Seasons Greetings everyone! Well life has settled down here for a while...a day to be exact :) We got home from Corpus Christi tonight and my in-laws will be rejoining us tomorrow for the New Year. The party just keeps going :)
Our festivities begin here in Austin with my family. Everyone was able to make the trip and we celebrated Christmas Eve at my sister's. Its amazing to see the enormous amount of presents around the tree every year. Sometimes I imagine they are all for me-LOL. Our family always opens presents on Christmas Eve and then we await for the "Santa" gifts in the morning. The kids gets so excited and ask all night long, "Can we open our presents now?" When its finally time, its so much fun, but so much chaos. You can only imagine the amount of wrapping paper, boxes, tissue paper, ect that literally covers the whole floor. David and I have gotten smarter each year, we put our presents aside and each are assigned a child to watch. They grab, tear open and we put aside. Woo...chaos I tell you :) So the best part for me is Christmas morning....less mess and much anticipation from the boys...well Andrew and David at least...of "Will it come today?" (it being whatever they asked for that they didn't get on Christmas Eve) They had a GREAT Christmas and could confidently say they got everything they asked for and more!
After Christmas, we headed down to CC for Christmas with my in-laws. We ate, vegged out and ate some more :0 It was GREAT! LOL (I know what my New Year's resolution is going to be-heehee) Our last gift to open was Rock Band. Our cousin gave this to our whole family and we already started "Rockin Out." It was TOO FUN! Like I said we had a GREAT Christmas! Thank you to all our family and friends for the great gifts and time spent together. We love you!

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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends. I hope Santa was good to you this year, he sure was to us. I will post more pictures and entries soon, but I just wanted to quickly say "Merry Christmas" and we love you!

The Twelve Days of Christmas.....

Oh my GOSH can you believe there is only 12 days till Christmas? How time flies. I am bumbed that my camera is on the fritz and I have no new pics for you today. I was especially bumbed that I couldn't get pictures of the "snow" the other night and Christopher going "kkkkoold Mama." :) So now of course my hubby is telling me, "If we had "that" camera (that camera being the $600 camera he wants) we could capture the snow." Oh well,I'm gonna try new recharchable batteries and then go from there. I definately need something before Christmas.
Doesn't this song just bring tears to your eyes? I heard it the other day on K-Love and had to come find it. It is my Christmas prayer for you to have love, strength and hope this Christmas. And if you want to get me anything, I simply ask for the same. Pray that our Awesome God continues to bless our family, keeps mine and David's love blazing and our children healthy and safe! We are so blessed this year and I couldn't ask for anything more.
David Rey is doing great in basketball, although he is very hard on himself. Which I guess is good, because it got him moved up to starting. Andrew was very cute yesterday. We have a holiday store at our school for the kids to buy presents for their family. He had a list and was going to use his OWN money. He had me, Pretzi (don't you just love that Sue-he got her a chew toy) his daddy, Christopher, David Rey, Aunt Neese, cousin Vicki and Whitley. He must have had like 20 or more dollars on there, so we had to cut some of you :) LOL But I was just amazed at his thoughtfullness. Once again, another moment where you know you are doing a good job at parenting :) Christopher's new words are "touchdown" (daddy's favorite), "move" and "sorry." The word "sorry" says a lot about Christopher if a almost 2 year old already had to use that word-LOL
Well we love everyone and hope you guys are doing great. I'm headed down to Corpus this weekend for my mother's retirement party so I'll check in with you Mitch :) In fact, the minute I post this blog, my husband will call me or email me to quit blogging and get packing :) LOL Bye!

An Update from the DeLaGarza Fam.....

Happy Thursday everyone. It's almost Friday-yipee and then only 10 more work days till Christmas break-yipee again! I hope this post finds everyone well. I haven't been able to take any new pics of the kids, but here are some that haven't been shared. Just wanted to update you on what's been going on around here. David Rey had his first basketball game today. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go due to a prior commitment with Andrew, but he said they got slaughtered. He just amazes me every time we have a conversation. I am sure he is getting tired of the "dazing" stares I give him. But I just keep wondering, "When did my baby grow up?" As a teacher your mind is always on fast forward. So for me right now its already January, but before I know it it will be Spring Break and then May, which is when he will turn 13. I'm gonna have a TEENAGER!

This is him and his cuz Matt trying to see who could keep their hands in the ice water the longest. I guess I shouldn't worry too much huh??? Boys!

