Nala Jean

Late this morning, I walked in our room to find Nala unable to walk and twitching her eyes uncontrollably. She lost control of her bowels and threw up all over herself. Jeff rushed her to the vet and they "think" she had a seizure. She can't walk or breathe very well and her eyes won't stop twitching and they think she may have brain loss. Monitoring her until 5:00 to try to figure out a prognosis. Very sad day after Christmas! We are praying that she will recover, but if not we will celebrate the 14 1/2 years that we have spent loving her!

Santa Picture

Tonight we took the kids to the mall to see Santa and get our annual Christmas picture with him. Last year, they took the most amazing picture that could have been on the cover of any magazine!! This year, well.....let's just say, it didn't go so well, and we will leave it at that! After 2 different attempts, with dinner in between them, here is what we ended up with:




Addison was more than petrified of the jolly 'ole fellow and I only wish we had our own camera with us so I could document the many ways we tried to get a picture with ALL 3 kids in it. Oh well, there's always next year, right?!?

Reindeer Run

Today the kids all participated in the Taylor Fit-4-Kids Annual Reindeer Run. It was such a fun event and I hope to make it a tradition every year!





Addison ran the 50yd Diaper Dash



Austin ran the 100yd Tot Trot



Brooke ran the 1 mile Reindeer Run



They were so proud of their ribbons/medals and couldn't wait to take their picture with the Reindeer!

Christmas in Florida

Here is the dialogue from a conversation b/w my Mom & Brooke today while stopped at a light by Pam's Christmas Tree lot:

Granni: "Brooke, look at all of those Christmas trees. They have some of the most beautiful Christmas trees there every year. Don't you think they are just beautiful?"
Brooke: "Yes Granni, they are beautiful.....and you don't even have to put ...them together!.........we have to put OURS together"

For the record, we did buy a REAL Christmas tree 2 years ago, but decided to get a really nice pre-lit one last year when Addison was crawling.

Today we officially enrolled Austin in PK Yonge for next year! Whew....what a relief....
I happened to ALMOST forget that today was the deadline to turn in his $ and acceptance form! Good thing Mommy brain didn't totally kick in, or I shudder to think of the outcome! I have no idea what we would do if we weren't blessed enough to have both Brooke & Austin going to the same school for as long as we reside in Gainesville. The better news is that we don't have to worry about this again for another 2 1/2 years :)

The little things....

So, I know this may seem so trivial to some and others may ask, why oh why would I blog about it, but if you know my husband, this IS a big deal and it came at a time when I needed it the most....

I came home to dinner ON the table tonight. Steak, mashed potatoes, corn, and Hawaiian sweet rolls....yummy! Not sure what I did to deserve this, but it hasn't happened in probably 10 years or so. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my hubby.....just what I needed after a long day! It truly was a treat :)

Blue Wave all the way!

We received Austin's acceptance letter to PK Yonge in the mail today!!! We will officially have 2 Blue Wave students next year and couldn't be happier! Hooray...one less thing to worry about! :)

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving at my sister's house again this year and had a wonderful feast, as usual! I will be the first to admit though that with the warmer weather(somehow it always seems to be warmer on Thanksgiving day than it does in the weeks leading up to it) it didn't really seem like Thanksgiving for some reason. The food was wonderful and the company was even better and we are so thankful that Mimi was able to join us for the day, but I just didn't have that "feeling" like I typically do on Thanksgiving. Something was off and although I can't exactly put my finger on it, I just know it was a different feeling for me this year. With that being said, we had so much fun with the kids and all of the activities at their school surrounding the holiday. One of the most special moments was Brooke helping my Mom make the Pumpkin Mincemeat Bread using Amie's recipe and I gave her Pipi's old apron(for him it was a bib) to wear. That moment was so special and reduced me to tears thinking about how much we miss having them present in our lives to share such wonderful holiday traditions with.

Cardozo Christmas Card

Vintage Frame Holiday Card

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VPK Thanksgiving Feast

Open Arms had their traditional Thanksgiving feast for the students and their families. The food was all prepared by the staff and it was delicious. Austin requested to look handsome that morning, so I picked out a collared shirt and pants for him to wear(ones of course I didn't fear getting dirty at school!)
To our surprise when we showed up(Granni had also joined us) for the feast Austin was wearing a tie. He had taken it out of his drawer that morning and stuck it in his pocket so I wouldn't see it. It was a tie that he had worn to my cousin's wedding in October, and apparently he really liked it:) He told us he wanted to be extra handsome for the big feast!

