Well, 2017 has been another busy year! We enjoyed a great summer with a big trip to California. We moved into our wonderful new home, the older 2 boys had a good transition into their new school. Mike started a new job and we experienced karate, gymnastics, and other fun things. We hope you all have a happy and healthy 2018.
As is tradition, please enjoy our favorite Rodriguez brothers quotes from the last year!
December 2016 - On Christmas Eve, I showed Sam my "santa tracker" app on my phone. He was incredulous, saying "technology these days is just amazing!"
December 2016 - Sam hid a toy from Bamma (my mom) so she could "seek" it. After much searching, she said she just couldn't find it. Sam, matter of factly replied, "well of course, you had your eyes closed when I hid it!"
December 2016 - After spending time with several girl cousins during our extended family holiday extravaganza, Isaac still struggled recalling the correct names. As he sat on Adeline's lap, I asked him if he remembered her name. In a very non-convincing voice, he tried, "Mag-neen?" (We have two other cousins named Maggie and Jeaneen).
December 2016 - Sam hurt himself by being generally reckless several times throughout the day. Finally, I said to him "stop running around like a maniac, you're getting hurt left and right!" He replied back to me in an exasperated tone, "mostly right mom!"
New Year's Day 2017 - In order to prevent cabin fever, I posited the concept of the "First Annual New Years Day Rodriguez Pajama Race" outside. The younger two were all over it and rushed to get out the door. Sam rudely pushed ahead of Isaac so he could be the first out the door. I chastised him saying, "it's not a race!" Logically, he responded, "Yes it is mom!"
January 2017 - Making our NFL playoff brackets, Isaac selects the "Green Bean Packers."
January 2017 - Josh asks Isaac what he does at preschool. He tells him, "cutting and science, ya know..."
January 2017 - Sam proudly gets to bring his classroom mascot home for the weekend. He explains to us what he supposed to do with the stuffed wildcat, Wally. I ask about prayers, and Sam replies "don't worry about it mom, I don't think he really has a soul."
February 2017 - On a recent trip to Panera, Isaac "assisted" Bampa (my dad) in maneuvering the car into a parking spot by waving and gesturing. Bampa thanked him afterward, and Isaac told him, "No problem, I'm your guy!"
March 2017 - Isaac delights in the "pocket" his new car seat has (cupholders).
March 2017 - We play a new game called "Exploding kittens" that has an element of surprise and waiting for a certain card. Sam declares, "I keep farting because I'm so nervous!"
March 2017 - During a longer car ride, Sam and Noah are trying to twist their fingers to demonstrate how double jointed they are. Sam says the typical canned phrase, "Don't try this at home!" He then mentions how painful it is. Noah says, "well why are you doing it?!" and then quickly mutters to himself, "Well I guess technically we aren't home..."
April 2017 - We listen to the song, "Kiss the Girl" from Little Mermaid, Sam asks why someone would ever write a song about kissing girls. I responded, "you kiss me all the time!" He answers with, "You're my mom, it's necessary."
May 2017 - My mom and I were discussing cell phones and what models we had etc. She says to me, "you're a 6 right?" Without missing a beat, Mike interjects, "come on mom, she's a 10!"
May 2017 - It's been a tough month adjusting to life after the death of our beloved dog, Ellie. Sam seems to have had the hardest time and was pretty upset one evening. I realized how lacking our religious education has been with Isaac when he tries to comfort Sam with, "I think Ellie is going to see Godzilla in heaven."
May 2017 - Looking forward to his school's annual Field Day, Noah asks me the forecast for the day. I told him it was going to be partly sunny. He pauses and looks at me, "well, what's the other part?"
June 2017 - Over the summer, the boys each get to pick a special spot to have their own dinner with the grandparents. Sam picks sushi for his night. Isaac's exotic choice? Panera.
July 2017 - Excited to have some friends over at the new house, the kids all rush outside to jump on the trampoline. Isaac stops everyone to warn, "do not go on the trampoline if you have high blood pressure!"
September 2017 - On a walk recently, Noah makes the exclamation, "What in carnation!" After I explain to him it's "What in tarnation" he realizes he's been saying it wrong his whole life!
September 2017 - We hosted 3 cousins on an overnight visit from Indiana. Sam states loudly, "Mom is the best mom ever!" Then, out of earshot, "actually she's not that nice. Only when guests are around, she's nice." Noah adds "yeah, you guys are our tickets to getting treats!"
October 2017 - At the new elementary school they have student lead parent teacher conferences. So, that meant for Noah's conference I had Isaac and Sam along with us. After chatting a while about Noah, his wonderful teacher turned her attention to the siblings. Isaac proudly told her all about the 4 forces "lift, thrust, weight, and drag." She was very impressed and we talked about their scientist dad who was at work. Sam added, "Good thing my dad isn't here. His farts smell really eggy!" This conference took place at 7:00am, what a way for her to start the day!
October 2017 - While I was playing with Isaac he threatened me with a toy car yelling, "I'm going to crash into you.... (immediately changing to a sweet tone of voice) ... with love!"
October 2017 - While at Panera with Bamma, Isaac said he didn't like his lunch. When she reminded him he ate every bite of his grilled cheese, he said, "Well my body was just attracted to it!"
October 2017 - Isaac warns Bamma while they are in the basement with the workout equipment, "Remember those are my mom and dad's weights, cause when you get really really old you can't handle it."
October 2017 - Another classic conversation between Isaac and Bamma. On a return trip from the library, they chat about flight, airplanes and the Wright brothers. After a bit, Isaac gets agitated that she doesn't know anything about the Left brothers. "You told me about the Wrights, but what about the Lefts!" To be fair, he is left-handed.
December 2017 - Over lunch, Isaac tells me, "When I drink milk, my brain kind of expands."
December 2017 - Isaac and I are discussing the religious parts of the Christmas holiday. He quickly changes to telling me about Easter. In a very serious tone, lecturing me, "You know mom, Easter is not about the West or the North, it's only about the East!"
