Christmas 2011

It is almost Valentine's Day of 2012, and I have yet to post about Christmas 2011.  It's been a whirlwind of a year already, I suppose.  Never the less, here are just a few (OK, tons) pictures capturing just some of the amazing memories of Christmas 2011:

This is one of my favorite things we did this past Christmas - a Walk To the Manager.  It was one local church's version of a living manger.  At the beginning of the evening, you met a Biblical character who needs traveling companions to Bethlehem.  Along the way, you met the shepherds, wise men, and even King Herod.  

I took Merrick and left the twins at home with Marcos.  It was a really great Son-Mama Christmas date.  Merrick did not hesitate to interact with the characters.  His favorite part was the angel at the end of the journey.  They did some sort of "smoke and mirrors" trick so that the angel really looked luminous.

We did a lot of baking this past Christmas.  It was a month of complete diet fails.  This (below) was a precious memory for me.  While making a batch of cookies, all three kids had to help and had to put their hands on the blender at the same time.  

We ended up making reindeer cookies for our neighbors.  Not sure they were all that great.  I'm pretty sure I'll stick to pumpkin bread next year.

It's official: making gingerbread cookies is one of the Esparza Christmas traditions!  I found an unbelievable recipe here.  

Just like last year, Merrick wanted to make his gingerbread man a muscle man.  

Whooaa...Merrick is really getting into this muscle thing...

Great.  I think I see a future for Merrick in the WWF.

This picture below is Merrick sneaking into the Christmas room, checking out his presents.

For the first time ever, we made salt dough ornaments this Christmas.  Sawyer made an angel, Merrick made a star, and Scout made a gingerbread man.

And, just like last year, we made a gingerbread house.  I was very surprised this year when walking around the stores; Merrick saw the houses and remembered making one last year.  He insisted we make another this year.

The finished product...

I finally got to buy the kids' their stockings!  After 5 years of insisting that I would make the stockings on my own, I finally gave in and bought them online.  I love them!  (We actually hang them on the mantel but they photographed better here.)

This was the first year since we've been married that we got to wake up on Christmas Day in our own home.  It was WONDERFUL.  Marcos's cousin Waldina Maria stayed with us and on Christmas Day, her boyfriend came over to unwrap presents with us.

Marcos decided to start us off with a scripture and a prayer.

I got a cordless drill for Christmas!  Just what every crafty mama dreams of!  

Scout got a slew of Princess gear this year.  She has definitely embraced her inner Princess.  I'm surprised it happened so quickly, especially with two brothers.  

After we opened presents at our home, we went over to my parents' house to celebrate Christmas with my family.  Scout wore her Princess costume, of course.

I love this shot of Merrick and his Uncle David spending some real quality time together.  

Sawyer loved the Santa hat!

Dee Dee and BDaddy goofing off with Sawyer!

Amazingly, we were able get every kid on the couch at the same time...

Here's a pic of the three kids playing in the Christmas tree box.  These are the moments I treasure the most: those few seconds when they are all three playing together and laughing together (right before someone gets hurt and they all have melt downs).

Merry Christmas to my beautiful family.  

End of the Year Letter 2011

This year, for the first time, I had the brilliant idea of sending out a Christmas letter with our Christmas cards.  But, between homeschooling my 5 year old, raising 2 year old twins, training for the 2012 Olympics, volunteering at the homeless shelter, and my novel, I got a bit sidetracked.*

So, here's the electronic version:

When I googled "how to write a Christmas letter," one of the key pieces of advice is: do not brag.  Obviously, the little Google elf that wrote that article does not know my husband, or how incredibly proud I am of him.  It is nearly impossible not to brag on Marcos.  This year, I have had the great privilege of being in the cheering stands as Marcos has transformed from being the guy that runs a couple of miles here and there into a full fledged triathlon machine of a man.  In September, Marcos completed his first triathlon.  

Over the summer, under the influence and tutelage of some incredible Lance Armstrong-type neighbors, Marcos began cycling.  He also ramped up his running and worked hard to improve his swimming technique.  In January, he will run a half marathon in Houston.  Marcos has become one of the top triathlete competitors in the world.  And, by "top competitor," of course, I mean "best looking".  

Marcos has also been doing a great job with his insurance agency.  This year, Marcos was chosen by Farmers to pilot an insurance program for cyclists.  He is the only one that is able to sell this type of insurance in Austin!  In December, Marcos began working part time at his Farmer's District Manager's office as part of a District Manager training program.  Please be praying for Marcos as he continues to work hard on building his agency and as he makes career decisions (aka pray that his agency will bring in enough money to get me a nanny, personal chef, maid, and personal trainer...that's all I ask!).

