Happy Birthday Uncle Luke!

Blurbs in the blog

Birthday Boy!

The months have flown by and keeping up the blog has fallen by the wayside. I've committed however to make an attempt, however poor to keep loved ones informed and for us, a record of our adventure here in Virginia and here in life.

Lucas celebrated his 2nd birthday January 18th. He wanted a chocolate cake and a tricycle. He got both.

Lucas is growing into a child with a huge personality. He often has us laughing with his wit. He calls pine trees "poke-U-pines" for obvious reasons. Thanks to his brother, he has remarkable potty humour, that I'm afraid we sometimes encourage with our laughter. It may come back to haunt us I'm sure, but it sure is cute. He is a bubble of sweetness, two-year-old sweetness (all parents know what I mean), but sweetness just the same.

The happy baker has a sample

The new semester brought a new load of work for Juan. Needless to say, he is very busy. He makes it home for meals and sometimes takes the evening off but mostly he is at the lab working. Juan is getting through his course work, but finds it very challenging; intellectually, emotionally and physically. He is superb at balancing his life the best he can, and I know, by how he acts, that his family is his first priority. The boys adore him. When Daddy is around, Mom is 'chopped liver', not even able to zip up a coat as good as Daddy, and I don't mind it a bit.


"Once there was a snowman..."

I am keeping the home together, and am coming to enjoy motherhood in a way I haven't before. I'm enjoying them more and I expect the bumps in the road, so that when they do occur, I'm not as bothered. Those who know me well, may be surprised to know that I'm improving in domestic activities (by my own choice even!); I cook more/better, I bake bread (though nothing I would ever give away or take credit for to those outside my family), I've begun a vegetable garden (we'll see how that goes), and I . . . SCRAPBOOK! Actually, I've finally had printed four years worth of photo and am putting them in albums, nothing fancy, just the photo and some writing.

Diego is still in preschool and doing well at it. He has been taking Kung Fu at our gym and loves it so much, we are considering private lessons for him. Diego is growing and learning well. He is my sensitive, passionate and intense boy , that I think may do big things in life or at least will do things in a big way.

At a restaurant

Future blackmail material

The saga of 'Bird Killer Kitty'

When we first visited Shadow Lakes Village in July of last year, scouting for a place to live, we saw, as we drove away from seeing what was to become our future home, a cat walking up the street with something bright colored and bulky hanging from it's neck. We slowed down the car, and looked closer. It appeared that someone had fastened what looked like to us, a ridiculous bib around it's neck. We discussed that maybe someone was teasing the cat, "Could it be dangerous for him?" we asked. "Maybe we should take it off?". We finally chose the path of apathy and drove away with Juan quipping "Just ask it what it had for dinner." Ha Ha, we had a good laugh at that one.

Fast forward to November, 2008:

Due to a large amount of bird feeders, (which go hand in hand with bird watchers) our de-clawed, rescued pound cat, turned mouser (in Idaho) has turned bird killer (in Virginia). This crime carries a heavy penalty; the politically correct version of the 'kitty stocks' (see photo above). It's a punishment of shame really. Max became quite fit and svelte after we moved here. He roamed Shadow Lakes with as much of a swagger as a cat can. He was cool, yes, even a 'cool cat'.

Now, he's embarrassed to go outside. He has gained weight and when he walks around with his "cat bib", as it's called, he really seems ashamed. He steps timidly and keeps a low profile, skulking around in the shadows. He does all he can to escape without the bib, so we have to put the law on him (see video below).

The bird watchers are happy and so I figure it not worth asserting my cat's rights (Shadow Lakes Village does have a Pet Task Force to whom I can appeal). Juan vows to paint a lobster on the bib. In fact, when we see Max bibbed, we have a whole list of jokes that get us going; "How was dinner Max?" is always the first. I don't think this helps his self esteem very much.

So, if you're ever in Virginia, near Shadow Lakes Road in Blacksburg, and you see a cat or two wearing bibs (ordered from Australia by the way), know they have committed heinous acts that have requesitioned them to their punishment so that they can kill no more. And if you happen to see one with a lobster painted on it, slow down, roll down your window and say "Max, did you enjoy your dinner?"

Why I no longer put them in time out in the same room:

Diego shows off on his scooter

The boys being silly

We send our love to you all. We are busy and life, though not perfect is good.

Love, The Deatons ( & "Bird Killer Kitty")

Christmas Everywhere!

Diego on his new scooter (Spiderman of course!)

This Christmas was celebrated twice in our family this year. Once in Virginia on December 18th and again on the real Christmas day in Silver City, New Mexico at Juan's brother Richard's and his wife Amanda's home.

Cristina made an impromptu pinata (MacGyver has nothing on her)

Fun was had by everyone and the big surprise was a photo given to Juan's Mom from Richard and Amanda for Christmas that Cristina could not figure out. She showed everyone and finally, Richard said "It's an ultrasound". Juan's mom said "an ultrasound? ...of what?" (I don't think Cristina had actually seen an ultrasound of a fetus before). It was a great surprise and what good news to bring in the new year.

The boys were spoiled rotten and ate way too much sugar. We're just now beginning to reign in control of Diego again. All the change, excitement and bad eating seemed to affect him (and I think Mom and Dad were getting a little lax too).

Christmas in New Mexico

Juan is still on break from school, though he went on a business trip this week to D.C. He said the city is starting to seem surreal as it gets ready for Obama's inauguration. Traffic is already terrible, Juan's adviser lives on Capital Hill and says he will not be leaving his home on inauguration day, even for a walk. I guess its something you have to experience to see how crazy it gets. Juan still is busy with his research during what is left of break and he is gearing up for next semester.

I'm busy of course and trying to lose a few holiday pounds. They come on quick and leave ever so much slower as time goes on (I suppose I should be doing the happy dance if that is my main worry).

We are still doing well and hope you all had a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Lucas in Truck Heaven

...and What did Santa Leave?

'knock knock' jokes on Christmas Eve