My World... Through My Eyes

Jesus>Religion

2012-01-12T18:29:00.000-08:00

I hate talking Religion. I really really do. And I gotta say this video that my cousin posted on Facebook perfectly explains my point. If I could put into words and tell you exactly how I feel, this video would be exactly what I would say.

*Watch the Video first

There was some debate on FB about it but I refrained from commenting even though I really just wanted to bust out and explain what I think. And now a day later I feel like I need to write down my thoughts for my own self.

Let me preface this by telling you my journey. Which is probably in many ways or another similar to that of this man in the video.

I am Catholic. This I know. This I am sure about.

I was baptized into this religion. Baptism means our parents and Godparents will guide us into this faith. Teach us about it. And model it for us. So this foundation was set upon me. All I could do was grow from there. I never remember my parents being my models for my religion but I knew this is what they believed and this is what they followed. On the other hand my Abuelita and Abuelito were the two most influential people in my life when it came to knowing my faith and understanding my religion. I did learn the rules. I learned the prayers. I learned the commandments and what was right and wrong. You go to church on Sundays. For most of my childhood my parents didn't attend church regularly. There were times they did and we all went but for the most part my sister and I attended with our Abuelitos. It was boring, we didn't understand, but even through all that I listened and paid attention. What my parents did do was enroll us into catechism classes and it was there we learned the bible. We learned our faith. And I began to learn how much Jesus loves us. How much God loves. And how much in turn I loved Him. And I continued on this path of learning and growing and I enjoyed it very much. I was blessed to have these wonderful catechism teacher and my Grandparents to be there whenever I had a question or needed some understanding.

When I was 16 I had my confirmation. Confirmation, to confirm my faith and everything that had been taught to me since I was a little girl. Up until this point I knew I did want to be a Catholic person. Someone who would eventually be saved and could join Him when my time came. And in order to do this I had to believe. I had to believe and do everything in my power to be a good person, the person that God planned me to be. I accepted this and agreed to continue on my journey to grow and learn even more what my faith was about. Because I did have faith. And I chose this without the push of my parents or anyone, but with the foundation they gave me as my platform. And I continued on to become a leader for the next years Conformation students. I did this for 2 years. And I loved it. I loved teaching them what I knew and loved learning things I didn't.

Fast forward a year. Due to poor choices I became pregnant. And through the first few months I still maintained my place in the church. I still went regularly, I still helped lead the confirmation classes, and even more I looked for guidance in the words of the bible. I knew it was going to be a challenge and tried to understand it all with the help of my church. But that's not what happened. Instead for the most part, (there were a handful of fantastic people who became my only support throughout this time besides my parents) I was looked down upon. I was out casted. And then I decided to go to confession. I knew what I did was wrong and not of the way it was taught to me. I had a great relationship with the priest at that time and talked about it. He made it clear to me that sinning did not make me a bad person. It made me human. If I was truly sorry for my sin I would be forgiven. The act of going to confession was to be truly sorry and have the intention of not committing sin again. But to live life according to God's plan. And that is what I tried to do. But regardless I took a year off of church because it got to the point that I felt like I was a horrible person for being there. I was treated like I committed a sin and it would stick with me forever and no matter how I tried to right that sin it would never be right.

And my journey in the church life came to an end. Soon after my husband and I started taking classes to be married in the church. And with each and every class we took (we were the youngest couple and the only ones who already had children, 2 at that point) we were out casted further. And constantly questioned indirectly if we should really be getting married through the church. My husband who believe is God and believes in Jesus but has never liked the idea of organized religion. I tried so hard to see it his way but I was taught and raised differently so in my mind I thought there was no other way to do things than the way the church has told us. Even though as much as I tried to get back on track and kept getting knocked down by older adults at church who looked down upon me. I could tell each class would make him more and more uncomfortable and honestly it was doing the same for me. Weren't these the people who should be teaching us and helping us to live our life in accordance to the rules set before us? It made no sense to me. And then one day it did.

It was then that I realized I knew who I was and that I was a good person. I knew that God had forgiven me. I also knew that I may fall back into temptation again but as long as I followed him and continued to try that I was doing just what he wanted of me. And it was then that I decided I didn't want to marry in the church. And we quit. I never went back after that. I felt defeated. And I felt like I was losing my faith. I had so many questions... Why would God make it this impossible to get married and try and fix my life and put it back onto the path that he wanted me to? And that's when I realized it wasn't God. My faith in him had never wavered. But it was the church. The people who walked around like they were better than me and ran the show. It was them who I lost my faith in. It was the church who said, do EXACTLY as we say or else you're wrong.

And that's why I completely understand and agree with this video. I believe the guy could say he was also in a similar position. Putting on a front. Would it be better to go to church every Sunday when everyone can see but commit sin every other day of the week in hiding? I love when he said he doesn't have to hide his sins. Because that what I felt I wasn't doing. Yes I sinned, and yes it was wrong, but I was there to correct it and to learn and move on.

