My baby is in Kindergarten

So today was Solomon’s first day in Kindergarten. I think I was more nervous than he was. He already attended elementary school the year before but only for half day so this is going to be a big adjustment for him. I woke him up pretty early and the first thing he asks for are pancakes, eggs oh and yes Spongebob. Thats my little boy :)  So we head out with plenty of time to get there and mingle in his class. As we walked in he was a natural, already knew where to look for his name. He quickly seated himself and began coloring the sheet the teacher was passing out to each student. He looked so adorable that Isaac and I couldn’t help but continue to watch him. He looked up with a stare that said it all “you’re still here!” So we blew him a kiss from far and walked out. We were excited when the clock hit 3:00 pm, we wanted to hear all about his day. He was so excited to see myself, daddy and brother. We met my sis-n-law and the family at McDonalds to celebrate the kiddos first day at school. Later that evening lil Solomon and I had a good mommy-son talk…every little detail about school and friends finally spilled out. I was so impressed with his little mind…I am confident that in the name of Jesus this school year will be awesome for my little guy. I still can’t believe how big he is already. Just the other night he and I and daddy were looking at all his baby pictures and I reached over to him and said, “you will always be my first baby”….he leaned back over to me and smiled. He is something amazing. 

Hello Blog World

OMG…where has the time gone? The last post was 2 months ago!!!! Well of course like always since then so much has happened in the Castillo’s home.

First off, we moved, thats probably the biggest reason I have not sat down and blogged. We moved about 10 minutes away from where we lived before, a nice, quiet area. We met Solomon’s new teacher at a new school and I think she is perfect for him. She seems so sweet. My little Solomon will start school this Monday, and this time a full day…wow…where does the time go??? He has all his school supplies, his transformers backpack (his request) his sneakers and the rest of his new school clothes. I have yet to buy him some converse shoes. That is still on my list.

We have also been attending Community Bible Church, absolutely love it. We are planning on becoming members very soon. Pastor Emmitt is quite enlightening and both Isaac and I have grown to respect him and his family. His wife, Julie volunteers at the Children’s Hospital…we know that because we ran into her while we were spending sometime with my neice, Davina. I really respect that, shes not superficial, not trying to be a stepford, shes actually out doing good in the community, which speaks volumes. The pastor is not a paranoid freak….hes a laid-back kind a guy…I like to refer to his personality as Tommy Lee Jones/Dr. Phil/ President Bush…good’ole Texan boy…don’t give a hoot if he offends but with class if you will!!! People need to hear the truth…and you what I’m absolutely ok with that. I’ll tell you what I don’t approve of….pastors who are so paranoid, which then leads to bad judgement which then leads to a cover-up of bad actions which then leads to a guilt-lead sermon of how much the church needs tithe…which will then lead you to an AWESOME/INCREDIBLE/SUPER/POWERFUL/TENACIOUS/INFLUENTIAL……individual…….blah blah blah blah blah!!!! “Oh wait this sermon actually worked…you know what now lets start a conference where we can charge more money!!!” Yup can you believe it I actually attended a church like that…what a waste of precious time.  Anyways let me get off this soap box and never return!!! We are in a far better place than what we were about a year and half ago…Life is good.

Well to change the subject, my mother-in-law will be moving to SA soon. Thats exciting for the kiddos. Speaking of parents, mine were in town for a couple of days…was very nice. Got to drink some coffee and eat pan de dulce…yup thats the way we do it My brother and his family will be moving here as well in about a year, can’t wait for that. My other brother was in town on the 4th of July, in fact the whole family was visiting, it was a lot of fun. Here are some pics from our get-together.

 Well I think thats all for now.Oh and Isaac’s business is doing pretty awesome, God-willing he’ll be in his office come January 1st.

Our Weekend

This weekend was quite relaxing and super fun! On Saturday we headed out to Seaworld. We have season passess…yippee! So Isaac, I and the boys packed in the van geared up with swimwear….because that was the plan, to chill in the waterpark area. Oh so so nice, sun beaming down at full force while floating in a tube and going through the waterfalls. The boys were a little hesitant at first, but quickly began enjoying the water. I held Benji in my tube while Isaac held Solomon in his. I was beautiful to see the bright big smiles on their cute faces. We must have floated for a good two hours…flew by very fast though. When we left, both of the boys said, “Mama, dada that was fun!” So worth-it. We headed home, then ordered in some pizza, from Big Lou’s….OMG this is the pizza to die for…absolutely delicious. Everything is made from scratch. We’ve met the owner, he’s a down to earth guy. The biggest pizza you can order is 42″…I’m not kidding. Then you have to pay $5.00 extra for the box, oh and you need a truck or a van to fit the pizza if you’re ordering out! And you must have a big crowd to feed or you’ll be having pizza for the next two days! Here’s a pic of one of the many times we’ve ordered from Big Lou’s. Thats little Solomon. My family was in town that weekend.  

