My Luvies

Taming a toddler

2011-02-18T14:04:00.000-08:00

Now I know why my mom used such phrases as we'll see, maybe, maybe another day, I'll think about it. Because they work! They quietly and calmly disengage a loaded weapon. I find myself using those words that I so used to hate and I have ultimate success. My Calvin says ok and walks away content with my answer. Genius! Thanks mom!

The American Dream: 50 years old

2010-08-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

My grandparents stepped off a ship from Brazil to Los Angeles, California 50 years ago to this day. They waited 9 years hoping that their life would lead them to the United States for a much needed ear surgery for my grandfather. He suffered with great hearing loss and infections since he was a toddler from the explosions of war in Latvia. Most of their baptist community decided they should move to the United States and start anew. However, their requests were denied due to quotas that had already been filled. So off to Brazil they went. They settled there, living in tents and sharing food for the first 6 months or so. They spent time trying new foods, learning how to live off the land (most of them had been farmers), farming for others and pooling together their money to buy their own land. Soon they had successful silk farms, rice fields and peanut crops. My grandfather asked my grandmother out when she was sixteen and he proposed to her that very night. Talk about ballsy. She said no, like any respectable 16 year old would, and told him she had to grow up first. He stuck by her side and was very persistent. This I can understand because I have many stories regarding the stubbornness of my grandfather in my own life. But that is for another day. So at 21 she said yes. Little Freddy came along 5 years later along with a successful photography business and being baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Thus brings us up to speed with the great ship on mark for LA. Back then you had to have a sponsor to come into the United States. A sponsor is someone who is a upstanding citizen and is able to vouch for your actions and support you monetarily if needs be until you become a citizen yourself. Luckily, a missionary that converted them was more than happy to be their sponsor. Since he lived in Big Bear, CA that is why they went to California. As they say, the rest is history. 6 grand kids, 10 great grandchildren later they are still a symbol of strength, humor, growth and endurance.
I look back on all of the circumstances that have taken place for me to be here in this life,in America, being the person I am and I feel greatly blessed for the sacrifices my grandparents made. To leave their home in Latvia in search of a better life. Then again leave their home in Brazil in search of hope for so much pain and suffering my grandfather had experienced much of his life. Then as they decided as a family almost immediately that they would stay even after the surgeries were done. I am thankful today for that and for blessings, for our freedoms and for our agency. I am thankful for family and for the power of examples. My grandmother told me when I moved to a new high school, "Don't complain if you don't have any friends. It is your responsibilty to go up to someone that looks like you might like to be friends with and be her friend. You speak english. You can talk. You can try! I did not speak english, but I had to work hard and try hard and I made friends, see?"
Now I must dress for the party and celebrate!

Happy Happy Birthday!

2010-04-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

Travis thank you for being an incredible daddy and husband. You are so hardworking and a wonderful inspiration to us. You are always willing to serve and easy to smile. We love your attitude the way you teach us everyday.

Happy Birthday to you, you live in a Zoo!

The Vo's at General Conference

2010-04-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

We got to go to conference with the Vo's. Travis, me, Pete and Carrie all got to go together. We had a really nice time especially since it was Vo Vo and Vovozinha's first time going. They had awesome seats right in front on the main floor that Kelly got them. Vovo was really reluctant to go, but Vovozinha told me get him a ticket he will come. He said he liked it so much he wants to go again next October. Vovozinha said she enjoyed hearing all different languages and seeing all kinds of people from different walks of life. She agreed that she is a people watcher too.

Sophie Antoinette

2010-03-06T10:32:00.001-08:00

Sophie grabbed Travis' foot and he yelled Yip! Calvin looked over at him and said Daddy said Yip! I laughed and said yeah. Then Calvin said Yippie Kai Yay!
New puppy no time. Y'all check back later!

family pics

2010-01-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

We went to get some family pictures taken for fun with Tracy and my mom. We went to the Train Depot and to the Air Force Museum in Roy. Calvin loved the trains and planes. It is a perfect place for little (and big) boys to keep their interests while you are trying to take their picture.

November hike

2010-01-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

We went hiking in November before it got too cold and snowy. Mom, Tracy and Jerel ,Pete, Calvin and I all went. It was such a beautiful day. We had so much fun!

Calvin loved running up to Uncle Zezo and Uncle Pete and he did not want to hold hands with them. He said he wanted to be with the big boys.

