17 Months Old...Oh BOY!

My Boy...17 months old and always happy...well...most of the time

I've had these for a year, and he is just now showing interest. In fact, he enjoys taking them off and putting them back on. It is quite exciting for me!

Playing with his 'Handy Manny' toolbox. He now takes out the tools and is working on putting them back in the right places. It also sings a song, which he gets thrilled about and dances to.


A Doug & Melissa shapes puzzle that he has now figured out how to play with and enjoys taking the pieces out and putting them back. He claps after he gets them in the right places.


I try to provide a little window of time every day for Christian to color. He enjoys eating the crayons (they are made from beeswax, so it isn't horrible), but is starting to get the hang of how to use them. I keep his pictures all in a stack and add the newest to the front to hang by my desk every day. It is my favorite office artwork. :-)



Christian now knows the words "all done", "up" (making sure to enunciate properly), and "NO". The other day he sat and was shaking his head while he said "no no no no no no no". Greeeat.



He also knows the signs for "more" and "eat". I guess those are the ones that matter to him. He dances when music comes on, claps when he is happy (and with an audience that claps), laughs to get attention, whines while he teethes (which is quite a bit lately), and is slightly dramatic. (Yesterday he had a meltdown when I took away the guitar he was banging around and he stood in the middle of the room weeping with passion, tears and all. He looked pathetic. It was quite funny.)




He still takes two naps a day, though they get shorter and shorter. He eats nothing but bananas, blueberries, hot dogs and chicken nuggets. When he does eat, he is a vacuum, and chokes quite a bit. I am pretty sure I have several new gray hairs just from mealtime alone.




In short, my 17 month old keeps my life interesting. I am constantly challenged in the way I discipline him, as well as encourage him to try new things. In everything, I just adore him, and can't believe how grown up he is getting each and every day!

Chatty Christian

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Christian "talks" quite a bit now. He "reads" his books outloud...mumbles while he is working on things in his room, and will have conversations with us over just about anything. A month ago while he was eating his cup of milk fell off his highchair. I told him, "Christian, your milk fell!" to which he responded, leaning forward to look over the front of his highchair, "Shiii" with a giggle. I turned around so as not to encourage the use of that "word" with my laughter, especially since he doesn't know that it sounds an awful lot like a bad word.

Yesterday he got caught in a basket (don't ask). I was working at my desk as he struggled to break free from the confines of the basket. My eyes were as big as golf balls when I heard him repeating in a mumble "shiish, shii, shiish, shii" over and over. YIKES. I said, "you are saying 'sit', right?!" I need to figure out how to encourage him towards a different word, as I don't need him going to church and sharing this with the nursery workers! (I can see it now..."Did you hear what the pastor's son said?!")

(For the record, I actually think he is trying to copy my "sheesh", as I noticed I mumble it from time to time.)

My Little Buddy

Christian is my little sidekick. He is literally the reason I wake up (he is my alarm clock). We have a blast together, and though his tantrums challenge me, not much time will pass before he has me in stitches with his funny antics.

Fireman Christian...when he puts his hat on we make siren sounds (we stopped telling him to put out the fire, as he would go straight for our fireplace, which wasn't a good habit.)

Yes, he still wears the Tupperware hat...I thought he was over this phase but he found the bowl recently, and well, here you go.

Having fun messing up my kitchen wearing his warm slippers and Tupperware hat.

Laundry Room Project

I finished my laundry room project last weekend (FINALLY), a project I began Labor Day weekend (I really have reasons for not finishing sooner...I misplaced the hardware and kinda needed the hinge to finish). Below is the finished product.

I added the door between the washer and dryer to keep the drying rack and dryer brush organized (and hidden). I fixed the moulding around the trashcan holder, and then painted the counter and the middle door with a caramel colored paint. I added the corner shelves (a $3 purchase from Big Lots) that have battery powered lights so that when Danny comes home he has a nightlight. I have a jar for homeless socks and a jar for all the money I find in Christian's pockets. ;-)

A Three Day Weekend - Not Exactly What I Planned

My weekend in a few points:

• Friday night - Danny gone with a friend, I finished my laundry room project to avoid eating
• Saturday - Did some Spring cleaning (it was in the 80's outside), took the kid to the park...Danny worked.
• Saturday night - Danny violently ill with food poisoning, Christian talked to Moo-Cow from 3:30am until 6am when he was officially "up". I had very little sleep.
• Sunday - Danny down for the count with food poisoning. Christian had cold that appears to be contagious, as I woke with sore throat, so no church for us either.
• Sunday afternoon - Went stir crazy with Christian...we went to the park for 30 mins. I gardened outside at home when he napped.
• Sunday night - Christian coughed half the night...I got 3 hours of sleep total. Danny slept soundly.
• Monday - Though Danny was still recovering from food poisoning, we went through with our planned trip to Disneyland for the day. I was proud of us for not spending one penny the entire day, and I resisted the temptation to stray from my diet.