PKY Kindergarten Feast

Today was the PKY Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast! All of the children and teachers worked so hard and it was so great seeing them all dressed up like Turkeys. This morning Brooke did inform me that "She's not going to have a Waddle," but as it would turn out, she did and it was one of her favorite parts.



They opened with a wonderful singing performance where they got to showcase their costumes and vocal abilities. It was quite evident that so much hard work, practicing, and preparation was put into this event! After the performance we ate dinner, which the children had all helped to prepare. Not only did they prepare it, they also did ALL of the shopping for it at Publix one day. That's one set of VERY brave teachers I tell you!! I can't handle bringing 3 kids to Publix, let alone 56 of them The food was WONDERFUL, and as we ate, Brooke told us all about her experiences preparing each dish.

My sweetie

The other day while we were on the way to school, Austin was being, well......Austin! When he drives me crazy I always preface everything with "SON!" When I said this to him(which was of course followed by some diatribe after it to complete the sentence....err....or paragraph, his response was: "Why do you always call me son?" To this I simply replied: "Because you are my son." Quick as lightning his response was: "I'm not your son, I'm your sweetie!"

Seriously....where does this kid come up with this stuff?!?! It gave me my laugh for the morning and of course a few days to follow!

Back to work

Last week I started another new chapter in my life and am now employed once again. I was blessed to be offered the position of Program Assistant to Children's Ministries at Trinity United Methodist Church. I have been affiliated with TUMC for the past 4 years due to our MOPS group being hosted there and have become friends with quite a few members of the staff. The position allows me to think creatively and surround myself with the love of God and most importantly work closely with such wonderful women and children. I am blessed that the hours work well with my crazy schedule of driving here, there, and everywhere to keep up with the kids, their school, and my gym routine. The past 2 weeks have been great and as I get my feet firmly planted in the ground I find myself smiling because I know what a HUGE blessing this is going to be. The best benefit to it all is that the kids get to join me for most of my shifts and partake in the many great programs Trinity has to offer and so far they are LOVING it. My heart truly smiles each Sunday as we leave and they tell me how much fun they had in Sunday School, especially knowing that their relationship with Jesus is growing.

Do we really have a Kindergartener???

YES we do, and here is the proof:

Like Father, Like Son

The other day I was standing at the computer trying to get my email to work(what else is new!) and Austin came up behind me and punched me in the butt and walked away laughing. I turned around and said "Did you seriously just punch me?!?"(And you must picture this in a VERY annoyed voice because he had been pushing my buttons all day). His reply......"That wasn't a punch, it was a love tap!"

Of course my annoyance was soon replaced with shear laughter and all I could think to myself was this boy sure is the product of his Father!

A little something for myself

Today I finally did something for myself and joined Gainesville Health & Fitness! I have put getting back into shape on the back burner over the past 6 years while we were busy creating our beautiful family, but I decided enough procrastinating! My main inspiration for getting back into shape is the commitment that I have made to run in the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon in February. My girlfriend, Kelly, is taking the time to train me and I am forever grateful! Now I'm not going to lie and say this is easy by any stretch of the imagination.....it is hard work people.....hard, hard work! I am pushing myself to maintain a routine of working out 4-5 times a week and to be mindful of what I am eating. Aside from running in the 1/2 marathon I have also set a goal of losing 20lbs. I am feeling stronger and stronger each and every day and couldn't be happier every time I complete a workout and walk out of the gym. The best benefit to this whole experience is that GHFC provides free childcare while you workout. This makes things so much easier knowing that I can just bring the kids with me and drop them off to play for an hour or so while I sweat it out in the gym. Working out with Kelly can be slightly intimidating, but she does well in reminding me that this is the 1st time I have ever weight-trained and she used to do this for a living. She is definitely a wonderful inspiration to have around. No "Mom Jeans" for me please!!

Introducing Albert Cardozo

On August 7th Jeff and the kids went to Gainesville Pet Rescue and came home with a new family member. We had been toying with the idea of adopting a cat for a few weeks prior to that, but neither Jeff nor I were really sold on the idea. We knew how much the kids wanted a pet of their own, so we decided that if they went and fell in love with a puppy, we would allow them to adopt it. When they set out that morning, they had their hopes set on Jojo, who they saw online and fell in love with her sweet little face. Unfortunately when they pulled up to the Rescue she was walking out the door and had just been adopted. Albert, formerly known as Bubba, was the second puppy they played with. Addi and I were in D.C., so they texted me pictures and I fell in love with him. He has been such a wonderful addition to the family and keeps Nala and Maddux on their toes. Albert was born on June 6th and so far no one can tell us what breeds he is made up of. EVERY puppy from his litter was completely different from one another. We think he is a combination of a Lab and Dalmatian or Great Dane. Of course we are hoping for Dalmatian when taking into consideration the size of a Great Dane, but his paws are massive, so I guess only time will tell!