A good successful hike always ends with a good crash!

Facelift coming soon...

2009-12-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, soon! New updates, pictures and more!

Snow?

2009-10-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

I heard we had our first snow in Utah. We are finally in the double digits and enjoying some cool breezes and able to wear pants and I hear we have snow to come home to? Well Calvin won't complain, last year he wore his snowpants and coat around the house for fun. As you can see an occasional top hat...

AMEL

2009-10-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

Amelia who was called Mae Mae by Calvin is now Amel. I am trying to get him to add on the final ya sound because whenever he says her name now I think of Emeril for some reason! And I don't want to think of him when Amelia has such a sweet beautiful face. We miss everyone and can't wait to be home in about 1 week. See y'all soon...

POPS!

2009-10-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

We went to this fun restaurant in Arcadia, OK last saturday and again today. It has hundreds of different kinds of soda pop. You can't miss it with the big soda pop bottle in front of the large glass building with glass pop bottles lining the shelves. We all had a fun
time especially Calvin playing on the bike rack as you can see here. We weren't in any hurry to leave so we sat there watching all the motorcycles come and go for about 45 minutes. I had a Guarana in a glass bottle which takes me back about 25 years....mmm. And I found my brother Daves Kentucky favorite, Ale 8.

ZOO and Ping Pong..um ...I mean table tennis

2009-10-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

So we went to the zoo last weekend mostly to take a break and wear Calvin out while Travis was playing his tennis table tournament. It was an all day event and I needed to get some fresh air since it has just started to cool down. We saw a cute hippo laying in her mud bath. I love how their little ears twirl around in circles. There were about half a dozen Meerkats hanging out which I have never seen so many in real life. It was like watching Meerkat Manor! Calvin loved the Rhino and kept asking about the "guy" that takes care of it. I told him the "guy" feeds him, gives him baths, and drinks, and plays with him. Although I am not sure if a rhino really plays. That's debatable. We had a fun day and got back in time to watch Travis play more table tennis. Travis is improving a lot and having a lot of fun with the guys in his club. Most of them are over 50 and really really good. I think they are really excited for some fresh blood to train. They have been really nice taking him under their wing and showing him the ropes. They loved having Calvin there and they all were eyeing his left hand throwing of the ping pong ball saying oh a south paw!! a lefty!! oh he's got an arm! As much as we miss Pop Pop it is nice to have some older grandpa-like guys around to make Calvin feel super. He has his own paddle and usually just runs with it while he throws the ball...

Baking a Cake

2009-08-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Calvin and I are baking a fun two layer cake to take to Idaho. Calvin loves to cook in the kitchen with Travis and I. Or anyone else for that matter. Well he dumped in the ingredients in the bowl and it was time for the eggs. He helped me crack them on the side of the bowl, split and open into the bowl. Each time an egg landed in the bowl he greeted it with an excited hello! Once they were all in he said egg awake? Go night night Awake awake! Then when I stirred it he said an equally excited bye bye!

We are offto go "do" (light) a match he's been asking for all morning. He is already showing signs of pyro just like his uncles.

I Play Mad Gabs all day long...

2009-07-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

We are so glad to be home! Calvin and I went hiking and swimming today. It is so nice to do things outside without dying of the heat. Calvin had fun hiking eventhough we had to lure him to the end with rocks. He got tired at the end and kept sitting down wanting to play with the rocks and sand. Since we have been gone his vocabulary has just exploded. He loves to talk and be heard. It's like I am playing Mad Gabs with Calvin all day. I am listening to his words with a toddler accent. Thinking what? chruck Oh yeah! truck! He loves to repeat his words over and over just to make sure we are listening. A couple of his new big words are tortilla and grandma. I am really excited to play while we are here for just 1 short month before we head to Houston. From Houston we will then go back to Oklahoma until October. Hope everyone is having a fun summer!

Baby Calvin thoughts...

2009-03-28T23:46:00.000-07:00

I have just put away all of Calvin's baby things down to the last sock, bib and washcloth. It made me a little sad to think he is turning into such a big boy. He is such a good little munchkin and I am so blessed to have him as my little buddy. We do everything together and I love it. He has reached a new stage of hide and go seek, tickling, teasing, joking around, crafts and building things. I don't know what I would do without my sweet little love bug who makes my life mean something special. A little person who I hope will soak up all the goodness and love and life I have to give.

