Art Center for Katherine's 5th birthday!

Another mother clued me in on how vital an art center would be for Katherine. Just in time for her birthday! 

Lisa and Steven

Lisa, Steven's youngest sister 

Black and White of David and Rosie wedding Mass

The sacredness of a commitment... it will last and help them grow closer to each other, others, Christ. It was also such a reminder of the commitment I have made to Steven and my family.

David and his bride, Rosie!

My brother and his bride, Rosie! They married in El Paso on the day we celebrated our seventh anniversary! The wedding Mass with Fr. Michael Rodriguez, was at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church which my grandfather helped to build. My parents were married there in 1966.

Three in a Toy Box!

The three "men" in a "tub"-- this is a classic photo to help me remember when they were small. It also reminds me of how we would cram into the "rumble seat" in the back of the family orange Volkswagon!

Bananas in the Mix?

Oh, make up something she is thinking! (Though that looks has to be for me, I'm sure. That I'm taking a picture or something!)

OK, I'll make up a caption: "Do you think adding bananas to our pancake mix is a good idea, Mama?" 

off for a stroll 

The Shapes of the States

We have gone over the states of the United States for some time now. One way is with the "Scrambled States of America" game seen here. Here Katherine is adding a new activity: tracing of the states... 

Stroller Rides!

They are getting to a very helpful age! I'm seeing that they want to be productive, help out!

We speak of "serving" as a way of loving others, seeing what we can do for them, making their life happier. And them give them lots of opportunities for serving (since "if you want to be first in God's kingdom, you have got to be the servant of all"). It gives perspective.

And they have fun showing what they can do! 

Little Driver

drive 


David really likes vehicles. He has little cars, van, trucks, buses. 

I'm not handing over the keys yet!

David jumps into most events with both feet (and two hands, here!). I was watching and the keys were not in the car or ignition. He really wanted to move the steering wheel. Isn't it too early for that (at 1 1/2)? 

Big Sunshine and Little Sunshine!

Sunshine!  

Tea for Future Scientists

My mother made the bunny and Katherine had been playing with it. I wanted my mother to know it was still loved :-) (Not to mention the Bugs Bunny tea set, which is too!) Here you can see the picnic. I was reading to them about thinking like a scientist. 

Lunch al fresco

Summer outdoors in a shaded area in the backyard. David was asleep and I served lunch outdoors to them.

After the rain

rainstorm

All excited about puddles!

After a shower 

Cousins in Dallas!

In Dallas downtown before David Joseph was born: Nicolas, Katherine, Santiago, Mateo, Andrea, Deanna, Veronica, Eliana, Gregory, Steve. Charles, care to add a bit of detail to this?

Not yet one-year-old swinging

I was visiting my parents' house. In the backyard, they had a swingset and I put David on it.

Flowers to the Fairest

Katherine was given some flowers.
They came from Abuelita Mama's garden
and were for offering to Mary during
her month.

Bring flowers to the fairest...

Homeschool Highlights Book

Gregory likes knights and Katherine loves St. Therese. I had the children help me design the cover to our Homeschool Highlights Book.

Gregory has inherited the Magna Doodle bus that Aunt Emma gave Katherine. It is a lot of fun, encouraging letter making.