Julio had a birthday

Yes, he did-a couple of weeks ago now. He is 21-again! He complains of getting old with all his ailments-new prescriptions for his glasses, a breathing machine for his sleep apnea, pain in his hip…but at heart, he’s still the same. We did get a date night and went out to dinner and went shopping where he picked out his own gifts. On his actual birthday, the kids and I surprised him at work with some treats and that night I made his favorite spaghetti with garlic chips, escarole and pancetta. He says I’ve never thrown him a party. Ummm, he’s never thrown me one!

It was hard to get a good photo!

Lucia’s essay

Lucia wrote this essay at school on responsibility. It was their character trait for the month. I fixed the spelling errors. I thought it was very insightful and mature for a 4th grader. I’m so proud of her!

I AM

I am someone who is responsible.

Someone who is honest and admits things even if it allows a punishment.

Someone who treats people in a respectful manner and tries to help with other’s responsibilities.

I am someone who is responsible.

Someone who makes their dreams a reality and takes risks to accomplish a goal.

Someone who asks to clarify questions and lets their knowledge grow stronger.

I am someone who is responsible.

Someone who takes responsibility for their actions by thinking of others and their consequences before making their next move.

Someone who uses their honesty and responsibility for harder tasks and small ones too.

I am someone who is responsible because I have honesty and respect. I try the best to use my spark and responsibility along with honesty and respect for life.

September

September has come and gone. We’ve been really busy with all of our activities. Marco started soccer. His team isn’t as good as last year’s, but they’ve won 1 game. He’s kind of a one-man show. Poor kid. But, he does get $1 from Grandma and Grandpa every time he scores a goal.

Abuela got the girls new dresses in El Salvador. (Lucia was embarrassed to have her picture taken).

Julio got to go to Crescent City for work. It’s so beautiful!

Tessa is our little poser. We are working on potty-training. She’s getting there! She’s talking away now. You can have a pretty good conversation with her.

Lucia started playing the clarinet in the school band. She also attends Activity Days in our ward and Grandma’s ward (since Grandma is the leader). I was able to go into Lucia’s class to be an art docent. Her class was so well behaved and participated and did a great job! It was fun.

“Look how tall I am!”

Sylvie is doing great in Kindergarten. I’ve been in to help out in her class a few times. They are a very well behaved and sweet bunch of kids. She’s so lucky she’s in a good class. She is learning her sight words and knows about 20 of them now. She’s smarter than we give her credit! She also gets speech therapy and resource at school (for handwriting).  We’re still doing OT once a week. The therapist is working hard on her fine motor skills. She still gets into lots of mischief. She got into the food coloring one Sunday before church and got it all over herself and the kitchen. That is just typical Sylvie.

I started subbing last month. I’ve subbed a total of 11 days so far. Some days are good and some are not. I subbed for a high school P.E. class one day and two boys started fist fighting during class. The vice principal and campus monitor had to come help me out. I won’t be going back to that school. Uncle B has been holding down the fort while I’m at work. He does a good job taking care of the girls.

Well, it’s now October, my favorite time of year! Let the holiday season begin!