Bringin' the Band Back Together
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| From OBX 2008 |
Father's Day Weekend 2008
Editorial comments - Sleepless nights and changing toxic diapers are child's play,but the look in their eyes and the smiles on their face, I wouldn't change any of it. Every word of the following rings true to my ears. Check out Craig Playstead's blog for more of his take on sports and parenting
"Everyone has seen the "what to expect during parenthood" books and articles, but they never tell the whole story. While raising kids is the most rewarding thing you will ever do in your life, and the love you feel for them is unlike anything else you'll ever know, there are a few pitfalls nobody ever tells you about. Read on, if you dare.
1) The way you view the world changes... When you bring someone into this world, things like global warming, war and women in beer ads have a whole new meaning. You start actually looking at the impact these things have, and what the world will become after you're dead and gone. Leaving a better place for your kids and grandkids becomes more than just talk.
2) You'll feel like a failure... There will be times when no matter how hard you try, your kids are never happy. You feel you're telling them "no" too much, constantly harping on them to clean their room, or dashing their dreams of lowering their brother down the staircase on a rope. While they may complain they don't have a Wii or that "so and so's" mom let's them see PG-13 movies, you need to stick to what you believe in and what you feel is best for your kids.
3) You have no time... This seems obvious, but you can't believe just how little time you have. You start to measure things out in minutes and seconds. "If he watches Curious George for 20 more seconds, I can go to the bathroom," or "If his nap lasts another 10 minutes, maybe I can get in a shower today."
4) Not going to the bathroom by yourself...When your kids are babies, the bathroom is the only place you can get your head together. It's also one of the only places you can actually read. I read ESPN's Bill Simmons' entire book over the course of the week in the bathroom when my youngest was a baby. And then he turned two. If he's not forcing his way in to watch "how it's really done" he's banging on the door screaming "lemme in!" or sliding all his books underneath. There is no peace with toddlers.
5) Parenthood will turn you soft...This one hits the guys especially hard. You'll find yourself tearing up at any dumb movie that has anything to do with parenthood, and if you have a daughter, don't be surprised to find yourself playing "My Little Pony" before heading off to work. The icing on the cake is hawking Girl Scout cookies in front of your local grocery store annually.
6) They will embarrass you... This is a big shock, and you're never ready for it. In your mind, they are perfect little angels; in reality, they're little people trying to figure out their way in the world. Unfortunately, they say what they want—when they want. It can be something that's funny like announcing to their pre-school class that Daddy farts all the time, or it can be humiliating like a temper tantrum in a grocery store or having them tell your parents to "get me a toy next time" after opening a gift containing pajamas. You're prepared for the fact that you'll embarrass them when they get to a certain age, but you're never ready to be the one that's humiliated.
7) Worrying... This is the one that stings from the day your child is born until the day you die. From the start you worry that they'll stop breathing in their crib, then you obsess about getting the damn car seat in correctly. They get a little older and you worry about them falling down the stairs or choking on a Polly Pocket. As the years go on you lose sleep about dating, not fitting in, or getting into a situation that they can't handle. Then there are the worries that never go away: providing enough, paying for college or not teaching them the right things. The list goes on and on and on, and it takes a major toll on you. But you worry because you love.
8) You won't be the parent you think... We all had visions of the kind of parents we would be to our kids. Now, as battle tested Moms and Dads, we’ve heard the prospective parents spouting off advice. Those hollow words of wisdom come even though they’ve never gotten up at three a.m. to do a load of laundry with more vomit on it than a frat house floor. Nor have they tried to cook dinner with a screaming baby in their arms, a toddler doing cartwheels off the couch, and the phone ringing. It usually goes something like this: “I’d never let my kids watch TV before they turn three,” or “I would never raise my voice at my child,” or “My toddler won’t ever eat sweets.” Uh huh, and I said I’d never own a minivan. You have this great picture of the kind of parent you want to be, and how picturesque your family will become. You try to live up to that vision, but you also have to survive. So, snickering at a prospective parent spouting off advice is not only allowed, but encouraged.
