A New Year

I hope everyone had a great holiday season. I cannot complain. We had a blast! Christmas Eve is always spent with my family at my sister's house and Christmas day is our morning to open gifts just the 5 of us.

It was so exciting this year to have Josiah there and actually interested in what was going on. Eli was only a month old his first Christmas and Abram was 4 months, they really did not care about what was going on or opening any gifts, so those extra 3 1/2 months made a big difference for Josiah. Although he was more interested in eating the wrapping paper than the actual gift, it was a whole lot more fun watching him talk and observe his gifts curiously. For some reason Christmas is a lot more exciting when you are a parent than when you are not. I don't remember waiting for a gift, someone else is going to receive, with so much anticipation. I could not wait to see those smiles on the boy's faces! That really makes Christmas that much more meaningful. 

Before we knew it Christmas was over and New Years was upon us. We had no plans being as Luis worked and I wouldn't dare go out that late by myself with the kiddos. The kids and I had game night, where Eli cheated all night, and Josiah proceeded to stick most pieces in his mouth. We watched a movie and went to bed early. It was awesome! Haha. When you are a parent of children that young, bed time is sacred and sleep is never enough. At least not at my house. Besides I needed the rest since on Saturday the 2nd we were throwing my dad a surprise 70th birthday bash! 

All of my siblings and I singing happy birthday

I have no clue what I was laughing at.

All of his grandchildren except 1.

His children and grandchildren

My sister arranged to fly in my uncle from Honduras whom he had not seen in 36 years! My dad was overjoyed! That first encounter was as if from a movie.

Eli was very tired by this time

He was not cooperating for any pictures

However raiding the cake table was not a problem

I don't know why when people use our camera the pictures always look blurry. Sorry.

Abram wanted to take pictures when we got home

It was a very beautiful night for my family. We had over one hundred of my father's closest friends and family come out to celebrate with us. This birthday was very special to our family because over the last few years my father has had many health scares. My father is a diabetic and a bilateral amputee. He has been on dialysis for nearly 4 years now and has beaten the odds against him. He really is our champ. Growing up I admired his audacity to go out and fight for what he wanted and until now that courage and tenacity has never gone away. 

That night each one of my siblings and I spoke of my father and all the great memories we have with him. It took me back to my childhood and made me see how blessed I was to be raised by 2 amazing parents. They always made every effort to give us the best and put their needs aside and focus on ours. They went out to fight for what they wanted and provided us with whatever we needed. I can only hope to be that kind of parent to my boys. I do know that Luis and I strive, daily to go in that direction. Roland Warren, a writer of family books, said, " Good fathers they do three things: they provide, they nurture and they guide." I know someday our children will look back on their childhood and be as grateful for us as I am for my parents.

The Monday after the party we traveled the three and a half hours to visit Josiah's orthopedic doctor. We were very thrilled to receive the great news that Josiah has one month left in full time 23/7 wear of his boots and bar and will be graduating to naptime and nighttime wear!!!!!! This is such a big deal for us because we will finally be able to see more of his cute little toes, it also tells us we have been doing everything right at home when it comes to his treatment. The doctor said his feet look "great" which is music to my ears because I think that everyday. Josiah is such a happy boy and we are so blessed to be his parents. 

I think I have caught you up with everything that his been going on with our crazy clan. Best wishes for this new year!