Susan Takes a Tumble......

Too bad the video camera wasn't going at the time.... My Mom and Wayne bought me in line skates and I went to get my knee and wrist pads today and I was ready to head out 45 min ago with Paul and Danny around the neighborhood. Well, not more than 10 feet away from the front door....the skates were rolling and rolled too fast for Susan and my feet came up and back I went HARD on my tailbone and back. OUCH. Paul came right over and said, "you OK?" Danny was horrified. So, I came back inside and got myself a cold drink. But don't u worry--it will not stop me from trying again. I guess I need to figure out how to stop and how to fall.

I added some new songs to my IPOD. Check out these songs: Tattoo by Jordin Sparks, Too Little Too Late by JoJo, So Cool...Hollywood by Lumidee, Best Days by Graham Colton, One, Two Step by Ciara, All American Girl by Carrie Underwood.

An Enjoyable, Entertaining, Lively and Charmed Christmas Week!

That's my title for the week my Mom and Wayne were here, but right now I need to head out to the grocery store. Danny and Paul are at the playground. I will write more about the week later tonight or tomorrow. I am still catching up on sleep! :-) More on the holiday week below....

Here's Paul loving his Polar Express Bell (fallen from the Reindeer) Grandma and Grandad got for him! A very special gift indeed!

My Mom and Wayne arrived an hour late on December 20th! When Paul saw them coming down the stairs in the terminal----it was amazing! I was holding him and turned red and tensed up with major excitement and was yelling hi. People around us were quite impressed that he was sooooo excited to see his grandparents! It took forever to get their luggage--but then on to Chester's Hamburgers to meet Danny for dinner. Friday morning took us to the Zoo. We were practically the only ones there. Paul had loads of fun and did not taunt any of the animals. He loved the bears, elephants, giraffe, zebra, lions, kangaroos and the tiger. He loves all those animals but is not fond of birds. We went to dinner Saturday night at Bravo with our friends Diane and Adrian. Paul did not have a good nap that afternoon and so he was a little cranky, but he didn't mind all the people in the restaurant--which is awesome! He used to have a ton of anxiety around large groups of people or crowds. The manager, Jesse, sent over a 3 tier dessert assortment as a special treat. Caramel cheesecake, tiramisu and creme brulee. All were yummy!

Having fun at the SA Zoo!

Being silly at Bravo--where does he get that from?!

With my Mom and Wayne here, Paulie did not wish to go to bed at his usual time or take his nap. It certainly was a chore to get him to sleep all the time. He is like his Mommy and doesn't wish to miss out on anything fun! He had a very fun time Christmas Eve opening a ton of gifts...from my Dad and Jean, Lauren and one from us. His favorites---a small, wood BRIO train set, a piano and a Mickey Mouse Airplane. My Mom got him a very special gift---the Polar Express Bell with a ribbon and the gold train ticket. He has been obsessed with this movie for 3-4 weeks! So it was a memorable gift and I almost cried when he held it up to his ear and shook the bell JUST LIKE the little boy in the movie does at the end. Priceless!!!

Showing us HIS flying technique Christmas Eve.

Grandma and Grandad got him an art easel and all the supplies to go with it! He loves to paint and color. And Paul loves books and naturally Grandma brought this really cute book called The Baby Bear. It is fitting b/c Paul loves animals and Mom and Wayne live in the woods of Northern Michigan and there are bears all around!

I made King Ranch Chicken, salad, rolls and a pumpkin pie for Christmas Eve dinner. We went to 10am Mass on Christmas and then back home to open gifts. I made a fried turkey, corn casserole, jello salad, mashed potato casserole and a chocolate, caramel pecan pie for dinner. We ate around 5:30 so Paul could be with us.

Us adults spent a lot of time playing pinochle and even some poker on Christmas and on Wed night. We had many laughs and silliness during all those card games. Paul took an interest in the cards too. He seemed to be learning the suits and all. That is good since playing cards is a family tradition/thing! I cannot wait until he is old enough to play cards and board games!!!!

