FREE Museum Tuesday and Balboa Park

I love free Tuesdays at the museums. The boys love the Natural History museum with the dinosaurs and now they have snakes and lizards there too. Needless to say, it is a boys dream. It was a beautiful day so we went to play at the huge park in Balboa Park. Great afternoon with my little me.

Walk to Grandma and Papa's house

Gavin has been asking to walk to Grandma's house for a few months now, and so we finally did. The weather was a little chilly and the rain was to come any time so we walked quick, and beat the rain by just a few hours. It is about a 3 mile walk and pretty hilly, especially hard when you are pushing a 25 lbs. stroller, and two 3o+ lbs. boys. But all in all it was a lot of fun!

They had to bring their "tough guys" along for the ride.

Running to the finish line!

We made it!

Rainy Day at PlayWerx

It was a rainy Saturday and Kyle was working so we decided, since Mommy doesn't have to teach on Saturdays anymore, to play! It was so fun. We stayed for 3 hours and loved every second of it, even Mommy.

Gavin swinging.

Parker swinging.

Valentine's Day Treat

For Family Home Evening, every Monday night, we do a fun craft and lesson either about Jesus, another important person or we talk about Christlike attributes. Since this FHE was on Valentine's Day we talked about loving one another... and made a heart-shaped brownie to go with the lesson. :) So fun. The boys look forward to this every week.

Gavin is very serious about decorating his heart.

Parker would rather skip the hard work and just enjoy the treat.

Yummy!!!

Daddy had fun too. :)

Why I want to be a Fireman?

Kyle had this open and I love it. He is in the process of applying for a Firefighter Paramedic job and has an interview next week. He has been studying and polishing up his "script" for the interview. Firefighter interviews consist of 30 possible questions, and since the interview is weighted so heavily, applicants really get their 30 answers perfect. I loved this answer to "why do you want to be a firefighter?" Kyle has such a way of expressing himself and is extremely personable. I have all the faith in him and I know he will do great!

In 2002 I started as an employee for a large financial institution. Over the years I worked my way up and was able to make a great wage, invest in a pension, 401k, real estate and other endeavors. It was an exciting time for my growing family. In 2008, The real estate market came crashing down devastating many small businesses, large corporations and massive financial institutions. One day I had a flourishing career with a bright future and the next I was hit with a tidal wave of despair and fear. I remember the day I had to go home and tell my wife that everything we had earned, due to sacrifices and hard work over the past years, were gone. When our savings ran out, we had to cash out all of our investments, 401k and pension to try and pay off the mounting debt we began to accumulate to stay afloat. I was devastated. I felt like I let my family down. My wife looked at me and smiled, she asked, “what have you always wanted to do with your life?” I said, “well, If I could do it over I would be a firefighter, but we have a family, we can’t afford it.” She replied, “either way we have to start over. We will figure it out. So quit crying and go get it.”

Since that day I have been on a sprint to learn as much as I can and get as much fire and EMS experience as possible. I absolutely love it. I would not change a thing. I am so happy to have gone through those hard times to be able to enter this new adventure. To me, finding this path is worth more than gold.

I want to spend the rest of my working days in the service to others, 100% committed to a worthy cause. I don’t want to waste my life only focused on building a fat bank account or a large investment portfolio, I want to be a shining example to my children of hard work, respect and selfless service. I want them to grow up seeing others who believe the same.

Since my last tough conversation years ago with my wife about losing our lively hood, I have been waiting for the day when I can go home, sit her down and tell her that all of her commitment, sacrifice and faith in me has paid off and our dreams of becoming a firefighter family have come true.

Parker

My sweet Parker (almost 3)! This kid seriously melts my heart. He could honestly get away with murder. His sweet squeaky voice, big blue eyes, dimples and rabbit teeth just gets right to me. I know I probably baby him and spoil him, but until I have another baby he will have to do. He is such a snuggle bug and loves to have his "lovie" (satin blanket) with him at all times, but don't worry, if he forgot it any satin will do. He loves his tags inside his shirt and especially Daddy's "lovie shorts" (his work-out shorts). He is a little bit of a neat freak and constantly reminds me to vacuum...as he pulls out his to accompany mine. He is obsessed with skateboarding and has just started to ride primarily on his feet, no more knee boarding for Parker. On Friday nights in Poway it is "Kids Only" skateboarding. He felt the peer pressure and really stepped up his A game; he stood up and rolled down the hill. A super big deal! He loves his big brother and his Mommy and Daddy and we sure love him too!

Gavin

Mr. Gavin (4 1/2)! My little man with his deep voice and mature attitude. He is our natural athlete. This kid is good at anything physical. He loves to dance; hip hop and break dance as well as wrestling and rock climbing. He forgets that most kids don't like to play as rough as him and sometimes plays too rough at preschool. Ooops! He loves to learn and actually read his first sentence today! He is such a great helper and plays pretty well with Parker. He is Daddy's sidekick and always wants to help him with anything, even study his paramedic books with all the gross graphic pictures. He really loves to go to the skateboard park with Daddy and is shredding the "gnar". Everyday he changes his future profession, but has remained consistent with a career in service. He definitely has been the perfect first child and I know he will be an amazing example to his siblings. We love this busy boy and could not have picked a better kid!