Nightmares, Monsters and Little Sisters

The minds of children are fascinating. As a mother, one of the gifts I am able to partake of is the way their minds process things. I was watching Rachel Ray and she had twins modeling some outfits. Daniel commented that they had the same heads. I just chuckled and told him they were twins. "Oh," he says. "I didn't know." Then I asked if he knew what twins were and he said yes. Hmm . . but for some reason the twins on TV just had the same heads?

Daniel has been having nightmares the past few weeks. I was waiting for this stage in parenting. Between his occasional trips into our room at night and Coral attempting to climb into bed with us a few nights a week, Carlo and I are tired. Well, I turned to "The No Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers" by Elizabeth Pantley. I am a firm believer in Babywise, but chose a gentler approach for the toddler stage. For some reason, I can handle babies crying better than I can toddlers.

After another sleepless night and early rising, I pulled the book out for a refresher course. I really like this book for one main reason- it recommends the appropriate time of sleep for each age. For example, Coral is two and between her nap and nighttime sleep, she should be getting around 13 hours of sleep. Daniel is almost five and he should be getting around 11 hours of sleep; most likely without a nap. Using this as a reference, I only allowed Coral to have a one hour nap. Daniel did not take a nap. He usually doesn't.

Before bedtime, I also decided to use another suggestion from the book and did a little role play with my children. Carlo and I explained that waking mommy and daddy up each night causes us to be tired and then we aren't fun. Then we showed them a bed made up of blankets and a pillow by the bed. We explained that if they woke up in the night and felt like they needed to be by mom and dad, they could sleep in the bed we made for them, but only if they didn't wake us up. After the explanation, we practiced a few times. Carlo and I pretended to sleep and they climbed into the bed on the floor without waking us up.

Last night was our first trial run and I am proud to report we did not have any night wakings. Well, for us anyway. I did notice this morning the floor bed had been slept in, so I asked Daniel and he said he was scared in middle of the night and did indeed sleep next to our bed! I asked him if he felt better after sleeping next to us and he said he did. And I woke up happy- at 5:00 am to work out. Yay!

And why is Daniel having nightmares . . . I have a theory. As I was checking on my children the other night before I went to bed, I opened Daniel's door and saw a face on the other side of his bed staring at me! His room is somewhat dark, so before I panicked, I focused on his bed to see if he was in it. Yes, he was, so who's face was that staring at me from the dark? The shape starting moving out from behind the bed and then ran to me and said, "Hi Mom!" It was Coral! I'd have nightmares too if my little sister was standing over me while I slept. Silly girl. I almost had a heart attack.

The Pieces of My Life

The puzzle pieces of life
Can there be one right fit?
Or does one have to sculpt them
Day by day, bit by bit?

I don't know the right way
And each day I try something new.
Sometimes this piece works for me.
Then I need to adjust a few.

My puzzle is always changing
With each new piece I hold,
But I know with constant faith
I can create the perfect mold.

Vanessa Delorenzis

Bowling with a YZ125

I was given my first 50 to ride at the age of four. My love affair with motorcycles sparked instantly. From then on, Saturdays with my family were spent riding through the desert hills surrounding our small town. As I grew older, the size of my dirt bikes increased and so did my speed. I loved to fly across the desert full throttle; the wind grabbing at my clothes. My brother, who raced motorcycles, said I was the best rider he had ever seen- until I grew boobs.

My romance with motorcycles soon came to an idle as I went off to college. But they were always on my mind. Before I met my husband, I'd even begun to visit motorcycle dealerships and was preparing to make my first dirt bike purchase. Alas, I married and had children; fulfilling my number one dream.

Four years ago, my husband was painting a home and the owners offered a motorcycle for payment. He knew I missed riding and accepted the trade. The motorcycle needed work before it would be dirt worthy. Unfortunately, in all my years of riding motorcycles, I never learned how to fix them.

The motorcycle has remained untouched in our garage for the past four years. We've made a few attempts through Craig's List and garage sales to sale the bike, but have never been successful. We decided to try again on Saturday.

Our garage has been full of items for the past six months- an old couch, old computer equipment, baby toys and equipment our children have grown out of and that motorcycle. We pulled it all out early Saturday morning and the sale began. Throughout the day, we had a few people interested in the motorcycle. A few asked if it would start. Well, we didn't know since it had been so long. So, off my husband went to get two stroke oil and some gas.

