More snow pictures

the neighbors were nice enough to share their sleds! thanks guys, we had so much fun. Nicolas shows off his superhero strength by pulling Papi and Amy.

40 years!

40 years! The news station reported today that this is the most snow we've seen in this area in 40 years! Crazy! I tried to take a few persepective pictures so you can see just how deep it is out there. about 10 inches was my ruff estimate yesterday and yes, that is a peice of ice amy is holding in the last picture....we had a layer of ice covering the snow yesterday when we went out to play, it was bizarre!

Our Christmas letter

Dear family and Friends, we planned on sending out Christmas cards but I procrastinated and then when it started snowing I completely gave up on the idea. Thank goodness that most of our loved ones have access to a computer!

We have had another eventful and crazy year. Just when I think that I am reaching a stage in my life when things will stay pretty tranquil for awhile I am proved wrong! Nicolas is enjoying first grade at his new school and has made many new friends. He is blessed with a wonderful teacher whom he adores and he loves to learn, especially math! Nicolas is the only kid I know who tears up when I tell him he has no school because of the snow! Amy is finishing her second year of preschool and I can hardly believe how she has grown. This preschool has been so good for her, it is such an important age for kids as they learn to interact socially with others. She eagerly runs off to school now, such a change from the tears that I used to get so often last year.

Both kids took swimming lessons for the first time this summer and can’t wait to get back in the pool in the spring. Nicolas is flying through his little dragon belts and runs around the house showing me how he is a ninja turtle! Amy started Ballet this spring and is my sweet little ballerina; after watching her brother in activities for so long she is thrilled to have something that is all her own.

Mami y Papi have been keeping ourselves busy as well, we thank God that our business has held steady and strong even in these tuff times and thank all of our loyal and wonderful customers. Marcelo was able to take a trip to Ecuador in November with Mami Bachi and they had a wonderful time visiting with family and friends that they haven’t seen in so long. I keep myself busy around the house with all of my little projects, helping Marcelo with work and I am loving the opportunities that I get to volunteer at Nicolas’ school. Who knew I would become one of those “PTA moms”! We are still enjoying our new neighborhood and have met some wonderful people here, I couldn’t ask for a better place to raise my children.

Those of you who know me well know that Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the lights and the music, the fantasy of Santa clause and (this year especially) the quiet peace of the snow. We all get busy and overly focused on the day to day of live and it is nice to use this time of year as an excuse to step back from our lives and come together; to show the love and adoration we have for one another. I acknowledge daily in my heart how blessed I am to be where I am. We have the normal ups and downs that all families face from time to time but the love at our core is strong and we have surrounded ourselves with strong loving people who help us daily to be better ourselves.

This year especially the kids have had a lot of questions about the diversity that surrounds us here…wondering about other peoples traditions and beliefs. It has been fun for us to learn together about the many different holidays that those around us celebrate.

Christmas music is blaring and I hear the kids giggling down the hall. I hope you all have a wonderful December and I wish you the love and the peace that we have found here.

Happy Holidays
Megan and all the Romero Family

snow video

Snow day...or week

We are on our 3rd day of cancelled school! But we are having fun with the snow and there are lots of christmas crafts to keep us busy.

catching up

It has been so busy around here I haven't been keeping up on the blog the way that I meant to. In the past month we've had so many big events, I will try to do a quick overview to catch everyone up.

We had a fun halloween with our little super girl and spiderman, we are so lucky to live in a neighborhood with so many little kids and parents who go all out for the holidays; we are definitly making great memories here.


the kids even convinced mommy to dress up



My "little" sister Bethany left for a mission for her church on Novemeber 5th. Over the past few weeks we have heard from her a few times and are excited with how happy she seems to be. Beth will be in the Utah MTC until January 2009 and then will leave for Santiago Chile. Beth we love you and know it will be a wonderful experience for you to share your faith and love with the world.

Here is a picture Dad sent of Beth entering the MTC.