It wasn't until about a year ago when I finally came to a realization. I love my religion and I love being Catholic. But I disliked the church. In the video my favorite line has got to be, "It's not a museum for the good people, it's a hospital for the broken" I believe that's what it should have been for me. A hospital to build me back up not continue to doubt myself and tear me down. Denying the church is not denying God. God knows we're not perfect but the church expects us to be?

With all this said, I did take a step a few weeks ago to register as a member of my church once again. Because through it all and with everything aside it is the foundation of it's teachings that I want my children to learn. I have an almost 9 year old, and he being the oldest, still has no concept of the religion I baptized him into. And I alone cannot answer all his questions. He needs to be taught, as well as my girls, what being a Catholic is all about. And what God did by sending Jesus to us. I hope that all these years later the church can finally show me the acceptance that I always felt I didn't have and then maybe... I can continue to grow and expand once again.

Wish me luck.

Date Night & Encanto Park

2012-01-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

I was having a bad first week in the new year. Just a lot of things piled up on my plate at once. So Friday night my husband asked me out on a date.

We headed to BJ's Restaurant for dinner. I had never been but my husband had been a couple times before and he loves the Beignet dessert they have there.

I ordered this grilled chicken sandwich with avocado, bacon, on a parmesan grilled sourdough bread. It was delicious! And I got the really skinny fries and they were so good. I also ordered the homemade mac and cheese and it was so much food we took most of it home. Of course for dessert we ordered the beignets and they were HEAVEN! Mmm!

Afterward we went to the movies and finally watched Breaking Dawn! It was a good night with my love :)

The next morning we woke up and I decided that we should head over to Enchanted Island at Encanto Park. The husband and I used to take the kiddos to Encanto park all the time when they were little (Diego and Alayna) and ever since we had Arielle and Atalie we haven't even been back. Plus I had bought one of the deals they put on groupon back in August and still hadn't used!

The kids were completely surprised when we pulled up because they had no idea we were going. I never tell them ahead of time when we are going somewhere. I don't like them to be disappointed when plans fall through.

The weather was perfect! And I enjoyed SOOO much spending some time with my family with no stress and just having tons of fun together.

We started off by eating some lunch and filling them up with sugar churros.

Mid-meal we saw Pete the Parrot walking and the kids wanted a picture... but Arielle would NOT go anywhere near him.

Jr decided to get the kids faces painted and they thought it was the most awesome things! LOL Oh the simple joys!

Then it was on to ride the rides. I think it is hilarious that they have all of like 10 kiddie rides there and my kids were having a blast haha! There was even one ride that Diego was too "tall" to get on! I usually have a problem with my kids being too short.

They lasted a few hours running around riding the rides over and over and then we decided to head over to the train for our last ride.

Seriously my day couldn't have been more perfect! I was a happy girl :)

Jr thought it would be afun to walk around the park and take the kids over to the playground... so that's what we did.

Lastly, we stopped to feed the ducks. This was my favorite picture from the entire day... my whole world in one photo. Perfection.

In the famous words of Ice Cube "Today was a good day"

(Well except for when I got home and my brother said, "Quick call the cops... someone stole my sister's ass!)

And a game of Monopoly U-build as a family before heading to bed.

It's 2012!

2012-01-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve was a very kick back day. My kids an I were alone just us for most of the day. This is the first time this has happened for about two months. During the week I have 6 or 7 kids depending on the day... and on the weekends I have 8 kids in my care. It's been insane around here! And it was such a quite relaxing day. I kept getting up thinking "I should be cleaning..." "I should be folding the piles of laundry..." "My floors need mopping badly!" But instead I sat around all day with all 4 of my kids on one couch watching movies and looking at books with Atalie who doesn't have an attention span for a movie but LOVES books. It felt good actually. So instead I just savored the day.

And I even had time to do my girl's hair all pretty. They chose the styles and we had fun curling their hair.

But about 5:30pm my brother arrived home from work with his 4 kids in tow. So while they played I got ready for the evening.

My husband decided we should have date night since my brother agreed to watch our kids. And I got a GC for Olive Garden (my favorite restraunt) from my Bestie Tiffany (Thanks!) for Christmas so it was perfect!

It was nice to have some alone time away from a million kids with just my Hubby.

We got to talk about what we wanted to accomplish in 2012. And I am glad to know we are totally on the same page :)

We got home around 10:45pm and hung around waiting for midnight watching the different New Years Eve specials on TV. 2 minutes before midnight me and Jr woke up Diego and Alayna who had just fallen asleep about 5 minutes before... and joined my brother and my 2 nieces who were also falling asleep in the living room for the countdown. We cheered quietly because both babies and both 3 year olds were asleep (oh wait Juanito is 4 not 3 oops!). Hugs were exchanged between all of us and we were all off to bed. Party animals right?!

This morning I slept in. Thanks Hubby for always holding down the fort for me! And once I got up we all got ready and got the kiddies ready to head to the park.

