nevaeh's daily playmate will be gone. They have a lot of fun together.
We intended to go to church yesterday but we ended up leaving way to late and decided that instead of arriving 30 minutes late to church we just shouldn't go. So on our way home from running some errands we saw that the 78 East was shut down... upon further inspection I saw it was due to a motorcycle accident!! There was a sheet over what appeared to be a body!! Jacob and I said a little prayer and then began to wonder.. "Is someone waiting for him but don't understand why he is so late?" "where was he going?" "Was he on his way back home from church?"... I don't know but that spoiled our morning!!
The rest of the day went well UNTIL the Chargers lost!!! I know we were in shock!! I thought for sure we were going to win. The dissappointing loss gave me a headache, I think I was more upset than Jacob!
Disneyland was awesome. The girls had so much fun walking around and riding as many rides as they could. Nevaeh actually let Mickey touch her, which is a huge improvement. Now she keeps saying "Mickey tickle Vina, Mickey loves Vina", too cute huh!! Nevaeh and Bailey behaved extremely well and treated each other like best friends.
This is our last week with Bailey which is bitter sweet because I am happy to get our freedom back (which we sort of lose when we have Bailey here) but sad because Nevaeh's daily playmate will be gone. They have a lot of fun together.
We intended to go to church yesterday but we ended up leaving way to late and decided that instead of arriving 30 minutes late to church we just shouldn't go. So on our way home from running some errands we saw that the 78 East was shut down... upon further inspection I saw it was due to a motorcycle accident!! There was a sheet over what appeared to be a body!! Jacob and I said a little prayer and then began to wonder.. "Is someone waiting for him but don't understand why he is so late?" "where was he going?" "Was he on his way back home from church?"... I don't know but that spoiled our morning!!
The rest of the day went well UNTIL the Chargers lost!!! I know we were in shock!! I thought for sure we were going to win. The dissappointing loss gave me a headache, I think I was more upset than Jacob!
Disneyland
Well since Jacob worked last Friday (his scheduled day off) he was able to take today off. Now we are getting ready to head out to the happiest place on Earth... DISNEYLAND! Nevaeh is so excited, she has been talking about Mickey, Minnie, D'duck (Donald Duck), Pooto (Pluto) and Derella (Cinderella) all morning long. This time will be slightly different for all of us, we are taking Nevaeh's friend Bailey. Now she will have someone her size to share in all the excitment.
We'll let you know how it went later!
Jen
We'll let you know how it went later!
Jen
Pause
Where do I begin? Nine years ago our lives simply paused and we watched everyone go on with their day but we could not understand how we were supposed to go on with ours.
It was a Sunday morning, around 9:30 or so. Melissa (my brother's widow) had asked us all to go to her house for a big breakfast but of course we were all running late. I was still lying on the couch watching TV, Monica was still sleeping and my parents were outside doing their usual weekend clean up. Alex was at her home learning how to be a new mommy. Melissa called and I answered (I was quickly thinking of excuses to explain why I wasn't on my way to her house)... but she wasn't calling to rush me... she called and asked if I could go watch the girls because she needed to make her way to the hospital... of course I freaked!!
She explained Joe had gone a morning motorcycle ride with 3 of his buddies and one of his friends, Frank, had called her that morning crying telling her that Joe had got into an accident. She said that at first she thought it was a really bad joke but then he told her to listen... what she heard was the helicopter which was about to air lift Joe to the nearest hospital. I didn't know what to do!! I quickly ran to the back door and yelled at the top of my lungs for my mom and dad and told them to hurry because "Joe was in the hospital" (I later found out that I yelled so loud that that is how my neighbors found out).... Monica heard and woke up... we made our way to Melissa's house. None of us wanted to stay behind so we all went to the hospital. We picked up Alex's husband (one of Joe's best friends) but left Alex behind because she was still recovering from giving birth only 5 days before. She was not happy about that but agreed as long as we called her as soon as we heard anything.
My brother in law drove about 100 miles an hour, so we got to the hospital in what felt like 2 minutes. I was in the back seat crying so loud that I had to hush myself with a towel I found... I remember thinking that Joe was really going to make fun of me when he heard that I was crying so hard... I was prepared to hear "you are such a baby!"