Tonight Andrew and I went to a meeting at the church. Andrew is getting ready to make his First Reconciliation this month. We rotated through centers that were set up to get him ready for this. It was pretty cool and somewhat emotional. One center had me say a prayer over him. I was trying my hardest to keep it together and not get chocked up. I did pretty good, but wow what a great feeling that was. Just what I needed, since the other day I was ready to send him back to the womb-LOL The other day I told him to take a quick shower. Andrew has a tendency to take 30 minute showers and every morning is somewhat challenging :) So I told him to make it quick and jump in and out and his response was this, "So you want me to jump in and them jump right out?" I could feel the glare of eyes coming from David(hubby)as I turned to look at him and give him the look of "This is your child!" It's cleaning bathrooms for him for now on :)



Christopher is just talking more and more now. He has finally added "YES" to his vocabulary along with the over exaggerated shaking of the head up and down. He can say two word phrases. Some of his favorite are:
Hi DayDay (big brother)
Hi Mama
Hi Dada (daddy)
Hi Na Drew (Andrew)
Hi Nana
Ok so you can see he's got the "hi" down LOL My favorite though, when used with the pointing of the finger of course is "no, no, no." The other night I was lying on the couch and out of no where he walks up to me, shakes his finger in my face and says "no, no, no." It was priceless!

But his all time favorite has to be "Matt." He LOVES his big cuz Matt and every time their together its "Matt, Matt, Matt."
Well I hope everyone is doing great and staying warm. I can't wait to see everyone for the holidays! Love and miss ya :)

I'm Thankful For......

This week at school I had my students write things that they were thankful for and so I decided I would jot a few things that I am thankful for :) (Thanks for the idea Jaymee)
I am thankful for......
My AMAZING children who keep me laughing
My WONDERFUL husband who puts up with me and my "Lupe Chavez" syndrome
My STRONG WILLED parents who taught me the meaning of family
My BIG AND BAD brother who still watches over his "baby" sister
My BEAUTIFUL sisters for being my bestfriends
My INDEPENDENT AND STRONG mother in law who loves and supports us
My HANDSOME father in law who can still scare my husband :)
My AWESOME family and friends who keep me smiling
My CHRP sisters who pray with me, for me and keep me growing in my faith
My TERRIFIC job that allows me to stay home during the holidays, have weekends and summers off :)

And most importantly, I am thankful for our amazing Lord who put all of these amazing people in my life.

Jeremiah 29:11For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe!

I wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Take the time to give thanks for all you have in your life and eat lots of turkey :)

Dave's First Hunting Trip

This weekend David and took David Rey on his first hunting trip. Once again, just another reminder that my baby is growing up. His first trip with the "BOYS." Yikes...that's trouble. And when I say trouble I mean Leo and Manuel....need I say more :) David said they had a good time. I'm sure David Rey's favorite part was when Manuel said, "Get in the truck and drive." Check out the pics. He looks so cute in all his camo :)

Saturday Braggin #2

Hip Hip Hooray and Congratulations to my Baby! David Rey made the Wiley basketball team for 2008-2009. Congratulations to you for your determination and hard work!

David tried out for the Wiley basketball team this week. He felt like he didn't do so well that first day, but with some determination and prayers :) he did it! David and I are so proud of him. My baby just keeps growing up!



Go Blue Lighting Go! Today was Andrew's last soccer game. The team did an amazing job and once again we were very blessed to be on such a great team with a great coach. We have always been so lucky with having coaches who make the learning fun and aren't concerned with winning all the time. Now Andrew wants to follow in his "Big Bro's" footsteps and play basketball. :)



A mother's dream....waking up with kisses all over your face from your baby:) Today Christopher woke up full of love to share with his mama. I got a "Hello Mama" and tons of kisses. He was so sweet.
In the season of "Thanksgiving," I have to say that I am soooooo THANKFUL for my boys. They are so sweet and growing so fast.

Family Time

This weekend the boys and I traveled down to CC for some family R&R time. We had a great time and the best part of it all was seeing my uncles.


Last year, both of my uncles were diagnosed with cancer and they are still fighting the fight. I was so happy to see how good they both looked. My uncle found these shirts online and had them made for the family. I put my order in :) Its a hard fight to fight, but they are so strong and have such a great support system.


I love you "Tios!"


Just me and my uncle Donne!