My husband's new resolution is to spend lots of extra alone time with our son. My husband works soooo much and come home late and tired that he tries to devote a lot of time to the kids once he is here. But splitting himself 4 ways... and then adding me into the mix after work is not easy. Diego misses him more than anyone and he tells him all the time. The girls love their Daddy but they don't need the one on one time that Diego craves. So today he took Diego to buy a football and they played in the park a few hours while I had the 3 girls on the playground. Nothing makes me happier than to see my husband making the effort to make sure our only boy feels special. And to see my son with a smile on his face after 2 hours of uninterrupted time with his Daddy is priceless :)

As for me and the girls... we had a blast on the playground. Atalie loves the slides!

Afterward, my Daddy invited us to his house for a carne asada. His fiance Abby is in town for the weekend so we spent the rest of the day with them.

It's always a great time with my looney familia!

The Search for Lalaloopsy

2011-12-27T00:38:00.000-08:00

What is a Lalaloopsy you ask?

If you don't have a little girl then let me fill you in. They have been big since last Christmas. They are these cute dolls modern "rag dolls" with big heads. They are supposedly sewn from a piece of clothing and each one had a theme. One is sewn from a clowns costume so therefore she takes on that personality. and each one has a pet to match. My daughter mentioned them since last Christmas so I knew what they were. As it got closer to her birthday this year in July she asked for one. That's all she wanted. And we never got it for her. But her obsession continued on. I bought her a book of them. It tells their stories of how they came to be. And she studied it and learned them all.

Then I started liking them too. The more she talked about them... the more I learned about them and I even follow them on FB haha! Her and I obsess over their cuteness when a new one comes out. She has her favorites and I have mine. Yes! They're that cute! Don't judge me!

So this year the plan was to FINALLY buy her one of the full size dolls. I had been scoping them out since October hoping to see if I find her favorite one. I figured with plenty of time before Christmas I might as well try and get her the one she loves the most. Well one thing after another happened and we had done all our shopping and that was the ONLY thing we hadn't bought. Oh and did I mention this was on the night before Christmas Eve?

All the week prior I had been sure I could just walk into a store and grab one... any one... because at this point, a week before Christmas I just wanted to give her any of them. But nope. For 7 days straight I hit up every store near me... sometime more than once a day to get my hands on one. And there were none. I called Targets, Toys R Us, and Walmarts not in my area. And nothing. No one could tell me where to find one. No one had them on their shelves. All they could say was whenever they did get a couple in they would be gone in a second. And of course no one could hold one for us.

So I told my husband, we are going to go look for that doll! He didn't really want to at first but I felt so bad that she didn't even own one stinkin doll and had been loving them for a year! I knew it would just make her Christmas! And I love nothing more than to see my kids faces light up! So our search began at 7pm. The game plan? Walk in, check the Lalaloopsy section, and head out quickly if we didn't find one. We hit about 6 different store before I got a call from my cousin to fill us in on our Christmas Family Gathering. It was in this conversation that we learned... she too had been on the hunt all week for one of these dolls for her daughter. And she was out doing the very same thing! So I told her if we found some I'd pick one up for her and vice versa.

After we hung up with her, Jr and I still hit up a Target, a Walmart, a Kmart, and were headed to another Walmart over by my sister's house. It was the 10th store that night. (And while we were in each store I was still phoning other stores seeing if they had any on the shelves... gotta multitask!) It was close to midnight and as we walked into this particular Walmart it had turned into a game for us. A challenge. More than ever we wanted to find a doll because of all the time we were investing. As we approached the toy aisle we split up as we had been doing. I realized Jr had gone the wrong way so to beat him I beelined it to the girls aisle. (I know how all these Walmarts are set up like the back of my hand) He is faster than me and we turned into the same aisle from opposite ends at the same time. But I was right there. I looked at the section of Lalaloopsies.

My heart sank. Nothing but mini ones again. As we started to push around the toys to see towards the back if one was hiding back there... a stocker put down 3 small boxes by my feet. I don't know if you'd noticed how they stock at Walmart but they lay the boxes down on the ground in front of the sections they go and someone else comes and unloads the stuff onto the shelf later. So irritated and in a hurry I start shoving the boxes with my feet over to the side. And I continue searching the back of the shelves when I hear my husband scream, "You idiot! (In a loving way of course) By your foot!"

He reaches down and tears open the boxes to expose 9 full size Lalaloopsy dolls. Victory was ours! I literally screamed and jumped up and down as he pulled out each different one they had so I could choose. Out of the 9 there were 4 different ones. And he stood there clutching them in his arms while we laughed and laughed and basked in our glory. The stocker who heard our commotion was laughing at us because he noticed he had just put it down and we went crazy. He told us that every time he restocks them they would be gone in a flash. So as we stood there a man turns the corner and also spots them and snatches one up. He tells us, "I have been looking mad for one of these!" And in under a minute more customers grab the remaining ones we didn't have and they were all gone.

I called my cousin to come meet us to get hers. I called my sister to share my excitement. I texted my friends who I had on the hunt all week in their areas looking for them too. We were quite literally on a high! As we got to the registers my husband has decided that she was getting all 4 of them. (Plus the one boy doll we had in the car that we found at a Target a few hours before and bought just in case we never found a girl doll. Because at that point even the one boy doll was a victory) So we bought them all, and I made sure he price matched for Target's price because my husband will always overspend.

I was most definitely a happy camper. We both were!

