Dora' s World

Dora B day 2012

2012-01-23T19:54:00.000-08:00

I used to love my B days up to my 20's. I do not look for my Bdays anymore. The problem is that Doug is 4 years younger than me and I want to age together and not ahead. However, my kids loveeeee my B days. They feel that is when they do something for me and dedicated their attention to me, which I like. They always make my B days awesome.
Doug took my to Chipotle for lunch, he got me chocolates and a cute cover for my I phone. My mom gave my flowers and the kids made me a electronic card with pictures and text of things or occasions they appreciated I do for them. At the end it was a perfect B day.

Hunter in Washington

2012-01-23T19:44:00.000-08:00

Doug took Hunter to Washington. Hunter was a dream trip. He visited the White House, The senate, The library of Congress, Supreme court and a lot of museums. Doug was so tired walking but for the love of his son he endured and had a good time.

January 2012

2012-01-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

Hayden and Dora ready to hit the rode for a ride.

Hunter, Hayden and their friend Madi rode 12 miles themselves, well done.

Doug is 39, one more and he will joing me to the 40's. It will sound better. He run 5 miles 2 days ago y he is training for 1/2 marathon in April. He is determined to leave behind Crohns.

Dallas/Six Flags

2011-12-29T20:01:00.000-08:00

The kids swam in the Armadillo hotel in our way home. Harper loved it every minute, but I loved it every second because I did not have to go in the pool, the kids took care of her in the pool, they even fight their turn.

We had so much fun, Harper rode as many rides sje could. Harrison had a problem. he is too big for small rides and still scare for big rides, soon he had the courage to ride those big rides. Doug had a great ine going rides with the kids. Hunter and Hayden as usual big rides called them out.

2011-12-29T19:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning

2011-12-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

I run from my bedroom when I hear the kids coming up, I am glad the camara was ready and here Harrison and Hailey coming to see Santa's gifts. I love this picture

Hailey was so excited, I am glad Santa ordered them three days ago from amazon after Hailey saying that Santa could not forget that request because Santa is all about reading.

This year, there was less noise and mess after unwrapping Santa's presents. Hunter and Hayden were not as anxious and loud as in the past, I guess they are growing up. Also, their present did not requiered big boxes or to assamble. I have mixfellings about it.

My kids got Just Dance 3 kinect and I just love it, It was a nice surprice for me. I danced like crazy and beat my kids.

Chritmas Eve night

2011-12-25T16:22:00.000-08:00

We had 2 families friends over for enchilada dinner and activities. As usual I was the only one singing the piñata song with the help of Kyle who knows Spanish.

We had games. there were family teams. We played, ginger cookie from fronthead to mouth, pompom on the nose, bag bite and marsmallows in the wreath.

My friend Jeny had a puppet Christmas story and the kids had parts, we all sang hyms beteween the story.

At the end we all have a wrapped candy bar and passed it around with a clue from a story reading, we all had a candy to end the night.

Christmas eve

2011-12-25T16:10:00.000-08:00

Our traditional Christmas Eve was as usual. In the morning we open secret santa, so kids can enjoy from giving each other.

We had a sleeding trip to the mountains like every year. The day was perfect. Harper stayed home with grandma. This is the first year I sled time after time, since I did not have babies to keep warm. Hailey did great going up the hill.

Nutcracker play

2011-12-25T16:02:00.000-08:00

Hailey and I joined a group of mothers and daugthers for lunch and tge play. I just love a girl time with her, next year Harper will be with us.

Hayden's 1st cycle cross race

2011-12-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

Hayden started riding 2/3 times a week seriously riding with a team from school. He wanted to try cross racing and he loved it.

He ended in 5 place, not bad for 1st race.

Day after Thanksgiving

2011-12-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

I was so so so happy to set up our Christmas tree in less than 1 hour. Granma Ann and Bill was the key. harper was so helpful too.

Lunch at Papadeaux was great, thank you Bill.

Harper absolutly loves grandma and granpa.

Family 2011

2011-11-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

Hayden was chewing gun. I loveeeee my boys, good looking pack.

I am so trill to have my girls, they brig so much spark to my life. They love each other so much.

We took this pictures in alleys down town. I am glad was in the middle of the day, real interestig and cool.

I am still amazed that the Lord blessed me so much with this special spirits. I love them so much. Toningt, three of them were playig around and I enjoyed it because I know it won't last forever. Harper's favorite part of the day is when all kids are back from school, she loves to play hid and seek with them and being funny to make them laugh.

kids pics 2011

2011-11-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

Hunter 15
Hayden 13
Harrison 10
Hailey 7
Harper 2

Hunter's Eagle award

2011-11-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

Hunter was awared his Eagle. It was a really nice ceremony. I wish all his leaders were sitting in a pedestal, they are the ones that guided him and helped him, they made sacrifices and their families. Hunter learned a lot a long the way and lately, I have seen how the process has helped him. He is such a great kid. He is responsible, helpful, obidiente, happy while still goofy. While I was putting the neckerchief and he was putting the pin on me, he wispered " I love you mom".