2011 was a year of dreams being fufilled in the casa de Esparza.  After dreaming and scheming and planning about this for a few years, I officially began homeschooling Merrick in August.  Though it has been even more challenging than I imagined, and a bit consuming at times, it is an absolute blessing.  We have visited dinosaur museums, made masterpieces out of play-doh, learned to write in chocolate jello, gone on field trips with our homeschool group, and become the least favorite people of the local library staff.    My favorite part of homeschooling is just snuggling on the couch, reading together.  Merrick is a whiz.  By January, he will have completed Kindergarten.  I have enjoyed documenting our homeschooling experience on our homeschool blog, Gettin' Skooled.  

Merrick also began taking tai kwon do lessons this year.  Last month, he won second place in his first tournament.  This month, he tested and advanced to become a yellow belt.  Secretly, I am training him to become my personal assassin.  

The twins are growing like weeds.  Scout is a fiesty little mama.  She often checks Sawyer's diaper and tells me he has a poopie (even when he doesn't).  Then, she insists on helping me change it.  Scout also got interested in dressing up like a princess this year.  It melts my heart to see her walk around in her oversized Rapunzel dress and her mommy's heels.  Scout also loves dances parties and taking every single thing out of mommy's purse when mommy's not looking.

Sawyer loves to wrestle and tackle people on tile floors when they least expect it.  He also loves trains and cars and planes and motorcycles.  Sawyer is a total mama's boy and has, on numerous occasions, asked  to have a surgical procedure to be permanently attached to my hip.  He also loves to dance.  The second he hears music, even if it is background music to a commercial, he drops whatever he was doing (or breaking), and starts galloping around the room with a huge smile.

Both the twins are adorable (and adorably frustrating!) when it comes to nap time.  Almost every day, after I put them in bed, I go upstairs to check on them and find that Sawyer has climbed out of his crib and into Scout's crib.  I love to listen to them laughing and playing together through the monitor.

As for me, I have really learned a lot this year.  I have learned not to wish away challenging times for the "next stage" in life.  I have learned that one of the great parts of being married is that when you are no longer as pretty as you once were, your husband still knows your value.  I have learned the importance of being systematic about things.  I am trying to learn that a few handprints on the wall are not the end of the world and that making memories is the most important thing.  I have enjoyed learning about woodworking this year.  I actually made this and this and will soon finish making this!  I also learned that I love to swim.  One of the highlights of my year was completing my first (hopefully not last!) open water swim this year in Austin.  Another highlight was going on my first "Girlcation" with three of my best friends in November.  

We look forward to an exciting 2012 with our friends and family.  We hope and pray to grow closer to God in the coming year, to grow in our knowledge of Him,  and to help others in their relationship with Him.  We look forward to becoming healthier and stronger and wearing smaller pant sizes (well, I do at least).  We look forward to grand adventures.  And we hope the same for you!

              Love,

*For my friends and family, you know I never let the truth get in the way of a good story.  For those of you who are friends of Marcos (and don't know me so well)...this should be fun.  :)

End of the Year Letter 2011

This year, for the first time, I had the brilliant idea of sending out a Christmas letter with our Christmas cards.  But, between homeschooling my 5 year old, raising 2 year old twins, training for the 2012 Olympics, volunteering at the homeless shelter, and my novel, I got a bit sidetracked.*

So, here's the electronic version:

When I googled "how to write a Christmas letter," one of the key pieces of advice is: do not brag.  Obviously, the little Google elf that wrote that article does not know my husband, or how incredibly proud I am of him.  It is nearly impossible not to brag on Marcos.  This year, I have had the great privilege of being in the cheering stands as Marcos has transformed from being the guy that runs a couple of miles here and there into a full fledged triathlon machine of a man.  In September, Marcos completed his first triathlon.  

Over the summer, under the influence and tutelage of some incredible Lance Armstrong-type neighbors, Marcos began cycling.  He also ramped up his running and worked hard to improve his swimming technique.  In January, he will run a half marathon in Houston.  Marcos has become one of the top triathlete competitors in the world.  And, by "top competitor," of course, I mean "best looking".  

Marcos has also been doing a great job with his insurance agency.  This year, Marcos was chosen by Farmers to pilot an insurance program for cyclists.  He is the only one that is able to sell this type of insurance in Austin!  In December, Marcos began working part time at his Farmer's District Manager's office as part of a District Manager training program.  Please be praying for Marcos as he continues to work hard on building his agency and as he makes career decisions (aka pray that his agency will bring in enough money to get me a nanny, personal chef, maid, and personal trainer...that's all I ask!).