Here's my cousin's husband Frank and my husband Jr posing outside after our Success!

So dear child of mine, this smile on your face says it all. One happy little girl with all her Lalaloopsy Dolls. Mommy and Daddy... err I mean Santa... will seriously do anything to make sure you're happy!

And in case you're wondering one of the ones that we snagged was actually her favorite doll and her 2nd favorite doll. And I had never seen either of them in the whole 2 months I was looking prior to Christmas.

Christmas!

2011-12-26T23:23:00.000-08:00

The anticipation of Christmas had finally arrived! And now it's gone...

We celebrate on Christmas Eve and I was getting ready for that evening my sister and brother-in-law Loyiel gave me my gift early. And I was so excited!

I got my 4th pillowpet and the one I have been wanting for a while now.

See, I absolutely LOVE the movie Despicable Me. Like love love LOVE it. Just ask anyone. I quote this movie in my daily life all the time. (But then again when don't I quote movies?) I even taught Atalie how to say Popoy hahaha! And in the movie, if you haven't seen it, the little girl wants a unicorn toy (popoy) and when she sees it she says "It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!"

Well one day we were at Walmart and I saw it (I have a fascination with Pillowpets anyway) and I screamed, "It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!" and ran over to it and hugged it and begged for it. Just like in the movie. Well the boys (my hubby and his brother) did not buy it for me because my hubby had just bought me the zebra one. And I was sad.

But moral is, I am sad no longer because I have it! And I named her Agnes after the little girl in the movie. And my brother-in-law says he has done his good deed for the year. Better late than never... considering there's only a week left.

Anywho... we got ready and headed over to dinner at my aunts house. Our plan was to make it to Mass at church but due to technical difficulties we didn't make it and I was pretty bummed.

So my husband decided to show me some love to make me feel better.

But while we waited we took advantage and I got a few pictures of my minions all dressed up! (Wait, that was another Despicable Me reference...)

And the baby girls of the family stopped long enough to get ONE picture of them... Miss Laila and Miss Atalie Belle Pepper

And I had to bribe Talie with a cookie to pose for this one with me... but she is a good little poser.

My baby boy and my Pops

My Sisterface, My Pops, and Me!

Not too long before midnight we came back to my house to see what Santa left for us! And boy was that room full of stuff!

The kids literally oohed and aahed when they walked in the front door... and Atalie quickly ran up to her pink car! I don't know how she knew it was even hers... but Daddy stuck her right in.

Then we all opened our gifts. We made out pretty great. the kids were happy... beyond happy. I was happy because my hubby got me a few things I have been wanting.

I loved watching my kids faces light up. And most of all I loved watching Atalie open gifts because I thought she wouldn't know what to do. And literally whispered Wow every time she found out what was behind the paper :)

Diego got tons of Cardinal gear and some outdoor toys. We steered clear of electronics or video games. Alayna had a Lalaloopsy Christmas. She is obsessed and I think I love them just as much now! Arielle had a Disney Princess theme going on. And she is the biggest Disney Princess fan. And Atalie got a few cute things and the best $5 I've ever spent... on a magnadoodle. That girl loves to draw (just look at my walls) and she still has yet to put down that magnadoodle. She even sleeps with it.

Christmas day for me is always chill and play with all the new toys day. My brother was given a ham from work and so he my brother-in-law cooked it up and we went to have dinner at their house.

It was a beautiful day and the weather was fantastic that we played outside all afternoon! My 2 oldest and my nephew got roller blades and so they learned really quickly how to use them! And Atalie got to ride around in her new car.

My baby girls are so beautiful. These two are literally my sunshines.

Arielle thinks she IS Rapunzel and I knew she'd love this gift.

While my niece Laila took a turn in Tal's car... she played with one of Laila's toys and didn't like that Uncle Oscar was trying to play too...

I had to go inside to finish making the mashed potatoes for lunch and the 3 older kids on blades kept coming in and out of the house. I repeatedly told them to go back outside because they would slip on the tile. They had never been on roller blades before and I knew someone was bound to slip and fall. And I was right... Alayna tried going over to get some water and slipped but grabbed onto the water dispenser and knocked it over on top of her. The whole 5 gallon jug landed on her head. Poor girl.

But Grandpa makes everything better.

And then we ate our delicious dinner :) Yum!

And Arielle HAD to sit on the same seat as her brother... even when there was extra chairs. That girls idolizes him. And I love that he just lets her as long as it makes her happy. I kept asking her to give him his own chair and he kept telling me that he was fine :)

After dinner we opened up my Just Dance 3 game for the Wii and danced. I still remain the Queen of that game. I rock!

And then we came home where my husband spent the whole night assembling all the kids gifts. While I watched The Grinch!

We had the best Christmas! My kids are enjoying all their gifts. And we're enjoying spending all our time together just hanging out playing.

Tonight my husband, the kids, and I played on the Wii for almost 2 hours. It was so much fun :) I love family time... and the holidays bring us even closer together.

Mama, You're The Queen of My Heart

2011-12-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to start this post all day and instead I am just sitting here staring at this picture I uploaded and the white blankness underneath. Trying to find the right words to express what I feel today and everyday. But truth is there isn't the right words for me to even begin to portray what life is like. So I guess I will just start with the random thoughts I have had running through my head.

