Team Cueva

HELLO?!

2010-05-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

yes, we are still alive! ;) I know I could never explain to you the insanity that is our lives right now, so I won't even try. it's one of those, 'you've got to see it to believe it'
here's what's coming up ... WE ARE GOING TO NY for vacation this summer! we are ALL very excited! we are even bringing our new addition with us:) ... our dog, Keona. we will be having a gettogether @ Willow Bay for all that may like to see us, so email me if you'd like more information. (that is, if anyone even reads this blog anymore -lol!)

I promise, (famous last words), to update you on the kids soon ... or, at the very least, get some new pics on here.

hugs!

Nic's Weight Loss

2010-01-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

BEFORE - size 14

AFTER - size 6

my journey started just over a year ago. a friend and i wanted to 'get healthy' and drop some of our excess poundage. Carlos stepped up to the challenge and said he would train us. so we started. every weekday morning, Sandy and i would drag our [then] lazy butts out of bed at 6:30am for a 7am training session. after three months, Sandy's weight began to drop, while mine didn't. i was doing the same things she was but no results.
i decided to go to the doctor, since i hadn't had my diabetes checked in over 2 years, i figured that maybe that had something to do with it. so, in March of '09, i had my blood work done, and sure enough, my numbers were out of whack. my organs were damaged from not taking care of my body and were not working as they should. i was tired ALL the time, even after having a full nights sleep. i was always hungry and not able to satisfy that hunger. my doctor gave me three months to get my numbers down or else ... insulin. talk about a kick in the butt.
for the first two weeks, i changed my diet considerably. i followed the South Beach diet for those two weeks. (and keep in mind, i kept up the workouts) within two days, i already felt better. i had more energy than i had had in years. those first two weeks were very life-changing. it was then that i realized how much overeating we do, just because ... just because it's there. because we can. because how often do i get to go out. because it's so-and-so's bday. because _______, you fill in the blank. we all have them. EXCUSES!! these excuses are fine, but not as often as i was using them. what i realized during those first two weeks was that, 'i can do this. i don't have to eat this junk all the time.' and i realized how often i did, in fact, use these excuses to eat. i never once thought of the damage i was doing to my body. it was now time to fix the damage i had done. although there isn't a cure for diabetes, it can definitely be controlled.
and here is my new beginning. now the serious weight loss begins. after beginning to reverse the damage i had done, the results came. i have loss a total of 40lbs and have gained more muscle mass than i believe i have ever had. i am in the best shape of my life! and here is how i did it. JUST 30 MINUTES A DAY with Los! his workouts are a complete body workout. not just weight-training or cardio but a good combination of both and other techniques that i don't know the names of. and not only that, but accountability is KEY! without the knowledge of knowing someone else will be there to workout with me and will be counting on me to be there, without that, I AM SURE, the excuses to NOT workout would have flown just as easy as the ones to eat did. i am no longer on the South Beach diet but i do think twice before i put something meaningless in my mouth. and i am happy to say that i do not have to be on insulin to control my diabetes! honestly, if i can do it, YOU CAN DO IT!! come on, really, who doesn't have 30 minutes?!

DANG!!

2010-01-03T22:31:00.000-08:00

is anyone ever going to update this blog - lol!! i hear my uncle Harry isn't too happy with me right now because i haven't updated since ... well, ... you know how long it's been ;) SO, this is for you UNCLE HARRY!! i love you and miss you! i hope to get some pics on here soon ... but once again, our computer crashed (piece of junk) I WANT A MAC!!!

for those of you reading this and are wanting updates more often ... GET ON FACEBOOK :)

hugs to all reading this!
nic

from Tony about Joshua

2009-09-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

i wanted to share something that Tony wrote about his best friend that lived in NY but has since moved to PA. to give you a little back history ... Tony and Joshua were friends from the womb. one of my best friends, Veronica, and i were prego at the same time. these boys were together a lot! we had weekly playdates (most weeks more than once). Tony still talks, and even sometimes cries, of Joshua. when we first moved to CA, i think Tony had the toughest time. it still breaks my heart when he gets so upset and says that he just wants to play with Joshy.

Joshua

Joshua is my friend from New York. We loved to play together. We played cars. We played Legos together. The coolest thing is that we were friends from the start of our lives. I think we were suppose to be friends.

he did this all on his own! i really wish we lived closer to our friends ... but distance isn't tearing this apart!!

nic

... here's a quick slideshow ... i will have to scan pics of when they were smaller ;)

quick pic update

2009-09-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

Nicole is ready to celebrate!!! La Creperie anyone?

2009-08-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

I'm celebrating reaching my first goal in reference to losing weight and getting healthy!! (in actuality, I guess it's my second goal.) when I went to the doctor in June I accomplished my first goal : getting my blood sugar levels down! but seeing the numbers on the scale go down feels equally as great!! so ... what better way to celebrate then with a yummy crepe! I've been depriving myself for 5 months... time to cheat!! ;)

Team Cueva is on a new adventure!

2009-08-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

from Carlos ...

I wanted to send an update to those of you who have been faithful in prayer and support of Team Cueva. Also to those who have only heard of us. As you may or may not know, a little over two years ago we came out to California from Liverpool NY, in faith, responding to God’s call. Two years ago we started a bilingual church called Norte in Long beach CA. We had a great time of growth both in our church and in our personal lives. That time has now come to a close, for us. Norte continues to meet.

Today we are beginning a new journey by joining Living Spring Christian Fellowship as they love and serve the community of Garden Grove, California. Every decision that we make and have made in regards to life and ministry have been a matter of serious prayer. Please know that any money or prayers that you sent our way have been a blessing and not in vain. You may have some questions and I trust that the following may answer some of those. If not, please feel free to send me an email or call me so we can have further dialogue.

What is Norte?

With God’s leading and your support and the support of Light and Life Christian Fellowship, we began a church service to help reach the Spanish speakers in the community of long Beach. During the last two years we have seen God move. We saw conversions, baptisms and met weekly in bible study and a Sunday service. As part of our ministry we also began a relationship with Ramona Park, a local park.

Was Norte a success?

Yes! Initially we came out to help reach Hispanics period, but we ended up having a service in their language complete with music and preaching. What I am most excited about is that Norte continues even as Team Cueva moves on. I believe that God used us initially for that purpose and now He is leading us into a new adventure.

What happens to Norte?

Norte will continue. Right now Norte is under the leadership of Sam Romero and Paul Vargas. Some of you may remember them as they were serving along side me when the mission team was here. I am still a resource if needed and very much a part of the outreach that we will continue at Ramona Park.

What is Ramona Park?

A year ago God impressed upon me the idea of adopting this park. The park was in our neighborhood and was in rough shape both physically and spiritually. This area is a low income area where gangs and prostitutes frequent. I felt like God wanted it to be used for His purposes. So…in partnership with Light and Life and especially their Children’s Pastor Sandy Bond, we decided to do several events to love this community. We have done at least three events and they have been a delight to the children, staff, and community. One of the events was a community festival that was put on by the missions team from Liverpool Community Church.

What will you guys do at Living Spring?

As I sensed that our work at Norte was coming to an end God was already putting the pieces to our new plan together. One of the Pastors in our conference was looking for an associate for His church. I met with Pastor John and quickly realized that God was in this. Pastor John is passionate about the people of this church and community and I know with the experience I gained in Liverpool and over the last two years at Norte, I will be able to help this church reach the community.

Huntington Beach

2009-07-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

our trip to the beach was so fun today! mom was pleasantly surprised at how NOT hot it was. she seems to have gotten some good color ... but we'll see how red she gets as the night goes on ;) i neglected to take pics of her (i know, what an idiot). the kids did their usually playing in the sand and boogie boarding. they also played catch with dad, who buried them in the sand as well. we went with our usual beach buddies - The Bond's and also added a new family to our clan! all of our kids really play well together. wish i had more pics to share ... i guess that means we had a great time, no time to stop and snap some pics.

this pic was taken as we were waiting for Los to pick us up to head home!

some fun pics to enjoy

2009-07-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Mom is here!!

2009-07-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

gma Jac made it safely! after taking 4 flights to get here, instead of 2, she only arrived 3-1/2 hours late. my family was at a bday party so it was really nice to have some alone time with her. she took me out to dinner ... which is always nice!

after going to the early church service ... our plan for today is to just chill. i'm figuring the jet lag will hit her at some point today. we've got all sorts of things planned for her visit. the kids won't leave her alone :). everywhere we go, lexi holds her hand. so precious!

i will post pics as we do things!

tomorrow ... beach!!

Hi everyone!

2009-06-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at the lab waiting to get some blood work done. nothing serious, just checking on my diabetes. I've been working really hard these past 3 months to get my numbers down.

I hope to put a slide show together to post so that you can get a little glimpse into our lives. last time I tried, I had many problems with technology. we'll see how it goes today.

time to get pricked ;)

DANG!!!...

2009-06-14T14:21:00.001-07:00

... has it really been almost 3months since I was last on here?!! I'm sure everyone who followed us has dwindled to nothing:(

I can't even begin to explain all that has happened in our lives these past few months. let's just say - insanity - with a lot of God's grace, love and strength to sustain us. the kids ended their school year last Thursday! Lex got an email from a boy on Friday... not ready for that! they all did EXTREMELY well on their report cards!! Tony got a perfect one! they are totally looking forward to their summer vacation ... and I'm counting the days until they go back!!! (I'm so totally kidding) Lex is amazing us with her musical abilities. she learned and (pretty much) perfected a song she wanted to learn on guitar in ONE day. Jackson is Mr. extreme! he scares me when he rides his scooter and skateboard! but he's really good at it. he is also a natural athlete, as is lex. we all play basketball in the backyard. I had them doing drills a couple weeks ago. Tony has grown so much. his baby look is disappearing. lately, he is really into his DS but spends countless hours playing with Lego's.
me? I'm busy, as always. my cleaning business has taken off. almost to the point of having to hire someone.
los? ... I'll have him tell you what's been going on. it's ALL good!!

