My Snorkeling Buddy

I absolutely love water. I love the outdoors but when water is a part of the equation, my joy seems to be intensified ten fold so naturally I gravitate to the ocean as that is the largest body of water in my area. There are, of course, other bodies of water near me, Lake Perris and Lake Elsinore, but I wouldn't want to swim in them. Heck the fishes don't even like swimming in them, enough said about that. So it is to the ocean I often go to find peace in a busy life and joy in recreation.

I hope to by like my mom. She was swimming in the ocean the summer before she passed away. She was always game for a swim and we all loved that she would join with us. Yes, that is they type of mother and grandmother that I desire to be.

These last summers I have been attempting to acquaint my kids to snorkeling in the ocean. I bought snorkel gear for them last year and they did a little diving w/ the masks and snorkeled in a pool, but were a little afraid to venture into the ocean's open water. It is a little scarey to see what is underneath those emerald waters, especially after "Shark Week" so not many were willing this year with the exception of Will.

Twice he has gone into the ocean with me to see the depths of the sea. This is one of those events. We took the kayak out in La Jolla Cove and he paddled like a little trooper out to the sea caves. He did awesome. It was so amazing to share that experience with him and brought me so much joy. He bravely ventured into the waters and was thrilled to see so many fish. He clung to my elbow as we swam together and explored the underwater structure and fish. I wasn't able to take many photos because unfortunately the water was cold and he got a chill, but it wet his apetite for more and better yet he had bragging right to the experience which makes his older sisters choke down their fears and want to go next time. Nothing like a little positive sibling pressure to get others involved.

I so love my Willow and feel grateful for that time spent with him. Way to go William the Brave Heart!

Will's Baptism February 20, 2010

On a cool February day my boy chose to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He chose to follow the Savior, Jesus Christ, and be baptized. He made promises that day to follow the Savior's example and to love others. He promised to forgive and to turn to Heavenly Father and repent if he himself made a wrong choice. He is on his life's journey and this choice will bring him great hope and focus as he moves forward with faith and determination to choose the right for his own happiness and in so doing will bless the lives of others. I am so proud of him. I know it was the right choice as the spirit confirmed it to everyone there that day and no one can deny it.

What a joy it is to have William in our home. We are so proud of you.

The meeting was beautiful. The program was presented by family and each child in the family was able to participate. Owen shared the first article of faith regarding our basic beliefs in God the Eternal Father, His Son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. William's Uncle Robert shared a talk on the blessings of choosing to be baptized and how it will and can affect your life. Thanks Robert. Emma then beautifully sang a solo "I Want To Be Baptized." Following that William was baptized by his father, Richard, and the witnesses were Tom Cooper and Scott Stowell. William was perfect: allowing his father to submerge him so that he might become clean and spiritually reborn. He rose with a beautiful smile. Following that Lily played the piano for the group, as William changed his clothes.

Afterwards, Lily shared the fourth article of faith and then Will's Aunt Linda shared a beautiful talk on the blessing of receiving the Holy Ghost. She discussed all aspects of the gift that William was about to receive. Thank you Linda. William was then reverently and humbly confirmed with the gift of the Holy Ghost by his father. William was sensitive to the spirit. He was calm and joyful. He took the time to hug each member of his family who stood in the circle to assist and support in confirming that sacred gift. I too felt a great feeling of joy in witnessing his humble gratitude for the presence of loved ones and for the spirit that was there that day.

After which Brother Scott Cadman, who was conducting, shared his testimony with William. We were grateful for his presence that day and for his testimony. It touched us all. Family and friends were invited to share. The first one up was Emma. Emma was very touched by the spirit and by the events of the day. With tears in her eyes she shared her love for her brother stating she was proud of him and then ran to him to hug him tightly. It was very sweet for William. He is such a tender heart. He hugged her back with just as much love and appreciation.

We were very grateful for the support of our dear friends who came to support us that day. The Merkleys headed out early that morning driving from Ventura to attend. The Slemboskis, Stewarts, and we felt the love and support of other friends and family members that weren't able to come but wanted to. Thank you our dear friends. You helped make this beautiful day so memorable.

Sir William The Brave Heart

This month my second born son will be getting baptized. I feel such gratitude for having the blessing of having him in my home.