2011 was a year of dreams being fufilled in the casa de Esparza.  After dreaming and scheming and planning about this for a few years, I officially began homeschooling Merrick in August.  Though it has been even more challenging than I imagined, and a bit consuming at times, it is an absolute blessing.  We have visited dinosaur museums, made masterpieces out of play-doh, learned to write in chocolate jello, gone on field trips with our homeschool group, and become the least favorite people of the local library staff.    My favorite part of homeschooling is just snuggling on the couch, reading together.  Merrick is a whiz.  By January, he will have completed Kindergarten.  I have enjoyed documenting our homeschooling experience on our homeschool blog, Gettin' Skooled.  

Merrick also began taking tai kwon do lessons this year.  Last month, he won second place in his first tournament.  This month, he tested and advanced to become a yellow belt.  Secretly, I am training him to become my personal assassin.  

The twins are growing like weeds.  Scout is a fiesty little mama.  She often checks Sawyer's diaper and tells me he has a poopie (even when he doesn't).  Then, she insists on helping me change it.  Scout also got interested in dressing up like a princess this year.  It melts my heart to see her walk around in her oversized Rapunzel dress and her mommy's heels.  Scout also loves dances parties and taking every single thing out of mommy's purse when mommy's not looking.

Sawyer loves to wrestle and tackle people on tile floors when they least expect it.  He also loves trains and cars and planes and motorcycles.  Sawyer is a total mama's boy and has, on numerous occasions, asked  to have a surgical procedure to be permanently attached to my hip.  He also loves to dance.  The second he hears music, even if it is background music to a commercial, he drops whatever he was doing (or breaking), and starts galloping around the room with a huge smile.

Both the twins are adorable (and adorably frustrating!) when it comes to nap time.  Almost every day, after I put them in bed, I go upstairs to check on them and find that Sawyer has climbed out of his crib and into Scout's crib.  I love to listen to them laughing and playing together through the monitor.

As for me, I have really learned a lot this year.  I have learned not to wish away challenging times for the "next stage" in life.  I have learned that one of the great parts of being married is that when you are no longer as pretty as you once were, your husband still knows your value.  I have learned the importance of being systematic about things.  I am trying to learn that a few handprints on the wall are not the end of the world and that making memories is the most important thing.  I have enjoyed learning about woodworking this year.  I actually made this and this and will soon finish making this!  I also learned that I love to swim.  One of the highlights of my year was completing my first (hopefully not last!) open water swim this year in Austin.  Another highlight was going on my first "Girlcation" with three of my best friends in November.  

We look forward to an exciting 2012 with our friends and family.  We hope and pray to grow closer to God in the coming year, to grow in our knowledge of Him,  and to help others in their relationship with Him.  We look forward to becoming healthier and stronger and wearing smaller pant sizes (well, I do at least).  We look forward to grand adventures.  And we hope the same for you!

              Love,

*For my friends and family, you know I never let the truth get in the way of a good story.  For those of you who are friends of Marcos (and don't know me so well)...this should be fun.  :)

Merrick's First Tournament

Last month, Merrick had his first Tai Kwon Do tournament.  I could not have been any more proud.  Out of the ten little karate kids in his group, he took home 2nd place!  I watched every kid as he/she competed to see how Merrick compared.  I was blown away.  Merrick was confidant, well prepared, and  his movements were so fluid.

After Merrick had received his trophy, I hugged him enthusiastically and said, "Merrick, you did it!"  He looked at me and said matter of factly, "No, I didn't win first."  Bummer!  I had to tell him a few times how great getting second place at his first tournament is.  

I love how he stepped out of line to proudly show off his trophy.

The Esparza family with their tournament champion!

Here's the video of Merrick "competing" in his tournament:

Halloween 2011 in Pictures

Halloween was awesome!!!  The entire month of October, actually, was awesome.

Here are some pics from Halloween night.  Sadly, the twins were sick.  In half of the pics I took, Scoutie Girl looks like she's coughing up a lung.  :(  But, it was supposed to be their first official year of trick-or-treating, so I couldn't keep them at home.  I ended up letting them trick or treat sown half of one street.

Scout went as Red Riding Hood.  Sawyer was the Big Bad Wolf.  I gave Scout two options: Red Riding Hood or Tinkerbell.  I thought for sure she'd choose Tinkerbell since she had just watched the movies.  But, when I showed her the pictures, she pointed vigilantly at Red and said, "Dis one!  Dis one!  Dis one!"  