Mom and Wayne left early Thursday (Dec 27) morning. I did not cry when I dropped them off at the airport terminal curb. I waited until I was back in the car and headed to Starbucks! We don't know when we will see one another again. That is always a scary thought to me.

Shiny White Car

My car is all spruced up (The Wash Tub was PACKED!) and ready to head to the airport today to pick up my Mom and Wayne. I am so excited to have them here. They are tons of fun!! My carpets are cleaned and I made some cookies. The only think left is to clean off some stuff from the dining room table and make their bed.

Paul and I took the pack n play mattress and sheets to Auntie JoJo at church. Her little Addie Belle is coming in this weekend from Ohio. She is 15 months and the cutest thing--next to Paul of course! And while I was there, Craig roped us into serving communion at 10am mass on Christmas Day. We're going anyway--might as well serve!

Danny spent the morning with an ACTS brother. I think they met for breakfast and then had an appt together. Michael has a corvette and allowed Danny to drive it. I told Danny, "great--is he getting us one?!"

Well, Tila Tequila picked Bobby in the finale Tuesday night. And I also watched the finale of The Biggest Loser. No surprise that a man won! BUT, a couple of those gals did awesome and lost over 100 pounds!! I have a friend, Melissa, who probably weighs 120.....so, Julie on The Biggest Loser lost around 123 pounds..so one Melissa! WOW!

Lord, let me be a woman of gratitude. You have given me much; when I think of Your grace and goodness, I am humbled and thankful. Today, let me praise You not just through my words but also through my deeds...and may all the glory be Yours. AMEN

Third Wednesday of Advent

Remember that God is our architect, and we are the houses he is building, here in our own Nazareth. The season of Advent reminds us to acknowledge this. God is the One who opens the door to salvation: "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God and there is no other." A prayer for today: Father, as the God who is with us, quench all doubt within us. Reassert yourself to us, in all your creative power and glory. As we remember your Son gave up that authority to be born and to walk with us on earth, may our love and loyalty rise up to you, strong and certain, to reassure you that we are indeed your creation. More--we are your sons and daughters. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Scripture for the Third Wednesday of Advent - Luke 7:19-23
"John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" When the men came to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?'" At that time he cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind. And he said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."

I am busy finishing up getting the house ready for my parents' arrival tomorrow afternoon. I have a nail in one my rear tires and Danny is off right now getting it repaired. Oh what fun....

St. Augustine said, "He who is filled with love is filled with God Himself!" Know that God's love is measureless...and boundless. It is of great comfort to me to know and believe that God loves me no matter what I say or do..as long as I repent and keep moving forward.

Love to everyone!

My Greatest Joy is Also My Greatest Challenge!

The above title is true for me when it comes to: my husband, my son and my home. Naturally, Danny and Paul are my biggest joys..but at the same time..my biggest challenges! Let's leave it plain and simple like that for now.....

I have been sick since Thurs and am not doing a whole heck of a lot better. I was able to steam clean my carpeting this weekend--a hug chore! I had to take time outs along the way as I would get too worked up and became dizzy and had to lie down to rest a bit. Sunday brought lots of ministry work! Danny had to be a Eucharistic Minister at 9:30 mass. I visited The Haven and The Laurels from 3-4 to offer communion to the Alzheimer patients and those who live in the assisted living home. I read the Gospel for that day and then did a 10 min reflection. My co-hort, John P., said it went well and job well done! Then I rushed back home to pick up my desserts, Danny and Paul and we headed over to the other side of town for our Teams of Our Lady Christmas party. Melissa and Jesse made a wonderful ham dinner and we each contributed. The kids all did well and even my little man seemed to have fun..despite the chaos. This really is a huge deal, since Paul in the past, doesn't do well with large and loud groups of people. The kids exchanged gifts and then we had a ornament exchange among the adults. We were home around 8:30 and Paul was super tired and oh so ready for bed! So was I really!