I can't believe that 8 years have passed since you have joined our family. Smiling broadly from the very beginning.
You have always been such a tender heart and such a cuddle-bug, enjoying every moment in my arms and those of your father. I teach you to be strong of heart, and strong of mind. I teach you to choose the right, and to be honest. I teach you to be brave and obedient. I teach you that your Heavenly Father loves you with a perfect love and he will always be there for you. I teach you to trust in Him and your Savior. I teach you to be prayerful. I hope I show you these things too, and that you see that I believe. I do my boy...I Believe.

Be strong my Brave Heart. I love you.

Mom

Time to Make Wishes Come True.

Will at his second grade performance 12/10

I love this boy. He makes me smile. Why wouldn't he? Look at him? He has that grin and that playful look in his eyes, all the time, most especially when he was in trouble. When he was little and in trouble, I had to turn my head away when scolding him because he would look at me with that playful look trying to change my mood and often he was successful. That all changed however, when he tried it on his Kindergarten teacher and she looked him right back in the eye and said "That won't work with me Mr.!" Gotta love Ms. Putnam.

The other day, Will came up to me after playing Cranium for kids and he had in his hand this picture. "See mom, it said to draw a safe place," he said looking at me with a warm smile.

"Oh that's nice Will" I say, half looking because I was busy at the computer.

"See mom, it's you!" at once I looked down and saw the sweetest picture I have ever seen and one I will keep FOREVER. I mean who wouldn't, right. Because all I can think of are the times I got upset with him, or the times that I lost patience with him, and so feel such gratitude that he forgives me for those times and still finds me to be that safe place. I want to be that safe place.

Tonight while getting ready for Christmas, I found this letter that Will had written to Santa. We have known that he wants Star Wars guys for Christmas and are prepared with them, but when seeing the effort that he went into writing this letter, equipped with glitter, Christmas decorations, and examples cut out of ads, I feel very pleased that this boy will get his wish, and that all of them will get their wish. Will has been very enamored by Santa. Tonight when coming home from Scott and Adie's he asked his Auntie, "Aunt Pam, do you believe in Santa?" To which my faithful sister replied, "Well I believe in the real spirit if Christmas which is about our Lord and Savior Jesus, But the other guy, is okay too, although he came along later!"

To which Will replied, "Well, I believe! I believe! I heard him on my roof, so I know he is true!" We all agreed! Will has been a perfect listener, coming the first time I call, he has been a dependable worker, doing what I ask when I ask, he has been a thoughtful son, rubbing my back, extending love and kisses, and when ever I compliment him on his effort, or extend my gratitude, he replies, "I want to be good for Santa!" I remind him that it would be great if he were to continue this behavior throughout the year. Notice that Will wrote on Santa's letter in red, "your my hero!"

What did everyone want? Here are their wishes:

Mitch: 8 track recorder--yes remember those from the 70s? that's what he wants, he will have to search so he is getting money toward his recorder. (I was wrong. It's not the one from the 70's but it is an 8 track.)
Will with his Kindergarten teacher and now 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Putnam.

Lily: a long board skate board. She has been wanting one since camping at the beach. This baby is custom made from a guy in Claremont and has sand from San Clemente Beach on it. This year she will be able to take her own long board.

Emma: clothes and Lip gloss from Bath and Body Works. That's all that girl ever wants is lip gloss and more lip gloss, well she got it as well as a trip back to the 70s with a 1971 Schwinn Breeze bicycle in lemon yellow. Woah, she is a beauty. I Love her and so will Emma.

Will: got his Starwars guys but also got a black Electra mini Rod beach cruiser with flames and red wheels. Hot!

Owen: like his brother wants Star wars guys but also got the coolest playmobile spacestation set from the 90's. complete with hover crafts, moon transporter, robots and astronauts. Very Cool.

Yes wishes will come true! and all the gifts, with the exception of Lily's long board, are used which we think is pretty dang cool.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. all the way.

Merry Christmas.

Good times ahead!

Dem Bones

Little Explorers

Crash! the door flies open and the boys sprint in "Mom, mom, mom, guess what we found--bones. After dinner we are going to go back and get 'em."

"Yeah, I found dem, I just looked down and saw dem." Owen says confidently.

"You have a good eye don't you Bud!"

"Yea, and dey are AWESOME!"