After we filled it up, it took quite a few kicks to get it started. I spent a few minutes trying to get it kick started, but only managed to turn it over once and then it sputtered out. My husband took his turn and was able to start it a few times, but once again, it died both times.

At this point, we decided to give us and the motorcycle a break. After all, it had been almost fourteen years since I had started a motorcycle and the first time for my husband. We let fifteen minutes pass and then tried again. This time, my husband was able to get it started. Once she was idling on her own, I switched places with him and decided to take a little ride around the cul-de-sac. I should have heeded our family rule growing up, "If you can't start it, you can't ride it."

I started off just fine and was even surprised that after so long I didn't kill it while letting the clutch out. This was going pretty good. I made a little u-turn at the entrance to the cul-de-sac and headed back to our house. As I was driving towards our driveway, something happened. The throttle stuck!

The motorcycle started going faster and faster. I only had time to pick which section of our garage sale to bowl through. The travel system stroller was on the left, the baby toys and Carlo on the right, so I chose right through the middle, which happened to be our old electronics. Garage sale items flew everywhere like bowling pins! The front tire hit the couch and pushed it out of the way with amazing speed. Then I was through and laid the bike down in the small patch of grass between our neighbors house and mine, but not without injury.

I had to hold the kill switch down for quite a few seconds before it would turn off. My husband asked if I was okay. I told him I was and then he picked up the motorcycle to report I had broken the clutch lever. He tried to roll it back to the stand, but it was still in gear. So, we fixed the clutch lever as best we could, I popped it back into gear and we put it back on the stand. Wow. What a ride! And it all happened so fast.

We checked the damage and amazingly, I had only smashed in the side of a tiny TV. Then I inspected myself and found I had scraped up my knee pretty good. After some chuckles at myself, I called my parents and told them the story. They laughed. It was a classic motorcycle story. However, my husband did not think the little adventure I had had was anything to laugh about.

The garage sale was over. We loaded the remaining items into his truck and he hauled them off to a donation center. By the time he came home, he was able to laugh a little and by that night, he too found the humor in the afternoon's event.

You would think that after all of this, I would be determined to sell this bike. No. More than ever, I want to fix it up and go riding once again. My brief time upon the motorcycle, even with a crash at the end, has brought my passion to the surface once again. I'm ready to ride! But is my husband ready to let me? We shall see.

Ah, The Good Old Days

In high school, I was really good friends with a foreign exchange student from Germany. In college, I went and stayed with her and her family for three weeks. Every once in a while, she sends me German chocolate (just a reminder) and every once in a great while (Daniel was only a few months old), she comes back to the States and makes sure to pay me a visit.

Last week, she came into town and a few of us from high school had a get together. Kathrin is on the right and Tami, on the left, was one of my best friends in high school. We currently live five minutes from each other. Do we ever get together? No, but we do now! In the past week, I have seen her two or three times. She is my new P90X workout partner. I am so glad she is getting my butt back into shape! I love the workout even though it is THE hardest workout I have come across.

I had to have a picture of my kids with Kathrin. Not only has she sent me chocolate over the years, but she has also added in baby and toddler toys from Germany.


Daniel told Kathrin she didn't see him grow up and she responded, "Yes, I have! In pictures."

So true. Even though we are an ocean apart, she has always kept up on me and my kids. What a great friend!

Here we are shopping in Walmart. Kathrin stocks up on some of her favorite American things when she comes over.

I noticed a whole bunch of dental floss in her cart this time!

In all seriousness, they pay more than double what we do for dental floss, so I don't blame her.

One last picture- Kathrin, Tami and Vanessa

A picture of me with my first grade teacher! Susan was the best teacher.

My senior year, she became Kathrin's sponsor. This worked out well because Susan was my neighbor. So, Kathrin became my neighbor!

Our Senior year, Kathrin would come over for breakfast, get rides to and from school and just hang out. I LOVED IT. Mostly I loved it because she helped me pass German. Just kidding!

Fun Times and Fun Memories. Thank you for taking the time to come and see us!

Medicine Always Works

I'm sick with a cold.

Carlo has been great taking care of the kids, but I always feel guilty when I am sick. Carlo has to take over so many things. My poor kids have kept coming in my room today and asking if they can cuddle and love mommy. They've even been suggesting remedies. Coral keeps telling me to take some medicine and Daniel- I overheard him telling Carlo they needed to take me to the hospital.

I asked Daniel if he missed me and he said, "You mean the happy you when you are not sick?"