This morning brought a visit to see Dr. Odmark for a treatment for Paul...something special called Neurolink. This treatment is supposed to help Paul with his Sensory Issues....eliminate them mostly. We go again Thurs morning and then in a week for a follow up. I am very hopeful this will work wonders. We have friends who took their son a few years ago to Dr. O...keep in mind this child was 5 and used only one word sentences...mine, eat, drink, car, book, help, etc. Upon completion of Neurolink..the follow up appt....this little boy sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in the car..on the way home from seeing Dr. Odmark! Incredible if you ask me!

After his appt we came back home to wait for Melissa from Brighton to arrive. Then around 11:30 my friend Lori came over so we could create a resume for her. All was accomplished and I am wiped out. However, there is MUCH to be done before my Mom and Wayne arrive on Thursday. I might take Paul to Kid Space when he wakes from his nap so I can come back home and do some things.

FROM www.mycatholic.com -- today's reading and reflection.
"Listen to Israel, your father." –Genesis 49:2

When a young man falls in love and gets serious about a young woman, the time soon comes to bring her home to meet his family. Often this is a time of some anxiety. His worst fear might be: I'm afraid she'll leave me because she doesn't like my folks.

Jesus is the Groom (Mk 2:19) and we are the prospective bride. In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus introduces His ancestors before we get serious about our relationship with Him. It's as if He is saying that we won't be able to love Him unless we also love His family.

Imagine Jesus bringing you home to introduce you to His ancestors: "Come in! First, I'd like you to meet Jacob (Mt 1:2), a master deceiver (Gn 27:5ff). Next, I want you to meet Judah and Tamar (Mt 1:3). They aren't married, and conceived their son through prostitution (Gn 38:18). In this room, I'd like you to meet another prostitute, Rahab (Mt 1:5; Jos 2:1). Now here's a wonderful lady, Ruth (Mt 1:5). We had to go outside of the immediate family to find a worthy one like her (Ru 1:4). Over here is one of my favorites, David (Mt 1:6), a man after My Father's heart. Well, he did have a child through adultery with Bathsheba (2 Sm 11:4), and he did kill her husband and many others. Meet Solomon (Mt 1:7), the wise one of My family. He set a world record for lust, and his son Rehoboam (Mt 1:7) caused a civil war (1 Kgs 11:4; 12:13ff). Did you get to meet Manasseh? (Mt 1:10) He'd fit right in with today's 'culture of death' (see 2 Kgs 21:16)..."

Will you decide to walk out on Jesus? Or do you love Him enough to stay and love those He loves (1 Jn 4:20-21). Then He will adopt you into His family (Mk 3:34-35).

R E S C U E not R E S P E C T

Let me start this entry by saying that I am VERY sick with one of the worse sinus infections ever. I went to the DR yesterday. Master Paul has been sick since Sunday with congestion and a cough at night. I knew what all the drainage meant...ear infections are coming. So yesterday afternoon..off we went to see Dr. Brandy McCray. Yep---poor little man has 2 ear infections. We are quite the pair! We switched to Brandy a few months ago and I absolutely love her and she is so good with Paul!! I would highly recommend her to anyone here in SA!

So tonight my little man was pretty tired at 6:30...just like last night. He actually grabbed his silky blanket, grabbed my hand and led me into his room to change into pj's and read books and then off to bed. One of the books is a visit to the Sesame Street Firehouse. Elmo sees a truck and it is spelled R E S C U E..although when I read it (silly tone of course) I belted out R E S P E C T. What does that tell you?! A. My brain is fuzzy and B. I love Aretha!

