September 11th - 10 years Later.

When I reflect, the emotions come back. I remember how united we were as a country. There was no Left, no Right, no different races, just US as in the USA. It was incredible. I wish we would always be so united. Hopefully as individuals we can all muster the humility necessary to be United again and not let another tragedy dictate our bond. It is up to us to do the right thing and look out for the well being of others.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families that were directly impacted by the loss of loved ones and all of the Heroes of the day that sacrificed everything for other’s well being.

 A scrapbook page of myself in New York - March 2000.
One and a half years before 9-11.

Happy (17 month) Birthday Emory!

 Just up from a nap, little Em wasnt the least bit interested in smiling for the camera.

Happy Birthday Beautiful Boy!!!

Yes Ori, Emory can now wear the overalls you gave Everett two years ago.  Everett (left) wearing the same overalls at 22 months. :o)

Saving This for Everett's Senior Yearbook Ad

Everett LOVES stripping down to his boxer briefs.

Then LOVES pulling them up. really high.

Nash Farm - All About Bees

Write up coming soon!

Thirty-One Fundraiser for Ryan!

Every morning Ryan wakes up to hearing his mother say "Good Morning Honey" but also to "Let's check you Blood Sugar". Every three days he hears "Today is catheter change."

Every time he eats he must think "How many grams of carbohydrates did I eat?"

Every time he gets on the ice for hockey he must remember to take his insulin pump off.

Everytime he goes off to play with a friend he must remember to have a sugar rescue ...in his pocket in case he feels "low" and his cell phone to call me if he finds himself in real trouble.

Every three to four hours he must stop what he is doing to check his blood sugar.

This is a LOT of "everytimes" for a 10 year old to experience...EVERYDAY.

This year I hosting an online Thirty-One sale during the months of September and October for my friend Ryan. My entire commission (25%) (excluding tax & shipping) will be donated to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in honor of Ryan when you place and order through "Ryan's Dream Team" on my website!

To access the link visit: www.mythirtyone.com/MonicaGuajardo

Once on the link, click "Place an Order" from the top banner, you will be directed to My Events page.  Select "Shop Now" next to "Ryan's Dream Team"

Host a Party*=$25 to JDRF!

I will also donate an additional $25 to "Ryan's Dream Team" on behalf of anyone who books a party specifically for JDRF, during the months of September and October. The party can be in person, a catalog party or even an online party. In-state, out-of-state, it all counts!

For additional information, contact me at:

www.mythirtyone.com/MonicaGuajardo

monicas31gifts@yahoo.com

* Parties must be held during the months of September or October, with a minimum of $200 in product sales

First Amtrak Train Ride

The boys and I (Monica) rode the train to visit Grandmom, Grandpop, uncle Dodo, aunt Tammy & Chad. Sadly Deona was not able to join us for our first train ride.  Thank you Grampy for driving the 3 of us to the train station and for getting us there in time to catch the 2:00 p.m. train.

Patiently waiting for our 2:10 departure.

While standing on the platform, we were told our 2:00 train would be delayed an hour.

One hour turned to 2 then 3 then 4 until 6:00 p.m.

We were all so tired. 

 Grampy went home.

 Deona suprised us and came straight from work. :) <3 

Some may wonder why we didnt just get our money back, cancel the trip, or try again the next day?  If you've ever had to pack and load 2 toddlers, plus carseat...I'm sure you'd understand my reasons to stick it out.  The thought of starting over the next day (with no guarantee of better results) did not appeal to me.

Mama blows kisses as we depart.

Finally 4 1/2 hours after our scheduled departure, we were back in business  The bathroom however was not. Luckily I have a bladder of steel, Emory wears diapers and Everett had an empty water bottle accessible. Additionally our air flow control was not working; neither was our train attendant.  Even so, Ev was sooo excited about getting to ride a real choo choo train.

The happiest little conductor ever.

Ev didnt want to miss a thing; even after sunset.

The many hours waiting for the train and being on the train really started to wear on Emory. Tantrums like I've never seen before.  I was so thankful we were in our own room.  With a door. :( 

Sweet relief, yet another hour away from our destination. THEN another 45 minute delay in south Austin.

Everett was exhausted yet refused to sleep.  With every train whistle he'd perk up, look out the window and exclaim, "HEAR THAT MOMMY, A WHISTLE!, that's awesome!"  

Finally, 30 minutes from our destination, Ev decided to lay his head down; within seconds my little conductor was fast asleep.  

At 12:45 a.m. (more than 12 after leaving the house), we arrived at our destination. A big thanks to my wonderful family for waiting patiently and taking care of us.  Not sure how I would have managed without you. <3 More pics from the week coming soon!

UPDATE:  After making a call to Amtrak (and sitting on hold for 40 minutes), some compensation in the form of train tickets, should be on their way.  We shall wait (some more) and see. :)    

Don't Give Up On Me!

Okay so I realize I've been lousy with updates.  You're probably thinking, "I thought moving to a house was suppose to make their lives simpler", right?  WRONG-O!!  Well I'll tell ya, even after being completely moved in and having a designated playroom for all our toys and mess, Deona is back at work and I'm consumed.  Consumed with kids and housework during the day and all things Thirty-One in the evenings. I'm hopeful however my investment (time and money) will eventually pay off.  At the moment, I have 3 catalog parties, 1 house party and 1 Open House scheduled in the next month.  I'm not going to bore you with how much I like this product and company, but I will tell you it's worth visiting my website and making a purchase. and possibly having a Thirty-One party for me, so I can buy a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk for my frail and emaciated boys. :o)  Okay, okay.   I digress.   Anywho...
Don't give up on me, I'm still here and will be posting regularly soon; hopfully within the week.  In the meantime, here's a picture of our emaciated boys spinning on the office chair. :)