Aww . . . I even teared up a little this evening when Coral tried to curl up on my chest and I had to have Carlo come and get her. I too just want to cuddle and love them for comfort and to give them comfort. But I don't want them getting my cold!

And where are all my reviews to post and keep me busy while I am sick?!

Mini Jason

Oh! I can't forget to blog this. Jason is Carlo's best friend from high school. It just so happens that Daniel and Jason showed up at the BBQ with the same outfit on! So, Jason was Carlo's replacement for the afternoon since Carlo didn't go with us. Hilarious!

The Delorenzis' Doings Part 8 - Final Chapter

We went to a family bbq with Mike and Eva that afternoon and saw some old friends. Thanks for having us! Then we headed over to The Ohana's get together with Eva for some fireworks. It was a lot of fun and nice to meet some of the people Eva talks about. Daniel was totally entertained by her friend, Kathy.

I am so grateful for such good friends. I only wish we lived closer to each other, but it was a SUPER FUN WEEKEND!

The Delorenzis' Doings Part 7

Eva discovered continuous shooting on her camera, so I thought it would be funny to watch my progression to looking like I was pregnant. Sad what you can do when you've had two kids to stretch out your stomach!

The Delorenzis' Doings Part 6

I could post a thousand pictures of the beach, but these are the last two. Daniel jumping a wave and then the one below- Where is Daniel? Even though he went under, he still wanted to keep going.

On the Fourth of July we took the kids to a park near their house. Oh so green, so fun and such nice weather. I MISS CALIFORNIA.

The Delorenzis' Doings Part 5

All of us made many trips down to the waves for some water. The kids would have been so bored if Amber had not let us borrow their beach toys. Thank you!

Eva playing with the kids. She spent forever with Daniel in the ocean while he jumped waves. He LOVED it so much. Truly Carlo's child. Coral only like it if someone was holding her.

Eva made Daniel into the coolest merman. He had so much fun, but was a little nervous getting covered with sand. Eva said he was breathing like he was going to hyperventilate.

The Delorenzis' Doing Part 4

Eva's husband, Mike, watched my kids the first night I was there so Eva and I could go out without kids. It has been awhile for us too. We hit Pat and Oscar's from some quick eats. Oh, that place is yummy. I sure wish we had it here. Then we headed over to the theater for The Proposal. Hilarious! I loved this movie. For a review, go to my http://www.mothersreviews.blogspot.com/ and check it out.

We had a ton of fun and Eva took over 1,000 pictures while I was there. So, I try to only post a few. But it was nice to be in a few pictures for once!

We headed to Huntington Beach the next day- our favorite place in the world. Carlo proposed to me here and his mom lived one mile from where we were. Oh I miss those days.

I am so glad Eva went to the beach with us. Usually I try to entertain the kids until Carlo is done surfing, so it was nice to have someone else have fun with them and I could enjoy the beach a little more. She has SO MUCH ENERGY. I'd like to bottle some of it up. Oh, we both got sun burnt, but not the kids!

Delorenzis' Doings Part III

I surprised my best friend, Cory, while I was in town. She had no idea I was coming. I had called her husband and asked her to set it up like they were going out on a date. And I love it because he even got her mom and sister on it because they called and asked when the kids were getting dropped off.

I slipped in their front door and was waiting on the couch. Her reaction was funny. She said she knew something was up and then she had to go back upstairs to get ready for a Girl's Night. Her husband was like, "You get better dressed for Girl's Night than for a date?!"

We had so much fun. This has pretty much been the first time we've gone out without kids since we've had them. We started with a trip to Mario's at Five Points in Huntington Beach. Oh the memories. I love it there. The food was delicious. Sorry some of the pictures are blurry, but I didn't realize until I got home that my camera was on the wrong setting!

Then we went to Nordsrom's Rack and tried on random, good looking dresses and took pictures. She has those on her camera. And at one place she dared me to eat relish straight from the packet. So we both braved it and ate it! Gross! I love hanging out with her! Crazy times.

Eva watched my kids so we could go out. Thank you so much! You are the best.

The Delorenzis' Doings Part II

We were only able to go to the wedding because my parent's lovingly took us. This is all of us in our hotel room. I'm sure my mom and dad would have loved to be alone, but I am so glad they brought us. My kids loved playing at my uncle's house. His back yard is so big, you can play kick ball in it and not kick the ball onto the street. My kids played their little hearts out on his jungle gym and collected eggs from his chickens, checked out his goats, helped pick cherries and veggies from the garden. It was a dream land for them. And I love hanging out with family at my uncle's house. No matter how far apart we all are, just start playing a game of kick ball or four square in his garage and we have some fun- until midnight that is!