When we got out of the car we passed by his friend’s bike and Joe's helmet was strapped to it. The helmet didn't look banged up so I rubbed it and said "oh, thank God his helmet looks good so he must be fine." When we got into the hospital they quickly rushed us into an office/conference room (clear sign that the news wasn't going to be good!). We all stood around crying and confused. After what seemed like HOURS the doctor finally walked in, he asked Frank what happened... he explained that they were riding down a windy road and it looked as if Joe's bike slid on broken pavement and he smashed straight into a mountain. The doctor was looking through his file or at least pretending to look and then said, "we did the best we could but he just didn't make it"... I have never heard myself cry as hard as I did that day.
Melissa, as calm as can be, got her three girls and told the doctor she wanted to see him... she did. Then it was my mom and dad's turn... then Monica and I walked into the cold white room where he was. I touched him and cried and could not understand how this strong big brother of mine... died... yep died....
We sat in conference room for a couple of hours avoiding calls from Alex (we didn't want to tell her over the phone). We finally made our way home... my dad wanted to be alone and asked to be dropped off at home before we broke the news to Alex...we pulled up to her driveway, she was sitting in her porch with Jake... she knew it was bad news because we were all still crying. I walked up to the door shaking my head and said, "he's dead".... Alex cried the worst gut-wrenching cry (her neighbors came out and asked if they could help).
I always thought about how difficult a time we all had as a family because we lost one of the most important people in our lives... but now that I have Nevaeh I realize how strong my sister in law must have been and still is. It must have felt impossible to go on but since she had her girls she had no choice. Melissa was only 28 and she became a widow/single mother of three in seconds. Can you imagine?!?!? She had to explain to them why everyone was crying and why their daddy was never coming home... Every time Ashley (2 yrs. old) heard a motorcycle drive by their home she would run to the window and yell for her daddy... I honestly don't think I would be half as strong.
It was a Sunday morning, around 9:30 or so. Melissa (my brother's widow) had asked us all to go to her house for a big breakfast but of course we were all running late. I was still lying on the couch watching TV, Monica was still sleeping and my parents were outside doing their usual weekend clean up. Alex was at her home learning how to be a new mommy. Melissa called and I answered (I was quickly thinking of excuses to explain why I wasn't on my way to her house)... but she wasn't calling to rush me... she called and asked if I could go watch the girls because she needed to make her way to the hospital... of course I freaked!!
She explained Joe had gone a morning motorcycle ride with 3 of his buddies and one of his friends, Frank, had called her that morning crying telling her that Joe had got into an accident. She said that at first she thought it was a really bad joke but then he told her to listen... what she heard was the helicopter which was about to air lift Joe to the nearest hospital. I didn't know what to do!! I quickly ran to the back door and yelled at the top of my lungs for my mom and dad and told them to hurry because "Joe was in the hospital" (I later found out that I yelled so loud that that is how my neighbors found out).... Monica heard and woke up... we made our way to Melissa's house. None of us wanted to stay behind so we all went to the hospital. We picked up Alex's husband (one of Joe's best friends) but left Alex behind because she was still recovering from giving birth only 5 days before. She was not happy about that but agreed as long as we called her as soon as we heard anything.
My brother in law drove about 100 miles an hour, so we got to the hospital in what felt like 2 minutes. I was in the back seat crying so loud that I had to hush myself with a towel I found... I remember thinking that Joe was really going to make fun of me when he heard that I was crying so hard... I was prepared to hear "you are such a baby!"
When we got out of the car we passed by his friend’s bike and Joe's helmet was strapped to it. The helmet didn't look banged up so I rubbed it and said "oh, thank God his helmet looks good so he must be fine." When we got into the hospital they quickly rushed us into an office/conference room (clear sign that the news wasn't going to be good!). We all stood around crying and confused. After what seemed like HOURS the doctor finally walked in, he asked Frank what happened... he explained that they were riding down a windy road and it looked as if Joe's bike slid on broken pavement and he smashed straight into a mountain. The doctor was looking through his file or at least pretending to look and then said, "we did the best we could but he just didn't make it"... I have never heard myself cry as hard as I did that day.