He received Mormon Betallion neckerchief along with his close friends,

Road ride

2011-10-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hayden used to belong to a triathlon club at school 2 years ago. They biked 3 times a week but never made it to races because they were on Sundays. He participated in a triathlon on August with no much training. The bike he road was 20 years old and his time was no so good. I found this bike on craiglist for an amazing price, it is much better than mine. Today in our ride, I would lost him out of my sight in a minute, he was so fast, 24 mi/hour. He is having fun and good for me to have a parter who to ride with. We are planning to ride Saturdays. Maybe I became faster, if not I ll have a bonding time with my son, much better.

Halloween 2011

2011-10-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

Harrison-banana and his best friend Cooper-scary

Hailey-Dorothy

Harper- bumble bee

The gross lab.

Hailey loved to be in the costume parade, she was a perfect Dorothy.

Harper is 2

2011-10-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

In the morning she opened one present, a toy cell phone, she loved it and made calls all day.

The grand celebration was after dinner. Doug could not be there but all kids were so excited to celebrate her b day. She is a bless sister with sibblings that adore her and celebrated everything she does.

Harrison choose the cake, you can tell by the candy worms decoration.

She loveeeeed her frag costume from Grandma Ann. She also was excited about her coupe car.

I felt bad that I was gone to the hospital all day. Doug also wished he could be there, however we ll celebrated many more b days.

Warrior Triathlon

2011-10-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hayden really wanted to participated in a triathlon after seen me last month doing one for only women. I was no quite as motivated but I trained some, I wanted to support him. Hayden trained some because 8th grade is been demanding. He had a injure knee, so he did not run much hoping it would heel. He paced himself to avoid pain, the bike did not change gears as usual and he swim good after swimming 4 times for the race. The first time is always just for the experience, maybe he ll try next time for a more competitive goal. I am just proud that he stayed with the goal despite all the obstacles.

Bosque Branch

2011-10-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

The city asked our stake to help with the a clean up before bal lon fiesta. Members walked to assigned main streets and pick up trash seen in the road. It was hard work but fun. The mayor took pics with some member of he branch.

This was the first clean up stake activity.

The ward we shared activities had a talent show. They invited the branch and members loved to participated on it. Hunter was my partner, since Doug was feeling not to good that week. Hunter learned the dance in one practice since he is been so busy with school, seminary, mock trial club and Pte of the class. He had the best actitude, I am a proud mother of amazing kid.

Fall activities

2011-10-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hailey started soccer. In the first game she made a really cool goal. She is so fast and has endurance, she also is really condinated. She is small but running, she keeps with taller kids. It is so fun to see her.

Hailey's class field trip, the weather is perfect. She was the only girl in her group (4 boys) and she did not mind. She hang out with a 8 year old. They wer planning to make a band, Hailey as a singer and the boys as making instruments sounds.

Cootowood had a really fun foundraiser. The firemen sprayed the people, ofcourse Harrison was the first one there.

Chicago

2011-10-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

Doug had 6 mo check after the stem sell treatment. He took Harrison and Hayden.

They attended a foorball and baseball game. They had a blast bounding father and sons.

Hunter Freshmen class president

2011-09-20T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hunter have always enjoy to be involve in the community. He has been 6th and 7th grader class president. He was no sure to try in high school. He did not know many kids there because Hunter went to charter school and did not know kids from the two big middle school that feed Volcano Vista high school. He decided to try. I sophmore friend from church helped him with some poster boards designs. We did 8 and put a picture of him. I believe they were the best poster of the 4 runners. His slong was " You're the boss, I am your voice". We made 150 tags with the slong and pass them around. Apperently many students wanted them, after all they wanted to be part of the campaign. Friends helped Hunter to put the posters and pass the tags. He gave 1 minute speech and it was great. He was confident without being arrogant, just how Hunter is. I am so glad he can have this experience, I know he likes to feel useuful at school.

I was so nervous for him but the memory of him being 2 Lb 4 oz in the hospital as a new born was with me. He was small but healthy and fighting to get in life. Since then Hunter have always surprised me. I have learned never to understimated him because he always gets where he wants to be. I SO MUCH LOVE THIS KID.

Harper 23 mo

2011-09-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

The heat is down in the afternoons. Hailey started soccer and Harrison flag football, so we go to the park twice a week. Harper loves it every minute.

I took Harper to a tumbling class. I thought that she would be too young but I was wrong, she follows the activities, however she cries every time she has to wait her turn. I guess that is how she ll learn.

Dora 1st Triathlon

2011-08-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

It was so fun to participated with friends, it made it fun but still a challege. I felt great in the 5K run, the ride was ok, I did not push it much. The swim was another story, It was no as hard but overwhelming with people around me, I kind of panic by people touching me while passing me, so I did wait in the end of the lane till was no so crowded, that slowed me down but I finished ready to dance of joy.

It made me cry to see the board posted in the door when I drove to the driveway made by Hunter, I sure felt supported by my love ones.

Scouts

2011-08-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am so greatful my children can participated in great and fun activities with good friends.

Hunter in a radio show

2011-08-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hunter and his friend were guest at 770 with Jim V. Callers were supportive that young people were intereted in politics, since they will be the leaders of the future. They were so well informed and sounded great. We are proud that Hunter follows his passion and he is good at it.

