On Sunday I received a phone call from my son in New York that his friend Drake had passed away. He was so upset he could barely talk.
I had just moved to Huntington Beach from La Habra. Steve, Venus & their boys were the first people that I met, they lived in the front unit of the apartment complex we lived in. We had a lot in common, we each had three boys. They were almost all the same age. It was also perfect because we would take turns babysitting each others kids. That way, every other weekend we would be able to go out and know that our kids were in good hands (it was hard finding someone willing to babysit three rambunctious boys.)
Venus & I would take daily bike rides down the board walk, with my little 2 year old Elijah in the bike seat. All the other boys were in school. We had so much fun, getting in shape & enjoying the beach, just having "girl therapy" which is always a MUST!
My oldest son Josh became really close with Steven & Zach, while Jullien and Drake seemed to have a rougher time hitting it off. They both were hot heads and their "play time" eventually would turn into a boxing/wrestling matches. Drake out weighed Jullien by about 30 lbs. So I wasn't surprised when I heard screaming and yelling one day. I ran outside, turned the corner to see the two 5 year olds...Drake sitting on top of Jullien, hands on both sides of Jullien's head, smacking it into the pavement.
Now, I'm not a mom who freaks out...so I pulled him off, picked up Jullien & told them that they both were not allowed to play with each other anymore until they could get along.
Once I got Jullien back home, I told him the same thing my dad told me when I was little, "It doesn't matter how big they are, make sure that you never let them get the upper hand on you, handle your business." LOL...I know not a very nice mom...but being a tomboy & raising my boys alone for so long, I didn't want to have a bunch of little sissy's so I was pretty tough.
Jullien really took that to heart, the boys would continue to have "scuffles" but I never had to pick him up off the ground again. Once Drake knew that Jullien could "handle his business" the fighting stopped. They were the best of friends after that.
When they were older, they grew closer. It's funny how the love-hate relationship in the beginning left a strong bond between the two boys.
Drake was such a fun loving kid. Always cracking jokes & making everyone laugh. He was a loyal friend, ready to defend anyone who messed with the people he cared about.
Drake's older brother Zach (21), had just passed away three months before in a freak car accident.
My heart just aches for Steve, Venus & Steven. The loss of two sons is absolutely unimaginable. Steve sent me an email asking for people to please pray for them...they are at a total loss!
Tonight we will be attending a candlelight vigil for Drake.
R.I.P. Zach & Drake...you are loved & will be missed!
Showing posts with label Jullien. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jullien. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
My Birthday Surprise
Today was my birthday and it was really special. I got home from work and standing at the top of the stairs was my son Jullien. He told me he wouldn't be back from NY at all this month and would not even be able to be here for Christmas. He said he was going to be working all day but would try to call me on his break.
He found a cheap flight, booked it, and arranged a ride from the airport, just to be here for my birthday! No one is ever able to pull anything like that on me...I'm known as the family detective. I can always tell when somethings up and figure it out. This caught me completely off guard! I hope my age isn't affecting my skills?
Anthony cooked tacos and all the kids came over, along with two of my sister in laws. It was so much fun. I'm one lucky lady...what an amazing family I have!
Thank you everyone for making my day sooooo special!
He found a cheap flight, booked it, and arranged a ride from the airport, just to be here for my birthday! No one is ever able to pull anything like that on me...I'm known as the family detective. I can always tell when somethings up and figure it out. This caught me completely off guard! I hope my age isn't affecting my skills?
Anthony cooked tacos and all the kids came over, along with two of my sister in laws. It was so much fun. I'm one lucky lady...what an amazing family I have!
Thank you everyone for making my day sooooo special!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Cleaning, Schedules...AND SLEEP!
Elijah & Donald called up together as OUTSTANDING Linebackers!
Da Boys-Ryan, Cooper, Donald, Elijah & Trenton
Ryan, Cooper, Donald & Elijah (STUDS)
Chowing Down at Edison's Freshman Football Banquet
Wow, I haven’t updated my Blog since the weekend. So here’s what’s been going on, Sunday we had Elijah’s end of the year Football banquet. They made a really cool video for each of the boys. At the end they added outtakes. We were all cracking up! It was really well done and I loved it because the showed all of Elijah’s touchdowns and interceptions.