Another first occurred tonight with Paul. Paul has Sensory Integration Disorder and has struggled with communication skills. He can label and identify almost anything, but has not used those pragmatic skills. Well, he is starting to, but not consistent yet. After his nap today..he climbed in his chair and said, "I hungry." Keep in mind I am a sensitive (SUPER) and emotional gal..I almost cried! AND when I asked, "want pudding?"...reply was "no." "want cookies"..reply was not yes..but a smile. I went with it!

Danny is taking a CFP test tonight. He is worried about it and thinks it was going to be super tough. If he doesn't pass..he can take it again after Christmas, but it would be nice he passed and didn't have to think about it! Paul and I prayed for Daddy around 6:10 tonight. Let's hope it helped!

My ACTS sister and friend ZZ sent me this incredible link to an awesome video of The First Gift of Christmas. A must see for all! Imagine me singing...or not. If you attend Holy Trinity Catholic Church...imagine Meliza singing this ever so slow and sweetly...the first Christmas gift came from above.....wrapped in starlight, tied with love...given with joy, a sweet baby boy...a gift for you and me.

My Mother's Helpers came over this morning for a little while so I could run errands in the cold and rain. Probably not too smart given my current sick level. One of those lovely errands was to get my face waxed. Well, I only wanted my eyebrows done, but she convinced me to do my lip, chin and a little on the side of my face--each side. Hormones suck and getting old! And it is true--beauty does hurt!

Mafia Princess

That was my nickname in college...my sorority to be more precise!

Mafia Princess
We know a guy, who knows a guy, who can hook you up with some grade-A gems.

He’ll take you to the Viva Mafia site, where you’ll meet two unique collections: Viva and Malee. Both consist of nature-inspired necklaces and earrings, but Viva’s simple, clean lines differ from Malee’s denser set.

Every moll needs the sweet, girlie tilt of Viva, captured in dainty cutouts of birds on a wire, leaves, flowers, and pants and dresses on hangers. It’d be criminal to miss out on Malee’s bolder designs, like hearts and daisies encased in circle charms and dangling earrings.

Viva Mafia’s striking signature piece — a cluster of vines entwined with blossoming buds — will spawn a mob of admirers. Any piece you pick adds some oomph to your outfit.

Surely, an offer you can’t refuse. :-)
Available online at vivamafia.com

A shout out to my brother-in-law Chris Niño---his birthday is today! Shall I tell the world your age dude....44!!! In his middle 40's now! Don't sit on the floor bro..you may not be able to get back up. :-)

It’s the most spendingful time of the year

I have one more gift to purchase! I should be able to get it done by Saturday. A purse for my Mom. There are even 3 gifts wrapped and under the tree. Of course all the presents for the folks in STL, Denver and Houston have been wrapped and sent.

I visited the dentist today...fun fun fun. David is so good though and nice to be around. Lupe is a hoot...we laughed a lot today and probably were a little too loud. Sorry Dr. Seguin. Paul visited Kid Space while I was under the drill and Melissa saw him there. Her report stated he did well and she was so proud of him! Yeah for Paul! He certainly LOVES praise!!!! I don't know where he gets that trait...?! :-)

He and I did some more OT work this afternoon and he painted 3 pictures. He has some imagination....like his cousin Lauren. He is still not feeling 100% and is already in bed. He was ready for a bath at 6:50 and ready for sleep. It was so cute Sunday night as I drove the babysitter home. She said, "I have never babysat a kid who wanted to go to bed." I told her..."Audrey, I worked hard at training him and when you become a Mom in 15 years (she is 14 now)--remember to call me and I will tell you how to train your child." I learned it from ZZ, Erin, Stacey and probably other Mom's.

Dare I admit this next thing.....I think the finale to Tila Tequila/A Shot At Love is on tonight. Will she pick Bobby (the guy) or Dani (the gal)?!