My Grandmother (my Mom's Mom) passed away when I was just 2 years old. Although I got to meet her, I never knew her. When I was old enough to realize and ask questions I asked about her. All I knew is she had died. But my Mom never offered any information about her. And at a young age I always had the feeling of don't ask about her because my Mom didn't want to talk about her. She never talked about her. And the things I did hear would be when I would hear random stories of my Mom's childhood and she or someone else mentioned her. As I grew I began to somewhat piece together what type of person she was. I knew she was loud and wasn't afraid to whoop some ass when it came to her kids being bad, my brother being bad, and to anyone in the neigborhood that dare mess with her family. She was a seamstress. She made my Mom's wedding dress. She made all my Mom's clothing. My Mom was the oldest and the only girl for 10 years until my aunt came along. So my Mom was very spoiled and her Mom made sure she had a new outfit for every occassion and all the new styles before anyone else did. She could cook! She was stubborn and had a temper. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she went ALL OUT every year. I knew this because when I was a child my Mom was rarely "there" for Christmas. Christmas always reminded of my Grandma and so until she had Grandchilden, Christmas was a holiday that didn't bring her any spirit. My Grandma took very good care of her family. She was a giver and very much the head of her family. And that's easy to picture because that was MY MOM. Minus the fact that my Mom couldn't sew. So picturing my Grandma was usually pretty easy because I feel like I lived with her clone. At least that's what I have always imagined in my head. But that's really all I knew.

When I was a teenager, I decided to ask again. I had so many questions in my head. When was her birthday? I knew she was a scorpio because my Mom had mentioned a few times that her and her Mom both butted heads alot because they were both scorpios. When did she die? What did she die from? What was her favorite color? Did she like to dance? Sing? Do anything else besides sew? I mean I really knew nothing about her. She did eventually tell me that her birthday was November 15th. But really that was it. And I was always too afraid to ask her more because I always felt her hesitation when I brought her up. Mainly I wanted to know her. I wanted to know the woman who always brought a look of pain to my Mom's eyes when her name was brought up. And I always wondered... How did my Mom deal with that?

I have always ALWAYS known my Mom to be this strong woman. Fiercely independent. A woman not to mess around with. A woman who wasn't afraid to tell you the truth even if it was hurtful. A stubborn, sometimes short tempered woman. For a woman her size she packed a big punch for sure. But a woman to show emotion? No. Rarely. I never saw my Mom cry. I never saw her be sad. She hid it well. At least to us... because now that I look back as an adult. I know she did cry... and probably a lot. Probably in her room at night when we weren't around. And I always used to think to myself. She must really have a lot of grief because she never shared her memories of her. Of course she would! She was 24 years old when it happened! 24 years old! And although married with 2 chilren she was just a baby herself. Who could be ready to lose their Mother at 24 years old?! That always stuck with me.

It stuck with me so much so that on my 25th birthday I woke up to my husband telling me Happy Birthday... and I opened my eyes and the first thing out of my mouth was, "I am 25. I am past the age my Mom was when her Mom died." Why I evenn said that is beyond me. I didn't look at it as an accomplishment but I did think... I still feel like a child. My Mama still does everything for me when I mess up. She is still here to pick me up when my world is crashing down around me. She is still here for me to make sure I take my medicine when I am sick. She makes sure I have liquid because she knows even though I am 25 I can't swallow pills. And if I have to take a pill she is still here to crush the pill in between two spoons and mix it with water and force feed it to me like a baby. I was pregnant with the 4th baby at the time and she was there to rub my feet, my back, put my shoes on and tie them so i wouldn't have to bend down. Buy me anything I wanted to eat when I wanted it because to her a pregnant woman's cravings should never be left unsatisfied. She was literally my everything even though she would get so mad at me and tell me I was a Daddy's girl who was spoiled rotten and I didn't deserve it. She never failed to tell me that middle children should be the neglected ones and not spoiled. But she went ahead and continued spoiling me anyway. I knew with her as mad as she would get at me... and boy I could get her to yell at me a lot... she would always love me. So on my 25th birthday I sat and thought... Now I don't understand how she could have handled losing her Mom when I was at the same age. It seemed like in was absolutely impossible to live through.

And then it happened, exactly 2 months after my 25th birthday and just 3 days before Christmas my own world came crashing down on me and I was in that very same position. And yes... it did seem like it was something that was impossible to live through. Losing a parent, a loved one, but especially a Mother brings you pain to a level you didn't even know existed. A pain that is so indescriable that you just have to have lived it be able to even understand. People say they can relate... and to some degree this is true if they've ever lost someone close to them... but I also would think... "No you can't. You've never lost a parent. There is no way you can relate." The only feeling I can imagine being the same, if not worse, is losing your own child. Then tell me you know what I am feeling. And to have a loss that was so completely unexpected is even worse. I now understand what people who lose loved ones in accidents must feel. One day everything is fine and in the blink of an eye you're whole life is altered. I would never wish this pain on my worst enemy. Living every day with a void in your heart that could never be filled. A happiness that you will never get back. And a tear in your eye that will never go away. I understand there is a far greater plan, everything happens for a reason, but it's still totally and completely unfair.