I just wanted to get you a little caught up ... those of you that are still around. I hope to be on here more often now that the pressures of school are over.

love and hugs to you all!!
nic

i haven't fogotten ...

2009-03-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

really, i haven't. i had a slide show almost all set to post so you'd at least have some pictures to look at ... but, of course, i'm having problems. i just shouldn't try and do anything when i'm in a hurry -then nothing would get done -lol :(
really quick ... Shannon G visited us last weekend (i had pics in the slide show) and the Gingerich's come in tomorrow. Tony is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited to see Joshua! also, my brother and his family are coming for spring break!!

seriously, i have no time ...

hugs!

hi

2009-03-03T14:47:00.001-08:00

just wanted to say HI to all our faithful checkers ... Team Cueva is still alive and kickin'!
i've been trying to work on a slideshow... hopefully your eyes will see the fruits of my labor soon ;)

very quick updates ...
the time with the missions team from LCC was a whirlwind. i was disappointed because i couldn't spend (hardly any) time with them. our boys both has big school projects due that week AND the pressures of normal life didn't cease to exist while they were here. fortunately they were all able to come to our house for an evening.
we have started a NORTE bible study at our home on Tuesdays. WOOHOO at least my house gets cleaned a couple times a month.

i've got to run .. just saw the time... gotta get the kiddos ...

HUGS!!
nic

bye bye los

2009-02-23T22:29:00.000-08:00

I'm writing this on my 'phone' as I lie in bed... I don't have much to write of at this moment because it seems as though all my posts are the same... Cueva's are busy busy busy. not any time to chill, not much time to think about anything besides the day that lies ahead and how we make it through that one. BUT today (including last night and tomorrow morning) is different for one if us... Carlos!! I sent him away, on a brief get-a-way. he has been working so hard especially these weeks leading up to the missions team being here, as well as when they were here. everyone re-energizes differently... carlos' happens to be when he is alone... so off I sent him.

... well, I knew this would happen ... my eyes are slowly becoming smaller and smaller slits... time to call it a night...

nic

missions blog

2009-02-17T06:42:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post the link to the missions blog from LCC. it should keep you informed as to what is going on this week.

http://missions.liverpoolchurch.com/

love and hugs!

waiting

2009-02-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for the Missions Team from Liverpool to get here! I hear that there are 18 people coming but I didn't ever find out all 18! I can't wait to see who walks off the plane!!
I'm excited to see what God will do through them! I'm praying the weather holds out for them. typically Long Beach weather is pretty perfect, but this week (of course) it is suppose to be a little less than that. we'll see.
I've got a busy day ahead, hopefully it will make the waiting time go by more quickly!

5 more days...

2009-02-09T07:42:00.000-08:00

... until the LCC missions team gets here! so exciting! I know how excited we are but can't imagine how the team feels. the support from LCC has meant so much to us as we've taken on this tremendous task that God has called us to. I'm anticipating God's hand at work as the team prepares to come. He will work in a mighty way and many lives will be changed!! thank you LCC for your prayers and support, thank you Norte for being our new church family (can't wait for the two of you to meet), and thank you God for showing Your love thru all these wonderful people you've put in our lives!!

nic

thank you!

2009-02-04T14:47:00.000-08:00

this morning's meeting with Deb went really well. thank you to all that prayed for this meeting and Jackson. i don't think i can bottom line it but let me try ...

POSITIVE RE-ENFORCEMENT ... for every 1 negative action there needs to be 8 positive re-enforcements.
CONSEQUENCES ... both positive and negative
CONSISTENCY ... parenting is the hardest thing you'll ever do

these are just a few highlights. we will be working on making some behavior charts that will target the behavior with which they need help with along with ones that would be easy for them to gain 'a gold star' ... 'star' to be traded in for 'rewards'. there was so much more ... but you get the idea. please pray for perseverance on mine and carlos behave and that we (and them) have the strength and wisdom to endure. i know this isn't going to be an overnight change ... but we look forward to the best results. Deb was very encouraging. and we look forward to many changes around here.

love,
nic

very quick update

2009-02-03T07:34:00.000-08:00

just wanted to pass along that carlos and i are meeting with a counselor tomorrow (wednesday) @ 9:30am PCT. she is one of the pastors at our church. jackson is doing much better ... he just has his moments (as all of us do ;) it's just in those moments that i have to learned how to deal.

thanks for your prayers!
nic

prayers

2009-01-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

hi all...
I'd like to ask those of you reading this to take just a moment and pray for my Jackson. it is nothing major or life threating... but he is struggling. I'm not quite sure how to put it in words, but I know he is having a huge problem with self-control. those of you who know him know that he is a passionate little guy (to say the least) . he gets so angry. it's like a switch goes on and he can't control what happens until we bring him down. sometimes it's just outright defiance just because 'I don't want to.' carlos and I are struggling because we feel that we've tried all we can and that it's not working. we may not be doing anything wrong but we aren't doing something right. we are going to make an appt with a counselor because it is so hard to see him like this. he cries that he wants to change but can't. he lies, too, even when he doesn't need to. I don't understand. and as his mom, I hurt tremendously because I feel helpless. like I did something to promote this. and now I can't fix it. I know God has great plans for him. and I know God can fix this. so I ask that you would pray along with me for him. thank you in advance. God will prevail!!

#3 for today

2009-01-25T19:24:00.000-08:00

in december i promised to post lexi's new school pic when i got it ... well, here it is (finally) ...

today was a very productive day ... after a wonderful Norte service, it was time to get to work on some areas of the house that have been super neglected. i worked in the garage today! i can't believe how quickly stuff just piles up. it was very successful. there is room to run and actually work-out! after finishing that, the kids and i went on a bike ride. tony learned to ride without training wheels ... i know it seems like he is way too old to just start, but really he hasn't been on his bike much since we moved. it's usually his scooter or skateboard. anyway, he is very happy to finally be rid of the trainers. jackson helped me cook dinner. he is really loving helping me out these days. AND i scanned my first pic (the one above)... for Christmas Anna and Damien gave us a new printer that scans pics. i was extremely happy but didn't have the time to play with it yet. but today i did!

all in all ... i'm very pleased with all i got accomplished today!

til next time!
nic

testing ...

2009-01-25T08:50:00.001-08:00

I'm checking to see if I can update the blog from my iPhone. I guess it's working, but I can't upload any pics... bummer.

by the way... it's not a 'phone', it's Life... that's what we call it around here. I find myself more on this, than any other piece of electronics. calls, texts, email, music, games, Internet, and now our blog.. woohoo.. I'm never going to sleep now- jk!

ps- two new posts in one day... it's a miracle!!

2009-01-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

hi all!

as i stand in front of the coffee pot and wait for my coffee, i was reflecting on how insane our lives have become. how i miss the times when i could just sit (and write if i wanted to) ... our days have become so jammed with things that HAVE to get done, that the things that 'would be nice to do' really take a back seat. i know that this is all common ground especially since we've only been here just over a year and a half. but lately, i feel that so many areas of my life are starting to back up!! i'm handling it pretty well, believe it or not.

today, i pray, will be a productive day... including getting some pics on here for you to look at.

hugs til later!
nic

who else?

2009-01-13T13:31:00.001-08:00

who else is sick of seeing the title 'baking Christmas cookies'? don't all of you answer at once ...

i'd love to sit and write all that has been going on here with Team Cueva ... but that would take hours upon hours. so now i will just fill you in on a little ... WE'RE INSANE!! ... but you all knew that. honestly, i don't know how families do it when their kids are in sports. there just isn't enough time in the day to do all that needs to be accomplished. we've fallen into the every day rut that is school/work, homework, dinner, baths and bed. where's the playtime?!!! a question my kids (especially Jackson) ask a lot.

things we've done in the last week (other than the usual) ...
i went to the beach one morning ALL BY MYSELF! something i've wanted to do since before we moved. after realizing it was 'ok' to just sit and be still ... i journaled a lot and couldn't believe how quickly time passed.
the kids and i went to Disneyland with Anna and her family. we had so much fun ... Kiara is so much fun to be around. (i'll post some pics soon, i promise!!)

gotta run for now ... hugs and love to all!
nic

baking Christmas cookies

2008-12-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

here's the first installment of pics from baking. it's been a long time coming, but we managed to bake four types of cookies today. i'm fighting a pretty bad cold, so i'm done for today. 2 more types to go and then frosting ... just the chocolate balls and the cut-outs.

oh, as we were baking ... gifts from NY showed up and we opened the aprons Gma Jac made!!

nope, we didn't fall off the face of the earth ...

2008-12-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

hello all! someone, ever so gracefully, told me last week that it has been waaaaay too long since i've posted something -thanks jude ;) and she's right, it has been a long time.

our lives have fallen into a routine that doesn't allow for much down time. i can't believe that Christmas is just around the corner.

i guess i'll just update you on some things that have taken place in the past couple of months and some things that are coming up ...

i have taken two trips home in the last 2 months. crazy huh, for someone that HATES to fly? you've got to do, what you've got to do. my best friend got married! i surprised her in october and showed up for her bridal shower. that was amazing. i owe a very special thank you to Judy G., Karen E., Julie R., and Sheri M. for helping the cause "help pay for nic's ticket home"!! And of course i was just home a couple weeks ago for the actual wedding ... i was in it! while i was home, my family had a special thanksgiving dinner for me. so i was blessed to be able to celebrate with my family in NY and my family in CA. but as far as flying home anytime soon... highly doubtful. and if you are a mom, you know how difficult it is to leave your kids not to mention the effort it takes to get everything squared away before leaving.

this week is lexi's chorus concert and trumpet concert. she has a solo on trumpet. she is singing in the church children's choir. also, next week she will be auditioning for the school talent show and will be taking a test to be put in the gifted program. whoa ...

jackson joined the church children's choir just today and is really enjoying it. he is really excelling in school this year. we had some concerns in the beginning of the year, but those has definitely subsided. and yes, he still has skater hair.

tony is at the top of his class as well. he, also, will be auditioning for the school talent show this week. performing a song he wrote (with a little of daddy's help). he and jackson are into Star Wars (that's an understatement) they eat, sleep and drink star wars. the theme song is heard often in this house - through whistling and humming and dah-dahing.

carlos is working very hard. trying to grow a church is no easy task. i am so very proud of him and all he does. growing a church comes with a lot of triumphs and some trails. but thru it all, God shows Himself to us time and time again.

oh and, i almost forgot ... carlos and i celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary last week!!

unfortunately that's all i've got time for ...

much love to all of you!
nic

ps - lex does not like her pic ... she got it re-taken last week. i'll post the new one when i get it.