We're in for a big week...Danny will be quite busy with work (like normal), as will I (anticipating it to be slightly busier than normal), not to mention the inauguration of a new president for the country (hadn't you heard?!). To say prayer is appreciated is an understatement (especially for the latter point.)

Daddy's Boy

Christian has been particularly attached to Danny lately. When it is bedtime and Danny is still at work, Christian asks where "daddy" is (in his own little way...sometimes it is by singing the 'Dada song'). When Danny gets home, Christian will scream with excitement and run up and get a hug. Quite a bit lately, Christian just wants to sit on Danny's lap or cuddle and hug with Danny. Methinks Christian is a "Daddy's Boy".

Wearing his tool belt, Christian is 'discussing' his Phillips-head screwdriver with Danny

Having a picnic in the park on a perfect Sunday afternoon

Christian telling Danny why he doesn't care much for swings at this point in his life

Christian showing his daddy how to really play the guitar.

On a "Lighter" Note

Dieting does a funny thing to me...I think it might make me a little crazy. I do my best to distract myself from thinking about the food I crave, and so I busy myself with projects. A house is great for that!

A couple of days ago I ran out to pick up a few things at Big Lots and Wal-Mart, and happened upon a wood valance/cornice thing for $15. Resistance was futile, and so, though we couldn't afford it, I bought it nonetheless.

After getting the babe dinner, bathed and to bed, I went to work installing the new fixture in my office (so what that it was 9pm). There is nothing like using a power tool (drill) that exhilarates me. After putting it up, along with my curtains, I thought that something might be missing...

And so, I pulled out my SEWING MACHINE! Mom, you should be proud...I used fabric from a window scarf that we weren't going to use to make sheers for my office. If anyone knows me, they know I am no seamstress. That is my mother's forte (and it probably breaks her heart that I am no good at it). I was thrilled that I didn't have to square off with the bobbin, and only had to thread the machine once. I couldn't figure out how to change the stitch, but it worked fine for what I was doing. (I told you I am no seamstress). The finished result is below:

Now what I am really enjoying about the sheers (other than the pride that beams from me when I see them) is that while providing a bit of privacy, they also seem to enhance the light coming in from outside, thus making my office brighter and cheerier. :-) **Side note - see those mini-shelves to the left? Those were a $3 Big Lots find from a few months ago.**

The Winds of Change are a Blowin'

The word "Change" has been a catchphrase for the past year with the presidential elections. Though idealistically change is desired, I don't think people really consider the implications that come with "change". In regards to our national policies, it will mean, for example, different taxation, and a tax policy that very well could seem "unfair" to some. In regards to international conflicts, "change" is subjective based upon one's viewpoint, but oftentimes it is defined by war, death, bloodshed and conflict (both figuratively and literally). In regards to the corporate world, "change" is often a word used simultaneously with "restructure", and causes employers and employees alike discomfort as they are forced into a place they aren't familiar. In the church setting, "change" is synonymous with "growth", and oftentimes causes congregants dissatisfaction in one way or another as they see that which they were accustomed to change.

Let's face it, we are a creature of habit. Nationally we would rather stick with the same tax system rather than reform it, simply because it is difficult to make a change (both mentally and logistically). Internationally, it is easier to fight wars over age old ideology (Israel / Palestine), rather than to step back and logically take into consideration the future of a people. In the corporate sector, it is much easier to allow things to remain the same (if it ain't broke don't fix it), rather than "rock the boat" and cause unrest in the workplace. In the church setting, to some people, the discomfort brought by change may very well cause them to question God's will and God Himself.

I say all this because the winds of change they are a blowin' in my life. In both the corporate sector and the church change is on the horizon, and I am unfortunately experiencing the effects of conflict as result. People can be rather hurtful; some intentionally and some unintentionally, as they fight the tides of change (though idealistically they like it, practically they despise it). I am learning much through all of this, and Danny has been a phenomenal leader as I struggle with elements of "change" myself.