Miss Audrey ROCKS

It was a productive day around the Niño home. Danny got ALL the leaves raked and sucked up and spit out into trash bags and he put up our outside Christmas lights. I finished decorating the tree, made a cake for my MOPS meeting tomorrow, did 3 loads of laundry and hung out with Paul. Later in the day it was time to shower and get pretty for the St. PJ's Children's Home Board of Directors CHRISTMAS PARTY. Paula and Doug Miller were hosting the soiree at their home. Home is not really the word...mini castle might be a better term. Doug is a member of the BILL MILLER BBQ Family. (And sadly...no fried chicken was served.) Good eats, good fellowship and Christmas Carols were sung before Paula would allow anyone to leave. She is an awesome faithful Catholic gal with some spunk! She is on the Board with Danny and serves on his Education Committee at the children's home. I found out she is originally from SA..went to UTSA and taught 3 years at St. Gregory Parish School. They have four lovely children. We met the 2 youngest girls tonight. The other 2 (son and daughter)--away at college...but coming home soon for the holidays!

I went to church at 6:30 to pick up our babysitter extraordinaire--Miss Audrey. She is a freshman at Reagan HS. She sings in the Life Teen Choir at 5:30 mass. She is too cute and so much fun to be around. We arrived back home around 10 and on the way driving Audrey home...she and I saw a fox running around on Canyon Golf Road. We had a fun talk...she is a lot like her Mother, Julie...who is my friend. She is also a faith filled young woman with great leadership skills..whether she knows it or not. I do! Her Dad, David--is my dentist and "spiritual advisor." David is in the deaconette program at Oblate. I think he has 3 more..maybe 4 years before he will be a Deacon. I can't wait!!!

Audrey, Julie and Bridget Seguin....at their house last weekend for David's birthday bash!


Paul woke up today from his nap--sick. He has a runny nose AND congestion. He didn't eat much dinner and I was just in there comforting him. I think it will be a rough night. So, I am off to get some sleep before he wakes again and needs his Mommy.

Peace be with all of you....

Tired of Migraines....

I have been suffering from migraines the past 3 months and another one hit yesterday. It was awful. Around 3pm I began throwing up....my head hurts so bad that is makes me nauseous. By 7 I had another numb left arm and the shakes. I suppose it might be time to visit the doctor. This morning is better..but my head still hurts a little and I am drinking some gatorade to get some hydration back.

Supposed to have lunch with 3 ACTS sisters today in Bracken Village and I have so much to do around here. Our tree is up..not completely fluffed though. I would like to get it decorated tonight..pending I feel up to it. It is HUMID and something like 72 degrees this morning--UGH! Where is the cooler weather?! And why can't we simply demolish cedar trees? They are UGLY anyway and produce that awful cedar that is in the air for 2-3 months making everyone sick and cranky!

And can I just say how incredibly pissy it makes me when anyone does not return my call?! Family, Friends, service people, drs, etc. I am going to start doing the same as everyone else...being insensitive, rude, thoughtless, uninterested in how anyone is doing.....!! Ya know, my life is overwhelming too and I have lots I am involved in..but I always return calls!

Totally Flaming

There, in the corner.

Tall, sleek, handsome, smokin’!
And a tight ergonomic grip.

Is it getting warm in here?

Reach for the HomeHero fire extinguisher. The designcentric lifesaver is snuffing out the cumbersome red tank. Simple, intuitive construction takes over: compact size, large safety pin for easy identification, sturdy rubber foot, molded grip with single-hand trigger. The futuristic, glossy white canister is attractive (and unobtrusive) enough to sit on your countertop (rather than hide under your sink) — which makes it easy to reach in case of emergency.
So you can go from zero to hero in no time flat.

Wow---interesting concept in this picture....a man doing the laundry...with his HomeHero extinguisher right there on the dryer! Impressive!

My little man is getting so big!

Here are the latest pics of Paul Gilbert Niño. I took him to Portrait Innovations. I certainly do not like the pics/poses as much as Maile's, but I only wanted a quick shoot and spend $50 or less. I am saving my money so Maile can take our family pic next May/June and Paul's 3 year old shots. By then I WILL have lost my 30 lbs!! Can I get an AMEN!