Hi!

2008-11-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

yes, we are still here. i am so sorry to all of our faithful readers. life has just taken over these days. once the kids started school, it seems like every day is jam packed with endless things to do.

i've thought of different posts i'd like to make (and have most of them some-what written in my head) ... now to find the time to actually sit and post them ... haha.

thank you for your understanding ...

love always,
nic

quick updates

2008-10-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hi all! i know, i know ... it has been way to long in between posts. i do apologize ...

here's some quick info about us ...

lex is on her trip of a lifetime! she is in walt disney world as i write. enjoying rides that would make me sick. on sunday, she boards the disney wonder cruise. she has no idea the fun that is still to come. the picture above was taken last night at dinner. i believe they went to rainforest cafe. i'm hoping they shared that dessert. i have a belly ache just looking at it.

the boys are wonderful. (but lets remember they are boys, so i use that term loosely) ... anyway ... they were not a bit jealous or resentful that sissy got to go on this trip. they are so excited for her. of course, that means i will be taking them to disneyland a few times in the next week.
they are both doing remarkable in school. they are both really into star wars legos. for halloween jackson is being darth vader and tony (young)obi-wan kenobi.

i took my first of 2 trips to NY for the fall. i went home to surprise my best friend, Alexis, and show up for her bridal shower. she was floored. all of her attendants are out of towners, so to pull this off was amazing. i literally was only home for 1 day. i flew in late friday evening and my flight took off from syracuse at 5am sunday morning. ALL totally worth it!! i will be returning in november for her wedding.

carlos is doing great. busy as usual but balancing it all very well. he and i have mapped out date days with both each other and the kids. something we are needing to be very intentional about.

that's all for now. i must run off to tony's class pretty soon!

hugs,
nic

well, here it is ...

2008-10-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

... my highest game ever! 226, no kidding.

just wanted to share that with you,
nic

what a blast!

2008-10-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

our first Norte backyard BBQ was a hit. we had so much fun. here is a quick slide show, and the stories will come soon. i have to run now, but PROMISE i will write more about it. especially because i ended up with a slight concussion.

'til then,
nic

had to show this to you

2008-09-19T15:03:00.001-07:00

i just had to. lex got home from her trip before the boys got home from school. when they came home, she wanted them to come find her. when they did, WATCH OUT! and here's the pic to prove it.

SHE'S HOME!!!!

2008-09-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

i can't even begin to explain the joy i felt when i saw my baby. she was sitting in the back of the bus, so, of course, it took even longer before i could hug her.
she had a great time! stories upon stories and i'm sure that there are many more to come ... oh and such dirty, smelly laundry. guess what i'm going to be doing in a few minutes?? ...

thanks to all that prayed for a safe trip. my love to you all!
nic

209!!!

2008-09-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

i know most of you probably don't really think that bowling a 209 is something to 'write home about' ... but it is kind of a 'big whup' to me. just recently, i changed my whole style of bowling ... (about 2 months ago) ... i went from throwing a straight ball to a hook ball. i went from bowling conventional to fingertips. so, bowling this well is pretty exciting to me.

now, on a more serious note ... MY GIRL COMES BACK TOMORROW!!! i can't wait!! i've missed her so much. i can't wait to hug her and kiss her face. i can't wait to hear all her stories and things shes learned. i will try and convince her to write some of them on the blog.

thanks for reading,
nic

she's gone for a week :""(

2008-09-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick slide show of the night before and the morning of the day lex when away to Camp Hi-Hill, an outdoor science camp. what a growing experience for both of us. i WAS NOT going to send her. really now? 4 nights/5 days without any contact with her family? with kids and adults i don't really know? WHERE DO I SIGN HER UP?! yeah, right. this is a trip that from the beginning she was not going on. then came the 'backs up against the wall' pressure from her teacher and the principle. ok, ok, i'll go to the presentation to hear what the principle of the science school has to say but she still isn't going.

well, after hearing what this guy had to say and after talking with some mom's that have sent their kids in years past ... i caved. obviously, she went. my issue's with this camp was not ...
- will she eat
- will she brush her teeth
- will she miss me
- will she shower
- will she go #2

... but my concerns were (and still are) ...
- what about the down time
- who is going to try and influence my little girl
- who are these councelors that i've NEVER met
- and what kind of influence will they have on her
- and i have major issue with the kids NOT being able to call home if they feel they NEED to ... what do we as parents teach our kids? NO MATTER WHAT, IF YOU NEED ME AT ANY TIME CALL ME AND I WILL BE RIGHT THERE. YOU CAN TALK TO ME ABOUT ANYTHING AT ANYTIME. that security was completely striped from her. ok, i may be being alittle extreme, but that aspect just doesn't sit well with me. oh well, she'll do fine and will be more independent because of it. when did she grow up?

nic

Jackson's 8th bday

2008-09-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

what a day. the party was pretty laid back. he had a very exclusive list of people he wanted here. "just family" and those friends that we consider family out here. jackson was very easy to please this birthday. you couldn't go wrong if it had anything to do with Star Wars or Lego's.

it is always great to see Kiara. she is so fun to be around. i know anna and damien only live an hour away, but we don't see them nearly as much as we should (or want to). Kiara takes awhile to warm up to us, so by the time it's time to leave, she finally is cool with us. this, of course, excludes the kids. she loves the kids from the second she sees them.

well, i am off to buy MORE school supplies.

nic

1st day of school

2008-09-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

here's some pix from the kids first day of school. i couldn't be happier with the teachers each of them got.
the morning ran so smoothly ... too smoothly if you ask me. the kids got up and dressed and served their own breakfast, all before i was even dressed - i guess they were excited about going to school.
tony prayed the night before that he wouldn't miss me so much that he would cry. well ... he held out until he saw me when i picked him up. (actually, as i sit here and write, i think he told me he cried during the day but no one saw him ... so many stories i heard tonight, i can't remember them all) ... anyway, he made it through, really liked his teacher and was happy that some of his closest friends from K were in his class.
jackson said that he liked his class and teacher but it was way too easy. that they did "an addition only math sheet. mom, can you believe it. it was like i was in kindergarten again." i assured him it would get harder. he really enjoyed getting back to playing tether ball.
lexi said that her class was all work and no play. sorry, kiddo, get used to it. she really likes her teacher. she says he is "really nice and lets them talk even when they are doing work." but when he says "some phrase" (i can't remember it now) all talking is to stop. i guess that works. good for him, maybe i should find out what that phrase is and try it at home, LOL!!!
my first day with all the kids in school full time ... well, i worked. i worked out. took a shower and picked them up. very productive.

... til next time ...
nic

bonfire

2008-08-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

last night was so fun! our first beach bonfire, and it won't be the last. i know the pictures aren't that great but i hope you can get the idea.

today is a relaxing day. right now, i need to go beat carlos in basketball ... but other than that, hopefully the day will be full of a lot of lounging around.

time to school los,
nic

Disney

2008-08-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

sometimes i think i live at Disney, (i know, that's not a bad thing) ... the kids and i have gone the past two days.
one of the best things we did, was get season passes, (thank you Ophelia's place!) Disneyland is only 20 minutes away from us. some days we spend the whole day, some days we just go for a couple hours. i hope you enjoy the pictures.

today, we are off to a play date with some friends and then lexi and i are going to a bonfire at the beach!!

all my love to each of you!
nic

YES!!! we are still here ...

2008-08-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

alright, well, here are some updates of what we have been up to the last couple weeks (only). we've taken 4 trips to the beach, that i have no pix of because i refuse to take my new phone into the sand. at disney, i just forgot to take pix. this is just some of the things we have been up to. hopefully, i will have more time to write soon (the kids and i are about to watch a movie, YAY!! MOVIE NIGHT!!!) until then, enjoy these pix and know that we love you all!!

nic

quick updates

2008-08-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

team cueva is going strong.

nic and los are working like crazy. ever since being back from NY, i've gotten two new clients. INSANE! i now have to start turning clients away. good? sure ... but the insanity of getting all my stuff at home done is going to take some getting used to.

the kids have stepped it up a notch. they are helping out A LOT around the house with chores. lex has taken over the laundry (all except folding it) ... good stuff!!

carlos is working very hard. he amazes me everyday! i don't know how he handles all that he does. he, again, took on more stuff around the house because of my insane schedule. my family ROCKS!

we've spent a lot of time at the beach these past couple of weeks. and the kids spend a lot of time playing basketball and the wii. carlos takes them on bikes rides often when i'm napping or doing something else productive.

thanks for reading.
nic

that one we felt

2008-07-30T21:56:00.001-07:00

yep, the earth quaked under our feet yesterday. not bad, it took just over a year of living in CA to experience an earthquake. and boy was it freaky. i actually felt dizzy after. one of my clients told me that it was the worst that she could remember in this area and she's 87 years old. evidently, there are two different kinds of earthquakes - rolling ones and 'not' rolling ones (whatever that means) and yesterday's was a rolling one. it went on for what seemed like forever. ... and everything i've learned as far as what to do when an earthquake hits ... went right out the window. i was at a new clients house (big and spacious) the earthquake hit, it took me a few seconds to figure out what it was and once it hit me 'it's an earthquake you idiot' - I FROZE. i then looked for a door jam but by then it was over. oh well, maybe next time i won't freeze.

nic

1 picture?