There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of my Mama. Not a day that passes that I don't try and preserve her memory for the sake of my children. In the two years that have passed I have learned this. Time passes in the blink of an eye. Life goes on and yes it is still beautiful. There is still so much to be excited about, to be happy about, to be thankful for, and above all you don't get but one life to live. Good and bad we can't look back but only go forward. My Mom definitely taught me that and still it whether she knows that or not. And from her I have learned that I never want to keep anything about her from my children. I want them to know everything they want to know about her. I want them to always know her because they are too small to have the memories. And she was worth knowing! And as ironic as it may be... my Mom hated Christmas because it was her Mom's favorite holiday... I love Christmas even more now because my Mom passed 3 days prior. As if I don't already have enough to celebrate that season for... it's even better to celebrate my Mom's life as well.

So Merry Christmas Mama. I miss you more than ever. And I love you to infinity and beyond.

A Month to Celebrate

2011-12-20T21:28:00.000-08:00

Birthdays that is!

Our Goddaughter Arianna turned 4! Waaah! Her last birthday as an only child because my BFF is pregnant with a boy now who will also be our 2nd Godchild.

Nino loves to pester her...

And although she loved her cake... she did NOT like when we sang to her. It was too loud.

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My aunt Kika turned... well she turned 29 I believe ;)And she looked hot might I add!

You know it's a great night when we have a stripper pole in our VIP area!

My love and I enjoyed our night out. With 4 kids they're hard to come by.

We did lots of dancing! And my husband DOESN'T dance! So this made me one happy happy wife! Because I love to dance. And obviously us girls love us a Jr sandwich!

And my 21 year old little cousins who we can finally party with joined us! Beautiful aren't they?

Of course a bathroom photo session is in order... well it wasn't planned but in our family we travel in packs to the bathroom. When one needs to go... we all go! And this is what usually ends up taking place...

And my Mom's best friend Denise showed up. We've known her since we were little little girls... like I think I was about 6 years old.

And before we left for the night... we got this picture. I love it because it's my Mom's 2 daughters, her best friend, and her only sister. If Mom were here she would have been in it.

As I got to my car that Jr (our DD) had pulled around to the front (because it was freezing) for us he handed me a rose that he bought outside of the club we were at. My husband is so romantical. He truly made my night a good one. And we had fun celebrating with my aunt!

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My nephew Joey turned 2!

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My nephew Ducky turned 7!

Phew! Yup birthday are NEVER ENDING in this family... and we love to celebrate :) Party on Wayne!

THE TOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!

2011-12-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DISNEY•PIXAR’S TOY STORY 3
IS COMING TO PHOENIX, JANUARY 18 - 22 US AIRWAYS CENTER!

Toy Story 3, the Academy Award®-winning smash hit blockbuster, is so hot it’s cool as everyone’s favorite toys take to the ice in Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3! An accomplished creative team and a cast of world-class skaters are bringing Woody, the pull-string cowboy; space ranger Buzz Lightyear; Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl; and the rest of the Toy Story gang to fans and families around the country in this all-new, high-energy ice spectacular.

Inspired by the #1 animated movie of all time, Toy Story 3, and memorable moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2, everyone’s favorite characters are hitting the ice in this sensational live production coming to your hometown! Catch all the heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most daring adventure ever. Plus a few new faces join the fun, including Barbie’s groovy bachelor Ken and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. It’s the biggest Toy Story experience ever on ice, jam-packed with fast-paced adventure such as Buzz’s galactic battle with Emperor Zurg and a hoe-down on the set of “Woody’s Roundup.” Relive the humor, friendship and charm of Toy Story when Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 takes family fun to infinity and beyond!

Showtimes:
Wednesday, January 18th – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 19th – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 20th – 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 21st – 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 22nd – 1:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

Ticket price levels are $14, $18, $25, $40 (VIP) and $68 (Front Row). Opening Night tickets available for “Buy One Get One Free” (excluding Front Row and VIP seating areas and limited to 6 per order). Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000 or at the venue Box Office.

US Airways Center – 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

I will be at the opening night showing! Maybe I will see some of you there?!

To discover more about Disney On Ice, go to www.DisneyOnIce.com, or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.

Decorating Our Home for Christmas!

2011-11-25T21:02:00.000-08:00

I love the Christmas season! So as tradition we don't put up our tree until the day after Thanksgiving. And for me that's too long to wait. It would have been up before halloween if it were up to me. But I like that fact that we have a special day that we put up all our decorations as a family.

I happened to have a tree from last year... then a few month ago I also inherited a tree from my aunt. Both fake. One with colored lights one with white lights. But I happened to my mention to my dear sweet husband that I liked the look of an all white tree with the red/white/silver color scheme I wanted this year. And he went out and bought me one even though I told him many times to save the money when we had 2 perfectly good trees to choose from. Bless his heart he never listens to me. But seeing as we had a new white tree we needed new ornaments.