Here is a cute little baby picture just for my quiet little mommy moment.

Road Trip!

2009-03-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

This is us keeping Calvin occupied in the car. Unfortunately this was right after we ate at The Hat and Pete was burping so rediculously loud! Thanx Pete. I don't know how to edit videos so here you go...

We had a fun trip. It was fast we were only in California for a couple days to see VOVO and VOVOZINHA. We went to Disneyland and went hiking in the mountains. It was so fun to see them and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Hiking Along PCH

2009-03-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

We drove up PCH and it was such a perfect day. We stopped at a state park and went hiking for a little bit. Calvin got his first skinned knee. He wanted to run everywhere but we had to be careful with the rocks and possible rattlesnakes around. So Pete carried him on his shoulders. This is my most favorite place to hike. You have mountains and ocean. What more could you ask for?

Flower Clip

2009-03-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

I found some cool felt at Hobby Lobby and decided to glue it onto a clippie. Check it out!

Bye Bye Uncle Matt

2009-03-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Uncle Matt got a job in Escalante and is buying a house next week! He starts monday. So today we had a delicious home cooked Cafe Rio dinner. OOO so good! He and his friend Rachel cooked it and oh man they are pros! They had the pie tin to pop it in the broiler, guac, pico, rice, beans, corn and yummy elk meat. Oh and of course lots of lime and cilantro! My fav...

Calvin loves his Uncle Matt. I have been teaching him how to do a funny face with his hands in his mouth sticking out his tongue. He is attempting to do it in this picture. Good Luck Matt!

Big Sister

2009-02-26T21:46:00.000-08:00

Here is Big Sis Amelia with her new little baby brother, Lucas.

Babies!!!

2009-02-26T21:10:00.000-08:00

Lucas Blackburn Zalit was born yesterday to Kelly and Dave at 6lbs 1 oz and 18 inches long. He is perfectly healthy and so adorable! He looks so much like Amelia and is so good natured. The nurses say he hardly ever cries when they do the changing and vitals. Amelia loves him already. She tried to honk his little nose in the picture with Dave. It's the cutest thing to see her little arms stretched out saying baby because she wants to hold him. Kelly is doing great. She had to go into the OR for a procedure, but is fine now. She feels great and hopefully they will go home in the morning. Little Baby Evan Daniel was born on monday in Texas to Dan and Lauren. He was 8lbs 6oz and 19 1/2 inches. Lauren had him a week early because her Avery was 11 lbs normal delivery! Evan and I have one thing in common- our cheeks! I had chubby cheeks from the moment I was born. It's so fun to have to little babies so close together. I am so glad everyone is healthy and happy. Check out Texas Luvies blog link on my blog to see Evan Daniel Zalit. Congratulations guys!

Snow and Fairies

2009-02-17T14:40:00.000-08:00

I've always loved fairies and the whimsicle tales from Ireland's history. If I were a fairy I would be the kind that turns winter in to spring! Calvin is sick with 2 ear infections, a runny nose, fever and cough. Ugh. It's hard on both of us. I can't imagine having more than one child sick at the same time. It snowed all day (about a foot and a half) so that was nice to look outside. It's the kind of day you'd like to just curl up and read. I like it when it snows like this and I don't have to go anywhere. Happy St. Patricks Day!

I've been tagged.

2009-02-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

The fourth picture in the fourth folder. I love this picture of little Calvin. He is 6 months. I love bundling him up in hats and gloves and jackets in the cold. It makes me feel like such a good mom to brave the cold when he's all cozy and happy. The top picture is just because it's so darn cute!

Now I choose to tag four of you: Loya, Kim, Heather and Kelly!

2009-02-02T12:49:00.000-08:00

I love Valentine's Day for several reasons. First, it's the day I met Travis. We were at an Anti Valentine's Day party up at Bear Lake. We were just a bunch of friends who just wanted to have a little fun. It wasn't love at first sight, but the beginning of a fun relationship. We always had fun together and decided that's when we knew we could take our relationship further. He is my favorite person and I always feel like I can never get enough of him. We are perfect for eachother. Another reason I love Valentine's Day is I don't care for winter's end. It drags on and on. So come February I really need a light of love and sunshine to keep me going. If this was too sappy and sweet for you don't even get Tracy started! Her birthday is Feb 16 and she thinks all the hoopla is for her and her only. Maybe that's not such a bad thing. I was born in December. But I was born in Brazil which means summertime. So if I could have my very own month to celebrate me it would be in June. I'm a summer lover that's for sure. What month would you call your own if you could?