Vanessa from Brighton was here for 80 minutes today and had lots of things to say and help to offer. Paul will start going to the Brighton School (5 min from my house) beginning the end of January one day a week for 90 min. Vanessa will be with him and I can run errands or come home and relax. This morning we played and he wanted to paint. I think he wanted to "show off" for Miss Vanessa. He loves to paint and has quite an imagination!!! I love when he paints!

I've Been Tagged

My high school classmate, Colleen, tagged me. I don't know if I REALLY KNOW 7 people who have a blog.... Ah, well, so here’s the fun:

The rules of tagging are as follows: 1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog. 2. Share 7 random and or weird things about yourself. 3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. 4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Seven weird things about ME:

1. When I was in high school I wanted to be a SOLID GOLD DANCER..remember Colleen?!

2. I can make myself burp and can do it 100 times in a row!!

3. When I am tired--I run my fingers through my hair.

4. I don't like men to give me a pedicure. (I think they secretly get off on it!)

5. I have had several nicknames.....Crazy, Precious, Bunny, Basil, Sus, SueSwan, SuSu (some are still used!)

6. I clean my baseboards in my home once a month.

7. You could play connect the dots with all my moles on my back and tummy!

I will tag these people: Maile, Kelly, Erin, Paul, Barb (I need to come back to this..Paul is awake!)

The Kansas Jayhawks Are Seeing Orange

Rock Chalk Jayhawk! We're headed to the BCS Orange Bowl. Our first trip to Miami since 1969--the year I was born. I am "juiced" over this invite and look forward to cheering my team to a victory on January 3!!! The Jayhawks will play Virginia Tech, which boasts an 11-2 record and ACC championship. This will be a rough and tough game!

The Season of Life

Howdy ya'll! What is your current Season of Life? Mine----full time Mom to a handsome 2 1/2 year old toddler named Paul. Went to MOPS today and we heard an incredible speaker. Her name is Dawsie Meek. She spoke to our group 2 years ago and she was fabulous again. Recall the story of when Jesus was born....there was no room at the inn. How many of us fail to make room for Christ in our lives?! Dawsie talked this morning about 3 areas where we tend to forget/fail to make room for Christ.

#1 - our words!!! Griping and Complaining crowds out Christ. Think about it now friends..this is sooooooo true!!!! When we gripe and complain--we are going against God. Psalm 142:2 says, "with full voice I cry to the LORD; with full voice I beseech the LORD." Try this discipline -- tell God all your fears, gripes and frustrations. He can handle our honesty. Share your heart with God. In other words--make room in your life for confession and praise. Psalm 55:2 says, "Listen, God, to my prayer; do not hide from my pleading."

#2 - Our Actions!!! Know that who we are please God. Dawsie discussed how much our society is on information and choice overload. She challenged us to the discipline of solitude. Now, this is difficult for me....since I love to be around people and talk..and talk..and talk! We a ll need to pull away sometimes and spend that alone time with God. During this quiet time is often when God reveals things to us. Hebrews 12:3 says, "while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God."

#3 - Attitude! Selfishness crowds out Christ. Dawsie is a control freak..as am I. We must surrender to God's plan/will...not want to follow our own plan. Trust me--I do know this is not an easy thing for many of us..most of us probably! And so we also need to surrender our control! An image to help is...stretch out your arm and grasp your hand...control!!! How does God want our hand....yup...opened up! Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves."

We're putting up our Christmas tree tonight. No ornaments until the weekend, but we want Master Paul to get used to the tree being up and in "his" way. :-) I now have some things I would like to accomplish while the lad is asleep.

And as we are now in the Season of Advent -- turn to Jesus Christ to help you recharge your batteries. Lift your hearts and prayers to Him. He renews our strength. Something profound I thought of yesterday-- the challenges of today will soon fade away, but God's love endures forever! AMEN