One of my favorite parts of the night was how Merrick took it upon himself to show his baby brother and sister how to obtain candy from the neighbors.  He would run ahead to a house, get his candy, then come back for Scout and Sawyer and help walk them to the door (since they were a little slower than he was).

My favorite moment from Halloween night was when Merrick some-what threatened one of our neighbors.  The conversation went like this:

Neighbor (as he's passing out candy) - I like your costume!  What are you?

Merrick - A ninja.

Neighbor - Cool!  Can you show me some of your moves?

Merrick (totally serious) - No.  I might hurt you.

I about fell over laughing!

Anyway.  Here are the pics:

  

Red Riding Hood picking flowers for her Granny.

My favorite pic of the night.  What a beautiful Red.  

It was nearly impossible to get a pick of Sawyer in his Big Bad Wolf costume.  I was so thankful, however, that he loved his hat (and thankful that BabyGap just so happened to have a wolf hat out at the time!).  I anticipated him ripping it off every 5 minutes, but he didn't.

Merrick with his pumpkin.  He wanted to stage the picture this way, so that it looks like he and the pumpkin are talking. 

Merrick wanted a one eyed pumpkin.

I made a mustache pumpkin and a rainbow bundt cake.  The inside of the cake was orange and purple.  Yum!

Merrick in his ninja costume.  I actually took him with me and let him look through the costumes this year and he chose this.  It's perfect, really, since he's been so into tai kwon do.

Here's a closer picture of Sawyer's hat.

The only way I could get a pic of Scout and Sawyer together was to put a bucket of candy in front of them.

One excited ninja!  

Merrick showing Scout the ropes.  I love how his arm is around her.

This melts my heart.  I love to see my children walking together.

Does that face scream "sugar high!" or what?!?

Happy Halloween 2011!

Chocolate Chip Banana Cake

My two year old boy is a banana addict.  It's an addiction I am willing to support because every once in a while, we end up with a few extra bananas.  In the past, when those bananas got too ripe to eat, I'd bake them into some banana bread and give it to the family for breakfast (or, worse, I'd throw them into the freezer to make banana bread later and end up with twenty or thirty black frozen bananas).  

But, come on.  Let's be real.  If you're going to bake a couple of bananas into a "bread" that has sugar, flour, eggs, butter, and nuts...then, you smoother it with more butter when it comes out...you might as well take the next step and add a few chocolate chips and call it what it really is: awesome.

Don't get me wrong.  This recipe is not banana bread with chocolate chips.  Instead, it is more like the perfect cross between a chocolate chip cookie and banana cake.  

Mucho thanks goes to my best friend Angela for this recipe.  And, a big "no thank you" to that same awesome bestie for my new addiction.

Let me just say...

Now, I'll get to the actual recipe...

Chocolate Chip Banana Cake

2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 medium sized bananas, mashed
1 large egg
12 - 16 oz chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350. Grease a jelly roll pan (I use a 13 x 9 inch glass pan).
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Beat the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Beat in bananas and egg. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.
Spread into your pan.
Bake for 20-30 min.

{Enjoy!}

Hiiiii-chah!

My friends, the moment we knew was coming is finally here: Merrick's inner Karate Kid has awakened.  

I don't know what started this fascination with Karate.  And I don't know who first started all the "hi-yahing" and prancing around, Marcos or Merrick.  All I know is the spirit of Jackie Chan has taken over my house.  Even the twins get into the karate action.

For his first lesson, the thing Merrick was most excited about was getting his little white karate outfit (ok, he's officially taking tai-kwon-do, but for future reference, I'm just going to call everything martial-artsie "karate"...it's just easier).  He was ecstatic.  Marcos helped him put on his outfit right before class, all the while encouraging him to work hard and do his best (and have fun, of course).  I'm so thankful my children have such a wonderful daddy.  

Once the class started, Merrick was incredibly intense and enthusiastic.  You can tell he's taking the lessons because he wants to and not because his parents want him to.  My favorite part is how he kept saluting the teacher and saying, "Yes Sir!" really, really loudly as if he had just enlisted in the Army.

In his first class, Merrick got a green stripe on his belt for doing the punches well.  After about 4 more stripes like that, he becomes a Tiger Cub Yellow Belt.

Here are a few pics from Merrick's first official Tai-Kwon-Do lesson.  I'm probably spelling that completely wrong.  The martial arts world is a complete mystery to me.  All I know is that Jack Black is the Dragon Warrior and that Mr. Miyagi is the man.  

This was right after the class:

How does he even come up with these moves?

Hi-cha! (Yes, he says hi-cha a lot instead of hi-yah.)

This was the following week in front of the house.

Jackie Chan, eat your heart out.