2008-07-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

ok, i know there's got to be more pictures out there of my family on vacation in NY. the shay's sent a whole CD of pictures home with us but somewhere between NY and CA, they got missed placed. i will find them, and as soon as i do, i'll post all 50+ of the pictures lex and katie took of themselves.

this picture was sent to me from Elizabeth's boyfriend, Phil. my kids loved him. it was really great to meet the guy that is dating our lizzy (as lexi would say) ...

thanks for checking our blog,
nic

it's about time, i know ...

2008-07-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

what an insane month. i am sure that most of you feel the same way about summer.

our trip to NY was great! we got to see family and friends that we've missed so very much. BUT the trip was too short. it's amazing how much you can squeeze out of each moment when you have to. i don't think i've ever been so tired both physically and mentally. but it was so worth it.

i have one question for you all ... if you have any pictures from our time in NY, could you please send them to me via email? i don't have any because our camera is busted. i'd love to post some pic's on here. thanks.

the picture above was what we came home to. put there by our friends greg and angie nardo. but that wasn't it ... when we opened our front door - there sat a brand new BBQ grill and gifts for the whole family, including mom.

nic

home safely

2008-07-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

we made it home in record time. i'll update more as time allows. i just wanted to let you all know that we arrived safely.

nic

... here we go again ...

2008-06-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

tonight is the night we start our trek cross country to visit our family and friends in NY. we are so excited!! unfortunately our digital camera busted. so we will not be able to share any photos from this trip on the blog. but hopefully there will be many stories to share ...

... 'til that happens ...

nic

pix

2008-06-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

just wanted to throw a couple recent photo's of the kids on here, so those of you in NY can see how much the kids have changed and will be able to recognize them when we get there ;)

.. and then there was one ...

2008-06-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

lexi has one more event and then we are off to NY!! she's completed all that she has been involved in, with the exception of the play (that will take place this friday and saturday). i can't believe we leave for NY in just 6 short days. and to think i haven't even started to pack, for any of us ...

... ok then, i better get started.

see you new yorkers very soon!
nic

thank you! ...

2008-06-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

... i've felt your prayers. your comments on the blog, emails, and texts have meant a great deal to me. even though my situation hasn't changed much, i feel as though i am handling it better. there just seems to be way too much on my plate right now and sometimes it takes a little while to get used to it all. and really, i don't do well under pressure. you think that would have taught me not to procrastinate so much - NOT!
carlos has been amazing, not only through my melt down, but really ever since i've started my own business. not that he didn't do much around here before but he really has made more of an effort to help out. he does most of the grocery shopping, makes breakfast 99% of the time and cleans up the kitchen when he's done, makes me take naps and sometimes brings me breakfast in bed. he also will make dinner when he knows i'm not able to - whether it be mentally or physically. (and that's just a few of the things.) one day i had had a really killer house to clean and when i got home he had already drawn me a bath and had lunch sitting beside the tub for me. thanks baby! God has really blessed my life through you!!

alright, time to go eat breakfast - and i didn't have to make it ;)
nic

can't sleep, so i write

2008-06-18T04:39:00.000-07:00

unbelievable, i am so tired but i can't sleep. i haven't experienced insomnia before, but if this is it - it sucks! everything in me tells me to sleep, but my brain won't shut down. it does for small intervals, but not nearly long enough. those of you that know me well, know that if asked "what's your favorite thing to do?" i'd say, "sleep." so why can't i? ...

my mind is full of so many things. i feel as if i am starting to spin out of control; something i was afraid was going to happen. i'm looking forward to vacation, but am afraid i'll be too far gone, mentally, to even enjoy it. the things i need to accomplish keep piling up, but my time to actually get them done is diminishing. and now with the kids out of school for the summer, yikes, no time to do things has become 'you better find time, even if it means not sleeping'. there's my answer ... i think ... but come on, no one will want to be around me if i don't sleep. i guess God is teaching me a lesson on time management. a lesson i need but better learn quickly because i don't know how much more i can take.

i feel like i am being beat up in all areas of my life. mentally, too much stuff rolling around in my brain to make sense out of any of it. physically, i'm not at a weight i'm comfortable with, i don't have any time to do anything about it and if i do i'm just too spent to actually work-out. emotionally, forget it. that may be where i'll hit rock bottom first. everything from the kids, to friends, to marriage - not that any of them are out of control -well, the kids maybe- ;) but being the tie that bids each one together is a tie i am beginning to lose my grip on. spiritually, if my faith wasn't in Jesus Christ, the God and author of my life, i'd already be in the fetal position, in the corner, sucking my thumb.

... and i haven't even started on my guilt issues ... and i won't ... at least not now.

thanks for listening ... i've got to go start making lists of things i need to get done.
nic

last days of school

2008-06-12T16:44:00.001-07:00

what a year! i can't believe how quickly it went by. here are some pic's of the kids in some of their end-of-year festivities. ENJOY!

nic

By Her Words

2008-06-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

'By Her Words' is the play that lexi is in. i've attached a link to youtube, that will allow you to see the movie trailer if you want.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp0stsdbFf8

she is doing so amazingly well, we are very proud of her. but please pray for her, i'm not sure the amount of pressure she will feel as the play gets closer.

i tried also to get the promo poster on the blog, but i'm not having any luck. if you would like to see it, let me know and i'll send it to your email. i also hope to get some pix of one of her photo shoots on here as well.

thanks for reading and praying,
nic

ps - i do want to warn you, if i were to rate the play - i'd probably give it a PG-13 rating (maybe higher). i had to have many conversations with lex ...

bowling, bowling, bowling ...

2008-05-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

... she says as she shakes her head ... it's a funny thing, no matter how badly you do, you still can't wait to get up there and bowl your next ball. in hopes, of course, that you do better. 'better' should come, right? well, my 2nd week of league bowling was disappointing. not my first game, but my second and third game left A LOT to be desired. i'd like to share with you what one gentleman said in conversation that i happened to overhear, but i'm afraid it'll sound too prideful ... oh well, when have i ever been able to keep my mouth shut (don't answer that) ... he said, "that girl throws a mean ball." THAT, i am afraid, was the beginning of my downfall that evening. pride, does in fact, go before the fall. not that i was prideful, but i now knew that people were watching me (that sounds prideful doesn't it?) well, hopefully you all know me well enough to know that i'm not trying to be conceited. if there is one reason to dislike bowling, it is that - I HATE WHEN PEOPLE WATCH. it makes me nervous. thus, the bad bad bowling in games 2 and 3.

alright, that's it for now. we are off to fontana to visit carlos' family (without carlos because he has a meeting tomorrow) but we will go and swim and have fun without him!!,
nic

ps - team photo to come, but 'some of us' weren't in a very good mood after bowling to take a pic. hopefully next week.

quick updates

2008-05-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

Carlos and i are doing very well. Norte and Halogen are keeping carlos extremely busy (not to mention the work he does for LLCF-north. he volunteers with the youth among other things.)

Me? i am now working at least once a week as carlos' secretary. i am cleaning like a mad women. i am up to 9 clients now. as for scheduling, i've left fridays completely open so that when the kids are out of school, i will have one full day with them. thankfully, my schedule allows me afternoons with them because i am only working in the mornings. i love my job. i have also started to bowl on a league. so very excited about that. hopefully, i'll have a pic of my team to post after wednesday. last week was my first week. i did fairly well, except for the fact that the first ball i threw was a gutter. YIKES! i can just imagine what my team thought. but i redeemed myself ... i think, i did pick up the spare (what my kids like to call a spare/strike.) my best game that night was a 174. not bad for someone that has never bowled regularly.

the kids are doing great. i hope to post an individual post about each one of them soon. but for now ... they are all looking forward to the last day of school (june 12th) AND they CAN NOT WAIT to go to NY in july!!

Lex is keeping busy busy busy. she is working so hard on the play she is in. i am so proud of her, she is doing amazingly. she has already had her chorus concert and is looking forward to her trumpet concert, mainly so i will stop hounding her to practice. she will be leading worship at church in a few weeks, something she is looking so forward to.

Jax is doing well. he was tested for the 'gifted' program in long beach. hopefully we'll know soon whether he made it in or not. in his words, "the test was easy, mom, and fun." wow, someone who actually likes standardized tests.

tony is great. he wrote his first song last week. he came home from school and started singing this song. and when he was done, he said to me that he made it up at school that day. since then, carlos has worked on the chorus with him (he made up the verses all by himself) and they have recorded it. he's sung it for his sunday school class and i guess they made up hand motions for it. i will try and work on getting a sound bite on here (i'm not sure if i can actually do that ???? anyone???)

i think that gets you some what caught up. pics to come of various activities.

'til then,
nic

has it really been a week?

2008-05-23T22:45:00.000-07:00

wow, just when i thought i was getting better at posting on the blog, i let a whole week go by ... sorry ...

here are some more pics of the kiddos at bball ... in some, i pointed them out just in case you couldn't find them in the last batch of pics ...

... i know, i'm just just a little anal retentive ...

'til next time,
nic

bball @ LLCF

2008-05-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

many of you know that my babies have been playing basketball at our church. this is the first year that LLCF has put on a free basketball league - and of course Team Cueva was ALL over that.

it certainly has been a roller coaster ride. the first week of practice (the day the first 3 pics were taken) jackson wanted NOTHING to do with playing, which is why there isn't a pic of him in our front yard. that soon changed when he went to practice with lex and tony. so, the second week, he was on a team. since then, tony has given up. well, not entirely, he wants to go to practice but will not play in games. he is still a little confused about how the whole 'game' works. he goes to cheer on his team but refuses to play. every week he comes up with some excuse. lately, it's been, "mom, i really need to rest more. i think i'll sleep in on saturday." this week, he does have a legit excuse, though ... this past week he fell off of the jungle gym at school and has a concussion. he is fine, but physical activity is limited, at least through this weekend.

jackson is on the verge of quitting. he gets a bit frustrated on the court. thankfully, this league is only a month.

lex ... let's just say she takes after her mom. she is a natural on the court. she really enjoys playing and is good at it, too.

well, we are off to play ...
nic

Karaoke Party @ the Nardo's

2008-05-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

what a blast! even i sang and i was so set against it before i got there. my favorite songs to sing were the one's from High School Musical! enjoy the slide show.

nic

you know you're cleaning too much when ...