First day school 11-12

2011-08-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

Harrison 5th grader

Hailey and Harrison were so excited to start school but I had mixed feelings. I love my kids at home and do whatever that want to do, play and being lazy, but after a while I like routine. This summer went so fast and I worked so fast. It will take me so time to get use to the crazy mornings but I am looking forward for this school year.

Hailey 2nd grader

Colorado

2011-08-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

While Hayden was in the scout camp, we spent few days in Denver area ahving fun. Harrison invited his best friend Cooper and Hunter also invited Sam.

Harper had a blast and once again, she did great on the car trip.

Hayden's scout camp

2011-08-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

This was Hayden's last scout camp. He had a blast because there were many of his good friends. He rode horses and rowed on the lake.

He did few crazy things, like walking in this mud pool. The craiziest things was his 5 k run in 22 min in a higher altitude than Sta Fe. He also biked 10 miles and trained for a 1 mile swim, but he could not do it because the run killed him.

We visited him at camp, you could tell that he was happy we were there.

Pioneer Hailey in service

2011-08-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hailey loved her pioneer camp. Tha same week our stake had a service day. The Branch made lunches for families of people in the Hospital. She loved talking to people offering the food.

Harper's Sealing to our family

2011-07-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

It was such a beautiful Summer day afternoon, July 16 2011. Harper seemed to know that this was a special day.

After the sealing, Harper loved to be around looking flowers and being chase by all of us. Hailey and Harper meant to be sisters. Hailey is caring and loving towards Harper and Harper loves to follow her and do everything Hailey does. One occasion, Harper was getting into stuff, I stopped her and she went looking for Hailey saying: " Hailey, I m crying". Knowing Hailey would console her.

The rest of the kids were so happy to be able to be inside the temple. They were so reverent. When they were brought all the kids to the sealing room, I could not stop the tears of joy. It was one of my favorite moments in life.

It was a windy day, but we could not be happier together walking around The Temple looking Harper running around so happy.

Three years ago, I saw our family picture and I said to Doug that our family looked so small. We talked about starting the process for adoption. It took 1 year to qualify. We waited 1 year for a phone call and the last year exactly, we were Harper's foster parents. I see our family pictures today and I feel not only that is complete but even big. How funny that one small baby can make look our family big, perhaps is her personality.

2011-07-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

Harper spent a lot of time looking Angel Moroni, so the picture made sense.

The boys, they are not only handsome but righteous souls.

Harper specially loved running the hill up and down.

Harper was so happy when she saw Doug and me in the sealing room. She was reverent during the time of the sealing ceremony. After the sealer said Amen, everyone in the room repeated, Harper also said it but seconds after everyone and it was loud and clear. It was so sweet to hear that she strongly agree with the blessing of becoming our Eternal daughter.

Harper was so happy to see Doug and I in the sealing room. The ceremony was short ad simple.

Cowabunga

2011-07-07T19:04:00.000-07:00

We went to Cowabunga in Draper, the kids loved the lazy river. Tyson Eschers, Hayden's best friend moved to Utah few weeks ago, so they spent time fun together.

Hailey as always a fish.

4th July weekend

2011-07-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

I love 4th July parades. we could not make it for the Provo because of the race but Sandy had one in the afternoon. Hailey had so much fun.

She waved the flotes she liked.

Hunter, hayden and Harrison by Joseph and Hyrum Smith statues, BROTHERS.

Hailey, Harper and The SLC Temple.

This picture is before the half marathon. I really enjoyed it because I was pain free the whole time and my time was faster than any of my training runs. I was so nervous because of the unknown route. The training was difficult because of my shin splints hurt every run.

Crossing the finishing line. Valerie payne was a great buddy runner, we helped each other to be motivated, we even chat a little. It was our first half marathon.

Harrison showed to be the most proud of all my kids. my great brother Horacio was so nice to take me to the 5:30 starting line, he met half way the race and at the end of it.

Right after the race, we took Hunter and Charles to EFY, they were so excited.

Park City 2011

2011-07-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

We decided to spent time in Park city the weekend.

Hunter, Hayden and me rode the Zip line, super fun!

We all rode the slide.

Doug took me to eat pasta two days before my 1/2 marathon run.

Best Friends

Big kiss to the fuzzy bear.

Provo 2011

2011-07-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hayden atthe doorms in BYU for the football camp.

He was there 4 days.

Bronco spoke ina fireside for the campers and visited the indoor practice.

Harrison also participated in a half day football BYU camp.

He was so sore avery night but loved it.

Harper was great in the 9 hour trip. She did not have so much fun in the BYU bowling place because the balls were too heavy.

Summer 2011

2011-06-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

Explora has been one of the p;aces we have visited.

Cliffs with friends was super fun.

Harrison and Kaiden were nervous the first time in the Rattler, but after the first time, they rode it several times.

The kids love the pool, we go as much as we can.