Monday I had the day off because my boss was on vacation. I had a lot of stuff planned to take care of because my good friend Debbie is coming to stay with us for a while. But of course nothing ever goes as planned. I got up, ate some oatmeal, laid down to read my morning devotional and fell asleep until 1:00 P.M.!!
Then I spent the rest of the day cleaning Jullien’s room for Debbie to stay in while he’s gone. What a nightmare! I can’t believe how kids can find so many hiding places for all their crap when you tell them to clean their room! I even found clothes that he’s had since he was 12. That took me the rest off the day, but I finally got it all done. If Juj’s was that bad I’m afraid to see what is hiding in Elijah & Adams room. That will be a project for another day.
Josh has been staying in Juj’s room since he’s been gone. I told him he could move into Elijah & Adam’s room while Debbie is here, but I think he got mad that I asked him to move and said, “NO, I’ll just stay with friends for a while.”
Whatever...I’m not going to stress about it, he’s a big boy and if he wants to act like a baby I’m not going to let it get to me.
On a positive note, I fell asleep at 10:00 p.m. last night. I’ve been so worn out from going to sleep at 2:00 a.m. every night, (insomnia). I feel really good today...sleep is AMAZING!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Pictures Of An Almost 18th Birthday
I wanted to just share some pictures from Jullien's early 18th birthday (he won't be back from NY for the real one).
Grandma, Jullien & Papa
Chelsea (Jullien's girlfriend), Elijah, Aunty Stacy, Grandma Dianne, Jullien & Papa
Jullien & Chelsea
Jullien & his Aunty's (Erika, Vivian, Brigett)
We told Papa to give his model pose...it cracked the boys up!
The model boys!!
Papa trying to be taller than his boys!
Tashy & Anthony (Sexy Face!)
Jullien & Elijah
Me and Baby #2
Cousin Tristan (He kept blowing out the candles as I would light them...LOL!)
Grandma, Jullien & Papa
Chelsea (Jullien's girlfriend), Elijah, Aunty Stacy, Grandma Dianne, Jullien & Papa
Jullien & Chelsea
Jullien & his Aunty's (Erika, Vivian, Brigett)
We told Papa to give his model pose...it cracked the boys up!
The model boys!!
Papa trying to be taller than his boys!
Tashy & Anthony (Sexy Face!)
Jullien & Elijah
Me and Baby #2
Cousin Tristan (He kept blowing out the candles as I would light them...LOL!)
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Freshmen and The Seniors
I want you all to put yourself right back in high school as I share my funny story with you. Try to remember your very first Homecoming dance...the excitement of getting ready, finding the perfect outfit, first date, Limo ride...and the whole anticipation of the night ahead.
(Jullien & Chelsea)
(The Football Players- Preston won Homecoming King)
Saturday was the Homecoming dance and like I mentioned in my previous post my son, Jullien (a Senior) and my step-son, Adam (a Freshman) both went. Of course Jullien went with all the Seniors. They met at our friends house, ate, hung out, took pictures and waited for their luxury bus to arrive, yes I said bus...but it was supposed to be really cool. So we hung out and waited for it to arrive. As it pulled up, it was the most AMAZING BUS I had ever seen. All the kids had to line up and fill out an information sheet while some of us pushy parents jumped on to take pictures and check it out. What do ya think? I wasn't kidding!
(Senior's waiting to get on the Bus)
(Check out the little fireplace!)
(My Hubby and Erin-Checking Out the Bus)
After they all loaded on, we headed over to the Freshman house. As we pulled up a Hummer Limo was just pulling out, there were also a bunch of Sophmore kids at the house who were going with the older brother. All the little freshman were outside checking out the limo and got even more excited for their bus to arrive...they were going on a luxury bus. We all went inside, the bus was going to be 20 minutes late. While we were sitting there I had my camera and started telling them to come and check out the pictures of the senior's bus. They were freaking out..."WOW...that's cool!" Their eyes got huge, they started to jump around, the anticipation of all the fun they were going to have on their bus was getting the best of their mature fake exterior. Finally the call came, the bus driver was just coming into the gate (the family lives in an exclusive gated community). They all bolted out the door, it was pitch black outside and all they could see were the large headlights coming towards them. They started jumping, hugging, high fiving and yelling, "Yeah, Yeah, look at it, here it comes!"