9) SicknessLet’s start with pin worms. They are small parasitic worms that live in the human intestinal track. The worms crawl out of the child’s anus at night and lay their eggs in the diaper, pajamas and other areas around the bed or crib. The eggs are then passed to others and ingested unknowingly. The worst part? You have to go in there and grab them while your kid is asleep. It’s a damn horror show. It’s also not something I had any idea about before having kids. Sick kids take a toll on the entire house. Even the typical cold has taken on a whole new meaning, especially with toddlers. It can require being up in the middle of the night for days in a row, missing work and acting as one giant Kleenex. The numerous slug trails across your shirt are always a nice touch.
10) The feeling of unconditional love... You assume that you're going to love your kids, but what you end up feeling for them is unlike anything else you'll ever know. Just a simple smile from your offspring can erase a really crappy day at the office. This is the reason why people rave about having kids while they look exhausted and have a fresh batch of spit-up running down their back."
Craig Playstead is a freelance writer, husband and father of three living in the suburbs of Seattle. In the past he's also been a sports writer, a game writer and a talk show host.
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| Father's Day Weekend 2008 |
Trina's Birthday Weekend
It was a big weekend for Trina. She started Saturday, alongside Kappa, in Washington D.C. for the Susan Komen 5k walk/run. Despite the oppressive heat and sweaty crowd, Trina and Kappa finished the charity race and helped raised over $300 in honor of Aunt Sydney. It was just unfortunate that a sickly Metro rider threw up in the subway, and well, let's just say, Trina received "collateral damage."
Later that day, we celebrated Trina's and Sean's birthday with a barbecue at our home. Instead of your run-of-the-mill birthday gift, the next day, Trina spent the whole day at the (Red Door) spa. There she was pampered with a facial, haircut, pedicure, and manicure. All the while, I spent the day with the boys at the Fair Oaks playground and Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. We finished the weekend with a dinner at the Koji Japanese steakhouse. Happy Birthday Mommy!
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| Trina's Bday Weekend 2008 |
We'll miss you Ms Bev
Navy vs Johns Hopkins NCAA LAX Quarterfinals
Navy had never won against JHU since Nixon was President, and it wasn't meant to be, as Navy extends their misfortune to 35 straight losses and an end to their season. Regardless, we all enjoyed ourselves during the game and afterwards, moseyed up and down Main Street in historic Annapolis - stopping at Pepper's for Navy apparel and dinner at Buddy's Crabs and Ribs.
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| NCAA LAX Quarterfin |
National Train Day
We spent a day doing what else? yup, that's right...we celebrated National Train Day at the Union Station in Washington D.C. How better to get to our destination than using the metrorail subway. Jake and Joey thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the amazing opportunity to "people watch" all walks of life that uses public transportation.
Once there, we saw lots of model trains, train-related kid-friendly activities, blatant advertising of AMTRAK, and hordes of parents being dragged around the station by train-crazed children. It's a shame we missed Al Roker, but as as an added treat, we even stuck around a bit to listen to a free concert by Sara Bareilles.Jacob turns 5!
Later that night, (while daddy was trying to watch the NFL draft), Tito Doug and Kappie visited for a birthday dinner with the 5 year old bug-a-boo. Lolo and Lola called all the way from the Phillippines to wish their grandson a happy day.
On Sunday, Jaker's day began before the sunrise, as we set our course to Baltimore's Inner Harbor. There we visited the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum where Thomas the Train made his appearance for hundreds of kids. After riding the rails of the B&O, Jakey, Joey and their friends discovered the wonders of the National Aquarum of Baltimore where the kids ooh-ed and ahh-ed the many fishes and other aquatic creatures. That night, we all had train-shaped cupcakes; individually-decorated by each happy eater.
Finally, on Monday (his actual birthday), Jacob celebrated once more with his Kindercare pals. His friends joined in to devour a Thomas the Train-themed cake.
Thanks to everyone who joined us in making Jacob's 5th birthday weekend bash a fun and exciting celebration. YourMommy, Daddy, Joey, Paddi and Tyler love you very much "Caboodles." Happy Birthday Jacob!
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| Jakey Turns 5 |
What have I done today?
Just sat and watched the jets fly over,
A car goes by,
And the sun goes down,
We talk about the town..." flesh for lulu
Well not exactly, but it was sorta like that...
"Just watched the jets fly over"...all the way from Waldorf, MD. somewhere near Andrews Air Force base, we decided to buy a new ride - a black GMC Acadia SLT. What a find...it has two sunroofs for Trina, a dvd player for the boys and all the gadgets for me. cool...