We have yet to see what will come of the "Change" promised. One thing is for certain though: God... Abba, I AM, Alpha and Omega, Provider, Protector, Judge, Lord, Savior... is a God that is steadfast and sure. Safety from the "winds of change" can only be found in the shelter of His wings.

Good Friends are Hard to Come By

Julia, showing off her funny face...so cute!

Ava...getting very close to walking!

Kelly and Ava (?) cuddling (Kelly - I thought this was Julia, but it looks like Ava...how do you keep them straight?!)

Today my dear friend Kelly came over to visit with her twin daughters. Christian's morning nap was delayed as I was trying to wash his moo cow, dog dog, sheet, etc. before his nap. He ended up not sleeping long enough, and was a beastie child to Kelly's poor girls. They did so well though, in spite of his pushing, screaming and attitude. After lunch, the kidlets all took naps: Christian in his crib and the girls in a pack n'play in Danny's office. It was fun to hear the girls 'talk' and laugh together, and even more fun when there was silence in the entire house. Kelly and I got to catch up and have good heart-to-heart girl talk, which we agreed we needed to do more of.

Kelly, her husband Roberto, and the girls (Ava and Julia) will be heading to Costa Rica soon to celebrate the girls' first birthday. Keep them all in your prayers as they do the airline travel internationally!

Leaving Home

As I mentioned previously, my wedding anniversary with Danny was on Thursday. As a very generous gesture, Jessica (and Matt and Ethan) offered to take Christian for the night so that Danny and I could go away. This was the first time Danny and I had gone away together without Christian. Though I knew he would be in good hands, I did shed a few tears when I watched Christian wave good-bye to me from Jessica's car. I had to spot clean his carpet to preoccupy myself to keep from crying. He did have a blast though, and welcomed us with a very excited scream when we picked him up Friday evening.

Danny and I went to dinner at our favorite restaurant in Temecula, South Coast Winery. They grow the vegetables on site and they are SO VERY GOOD. Wineries are gorgeous...hills upon hills of beautiful, leafy vines in the summer. Even though the vines were bare, it was still a gorgeous place (so much flowery landscaping too). The villa we stayed in was just lovely...we decided we could spend more "mommy/daddy vacations" here. We didn't get to use the beautiful pool, jacuzzi or spa, but did get to work out which was fun.

Friday morning we went drove to Corona to visit Glen Ivy Hot Springs: one of my favorite places on earth (seriously...I could move in and live there). We had a very generous gift certificate that covered our entrance fee and lunch, and we just enjoyed the relaxation and alone time together all day. Then, after a quick stop at Tom's Farms we headed over to pick up Christian.

We've decided that we need to take more time to go away and just be together. I know that it should get easier to leave Christian, but something tells me it will feel a bit like he is 'leaving home' every time. Goodness, can you just imagine the mess I'll be when he goes to school?!

A Perfect Day

Yesterday was one of those days that you just take a deep breath in and try to savor every second.

I was extremely productive between my work and home responsibilities yesterday. That always feels so good. Sometimes I feel guilty, working at home and making Christian stay within certain limits in our house from 8-5. Yesterday however, I just felt incredibly blessed for the opportunity. He played so well by himself (with only a few "toddler moments"), making sure to take plenty of breaks to "read". At lunch we wrestled, kicked the soccer ball, and laughed up a storm. After 5, we went out for a walk in our neighborhood. Christian pointed to the moon and asked "Wassat?" and then smiled when I told him it was the moon. He pointed to houses that had their lights on and would make sure I knew that they had "iites".

As we walked down the hill in our cute little neighborhood, I gazed at the sunset that caressed the horizon, tucking away behind the mountain range that separates us from Orange County. I reflected upon how different our lives have become since our two year anniversary, the last one celebrated in Orange County (and, incidentally, also the day we found out we were expecting).

We arrived home just as Danny pulled into the driveway. I had chili in the crock pot and bread bowls waiting, so we were able to sit and just enjoy dinner with little prep and cleanup to do. Since Christian is going to be away tonight, I decided to skip bath time so we could spend more time together, and so we all played some Wii and giggled.

Some might think a day like that was ordinary. I beg to differ. Not only was it extraordinary, but it was altogether perfect in my book.