(Adam Ready for Homecoming)
It slowly made a u turn and pulled up in front of the jumping, slapping, screaming, excited, freshmen. The lights inside the bus started flashing off and on. There was complete silence as they stared in awe at their amazing, luxury bus. There it finally was...the ride that would take them to their very first Homecoming dance, a ride that would make a statement..."Yes we are really movie stars here to crash your dance!" Oh this was a special day!
(Adam, Cade and Friends)
(The Freshmen)
There it was, the kids were frozen, unable to move towards the open door. This was the moment they had been waiting for. The Luxury bus was a small transit bus painted white that said "VIP TOURS" on the side! One of the boys looks at his mom and yells out, "WHAT IS THIS THING! We aren't going to the dance in THIS!" Everyone started to yell, "This is SOOOO LAME!" The boys mom said, "Oh, go ahead and get on, it'll be okay...this isn't what I thought I'd ordered but it'll be fine, hurry and get on you guys are already late." With heads hung low, shoulders slumped, muttering mean comments under their breathe...one by one they piled into their double wide "luxury" seats. Adam taking a seat and slumping his head against the window. I jumped on to get a picture of the scene inside...which was very different than a few minutes prior. At least one girl forced a smile for the picture.
(Kids in Shock)
(A Girl Forcing a Smile...Notice the Boy in the Backs Face!LOL!)
As the freshman were all seat belted safely in their seats...a dad yells out, "This is what you get to ride in when your a freshman. Just wait till next year, it gets better!!" With that final parting comment the doors closed and the bus driver flashed the inside lights off and on...giving it quite the party bus effect!LOL! We were all laughing as they drove away.
Adam told me that at the end of the night, as everyone piled outside waiting for their Limo's and Luxury busses to pull up...his group hid towards the back of the crowd, praying that their's would be the last one to pull in front. But, when you're a freshman, things never go the way you hope...it pulled right up...flashing lights and all. They sprinted to get inside and hid under the seats, hoping to avoid being seen. Driving off into the moonlight, safely hidden in the darkness, they popped their heads up one by one, looked around, climbed into their seats and said, "Man, that was embarrassing...do you think anybody saw us? I can't wait till we're Senior's, this bus stinks!!"
(Jullien & Chelsea)
(The Football Players- Preston won Homecoming King)
Saturday was the Homecoming dance and like I mentioned in my previous post my son, Jullien (a Senior) and my step-son, Adam (a Freshman) both went. Of course Jullien went with all the Seniors. They met at our friends house, ate, hung out, took pictures and waited for their luxury bus to arrive, yes I said bus...but it was supposed to be really cool. So we hung out and waited for it to arrive. As it pulled up, it was the most AMAZING BUS I had ever seen. All the kids had to line up and fill out an information sheet while some of us pushy parents jumped on to take pictures and check it out. What do ya think? I wasn't kidding!
(Senior's waiting to get on the Bus)
(Check out the little fireplace!)
(My Hubby and Erin-Checking Out the Bus)
After they all loaded on, we headed over to the Freshman house. As we pulled up a Hummer Limo was just pulling out, there were also a bunch of Sophmore kids at the house who were going with the older brother. All the little freshman were outside checking out the limo and got even more excited for their bus to arrive...they were going on a luxury bus. We all went inside, the bus was going to be 20 minutes late. While we were sitting there I had my camera and started telling them to come and check out the pictures of the senior's bus. They were freaking out..."WOW...that's cool!" Their eyes got huge, they started to jump around, the anticipation of all the fun they were going to have on their bus was getting the best of their mature fake exterior. Finally the call came, the bus driver was just coming into the gate (the family lives in an exclusive gated community). They all bolted out the door, it was pitch black outside and all they could see were the large headlights coming towards them. They started jumping, hugging, high fiving and yelling, "Yeah, Yeah, look at it, here it comes!"