We went to Walmart and I am thinking of course of my red/white/silver snowflakes and icicle tree in my head when lo and behold Jr decides he wants a blue theme. Since when does he want to have an opinion around here? I am thinking "When I want your opinion I will give it to you"... but he fought me on it. My Mom has always done blue and silver so I am kinda all blued out ya know? But he went on and on about how he wanted it to be different and not traditional red or green.

Bah Humbug!

So I suggested if he wanted to be different then he should give me the pink tree I haave wanted for years. And I found pink ornaments. Well since we couldn't decide I took the kids on a walk through the toy aisle and he came back with a box of pink ornaments, a box of teal ornaments and a set of purple high heeled ornaments. I about died! Not only did he compromise but he found purple heels! Purple heels have a lot of meaning for us but long story short my Mom was buried in purple high heels. Needless to say I was ecstatic! And since we couldn't on tree toppers either, I love stars and ONLY stars, and he likes the Angels but I think they look creepy... I found a large purple snowflake ornament with a photo opening and snuck it into the cart. When we the firs thing I did was print a picture of my Mom and stuck it in there.

And the festivities began...

The Hubby putting up the tree
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And the kids had a ball (no pun intended) putting all the ornaments on

And Atalie had fun just staring at it...

And then it was complete and we were happy!

And lastly we hung up the stocking after decorating all the other walls.

And lastly we hung up our lists... in hopes that some of these things Santa will be kind enough to bring us!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T21:01:00.000-08:00

This was the 2nd Thanksgiving without my Mom. So much has changed. It used to be a Holiday where my Mom's side of the family got together and we had a great time. It was my Mom's favorite holiday because she loved to cook. So naturally cooking a huge feast for all the people she loved was her greatest joy. I on the other hand never cared for the Holiday. I mean, it does remind me I have a lot to be thankful for, which I am. But I only looked forward to eat to eat the delicious food. But with my Mom as my Mother I had delicious food every day of my life so for me it was more just seeing the joy on her face and the fun we had with our family.

In our family my Mom was the main cook for this Holiday as well. Sure my aunt would bring a little dish or a pie or two. But mostly it was just her. You know how in some families as soon a girl gets old enough to help she get into the kitchen with all the women to prepare the feast. Well that never happened to me. Even though I take after my Mom and am a fantastic cook (yes I really do think this of myself... if there's one thing I can do well and admit it whole heartedly... it's that I am an awesome cook) I never had to help out in the kitchen. When Mom was in her groove it was kinda like Cinderella when the animals magically clean up a whole room. Well pots and spoons danced in our kitchen to whatever beat she was playing because walking in would just be an interuption. Yes it was that magical. To this day even when I cook, it boggles my mind how that woman could multi-task when cooking 10 things at once and never burn a thing. I cook daily and I carefully have to watch my food and not try and multi-task too much or chaos can ensue. But my Mama... she was pure magic. And the food was always without a doubt the best we ever tasted.

So this 2nd year without her was particularly weird for me. As I have mentioned there have been many changes. Last Thanksgiving, (year one without her) was more everyone trying to keep tradition alive. Doing it for my Mom. So she could be proud of the family she lead. And I think we did just that. But this year was more of a branching out for our family as a whole. So many people were missing from our celebration. New ones were added. And even though it was a great time. It wasn't the same. And since like I've mentioned before, Thanksgiving never has been quite the big deal to me, it would have been quite alright to have skipped the whole holiday and go right to Black Friday! Or I would have probably been happier to stay at home just my husband and kids and watch movies all night. And I told my husband that for next year we need a new plan. Because I don't want to skip this holiday. It reminds me of my Mama. And I want to make a new tradition to make me love it once again. To find the joy in it besides just being thankful for all the blessings I have in my life. Because I am thankful for those everyday as I live them.

So maybe you can tell me what makes your Thanksgiving special... I am up for new ideas!

One great thing I love about family get togethers though is all the pictures I take!

Blessed with 4 amazing little people

Atalie, Arielle, Alayna, and Diego

Mama and Son

My Little Tiny Lady

Tal loves her Grandpa

And this is my beautiful family!

I told you I am a lucky girl!

“Mom! Phineas and Ferb are going on a LIVE tour!!!”

2011-10-06T10:20:00.001-07:00

It's that time again! Another awesome show is coming to Phoenix! My kids are big big fans of Phineas and Ferb. And I am pretty excited to watch it too. I mean when it's on TV I can't help but stop and watch it haha!

Show Dates:
October 14-15, 2012
US Airways Center

Get 4 tickets for $44!

Use MOM code at ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000

*Discount code good only for Friday, October 14th 4pm show. Valid only on the $20 price level. A minimun of 4 tickets is required. Additional tickets can be purchased at $11 each. No double discounts. service charge may apply.

Summer Bucket List #36, #45 & #46

2011-06-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

~~36. Play Dress Up~~
Every day of summer the girls have been in dress up clothes and Diego in his wrestling mask. I only make them change when we go out and I swear the second we step foot back in the house they change back into costumes. So I think it's safe to say this one can definitely be crossed off the list. And I am not gonna lie, sometimes when we go out they're wearing costumes too. Arielle just wore one to a bbq at my sister's house this weekend. What? It makes them happy so sue me!