Melissa, as calm as can be, got her three girls and told the doctor she wanted to see him... she did. Then it was my mom and dad's turn... then Monica and I walked into the cold white room where he was. I touched him and cried and could not understand how this strong big brother of mine... died... yep died....
We sat in conference room for a couple of hours avoiding calls from Alex (we didn't want to tell her over the phone). We finally made our way home... my dad wanted to be alone and asked to be dropped off at home before we broke the news to Alex...we pulled up to her driveway, she was sitting in her porch with Jake... she knew it was bad news because we were all still crying. I walked up to the door shaking my head and said, "he's dead".... Alex cried the worst gut-wrenching cry (her neighbors came out and asked if they could help).
I always thought about how difficult a time we all had as a family because we lost one of the most important people in our lives... but now that I have Nevaeh I realize how strong my sister in law must have been and still is. It must have felt impossible to go on but since she had her girls she had no choice. Melissa was only 28 and she became a widow/single mother of three in seconds. Can you imagine?!?!? She had to explain to them why everyone was crying and why their daddy was never coming home... Every time Ashley (2 yrs. old) heard a motorcycle drive by their home she would run to the window and yell for her daddy... I honestly don't think I would be half as strong.
My Big Brother
Nine years ago today there were 4 of us, Joe, Alex, Moni and me. We were always together especially on the weekend... we would BBQ practically EVERY weekend at either Joe's or Alex's. Joe was 11 years older than me so he was more than just a brother; he was a protector, a father figure, my hero and a funny funny friend. He was almost always calm until someone messed with any one of his girls... mom, wife, three sisters or three daughters. Women always surrounded the poor guy.
Nine years ago today was the last time I saw my big brother, Joe, alive. It was a Saturday evening and we were all at Alex's house and he was placing his pupusa order with Moni who was going to pick them up. I can still see him walking into Alex's house... tall, dark, handsome and strong.
He was my mom and dad's pride and joy. He was their first born, their only boy. How they survived his death, I will never know. I think Jake's birth (my nephew) got my parents through it. Jake was born 5 days before Joe's death.
His girls absolutely LOVED him too. Jessica the oldest, 7 at the time (16 now) needs her daddy now more than ever. Ashley, 2 at the time (11 now), doesn't remember her daddy now but when her mommy started dating 2 years after Joe died, she made sure her mommy's boyfriend knew he wasn't welcomed by sitting between them and not allowing them to hold hands. Elissa, only 7 months old at the time (9 now) couldn't wait to jump into her daddy's arms when he walked into the room. When she was about 2 years old she would all of the sudden look really sad and sit all alone... when you would ask her what was wrong she would say, "I miss my daddy".
I would love to have him back for one more day so he can meet the new additions to the family and so his girls could see what a wonderful man he was. We try to explain how funny he was and how much he loved them but I know they will never know.
Lucky for me, I was blessed enough to meet a man who reminds me of my brother constantly. I really think Joe had a lot to do with Jacob coming into my life.
Nine years ago today was the last time I saw my big brother, Joe, alive. It was a Saturday evening and we were all at Alex's house and he was placing his pupusa order with Moni who was going to pick them up. I can still see him walking into Alex's house... tall, dark, handsome and strong.
He was my mom and dad's pride and joy. He was their first born, their only boy. How they survived his death, I will never know. I think Jake's birth (my nephew) got my parents through it. Jake was born 5 days before Joe's death.
His girls absolutely LOVED him too. Jessica the oldest, 7 at the time (16 now) needs her daddy now more than ever. Ashley, 2 at the time (11 now), doesn't remember her daddy now but when her mommy started dating 2 years after Joe died, she made sure her mommy's boyfriend knew he wasn't welcomed by sitting between them and not allowing them to hold hands. Elissa, only 7 months old at the time (9 now) couldn't wait to jump into her daddy's arms when he walked into the room. When she was about 2 years old she would all of the sudden look really sad and sit all alone... when you would ask her what was wrong she would say, "I miss my daddy".
I would love to have him back for one more day so he can meet the new additions to the family and so his girls could see what a wonderful man he was. We try to explain how funny he was and how much he loved them but I know they will never know.
