I miss you so much mom...

But I see you and feel you in everything I do! Thanks mom for your words, there is no magic pill to help you get through the hard times! Just live them out with GOD, and he will bless your path!

Laker Game with my sister Janis...

My sister Janis and I went to a Laker Game together, we had so much fun! I love to spend time with her...

4 day Cruise, for Vince's Birthday...

We had lots of fun without the kids, but everyday we missed them so much. I really don't have a lot of fun pictures because we only did 3 things all day, eat, drink and sleep!

Me in front of the ship, I don't know how we got to the ship that day! But we did...

The waiter came up to me and, put this you know where....


Me and Vince inside Papas & Beer. We had a great time inside, that we just made it back to the ship on time...



Me and Vince, just before we sailed away for the weekend...Thanks husband I really had a blast with you like always...

Happy Birthday Dear Husband....

It's that time again, the boys and I want to say Happy Birthday Papa! Thanks for everything and anything you do for the family, we love and think about you all the time. You wake up every morning rain or shine, healthy or feeling like you do in this picture, just to give your family the best of everything. I'm home with your two boys, and I think that is your true happiness to know that the person who loves them most is right by their side caring for them always LORD willing! Thank you LORD FATHER for my husband, and I pray that you take care of him just like one of your stars, light in the dark sky! Thanks Vince for the gift this year that you gave me, for your birthday, a 4 day cruise this weekend all alone with you!!! Your the best, it's party time....

Happy Birthday Michelle Hopkins...

Here's to so many years as friends! Thanks for always listening to my S****. Happy B-Day Michelle, and I pray for many more to come! Autism Diva's forever....

Autism 101...

Do you have any question about what causes autism? I don't!
Actually this is only one of the factors that affected our child; by 6 months following the vaccination schedule the load of mercury was 190mcg inside Giovanni. The EPA stated that the safe limit was only 60mcg,but the pediatric academy insisted that vaccines were safe regardless.
We see more and more adverse incidents involving vaccinations in child and adults,but we continue to hear how safe they are....(one shoe fits all)

Update on Giovanni...

I have been thinking about my first born son Giovanni a lot, what I mean is that I'm so thankful for the love between him and I. Some people have been telling me, what does it matter if he can talk read or write, because in the end he will still be under your wing forever. I hate autism YES! but I love the LORD and His angel Giovanni Baca, I will not and haven't giving up my hope that one day this little boy will be a great man with lots to say! So please don't ever think for a second that it's pointless for my family and Gio, that's FAITH guys in the promise that GOD knows us all by name. I look into Gio's eyes almost everyday and I tell him son I haven't forgotten about you, I'm so sorry for the wait, but our LORD GOD all mighty awaits your prescence, so please as I pray for you can you tell Him to help me find you fast because I need you more than anything in this world, and I want nothing more than to know your Father GOD too! LORD thank you for the changes I see in YOUR angel, that I have named Giovanni Baca, I'm communicating with him thought his writing, and it's all your beautiful GRACE GOD. I believe LORD, I believe!!!!

Aquarium of the Pacific...

We took the boys to the Aquarium in Long Beach. We had a really good time with them, and I just love when Gio and Josh are looking at things for the first time. Gio loves the water so much!















Gio didn't want to touch anything, but the water...


Gio and Joshua looking so cute...OH! I mean cool!





Joshua really had a lot of questions....


Joshua asking papa questions, and Gio just taking it all in...Thank you GOD for another great day with the family!!!

Lombardi Ranch Field Trip with Joshua...

Joshua and I had a great time on his field trip to Lombardi Ranch. I'm so grateful to have these moments with my boys! Joshua on the train...


Joshua taking a break...

OK! did I mention that Joshua needs a lot of TLC! He loves to keep himself entertained when he is bored, sorry little girl...


Joshua packing up his pumpkins, to show his papa and brother...


My son has to be the child that picks up the biggest pumpkin! That's my Josh petite, but so strong and smart...


He really wants to listen, but he is only 3 years old! Who listens at that age?


OK! so put him next to a pretty girl, and guess what he's all ears...


The kids looking at the pigs, and YES! Joshua yelled out "Disgusting."


I love this picture, for every right answered question the kids got a free pumpkin. Joshua came home with three pumpkins and counting, but the teacher wanted to give the other kids a chance to win some pumpkins too. My kid takes after his dad, he is so smart and fast and not to mention so competitive...


Joshua kept asking to let the cow go home, I guess us Baca's watch out for each other! And just so you know after this visit to see the cow, Joshua no longer wants to be called Joshua Baca, it's now Joshua Magic!!!



Here's the class for a group picture...



Another group photo, say cheese guys!


Playing with the girls now...


Joshua picking out a prize pumpkin, he really put a lot of thought into it! We now have plenty of pumpkins at the Baca's place... OH! sorry the Magic's place, thanks son!

My superstar Gio...

Today was a great day for Gio at his soccer game! He looked at me and told me to "sit down" he wanted to work the field all on his own today, and he made 4 goals! So mom will now just "sit down." It was also so cute to hear Joshua say "that's my bother" when Gio scored! Today was a great day for the Baca family, thank you GOD!

Gio really had to use the restroom, but he didn't want to leave the game, he would tell me "later." He didn't have any trouble, right after the game he ran to the bathroom!

Good game little superstar!

Just look at Joshua, it's like he worked all day!

Joshua's teacher told me today, that she is working on getting Joshua to raise his hand for his wants and needs. So now in his sleep he dreams about what he is learning at school. When he gets home from school, he runs and gets his Barney and tells me "mama good night."

Joshua's 3rd Birthday party at Chuck E Cheese...

Joshua loved his party, he got lots of cool gift..

Katie and Baby Ray helping Joshua open his gifts, and mom looking crazy....

Vince's little sister Tammy just got over the Flu so when ever she coughed we made fun of her!


Gio, Katie, and Joshua having fun at the party...


Me Vince and Joshua, my sister cut my head off!


OK! retake, much better Janis!

Vince with his two boys!

Joshua loves his papa, he thanked him for the party in this picture....


Say HI to Chuck Joshua....


He loved everything about the party, but his best moment was with his friend Chuck E Cheese...


Joshua didn't want to let Chuck E Cheese go...



I love the look on Joshua face when he is happy...



Joshua blew out his own candles, with his Grandpa....


He waited for everyone to look at him in action, blow Joshua...

Say HI....


Pizza, cake, and his favorite Ice cream, WOW! Today was a good day for Joshua...


Having fun...


Like I said he didn't want Chuck to go...


Eating Pizza with Katie...

And Yes! Gio had a good time too, but I felt a little bad for Gio because everyone was with Joshua. I have to remember I have to sons not just one! But today was Joshua's day, we all know that everyday is reserved for Gio RIGHT!


Crazy family...


More crazy family....

My two sisters are always a part of my life....

More family....


Little Ray and Joshua looking so cute, my son loves his little cousin...

Joshua having fun...

OK! the night has to end with a kiss from mom guys, I love you both so much!

Fall break with Giovanni has been so much fun...

I love having Gio home with me always, but I can't he loves school to much! I always cry when I have to drop him off at school from these long breaks...

Joshua was so happy that he didn't have to do this for one long week, get out of his warm bed to drop off Gio at school in the morning! Sorry Josh back to our routine on Monday little guy....

Joshua's 3rd Birthday...

It's finally here, what Joshua has been asking for! "Happy Birthday Joshie Chuck E Cheese, lets go there." Really all in one big breath of air. Joshua will turn 3 tomorrow, and his party is on Saturday YES! at Chuck E Cheese...

I love you son so much that I can't wait to pick you up from school to spend time with you...

Joshua is such a great kid, Vince and I are so blessed. Thank you GOD for giving us this child!!!

Joshua is a fun Harvest baby...

Giovanni loves water and the hot summer days, he was born in August. Joshua loves picking out our family pumpkins and scarecrow's, he was born in October. Joshua's Birthday is next Wednesday and he can't wait for his cake and Ice cream...

Who is Giovanni Baca?

Gio is changing before my eyes! Who is he? What does he like? What is his favorite color? Well I use to answer all of these question for him and just smile like I was right, but I was so wrong! Gio now answers for himself, and guess what I really didn't know my son to well. I feel so bad at times for not helping him even more these last few years. Gio started to get mad and lost in a sad world. I started to get scared I felt I was losing him to a world that I couldn't get him out of, and now he loves himself and life! We go shopping with his friends, and guess what? His favorite color is black, and to think I would always put him in brite colors, "I thought they looked cute on him." He is reading and writing and looking so cool these days. I think that was the key to opening the door to Gio's new life, letting him be his own person and me and Vince taking a few steps back! My point is that I need, I want, and I love the LORD for making me see the light! Only through GOD can this be, and I will never forget the keys belong to GOD and not me, so LORD FATHER Gio is your son, I'm just your servant, touch our life as you please HOLY FATHER...

2 more weeks for Joshua's 3rd Birthday...

Everyday Vince and I are told by Joshua, "Happy Birthday Chuck E Cheese." I think he is so happy these days. I also know that he is going to love his birthday gift and party...

Soccer pictures for Giovanni today...

OK! Today was a fun filled day with Giovanni. First off to take pictures at 9:30am, then a soccer game at 10:30am, and then off to Ryan's birthday party, that was a blast...

Gio likes soccer this year, and it shows!

Giovanni and Ethan taking a picture for me and Lisbet Ethan's mom...

I love their colors this year...

Me and my superstar GIO...

Baca boys...

I'm thanking GOD for every moment in time...

Count down to Joshua's 3rd Brithday...

October 7th, our sweet Joshua is turning 3 years old. I can't help feeling like time is going by so fast, I just had him! Well now that Josh is fully potty trained and is going to school already before the age of 3, makes it so much different from my older son Giovanni. When Giovanni was a baby I felt like time stoped just for us both, and with Joshua time just pasted us by! Joshua was always a strong independent little boy from day one. I feel that GOD gave me a handful with a typical son at times, but I love every minute of it! I miss Gio as a baby more than Joshua, because I really felt that Gio needed me so much more, but Josh wants to find out about the world on his own! So I'm back to feeling so sad that my baby boy is turning 3 soon.... The LORD touched my heart when He gave me Joshua, and when he gave me Giovanni He touched my soul, and without my husband Vince I can't breathe or feel love, but before all is OUR LORD FATHER GOD....Thank you LORD for Your Grace!!!

Family...

"Stop telling GOD how big your storm is, instead tell your storm how big GOD is."

Gio's first spelling test...

Giovanni's first spelling test was a success! He worked so hard last week, that he got a big Fantastic on his paper and got to blue level in the classroom, from his teacher Mr. K, blue is for a very good day in class... I'm so proud of Gio! So one spelling test down, with many more to come, so if you see that I have lost all of my hair, it's OK! Just tell me I look good, and in time I will buy a nice wig for the next 12 years!!!

His writing is getting so much better, he writes for me everyday for 30 min. no more tracing or hand over hand...

The words he gets on Monday, for the test on Friday. We work on them every night along with writing them too. Your Grace is all I need Lord, Shine on!

Joshua getting a haircut...

Joshua needed a haircut, so we went after school. Did I forget that he is only 3 years old and needs his rest now that he is a big boy that goes to school! I love it!!

I couldn't wait to show you guys this picture!!!

Joshua first day of Preschool...

OK! Vince knows how much I cried when I left my baby boy at school. I could not leave the parking lot, so I called my husband Vince and he talked me through it. I have always been around for Gio in everything he does, but with Joshua it's a lot different. I will never forget the look on Joshua's face when he noticed kids talking, and not flapping or making loud noises. He was so happy, but confused by it all. Please pray for him, that school will get better for him. I miss him so much when he is in school, but Vince and I know that he needs to be around other kids that are not affected with autism.

Joshua's school is very nice...

He really likes his school...


He is a good listener, and follows directions well, OK! most of the time...

He was so stressed out...


He looks so cute in line...


Joshua at his desk...


School's out!

Gio's new look...

Gio likes to look good now, he picks out his own clothes and loves his hair clean cut with gel. So I asked the teacher how many girls our in the class he told me 3, but the girls aren't' the problem the teacher told me, it's his new friends. He has two friends he likes to hang out with, and so I wanted to meet these boys. They now come over for play dates or Gio meets them at the park to ride their bike's and play tag , and no they don't have autism and still like to hang out with Gio. Thank you GOD for hearts that are made of gold!

A week filled with more school work for Gio...

Giovanni has homework, he hates me right now, but it's OK! he will thank me later when he writes a book about "life with GOD not autism." I didn't own a printer until now, he has four log sheets that I need to download and print to be completed every night! Vince and I went to open house last week, Loved it! the teacher is just what Gio needs to be academically challenged. I thought Gio's new school would be to hard for him, but he loves it and it shows! He doesn't want me to walk him into school anymore, he likes to be dropped off using the valet system to meet with his friends on the play ground before class starts. I park and hang out to make sure he is safe, as I'm crying my heart out, people tell me isn't this one of the moments you have been praying and waiting for, and I say YES! LORD please don't ever let me forget these moments of joy, so that when the bad days hit, I can see thought them at the future which is filled with fruit to give you! Thank you LORD Father for your love when you gave me HOPE and FAITH, GlORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHTEST ABOVE ALL! Only by the GRACE of GOD can this be!!!

Car wash with the boys...

The boys love when we have to get a car wash, It's cute to see them talk to each other, OK! Joshua talks a lot, and Gio sits there with a surprise look on his face...

Gio loves when the car is moving and the water and soap hits the car...

We like to laugh at Joshua, he thinks the world is ending! Even Gio thinks his brothers face is funny!!!

On the other hand Gio loves it, he really thinks it's the coolest thing....So every time we tell them car wash Gio gets happy, and Joshua gets mad!

We had a great weekend...

We watch the sunset, the kids loved it...


Joshua wanted to eat Ice Cream, and loved it too....

He really doesn't get to eat it because Gio is around and can't see him eating it...


We watched the boats sail away...



OK! this was Joshua's first pick of Ice Cream, but then it got messy and he wanted mine instead...



I love this picture, Gio loves the Beach and Joshua loves his brother...



Joshua likes to fall on the ground, and wants Gio to pick him up Josh says to Gio "help me" and Gio goes running to help him up, then you see Joshua with this biggest smile on his face like I got you!!



More fun under the sun...



Gio looking at the view from the Observatory...




Joshua looking out too...


A picture of what's inside Gio that's hurting him...



All three guys, biggest to smallest....Thank you GOD for another great family day!

Missing my baby boy...

Now that Joshua is no longer in diapers, I miss my little baby boy that would bring his diaper bag to me so that I can change him. He is a big boy now, he dresses himself, feeds himself, and is crazy that he uses the potty like a big boy. Josh also talks to you about everything and anything, Gio hates when Josh talks to him in the morning before school....

He looks so cute in his diaper, but I love that I don't have to change it anymore!!!

Gio's first day back to school at Plum Cyn. Elementary.....

Today was Giovanni's first day back to school, he is in the 4th grade now. He likes his new teacher Mr. Koegle and the school playground, not to mention the book area in the class. The class is set up so perfectly, thank you Mr. Koegle for your passion at what you do best, teaching and believing in our kids, and it shows!





He has two computers set up for the kids, which I'm grateful for because I would like to see Gio learn more about them...

And a Sensory area, filled with lots of stuff....


Gio's favorite place to be, the book area....

My favorite place....



Gio really needs to learn all of this stuff....


A lot of reading and writing for Gio now, he is going to hate me at the end of the day!


Gio getting to know his class...








He was so done with the camera, and told me "break, all done."


At his desk, he sits right in front, next to a girl!!!


I love his desk, and he does too. He found his name and sat down....


A couple of kids came up to him, and asked him to play with them....So in this picture he was mad that I was still around! Thank you GOD for everything and anything you have planed for your son, I ask for mercy in letting Gio find his path in the world, and totally giving it all to You LORD....

Back to school for Gio...

I'm so sad, it's back to school for Giovanni on Wednesday. I loved having him home this short summer! Joshua and I had a blast with Gio...

I know I will have the weekends to spend time with him, but having him home in the morning on weekdays with Joshua was the best!!!

But I think he really misses school, he tells us "I want school "everyday, and Josh tells him "NO! all done school" it's so cute to see how much Joshua loves his brother...

"Back to school" autism aspergers Conference weekend...

I'm sure most of you that live in Santa Clarita valley know that Emily IIand's son is on the spectrum, "we didn't know" but now we do! He is a great model for our kids living with autism, and how things get better only if you work your ass off now! In this picture, Vince is with him and the beautiful piece of art work that was presented to Detective III Gilbert Escontrias of the LAPD Mental Evaluation Unit, he has been with the LAPD for more than 27 years. With the support of his supervisors, he has taken a leadership role to proactively train many LAPD personnel about autism, together with Emily IIand and SCAAN....


I think this picture says it all, on how far and better things our getting in the outside world for all who live with autism...I just love learning new ways to help my son Giovanni recover from autism. I immediately came home and started working with him! I feel like every time Vince and I go together to these conference, our will to help our son gets stronger. Vince is learning the Biomedical part that is clearly working for our son Gio, and I'm learning the Education and self help part that is also working, together GOD has helped us combine our knowledge only to unlock and find more missing puzzle pieces. Thank you GOD for not letting us give up yet! Faith, Hope and Believing in our only LORD Father, who has sent us His only Son Jesus Christ our LORD and Savior, through Him we can pray and be listened to, and in that I can breath in knowing that He loves Giovanni more than I can ever dream of, HE knows the number of hairs that are on Gio's head!!! I don't!! Glory to GOD in the Highest, Above ALL...

Baca boys...

All things happen to bring GLORY to GOD, I really believe that Joshua was sent for Giovanni. He looks after him in so many ways, and the age gap was perfect, it gives Gio time to be a kid for a long time with his little brother...

Gio's 9th Birthday at the Santa Barbara Zoo...

Off to the the Santa Barbara Zoo, and back to the house for a surprise party for Giovanni. It was great! I want to thank every one who called my son for his birthday, which is NO ONE AT ALL!!! Just because he doesn't talk doesn't mean he can't feel. But the people who care, made a big effort to be there for him. Thank you Hopkins family for everything, the drive down to the Zoo, and for having cake and Ice cream with my son, also I want to thank my dear sister Janis and her kids, Jasmine and Alex, for loving Gio so much, your help with the surprise was perfect! I didn't have big plans for his birthday, because it was a Tuesday,but you thought of him and invited yourselves and made it a very special day for him, his face said it all and trust me when I tell you he remembers everything. Vince the love you have for your son is the best, and moments like this with him will last a lifetime! I love and thank you guys, in behalf of Gio...


In this picture. Bradley, Giovanni, Britney, Kendell, and Joshua in the back...

He loved his Birthday gifts, thanks guys....


Sorry Michelle , I loved the shirt, but Gio loved the book more...



I got Gio's favorite food, fries and hamburgers for the kids. Brad loved the cake and food too...



Gio eating his cupcake, one of many...



My sister Janis, and her daughter Jasmine, with Josh he loves them...



This is my favorite picture of Bradley Michelle's son, I don't know how this happened but look closely at his hand, I LOVE IT...



He was so happy, he turned and gave me a kiss...




He blow out all of his own candles this year, I made him cupcakes this year, he loved them, he had so many...



Last year we surprised him too, and didn't have a camera to capture it , but this year here it is! I loved this moment, and I thank you GOD for everything and anything you want to make of this family, because of moments like this!!!



My Friends Michelle, and Annette together we walk this journey called autism...



The Baca boys...



Joshua wanted to post this picture of the Giraffe, he loved it today....




The boys looking at the Turtles...




Gio looking at the Giraffe, he would tell me what he want to see the most, and it was the Giraffe....



Joshua also loved looking at the Giraffe's....



Gio loved the Gorilla's too...



OK! Michelle also had a great time, a therapist came to help her with her son Brad. This is a picture of her sitting on the train alone chilling, it was nice to see her have a moment of peace!


Gio on the train...



Joshua playing with the other kids....




Gio sitting inside an egg? What came first the Cow or the egg? :0


Joshua wanted to post this picture of the Elephant too...



Kendell, Britney and Gio say cheese...


Group picture, Gio, Brad, Kendell, Britney and Joshua in the front...We had a great long day, thank you GOD for our health and your hand in helping me and Vince in everything we do with, and for our kids!!!

Happy 9th Birthday Giovanni....

Our son is turing 9 August 4th, this coming Tuesday. I'm so happy with him and what he is becoming, a smart fun cool kid that now loves to enjoy life to it's fullest without mom or dad to help him. Gio has made so much progress this last year. When he notices that his hair is growing out a little, he tells me "haircut mama" and wants to wear a belt like his dad now. He picks out his own clothes, when we go shopping for him, he see the boys going into the cool stores at the Mall and wants to follow them inside, and looks at the colors on the clothes and matches them together, he always picks black or brown cool clothes with a big price tag. I knew that we were going to have this problem with Joshua, but never thought it would happen with Gio, but it's OK! because I know that if Gio asks his dad for something he will buy him anything he wants. Also his dad now takes him to Disneyland overnight without me, back in the days I had to take Gio everywhere myself, because no one could handle him like I could, and now people ask to take Gio, he loves it! He likes to be with his family and friends, and loves to ride his bike outside with his brother, it's great I get a chair and sit outside chilling as the boys play with their toys...We love you Giovanni and nothing can change that, not even autism! I use to think that Gio would never have a life without me, but now I can't wait to see what GOD gives us in the future with Gio. Vince and I both think our son is the greatest and coolest kid, he has shown use how to let go of him a little at a time, and to trust GOD, and to have lots of HOPE. I love my son and will never give up on his future, life is very hard for him right now with me because clearly I have a lot to teach him, but I think he will thank me later, when he is on that special date with that special girl, like how to eat with a fork, how to say those special words to her, and how to show her how much he loves her!!! His grandparents always tell him in Spanish "we are going to have the biggest Wedding for you Gio in Mexico." I love you son, and thank you GOD for the life changing moments, Gio has made me a better person. I'm so sorry GOD that I hate autism so much, but I will never stop loving you LORD, and I thank you for giving me the strenght to never let autism stop me from doing my job as his mother. I see a strong smart independent man that servers GOD, in Gio's future. "Happy Birthday Gio."

Tired...

I'm so tired! I need a change in my life, to completely surrender and start thinking about my own salvation... The four corners of my life, Faith, Trust, Pray and Believe in Holy Spirit which is the LORD that I need and want to work in me and make me new! Having this in my life is what keeps me going, and nothing else! When I have those four walls up, I'm OK! I love the strong woman with a big heart, GOD has made me into, I don't want to change this about myself, I'm very thankful for it! I want my boys to see that about their mom! I just need to pray about the new changes I need to make in my life now, and understand it's what GOD wants for me and the boys, not me! GOD loves me, for the Bible tells me so, and that's what matters most in the end, how I served my MASTER!

Sunday Barbecue with family...

Sunday was fun! We got together because my little sister Cassandra is leaving today to New York, and a lot of other places for a little over two weeks. So we wanted to say bye to her. We all meet at my sister Nikki's house, and had lots of fun in her pool. I think Gio is done with the water, but if he sees it he wants in...


My nephew little Ray, he loves the camera, he looks so cute...


My two little sisters, Nikki and Cassandra, with the boys...


All of us in the pool, having fun...



So then the Lady's came back to the kitchen, OK! just Nikki cooked and it was so good...In this picture my three sisters, Janis, Nikki and Cassandra...


Joshua and little Ray, their only one year apart, and really like each other...


My brother in law Ray loves to cook on the grill, and he grills up really good food...



My sister Cassie, with Josh in the pool, he really likes her...



OK! so they got a little crazy when they saw the camera, Ray my brother in law with Jasmine and Alex my older sisters kids...

Today at Hurricane Harbor...

We like to go to Hurricane Harbor on Fridays with our kids, today Michelle's dad came with us, Bradley loves him so much, and always wants to be with him. In this picture Michelle, her dad and Brad.
Joshua loves the food...
Annette and her son Kenny Bee also go with us, in this picture we were all eating and chilling...
I love this picture, when Bradley Gio's friend is happy he is the cutest kid ever, he has a big smile on his face and loves to hug and play with you, but in this picture he just wanted to rest...
All of our kids love the water, anything water related make them so happy. Just look at Brad...
Now look at Gio, I tell you they really love the water...
I love this picture of Gio, he likes this spot so much...
Look at Kenny Bee in the water, he is such a good boy...
Gio loves to make new friends...
I love to see them both so happy playing in the water, they really like Hurricane Harbor...

Three days without any accident's with Josh's potty training...

I don't know the future, but right now he is doing great with the potty training. He loves his new cute character potty and briefs, Lighting McQueen, Buzz, and Thomas, no it's not Princess stuff, but his Imagination is driving me crazy, he tells me "No wet McQueen mama" it's the cutest thing ever for me. And his little legs and bottom are so cute!

Today was a nice day for me...

Today was better than yesterday, our little guy is doing so well with the potty training, he's such a smart boy that's something he got from dad LOL... And Gio is the heart of my day, he loves his mama and now says " good night mama" all on his own, and he tells his brother "my turn" thanks to his new therapist Rachel. And I'm starting to believe in things I couldn't see that were right in front of my face before, like the will to let go of a lot of things, NO! Monica your not in total control GOD is! He has opened my eyes, and I tell you it's refreshing to feel the Holy Spirit work in you to make you HIS...Thank you GOD you are showing me how I need to change my life in a new direction, a direction of humbling and gratefulness to open my heart to feel the peace only you can bring me. A dream came true for me more than a decade ago, and I forgot about it, and now I need and want it back! I want to share all the great things that are happening to me, but I need more time!!!

Joshua is my prayer request answered by GOD, for help with Giovanni...

So! I potty train Joshua this weekend, as he was sleeping tonight after a long hard day of potty training, I looked into his crib and I realized that my baby boy is growing up to fast for me. He is a very smart boy and understands everything you teach him very quickly. So I thought to myself I can remember him as a newborn like it was just yesterday! and now here I am potty training him the last step to becoming a little man, next thing you know he will be big like Gio with so much ahead of him...Joshua doesn't know it right now, but I prayed for help and GOD sent me this little baby boy that one day will become a man. I wanted a girl, but the LORD knows my path and He gave me what I needed a strong boy, and I love and thank Him for Joshua...I know that Josh is going to be there for me when I need help with Gio in the future because his hands are blessed by GOD, not very many people can do the job he was sent for, watching over and caring for one of the LORDS angels here on earth (his older brother Gio that has a label called autism.) Little brother was sent to be big brothers best friend, to read him the Bible, to take him around the world, and to show him all the things one can only hope for. So LORD please help me guide them both as their teacher here on earth, in your ways and not mine! I ask that you pray for my little baby boy Josh, may GOD bless his heart and keep him strong like Peter, a rock...

Hurricane Harbor day with our boys, and two pretty girls Britney and Kendell...

Today Michelle, Annette and myself had a fun day in the sun with our kids. I loved it, and the kids did too. I just love going with these Lady's because they understand what I'm going through, and the extra helping hand works for all of us. Julie is on vacation, so Noah and Julie are not in this picture, we missed them both very much, but I hope she is having fun too. As for the day it was great, our boys had a pretty hard school year, so summer to them looks great, we have so much more fun plans in store for the kids, so I will be sharing it with you. In the picture, Michelle and her kids Bradley and Britney along with their cousin Kendell on the left and in the middle Annette and her son Kenny bee, and on the right me and Gio and Joshua.

It was hot, and the water was so cold, it was perfect...

Gio playing in the water, he was such a good listener that, when the other moms left, I let him stay and play in the water with his little brother longer...

It looks like the Baca boys should have been named fish and not a cow, they love the water so much, and can live and play in the water all day if you let them!

Friends...

This picture has a long and funny story, but when you have friends that care for each other the choices you make as friends are crazy and fun. Annette, Michelle and Julie make the most beautiful jewelry pieces I have ever seen, and in the Winter I make handmade scarves, together we started to sell them at boutiques OK! one or two! Julie couldn't be there for this one so we put her name on a manikin and had our picture taken to show her when we got home. I'm blogging because these days we don't hang out as much as we use to anymore, or maybe it's just me! Well I know that I will always have these girls as my sisters in Christ, and that real friends always pick up the pieces for each other, in good and bad times. There's nothing like calling one of these Lady's and hearing that your not going crazy alone, that they understand everything you are going through living with this label called autism, and all of it's ups and downs, "Michelle says it's all a big roller coaster", and "I say just put your hands up in the air for it all, what else." It's always someones turn to go through a difficult time of pain and stress, I think everyone gets a turn, more than once! Here's to 5 crazy wonderful years of friendship! And many more to come as our boys get older...

Boys night out to Disneyland without mom (Part 2)...

OK, did I forget to mention that Vince gave me two days of rest, they also went to Six Flags without me the next day. It was very hard for me to be without my boys, but I know that Vince needs to spend some guy time with his two sons. They love Six Flags, Josh loves Thomas world and Gio loves all of the big fun ride. So this picture of Gio says it all "DAD NOT THIS ONE ANYMORE."


Joshua can stay here playing with this Thomas table for hours if you let him, he cries every time it's time to go get on the rides with Gio...


Josh is starting to get on the big boy rides now with his big brother, but you should see his face when the ride stops. They ask the kids if they want to ride again, and Gio yells with the biggest smile "more" and Josh is fighting to get off yelling "NO! mama off."


Here's that look again from Josh, I don't think dad heard him saying NO, or maybe he did!!



Joshua loves this table, and this store, this is like his dream come true, he loves Thomas...




Well, I guess Joshua has to get use to the feeling in his stomach, when he rides with his brother Gio because Gio's not stopping anytime soon! Poor Josh...
OK, dad made the little guy happy again!

Gio has a blast on this ride, he laughs so hard!


So yes, after a long two days with their papa, they came home so dirty and tired, they both ask me for a bath...

Boys night out to Disneyland without mom...

OK! So Vince said, "I want to take my boys out, but without you." I looked at him and said OK!! It looks like they had a good time without me... The guys went to Disneyland, and it wasn't for an hour or two it was all day. Giovanni and Joshua love spending time with their papa, so going to the happiest place in town with him was perfect!


Vince, Giovanni and Joshua.


I know that castles are for girls, but the boys love when it lights up at night with a great firework and laser show...


Gio is in the middle of main street, in this picture.


OK! What ever Gio does, Josh wants and needs to do the same...


The boys like all of the rides, but I think Gio loves, the Buzz lightyear and Small world rides the most, he has to ride them more than once, I'm talking five or more times. It's OK! because this is the place he loves the most, he knows his way there, and if you take a wrong turn, he will let you know!

Josh loves Mickey Mouse, he says Magic for anything related to him...


Look at Joshua in this picture, I think his dad is calling him to turn around for the picture and Josh is like "NO! Gio look at this monster he wants to eat us, RUN."


I love this picture, look at Gio he is looking straight at the camera for the picture, something he doesn't do often. I think he is watching to many soccer games with his dad, the soccer players stand just like that for their group photo at the start of evey game, now if only he could stand like that for his own soccer pictures, maybe this year!


Well, I guess when your having to much fun with the guys, you have to pay for it some how...I love this picture!!!

How the big boys play...

Here is Joshua playing with his toys, he has to turn the room upside down to find one toy!! I guess this is how the big boys play with their cars and trucks. When Gio gets home from school he is so mad at Josh, because Gio has always been this clean cool kid, that Joshua's craziness drives him mad he yells "all done" I think he means get out of my room!! On the other hand Josh has always been the wild and crazy kid that will find anything to destroy...

"Josh look at this room" he says to me "mama Joshie playing."

Well I guess if he's having fun, it shouldn't hurt anyone! This is a small little thing to others that feels so big to me, Joshua is playing with toys! So I distract Gio with food when he gets home from school, until I clean up his room for him...

4th of July...

My two fireworks, Joshua and Giovanni! I just love when the boys are happy, and looking so cute in their red white and blue...Some moments are big and others small, I just don't want to miss them at all...

The boys came home from school with these beautiful pieces of art work they made at school. Gio made the big flag, and I just love it! I'm going to put it in a black frame for his room. Joshua made the small firework under Gio's big flag. Gio came home with his flag and was so happy that he made something so nice, he said "flag" and Josh was so mad because he wanted to make one too. So the next day, guess what Josh made his own art work, and he held it tight in his arms, until we got home and said to me "mama with Gio's" they both looked so cute that I just had to take a picture of them under their art work...I'm so weak when it comes to moments like this, thank you GOD!

The love of a son, it heals all things and always picks up the broken pieces...

Giovanni loves his mama, this I know for his kisses tell me so...I love my two boys they make me happy, and that makes me want to be the best mom I can ever hope to be for them both! Thank GOD for little baby boys, that grow up right before our eyes into men that love their mama! Help me LORD raise them into the fine young men you want them to be...

Thank you GOD for Giovanni...

This week for Giovanni at school was so much better! As I was driving home from picking him up from school, he started to cry again, and I said to myself OH NO!! not again, and so I asked him what he wanted and he said "more school, no all done." Thank you LORD for the right path, you gave me and Vince what we needed to make things better for your child, and Gio is so much happier now!!!

Happy Birthday Michelle B. Biziona...

Happy birthday Michelle! My Sister in-law, Vince's little sister is turning 30ish this Saturday... She is a hard working, fun loving mom of two kids, Matthew and Katie, and a wife to Frank of 10 years...She has been this person since I meet her more than 10 years ago. Her parents always gave her the best of what they could in good times and in the bad times, this I think helped her become the amazing mother she now is! I can remember all the story's Vince and Michelle told us about how they grew up so poor, and how they saw their mom go through so much just to feed them!! So these days her kids have it all, and I'm so happy for them. GOD bless your path Michelle Baca Biziona always, with many more birthdays to come...In this picture Michelle is with her 15 year old son Matt. :-)

Pray for Vince's grandma Alicia...

There comes a time in your life when you think of others before yourself, and not what makes you happy all the time... And these are the moments when money, cars, the big house, and all of the family problems don't matter at all! I have seen many deaths and have learned from them to pray and forget all of those things and focus on the person receiving Jesus Christ as their LORD and Savior, your time with your love one runs out so fast! and then you get the CALL! So I have been thinking and praying for Vince and his grandma Alicia. As of today she is in a lot of pain and can't eat...She is someone very special to our family, you see her daughter Malena is Gio and Josh's grandma and she is a very special person in all three of my boys lives, and Alicia her mom is such a great wife of more than 50 years to her husband, and a great mother! And I thank her very much for raising her daughter like she did! I really admirer these two woman and I could only wish to be just like them one day. They both have been through a lot in this life, and could be the greatest thing that could ever happen to you as a woman, trust me they have changed my life forever, and now I ask please that you pray for them both by name because Malena is like my mother and now that my own mother is no longer with me in human form, but will forever be in my heart! Just knowing that Vince's mom is here to help me with anything I need makes my life a little easier, more so with her two grandsons, she loves them so much! I just want her to be happy now and enjoy her life, but without her mom Alicia things can get even harder for her, and I know that feeling of longing for a mother, my mom left me at a very young age, she was only 50 years old. So please pray for her mothers health. This mother and daughter story is different Malena's mother lives in Mexico and that's to far for them both. Vince is such a strong man, because of Gio and our family living with autism, that I only pray that he knows and believes that when things start to get harder with his grandmothers health, you fall on your knees and come to Jesus! "GOD bless the broken rode that lead me straight to you Vince." :-)

Prayer update on Giovanni...

So Gio and the Baca family members had a very hard emotional week, with Gio's initial misplacement for summer and the fall year. If you have been praying for him thank you! GOD is taking care of the issue his child is facing right now, Vince and I believe in our son! together we have been the greatest team during this difficult time, and will not stop until Gio achieves what he wants in life, and right now he is showing us that he wants to read and write. Giovanni has been through mental and emotional abuse this past week at school, it was so bad for him that I truly missed my sons active self with a big smile on his face, but instead I had this kid that was depressed and sad! I will never forget the look on his face when the teacher looked at him, he would look down at the floor and walk covering his mouth as if she had total control of him and his feelings! But that's not the case today! a new day is here and I have lots of hope for the future and Gio's safe now that's what matters the most, just pray for me now!! that I humble my heart to not attack the people who hurt my little cub. A good friend Michelle Hopkins told me it's like this, "you can hurt the mama bear and maybe even hurt the papa bear, but you never ever want to hurt the mama's baby cubs, because then your asking for trouble." Here's to you friend, she has listen to all of my pain this past week, and I thank GOD for friends like her! Gio is now going to a new school again and guess what I think he knows that, because Vince and I this morning, heard him laughing with joy playing with his little brother running around the house making his brother cry! I just want Giovanni to be happy, books with great friends and people like Mrs. Hildebrand his teacher for the past 3 years who always showed him love and warmth, she always believed that a hug in the morning made a day brighter and a smile after school left a child feeling safe, I love and miss you Julie! So here's to our new journey with Gio and the hope that we stay strong like a rock, because we know that GOD is first... I believe Gio will write about this and all of his life experiences in his own BOOK, that's why I have been so strong and Faithful through out this time, I see his future and it's filled with lots an lots of hard earned achievements!!!! "Thank you GOD for giving me a clear mind and a heart filled with faith and hope for a joyful life with my son."

Pray for Giovanni...

Please we ask that you pray for Giovanni, in the area of school, with his new teacher and classmates. He is working so hard to fit into this new environment, I know how much you all love him, so I'm asking that you pray for him by name and let our LORD Father hear our prayers for Gio. I really do think this is what Gio has been waiting for,but it takes time and I can only see him go through so much... So I also have been praying that GOD help me let go of the little boy and welcome the new Gio, which is great to see! He loves it all, but mom needs to open some new doors. I can't point fingers right now, but just know that one person is giving him a hard time, a person I though would love the challenge of helping a child in need, a work in progress...But that's life! I have to pray for this persons heart to be more kind, a soft more caring heart, not much to ask for in this line of work Right! I mean that's why GOD places you in this path, because you must have a BIG heart to work with special needs children... And now it's time to work the hardest I have ever worked with my son, so that he may have great success, and GOD first this will just all be for a short time, (the change) The good thing is that Gio knows how much Vince and I love him, we never let go, and he feels that, after his first day of summer school, it was so hard for him, that when he got into the car he started to cry and asked to go potty, and only want me to hold him... So please pray for Giovanni by name to GOD, and his LORD FATHER will take care of the rest....

Happy Fathers Day Vince Baca...

I have been thinking what is a father? And what should a father be like? Well growing up my father was my mother, so I didn't feel the love of a father and what that should feel like, until I meet my husband Vince. He has been a great care giver, dad, and shoulder to cry on for me and my two boys. I can remember watching a single mother working so hard to get what I needed, sometimes to hard, at times she felt to tired to play dolls, or just spending quiet time with me was to hard, but in my head I knew she loved her daughters so much! I started to question what is a dad and how and where could I find one, all the other kids had one, and I just needed to ask my mom for one next time we went shopping for food!! But guess what, I came to realize as I got older that my dad had bigger plans in life away from me, so I start to hate life and him for leaving and never coming back. I gave my mom the hardest time for divorcing my dad, and one day I just let it all go and started to live my own life and not my dads mistakes. I got a call from him 25 years later he told me "I love and want to see you, so that you can forgive me you see I found GOD and I need to be forgiving from you." So I did see him, and I told him it's not me you need to ask forgiveness from, and slowly started to see the light, my dad just passed away one month ago, and I will never get to say good bye to him and how much I truly do love him, and what he means to me, and that I should not judge him for my own decision in my own life because of bad choices he made in his life, but now that he's gone I will still continue to pray for him and only hope that he believed in Jesus Christ as his LORD. So then I meet this great guy, and I start to let go of all the hate and wishing for some thing that was never meant for me for reasons I should never question! Vince and I have two sons together and that's when I witness a dad's love for a child, a breath of clean fresh air, a moment in time, a shoulder that never gets tired, a dad that gives all and keeps nothing for himself, a man who is chosen to always pick up the pieces and never lets go. So I want to say to my husband Vince, and to all of the fathers that love and stay to be loved, and give without caring if you receive, Thank you and may GOD bless your path as a dad. I have been through many deaths, so I can't and will not miss out on this love, the love of a father to his child, we love you Vince and I truly thank GOD for your presence in our life, Here's to you papa, and the gift of becoming a father to your two boys, remember not all men are strong enough to be a dad, that's why I now know that GOD blesses you with the gift of fatherhood and gives you all the strenght you need to succeed at it. In this picture I think is the best gift any dad can receive, an 8 year old boy who is affected with autism and can't speak at the moment is now writing, after many years of not showing any signs of communication, and his 2 year old typical brother is holding up his big bothers handwriting work with joy. Glory to GOD in the Highest above all...

Gio is now writing, Vince and I have been waited for this moment to come, we have to keep our Faith and Pray...

I think this is the best fathers day gift ever, our 8 year old son that is affected with autism who has so speech at the moment writes how he feels for his papa...

Giovanni and Joshua Baca, Vince's two boys holding up what they want to say to their papa....

Well I guess it all comes to an end, Joshua felt tired about it all, but guess what papa he loves you too...haha

TACA Picnic...

I'm sure you all have heard of TACA, it's been in our family for years, and every year we love taking the kids to their picnic, it's lots of fun! Talk about curing autism now, says it all for our family... Here's Giovanni playing with a new friend he made all on his own, the boy came up to Gio without words and looked at him, he wanted to play with Gio, so Gio without any words, but one said to the boy "play." I always feel so overwhelmed when I go to these events, because it's getting bigger every year, more and more kids and familys are affected by autism, and that kills me, really I start to feel like I'm taking on the world all by myself and I hate that feeling of why my son!!! But then I look at my son and get all cleared up, I start to pray inside and I get this feeling of happiness that GOD choose me and I need to do all that is right by Him and Faith starts running through my veins and the joy that His LORD Father knows best, and I should just live that... There are days when you feel like when, how, and why, and you feel so small and the world so big. Then there are days when you feel Faith, Hope, and Joy, and I start feeling I don't want to be of this world, I need GOD and noting else matters more , because I believe in GOD, that he sent His only son to pay for the sins of this world, so Lord I give you Gio and our family to teach us your ways and not ours...

I love this picture of Gio and his dad Vince... It's not a clear picture, but I see the path is straight and Gio is saying to his papa come on I have someone I want you to meet...

Tammy, Gio and Joshua's auntie, they love her and so do we. I don't think she will ever give up on her nephew Gio...

Giovanni, Katie, and Joshua waiting their turn in line, Katie has helped Gio so much...

So Joshua come up to his dad and yells "papa look school." He was showing off his art work that he made at the picnic...

Gio loves to swing, and he prefers to ride all on his own...

His smile says it all...

We take his cousin Katie everywhere we go, and I think she like it too...

OK, sometimes a kid has to be a kid, he can only wait so long in line...

Joshua always plays with or without you! TACA has help me in so many ways, from how to make it through an IEP on your own, to loving your child that is inside, and working throught the label called autism from the outside, so thanks a million to those that care for us family's living with autism...

All I want for Christmas is, my two front teeth...

So this week Gio lost his other front tooth, OK! I pulled it out for him, I was only helping him eat his apples better, haha!! So I told him to take a picture to show the tooth fairy when she comes to get his tooth and he loved it all, and so did I... In this picture I was taking him to buy something with the money that was under his pillow that morning, OK! back in the day I only got one or two quarters, if that! and boy was I the happiest kid on the block, because I could buy not one but two of my favorite candy's. But as you all know Gio doesn't speak much, so I give him a lot more money then I received as a kid, I think he deserves it so much more. So I asked him what he wanted to buy with his money, not to mention the smile he had on his face, without a blink, he yelled out "fries."


But, Joshua wasn't to happy about it at all. He said to me "mama take out tooth's, I want fries too." Well Josh has a lot more to learn about life. I will take it one day at a time with this little guy, but I told him take a picture and we can show papa how mad you are, and he said "Papa buy fries."

Joshua remembers the Disney Cruise Ship...

OK, so Josh loves this hat , it's the hat he was wearing on the Cruise. He puts it on and his imagination comes to life, he tells us "Magic Ship." I just love it, he makes Gio sing and dance to Disney music that we have on CD, and tells his brother "Mickey's coming, clap hands." When I tell him it's time to take the hat off, he cries and tells me "your mad mama, be nice."


Well I guess if you look at his point of view, why not have some fun. And just look at all the great places this hat took him. Sitting here with his big brother on white sand, and perfect blue sky's...


Having a cool drink, enjoying his alone time with his favorite person, his papa...


In the clear beautiful water...
looking at the Magic ship from the beach...

And lets not forget all of his favorite things, his papa, his big brother, his favorite bag of chips, looking at the Magic ship from the beach...Well, Josh I guess your right I'm mad, that I don't have your imagination... but the good thing is that I will always remember yours son...

Jasmine & Matthew 2009...

OK, my niece and nephew graduated from Jr. High last week, I'm so proud of them both. Jasmine is my older sister Janis's daughter, and Matthew is Vince's little sister Michelle's son. It's so funny how they both graduated together at the same school, and now will both attend the same High School, sorry Janis and Michelle...In this picture Jasmine is with my sons Gio and Josh.



Frank Matthew's dad, Matthew's friend, Michelle Vince's sister and Matthew...


Jasmine, Ray, and my son Joshua...


Michelle with her son, she is a great hard working mom blessed by GOD...


In this picture, Jasmine and her friends...



Frank with his son Matt, I loved this moment of them both...



Jasmine and her parents, Ricky and my sister Janis, I'm so proud of them, they always put their kids first...


I love this moment, father and daughter, this was the first person she went to, her DAD...



Jasmine looking so pretty...


Jasmine receiving her Diploma...


Matthew receiving his Diploma...


Jasmine's family waited for her name to be called...


OK, I know they didn't want to take this picture, but I'm glad they did. Jasmine and Matthew congratulations...

Giovanni's end of the year party at the park...

Gio and the girls, well I guess he's having fun...

We had our end of the year party at Heritage Park like we had last year, but it was a little different this time I think all of the kids have come a long way, they all are really great kids with lots of love to share with anyone. Also this is the end of their 3rd grade year, with Mrs. Hildebrand their teacher for the pass 3 years. The Baca family will truly miss her and her staff, but here's to 3 wonderful years, and not saying good bye, I will see you around town and please keep in touch...

I know that the pictures must look the same, but if you look closer you will see most of the kids are looking at the camera, and that's big for all of our kids.

Here's to class of 2008/2009, and the years before that to many to count, I thank GOD for that, and the love Gio and his classmates received with Miss Julie and her staff...

Not all of the kids are in this picture, but with our kids you just have to keep taking all the pictures you can, because they don't like to wait around...

Surfers Healing 2009...

Surfers Healing was great, thank you Lorenzo, Tammy, Grandma, Grandpa, and Katie for coming to watch Giovanni surf, to see him have lots of fun for a change. Lorenzo thanks for all of your help you made our day enjoyable with lots of shade. Surfers Healing is a place where kids affected with autism can come and ride waves with professional surfers. It's truly a blessing to witness the kids have so much fun... In this picture I had to show how mad Joshua was that he didn't get a chance to surf again.


Gio coming out of the cold water to meet me, after his long ride...

Gio did great!! I just loved this moment, watching my son have so much fun...


Gio liked standing up, he did almost the entire time...


The girls watching their sons ride waves, Julie, Me, and Michelle


The surfer told me, "I asked him if he was happy and he said HAP-PY back to me it was great to hear a kid talk back to me."


Gio going for a second round of fun...



He didn't want to get off the board, he jumped off the board once...



Gio's first wave...


Gio's second wave...



And this is Gio going for a third wave...



He knew that something fun was about to happen to him...


Katie, his cousin was loving it, she always helps Vince and I with Gio. Thank you Katie for coming, it means a lot to your cousin Gio...



"I don't know what Gio is thinking here, but I know he is happy to have family who cares, like Gio's papa Vince who captured this moment forever in a picture, and the people that make a difference in a life living with autism, thank you GOD for the Surfers Healing program, the staff and surfers who volunteer their time to make a child with autism feel happy with the one thing that makes them happy the most WATER...

OK, it's official, Gio will attend Highlands Elementary next year, and he will attend summer school at Santa Clarita with his new classmates. Vince and I have been waiting for this moment, and now it's here I feel so different and lost. I have faith that this new chapter in our lives is clearly what GOD wants for his Angel, because I was so happy in my routine day after day, I love you so much lady's under the tree, that I will miss our talks 30Min's before school and after. I don't want to ever say bye to you girls, but please pray for our family as we turn a new page to Giovanni's book, I really want Gio to success in his new school so I will give it 110%, but if for what ever reason it doesn't work, please open the door for me once again. Here's to five years of sisterhood, and I will never say bye to you, Miss Michelle, the glue that keeps up together, Miss Julie, the rock that helps us see the light, Miss Annette, the heart that loves and cares always, Miss Dena, the strength, we have witness you go through so much and still hang on...Please, I ask that you all pray for Giovanni that he may have great success at his new school with all of his new friends and staff, this is his moment a puzzle piece has been put together for our family this year with Gio, Vince and I our so happy for him, but with many more puzzle pieces to find...Glory to GOD in the Highest above all...

Joshua...

Joshua is 32 months now and is talking in sentences, I'm so thankful everyday for the time I get to spend with him. I love taking him to school, OK! mommy and me classes, but he prefers to say school. He told me just the other day how much he loves me, he came up to me and gave me a big hug and said "I love you mama." I have that moment in my heart and I will remember it when I feel stressed out or forgetful. I still can't wait to hear Gio's voice, but you know what I can and will wait, because I love every minute I get with Gio and how he shows me his love without words, now those are moments that will fill my heart with joy forever!!!

He is so cute, Joshua's new sentence for the week is "Gio's at school."

Everyone tells us how much he looks like Gio in this picture, but I think he looks like Joshie, that's what he calls himself "I'm Joshie."

Disney Cruise....

The Baca family went on a 7 day cruise to the Bahama's. The boys loved it...Gio, Josh and Cinderella...OK, maybe the princess thing is my thing, because the boys kept asking for Buzz, Woody and Mickey look at Gio's face...



Max with Vince and the boys...


Gio loves Pinocchio, and we loved the Pizza too...


Just 10 minutes away from boarding the ship...


Getting the party started, with all of the people and characters....

Me and the boys in front of the ship at Castaway Key, Disney's own Island...


Gio got so dark, when he smiled his teeth were so white, it was funny...



Josh loves the camera, he loved the water too...


Joshua would tell Gio, "look Gio water."


This time around Gio would just go up to all the characters and give them a high five...

Vince and the boys with Mickey at Castaway Key...


All of us in front of the ship, Josh loved these pictures, he would say "it's a boat."

Vince and the boys at Castaway Key...

The ship is so big, with plenty of fun things for the kids...

Me and Josh at the Atlantis Resort, it was something I have been wanting to see for so long...


OK, Josh was not liking this picture, but it was so crazy that you can get this close to a shark and not DIE...The Atlantis Resort has lots of Aquarium's to see.

This was one of Gio's favorite days, he loved this spot and I hated looking at him sit right in front of that shark, a moment I will never forget...

He wanted to stay with the sharks all day...


Vince and the boys entering a cave to get to one of the Aquariums...


Gio was so happy, he would say "I'm happy" out of the blue...


It was Pirate night, and we had fun with Gio...


The ship has three pools, but Gio loved the pool with the water slides...


Gio coming down a slide...

OK, this is the life of a kid...



Me and Gio at one of our dinners. The walls light up, it's a fun Animated show...


The boys watching Toy Story on the big screen TV...


Vince and the boys, Gio felt like he was going to fall back into the water if he moved...


Having a big party everyday...


I love this picture of Gio, and the sunset...



Gio let us have fun with him, he's a cool kid to play with...


Me and Vince at one of our Dinners...

Our stateroom helper made fun animals out of towels for Josh every night...Josh loved this Elephant.


Gio had all of his food made to order, down to the bread. Our head server had a menu for his GF/CF diet, it was great and good too, Vince and myself ate from Gio's menu some nights at Dinner...


Vince and the boys watching a movie inside the pool, everyone went on their excursions that day so they had the pool all to themselves...


The boys with Mr. and Mrs. Mouse...


I was walking with Gio, when he spotted Bell and wanted to say HI...


Having fun with Joshua...


It's party time...

animoto - the end of slideshows: Julie's Baby Shower, It's a baby boy...

animoto - the end of slideshows: Julie's Baby Shower. Michelle Hopkins made this video of Julie's baby shower this weekend, and I love it so much... The moms under the tree gave Mrs. Hildebrand room 25 SDC a beautiful baby shower, it was also a farewell party for a strong and wonderful teacher that gives so much to all of her students. We will miss you so much and will never forget you. Thank you Julie, for giving it your best always!!

Happy Mothers Day...

My mothers day gift was when GOD gave Giovanni a little brother to love and play with. When Joshua was a little small body Gio would never touch him, I think he didn't want to hurt him...In this picture Joshua is 2 days old, and Gio is 6 years old.

And once Joshua started walking Gio couldn't leave him alone. They love each other and everyday it gets better for both of them, Gio is now talking more to get his little brothers attention, and Josh is talking period and I Love every moment of it all...and that's the best Mothers day gift for me. Happy Mothers day to all of you who give all to love and care for your kids... In this picture Josh is 2 now, and Gio is 8, time is going by so fast...

Happy Birthday Tia Tammy...

My boys love Tia Tammy, Vince's little sister. She always helps me with her nephews, and we would like to say Happy Birthday Tammy and many more, may God bless you in all that you do in this life as his child...


She loves spending time with the boys, she calls me and tells me her plans with them, not if they can go but "get them ready I will be there in five minutes." I love this sister-in-law so much...In this picture, Tammy, Gio, and little Joshua. I love this picture look at Josh's little head and body looking out and Gio looks so embarrassed by it all...

Chrissy and Giovanni...

Chrissy has been part of Gio's life for along time, she has helped him in so many ways. Gio loves Chrissy, I don't know how to tell him she is leaving us. I think he knows...Chrissy is graduating from Master College next week, and is headed to Tanzania to complete missionary work. I'm so proud of her and all that she has accomplish, she is truly a gift from GOD and we will miss her so much. I know that one day Gio and Chrissy will meet again. Vince and I would like to say Thank you Chrissy for the love and help you gave our son, may the Lord bless you always in all that you do in life...

Gio and Chrissy connected the moment they meet each other, I always had to tell his other therapist what to do, or I would just do it myself, and one day here comes this active, fun, loving girl with a heart of gold, blessed by GOD. Anything Gio needed she was always there, if I traveled out of town she worked with him at home with his grandparents, if I was sick and couldn't make it to Church, she would pick him up and take him anyways, I'm going to miss her help and love for Gio...Chrissy I'm not saying bye to you, I will see you soon Lord willing...

My Little Sister Cassandra...

It's time to blog about my little sister Cassandra, she is graduating with a Masters degree from U.S.C. in about two weeks. I'm so proud of her it hurts really it does, she had to witness her mom die a very hard death, but she keep her promise to our mom that she would finish school no matter what, guess what it's show time! She has been a blessing in my life, a true rock. I always knew she loved school from the moment she enter Kinder, my mom worked very hard cleaning houses and doing their laundry everyday to give us girls what we needed and most of the time it was just enough to eat, but for some reason I can always remember having everything I needed and more... So my job was walking Cassandra to and from school everyday. She would say "why" all the time it made me crazy, Why are the trees green? Why are the plants different colors? it was endless, and if that wasn't enough she would ask me to read books to her, and count with her, you have to remember I was only 15, and at that time I was only into boys and make-up and here is this little person asking me to play school...I will always miss my mom, but I will always greatly appreciate that GOD gave her four daughters, and now that we have each other this sister thing feels just right. Cassandra Villa my little sister the English Professor not even 25 yet with a Masters degree, I love her for making her dreams come true. An answer to one of your question little sis, Can I make a lot of money reading books to people? "Yes you can" and you will... In this picture me, my older sister by a year Janis and my little sister Cassie.

I think she is so pretty, and have I told you she is smart too... Look out guys. My sister Janis is very protective of her so it's not going to be easy for you guys to get with this girl.


I really do think she has my moms smile when my mom was young. In this picture she is with Vince's little sister Tammy...

OK, I went to a club with her for my birthday, and I thought I could dance, she turns around and tells me "let me show you how it's done in my world." I guess since becoming a mom I've been in a bubble a little to long... Cassandra here's to reaching new dreams now...

A day with Thomas the train.

OK, Sunday was a bad day, but Saturday was lots of fun. The boys love Thomas the train, so we went out to Filmore and had fun with who else the one and only "Thomas." I think Gio is out growing Thomas but Joshua loves him...


Joshua looks at everything through imagination, this is all new for me and I love it...


All aboard...


OK, Gio had some fun,, I love his smile...

Josh with his friends, Gordon, Percy, and James, he just named them all for you...


Me and the boys in front with Thomas...


Gio and Josh really like the fact that they were on Thomas, I think Josh a little more than G look at his big smile...


I love when they have fun together, Gio really takes care of his little brother... Look at Josh holding on to Gio for protection...

My son helps me live my life...

So this weekend I had a big awakening with Giovanni... But the good thing is that Gio is safe and in our arms now...It left me thinking of how no one is going to take care of my son like me and his father Vince, and how I can't let my guard down to trust anyone...



Gio is something I need in my life, autism isn't something I want or like, but Gio is SOMETHING I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT... he makes me a better person, and has taught me how to open my heart to receive love, so you see without him I'm incomplete...



I Love how he makes me stop and listen to my heart... But the thing I Love most about my son is his ability to show me the way out of everything that goes wrong in my life, he is the light that leads me to the open door to breath again...I really do need this boy, and my life is not complete until I due all that I possibly can to always open doors for him to be a man without autism that can read, write and tell you about his LORD Fathers message to you and me... My dream is that he may one day read the entire Bible to me, only then will I stop opening doors and let him open them himself...



I love to watch him sleep, he looks so peaceful, without autism in his way or any stress or differences just a little boy who loves his Lord father GOD... Here's to you son and the love that mama and papa have for you always!! " no matter what you say, no matter how you feel, no matter what you do, I LOVE YOU..."

YouTube - New Again Brad Paisley & Sara Evans Music Video

YouTube - New Again Brad Paisley & Sara Evans Music Video Please watch this video. Thank you Lord Father for making all things new for me...you sent Giovanni Baca to me because you love me, and I thank you in the name of your only son Jesus Christ so that you may be glorified in all that I do...

April 19th, was my moms birthday...

OK, I feel the need to talk about my mom Jenny Villa her real name was Juanita, but she hated that name. Her birthday was April 19, she was only in her early fifty's when she passed away. It was a hard fight against cancer for her, GOD gave my mom two years of strenght to defeat it. The last six months or so of her life we received notice from her doctors that the tumor was not growing or spreading. In my mind she was ready to go into remission, but her under weight weak body could no longer hold up the pain and suffering was to much to witness, but you could see her passion for GOD she would later describe it in her journal for us as a feeling of being refreshed, clean like white snow... She could no longer keep food in, and that's how she passed away. It has been very hard for us, we think about her everyday, I will give or receive a call from my sisters about moments we had with her. I would like to share this with you, so you may never take a moment for granted in your lives with your loved ones, pray with and for them always.. because life is to short! Here's the thing I'm so thankful to have had a mom so strong, that in the end she touched a part of me as a believer and a mother "never say never" and " always stick together as a family in good and bad times" and most of all "huge and tell your kids you love them always no matter what." In this picture she is with her twin my older sister Janis, they are so much alike it's crazy sometimes talking to my sister. I'm so glad I have a picture of them hugging, my mom and sister don't like to huge much, I guess they were feeling the moment...


Here she is with Vince my husband, or as she would say "fuck en Vince." She loved to live it up and have fun with her beer and family, she was so transparent with everything and everybody...


In this picture, my mom is with my little sisters Cassandra and Nikki at one of Giovanni's birthday party's...

So, life starts to get hard for the family in this picture just months after finding out she had cancer, she always thought about her girls and their events first, she was at my baby shower (for Josh) more willing than ever to fight... My niece Leah loved her grandma so much...


My dad loved and loves my mom so much... He was there until the end! He misses her so much, he always tells us girls (my sisters and I) how in all of us she still remains.. So I guess we did listen to you mom when you were talking to us... We all cook, and talk just like her, one of us even dresses just like her!!


She wanted to take these pictures, she was so weak and in so much pain,she called my husband Vince and asked him to take these pictures of her with my dad... I noticed that taking the pictures was something very difficult for her to do, but I think she knew something, and wanted us girls to witness something special her will to overcome fear. Her Love for my dad was so deep in sickness and in health...


In this picture it was Christmas day. My little sister Cassie and our dad helped her with everything she needed...


In this picture, me Vince and my mom and dad... She always stayed on that side of the couch, she would not sleep in her bed, or any other place in the house so we made that her spot...


In this picture she is with Joshua my son, she loved to hold him, and tell me he looked like me.. I'm so glad they meet...


My sister Janis, Cassie, mom, Joshua, dad and me. Josh was only two months old. His first Christmas with her...


She was so happy to be with him. She was sick and still came to see us in the Hospital with my favorite tacos from our favorite place in L.A... Here's to you mom Happy Birthday, I love and miss you, but I know that you are no longer suffering and you have peace now. And I remember what you always told us girls, "there is no magic pill to help you with the pain and hurt that life brings your way." You are right mom!!

From our Family to yours..

Now after the Sabbath, as it begin to dawn toward the first day of the week,Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the LORD descended from heaven and come and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the woman, "do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. "He is not here, for HE has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. "Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them . And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and take word to my brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see ME." Matthew 28:1-10.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the ages." Matthew 28:19-20. Me and the boys just watched Passion of the Christ together and felt we wanted to share the good news with you all, the true meaning of Easter Sunday.

Free Christian ecards - Holidays - Easter (4/12) - Hope

Free Christian ecards - Holidays - Easter (4/12) - Hope

These are the moments I thank GOD for...

Today my friend Michelle took 400 great pictures of me and my boys Giovanni and Joshua, I wanted to share some with you. When she was taking these pictures I told her that it felt so intimate for me, I have been going through so much these pass few years. I have seen many deaths and so many people facing trials in their lives, so big that life feels to long and painful for them, so sometimes I miss or forget the things going on in my own life to love and be loved, but one thing I know is true... that GOD is real and alive inside those who choose to follow him. So this is a moment that I didn't forget taking time out to take these pictures and treasuring them in my heart right now that my boys are young , because life is to short and you never know when you could be facing something very difficult in your journey more than what you think your facing now, your health...so I want to live a more grateful and truthful life and show my boys GOD is first and everything else will follow. GOD waits for that perfect moment to knock on your door, only for you to open and receive him in your life.





WOW! in this picture I see that Giovanni is becoming a young man, his baby face is gone, but imprinted in my heart forever. He is going to be a tall dark and handsome guy...


I love when my boys are happy, it makes me feel joyful inside like a big kid. They love each other so much...
Gio tries his best to smile and look at the camera, but for some reason he prefers to look up at the sky.

Hard week!

So, I had a very hard week, mentally and emotionally. But it was so good to hear a friend tell me how she feels so happy with her son and all that he has accomplished these past few months. I'm so glad for her family. Over all my week was filled with things I thought I would never have to face, but God wants me to see it and fix it!!. Giovanni and Joshua are the best things GOD has going for me right now, and I love him for that, well today the end of the week I started to feel that maybe life for our family isn't so bad and I should pray for others before myself, because we have our health and that's a very good thing. Thank you GOD for sending your only Son Jesus Christ to pay for my sins, and help me keep my faith, eyes and heart fixed on you.

YouTube - Autism Took my Son

YouTube - (Autism Took my Son). Please watch this video it's how I feel about Giovanni. I will never forget about you son, and I promise to keep strong for you always. I Love you Giovanni!!