2008-05-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

... you dust your husband in the middle of the night.

really, i woke up in the middle of a dream and found myself cleaning carlos. pretty funny, huh? that just gives you some idea of the work that God has blessed me with. my cleaning business has sored. i can't believe just 3 short months ago, we were wondering how in the world we were going to continue to live where we are living and do what we are doing and provide for our family. i have 4 people, and God (of course) to thank for it all. the first 2 are my very best friend out here, angie and her husband greg for listening to God's prompting and taking it upon themselves to see that my family had all we needed. i can't even begin to list all that they have done for us. among the many many blessings they have ever so sacrificially given to my family, they offered me the honor of cleaning their hair salon. and i so graciously accepted.
now, a day or so before this i had had an interview for an office position at another church. a job that both carlos and myself thought God was placing in my lap. but as i prayed about it, i felt very strongly that "i'm not suppose to take this job." (my words exactly) but in light of our situation and carlos saying "you've got to take this job, nicole, we need you to." i was willing to give it a shot, but really i didn't feel like i was suppose to. that leads me to the 3rd person i have to thank, pastor latch, the pastor that interviewed me for the position at his church. simply for not giving me the job. if he didn't listen to God saying 'not her', i probably would have taken the job.
although this confirmed my feeling that i wasn't suppose to work there, it left us in the same position - huge bills and not enough money to cover them. i had one place to clean and no other prospects. that next sunday, i was sitting in church worried about what we were going to do. if there is something i've learned over and over again in my life - don't worry, PRAY. and that's exactly what sarah, my 4th angel, did for me. when i couldn't pray, she did it for me. at LLCF, they have prayer at the cross every service during a more intimate time of worship. at carlos' asking, sarah took me to the cross and prayed for me and the family. specifically about our financial situation. as i sobbed and sobbed, sarah prayed and prayed. her shirt was soaked when she was done, with my tears and who knows what else. but as i walked away from the cross, God gave me two visions that i clung to. the first being that God is our daddy. He is going to give us what we need when we need it. and the second, the flood gates were going to open. and that leads me to now ... they have. i won't bore you with how each customer came to be, but i am happy to report that i have 8 clients and they keep coming! (i have a couple phone calls to return today.) God is so amazing and i thank Him for placing these people in my life and using them to bless me and my family.
i do know that besides these 4 people, many many people have been and continue to pray for us. words can never express how blessed and honored i am that you would go to God on our behalf. THANK YOU to all that have shown us love in this manner. AND thank you to all that listened to my bellyaching over this whole situation. you all have earned a jewel in your crown.

thanks for reading,
nic

just ONE event

2008-04-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

if going out to eat is an event ... then this is just ONE event that happened my trip home last month. these pics are from a get together that Karen E put together, so that some of my friends could have a more intimate time with me during my visit. it took place at one of my favorite restaurants, BANGKOK!! Thank you Karen for putting this together (really, did you have any choice in the matter? (wink)) i wish i could put into words how incredibly loved, appreciated, missed, and supported i felt that night. and ADAM, i am so glad you were there. i needed as many BEAR HUGS as i could get before going back to cali. (thanks for sharing him nicole)

that's it for now ...

condolences

2008-04-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

as i sit here and write, dear friends of ours gather (in NY) to remember and say goodbye to an extremely incredible lady. it is so hard for us to be so far away and not able to be of some support to the family and friends that Marie Cook leaves behind - a loving husband, 2 daughters, many grandchildren, uncountable friends, and her mom. the pain of the loss of such a wonderful person is quite unbearable. many prayers and thoughts go out to all deeply affected by Marie's death.

i have to share one of my favorite memories of Marie. there are so many, but this one has always stuck out in my mind and i've shared it with her many times ...

playing bunko with Marie was always so much fun. but for her it always took her a little longer to see what she rolled, for the simple reason of - she was partially blind. well, i remember so vividly one time her and i were partners. she had rolled a bunko but the only one that didn't know it yet was her. as she looked at each die, individually, her excitement grew until she finally yelled "BUNKO!"

Marie is so incredible missed. someone like her is never forgotten but remembered ever so fondly for her faith in God, her loving spirit, her unselfish giving of her time and efforts, and her over all sacrificial character.

much love and support to her family and dear friends,
nic

Tony's Birthday

2008-04-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

i know there's not many pictures ... unfortuately the camera batteries died, and i didn't get a chance to change them. ... but here's some pictures to keep you occupied until i get a chance to write.

love, love, love,
nic

Peanut's visit

2008-04-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

i apologize for this being all that i have time to post. no time to write right now (that's for you uncle harry ;) ) i think once this weekend is over (been planning a big bday party for tony - among a bunch of other stuff) i should have some time to sit and write write write.

love to you all!
nic

2008-04-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

is this not hilarious, an 86 year old playing the Wii!! gram is having a great time here. more pics and stories to come.

i know, i know

2008-03-27T07:37:00.001-07:00

i can't even begin to write about all the goings-on these past few weeks. but let me start with my trip to NY. wow, what a trip!! talk about non-stop fun! it was so incredible to see so many of the people that have meant so much to me. each day i was there, was jammed pack. i was eating out breakfast, lunch and dinner. now, that's insane. i haven't stepped on a scale (mainly because i don't own one), but i am sure that i'm not where i was before i went. not that i need to be - whatever the backlash - IT WAS ALL WORTH IT!!
i'm sorry to do this, but i have to end this for now. duties call ... there's so much more to write about. i can't wait to tell you all about our grand opening for Norte. in case you don't know, here are some other blogs that carlos has started. let me first disclaim, i have nothing to do with them. but if he's going to write something, he'll write it on one of these.

http://spanishvenue.blogspot.com/
http://nortechurch.blogspot.com/

also, i'd love to finish telling you all about my trip. and let you know that my gram is here! she flew back with me and is staying with us for 20 days.

oh and, my cleaning busy has taken off. wow, God is really beginning to 'open the flood gates'. a specific prayer that was prayed for me.

... hopefully time will allow me to write more really soon.

hugs to all those who want them,
nic

do i really leave tomorrow?

2008-03-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

SO much to say and NO time to say it!!

oh wow, what a week and it's only tuesday? i wish i had time to sit and write all the things that have been taking place this week (and leading up to this week) ... but we'll all have to settle for the fact that time doesn't permit to write of it all, right now at least.

i will be heading to NY, tomorrow, (YAY!) ... but i leave for carlos a week of INSANITY! i am so thankful for the support system that God has so graciously provided for us out here. because los is going to need it. the upcoming week for the kids, is going to be the busiest week they'll have since being here. so, when you read this, please pray for carlos and the kids ... thanks!

the big question ... have i packed yet - NO!

'til i have time,
nic

2008-03-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

YAY, this time next week i will be in LIVERPOOL, rockin' 'round the clock!!

don't have any time to write right now,
nic

a rekindled love

2008-02-29T08:26:00.000-08:00

this story starts way back in elementary school. now my memory isn't that great so i'm sure this will be the vaguest story ever. i was in 6th grade in a school that went up to 8th. 6th, 7th and 8th graders were pretty much separated from the 'younger' kids and we got to participate in more activities, of course, right? (this is when i started to play basketball, one of my all time loves) ... but also we got to take part in a bowling league after school if we wanted. and i did. i must have bowled for 2 years on the league, then the school closed and so was the end of my bowling career. my mom used to bowl every week on an adult league and i would go with her and watch. i loved to bowl so much that my mom bought me my very own ball. but as things do so often, bowling got pushed aside. once in a while i would bust out my ball and bowl with some friends. but nowhere even close to often enough.

fast forward to married life. now, those of you that know carlos, know that the 'social scene' is not one of his favorites. and i would guess that bowling falls into that category. "i get bored after a couple frames," he tells me. he's humored me two, maybe three, times in our 13 years of marriage. and i respect him enough to not push him to go with me. besides, we have enough other things in common to keep us busy. (i will say that he has actually gone once since we've lived in cali. and i'm sure it was only because our friends, greg and angie, asked us to go with them.) ...

to get back to my story ...

once we started having kids, forget about 'me time'. well, not completely, but at least all the fringe stuff. so my ball (like carlos' golf clubs) sat up on a shelf in the garage collecting dust and who knows what else. maybe it's just me, but as a mom i've lost all identity. i've become mom and wife and coming up a distant, distant third myself. carlos often tells me,
"go and do something for yourself." my response, "i don't know what i would do."
"go to starbucks, grab a coffee and read." read? "no way. i've never enjoyed reading."
"why don't you scrapbook?" "because i'm already too far behind that it stresses me out just thinking about it."
"go for a run." yeah right, i really hate to exercise. BUT if i could play basketball, now you're talking. (i think that's the only 'identity' i've held onto all these years.)

so that brings me to last night. i was out bowling until 12:30am, yes AM! with greg and angie. (and you all know how much i LOVE to sleep) i had such a great time. i actually bowled pretty well, for not bowling for years and years. but not as well as greg ... he bowled a 300!! what a blast! greg and angie are on a couple leagues, i'm hoping to be able to join them some day!!

... so?, my rekindled love? ... BOWLING!

(sorry to those of you that thought this was going to be all mushy or spiritual),
nic

15 more days!