Marcelo and Mami Bachi also took a trip at the beginning of the month with his to Ecuador, they had lots of fun visiting family and I know Marcelo enjoyed seeing the places of his childhood. We can't wait until the whole family can go soon! We will find some trip pictures to put up soon.

I got to have a fun new experience this month as well. I sold my hair accessories for the first time at my sons school's Bazaar (a big thanks to Rachel and Penny who got me started on this addicting craft!!). Every November Witch Hazel has a holiday Bazaar to raise money for the 6th grade Outdoor school, it was lots of fun and I definitly learned some things that will make it even better next year.

Here is Amy and Nicolas patiently helping me pick ribbon at Joanns.



and of course I forgot to take a picture of how cute my table set up was but here is a picture of all of my hard work.


We also had a wonderful Thanksgiving hosted by Mami Bachi this year, it was very relaxing for me (and a little strange) for me not to be more involved with the cooking this year but the kids and I had so much fun being lazy in the morning watching the Macys Parade while I prepared the few dishes I was bringing. This is the first year that they have really been excited to watch the parade and it was so much fun!

Marcelo and Alex worked hard that morning putting up the christmas lights as a surprise for the kids and they look great!

In Response

No, you were not out of line in assuming that my blog post were sparked by the controversy over proposion 8. However, I intentially left out names and specifics because for me it is a much bigger and broader issue. My personal belief is that issues such as abortion, homosexuality, ect have no business in politics. It is a personal choice between them and God -right or wrong- Definitly each Religion has the right to teach its beliefs and ideals but not to expect there beliefs to be imposed on others of different beliefs and faith, I feel this just as strongly as I feel it is abhorrent for those on the other side to so disgustingly impose there beliefs on you through rioting and picketing.


Politics and Religion are never a healthy mix as far as I am concerned.

my soapbox

God did not preach love "some of your neighbors" and as far as I can remember I was taught that we were sent here with the "free agency" to make our own choices, mistakes, successes, ect. No where did I read anything about exceptions to the rule, ect. If you don't agree or don't want to participate then don't but when were you given the right or authority to pass judgement or make choices for another. You are not your brothers keeper. We will all meet our maker someday and he will judge us on a personal level. Perhaps that is what we should all be spending more time on -our personal relationship with the father of our spirit and stop worrying about what everyone else is doing.

Madagascar 2

Now I just need to post up a video of how hilarious it is watching the kids dance to this!

YES WE CAN

Last night, 8pm, our family gathered all together on our bed.... tears streaming down marcelo and my's face....children bouncing up and down singing 'yes we can' yes we can' 'obama' 'obama'.
A night that we will remember for the rest of our lives, one our children will tell their children and grandchildren about.

I am not blind or crazy enough to think that President elect obama (I love saying that) is going to be able to sweep into washington and solve all of our problems for us. It was a long hard road to this point but I truly believe that now is when the hard work really begins. What brings the tears is the hope and possibilies that this choice brings. My heart overflows with joy and my eyes fill with tears even at this moment looking at my children. The idea that a woman or persons of any color could not acheive or rise to the highest of possibilities will not even be a concept in the world they grow up in.

On an even more personal level for me I look at the contrast between my husbands fingers intertwined with mine and words cannot describe my emotion. Dark skin on light....our love refelcted in the very different looks of our offspring. My mind remembers the concern and skepticism from others at our interacial marriage.....my own confusion about how color or race could even be a factor to them..... I am proud of our country right now, proud at the ability of americans from every walk of life, finally able to rise above the pettiness and silliness of race color creed sex to finally see a man (or woman) for his spirit, his convictions, his ideals and not by his face.

Great hope fills America now....just imagine how far we have come today from yesterday....I believe in the greatness of the country and what we can achieve when we rise up and stand together.

