A Week of "Biggies"

We have been having some wonderful "big moments" in our family this past week. The first- and for us most exciting- is that after 3 1/2 years of speech therapy, Occupational therapy, and development services Elijah has officially become "TYPICAL". It is a weird way to term him, but what it really means is he no longer needs any special classes or therapy. He falls into the normal ranges for development, strength, and speech... AND WE ARE SOOOO PROUD! I have always thought he was the greatest little boy ever, but seeing him beam as they told him he was "graduating" was incredible. He gets to start kindergarten with a clean slate and no labels- he's just Eli. We took him out to celebrate that night to a restaurant of his choice. He said he wanted the place with macaroni and cold corn AKA Soup Plantation. Too cute. Miss Emily, his most recent occupational therapist, threw him a little party to celebrate as well.

One last swing in the OT gym.

Our next biggies of the week were bike related. Sierra has moved up to a big-girl bike with training wheels and a little basket to carry her dolls and puppies with her. It was a super fun visit to Walmart to pick out her new purple bike... yes we were the family who let the kid ride the bike in the store.

Upon seeing Sierra ride a bike that looked so similar to his must have spurred Eli on to finally attempt riding his bike without the training wheels- I mean really, he can't look like her. She's a baby. So with a little help from his proud daddy, Eli is riding solo... no training wheels for him.

Just for the record, though, both kids have giant strawberries on their knees from wiping out this week... but who wants to blog that;) Way to go, Tafoya Kids!

Mom's Big Day!

Happy Birthday, MOM!

Today is my mom's special day. I hope that today of all days she knows how dear she is to us all.

My Mom can whip a satin princess dress for Sierra that would make Cinderella jealous... and she doesn't even flinch when gets dirty or ripped from too much wear.

My Mom will try recipes for our favorite desserts, but with a healthy spin like apple sauce instead of oil, and then laugh when we all think it's gross.

My Mom will get a decorating idea in her head, that is usually costly and/or complicated, but always convince my Dad that it's a good idea.

My Mom will hike through the heat and crowds at amusement parks and zoos to make sure the grand kids get to see everything that they are interested in.

My Mom will drop her plans for shopping with her girls anytime, whether it's for a sofa, a wedding dress, or just the basics at Target... and she always treats for a Frappaccino along the way.

My Mom is a good listener, a planner, a problem solver, and the BEST MACKIE EVER!!!

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Mr. & Mrs. Tafoya- April 12, 2003

This is where it all began... two goofy college kids in 2000. We worked together at Claim Jumper and were friends for a few years- then we went out to see the movie Coyote Ugly. It has been the two of us ever since.

This picture is of the two of us at the Angel game on one of our first dates in August 2000.

Our BIG day! April 12, 2003.
Happy Anniversary, Rich!!! I love You!

Camera? Where Art Thou?

I was thrilled to finally get a much needed breather from work, and one of the joys of being a teacher is the vacation. Bring on Spring Break. The goals for the week were to get some work done in our over-grown and outdated yard, but to also enjoy some family time... maybe an over night in Laughlin or San Diego.

The reality was:
*wielding sledge hammers and shovels to take out 50 year rose bushes, palm trees, and run down brick planters
* an awesome day at Balboa walking the pier, eating ice cream, and enjoying the mild sunshine
* an early birthday surprise for Eli- a day at Lego Land (thanks to Mackie and Papa) where Eli was brave and rode a couple rides- but mostly loved looking at all the Lego structures
* a night at the Angel game complete with $10 nachos and $5 water

All this to post and yet no pictures!!!! My trusty point and shoot Fuji camera is A-Wall!!! I was devastated when I realized at Lego Land that it was gone. Sierra sat perched on the princess' lap waiting for her picture moment and I am dumping out my purse thinking it must be here somewhere... but it wasn't. It's a goner and all of my pictures from the week are gone with it... SO SAD!!

Mrs. Tafoya's Room In the Paper

It is officially Spring Break, but I couldn't get away from my classroom after all... because my students and I were in the newspaper! How cool! The article was in the Whittier Daily News and was addressing our district's ability to move forward another year without layoffs. The pictures were taken last week. I'm so excited for my kids to see themselves... and I am also thankful the room looks good from afar. Click on the link below to see the article as it is in the paper and click on the photo gallery on the page to se more pictures of my class:

http://www.whittierdailynews.com/education/ci_12071752

She's Becoming a Big Girl...

My little Sierra is becoming a big girl... and I really noticed the other day when she picked out her own clothes (that matched) & she packed her own "purse" (backpack) full of lip-gloss and her favorite little toys. Time is just flying by and I want to beg her to slow down... stay my baby...

Sierra Elizabeth- 2 1/2 years old.