2008-02-26T09:39:00.000-08:00

but who's counting? ... me obviously ...

let the lists begin! so much needs to be done before i leave and so much needs to happen while i am away. BUT all the preparations and all the arrangements that need be get done for the kids while i am gone is most definitely worth it. i can't believe that i will be in liverpool in just 2 short weeks. i can't even begin to imagine all the emotions i will go through. what will it be like to be 'just visiting' and not having a place of my own? what will it be like to be there without carlos and my kids? how in the world is 5 days enough to visit all the people i want to see? is there enough mealtimes to visit all of my favorite restaurants? WOW, i can't wait to see everyone. i can't wait to see faces that i've missed for 8 months. i can't wait to see my family (biological and chruch) and hug them until it hurts. ALL this is so much more important than my FEAR of flying. i still can't believe that i have to fly by myself - YIKES! this coming from the girl that get's sick just driving by an airport. oh well, i guess i'll be growing up pretty quickly in that area. a wise women once told me (mama J.!), "if you're meant to get shot, you won't get hung." (or i think that's how it went) but the meaning is still very evident. don't live in fear of death, because when it's going to happen, it'll happen and i have no say in it.

love to you all!
nic

Hannah And Me

2008-02-20T18:26:00.000-08:00

This is my friend Hannah. She lives down the street from me!!! We are in the same class in school!! And I just wanted to share a note that she gave me on Valentine's Day!
And it said:

Hi Lexi,
I am so glad GOD made us friends, and also I'm so glad that GOD made us!!!!You are the bestest friend a girl like me could ever have!!!! Also your family is so awesome!!!! Expecially YOU are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well g2g bye
I love you,
Hannah.

I am soooooooooooooooooooo glad GOD provided Hannah to me!!!!!!!! Even though I miss my other best friends Katie and Sarah A LOT, I think Hannah is a great friend!!!!!!!
I love you all,
Lexi Cueva

quick catch-up

2008-02-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

so much has happened since i've last posted an entry. so much that i don't even know where to start.

let me first start by saying ... 22 more days until i take my trip to NY!!! i am so looking forward to connecting with people that i miss and love so much. there is NO WAY that 5 days will be enough ... i am hoping that going to the 'girlfriends' event on the 14th will allow some much needed time to connect with friends and that palm sunday will give me the time i need with my family.

to put it simply ... i've had an interview for an administrative assistant job at another church that i was sure to get, but didn't. i've picked up a couple cleaning jobs and am looking for a couple more to bring us close to surviving out here. God has been so incredibly gracious to us, and has provided all we need. i know that won't change, but we are feeling tremendous pressure for me to find some sort of income. so ... i clean. the two jobs i already have, have come to me by way of our 'west coast mexitalian family' - Angie and Greg. God just keeps blessing our family through them. i am cleaning the beauty salon and their house. i am continuing to wait for doors to open (and close) in hope to find more opportunities. my prayer is to not work at the expense of being around for my kids. and i think that cleaning lends itself to that. i'm looking to fill my monday's and maybe another day ... i'll keep you posted.

yesterday was such a fun day for us. carlos and i took the kids to a nearby park and had a picnic. we played soccer, baseball, and flew the remote plans that were gifts from uncle mike and aunt paula. what a blast!! i can't believe how nice the weather is. to be playing outside in the winter with shorts and being able to wash the cars - it is taking some getting used to.

alright, for now i must go. i am so behind in all aspects of my life. the papers from the kids school are piled HIGH. each piece needs to be read and filed in either one of the keep files or the trash. laundry is also backed up ... and not just the dirty, but the 'to be folded' and the 'to be put away' piles. about the only thing that i'm not behind in is sleep. i slept almost 12 hours last night. CRAZY, huh? i guess i needed it.

thanks for putting up with my rambling,
nic

maybe this time ...

2008-02-11T07:22:00.001-08:00

everytime i go to post an entry, something comes up. our computer has been on the fritz for the past few days and things are crazy around here. anyway ... YES, my family made it back from mexico safe and sound. they had a good time. the kids wish they could have interacted, verbal, more with the kids, but they did just fine playing and doing crafts with them. thank you to all that prayed!

tony and me? we (or should i say 'I') locked ourselves out of the house the day los was in mexico. and guess where our other key was - in mexico! i think i should make another copy and hide it some where outside. i'll have to tell the whole story next time ... i've got to run now!

nic

mexico bound

2008-02-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

just a quick entry to ask all that are reading this today to pray for 3 of our family members. carlos and alexis and jackson are going to mexico today, (hopefully are already there but i haven't heard anything yet). they are going to visit and minister to an orphanage there. they went with carlos' cousins, who go there once a month or so.

tony and i are having a fun day to ourselves.

thanks for your prayers for a safe return. hopefully, carlos will take pictures that i can post.

nic

many thanks

2008-02-04T08:16:00.001-08:00

thanks everyone, for your love and support after reading my last blog entry. sorry i was such a downer ...
that day has come and gone and now i am thrusted back into life (not like i ever left). i do need to tell you of one more thing that happened that day that made the day even worse. I FORGOT TO PICK THE KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL! WOW, talk about a messed up day. probably not many of you know that 2 of my kids get out at 2pm EVERY THURSDAY. i guess i just forgot that it was thursday. that evening we were having some friends over for dinner so i was cooking up a storm. i even made sauce from scratch-scratch (not just opening some cans of crushed tomatoes and adding my seasonings) carlos' mom gave us a bunch of ripe tomatoes, so i thought i'd try to make my sauce from them. it came out quite good, if i do say so myself and our guests agreed. so anyway, i was cooking and my phone rang. i didn't answer it, of course, because if i don't recognize the #, i don't answer it. the person (lex) didn't leave a message, so i just went about my business. a little while later (it was 2:38p), it rang again, this time it was the school's number. lex was on the other end and for a moment i was scared because i thought something had happened to her. nope, that wasn't the case. she said. "mom, where are you?" then it hit me, it's thursday!! ah man, i felt terrible. and the thing that makes me laugh the most about it now is what jackson said to lex as they were waiting for me, "maybe she got hurt or something and is dead." i feel so horrible for the mental pain i put them both through. BUT the evening progressively got better, i am happy to say. we really enjoyed the company of our dinner guests and dinner came out great ;)

thanks again for your prayers and concerns.
nic

today is one of those days ...

2008-01-31T14:16:00.000-08:00

i'm just melancholy. one of those days when i just miss my old life. my life in liverpool, NY, cozy liverpool - (not the weather of course) - but the comfortableness of what my life was. i'm not saying that life here isn't great (b/c it is) and i've met some really INCREDIBLE people that will most likely be friends for a lifetime, but today - i want my friends and family (extended family) right next to me, not 3000 miles away. ever been there, ever wanted to go back?

days like this came more often when we first moved and i haven't seen one in a really long time ... but today i am relying on God's upholding to make it through.

thanks for listening ...

nic

what a weekend!

2008-01-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

i wish i had pictures to share ... lex went away on her first retreat (2 nights!) and has not been able to stop talking about it since she's been home.

it was so hard to see my baby go. my weekend was full of MANY prayers for her safety, guidance, protection, and fun. as if i didn't trust God enough already, i felt like i had to trust Him even more because i wasn't in control of anything. i wasn't even able to hear from her - augh! - more of a 'no news, is good news' concept. all in all, the weekend went by pretty quickly, distractions were many, and now she is home under my care again! i am trying to get a hold of some pictures, so that you (and i) can see what a blast she had.

the Nardo's

2008-01-15T13:02:00.000-08:00

i don't even know where to begin with the nardo's. greg and angie are beyond words. they have taken our family on as their own. I consider greg my 'west coast' brother. does anyone think he looks like mike? carlos and i do. you've got to see this guy talk. he and my bro have the same facial expressions and hand gestures. just this sunday (the day he cut the boy's hair) he was telling me a story and i had to stop him and say 'that was totally something my brother would do'. hanging with him makes me sad sometimes because he really makes me miss my brother but other times it's like my brother is with me. oh well ... (mike, you've really got to come visit!!)

greg and angie are already heavily involved with Norte, our bilingual service. greg plays guitar with the worship band (picture this, carlos sandwiched between 2 full blooded italians). greg is also one of Norte's biggest cheerleaders. angie, at times, has had to run slides for music, with no prior experience. the support and dedication they have for our church already proves to be ENORMOUS!! everyone needs a greg and angie.

but it doesn't stop at their dedication to the church, their friendship and willingness to help out our family is amazing. let's just take the haircuts, for example ... they refuse to take any money. how crazy is that? but what a blessing! they've cut everyone's hair in this family, with the exception of carlos. ...(oh, by the way, the day greg cut the boys hair, angie styled mine ... b/c you know i could never do that (picture above)) ...

... this is just 'some' of what the nardo's have done. the list of thoughtfulness, love, support, friendship, and blessings goes on and on.

packing up christmas

2008-01-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

as i FINALLY packed up christmas today, i was reminded of another memory of last january (not an exciting one, but one none the less) ...

when i packed up christmas last year, i was also packing for our move. and packing for our move meant 'getting rid of stuff.' we had ('had' being the key word) so many christmas decorations that i needed to downsize. why? because there was no way we would have enough room in our little apartment in california for so much. haha, where was my faith? God didn't provide us with a teeny apartment, he blessed us with a HOUSE. let me tell you, i missed some of that christmas stuff i got rid of. these are the moments that make pack rat's say, "i told you we'd need it." need?, no. but it would have been nice to have just a couple things. oh well. christmas came and went just the same and it really didn't matter how, or even if, the house was decorated. JESUS is here and that's all that matters!

hugs to you all!

nic

back to school they go!