Harper's Legal Adoption

2011-06-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

June 14 2011 was a special day for our family, Harper was legally adopted in our family. The judge was so friendly, the ceremony lasted minutes but we were so happy that she is all ours. Last week I was reflecting how a blessing she is in our lives, we all laugh more because of his cute attitude and phrases. I also thought how bless she is no so much because of me or Doug but because the sibblings she has, they are patient with her, they love her and watch for her and she loves them back. The sealing in the Temple will be next month.

The judge let the kids use the mallet, including Harper.

Hunter high adventure

2011-06-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

This year high adventure was a Spiritual high. The quorum of teachers had a great experience. Some of them as Hunter have been in SLC before and some have not. What made it special trip was that the quorum were together streghting their testimony. They were really engaged in all the visits and visited SLC temple and provo Temple.

They were blessed to meet President Utchdorf. He was so friendly and personal that they boys felt how special they are because of his love and interest.

Hayden's 13 B day

2011-06-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

Haydne's b day was on Sunday, so Saturday, we took him for lunch to Red Robin (his choice). The servers sang to him and he got a free dessert.

Sunday on his bday, Harrison and Hailey baked a cake and made the frosting.

Monday, it was the big party to celebrate Hayden and Hunter (june 26). Almost 30 kids. They had a water ballon fight. There were 150 ballons, my fingers paid the price.

Dares games:

He is tryig to lick his toe.

Funnies face

Eating mustard

Eating paper.

Dancing

Food: hot dogs, chips, soda, nachos, bufulo wings, ice cones, watermelon and cake

I was so tired after the party, but Hayden kept told me several times before and during the party: "thank you mom for doing a party for us" . That kept me going.

Harper 19mo

2011-06-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

She loves water. She is a small cutie, 19 lbs.

Harper loves our hyper family but he enjoys so much El abuelo. He is so mellow and sweet with her.

She knows that she looks adorable with her glasses. She can keep them on for a long time.

Hailey's 7th b'day

2011-05-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

We had Hailey to blow her candle on the day of her b day. Doug was in Mexico for Hailey's party but he was able to celebrated it on her actual b day.
Breakfast in bed. French toast with power sugar, strawberries, orange, bacon and chocolate milk it is her favorite

Hailey's B day party theme was: "Favorites things Hailey likes to do":

1. Paiting and gardening flowers. Each girl paited their own pot and planted a flower to take it home.

2. Scavenger hunt: Each girl had their own 4 clues to go around the back and front yard and find a cute bracelet. It was challenging but fun.

3. Musical chairs. When anyone was out the game, they enjoyed a popcicle, they did not mind to lose.

4. Pin the tail in the donkey. Kids always like this game for some reason.

5. Pinata. All the girls had a time to try to break the pinata and at the end Hailey put a lot of energy to break it. All the other girls shouted "break it Hailey, break it".

Hailey making a wish and had a traditional Mexican cake bite, she loves it and wants to do it every b day

Aquarium and Girls night out

2011-05-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

Harper wanted so bad to touch the fish, she was so excited to see the beutiful and big fish.

A friend hosted GNO for moms and daugthers, while father ans son went camping for celebartion of the restaoration of the priesthood.

The moms painted the girl's nails and gave them a facial. It was a great evening. That day Hailey lost adittional two teeth, she is not eatting much apples lately.

Botanic Garden

2011-05-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hailey with Harper and her classmates

Harper takes only one nap, so now she can enjoy the field trips.

May 2010

2011-05-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

I have been in Explora hundreds of times, since Hunter and Hayden were little and I will probably will be going for more years. My kids love this place. Harrison and his friend Cooper spend most of the time setting up a catapult and it was awsome

Mother's day

2011-05-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

Doug and I spent 24 hours in Santa Fe. We both had a massage and enjoyed dinner. He is smiling here, but he was still kind of sick. I, on the other hand enjoyed to be away and kids free. I walked in the plaza shopping while Doug took a nap before coming home.

The first half of my mother's day was good, but the second was no, I felt sick, I just glad that lasted 12 hours.

I just realized that I do have pictures with my mom only. She is the best, fun, helpful, supportive, kind and knows bounderies with my family. I am so bless and happy to have her living with us. She is being less active for years, with the creation of the Spanish branch, she is being attending and enjoying of the spirit. During church, she told me that she hopes to be ready to be back to the temple by the time we get seal to Harper. No a better mother's day present I could have.

My runner: Hayden

2011-04-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

Hayden run 100X4, his team got on thirth place from the middle schools on the westside of Albuquerque.

Hunter, Blair, Hayden, Madi. What great group of cute kids.

Hayden's second event was 200X4; It was amazing, he was the anchor; he got the bauton in thirth place but Hayden caught up to second place and got close to the first runner. It was so beutiful to see it. He has a great strike.

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

Sunday Easter

I did not work much this Easter, Hailey and Harrison filled all the eggs.

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

Harper got the idea of Easter hunt right away, specially when she knew what was inside. I am just glad she was walking, she enyoed this so much.

Hailey asked me Sunday night if we'd have another Easter hunt, I remainded her that she had one on Friday with some friends from school and church, one on Saturday with the Spanish branch and Sunday in our friends' house, KT. She was happy to remember that.