Bits and Pieces of Randomness

Funny thing happened this past weekend...I got up far too early for a weekend (thanks Christian) and was getting coffee. I like foofy creamer, and I swore the creamer I picked up was full and so in my half awake mind I thought it hadn't been opened. With my eyes half closed, I unscrewed the cap (don't ask me why) and shook it as hard as I could. Let me just tell you...it had been opened. Creamer...EVERYWHERE. The picture doesn't do it justice. I had creamer in my hair, down my shirt and pants, all over the cupboards, counters...EVERYWHERE. It is times like that when you think to yourself "Why did I get up this morning?"

Christian has been watching us play our Wii lately, and taking great interest in it. And so, Danny decided to put Christian on the Wii board. A toddler can't stay still long enough to do anything, and Wii is no exception. However, Danny figured out an ingenious way to help Christian out...he just "guided" him along. LOL Too funny!

Four Years and Counting

Four years ago I walked down an aisle to Mr. Daniel Russell Flores, Jr. and became his wife. We've experienced SO MUCH in the past four years, and I'm sure that this is just the beginning.

To celebrate Jessica is going to take Christian for the night, and Danny and I are going to stay in a local villa and then will be using a generous gift card at Glen Ivy to spend the day relaxing and just being together. This is a long overdue time for us...and it will be the first time we will have left Christian. To say I am going to miss him is an understatement, but I know he will be in very good hands, so that puts my mind at ease. (God bless you Jess.)

As a pseudo-anniversary gift, I finished a painting that I was planning on working on. I'm no painter, but I like the idea of having original art in our home. ;-)

Entertaining Angels

I have to say, I feel so incredibly blessed lately. Our guest room has hardly had a break since before Thanksgiving, as we have entertained family, friends, family, church folk and more friends. There were a few moments that I had literally a matter of hours to wash the sheets and blankets, take out trash, etc. before the next visitors arrived, and I loved every moment of it.

Over the weekend we had an unexpected visit from my brother, Jake. He is on leave before he returns to the base to prepare for his deployment. We had a chance to hang out, and for some reason Jake brought out the HYPER in Christian. I think Christian even wore Jake out, and that is VERY hard to do! Here are some pictures I caught (Christian was often a blur, as he would not stay still!).

For those to visited, or are yet to visit, thank you. Your very presence has enriched our lives more than you will ever know.

Christmas House

Our dear friend, Matt Sumi, stopped by on a recent visit to So Cal. He is a professional photographer and gave Danny some pointers on using our camera, among letting Danny play with a few of his REALLY cool (and REALLY expensive) lenses...hence the following pictures of our house while it was still decked out for Christmas.

Matt, thank you for visiting for a few days...as always you are welcome anytime and we are always blessed by your presence.

2008 - Farewell to Thee, 2009 - Yet To Be

Happy New Year All! My apologies for not blogging more over the holidays...I did actually write two other posts that I have allowed to stay in edit mode for my own reasons.

Our Christmas Eve and Christmas day were eventful and blessed. My parents gave us a fancy new camera so that we can take GOOD pictures to share with you all. I'm still learning how to use it, and often have to pry it out of Danny's hands, but here is a sampling for your viewing pleasure:

Christian got this fire hat for Christmas and puts it on a random times...hence the hood and highchair

The Hekman's spent the 26th with us and we played with our cameras...we had a blast!! (though I do think Jess and I were getting tired of the paparazzi!)

Me and my boy

Christian got a tool belt from us...he's showing daddy how to use a hammer


Danny took this on Monday...Christian had pancakes with syrup and somehow 'misplaced' part of his breakfast in that crazy mop of hair he has!

I made my first prime rib and creme brulee over the past few days. I also had to use an official time out corner for Christian...as he tested the "Temper Tantrum" waters. There is nothing worse but more necessary than consistent discipline.

The new year is promising to be a challenging one already. My bro is set to deploy in February (more details to come as they are known), my son is hinting at his 'terrible 2's' a little early, and both Danny and I are finding our jobs have their difficult and painful moments. (I've questioned God on a number of occasions as of late.)

I loved the idea I got on Christy Harker's blog about one word being a resolution for the year (I'm making personal resolutions that require more than one word, but for the sake of you all, I'll introduce you to the one word): LESS. Less is more, after all. I may decide to bring this word up as it fits in with my resolutions throughout the new year.

Blessings to you all as you open 2009 with all its layers of potential and hope yet to be unwrapped.