Viva America

It is now afternoon and I've been out and about all day and had time to get some reactions to this post. It is wonderful the aura of hope and smiles I have seen today but after talking to some I feel the need to clarify my statements. I would NEVER vote for someone based on the color of his skin, that would be just as racist as not voting for someone for the same reason. From the first time I saw Barack Obama speak I felt his message of change and saw his love of country, his desire to help our great country rise back up to its potential. Then as his campaign progressed I saw him putting his words into action...in the very way that he chose to run his campaign there was change. Marcelo and I are proud to say that we were able to contribute what little we could to the campaign.

I voted for Obama not for the color of his skin but because I strongly believe and herald the ideals that he stands for.

Now, with that said, it is impossible to recognize that on top of that this is a great historical moment for this country and for the world. Racism, sexism...none of these 'ism's' have ever made sense to me but that doesn't mean that they haven't or don't still exist. Until you see your father in law's eyes fill with tears of rage at having his family sat in the hidden back of an empty restaurant or the embarrisment at being openly followed in a predominantly white store; having those you have admired advize you against marrying interratially because "its just to hard"; to have strangers ask "where did you adopt your daughter from" just because she looks different then me and so couldn't possibly be my own (i must have rescued some poor third world country baby) and countless other moments that I have experienced since I finally became more aware -it is to open your eyes and see the world for what it is (the good and the bad) that is what it takes to fully understand the weightyness of this moment.

It is my prayer and hope that this election marks a turning point for the world...that my children who are both white and colored will never experience a moment like that.

(I apologize for all of the run on sentances and bad grammer I was writing just as I thought today, which isn't always grammatically correct)

Amy's Field trip

Halloween House

We had lots of fun today putting up our haunted graveyard in the front yard -Halloween is so fun and silly, especially with my little drama's!!

My newest project - Tutu's

My newest creation -Tutu's! Amy loves these ballerina tutu's and lives in them here at the house, dancing around like my little sugar plum fairy. I've made matching ones for her doll too and they are just so darn cute!

My brave toothless boy

I'm not sure if he is masochistic or just crazy! My oldest has 3 teeth in the front that are loose at the same time and I know that they have been quietly driving him nuts. Last night he sits himself down at the kitchen table and tells Papi to "Pull it out"

After lots of tugging and taking breaks and both of us asking repeatedly..."are you sure you want to do this?" Nicolas' little wiggly tooth finally popped out. My sensitive boy who can't even stand to skin his knee withstood his tooth being pulled out without even a tear.

My kids never cease to amaze and surprise me. He was so proud of himself and I have a sneaking suspicion that this has everything to do his teachers "lost tooth club" where you get a sticker and your name up on the board. I am more and more convinced that he has a crush on his first grade teacher.

cute cute cute kid leg warmers

Baby Legs are all the craze around the little girls right now and they are so darn cute! However I just can't justify spending $12-$15 on a pair of leg warmers right now. Amy really wanted a pair so I tried my hand at making them myself and I have to admit they turned out great! As Amy told me "they are soooo freakin cute!" (ok, i've got to start watching my words around her)

They remind me of the 80's ! But really they are great to keep little legs warm during the fall and winter. They go great with skirts, dresses, even under your pants. My son has even requested a "boy" pair to wear under his costume for halloween.

They were a big hit today and I am off to make some more in different styles.......will update later. Here are pictures of what I have done so far (pictures don't do them justice).....let me know what you think!! I already have an order from a friend to make some....I'd happily make more!

How will the majority of America be represented if the Majority of America doesn't vote!!

Leo Wants You to Vote

I could go into my political rant but those of you who know me, know how I feel about this election. So I'll go into my VOTE rant instead! More importantly then who you are voting for is that you acctually vote!!! It makes me angry, sick, frustrated to know that so many americans give up this right. We live in one of the greatest countries in the world with freedoms and rights that many others in the world dream about - give their lives trying to atain.

As Americans it is not just our right but our responisbility to be informed and to use this information to become part of the process.

There is so much uncertainty in our country right now and Iunderstand feeling discouraged and afraid -i know there are times when i am. But this is AMERICA! the land of hopes and dreams and possibilities.....we've gotten lazy in our properity. We sit and watch the television and complain and whine about how bad it has gotten.....nothings going to change unless we all stand up and make our voice heard.

