Juliett Turned 6

As you can see Juliett came into this world making noise and hasn't changed much! Juliett turned six on the 26 of September. Jeannine and William had a party for her at their house on Sunday. If you know Juliett, you know she loves being the center of attention, and her birthday is the perfect excuse! She had another princess party, but my guess is she is favoring Hannah Montana now. Next year it will be something different. The kids enjoyed jumping in the princess bouncy thing, and the adults enjoyed Williams great Bar-B-Que along with all the great food that everyone brought. Juliett wanted a pinata and "Ama Dean" taught Devin that his shirt made a much better stash for gathering candy than the paper bag they provided. He cleaned up, but being the sweet kid he is he shared with the other kids.
Last week Juliett got glasses and seems to enjoy wearing them. We'll see how long this lasts! Or at least how long before they are lost or broken. I remember those days...
Juliett always has a big hug and kiss for you, and is one of the most loving kids I know. She is always telling us she loves us, (even when she is in trouble-wonder if that is a ploy???). This child has one of the most vivid imaginations I have ever come across, who knows maybe someday she will be a famous screenwriter!
Oh, the other little blondie is Maddie Mae, who is Juliett's cousin on the other side. They could be sisters they look so much alike.

One Last Time

Well, sadly summer is officially over. We made our last trip to the river Thursday through Monday. It was a really fun time and I was especially happy as three of my four kids were there! Dean went with us and Brittany drove up from San Diego. Rozlyn, Devin, her boyfriend Jonathan, and his son Jaiden met us on Friday, along with Raul's brother Richard and his wife Sandy. They are all such goofballs and it is fun seeing them interact with each other. At times you aren't sure just who the five year olds are! In fact Brittany got caught doing something and she immediately said, "The five year olds did it first!" They each bring a different part to the mix.
Raul misses the jet skis as he gets stuck driving the boat most of the time. I really enjoy the boat as it gives us the chance to all be together and we aren't stranded at a beach somewhere. Richard and Sandy brought their skis, so we had the best of both worlds. We are down to one ski now, but Raul has his eyes on an Ultra 150...I've seen that look somewhere before...
The boys each went on the tube by themselves and then together. I have to say they did a good job, but Juliett can still kick their bootie! They didn't want "Papo" to go faster, were holding on for dear life, and wouldn't even think about going outside of the wake. Whereas Juliett kept asking to go faster holding on with only one hand while resting her head on the other, as if to say "get with it, this is boring" if we were not whipping her out of the wake! Next year the kneeboard is coming out, and I'm pushing for the skis too.
I would love to get a houseboat next summer or a week or so if anyone has any connections...or suggestions. Don't even care what lake. We rented one with my family many years ago and it was sooo much fun despite all the strange things we had happen...an outdrive broke stranding us in some cove in the middle of Lake Powell (pre cell phones), a huge storm with waves crashing over the top of the boat, (yes, I do mean the TOP), losing all our shoes and running into quicksand. No one said our family did things half way! It was a trip like no other and I have a nephew who still will not get within 100 yards of any houseboat, even if it's dry docked (sorry Ryan). If you mention the word "houseboat" in our family it is a sure way to get a laugh. Memories...

Through the Years

Time has a way of passing without us realizing it. In some ways people have been a part of your life forever and in others it seems like just yesterday we were young and carefree. I have been trying to get my pictures in order and ran across these...Jamie and I were roommates in college and developed a friendship that will last throughout the eternities. I know Kevin & Jamie love my kids just as I love theirs. While Brittany was in college she went to their home every Sunday for family dinner. It is one of the things she misses most from her college days. Brittany met a few friends in college that I am sure she will stay close like we have. This is something I truly cherish.

They Failed Miserably

The most devastating and unprecedented terrorist attack in history happened against the United States of America, the world's mightiest superpower, committed by 19 radical Arab Muslims who hijacked four commercial airliners, crashing them into the WTC, the Pentagon, and an empty field in Pennsylvania.

They Failed Miserably

Though they plot evil against you
and devise wicked schemes,
they cannot succeed.
(Palms 21:11)
And the terrorists did not succeed.
They failed miserably.
Instead of dividing America,
they unified America.
Instead of destroying our Spirit,
they strengthened our Spirit.
Instead of moving us away from God,
they moved us closer to God;
and strengthened our faith.
The evil cowards who attacked us failed miserably…
in every way.
And while our 911 angels are in Heaven,
the satanic terrorists will burn in hell for eternity.
They failed miserably.

By Kevin Caruso


My cousin, Resa, and her dog, Bella, were part of the team that went to help at the WTC. They were instrumental in finding about 20 victims. Please check out the story below. What it doesn't tell you is Bella was medically cleared for her full return to 'disaster response' duty just the day before, September 10, 2001. What a difference a day makes.
http://simivalleyacorn.com/news/2006/1117/neighbors/027/

First Day of Kindergarten

Well we now officially have both grand kids in school! Devin started Kindergarten at Arnold Elementary on Thursday 4 September. Rozlyn, Raul and I went to see him off on his first day and I am proud to report I didn't shed a tear!!! Of course Devin was fine, in fact he couldn't wait to say good-bye to us. His teacher has a wonderful outlook on life and seems to be very easy going (a huge benifit for a teacher!) A boy in his class even plays on his soccer team.
Devin spent the night with us Tuesday and was a bit worried about this whole "Principal" thing. Don't know where he got the idea of being afraid of her, probably some TV show. Anyway, after assuring him that the "Principal is our Friend" and as long as he did what was right, everything would be fine, he was okay. He also wanted to make sure I would still pick him up if he was sick. Although I was tempted to tell him no, he would have to stay and suffer all by himself, I chose to be nice and tell him of course I would. It's funny the things that go through their little heads.
Juliett is in First Grade at Torrance Elementary, which is where she went to Kindergarten. When I get pictures and more info I'll fill in.

















UPDATE:Add two kids moves to my list of moves since our wedding...Jeannine, William and Juliett just moved out of one of our apts and into a house in Lawndale. Rozlyn and Devin moved Labor Day weekend into another of our apts, so things are even more chaotic than usual.