The next day, Fathers Day, we slept in and just relaxed for half the day. We finally got ready and took daddy out to the movies and to Outback Steakhouse. We had a pasta bowl and jumbo shrimp…yummy! On the way back home, we saw a dozen deer including their young that looked like Bambi, seriously…such beautiful creatures. We got close enough to snap a couple of shots. Here are some pics, enjoy.     

Hope you’re day was special honey, I love you.

Plan plan and plan!

I have been a busy bee putting my little Solomon’s upcoming party together. It is going to be a pirate theme and you know how we do parties…its gonna be big…its gonna be the premier event this year so far!!! LOL! So we are planning games like walk the plank, pin the eyepatch on the pirate, spin the bottle of rum (not to worry, very kid friendly, no kissing involved), a bean bag toss game, a craft of putting a pirate together, a treasure hunt and of course a pinata…and lets not forget a moonwalk. We are also going to have lots of tattoos, eyepatches, bandanas, and lots of “loud” music (solomons request). My mother-in-law is hand-making the loot bags. There will be lots of gold coins and treasure to give away. Isaac is also hand-making a treasure chest and a plank, I will post pics of everything afterwards. We are going to serve pizza, Solomon’s fav food) and cake of course. Solomon, the Captain will be dressed as a pirate. I can’t wait. Invites will go out soon, which my wonderful husband is designing, of course! Lots of family and friends will be joining in to celebrate our little boy who is turning 5…..wow seems like yesterday he was just born.

When Solomon was born, the doctor handed the scissors over to Isaac to cut the umbilical cord, Solomon reached up so fast and grabbed those scissors with a tight fist, as to say “I don’t think so!” I knew at that point, this little boy of mine was going to be a fighter, that its “his way or the highway”….my my how that rings true today.  He is certain of what he wants and he will do anything it takes to get his way. He is determined to never grow up….he tells me, “momma I don’t want to grow up I want to stay a kid forever.” I don’t know any other kid who has never wanted to grow up! He has also taken an interest in photography. Isaac is planning on getting him a nice camera soon….like better than mine!!! Thats so not fair! Well we are gonna have the best, youngest photographer! Trust me, this little guy has a eye for photography.  I certainly cannot wait for his big day. God thank you for my little guy, he is truly a gift.

Bowling

So the weather has been cruddy and all I want to do is stay in my pajamas all day and hide in the blankets and either watch Lifetime movies or sleep! This gloomy weather sure does affect my energy level. After letting the kids do whatever they wanted…like watch their favorite cartoons and eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches….well we decided to force ourselves to get dressed and get out of the house. Next thing you know we are at a Chinese restuarant with the rest of the family and then @ a bowling alley. We had a blast with the kiddos…they loved it and thats all that matters. I think we may do that again soon. It was nice to have some fun, the music blazing away, the kiddos dancing along with the disco ball and drinking soda like no tomorrow…..yeah it was party time!

  The Rugrats

  Isaac teaching the boys about bowling

  Me and my boys

  Go Benji!

  Denise is gonna make a STRIKE!

  Go Isaac its yo birthday!

   Too cute

   Whoopie Solomon

My Beautiful Wela.

Baptistina Aparicio 

These past couple of days I cannot stop thinking about her. It has been 16 years since my wela (spanish for grandmother) went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was actually my great-grandmother, a beautiful godly woman full of wisdom and love. I was only 11 years old at the time. It never failed, she always had rice, beans and tortillas prepared. I recall her flipping those incredible tortillas on her little yellow stove. The beans were usually left on the burner to stay warm and the rice rested in a silver-burnt pot on the table. There was also fresh coffee and pan de dulce (sweetbread). My wela always had her hair pinned up in a bun. One day I walked into her room and saw her hair down. She was brushing her long, beautiful gray hair with a small comb. I was in awe of how beautiful she was and how she made me feel at that moment. What a site, a crown full of wisdom. I will never forget that moment. How I wish she was still alive to this day, to see how my life has turned out…she would be so proud of me.

