The Nunez in Texas: noviembre 2016

Libby's Fun Run 2016

Libby was raising some money for her school. It was fun to see her run, and being excited about running as many laps as she could. She did 40. Also, my mom bought Libby bought Libby a beautiful princess dress :)

LIBBY RUNNING

Libby with Mrs. Hopper

Enzo's Birthday 2016

Enzo turned four!!

We had a party at McDonalds. Best idea I've ever had. LOL!! It was so easy to just go, eat, let the children play and sing Happy Birthday to Enzo. Then, you just leave. Of course, then Emerson had to pay - that was not fun for him. But he did say that he will gladly pay again becasue it was worth it.

Enzo is a people person. He likes being surrounded by his friends. He craves approval - which I believe is one of his weaknesses - just like me. I'm so happy that now I have the tools to help him overcome that fear of man and to show him that really the One who made him is the only One worthy of all Enzo's praise :) That being said, he is such a sweet boy, and people do like talking to him. He is very easy to hang out with, so I wouldn't doubt for a moment that he will have lots of friends.

It was Enzo's first actual birthday party, and he was SOOO excited. You can see his sweet face. The party was after his actual birthday. But on the actual day, I took him to eat a cupcake. A lady saw us praying and she came to us, and said it was really sweet and gave him money.

Also, all the ladies from the coffee shop were so excited that they sang Happy Birthday to him :)

Enzo,

You already know this, but you are my gift from God. I have thanked Him for you always, but specially this last year. It has been so difficult being your Mommy. You and I have so many things in common, my sweet boy. You are so passionate about your feelings, so cold or so hot. So angry you explode, or so sad that you cry. This last year, we have faced so many struggles you and I... It has been so challenging to learn to deal with our emotions instead of letting them control us, but I think we have made great progress in that area, and our relationship has improved. I truly believe YOU are God's tool in molding me into the image of His Son. I thanked my God becasue being your Mommy has tested me to the max, and has produced in me a deep perseverance and a deep patience that I did not have before. I thank you for that :)

I love you, Son.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ENZO!

Camping Trips 2016

Colorado 2016

This trip was really neat. We drove all the way there, and stayed in different parks on the way - also in the car becasue it was too late to set up the tent (we had to leave the next morning).

Also it was a trip that brought a lot of joy to my heart becasue we got to see friends from Ohio after four years. The children had a lot of fun.

We visited the Stanley Hotel, went to Rocky Mountain National Park, and stayed in a cabin in Estes Park. That cabin and that hot shower felt amazing after four days without a shower. Colorado parks do not have showers like Texas parks. Emerson hiked Mount Elbert with Mia, and for the first time in my life, I actually saw the beauty of camping when I saw some eggs being cooked on the cast iron skillet. It was weird. I just thought it looked beautiful.

We also rode a train, and rescued a puppy.

Caprock Canyon State Park & Palo Duro State Park 2016

This Thanksgiving as it is tradition we wanted to camp (and we did). We just fell short of Thanksgiving becasue it was going to be very cold. It reminded us of three years ago (we went to the same place) and it was as cold. The children were sick to begin with, and Enzo was crying unstoppably as a on year-old. Anyway, we saw bisons, we took a very short hike with the three dogs and the two children (LOL!), and I bought my mugs!!

I began collecting mugs of every campsite I've visited. So far I have four. I've never been involved in any collecting activity. I seriously thought it was a waste time and money BUT... as of last year I have come along way in my counseling and I actually realized that I like coffee. I know, it might sound silly, but it is what it is.

I took on camping as a family activity that all of us would enjoy, and that would make memories for everyone - but not really loving it, you know? Most of my life I have gone with the flow not really knowing what I like or dislike, I just mirror people. But when we went to Colorado, the campsite was so beautiful, and we coked these eggs on the cast iron skillet. I was able to see the the egg-white bubble over the bacon fat, and it just dawn on me that I was so blessed. I don't know. At THAT moment, I thought, "I do like camping. I just began enjoying camping". It was almost like a breakthrough. LOL!

So I wanted to remember every place I've gone camping, and since I drink coffee every morning, it made sense. I do look at my mug and memories of that place come back :)

I definitely didn't enjoy camping with three dogs in the cold, but that's another story. Libby and Enzo enjoyed playing card games, and she definitely cries when she loses or when we do not let her cheat.