Every year our school gets a team together and joins Relay For Life, an organization that raises money for cancer. This year I have joined the team in honor of my uncles to raise money to one day find a cure for this horrible disease. If you'd like to help me in my efforts, paste the link below into your browser and you will be directed to my personal page. I hope everyone has a great week. By the way today I heard on the radio that there is only 44 shopping days until Christmas-YIKES
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09PL?px=8664899&pg=personal&fr_id=17082&et=OCV8cK6JagHIhM9ITH1SwA..&s_tafId=286162

Trick or Treat Smell my Feet

Happy Halloween! I hope everyone had a "frightful" evening of trick or treating. We had our annual gathering down my sister-in-law's cove with corn dogs, cookie decorating and of course trick or treating! This was Christopher's 2nd year of trick or treating, but the first where he actually grabbed the concept, "Knock on the door, hold out my bucket, candy inserted...SWEET!" He was too cute. I struggled this year with what to dress him as. He's really not into one certain theme like David and Andrew were and so nothing seemed just to quite fit him, so I decided to dress him up as a "bad to the bone T-bird" which later ended up as a biker :) He was wayyyyyyyyyyyy cute. You'll love the pictures. Andrew was the Hulk and David was....well I'll let you guess when you see the pictures. He came up with this concoction all on his own, with I think a little help from his dad. BOYS!
Well now the count down is on. Halloween is over, its on to Thanksgiving (get ready for the 5:00 shopping :0 )and before you know it its Christmas. WOW-where does the time go? Have a great weekend!

When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us? ~Pam Brown

Last weekend my sister Patricia came up along with my parents. It was a great weekend of eating and shopping! I was happy to be able to spend time with both my sisters and my mom. Lately its been very hard for all of us to get together with all the kiddos involved in one thing or another. Thanks guys for making the trip. I love you! Trish don't we look BEAUTIFUL? ;)

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep....

Last night David witnessed the most beautiful thing a parent could possibly witness....our child praying. He walked into Andrew's room to turn off his light only to find him sitting on his bed with his hands clasped together like praying hands, reading a prayer from his prayer book. WOW what a GREAT feeling!
I can't remember exactly how I learned to pray. I don't remember if my parents actually sat me down and taught me or if I just caught on as I watched them pray. But as I've gotten older, especially in the last year, I've often thought of how David and I would make sure that we would give the most precious gift that our parents gave to us to our boys,the gift of prayer. Well I have to say I think we're doing it and nothing feels better than that.

God, You know the thought and plans You have for my children;
Thoughts and plans for their welfare and peace and not for evil, and so I have great hope for their final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11

Happy Saturday!

Happy Saturday everyone. I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and this beautiful weather. Here are a few pics of the boys from here and there. Enjoy!

Saturday Braggin....

Happy Saturday and Happy Fall! Another week has flown by and another week is on its way. Wow! Time flies when you're having fun. Well today I came up with my title, "Saturday Braggin" because I just love to brag about my kids, but who doesn't.
Well this week was a busy week as always. David Rey had a football game on Tuesday just like every Tuesday and played well. He's moving his way up. He now plays defense and offense. He's even caught a few passes. He's just so darn cute, but oh that middle school attitude is setting in. I might need a few pointers from my parents and in-laws on how you dealt with this. Because there are days that I look at him and think "Who are you?" LOL Last night he went to his first party hosted by a "GIRL." I have to say I was really nervous about this and he even tried to tell me it was till 12 midnight when the invitation clearly said 10. "WHATEVER!" I said, "UH no we'll pick you up at 10." It was right next to our house and luckily when we drove up, come to find out they are my sister in law's neighbor in the "cove." And we know them pretty well....whhhhh that was a close one :)
Andrew's doing really good in soccer. He made a couple of goals today and is really enjoying it. Life with Andrew everyday lets me understand why God didn't give me girls. He is my "DRAMA" boy. He turns on those water works like nobody's business and gets his feelings hurt very quickly. This week after David's game, Dave and I were asking him what we learned in RE (religious education) He is learning about sin and the story of Adam and Eve. He was answering with some attitude due to the fact that he did not want to participate in the conversation. I told him that I didn't think Jesus would be very happy with the way he was talking to us and he was probably making him very sad.....He put his head down and David told him to pick it up. He proceeded to say that we were scaring him and making him feel like he wasn't going to heaven. Yup hand over the "Worst Mother of the Year Award." He truly knows how to lay it down on me. LOL
Christopher is very smart and VERY mischievous. This guy has a mind of his own. Let's see...here are his latest abilities: follow directions, say some two-word phrases, do the opposite of what you tell him, and totally ignore you when you call his name. I know you're thinking...not that cutie putootie...but oh yes that cutie putootie. He's lucky he's so darn cute or we would have some serious problems LOL The funniest was when me, his aunt Denise and him were driving in the car. He threw something at her and she said "Christopher" in the very adult and scolding voice. Now you might be thinking, "Well maybe he can't hear well." But oh yes he can. He looked at her and then looked away, fiddling with his hands. We both were calling him and he just kept on ignoring us. Then he'd looked to see if were still watching and if we were he'd turn away again. OOHHHH Super Nanny here I come. LOL
Ok enough bragging. I hope you enjoyed my amusing moments as a mother of three boys. Love you guys!

Hello Again!

Hello again! I'm back. And with lots to update. Life has been busy. The beginning of the year is all about testing and paperwork and just when you think you're caught up parent conferences roll around. YIKES. But its all good :) I have a great group of students and I am sure its going to be a GREAT year.
The boys have started their extra-curricular activities, religious education classes have started up again and the new store is up and running. It has been a busy month, but we are finally getting into the swing of things.
So let's see where shall I start. Well as I've said already, the beginning of a new school year is always busy, but the kids are great. The new CFA finally opened up and the grand opening week was great. I am so proud of my sister and hubby. They have worked really hard, buts its all worth it. All you Austin people don't forget to stop by the new CFA in 1890 Ranch, Cedar Park.
David Rey started his football season. He made the A team and plays receiver. I am a very proud mama. I have to share a funny story though. On his first game, as we were waiting for it to start, a mom from the other team walked up and was just in AHH. She was talking to her husband freaking out. I couldn't help from over hearing her. She was at the concession stand when a group of girls walked over with her son's number painted on their arms and face. She was freaking out, but we were both laughing. But I do have to say I am not prepared to see girls with my son's number painted on them. Check out my cutie!




Andrew started soccer and I have to say he's pretty good. I got a good pic of him jumping in the air. We play every Saturday morning and so far they have a winning streak. When Andrew made his first goal, he was so excited. There was a short pause where he looked over at me as if he was thinking, "Did I do that?" He was too cute.




And well Christopher, well he is always an adventure. He is so darn cute, but sooooooooooooo bad. Here's a pic of him and his "winning" cow from one of the CFA grand opening festivities. For the first couple of days, he wanted nothing to do with "Cow" as Christopher calls him, but after a little warming up it was all hugs and kisses.


And my hubby, well he is adjusting to a new schedule, but I think he likes it. We're all up early in the morning and out the door by 6:30am. By 9:00 pm we're all in bed. This coming weekend we're having a couple weekend with some friends and my brother and sister-in-law. We are celebrating her 30th birthday. I am so excited and its long over due.
Well I hope this post finds everyone well. You are always in our thoughts an prayers. We love you and miss you. Until next time....

All Grown Up!

All grown up....that sums it up. My baby is all grown up. And by baby, I mean my first baby. When did this realization come to me? HMMMM..... was it when he entered middle school and would have to use a locker and remember his locker combination? Nope. Was it when I realized he liked girls by the "VERY EXPENSIVE" text messaging bill between him and a "FRIEND?" Nope. Was it when his foot grew from a 6 1/2 to an 8 in less then 6 months? Nope. HMMMM....was it when his voice began to crack this summer or when I noticed hair growing in places only "MEN" have hair? Nope. This realization came to me only today, when I had to take him to 7th grade football orientation. First of all for all you mothers who have sons and desire to play football, make sure your husband or some football knowledge person is available to go with him this day. The trying on of equipment and me his mother trying to tell him if it fit well or not was an adventure in itself. But fear not, Danny my niece's boyfriend came to the rescue and we did receive the "ok" from the football coaches.
So as I was saying, today I watched my "first born" growing up. No longer will his dad or I help him put on his equipment or at least put ALL those pads into his pants. There won't be any more opportunities for his dad to coach from the sidelines. Nope we'll be hollering and cheering from the bleachers. We won't take him to his games anymore. He'll travel with his team from now on. Ok hold on while I get my tissue. :)
As we were waiting for the coaches' meeting, I watched as he and his "click" of friends played basketball. I actually was tearing up just watching him. I just couldn't help from thinking where did the time go? It was only yesterday when him and his cousins were playing in their underwear in their Popo's swimming pool and yes that is a picture that's going in his year book. OH I can only hope and pray that me and his dad have taught him well and that he will make good choices as he continues to grow and becomes more independent. And to think I have to do this 2 more times. YIKES and yes I know....I haven't even gotten to graduation yet. :0

The DeLaGarza Family Reunion Part 1

This past weekend, my mother in law came home from Iraq. We are very happy to have her home and of course with every welcome home comes a party :) The whole fam (all but Ray) came up to Leander for some fun, BBQ, and Cowboy football! We had a GREAT time. My expression "where there's never a dull moment" definately holds true in the DeLaGarza household :)
This weekend, its down to Corpus Christi for another Big Bash! This will be a great way to to commence (is that even a word or spelled right?) the end of my summer as I have already returned back to work :( So stay tuned for Part 2 of the DeLaGarza Family Reunion. Love you guys!!!!!

Happy Anniversary To Us!

Happy Anniversary, happy anniversary, haaaaaaaapppppy anniversary! This week David and I celebrated our "first official" anniversary! One year ago, we vowed before God to love and honor one another. It was perfect! We enjoyed dinner at the Oasis, dessert at Baskin Robbins and then a "quiet' evening at home :) My mother in law gave us a wonderful treat and took the three boys back to Corpus Christi, yes Christopher too...I admit I was a little nervous, but the time together has been nice and I know they are being spoiled by their Grandma. So thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

We had never been to the Oasis, but had heard a lot about it. We sat outside and had an AMAZING view of the lake. It was sooooooooooooooo beautiful!

Yes I still love this "macho" man VERY much, even if he hates to smile :)

A couple of months ago, David heard this song called "Things We Didn't Know" by Rodney Carrington. It is the most perfect song for us. Had David and I known what life had in store for us, we may have just given up, but I truly believe that "these things that we didn't know" have only made us stronger.

I thank God for the wonderful man, husband and father that David is and pray that our love continues to grow and that we are blessed with many more years of a wonderful marriage. I love you baby! Happy Anniversary!

Any Cowboy Fans Out There????

Yup your seeing right....my nephew Matt is lying flat and centered on the 50 yard line of the Dallas Cowboy football field. How COOL is that? Matt was up in Dallas seeing his dad off who will be deploying back to Iraq in November. What a GREAT treat before he leaves. Matt we love you and you and your dad are in my prayers!

He's got the Beat.......

Ok, sing it in your head, change "they" to "he"....wait for it, wait for it....sing with me now...."He's got the beat, he's got the beat, he's got the beat, YEAH he's got it!" There you go :)
I have to say, 18 months is just an awesome age....ok minus the "tiny" temper tantrums and minimal vocabulary, but I love this age. They are so curious, adventurous and just so darn cute.
Christopher's newest thing is dancing (he definitely gets this from me). This was a day I wish I had a recorder on my camera. Ready....

Turning up the "rocking" tunes....

A little clapping going on....

And in and out.....

Can you picture it? Oh to be that young again....without a care in the world. We are so blessed to have three amazing boys!

The 2008 Chavez Family Reunion-Garner State Park

Well we just returned from our Annual Chavez Family Reunion in Garner State Park. And yes it was HOT!!!! The Frio River was not so "frio" but it did cool us down enough to stop us from getting "overheated!"This annual camping trip begin many, many, many years ago with just a small family of 6 and has now grown into a family of 16! We have made some pretty GREAT memories here and I pray and hope that our children come away with some memories of their own and continue to carry on this longed lived tradition. Thanks Mom and Dad for the memories. We love you! Enjoy the slide show and stay tuned for the "DeLaGarza Family Reunion."

Garner State Park 2008

Christopher and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

For all you "non-teachers" out there, my title comes from a children's book entitled Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. After much thought, I thought this was a very appropriate title for the pictures I snapped today. Christopher decided to throw his first full blown temper tantrum after his daddy left for work today. He was very upset that he could not "Go" (the word he kept repeating as he pointed to the door) with his daddy so decided to take matters into his own hands. Don't worry I did soothe and comfort his pain, after I took these memorable pictures :) And he's not even 2 yet-YIKES!

Andrew's Photography

I think it is the most AMAZING thing to watch your children grow and see their personalities develop. When people ask, "What are your boys like?" My response is usually this: "David is much like me...passive and shy, Andrew is daring and adventurous much like his father and well Christopher, Christopher is just "BAD!" (heehee)

Andrew got a hold of my camera the other day and decided to do a "photo shoot" of himself. His facial expressions say it all. Yes he is still daring and adventurous, but such a character. Like I said.....just like his daddy!