Once upon a time it was too quiet...

2009-01-30T23:06:00.000-08:00

Calvin discovered the empty bath tub and crawled right in. He dumped out all his toys and thought it was the best place to be. He's so busy he hardly has time for a quick hello.

Dryers can be so much fun...

2009-01-28T21:45:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if this is our greatest idea, but we had so much fun while it lasted. SO yes, it was well worth it...

What are these links?

2009-01-26T16:19:00.000-08:00

Anyone know what are these links on the word BABY and CAR in my blog? Are they harmful? How do I get rid of them? How did they get there? Weird.....

Our Rainy Day...

2009-01-22T21:04:00.000-08:00

Today was rainy and we stayed inside all day. We had fun. Calvin finally gave scrambled eggs a try and loved them. I've been trying to feed him eggs for the last 3 months! So I was really excited. And he also ate peanut butter and crackers for lunch. Another breakthrough. He's been picky about his food since just after he turned 1. It has been such a tedious chore to feed him so this has been a super day for Mommy...plus I love rain(:

Calvin is sitting on his ball. He likes to roll around on it. He reminds me of a little baby bear we saw at the Zoo last spring.

Playing with Mr. Pig

2009-01-22T20:46:00.000-08:00

We had fun putting Mr. Piggy on Calvin's car. Calvin pushed him around for a while and then decided he wanted to go for a ride himself. Piggie's hooves were stuck in the steering wheel so Calvin had a squawk.

Ends with a spin...

2009-01-22T20:42:00.000-08:00

Calvin kept spinning despite the dizzying falls. If you listen you can hear his giggles...

Calvin's Day

2009-01-21T21:42:00.000-08:00

Just playing in a box with a mini notebook.

Is this a sign of things to come? Yikes!

Calvin's New Hobby...

2009-01-21T21:33:00.000-08:00

Calvin has been taking up some light reading, Enders Game upside down. He likes a challenge..

He saw the book and cozied up on the pillows all by himself.

Someone's thoughts to think about...

2009-01-20T19:18:00.000-08:00

"We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”- Pablo Picasso"
"There is always some madness in Love. There are always some Reason in madness" - Friedrich Nietzsche
" The obstacle is the path." - Zen Proverb
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Leonardo da Vinci
" Peace comes from within. Do not Seek it without." - Buddha

The Swimsuit Solution...

2009-01-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

I was working out today. And as I was overlooking the pool, I saw someone wearing a black T-shirt to her knees with her bikini top OVER her shirt. It never occured to me to do that! That way you can show off that cute bikini without having to bare your unbikini ready body. Fantastic! I cannot wait to go out and get myself an oversized balck t-shirt. Anyone else?Anyway, something to think about...

Time for bed...

2009-01-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

I took this picture in the dark and it actually turned out. He doesn't look ready for bed at all, more like playtime!

Duck Feeding Frenzy

2009-01-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

Calvin was so excited to see the ducks and geese. We went last night and had so much fun. Last time we went he was a little hesitant and wanted nothing to do with getting too close. This time he had no fear. He loved feeding them and looking at them close up. Good thing these geese are nice to little ones. He loved stomping his boots in the mud of course! On the way home he took his socks and boots off.

They're smarter than you think...

2009-01-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

I was getting ready this morning to go run a few errands with Tracy. Mostly just to give Calvin something to do so he wasn't "helping" me put on my make up, I told him to go get his coat. He left and came back with his coat. Then I told him, "Go get your boots." He left again and came back with his boots. The other day I told him to go get some pants, that he couldn't go outside without pants. Lo and behold he got his pants from the 3rd drawer down in his dresser. I never told him where his boots were, (they were by the front door) or his coat (it was on his chair in his room) or the pants. He just went looking around. I'm suprised that either he remembered where they were or he just started to look for them. Either way, I guess he's watching us closer than we think... I better watch my p's and q's.

2009-01-08T23:08:00.000-08:00

I am such a dork which is why I really like this! That is the actual binary code behind it. Cool! Wow! Now that is sexy. Good thing Travis is dorky too. What a great pair we make!

2009-01-01T23:07:00.000-08:00

To all my diva friends out there instant eyeshadow in variety pack. Cool

coloronpro.com

2009-01-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

Tracy has this quote on her blog and I thought it was beautiful.
"I would rather be a ghost drifting by your side as a condemed soul than enter heaven without you... because of your love, I will never be a lonely spirit."