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| GMC |
While Jakey enjoyed Marrisa's birthday party, Joey ran around, chased by "Bappa."
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| From FairOaks - Pi... |
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| From FairOaks - Pi... |
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| From FairOaks - Pi... |
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| From FairOaks - Pi... |
Birthday Party Tour continues
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| Christian Kim's First Birthday 2008 |
Juliette's First Birthday
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| Juliette Goers' First Birthday |
Nick's Lacrosse Game
Update: I've included additional photos from other games (vs Centreville)
One Fine Day
Thanks Easter bunn..Kenny?
Immediately afterwards, Jake and Joey headed over for an Easter lunch at Tita Luding and Tito Mar's new home in Richmond, VA. There, the boys enjoyed another egg hunt and a feast fit for a king, queen, and their whole kingdom. It was good seeing (long-lost) Lazos and other relatives to chat, eat, and enjoy the day. Thanks Tita and Tito!
On Easter Sunday, Jake and Joey woke up to baskets full of Thomas the Train toys and movies left by the Easter Basgle. The weekend wasn't complete until Jake and Joey shared their Easter with Kappie/Bappa. We all headed over to the Dulles Hilton to stuff ourselves with yet another Easter Brunch. Yumm-o! Thanks Easter Basgle!
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| Easter 2008 |
I Go Crazy...
- Flesh for Lulu
You're in our hearts, grandpa
It's been 5 years today. We miss you grandpa Phil...
"So far away, doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn't help to know you're just time away
Long ago I reached for you and there you stood
Holding you again could only do me good
How I wish I could, but you're so far away"
Carole King
My Valentine
I actually prefer these versions than Elvis (not that I dislike the King's rendition.) Which do you prefer - Lick the Tins?
or UB40's?
Arzaga Christmas
We decorated the Christmas tree; watched Polar Express and Charlie Brown Christmas over and over again; and celebrated the season having separate dinners with our VA and MD cousins. Kappie stayed over on Christmas Eve and helped open Jake and Joey's presents from Santa on Christmas morning.
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| Holiday Season 2007 |
"Its a Great Day to be Alive" - Travis Tritt
Christmas in the Philippines
2007 Holiday Newsletter
(click on the volume icon (bottom left corner) to (un)mute the music)
To our dearest family and friends, we hope this holiday greeting finds you all warm, happy, and healthy. As our boys, Jacob and Joel continue to discover the world around them; they bring us much joy and delight. They’re free to pursue and discover their surroundings to their hearts desire. (click on the picture of our boys for a little something from Jake and Joey)Their pursuit of freedom... Joey discovered newfound freedom when he started walking shortly after 13 months. And he’s free to try new and different foods now that his toothies are starting to come through. Also, Jake is potty-trained and Joey is sleeping through the night – both being a really looong time in waiting. How great is that? I suppose only a parent would be so proud of these groundbreaking highlights. I mean, how liberating is it for us, too – mommy can catch up on her rest and daddy can catch his breath and watch his sports.
Their pursuit of friendship... aside from the trust and comfort zone Joey gets from mommy and daddy (ok, admittedly, it’s more so his mommy and his primary teachers), Joey is more welcoming to new faces as he encounters new relatives, new teachers, and new friends. Jake enjoys his friends in school because of all the silliness only 4 year olds can find amusing. His eyes light up when his neighbors come over to play. Jake wishes that they would just marry him, so that they can stay over and always play together.
Their pursuit of knowledge… Jake continues to master his abc's. With the help and encouragement from his teachers at Kindercare, Jake is quickly learning to sound out words so he can write them on his doodle-board or spell them aloud. He’s also beginning to read his first books like Thomas the Train and Dr Seuss. We ‘re so proud that Jake is using his noggin more for cognitive uses and less as a battering ram. Joey is learning to communicate with what little he has. His yawps and his shrieks can mean anything and everything, depending on the context of his amusements or the mess he’s getting into. Unfortunately for the rest of us, even Paddi and Tyler, we’re all struggling to figure out what he wants and doesn’t want.