Hailey basketball

2011-04-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

I am kind of sensitive about Hailey playing baseketball,she is the only girl and the coach put mostly focus on the boys. However, she does her best and loves it every minute.

Harper totally walking

2011-04-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Harper will be 18 mo tomorrow. She took first steps 6 weeks ago, she took her time to enjoy walking. She is now every where and acting like a toddler. She is so fun.
We are just waiting for the date court to make it official, as soon is done we ll be heading to the temple.
Doug and his girls. He is a sweet fun daddy.

Harper stayed in nursery for first time, she absolutely loved it.

Still April

2011-04-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my hubby, couple weeks ago, I was driving back from somewhere and I saw Doug running in our neighborhood, I rolled my window and he told me he was on his 4th mile. He is feeling so good, with energy and happy to feel good. The Lord sure has blessed him with a better health. He runs 3 times a week at least 3 mi and every time improving his time. We both will run 10 k on July 4th in Provo.

Hailey's school had a family dance and Hailey had a blast.
Hailey and her best friend Lizzie. They know each other since tiny babies and they can play forever and I remember 2 fights.
Harrison spent a lot of time in his Mars project. They are inside a plastic bubble and they shared Mars facts with visitors.

1st walk

2011-04-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Sunday we got from Chicago, Harper took her first steps, the funny things is that she did not realized completely what she did. She has not tried again. I sounded crazy because I did not expected her to walk.
I am just glad I was home for that event and that my video camera was on.

Spring is here

2011-04-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hailey is playing basketball, she is fast and she is working on bouncing the ball and running at the same time. She practices everyday after school with Harrison. She is also great in dance class on Saturdays.

Hailey lost one of her front tooth, she loves to be a big sister and she is great.
It took me hours to make these matching out fits for the girls, I do not think I ll do it too often in the future.
Crazy hair day

Harison's 10th Bday

2011-03-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

Harrison had his favorite breakfast, french toast with podwer sugar and squeezed fresh orange juice. His siblings gave him Mario Sport Mix wii game and mom and dad an airsoft gun.

He chose to have his party at Hinckly Family Fun Center with his friends. Their favorite thing was Laser tug.

Hunter and Hayden drove the go carts all their time. They can wait to drive for real.

Harrison is so bless with fun good friends.

He chose GiGi's as he calls it, his favorite place for dinner.

Spring Break

2011-03-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

Spring Break it has been layback. I was behind on my studies because my trips to Chicago and I had to study a lot for my midterms. Hunter has been sick almost all week. On Monday a the kids stayed on pijamas all day, Tuesday movie Rango, Wednesday was friends over time, popcicles, outside play, Wii and sprinklers. The weather was beutiful.

Thursday, we took Harper to her first zoo trip. We had been in the past 9 years at the zoo so many times, so I took a break going. The kids were actually excited and we had fun introducing the animals to Harper, she loved it.

She keeps calling the wolf a dog.

2011-03-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Harper is acepting the idea of walking, she soon will be on her own.

Harrison and Hailey were so great teaching her the animal's names.

We had a great time, the weather was perfect. Doug could not go with us because he is no supposed to be around animals.

1st walk

2011-03-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

The Sunday we got from Chicago, Harper took her first steps, the funny things is that she did not realized completely what she did. She has no tried again. I sounded crazy because I did not expected her to walk.
I am just glad I was home for that event and that my video camera was on.

Getting home

2011-03-08T20:56:00.000-08:00

Harrison was in the front door waiting for us to arrive, when he saw the car, he run to get the rest. Doug get out of the car to hug his loved children who run towards him.

Hailey asked him why he was crying if it was a happy moment. She still does not understand that people cry for hapiness as well. Harrison was behing holding the tears.

He claimed that it was allergies. Yeah, right.

When Harper first saw Doug, she was confused because he looked different, no hair and 20 lbs less. She did not want to go to him first. Few minures later, I took her to touch her face with his face, perhaps she'd remember was Dada. It was funny how his smell and warm help her to see that that was her Dada. The second that happen, she said: "Dada". The rest of the day, she only wanted Doug to hold her and Doug had to sit down to do that, it was too much weight for him.

He is recovering slowlly but surely, he has some discomfort but mostly fatigue.

Leaving the hospital for good

2011-03-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

I have been super busy getting back to normal life but I must record this event.

Saturday afternoon Doug got his PICC line out. That really told us that it was for real that he was leaving the next day. Saturday was the last long difficult day. Doug had an extreme pain in the stomach from even drinking water. He would bend ans cried of pain. He pleaded God out loud to take away the pain several times during the day. He did no ask for pain meds because he was afrain, he would have to stay longer. Finally that night he got morphin and was able to sleep some on the night. I was doubtful of he coming home. Doctors could no explain why the pain but told us that he would be getting better. Today we think that were ulcers on his stomach as a side effect fron chemo that appers days after, some people get them on the mouth, he did never got them in the mouth.

Here, he is with the main doctors of the treatment, they came every morning and one of them came back most afternoon to see him again. Doug would tell me for years that he knew that someone would be working in the cure for Chron's. I can't believe that we found that someone, Dr Brut. I gave him a hug and thanked him for working on something that would be bless my husband and family so much. It is kind of early to claim that Doug is cure of Chron's but the probability is big enough for us to be excited.