VOTE ! VOTE for Change!

Pigtails and crewcuts

http://www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com/

A friend of ours reccomended a fun new hair salon that caters to children over near the streets of Tanasbourne. We finally checked it out last night and were impressed. The stylists were sweet and the atmosphere was fun and relaxed. I could hardly get the kids to leave when they were done -we will definitly be going there again.

Back to School

We are a few weeks into back to school now and I couldn't be happier. Both of my kids have adjusted so well to their new classes and I am thrilled with both of their teachers. What a great way to start off the year. I wasn't to worried about Amy she is at the same preschool as last year just a new teacher whom she is already familiar with and mostly the same kids, I am so proud that she has made it through these weeks with out any tears and a with real enthusiasm to be there. The concern was more for Nicolas, we've moved and this was his first year at the new school. After the first few days with some real timidity he was very courageous and made some new friends (even has a little crush on his teacher I think) and is doing awesome now. He loves school and it is so great to see how quickly he is catching on to new things. I have even been having fun meeting the moms and learning about the PTA here.

Aunt Beth's Oregon trip

...i know i know I am such a slacker!...This post will be up soon.

Nicolas' 6th Birthday!

We had so much fun with Abuelita and Abuelito, tia Ethel, tio Mario, Aunt Beth, heather and her brother at Chuck e Cheese. I'm pretty sure the "grown ups" had as much fun playing as Nicolas and Amy did! Those kiddy games can get pretty competative and we still have tickets left over.... we will have to do this again sometime. Once we have all recovered from the pizza and soda! whew.

After the big family party at Chuck e cheese Nicolas wanted to just invite his two favorite friends and their siblings to 'out of this world pizza'. (I know, pizza again! but he's the birthday boy and its what he wanted) They had such a great afternoon playing, thanks Sandra and Lauren and Beth for coming and making it such a fun day for him.

First family Camping Trip

Marcelo trying to light a campfire in the rain! Woo hoo, i am certain now that he can do almost anything! Despite being an experienced camper he suceeded in getting a beautiful fire going despite the rain and wet!

We went on our first family camping trip in August, Marcelo and I are not outdoor people but thought it would be a fun experience with the kids. A friend of ours had mentioned how much fun renting a Yurt at Beverly Beach on the oregon coast was and so we decided to try it out. Just our luck we picked the wetest, coldest days in August to go but despite the rain we had so much fun and learned some lessons on how to make it even better when we try again next year!


Megan and the kids go on a 'flashlight night adventure' in the rain. These kids can make a fun game out of anything!


Wet, dirty and tired they are still the cutest, happiest kids ever!

Some Dr Seuss quotes to make us think tonight....

"Family isn't about whose blood you have. It's about who you care about."

*************

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

************

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”

****************

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own.And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.”

tape players and feeling old

The other evening we were driving in my husbands truck and my son as usual was poking around at all of the buttons trying to figure out how everything works. Finding something he didn't recognize he stuck his finger in a "hole" on the dash and asked in innocent confusion: "whats this hole for". Marcelo and I looked at each other for a split second of shock.....not sure whether to laugh out loud or cry. Are we so dated that our son doesn't know what a cassette player is! I remember as a kid poking fun at my parents and their records and listening in interest as my dad told me about 8 track tapes.....our parents were "soooo old fashioned" Their collection of chicago , the carpenters and old rock bands....old people music we thought.

When did I become the 'dated' one? That night I looked around our house....its true we don't own one vhs or cassette tape anymore. With Ipods and downloadable music my kids will never know what its like to sit by the radio all night waiting to record their favorite song or making mixed tapes...rewinding over and over again......

Today my kids still sing along to my music in the car and I don't have to battle to much for the controls but I can feel the day coming when they will groan at my choice of music and I will groan at theirs. So tonight, at only 28 I am feeling a little old.

4th of July trip to North Carolina

Fourth of July Part One

Fourth of July Part two