2008-01-07T11:20:00.001-08:00

the kid's winter break is finally over. they went back to school today. it's hard to get back into the swing of things when you've had 16 days off. but here we are ... life as usual ...

what a year 'team cueva' has had. i'd love to do a year in review. i think i will attempt it in a different manner, though. for me it just sounds too overwhelming to sit and write about a whole year at once.

our year has definitely been full of many ups and downs (forget that, isn't life in general full of peaks and valleys?), of course.

january of '07 was the beginning of a journey that when i look back at it i say "whoa, did we really do that!!?" after much prayer and wise counsel, carlos and i made a decision, as of 1/1/07, to move clear across the country to a foreign land, to all but carlos, called california. january '07 was full of many many tears as we told close family and friends what was going to take place. actually, as i think more about it, i think at this point we still had to be very closed lipped about it. i guess the 'many many tear's' belonged to me. i wish i could remember when exactly we started telling people (i'll have to ask los, he'll know) but i do remember each persons reaction when we told them. wow, i hated not being able to talk about it just yet. but thankfully, i took one very dear friend along for the ride. she was able to process and just hear me vent and see the tears and just, very simply, be listening ears. that i needed, but for those of you that know me well, keeping my mouth shut isn't one of my strong suits.

work on our home began (or should i say began to be finished?) 9 years of renovations needed to be completed so we could put our house up for sale. so, what started was a very gruelling process. many lists were made, and remade as time progressed. i don't think i've ever seen los work so hard - and i mean that in a good way, not negatively. but it is amazing what a little motivation will do to a man - heehee.

another thing that came along with the decision we made was thinking, in everything we do, ... 'this will probably be the last time we do this with so and so,' that's a hard concept to live by. but one that makes you appreciate WHAT you have WHEN you have it.

january '07 now has it spot in our memories. i'm wishing i could remember more ... and if i do, you'll be the first to know.

thanks for reading! ...
nic

... just a little late

2007-12-31T14:34:00.000-08:00

Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year from Team Cueva!

what a tremendous first CHRISTmas in cali. emotionally, i did a lot better than expected. my mom was here, so that helped. and we were surrounded by plenty of loving family members and friends, that it helped to make our first CHRISTmas here a memorable one.

many blessings to you this new year!

nic

the REFRESHING Fasoldts

2007-12-17T16:13:00.000-08:00

what a refreshing time with our dear friends al and nancy! i can't even begin to tell you how incredible it was to have them around.

i guess i'll start with al and carlos ... oh my, they didn't stop talking to each other ... computers, ministry, dogs, church, family, sports, ... the list goes on and on. you'd never know that they were both introverts. i was actually quite amazed (in a good way).

nancy and i started MANY conversations, that i'm not even sure we finished all of them. so much to chat about and not nearly enough time. i can't explain what a breath of fresh air it was to have her around.

lex and jacob and joshua ... she was in her glory. the dogs loved her. when we weren't out and about, lex was constantly hanging with them. the dogs also took to jackson and tony, but not like they did to lex. there is no doubt in my mind ... lex NEEDS to own a dog.

i was surprised (and i shouldn't have been) but the kids took to al and nancy like there has been no time lapse. it was incredible. they say that dogs have a sixth sense, but maybe kids do too ... the fasoldts are such great people, the kids just felt at home with them. and i am sure that the fact that al and nancy drove them around in the mobile home (otto) had nothing to do with it ;) wow, they loved that.

time is short right now, because i'm getting ready for a very special guest to arrive tomorrow - MY MOM! but i wanted to share with you a glimpse of our time with the REFRESHING Fasoldts.

our 13th anniversary

2007-12-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

13 years of pure bliss ... come on now, you know that's not true. BUT 13 years of definite fun, love, and lessons to learn from. it amazes me that no matter how much time you spend with someone, there is still a world to learn and relearn about them. what i love most about being married to carlos? ... the level of comfortableness we feel toward each other. there is no one else that i have that with and no one else i would want that with.

with the help of a couple friends ... i planned our anniversary this year. something that i've never done, that's usually carlos' deal. but i still think our 11th anniversary wore him out and he is still FRESH out of ideas. if you don't know about our 11th, let me know and i'll be more than happy to share the story with you. anyway, after the kids went to school, los and i went out to breakfast at IHOP, i was craving pumpkin pancakes. (to my dismay, the best pumpkin pancakes in town are not at IHOP but Mimi's!!) after our breakfast, we made our way to 'Gondola Getaway' with a stop at Starbucks before hand. after some picture taking, (i do not like to get my pic taken, but carlos insisted that i be in the scenery pics), we were on our way. our gondolier looked just like Neil Hafter! (brittani's husband) - wierd ... we learned a lot about long beach history. there are 5 bridges that we pass under throughout the ride and one of the ride rules is that YOU HAVE TO KISS UNDER EACH ONE. great!, if you're not sick, which at this point carlos was. sooooo, guess who got sick the next day? me! and am still not feeling all that great. ... i had more stuff planned for the day, but am not willing to share details of that - heehee. our 13th was definitely a memorable one.

love to you all!
nic

highlights!

2007-12-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

'tis the season to be busy!! here's are some highlights of what's been going on the past month ... and there is more to come ...

we have visitors arriving this saturday!! Al and Nancy Fasoldt will be here for the weekend! we can't wait to see them.

enjoy this pic's,
nic

Tony's a star

2007-11-25T17:03:00.000-08:00

it was a while back, but i promised to post a pic of tony's 'star of the week' poster. well, here it is. he is still so proud of it. it now hangs in the boys room.

thank you for all the thoughts and prayers that went out to our family this past week. our thanksgiving was good ... different, of course, but good different. a year to start new traditions. this time last year our house was already decorated for christmas. a tradition that we started with our kids, was recording the macy's thanksgiving day parade and watching on friday as we decorated our artificial tree and unpacked all of the christmas decorations. everyone was excited to help the first 1/2 hr, then shortly after that it just became a big mess for me to finish. anyway, i digress ... back to thanksgiving ... (how did i get on christmas?) ... oh, traditions. we had thanksgiving dinner at carlos' parent's house. anna did most of the cooking and transported it over. crazy, seeing as she has a 4 month old. but she did a tremendous job. i made some of my families favorites, that were a staple when we were in NY. after over stuffing ourselves on thursday and playing board game after board game, friday was pretty laid back. anna and i thought we'd go shopping first thing in the morning but i didn't make it out of bed until after 9a. (i did manage to get to toys r us, later.) then that night, los and i took the kids to the movies with anna, damien and kiara. that was fun. the kids really enjoy hanging with kiara. i wish i had pic's. for some reason, i neglected to take pic's of our first thanksgiving here. i did get one of carlos and his mom, that i'll post another time. ... oh, i forgot, carlos and damien went to play flag football thursday morning. they were both pretty sore the next couple of days.

and here i sit ... having the first major holiday behind me. i am looking forward to my mom coming out for christmas. that'll make christmas a little easier. even though thanksgiving was great out here, i still REALLY missed my family in NY. not to mention, my family at LCC. I LOVE YOU ALL!! and i look forward to seeing you in march (when i am home for a couple days) and then again in JULY!!!

hugs to you all!
nic

Thank You

2007-11-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

Thank You to those who have sent us pic's of what we are missing, so far, this winter! I can't say that i miss the snow and cold, but it's fun to see. keep the pics coming, so i don't miss home so much.

nic

i know, i know

2007-11-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

it's been too long once again. i am sure i have lost a lot of readers. so thank you to those who have stuck it out.

our lives have very much been a routine. which is why there isn't much to blog about.

i've got to go get some lunch for antonio, (which is what he likes to go by now - funny, huh?), so hopefully i'll have some time to blog later.

sorry,
nic

the pumpkins

2007-11-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Hi, I miss everyone in NY so much. This is the first year that we have ever carved pumpkins and it was so much fun. Hope you enjoy the slide show. Love, Alexis

Hi people in the world that read this. We carved pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. Love, Tony

our halloween

2007-11-01T13:44:00.001-07:00

... i just realized that i didn't take any pics of the kids with their pumpkins. i'll have to do that tonight and post at another time ...

fun was had by all. anna and damien and kiara spent the day with us. we carved pumpkins, had dinner together, went to LLCF for their annual 'trunk or treat' (which was pretty much a festival - GREAT TIME!) then we went trick or treating in our neighborhood. by the time we got home from LLCF jackson was DONE! he did not want to go trick or treating and asked to go home. we MADE him do a few houses then sent him home with carlos. the after party consisted of the traditional sorting of the candy and eating of junk! this is actually the first year that jackson didn't yack. he always eats himself sick. the candy is still spread across our floor because the kids haven't had a chance to trade yet. hopefully, that'll happen after school today.

'til next time... many hugs!
nic

feeling better

2007-10-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

after spending a couple days in bed, i am feeling much better. i'm not sure what got me down, but i hope that my family doesn't get it.

halloween ... the kids are so excited. lexi is going to be a METS baseball player, jackson is going to be boba fett from star wars (or a ninja ... he'll probably change his mind once he gets home from school) and tony is woody from toy story. tony was the only one of the three that could dress up for school (and that was only for the first 20 minutes of school.) they had a cute little parade around in a circle to show off their costumes to parents and the other kinder classes. i'll post pics when i can. once again, i am having problems downloading pics. i need to get a certain program in order to do it.

aunt anna, uncle damien, and kiara are on their way over to spend halloween with us. we will carve pumpkins and trick or treat together. our church is having a trunk or treat event with games and jumper's, so we will probably stop by there as well. fun fun fun!

many have asked about our first sunday. it was good! it was fun playing all of my new instruments. carlos did a very good job preaching in spanish. the worship team consists of carlos and myself. (sort of an unplugged set) that was cool, but i miss our team from LCC.