As a promised, here is Doug getting on the taxi in front of the entrace of the hospital.

He was exausted after the walk in the airport towards our gate, but he did it.

Almost the end

2011-03-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

I got to Chicago last Wednesday and found the pile of mail Doug has gotten. We have been so bless by the support and love of everyone, thank you all. It has really make him feel better to know that people care and pray for his recovery.

He was naping a lot whenever his stomach let him rest. He could not eat for 3 days because of Chron's flare up. The doctors wait to treat the flare up until white cell count was close to rise. The fevers were gone but the fatigue and pain were there.

Thursday he had two popsicles in the morning. He had finally the meds for the Chrons's that afternoon. After that, he tried cereal, bread and Ensure. He slept better with no fever and pain of free.

This morning (Friday), he got grits, eggs and herbal tea; the restof the food in the picture I ate it. The doctors are expecting the white cells to show within the next 24 hours. I sure hope my next post be Doug and I on the taxi way to the airport.

Doug

2011-02-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

Doug has been so sick and tired, in one day he can feel ok (no great)and a minute later he feel miserable. Whenever he feels ok, he walks, he is been told that pacients that walk stay two days less in the hospital, a good motivation for him to do it.

He forces himself to eat as well.

He needs to blow this thing every hour to keep his lungs healthy.

Friday morning I woke up with a sore throat and the doctors and nurse told to go home. He was sad because he likes the company and support, but he knew that was the best. I had to change mask every 20 min and stayed away from him for the 4 hours before me leaving to the ariport. Saturday was his worst days and it is frastruated that he is so far away.

Day zero

2011-02-23T08:03:00.000-08:00

It is called day zero because it is that day the stem cells were infuse back in Doug's body. At this piont, he has no immune system and the risk for infection is high. I got to the hospital at 1:00 pm. He was so happy to see me because he loves me, but also because he has no many visitors, Joe and America Cannon visited him too. I put on the door the art the kids made for Doug. They did not sign their name, Doug was able to tell whose art was at the first try.

He shared with me that he has not feel that too lonely and that he has felt an amazing peace. We watched couple of episodes of Modern Family show to have a good laugh and ate lunch. Right after that he started to get chills and fever. The rest of the day he was exausted due to the fever and could no get up from the bed the rest of the day.

He had a tough night. I am so greatful for the care he is getting here. The nurse was pretty much the whole night with him. Her goal was to control the fever, she runned a lot of test to see if there was an infection. He had to have pain medication all night.

Today's the goal is to keep him safe and comfortable. They expected him to feel like this for the next 5 days. He is a little nervous of complications.

Sweet Doug

2011-02-18T17:09:00.000-08:00

I am dearing to post pics of Harper since she ll be our by April. She is daddy's girl. Everytime she sees something that she knows belongs to Doug, she says dadadada. Doug is a wondeful Dad, he is always thinking of individual ways to show love to his kids. He knows them so well and he prays everyday for their hapiness.

Before is treatment he contemplate why he really wanted to go throught the treatment.

He asked me why, I would like to have a long life, I said because I want to see my kids grow happy and shared with them all special moments.

He, on the other hand shared with me that he wants his children to have a father as long has they can. He is no worry so much of HE missing things, but his KIDS missing a father. I know his kids are the main motivation to gain his health.

Doug has been by himself 2 days. I have texted him and called him several times a day. Yesterday was hard day, vomiting more that he should. Today's fist part time of the day was better but at the end of the day some vomiting and fatigue. However he is emotionally doing good, he follows his activities to have some control over the situation and seem to be helping. I can't wait back to see him, I am already thinking what I should pack.

Chicago 2nd round

2011-02-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

Doug was no so thrill about my posting about his treatment. He allowed it because he knows some family and friends would like to know, specially his mom (Ann). I ll post as much as I can since flying back and forth, sole parenting and classes will be in the way.

Valentines Days, we flew to Chicago, we headed to the hospital from the airport, so Doug could get a procedures. We were able to get dinner to celebrated VD, our aniversary (17th) and his last non hospital meal during the next three weeks.

First day was no that bad. Doug got begining chemo, he was able to eat food he likes but by night nauseas and vomiting took place.

I have a class assigment that hopefully help Doug. The lost of control and uncertaning affects him a lot. We have developed a intervention plan, he has choose to engage in activities in the next three weeks, as long as his fatigue allow it, things such: praying/scriptures, walking and stationary bike daily, choose of food, work some, listining up lifting messages, good laughter (Modern Family did it today). I will keep track and motivated him to do so.

Harrison adores Harper

2011-02-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

Harrison first thing to do in the morning and coming back from school is to checked on Harper and give her love. I thought that his name "Harrison" would be the last she would be able to say. However, she said it before Hunter and Hayden but after Hailey. She feels the love that Harrison has for her. They are so bless to have each other.