(Adam Ready for Homecoming)
It slowly made a u turn and pulled up in front of the jumping, slapping, screaming, excited, freshmen. The lights inside the bus started flashing off and on. There was complete silence as they stared in awe at their amazing, luxury bus. There it finally was...the ride that would take them to their very first Homecoming dance, a ride that would make a statement..."Yes we are really movie stars here to crash your dance!" Oh this was a special day!
(Adam, Cade and Friends)
(The Freshmen)
There it was, the kids were frozen, unable to move towards the open door. This was the moment they had been waiting for. The Luxury bus was a small transit bus painted white that said "VIP TOURS" on the side! One of the boys looks at his mom and yells out, "WHAT IS THIS THING! We aren't going to the dance in THIS!" Everyone started to yell, "This is SOOOO LAME!" The boys mom said, "Oh, go ahead and get on, it'll be okay...this isn't what I thought I'd ordered but it'll be fine, hurry and get on you guys are already late." With heads hung low, shoulders slumped, muttering mean comments under their breathe...one by one they piled into their double wide "luxury" seats. Adam taking a seat and slumping his head against the window. I jumped on to get a picture of the scene inside...which was very different than a few minutes prior. At least one girl forced a smile for the picture.
(Kids in Shock)
(A Girl Forcing a Smile...Notice the Boy in the Backs Face!LOL!)
As the freshman were all seat belted safely in their seats...a dad yells out, "This is what you get to ride in when your a freshman. Just wait till next year, it gets better!!" With that final parting comment the doors closed and the bus driver flashed the inside lights off and on...giving it quite the party bus effect!LOL! We were all laughing as they drove away.
Adam told me that at the end of the night, as everyone piled outside waiting for their Limo's and Luxury busses to pull up...his group hid towards the back of the crowd, praying that their's would be the last one to pull in front. But, when you're a freshman, things never go the way you hope...it pulled right up...flashing lights and all. They sprinted to get inside and hid under the seats, hoping to avoid being seen. Driving off into the moonlight, safely hidden in the darkness, they popped their heads up one by one, looked around, climbed into their seats and said, "Man, that was embarrassing...do you think anybody saw us? I can't wait till we're Senior's, this bus stinks!!"
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Senior Pictures...WHAT?
Where have the years gone? I can't believe I had to take Jullien for his Senior pictures today!! It was just yesterday when he was crawling after me, screaming outside the bathroom door because I was out of his sight. My sister would say, "How can you stand it?" He wont let you even go to the bathroom!" But...I loved the feeling of being loved so completely and unconditionally. He was always a clinger and even now that he is older, I love the fact that he likes to hang out here with his girlfriend. Never having girls made me wonder if someday I would be all alone in my old age. Well...having a clinger as a son gives me hope!! He talks to me about his relationship, listens to my advice (doesn't always take it) and is always affectionate, giving me a hug goodbye, even if his friends are around.
Today he was all dressed up after his pictures, so I told him I want to take a few of my own, (that way I can send out invitations with some of mine and hopefully save on the portrait package, which costs a FORTUNE!!!) He wasn't too happy about it, complained and said how much I embarrass him, because I always want to take pictures. I just ignored him and made him pose. Okay, I had to bribe him with some ice cream, still works at 16 years old! LOL! I got some pretty good shots, just wish I could afford Photoshop to touch up a bit. I still think they came out okay though...what do you think? Don't worry, give me your honest opinion, you wont hurt my feelings, I take tons of pics so I can get better, any tips would be great.
Today he was all dressed up after his pictures, so I told him I want to take a few of my own, (that way I can send out invitations with some of mine and hopefully save on the portrait package, which costs a FORTUNE!!!) He wasn't too happy about it, complained and said how much I embarrass him, because I always want to take pictures. I just ignored him and made him pose. Okay, I had to bribe him with some ice cream, still works at 16 years old! LOL! I got some pretty good shots, just wish I could afford Photoshop to touch up a bit. I still think they came out okay though...what do you think? Don't worry, give me your honest opinion, you wont hurt my feelings, I take tons of pics so I can get better, any tips would be great.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)