Their pursuit of tradition... despite our long daily commute to drop the kids off at daycare and the hours we put in the office, we’ve made a tradition of eating out for dinner every Thursday night. We all can’t wait to eat at McDonald's and share the events of our day. To the dismay of other patrons, I’m sure we’re missed at the other eateries where Joey has been known to fling a broccoli in their midst or Jakey’s strident insistence that nuggets be served everywhere.
Their pursuit of happiness... because we don’t always get what we want. Jake and Joey are going through the pains most siblings live through – sharing their toys, wrestling for mommy and daddy’s attention, and who gets to choose what book to read or what movie to watch. In the end, Jake and Joey, alongside Paddi and Tyler, they realize they’re each other’s siblings and we are a family. We treasure every little moment we have together. "This part of my life...this little part…is called "happyness.” - Chris Gardner.We hope to hear from you soon.
Let them know it's Christmastime
There's no need to be afraid
At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime
But say a prayer
Pray for the other ones
At Christmastime it's hard, but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
(Oooh) Where nothing ever grows
No rain nor rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
(Here's to you) raise a glass for everyone
(Here's to them) underneath that burning sun
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
Let them know it's Christmastime again
Feed the world..."
Bob Geldof and Band Aid
Happy Thanksgiving
From the Arzaga’s
- Ernesto, Trina, Jake, Joey, Paddi, and Tyler too!
Trick or Treat!
The many kids of Heathfield Circle and its surrounding streets joined in for some good ol' fashion Halloween fun...
Jake dressed up as his favorite super hero, Spiderman while Joey was a skunk; our cute little stink pot. How perfect is that? It was a difficult task to gather the attentions of about 20 kids for a moment so that the paparazzi can capture that Kodak moment, but to my surprise, we were able to take several pictures in front of John/Michelle's and Frank/Lynn's decorated facades. Suffice it to say, there were plenty of treats and tricks to be had. As Jakers pointed out, "Halloween is great!"
An ode to Jacob Arzaga
BIG trouble comes in little packages. Click on the thumbnail picture and see what our Jake-Jake, the Jakester, our loving Jake-a-boo did in 2007.
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| Jacob 2007 |
An ode to Joey Arzaga
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| Joey 2007 |
Best of the Rest in 2007
See more of our pictures from yesteryear thru today...
Google's Picasa --- http://picasaweb.google.com/earzagajr
OR at Snapfish --- http://www1.snapfish.com/photolibrary/t_=92827467
Our Boys
Click on the thumbnail picture and see our boys grow up together.
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| Our Boys 2007 |
Google's Picasa --- http://picasaweb.google.com/earzagajr
OR at Snapfish --- http://www1.snapfish.com/photolibrary/t_=92827467
Oh think twice...
"She calls out to the man on the street
sir, can you help me?
Its cold and Ive nowhere to sleep,
Is there somewhere you can tell me?
He walks on, doesnt look back
He pretends he cant hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there
Oh think twice, its another day for
You and me in paradise
Oh think twice, its just another day for you,
You and me in paradise
She calls out to the man on the street
He can see shes been crying
Shes got blisters on the soles of her feet
Cant walk but shes trying
Oh think twice...
Oh lord, is there nothing more anybody can do
Oh lord, there must be something you can say
You can tell from the lines on her face
You can see that shes been there
Probably been moved on from every place
cos she didnt fit in there
Oh think twice..."
Phil Collins
"It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Abe Lincoln
"I think I’ll take a moment, celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page
Now it’s time to focus in on where I go from here
Lord have mercy on my next thirty years
Hey my next thirty years
I’m gonna have some fun
Try to forget about all the crazy things I’ve done
Maybe now I’ve conquered all my adolescent fears
And I’ll do it better in my next thirty years
My next thirty years I’m gonna settle all the scores
Cry a little less, laugh a little more
Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear
Figure out just what I’m doing here
In my next thirty years
Oh my next thirty years, I’m gonna watch my weight
Eat a few more salads and not stay up so late
Drink a little lemonade and not so many beers
Maybe I’ll remember my next thirty years
My next thirty years will be the best years of my life
Raise a little family and hang out with my wife
Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear
Make up for lost time here, in my next thirty years"
Tim McGraw
Pumpkin Patch
UPDATE: And just recently, we went back to the pumkin patch for the third time this season. We were joined by Kappa, Mark and Jessica and Will and Juliet.