Harrison reads books to her daily, her favorite "five little monkeys"

Wicked

2011-02-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Doug and I were supposed to go together to see Wicked but he had to stay in Chicago for the extraction of the stem cells for the transplant. Doug urged me to fly back from Chicago the day of the play to take Hailey to see Wicked. When I got home, it touched my heart that Hailey was all ready dress up to go to the play. She got all the details and the conection with the Wizard of Oz. She loved it. I feel so bless everyday for her, her sweet and mellow, yet sassy personality. As soon as we got in the car after the play, she fall sleep.

New Doug

2011-02-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

Doug's hair is being falling foe a week, he asked me to shave ie because it was a pain to deal with falling hair on his face, pillow and food.

This morning I saw several bold spots in the middle of his head. I still wish I didn't have to do it. He is still a hottie.

Chicago 1st round

2011-02-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

Chicago was freezing, below zero. Harper was really good with all the leyers to keep her warm for the walk to the hospital of 6 blocks.

Harper and I had to visit Doug three days for 6 hours. The first day I was scared how she would behave. I prayed that she would be easy and happy. Well my prayer was answer because she was fantastic. She would take her nap on the stroler.

She would read books by the window with the city view.

She would eat and hang out by Doug's bed. In Feb 14 Doug is going back, this time Harper will stay home.

Doug's Bday

2011-01-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

The 8 stands for 38, yes he is young and hot.

winter in Utah.

2011-01-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

The kids made a train to sled down.

Harper first big snow day.

The favorite thing for my kids was playing with cousins.

Winter in Utah

2011-01-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

The kids had a blast in Utah. They sled and got super wet and cold.

Christmas morning 2010

2011-01-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

The boys could not believe that Santa brought them paint ball guns. They shoot a lot but they did not hit any target, meaning no paint clothes for me to wash, maybe they'll get better.
My kids ask me all the time to do fondue, but either do not have ingridients or I do not feel like cleaning the mess. Christmas eve was the perfect day, I myself could not stop dipping cake and straberries.

It is always fun and cute to see the excited faces of my kids looking into their Santa presents. Hailey is the only that do not know about Santa, so the boys play it perfect for her to have a magical moment. I guess, Harper does not know either, but too young to get the whole thing.

Harper was as excited as the rest of the bunch. Harrison favorite was his remote control car that can go 60 miles p/h in 7 sec.

Hailey's favorite is her american doll.

NM Ball

2011-01-02T16:24:00.000-08:00

Hayden, Hunter, Harrison and friends sat on the front row, Hayden was on ESPN and Harrison jumbo tron. Good times

sledding

2010-12-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

I took Harrison and Hailey with their friends to sled. The had so much fun even though the snow was melting as usual in the Q.

Snow in ABQ

2010-12-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

We got 3 inches of snow on our backyard. The kids went outside at 7:30 am.

Hayden's snow men had hair.

Hailey of course made hers fancy with the hat she made in explora.

Harrison's was sportish.

Harrison/Hayden

2010-12-17T15:02:00.000-08:00

Hayden partipipated in a play at school. He was Castillo. As usual the spainers were the mean and ignorant and the natives the victims. When schools going to stop being so liberal and bias.

Harrison always having fun cubscouts night.

Harrison earned is Bear patch. We are in the right path, I will be so glad when all my boys get at the end of eagle scout. I then will be on YW. Oh well, I better enjoy it, wont last forever.

First time on the ski

2010-12-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

Angel Fire was so fun for all of us. All of us except Doug started on the ground. After some practice all of us made it to stand on the ski.

Hunter is the precautions of the family and it took him effort to enjoy himself, but he did it.

Hunter and I were the last to feel ok on the ski. Half of the time I was helping the kids to master the skill. I had to say that even when I did not fell, I was scare of the speed I was going down the hill, maybe next time I learn to control the speed and enjoy the experience

First time on the ski

2010-12-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

Doug is the only that has ski before, he had no problem to pick it up the skill.

Hayden was so brave, he was able to do even hills for more expereince people. He loves it.

I had to put hardness the first five time going down the hill, after that she did it all by herself for couple of hours. She wants to do it again.

Harrison had a bad fall at the begining but he was able to had fun the last two hours.

Hailey's curls

2010-12-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

Hailey has beutiful straight heavy hair. She wanted to get culrly hair like mine. She has to get curls a night before and usually after church are gone. This time I used tons of hair spray. At the end of church the first thing she told me was: " my curls made it".

My cute girls.

Hayden's rewards

2010-12-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hayen's football coach said that Hayden was a leader and athletic boy. He had a great personal season. Few games I had a prayer in my heart, asking for his saftey, He could not played last game because of an injury. I was glad was over the season.

Hayden getting his Star award, Doug is being so supportive to the boys in their way to eagle.

Explora Fieldtrip

2010-12-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

She made a fancy Hailey hat.

Hailey 1st grader field trip. I have done many explora field trip with Hunter, Hayden and Harrison. Explora will be un my life for many years to come.

Hailey has been other times at explora and she still loves that place.

Thanksgiving weekend

2010-11-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

It started with Harrison's performance Mexican dance. He did great and I did my Mexican scream. The kids learned the right steps with partners. So far, all my kids have participated in a Mexican folkloric dance. I love it.