...i just looked at the time, i have to go get the kiddos from school ...

nic

fires

2007-10-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

HEY, i just wanted to quickly let you all know that we are fine. so far no fires are real close to us. our air quality is poor and we can smell them. in school, the kids are staying in for recess and PE. carlos and i will not be running for a few days (maybe longer.)

now for the fun stuff ...

we are very excited that the bilingual service is starting this sunday! i will be part of carlos' worship team. the church doesn't have any auxiliary percussion so guess what we did yesterday ... we went out and got me some!! now that's exciting! i got a set of congas (black) and an auxiliary kit that includes a tambourine, triangle, an egg shaker, another shaker, and a cowbell. to that i already have a set of claves and a couple wood blocks. (can you tell i'm excited?) the cool thing is that they are ours. i will have to lug them to and from church each week, but at least i will be able to practice and play throughout the week. YEAH!!

some quick news about the kids ... lex and tony are 'citizen of the month' at school. they will be part of an assembly thursday morning and get their pic with the principle on the wall (in the office, i think.)

i've got to run and get tony to school.

nic

2007-10-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

here i sit, a full 11 days since the last entry. not only have i not been doing well with keeping the blog up but i have 30 emails sitting in my inbox that need to be responded to. WOW! ... do i feel the love. (not to mention the comments i have to answer on myspace and facebook) ... i know, wah wah. i'm not whining, i guess i'm just apologizing.

last week was a good week for team cueva ...

los and i found out that we did, in fact, get the money from the conference. they will be supplementing his income for the next 2 years. PRAISE GOD!!
tony had his first play date. not only that, but the mom (jackie) and i get a long really well. they are a christian family and have 3 kids as well. the oldest is tony's age, then there is a 4 yr old and a 1 yr old (that i just adore). i am definitely getting my baby fill from her.
i went to our new churches women's retreat a weekend ago. it was a great experience for me. i met a lot of women from the church and God really spoke to me through the speakers (who were amazing). i came home a new mom and wife.

so that's the low down on last week and this one is starting off pretty well. lex actually found out last week that a girl from her class lives just down the street from us. she is very excited about that. the girl, hannah, came over today after school for a homework date and stayed for dinner. lex really needs this. hannah comes from a christian family and seems to be someone that lex will get along very well with. exciting for both her and me. ... now we just need to find a friend for jackson ... he seems to get along well with everyone but i haven't found him talking about just one kid individually. we'll see.

carlos and i got out today for a bike ride together. my legs are aching as i write. i think i actually had an anxiety attack while on the ride. we had to stop so i could relax a bit. not sure what that was all about, but i'm alive and recuperating. we (carlos and i) are trying to get out for lunch at least once a week. we don't have a lot of time alone but we are trying to make the best of what we do have.

'til next time, thanks for reading,
nic

quick update

2007-10-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

i just wanted to let those of you that have been praying for our assessment today to know that it went very well. we won't find out for at least 10 days what the next step is, but there are at least 2 more groups of people that have to get their hands on our 'case' before we find out how much money we will get. it went so well, that the two guys that were assessing us offered us a job if this one didn't work out.

gotta run for now,
nic

finally ...

2007-10-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

really now, how long has it been? i am afraid that i've lost many readers ... so this better be good, huh?

well, we got our computer back - THANK YOU DAMIEN! you are our computer MASTER! actually, it is a new refurbished one. we no longer have to run ours in 'safe mode' (which we were doing for about 4 years.) i can't believe how fast it is. all this to say, that i should be able to keep you updated more efficiently.

the kids are doing well in school. lexi has really adjusted well. she was the one i worried about the most. she has made many friends. she seems to have been very smart about her selections. we'll see. she starts trumpet tomorrow. she is so excited.

jackson, well, he loves school but doesn't like the decrease in playtime at home. a battle i am sure we'll be fighting awhile. he is doing very well academically. and really enjoys his class.

tony is doing extremely well. he loves going to school and gets more and more excited everyday. he is 'star of the week' this week. he had to make a picture timeline and tell what he wanted to be when he grows up. he also had to tell other facts about himself. i forgot to take a picture of it but will when he brings it home and i'll post it on here. he gets to be helper in the classroom, which he loves. and gets to bring in his favorite toy. can you believe he isn't picking LAMBY. he actually hasn't decided yet, but last i check lamby wasn't making the cut. could this be a sign of growing apart from lamby. doubt it.

i am really enjoying the walking back and forth from school with the kids. it gives us time to talk about their day.

carlos and i have decided to eat more healthy. i've wanted to do this for years but getting him to get on board wasn't easy. i won't go into details of what we eat but i will let you know that we are eating seaweed every morning and drinking soy milk. carlos actually wants to plant our own garden. (that just makes me giggle)

i would love your prayers this thursday. carlos and i are going under the microscope in front of the conference board. we are trying to get a grant to help plant the hispanic church. we'll be there from 9:30a until 4 to 6 hours later (west coast time, of course) ...

emotionally, everyone seems to be doing well (except me). actually, i am doing much better than when we first got out here. but in those moments that i allow myself to think, it can get pretty bad. there was one sunday that i cried all day. the morning started with a call home to some family. after some tears on the phone ... they just wouldn't stop. when the kids and i showed up at church, carlos took one look at me and said, "what's wrong?" i just said, "not a good day." well, he proceeded to tell me that there was someone that was waiting to meet me. so i tried the best i could to suck it up and went over to meet him. then this man asked the question ... "how are you adjusting?" well, that was it. tears started steaming down my face. i felt so badly for this guy. he had no idea what he was getting into when he asked that question. he was very gracious. and we both made it thru alive. the rest of that day wasn't much different. i was just a basket case the entire day and it spilled into the next. that day wasn't as bad as the previous. but i guess i needed to grieve. i know that the holidays coming up will be another grieving process and another mountain i'll have to conquer. stay tuned ...

i actually started that last paragraph because i wanted to tell you about tony's meltdown, but i got into me ... sorry. so ... tony and i were walking home from school. he was telling me that he wants to have a play date with everyone in his class. i tried to get him to narrow it down by asking questions like "who would be the first one you'd like to play with," all of a sudden, he got very quiet and then started bawling. and those of you that know tony, he has two volumes, low and EXTREMELY LOUD and this was EXTREMELY LOUD. i didn't know what happened. we stopped and i hugged him and he said all he wanted to do was play with JOSHUA (his best friend from NY) oh, my heart just sank. i think it finally hit him that he couldn't just play with josh anytime he wanted. he cried all the way home, as i carried him. when we got to our house, lex was outside because she heard him crying from the corner. ... (yeah, he's that loud) ... he must have sobbed for another 5 minutes at home. needless to say, he really misses joshua (as i do his mom, veronica) ...

so, does that make up for lost time?

thanks for reading,
nic

new entry coming ...

2007-09-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

i promise.

for those that don't know, our home computer finally crashed. the time to get online is very limited. thank you for understanding and i hope to be back at it really soon.

much love!,
nic

back log #1

2007-09-12T23:12:00.000-07:00

since life has, sort of, calmed down (not really sure you can call it that) ... maybe i should say we are starting to get into the school groove ... i figured i would start the first of many entries that i've been wanting to write about but just haven't had time.

i so miss everyone back home. words can not describe the range of emotions each one of us felt as we spent our final days living in NY. everyone there was incredible! the love and hospitality that was so very selflessly given to us, words could never justify.

i guess i will start with the day we packed the truck. what chaos that was. first of all, i can not believe how many people showed up to help. i knew we'd have help ... but my goodness, did you guys want us gone or what? - LOL!! the house was empty before i had time to pack the last box. the thing was, i thought i was all packed the evening before. but to my dismay, i wasn't. and i want to apologize to anyone that may have stood around waiting for me. i couldn't believe how quickly our stuff went from our home to the front lawn. wait a sec, did i mention how hot it was?

we purposely asked some engineers to help pack the truck so we could take up as little room as possible because we were paying for the truck by the foot. let me tell you, that truck was packed so tightly that all of our stuff moved as one piece. ok, if it was so hot outside, imagine how hot it was in the glorified tin can. don't ask me, ask the ones that were stuck inside playing "tetrus". and i apologize if i forget anyone .. but i believe they were - ADAM (aka s-bear), MICKI, and CHRIS. you guys sure know how to pack a truck.

how amazing is VICKI MACALUSO - can i get an AMEN!!? she cleaned the entire house. as the rooms became empty, she got right in there and cleaned it. something i didn't even think about doing. not to mention, for our last couple of nights in the house, she came over and put her sheets on all of our beds, let us use her towels and such, so i could wash and pack everything of ours. a very ingenious idea!

so, enjoy the slide show and look forward to more entries of old times.
(pic's courtesy of my mom)

nic

1st day of school

2007-09-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

what a day that was ...

we really didn't know what we were doing. all we knew is that school started at 9a for lex and jax and 11:55a for tony. we knew the kids teachers but didn't know the procedure for the start of the day. i think, now being the 3rd day, we've got it down. we walk to school, so for me it means 3 trips back and forth. LOVE THAT! on thursdays, 4 trips. every thursday, for some reason, lex and jax get out at 2p but tony still gets out at 3:15p.

nic

yeah, it's that HOT!

2007-09-03T19:00:00.000-07:00

this is my candle on our front porch ... melted from the heat.

G'ma Jac is Here!!

2007-08-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

everyone has been enjoying grandma's stay so far. her presence has really been felt. she's been cooking, babysitting and spending much needed time with the kiddos. there's been a lot of running around to get the kids registered for school, it's been nice to have her company.

we are heading to fontana today to spend some time with carlos' family.

... 'til next time ...
nic

Sherri Shepherd

2007-08-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

today was 'smile sunday' at LLCF. every year LLCF brings in a comedien to share the gospel with laughter. for those who don't know, Sherri was just signed with 'the view', to sit along side Barbara and the gang. she has already been seen on 'the view' and was asked to stay on. i don't know the whole story but hearing her today was great. she shared her testimony and asked for prayer as she moves to NY and takes on 'her giant' ... a staff and TV show that won't let her use Jesus' name.

my mom is here ... she's been here for a few days and will be here until september 4th. (that is why i haven't been on for awhile ... plus our home computer finally bit the big one. it will no longer boot. so i am reduced to waiting to use carlos' laptop.) pictures of mom's visit are coming.

gotta go grocery shopping now ... a task i absolutely hate. 'til next time ...

nic

2007-08-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

This is a double double. It is a burger at in-n-out. It is a franchise.
We had them for dinner tonight. Yum! Pastor Chris can tell ya! If you're ever in California you have to have one! If you look under the soda cups you will see a bible verse. Cool huh!

los

boogie boarding

2007-08-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

our first day with the boogie board! the kids had a blast!! they did a great job sharing, which you all know is hard with a new toy. i really never thought the kids would get used to the salt water but it doesn't even bother them.

we are headed to palm springs today. some friends of ours are on vacation there and have invited us to join them. i can not believe how much traveling we've done since being out here. an hour trip here, two hours there. it is amazing how you don't even think twice about going somewhere. "it's just how it is out here", to quote carlos.

an update on the house ... i wish i had one. no, really, we are should be closing any day now. it was suppose to be today, but i don't think all the paperwork is in. so again, we wait.

anyone wanna come visit?
nic