Storytime...

2008-12-31T15:25:00.000-08:00

Uncle Dave and Aunt Tracy read to Amelia and Calvin on Christmas Eve.

Sweet baby girl...

2008-12-31T15:20:00.001-08:00

Heather is blowing on Maura's head and she thinks it's so hilarious! Oh mommy you come up with the wackiest ideas!

Not in the eyes!

2008-12-31T15:17:00.000-08:00

Calvin was "eating" pudding. Although I think he got most of it on his shirt...that was one dirty firetruck!

Superman is hungry

2008-12-31T14:30:00.000-08:00

Enjoying the last of our Christmas decos

2008-12-31T14:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas wore me out! It's nice to just sit back and relax for just a minute! We had a great Christmas with our little family in our new home. There's nowhere I'd rather be.

We had fun at Becky and Glade's

2008-08-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

We experimented with the magic bullet blender, played with the kids, went to the science museum and the cowboy museum. They were so much fun!

2008-08-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

I am a red head now! It's fun and I like to change from my blonde hair.

Calvin in the stove

2008-08-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

Calvin loves opening and closing the stove drawer and climbing in and out over and over again and again. Luckily no one really cooks in these apartments and it was spotlessly clean.

Daddy and Calvin

2008-08-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

Travis and Calvin at the Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City. This was a highlight while we were there. We spent the day with Becky and her kids. The museum was really interesting and beautiful.

crawling...

2008-08-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

Calvin loves the kitchen and always beelines his way to the dishwasher, cupboards, trash or fishies in the cupboards.

Calvin's walking!!

2008-08-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

Kyla at the aquarium.

2008-08-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

We are having fun with all the girls. Elayna started school today so she couldn't join us. Kyla's posing for her mom and I snuck a pic in too.

Moody Rainforest Galveston, Texas

2008-08-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Calvin Avery and Kyla are checking out the huge fish. Here are some macaws we got so close to without any fences!

Dan and the kids and a scarlet ibis

2008-08-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

Moody Aquarium Rainforest

2008-08-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

2008-06-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

Silly Face

2008-06-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

Crawling around at Aunt Tracy's house. Army crawl for long distances, knee crawl for short.

2008-06-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

Cutie pies Isaac, Harrison, Calvin and Lily

2008-06-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

I decorated this cake for Amelia's first birthday party.

2008-06-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Calvin hamming it up saying good bye to his cousins

Catching Up..

2008-06-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

I know where have I been?

Well we bought a new house. We settle on the 26th. After paint, floors and cleaning, we'll move in around the 4th.

Travis started a new job and just left today for Oklahoma City for 10 weeks.

Calvin got his first shiner two days ago. He's a major busy body and getting around and into everything. His favorite hot spots are remotes, electrical sockets, cameras, phones, strings, and any spots on the floor. He is almost 10 months

Here are some new pics from Andy and Loya's visit on their way up to Skagway.

It was so fun the see the kids play with Calvin and make him laugh. Lily asked me if his dinosaur was a choking hazard. So cute.

Heather's baby is due in about 3 weeks. We are so excited.
Travis is going to be spending the 4th with the Houston Zalits. He does love a good 4th and Dan said they're having BBQ, fireworks and maybe even a beach day.

Luvs,

Grace

Calvin swimming

2008-04-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is the second time Calvin went swimming. He wasn't so sure about it at first. We've been swimming about 9 times now and he absolutely loves it. We are in swim lessons twice a week. When we get to the pool he starts babbling and grunting and waving his arms in the air. His favorite thing to do is to swim to a toy I throw. I hold his sides and he kicks and flails his arms so fast never taking his eyes off the toy.

He likes to splash and doesn't care whether or not he goes under the water. When he floats on his back he likes to cross his feet.

Calvin is hanging out on a fuzzy blue blanket

2008-04-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

This is the look Calvin gives us when we are eating something delicious. He loves to take tastes of our big people food. He had some licks of cocnut ice cream and kalua pork and rice. He loved it and kept opening his little mouth and waving his hands for more.

Hello! New Blog!

2008-04-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hello,
Welcome to our first blog site. I am totally new at this, but Lauren and Heather have inspired me to start!
SO far so good.
Any blog hints or suggestions?
Grace