Harrison and his partner down below.

On Wednesday, we all got on the rail runner from Abq to Santa Fe. It was an adventure. There were 12 kids and 9 adults. Above pic: Meg, Andrew, Hannah and Leah.

2010-11-28T20:04:00.000-08:00

Harrison absolutely loved the play time with cousins, Christian and Noah.

Hayden being a teen, playing on his i pod while chatting with grandma Ann.

The girls cousins being cute.

Almost everyone off the train. We first went to eat New Mexican food and have little trouble sitting such large group in a small restaurant, the food was amazing. Next we try to go to the plaza walking on the cold. We looked crazy with babies on strollers on the street.
We soon decided to find warm on a Whole Foods deli that was close to the train station. We drunk hot chocolate and hang out until was time to go to catch the train.

2010-11-28T20:02:00.000-08:00

After Thanksgiving eating dinner and delicious pies, we sang karaoke and dance for a while. After putting babies to sleep we watched a movie.

It will be funny in few years to see this picture.

Happy couples.

Fall 2010

2010-11-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

Hailey is a 1st grader. This week she found Junie B Jones books, she read her first book in one day after school, she read all day and part of the morning before school. She can not wait to read the rest.

She had a presentation about Sunny Days and the sun was perfect shinning through the window. I am just enjoying life with her.

Hunter's Flag football team, whenever he is the running back is a guarantee touch down, he is really fast.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

It is a bad picture, I mostly took video of the dance. It was our first sucessful dance party, our friend brought his DJ equipment. Kids, teens, and adult hit the floor all night. I grow up with parties like this one. It has been my dream to enjoying parties with my own family. It made it posible that the kids are older and participated instead of just running around. We are panning to have them more often.

, .

The game was fun too, Hayden had the most cheetos on his head.

Hayden, Hailey and Heaven dress up but not Hunter and Harrison. It is sad my kids getting older to dress up.

Tampa Fl, 2010

2010-10-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

We visited Universal Studios two of the seven days we were in Florida. The older I get the faster the years go, I want to bad to grab family life and squeeze the most I can.

2010-10-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

The kids played hours together on the beach. My favorite part of the trip.

2010-10-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

After being by the ocean, they still had energy for more swimming. They got on the pool the last day for couple of hours, none of us were ready to leave.

2010-10-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

2010-10-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

The second and the sixth day, we visited Universal Studios. We loved Wiziarding World of Harry Potter, so creative and fun for all. Heaven was perfect, she would take naps on the stroller and happy when she was awake.

Hailey and Harrison still enjoying with their immagination all they experience, the older boys looking for the trill of the big rides, of course I was woth them, we make a great trio riders.

Tampa Fl 2010

2010-10-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

The older boys had two weeks off for Fall break and Doug had a conference in Tampa. So, we took oof the younger ones out of school and took off for some fun.

It was much easier than previous family vacations, perhaps my kids are older and helpful. The best part was to see my kids playing for hours bulding a fort, no fitting only cooperation, any parent had to enjoy that.

The weather was perfect, no tto hot, high 80's and since we were 1/2 block from the beach, Doug would take the baby for a nap while I stay reading my book while watching the kids. I love this type of vacations because i found time for myself while everyone else has fun.

random

2010-10-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hailey is been always a good sleeper, she looks a beutiful sleeping beuty.

Hunter is 14. I love this picture of him. He is turning a hansome young men. He is no only good looking outside, he has a giant spirit. I feel so bless to have a son like Hunter.

2010-10-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

El Rancho lad Golondrinas

2010-10-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

Hailey and Lizzy know each other since borth, they played at least once a week. They are cute together.

They saw how from wood is made thread and from thread to blankets.

NM fair

2010-10-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

2010-10-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

Hayden and his football team having fun after a hard practice. Sadly they did not win one game, it was inspiring to see them not giving up after all. Hayden made 2 of the 4 touchdowns for the team and he as able to be in different possition, he loved it. I am no sure i am made to have a son on football, we ll see if I can bear it next year. Hayden's words: I know is hard but I love it.

We have bbem in Abq for 10 years and finally took my little kids to the NM Fair. The older kids went woth a class field trip. It was fun after all. the kids visited the Mcdonnald farn. The had to get their green for the crop, eggs fro the chicken coop, and milk the cow. At the end they got a popsicle.

Harrison and his friend Cooper ropping

BYU game

2010-10-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

Hayden, Heaven and me stay home because last the Hayden had to play as a Q. We try to have fun. We had lunch at CHili's and watch a movie together.

Doug took Hunter, Hayden and Hailey to Colorado to the BYU game. They loved the hotel with slide pool and just to see other friends from ABQ.

It is the first time Hailey leaves me behind, she had a blast.

Explora field trip

2010-09-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

First time to Heaven in Explora. She loved the baby area. She also enjoyed to see Harrison and Hailey doing all the fun stuff.

There was almost nobody in explora that day. Hailey and Harrion spend a long time making bubbles. Harrison also worked on the chain reacion lab, I took a video of his project, really cool. Hailey also work in with gears and created a frog jumping up and down with three gears. She was so proud of herself.