Lucky for me, I was blessed enough to meet a man who reminds me of my brother constantly. I really think Joe had a lot to do with Jacob coming into my life.
the past few days
Well, it has been forever since my last post but it really feels as if I have been super busy. The ridiculous heat has not helped!! One of the biggest things that happened is that Nevaeh is using the potty consistently. She has had a few accidents when she is busy playing but other than that she lets me know when she has to go. I wish I could give out a great secret but she decided to use the potty on her own. All I did was got her used to her potty by sitting her on it every once in a while. Jacob got off early from work on Friday so Nevaeh got to go to Toys R Us and pick out a toy for using the potty; she picked a doctor's kit, which she LOVES and she plays with it from the moment she wakes up. I am so happy that she uses the potty now but I am kind of sad that my baby is growing up.
Jacob had three days off because of the holiday and he was extra helpful at home. He always does his best to clean up after himself and to help clean while I am making dinner but this weekend he went above and beyond!! He cleaned and COOKED all weekend long, I was in heaven.
Saturday we drove down to L.A. for my friend Vere's house warming party. She has actually lived there for many years...like 4... but she has been slowly working on several projects and now they are completely done. Her house looked great, her dad, brother and boyfriend did most of the work themselves. She had a great band there so needless to say Nevaeh had a wonderful time and she danced the night away. Jacob and I could not get enough of the food and home made Sangria.
On Monday we went over to Jacob's brothers house to enjoy their pool and AC! It was so much fun and we definitely didn't feel the heat while in the pool. They BBQ'd and I had one too many Bud Lights ... I was actually falling asleep!! I couldn't help myself it was so hot.
It has been so super hot and humid that I have been unable to find relief! We only have one fan and that one stays in Nevaeh's room at night because her room is like an oven. We have been fine without a fan in our room at night until Saturday night... we went all over town looking for a fan but no one had them in stock!! Finally Walmart got some in last night so we bought two box fans. They were only $11 but we actually slept through the night!!
Nevaeh is still on her princess kick... she still has me call her Cinderella and she calls me Snow White or Ariel. She is so cute!!! I have been given dirty looks when people hear her I am sure many of those people have been uber-feminist but I don't really care. I definitely haven't begged Nevaeh to like princesses or to enjoy wearing skirts... she saw them in her books and decided she really likes them. I also didn't force Nevaeh to play doctor she did that on her own as well. Some moms can be so judgmental!
Till Next Time,
Jen
Jacob had three days off because of the holiday and he was extra helpful at home. He always does his best to clean up after himself and to help clean while I am making dinner but this weekend he went above and beyond!! He cleaned and COOKED all weekend long, I was in heaven.
Saturday we drove down to L.A. for my friend Vere's house warming party. She has actually lived there for many years...like 4... but she has been slowly working on several projects and now they are completely done. Her house looked great, her dad, brother and boyfriend did most of the work themselves. She had a great band there so needless to say Nevaeh had a wonderful time and she danced the night away. Jacob and I could not get enough of the food and home made Sangria. On Monday we went over to Jacob's brothers house to enjoy their pool and AC! It was so much fun and we definitely didn't feel the heat while in the pool. They BBQ'd and I had one too many Bud Lights ... I was actually falling asleep!! I couldn't help myself it was so hot.
It has been so super hot and humid that I have been unable to find relief! We only have one fan and that one stays in Nevaeh's room at night because her room is like an oven. We have been fine without a fan in our room at night until Saturday night... we went all over town looking for a fan but no one had them in stock!! Finally Walmart got some in last night so we bought two box fans. They were only $11 but we actually slept through the night!!
Nevaeh is still on her princess kick... she still has me call her Cinderella and she calls me Snow White or Ariel. She is so cute!!! I have been given dirty looks when people hear her I am sure many of those people have been uber-feminist but I don't really care. I definitely haven't begged Nevaeh to like princesses or to enjoy wearing skirts... she saw them in her books and decided she really likes them. I also didn't force Nevaeh to play doctor she did that on her own as well. Some moms can be so judgmental!Till Next Time,
Jen