Many of our close friends and family know that Coral sucks on her monkey. Well, here is proof. She had to get all cozy on the way home and put this little guys hand in her mouth. We lovingly call him slobber monkey. One day it was getting washed and Coral was upset. Daniel brought her a new monkey (the exact same one) and she said it wasn't her monkey. Daniel told her to slobber on it and then it would be just like the other one! Too bad his suggestion didn't work. The old one is almost done.

My kids were so excited to go to California. The night before I found this- a smiling Coral and monkey all buckled in!

Our drive to California took six hours with the sheets of rain, traffic and kids. I took the picture above while driving to try and show what we had just driven through. And I was proud of my packing skills! Carlo left around 5:30 in the morning, so I packed all the luggage and baby clothes I was taking to Cory and tied down tarps. I also managed to drive stick the whole time and managed feeding the kids snacks and switching movies. Yikes! I'm sure people around me thought I was a drunk driver at times. Thankfully on the way home, Daniel managed to do the video portion.

The Delorenzis' Doings Part I

Our family has been quite busy lately. Last month, I was able to take Daniel to see The Wizard of Oz. He LOVED it and still talks about it. My two nieces, Skyler and Haley, were in the play as Munchkins and one of my sister's friends was Auntie Em and Belinda the Good Witch. I too really liked the play. It was excellent. Well done!

A few weekends ago, we went up to Nothern Utah for my cousin's wedding. I was able to see my best friend, Cory, who happened to be up there from California (no pictures) and we all went swimming together.

Then my family and I went to the open house of the Oqhuirre Temple (I'm not sure how to spell that.) All I say is wow. I went to an open house when I was younger, but now having gone through the temple. If anyone was ever curious about the temple, just go to an open house. We have no secrets. It was beautiful inside and I was so happy sitting in the sealing room with my two kids and thinking about the future when hopefully we will be sitting there all together with their spouses.

The picture below is of my sister and Coral before the open house video. I think this picture is adorable!

The Three Things of Today

Coral has been quite different than Daniel in temperament. As a matter of fact, Daniel was an angel compared to Coral in many ways. Although Daniel's one flaw has been relating to other children. His frustration often resulted in hitting and still does occasionally.

Well, I digress. The picture may be a little fuzzy, but this is how Carlo found Coral (lol Carlo, Coral- confusing, I know) this morning when he got up for work at 5:30 am. Hmmm . . . I never knew she had gotten out of her bed, much less heard her door open. What was she doing in the middle of the night? And why did she end up there? I found nothing destroyed, so I'll never know.

Coral can be quite mischievous. I know she is much milder compared to the little girls of some of my friends, but here are the other two "Coral Occurrences" for today. A toy dinosaur fell into the washer with the clothes I was loading from the pile in the hallway. Perhaps she felt he needed a dunk too. And while sitting on the couch blogging, I heard a distinct plop into the fish bowl. Curious. Coral was standing by me, but managed to throw a plug cover right into the bowl. The fish were frantically trying to eat it. Thank goodness it floats and I didn't have to stick my hand all the way in.

She is one active, curious Energizer monkey and I her personal jungle gym (Just ask one of my closest friends, Eva. She discovered that this weekend.) At least Coral cuddles and gives me kisses (she tried licking me today) while she is trying to climb over my head, across my lap, through my legs and anywhere else she can go.

Yes, I am a mother.

Let's Start Reviewing!

So, I had an idea last night and I thought I would give it a try.

Many of my friends often review household products, movies, books and many other things on their blogs. I LOVE getting their input on things so I can know if I want to try something out. Well, I thought I'd try to compile all those reviews in one place to make it easier for all of us moms!

I just created www.mothersreviews.blogspot.com and posted my first review on the movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic."

I'd love submissions from everyone! So, if you would like to post a review (and it can be on anything), email me at mothersreviews@hotmail.com and after approval I will post your review!

We'll see if this works. And Tash, I'd love to put your book reviews on there. Let me know what you think. I know not all of you our mothers, but I'd still appreciate your reviews!

Let's get reviewing!

The Luekenmunger

Happy Fourth of July

From Huntington Beach!

Where we met The Luekenmunger . . . beware.