Mommy Wow.....I'm a Big Kid Now

This afternoon Addi went peepee on the potty for the very 1st time! She has attempted the feat numerous times in the past, but never actually gone. Today was a new day :o) She told me that she had to go and I obliged. It took a few minutes, but after shutting both doors and being able to concentrate with a little bit of privacy and no distractions, she went! Hooray!!! I don't know when she will do it again or if its going to be the start of actual potty training, but I am so proud of her and at least its a step in the right direction.

Being good has its rewards

Today on the way home, Brooke and Austin were bickering in the back seat and it was beginning to take its toll on my nerves. When we pulled into the neighborhood I told them that they needed to start getting along and showing one another love and respect and that I was tired of hearing them argue, fuss, and fight all of the time! So after my speech Brooke in her profound wisdom says to her brother, "If we were ALL good kids then we could put a sign outside the front door that says "A Good Family Lives Here."" If only something so simple could serve as an incentive to solve such a HUGE issue! Listening to some of the things these kids say is just great!

1st day of school

This is a big year in our house as Brooke began Kindergarten today! We are so very blessed to have gotten her into P.K. Yonge, which is a charter school under the University of Florida. The school has about 1200-1300 students and goes from Kindergarten-12 grade. I am in love with the idea that the kids will be in the same school(together) for their entire education.....well that's unless we move out of Gainesville of course! There were 52 incoming Kindergarten children this year and it is the 1st year that ALL 3 teachers will be combining their efforts to direct the Kindergarten Village. I think that it is so great that Brooke will be able to experience 3 wonderful teachers and all they have to offer. Each class also has 3-4 interns from the University. Brooke will be attending the Blue Wave after school program 2 days a week to give me a little break from driving back and forth so much.

Austin began VPK at Open Arms. He is so very excited to have Ms. Evelyn(whom he has a special bond with) for his teacher. His buddy, Carson Kamp, whom he has know since the summer of '07 will be in his class again this year(the 3rd they've had together), so that is great.

Of course there will be a lot of adjustment for me including waking up around 6:15 every day to drive them to school and then picking them up every day, but it keeps me busy and I know they are getting to and from school safely. Packing a lunch for Brooke each and every day is also new.

What is a Homophone?!?

Austin was trying to zip up the back of Brooke's dress and he stepped aside and asked "Can you do this dear?" to me. I said "What did you say" to which his reply was "I said dear, because Daddy always calls you a DEER".......LOL! Somehow I have a feeling that my son looks at me and sees Bambi =o)

Identity Crisis

Brooke and Austin began Summer Camp yesterday at Sun Country. They attend from 1:30pm-6:30pm this week and a week in august. Yesterday Jeff dropped them off and picked them off, however; today I had the opportunity to do both. When I picked them up we ran into our good friend, Danielle, who is the Office Manager. She stopped me and said she had a good story from the day. Elisa, their counselor, was talking to Danielle about her roster and Danielle told her that she had both Brooke AND Austin Cardozo. Elisa told her that she had Brooke Cardozo, but not Austin Cardozo. She then said "All I have is an Austin Danger." Of course, knowing exactly what happened Danielle began to laugh. Austin had told Elisa that his name was Austin Danger, which is why she couldn't match up the names on her roster. HAHAHA......you seriously wouldn't expect anything less from that little guy. After Danielle told me the story I asked him why he said his name was Austin Danger and he replied very sternly "BECAUSE I AM AUSTIN DANGER!!!!" There's no arguing with a 4 year-old, but it should make for an interesting and confusing week for those poor counselors =o)

Mimi's 80th Surprise Party

Yesterday we celebrated the 80th birthday of the Matriarch of our family, Mimi! We gathered family and friends from near and far to surprise her with a celebration that she is sure to remember. After spending the day surrounded by so much love and happiness I feel blessed that we were able to pull off such a wonderful tribute to a woman who has played such a HUGE part in my life, and is now carrying on that tradition with Brooke. We love you Mimi!

Click on this picture and you will be directed to an album showcasing all of the pics I took.

Family Photo Shoot

Kimby bought us a package with her wedding photographer, Mike Briggs, when Addison was born, but since we had already scheduled to have her newborn session done with Shandon we decided to wait until after Addison was 1 and walking to have a shoot done with the entire family. The shoot took place in Lake Mary and was a ton of fun. By the end we were all a sweaty mess from the Florida humidity(and it was only 8am!), but I couldn't be more pleased with the moments that were captured and wanted to share a few of my favorites: