John Atalig Mitchell

This is John better known as John John. He is soon to be 8 yrs old. (August 28). When he was a baby we called him Baby John, that way we won't confuse him with his Dad....John. However, as he started getting older...Baby John was too babyish and my mom's common-law husband (very common in the Islands) named...John (how'd you guess?) started calling him John John. That is also very common in the islands to call little John's .... John John, instead of Johnny boy or what have you. So until this day... that is what he is called.

So about him... well he LOVES baseball. He is in the All- Star team and I know his Uncle Joe is going to be so proud of him (he is the baseball fanatic Uncle who loves the Dodgers - which is the team John John plays for - in the Pony League). John John plays pitcher and at times first base. However he is thinking that for the All Star team they are going to put him as an outfielder because the boys hit far and John John is fast and throws far. So we'll see. The games start in July.

And other than baseball...of course, VIDEO GAMES, and Webkinz. Have you ever heard of them? They are pets that they groom online. The only problem is you have to buy these pets at retail stores before getting access to play online. Very smart marketing tool. The only problem is they sell these pets at "girly" places. Like "Sweet and Sassy" salon for little girls and "Justice" a clothing store for girls. So when we went to get one, John John made me go into the salon and scope the area to make sure there were no girls in there. Luckily, there wasn't so I signaled him to quickly come in and make his purchase. Yes, he's all boy.

Teancum Atalig Mitchell

That's me with my son Teancum (3 1/2 yrs. old) at Knott's Berry Farm in April. He had the time of his life! He rode every ride in Camp Snoopy gave his hug to Snoopy and was ready for the BIG rides.

He had no fear in him and was determined to ride a grown up roller coaster. We went to the least scariest of them all (according to the big boys calculation) and sized him up at the measurement guide. About 2 inches too short but the height of a giant...his Dad took him to ride the ride. Just as they were about to get in the coaster... a lady tapped John on the shoulder and asked John to have Teancum stand next to their measurement guide. Darn, he's caught. So off to the exit they went.

As they were approaching me, Teancum kept telling his Dad that he is NOT too small!

What a determined young boy he is....that he gets from me!

His white skin he gets from his father. His mischievousness he gets from John John. His goofiness he gets from Nick. His height he gets from Deven. And his courage he gets from Raymond.

Eat your vegetables Teancum (by the way, he hates them all) because we're going to Lagoon this July!

Enoch Atalig Mitchell

Here is the youngest son of the bunch. He is soon to be 2 years old (Sept. 21). Time flies. It seems just like yesterday he was crawling now he is running and talking (baby talk).

So who does he look like? John or Me?

He reminds me of Deven (14 year old son). And at times like Raymond (19 year old son). But probably has the attitude of John John (7 year old son).

He is the Utahn in the family. Born in Utah and will probably be raised here for awhile at least. It would be nice to have him exposed to his Island heritage. A long vacation in Saipan is long overdue. Do you think he will tan or burn? Complications of being a Chamaole. :)

We love him so, so much! A true joy in our family.... even when he is shouting loud, Loud, LOUD.

The Update on the Family...

Sorry no pictures. John and I cannot find our memory card that goes in the camera. Yikes. We are afraid one of the little kids may have taken it. So until then... here is the update.

John (my husband) - He still works at Arco Packaging as a salesman for his father's company. It's such a contrast from where he was to where he is now. But whatever works for him. :) He is enjoying EARLY morning basketball M-W-F at 5:30 AM. Amazing.

Me - I'm busy being a MOMpreneur. I can't wait to have the $$$ to hire a part time housekeeper but until then it's just a dream. My boys are good at helping around the house but it still seems like the house never stays clean. Well, what can I expect...with 6 boys? A miracle or how about just a housekeeper. :)

Raymond - he is still in Korea with the Army. And we are so, so, so PROUD of him. He has always been a tough boy. Come on...who would join the army at a time of war? Yup, Raymond will. (Hey, if you are reading this... it's time you send me a note...it's been awhile son.).

Nick- He is 16 and is dying for his license. We had a hard time getting his birth certificate out of San Diego (where he was born). But that's a long story itself and we still haven't received it, yet but thanks goodness we found one in our storage. Phew. So the deal is he gets a license when he finishes his Eagle (boy Scouts) badge. Go for it, Nick YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Deven - He is bummed because he is not old enough to get a job and so he is broke. You should hear all the stuff he wants to buy... a mountain bike, new cell phone, paintball gun, snowboard pass, and MORE. We are thinking of hiring him to do work around the yard and other projects so he could earn some money. Hey, I have an idea.... "Deven, would you like to do some housekeeping?"

John John - His baseball team won both the championship and tournament AND he made it to the All Stars. Just like his father he dreams BIG and so he is making plans for the World Series. What a champ. He is soon going to be 8.

Teancum - He is beginning to talk real well. We were concerned at first but now we can't get him to be quiet. He is 3 1/2 and most likely will be the kid to play soccer. John loves soccer and just can't seem to get John John to play it...so we figure, it's meant for Teancum.

Enoch - he is the spoiled brat and knows it. He has this high pitch scream that gets all of us going and you should see us try to please him to shut him up. I know that's the worst thing we can do. But he is the youngest and well, why don't you try watching him when he is in his shouting mood. Exactly! Bring on the cookies, toys, juice, or whatever he wants. When he is 2, we'll start taming him. Until then he is wild Enoch. :)

And Brian (my brother who has been living with us the past 3 years) - he is going to serve a mission for the church (his choice!). Perhaps, he will serve in Philippines and learn the language, that will make his mother proud.

And so that's it for the Mitchell, Alvarez, Atalig family. I'll find that card and load some pictures. Until then.... lots of love, Carlene

OMGosh...here is the update!

I know, I know, I know.... I have been really bad in posting on this blog. It has been months!

Well, I have been busy. My Spanish lessons have been going well. My kids are out of school. And I am starting a business. WOW!

Check out my business blog as I have just started posting on it.

Other than that, we have been doing just fine. I promise to post some pictures SOON. Promise.

Carlene