"Really?" I say, "Bones? Your bringing them back here?" I am already squirming at the thought. This is one of those moments where I realize that my boys need so much more than I can offer, because I am sure, actually very confident, I would have talked them out of bringing those bones back to the house, but their dad, he was all game for it.

Will describing what the bones are.

"It's a whole body mom!" Will says with an attitude of authority.

"Yeah, wif little teef." Owen shares with a big grin. I see the excitement in both their eyes, the smiles on their faces and I can tell how happy they are, but all I can think of is yucky decomposing bacteria.

By now the girls are sauntering in. "Did you here about the bones that Owen found?" Lily says, she has wide eyes too, but no smile. "Yea it is the whole animal, you can see the spine and the head and the teeth and everything."

Our neighbor we affectionately call Little Austin

"Wow, did you find this at the church?"

"Yeah in da bushes! We are gonna go back and get it after dinner so we can find out what it is!"

"I think it is a bird that ate a mouse!" Will concludes.

"We know it is not a bird because it has fur." says their dad, he is smiling too. "But we can go get the bones and figure it out." It is a great mystery that needs to be discovered.

Now I am smiling because I am thrilled at the curious minds of my boys and because their dad is encouraging it. Oh yeah and that I can stay here, far from the bones and not have to be the one to collect them.

Before dinner we pray and Will offers:

"Dear Heavenly Fader, thank you for the bones of the bird."

"It's not a bird," Lily whispers,

"It's not a bird!" Owen declares,

"Thank you for the bones of the bird!" Will repeats.

"Thank you for the food and bless it," and then he closes the prayer.

"Don't you remember Will, it can't be a bird because it has fur!" Owen says with authority.

"Yes, Will birds have wings, mammals have fur, so it is probably not a bird." their dad teaches.

"Yeah it had all dat fur hangin' off da bones!" Owen persists

By now I am losing my appetite. "Can we not talk about the bones right now?"

Every one laughs because they see I'm loosing interest in my meal very quickly. We were having chicken.

"Did you see the head and all the teeth? All the teeth were still there!" Lily says again. She loves science and animals. She is into this as well. Emma thought they were cool too but could take them or leave them.Scary Skippy John Jones dinosaur bones faces

They brought the bones zipped up in a sweaty zip lock bag. "Look, look mom, look at the bones."

They were pretty cool, I will have to admit, "Wow, the teeth ARE all still apart of the skull." It looks like something you might find at a museum of natural history. "Remember those bones belong OUTside!" I say with authority.

My boys go out and place the bones on the table an begin classifying them. My little digger, explorers, with dirt in their fingernails, smears on their faces and messy hair. Perfect!

"Oh gross." Owen declares.
"What do yo see there Owen?"

"Sugar Bugs!"

By the way, the mystery animal was a possum. Go figure!

Swing Away! Will Went 3 for 3 On Tuesday

Will taking some practice swings before the pitch comes. Look at the energy of the swing and the strength of the stance. That was a different boy at the plate.

Attention Family and Friends: A change of attitude has occurred. Will is now ready to play baseball. Yesterday, he couldn't wait to get to the game. He knew he was going to hit it and he couldn't wait to do it. Today, he couldn't wait to get to practice.

I am a happy mom. Why you ask?

Because my little king faced his fears and won.

Is this the face of a boy afraid of the ball?
He is loving the game and feels confident. What happened between Tuesday and Last Thursday when I wrote that desperate blog entry? My sweet courageous boy decided to face his fears. Plus he had more experience batting because his dad took him to the batting cages on Saturday before the game and then pitched to him on Sunday and Monday. Will stayed in the box and swung at the ball and guess what. . .he hit it!!!! After he hit one squarely and sent it sailing, he said to his dad, "I knew I was going to hit that one!" I love it. I love that attitude of I Can! I love that he now has it and that makes all the difference. Now with practice he will fine tune his skills and grow as a player.

Hurrah for Will! 3 for 3


This is Will second at bat. I missed his first. He hit the first pitch that came squarely and sent it past the infield. He ran the bases and came home.

After fouling a few off, he hit his third hit and made it to first.

Another big accomplishment is that Will asked to play catcher. He hasn't wanted to because the last time he played he was hit in the leg with the ball. He wasn't squatting but sitting on his knees and so the pitched whirled in and hit him in the thigh. Ouch! But yesterday, he asked to play!
Hurrah for Will, My Brave Little King



I asked Will how it felt to hit the ball after the game and this is what he showed me. He swang the bat and then took off running to first. I love the confidence. That's my boy!