Last night as I snuggled up with my boys in their bed as I normally do at bedtime untill they fall asleep, I began thinking about her again. I always have Klove (a christian music station) playing softly in the background. As I closed my eyes, I pictured myself in my wela’s house. The year was 1990…I walked into the living room, saw all the clutter my uncle Tali collected, then I walked into the kitchen and smelled the wonderful aroma of tortillas, rice and beans….I proceeded to walk into my wela’s room where her bed lay next to the front window and the small TV in the corner….I didn’t see her but I felt her. A deep sadness bloomed and tears weld up quickly…just then the song by Natalie Grant “I’m in better hands now” played…such perfect timing Lord. At that moment I knew God had let me experiece something beautiful…I don’t know how to explain it, but I felt her. You see, when I was only 2 years old, she was the one that brought me to Corpus Christi to live with my great-uncle and great-aunt (my mom and dad). I remember that trip and me laying in her arms. It was a hard transition for me, so I am told. She brought me to better hands and because of her prayers and her generosity I am blessed. I love you wela. When that time comes for me, I hope to see you on the bridge as some of my other family members have claimed to see as they are taking their last breath.

2008!

So whats life been like? Well let me fill you in on the Castillo’s world.

First off, my Benjamin turned two so the new year brings a challenge. I have officailly started to potty train him. Two days ago he pottied for the first time in his musical chair. His face expression was classic when the music came on. I jumped up and screamed for joy. I think I freaked him out. Isaac was on the phone and he kinda looked at me weird!! hehe! I am hoping it will be a smooth transition. As for Solomon, my little prankster/joker/tazmanian…..well lets just say he takes after his daddy! That boy really works my patience!! Its so hard to keep a straight, stern face at times, I just want to die laughing sometimes. Nonetheless he is perfect the way he is, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Isaac has been keeping really busy with his business Echo Design Solutions, I am so proud of him. It has been truly awesome to see the hand of God in everything. Thank you Lord for your favor.

Lets see what else…ohh I cut my hair…I’ve never had my hair this short, but I really do love it. It’s sleek, stylish and professional. Love that! Still keeping busy with work, can’t complain….very convenient to be working from home. Well I believe that is it for now. Nighty-night.

I am so grateful.

These are the things I am thankful for:

1) Knowing who I am in Christ.

2) For My wonderful, hard-working husband and my two baby boys.

3) For my extended family who I love to laugh and live life with.

4) For my stay-at-home job.

5) For my husband’s growing business.

6) For the smooth transition to a new city full of opportunity.

7) For the many family members that will be traveling to our home to share our Thanksgiving holiday.

8) For life’s experiences….I feel that we have grown as a family this year.

9) For true friends.

10) For health, love and peace.

These are just some of the things I am so excited about. Thank you Lord for being with me every step of the way. Thank you for all that you do and all that your going to do. The year of favor is nearing…I can feel it. The goosebumps give way to a new understanding. The heart skips a beat in light of new horizons. The butterflies flutter and as always naturally find their way to beauty and prosperity. A spirit of fulfillment and contentment is rediscovered, however this time with dignity. Lord you are my all. I love you.

My Birthday Dinner

 My husband is so so so sweet. On my birthday, Nov 4th, he made me a chocolate cake all by himself, how romantic is that. Then he suprised me later on that evening by taking me out to a restuarant I had been eyeing….an Italian place, my favorite type of food. It was yummy, we tried the Chicken Mustard plate….sounded bitter but was totally the opposite. The chicken was served over a bed of garlic-buttered noodles….oh so tasty. The mood was so nice…a dimm place with a candle at our table…the Italian music and the artistry mimicking Italy. I love this place, would definately recommend this spot for a romantic getaway date, its called Pompeii Italian Grill. Thank you honey, I love you.

Halloween Fun

For Halloween we had pizza and went trick-or-treating down our neighborhood. We didn’t have to go too far until the little one’s bags became full. Michael unforunately was working. Nonetheless our bunch had a great time. Denise dressed up as a crazy Doctor, Isaac was a punkrocker  , I was a grecian goddess, Solomon was a ninja , Benjamin was a little pirate (by the way he got the special treatment from all the neighbors…more candy because he looked so cute), Olivia was a dead-bride, Skye was a beautiful fairy and last but not least Davina was a zombie Doctor. The weather was perfect, a cool breeze and lots of trick-or-treaters down the street. This is a pic of our first stop…sPoOkY….We had a mixture of both tricks and treats. My night didn’t end so pleasantly….as soon as we came home I became ill with a stomach virus. Just about everyone in the household had it days before…& I unfortunately had to get it last!!! Anyhow, our Halloween experience was a good one. I think I had more fun dressing everyone up to play their part. Thats it for now. Love you all.