THIRD COMMITTEE CALLS ON ASSEMBLY TO DESIGNATE 2 APRIL WORLD AUTISM DAY

THIRD COMMITTEE CALLS ON ASSEMBLY TO DESIGNATE 2 APRIL WORLD AUTISM DAY

Smile Joshua!

Vince and I, along with the boys were out shopping recently, we always give the boys a book or two to entertain them while we are looking around in the store. Giovanni will just look around in the back of the cart and smile and make his noises and tap on all the books, but Joshua will always ask us to buy the books and Vince or myself will look at him and say No. I guess we have been saying No a lot , because this time he said to him self well I will just take what's inside the book the best part. In this picture Vince looks over and guess what Joshua gets caught stealing!!




But there's still hope for him, This is Josh in school looking so cute in the hat he made for Easter.

Autism Diva Moms!!

OK, so one day when it came time to pick up our boys from school like any ordinary day at 3:00pm in the afternoon in the middle of the day. Julie, Noah's mom and Michelle, Bradley's mom showed up looking like this, big hair and shoes that should only be for showing off at a club, you see us autism diva moms always look the same every day a white shirt and jeans and if your lucky a nice pair of shoes with a different colored shirt. I just had to take this picture of them looking so hot in their new look, what ever happen to your shoes and hair girls?? I'm posting this picture because of the crazy pictures you posted of me, but don't be mad you look so much better than mine. (in the picture Julie W. and Michelle H.)

Let's talk about Joshua now!

Some people tell Vince and myself you never talk about Joshua, you always give Giovanni all of your attention!. What many of you don't know is that Vince picked Joshua's name. Vince myself Gio, and the family all went to see our second son on a big 4d ultrasound for the first time, it was so hard to see him in fact only Vince could see him and said out loud he's a boy and his name will be Joshua. Also let me tell you Josh would never let that happen, you see he is full of life and needs all of your time there is no waiting for this child. He has a very strong character, but over all God gave us a typical son. Josh is a little delayed in the speech and social area, Regional Center said (3 months delayed). So he is now in an early start program and currently has speech and fine motor classes (OT) we started 3 months ago and Joshua is learning so much that we feel that the delay was due to not having more time around other kids that are not affected with autism, you see he only spends his time with his brother, so he is coping his brothers actions. Josh loves and looks up to Gio, and in his eyes his brother is perfect and wants to be just like him he follows him everywhere and copy's everything he does. And now that he is around other kids and they play and talk to him he is starting to see something is different about his big brother. It's a good thing that Josh can be easily redirected quickly. He is now doing so good with his new skills and friends, OK to good!! But I still want Josh to have his big brothers perfect heart. In this picture Josh is at school.

Josh is so loving to Vince and me, he always wants hugs and kisses from both of us, but if he sees Vince hugging or kissing me he gets so mad and tries hard to get his dad away from me and yells "get off papa". In the picture Vince Josh and me. I think Joshua looks just like his papa...

He loves to read and play lots of board games. He runs and gets his books and tells me to read to him. In this picture Josh, is opening a new book.

His dad takes really good pictures of him, and this one is special to Josh because he loves Thomas the train, and holds this picture to show people his favorite train.

Josh loves to take pictures, he always smiles for the camera, and says cheese. But then....

He just starts to get mad at me. In this picture look at his finger pointing at the camera, I told him to smile and he said "you smile" I guess he was having to much fun with his toys....
He said it again "you smile"...

Well I guess I take to many picture of Joshua because he's mastered the words "you smile". But I will keep trying.

Finding GOD in autism

So, Vince came home today and said here's a new book for you to read. Finding GOD in autism, by Kathy Medina a mom just like me who knows my trials and tribulations. I like my routine filled with the same things day after day, with a smile on my face my heart filled with hope, my soul and mind working and praying with faith, but when my human self that can't do anything without GOD, calls out for help he always answers my prayers. This book, that I finish that same night that Vince my husband gave me was exactly what I needed to hear. Bottom line is this, Jeremiah 29:11-14)"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek with all of your heart. I will be found by you.'Declares the Lord,' and will bring you back from captivity." So it got me thinking of all the things children affected by autism aren't supposed to accomplish in their lifetime, you know he will never speak, or love, or be social, but don't forget this famous one they will never be independent. In this picture Gio is on a bus in Cancun Mexico in the front seat as his grandparents think of how grateful they are to see this moment in their lifetime, they love him so much!. Gio loves to travel and look at things through his own eyes. Gio's words are "all done" he is saying leave me alone. (In this picture, Gio and his grandparents Maria and Cayo Baca)



Gio's on a swing, having so much fun! He loves to get out of the house, he runs for his shoes and says " let's go". He will go anywhere at anytime you ask him.

Gio and his little brother Joshua, I have never seen a love so beautiful, that communication is not a problem for them, it's something in their eyes that keeps them going. Gio is so happy that his Lord Father gave him a little brother.

Gio plays soccer, and on his preferred days he's pretty good, he likes passing the ball to all of his team. But I think he loves half time more, he sits and is soical with his friends from school.

Gio is learning everyday, he is coloring with me and his brother at the park for a family picnic. I thought I would never see this day, but my mom said "never say never" I'm not anymore.

But, most of all he is a daddy's little boy, just like any other boy, they always find crazy toys to play with!! I'm sharing this with you because after reading this book I prayed and GOD gave me a reminder about all the little things that make a big difference in our life living with autism. Glory to GOD in the Highest!! above all!!

Sisters

I went to a funeral this weekend, and it got me thinking of how much my sisters and I have been through these pass three years. First it starts with my grandmother that we love like our own mother dies of cancer, then my aunt moves to Hawaii with her family right after her mothers death only to die the very next year. We received a call out of the blue that she had passed in her sleep just like that, we loved her so much! So my mom gets very depressed that her mother and little sister our dead, only to find out that next year she now has stage four terminal cancer and would only live a year (God gave her two). You see my family is very small, because when my grandmother came from Mexico she only had three daughters, all of our family lives in Mexico, people we don't know, so it was only a mother and her three girls. Here is where my story begins it's only us now my dad, the four sisters, Janis, Me, Nikki, Cassandra, and between us four our six children. After the funeral we looked at each other as people reminded us of how we should always be together and never separate from each other, and we thought out loud that life is to short and we should do just that, because we know that the nightmare is not over, they all died of cancer and you know what that means it's in our genes. So I wanted to share a moment with you, we always pray for Gods mercy as we walk this gift called earth that he has giving us to share together. In the picture above, Janis, Cassandra, Nikki, and myself.


We all pray together, to show love for the ones we miss.

Wake up Gio!

On the weekends Josh goes into Gio's room and waits for him to wake up in the morning, he gets his pillow a plate or cup and sleeps on the floor and doesn't move or make a sound, but the moment his brother moves he yells out loud "come on Gio play" then gives him the plate or cup and tells him "food please Gio". You see Josh doesn't see his big brother on the weekdays to much because Gio is in school, then he comes home to see his therapist waiting for him, or Josh and I are driving far to take him to his therapy's only to find out that his brother can't play right now, that's when the weekends come around and Joshua is the first to see his brother, because he knows Gio is all his to play with. I think Gio loves this time too, he now says "baby play" which is a big deal for him. By the way my sons are going to be very mad at me in about five year when they see this picture!

Surfers Healing

This is a program for children affected by autism, to get the chance to ride waves with professional surfers in a fun and friendly setup, they have food and drinks for all the family to enjoy. These pictures are from last year, but we are going again this June. In this picture Gio and Josh are with there Auntie Tammy Vince's sister, she gave us a ride all the way down to San Diego, That's crazy !! But she is like that for her nephew's.
Giovanni with his surfer, he had so much fun he didn't want to get off the board.

Joshua had his chance, but only on the sand, maybe next time Josh! He had fun anyway playing in the water with his friend Britney, Bradley's little sister.
Gio, this was before he went out to surf, he was really nervous. His smile says it all.
Gio and the founder of the program, his son is also affected by autism. He was so loving and understanding with Gio in this picture.

U.S.C. Trojan Game

My sister Cassandra is a U.S.C. student, she is graduating this May. I love her so much, I'm so thankful that she is finishing school!! (In this picture) My sister Cassandra and her friend from school with a Trojan soldier.

My little sister Cassandra, her friend, and me.

Joining the party, you put up the peace sign and follow the crowd as you listen to the band play there theme music and show your love, It's so much fun!

The famous Trojan solider on his horse making his way around the field, it's so loud and crazy when he does this!

My sister Cassie, her friend, and me out side before going in to watch the game.

L.A. Laker Game

Vince likes to take me out of the house, and we love our L.A Laker games.

Me and vince before going in to watch the game.

Me in front of the Staples center.

Disneyland Trip

Gio loves all the rides.

Joshua looking at the map to get us to the buzz ride again!

Gio loves to jump, so we put him to work.

Joshua meeting his friend Buzz.


Me and my two boys.

Gio's Newest Treatment

This is Gio's hyperbaric chamber that he goes into twice a day for an hour at a time.

Vince and Gio inside the chamber looking out the window. At first when we started the chamber Vince stayed with him inside for an hour, to make sure Gio was safe and comfortable. And now Gio goes in all by himself, he takes his portable DVD player to watch his favorite movies and loves it in there, Vince and I see big changes in him a sign that the chamber is working.

Josh waiting for his brother to come out and play. He waits outside the chambers window and taps it telling Gio "out".