Will gets his spoils for getting not just one hit but three! What does a little slugger want for a reward? His very own bag of Hot Chettos and Horchata (mexican rice milk drink) You got it Big Guy!

Playing Hardball

It's official. I now love baseball!

I have been watching baseball for y--e--a--r--s, learning the names of Giant's players, listening to strategy and technique, tuning into games on the tube, listening to pregame and postgame shows as Ralph Barbieri takes callers, hearing box scores and play off predictions, listening to possible trades and offseason baseball business for y--e--a--r--s. I am married to a baseball fanatic--that word may be a little harsh, lets see what it really means--a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, esp for an extreme religious or political cause ie zealot. . .--Nope, fanatic is the perfect word! To Richard, baseball is a religion. . I don't mind. It is something that he is passionate about and he loves to share it, hence why I have known so much about baseball and the Giants. I liked going to the games but I found myself watching people more than the actual game. But now. . . NOW. . . I love baseball. I love the tradition, the uniform, the players and the coaches and why you ask? What transformation has arisen that I now care so much about a sport that I have only tolerated in the past? Because my little guy is now playing. It's a whole new ball game.

When we play baseball, we play with a wiffle ball and bat, (don't laugh, it's not as easy as you might think when someone puts a nice curve on that plastic ball) so Will hasn't had much experience catching a hard ball with a mitt. At Will's second practice, I was sitting about 100yds away watching my kids play on the play ground as Will practiced with his team. Will is the youngest kid out there. His birthday falls just two days before the dead line, so he just barely made it. I know that he has a lot to learn, he doesn't seem to mind not being as good as the other kids when it comes to fielding etc. I am really proud that he is out there doing his best. As I watch, I notice that he starts to walk to his brother Mitch who is sitting close by. Mitch seems to console Will and then they both begin to walk toward me. Will's head is down. When he gets close I see the sad look on his face but no tears in his eyes. "What happened?"
He looks up and I see the abrasion on his chin where the ball bounced off. He points to his chin and describes how he got hit. "I don't like baseball!"

"Did you get hit?"

"Yeah! It hurts!"

"I know, it does hurt. Sometimes when we play we get hurt, but it will feel better soon."

"I don't want to play."

"Are you afraid"

"Yes,"

"You know what, your going to get better Will. Your going to get better at catching that ball and that won't happen again, and your chin will get better soon too." He sits on my lap and snuggles in to me. "But you know what? if you quit now, you will hurt inside, because you quit. Quitting makes you feel weak, and that doesn't go away. That pain stays with you. If you stay in there and face your fear you will feel strong. Do you want to feel strong?" He nods his head yes. "I knew it. Because you are strong. Okay then get back up and go practice with your team. " Will stood up and grabbed his mitt and ran out to join his team. Phew, You pray that your kids will make choices like that but ultimately it is their choice and their journey. I am so proud of him. I was that day and every day that he picked up that glove and tried to catch that ball.

For one complete week he caught the ball with Richard or I and would turn his head in fear, but he didn't stop trying. He kept it up. Just today we were playing catch and he cheerfully shouted, "Hey mom, see I didn't turn my head." Although those balls don't always land in the pocket, he is trying and improving each day.

When it comes to batting. Will is pretty confident. He could bat both right and left handed when he was three years old. So he gets up there and feels he can hit that ball, and he does. he has hit three out of the four times he has been up to bat. He doesn't worry about swinging too hard, he just makes contact and runs his little heart out to get to the base in time. He stands there waiting with his little fists clenched watching the pitcher and batter, concentrating on when to run. I love it: I love that each pitch means that there is something bound to happen that will affect the game. I am amazed at the pressure upon the batter to perform and the pitcher to throw strikes. I appreciate the smooth transition from fielding the ball to throwing someone out. I love the team play and the confidence team members have in one another.
I finally get it Richard!I now understand why you love the game so much!

Will's first at bat in an official game.
He waited through four balls
from the pitcher to have his coach
pitch to him. He hit the first pitch from
his coach.

















Will bolting from second to third.

















He gets there safely!


















Will waiting with clenched fists to run it in
all the way to home.