So like I said... we had a bbq at my sister's this past Sunday. My Dad said food and we said we're there! It's as simple as that really. The way to our hearts is through our stomachs.

Atalie was dressed for the ocassion and prepared for the party in her tummy!

And rightfully so! We had tacos of carne asada and chicken! I am a sucker for tacos.

Even Laila was having a hard time deciding on chicken or carne asada?

And after eating a bunch we all sat around trying to digest the food.

And then we all went a little picture crazy. My Dad's fiance Abby has been here from California for over a week and we hadn't even spent any time with her!

Grandpa spent some time with his #1 Baby. (Notice she is in costume)

And then he spent time with Atalie.Everyone sure has been missing Grandpa!

Then Laila and Atalie figure they could make a run for it and escape this crazy family... but I think they stumbled upon a little problem. Sometimes two heads are just as bad as one.

And by the end of the night my sister had agreed to paint my girls and my nieces toes. But not before them washing their feet because my sister has toe fungus phobia! LOL

But the girls didn't mind and instead of going into the tub they jumped right up on the kitchen sink and started washing. It was kinda hilarious.

~~45. Pedicures [Girls ONLY]~~

And they were so happy!

And I painted my nails and my sister added a design for me :)

The next morning we marked another one off our list:
~~46. Coloring Contest~~

But it technically wasn't a contest cuz there wasn't a winner.

And the rest of our time these past 2 days has consisted of:

Eating donuts

Me "trying" to get some work done on orders... but with 6 kids in dang near impossible to sit for more than 5 minute stretches at a time. They don't bug but with 6 of them I constantly need to help someone with something. And feeding them takes a lot of time out of my day.

Cousins laying together watching cartoons

And lastly, I signed my kids up for penpals. Alayna was the first to recieve a package.

It was the cutest thing! A letter, a folder to store her letters in, stickers, pens, notecards, and even address labels with her penpal's address and ours for easy mailing!

After I took those pictures Diego had also recieved a letter that he didn't see when he got the mail out of the mailbox. We found it later on that night. But he read it and they both have already written back. We just want to include some goodies before mailing them. I can tell this is so fun for them.

And then last night I was also asked by another parent for Diego to have a 2nd penpal. And he was more than happy to write to a second friend! I think I might look for a 2nd one for Alayna as well so they will be even. Anyone have a daughter around 6 years old that might be interested? She's a great penpal ;)

Kicking the Summer Bucket List

2011-06-24T18:09:00.001-07:00

Crossing off some more from out Summer Bucket List!
~~3. Summer Movie Program @ Harkins~~

We just finished week number 4/10. So far we've seen... Clifford's Really Big Movie, Ramona and Beezus, Megamind, and How to Train Your Dragon. I love this annual thing with the kids.

~~15. Summer Reading Program @ Library~~

The kids are reading but the library isn't handing out prizes so they are un-interested in coloring their sheets. But they're still reading non-stop!

~~43. Peter Piper Pizza~~

Yesterday Diego's baseball team had a pizza party to give out trophies. So this worked for us to cross this one off our list because miraculously we haven't made it to Peter Piper on our own yet!

While we waited we were entertained by the spinning coin on our table... yup we're easily amused.

Can you tell?

That went on for 10 minutes or so and then Atalie entertained us by laughing. She randomly breaks out into laughter because she loves the reaction that we all start cracking up laughing at her! And this went on another few minutes. I would have recorded it but I was too busy laughing.

Then it was time to grub!

Alayna asked me to take a picture of her and made she was absolutely "pretty" with her smile. Dang Poser!

And of course then Arielle requested a picture and she also gave me her pose... I swear this girl can NEVER be serious.

Then the two Coaches handed out the trophies and said some nice things about each kid.

A my husband cheered a little too loud for our son. But there's no such thing as too loud when you're a proud parent.

A team picture was in order...

And then they had to let all PPP know who was in the house... D-backs!

I am gonna definitely try and get him in again next season. It was so much fun!

The Greatest Show On Earth!

2011-06-23T23:15:00.000-07:00

Man do I love the circus. The whole feel of the circus. I even threw my kids a circus theme party one year. I really do just find it so fascinating. And there is no circus like the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus hands down!

So this was my kids first time seeing the circus. Not only theirs but I also took my 18 year old cousin Alexis and she had never been either. Well technically Diego's 2nd time because I went for the first time when I was 18 and he was 3 months old. But he slept in a carrier throughout most of it.

I have to say the first time I went I sat center ring 3rd row! We literally had elephants right in front of us... and one pooped in our view. And it was so cool to be so up close. This time we had upper level seats but still a little off the center ring. And I can't complain! I think the circus does a great job performing to every angle. And there is so much going on up high and in the air that you still have a great experience. Overall it sure it the greatest show on earth!

And before I go on to pictures let me give myself a pat on the back... I am still alive! Why you ask? I've never driven downtown. It seriously gives me a panic attack because I don't know which streets are one-ways and such. It's ugly down there especially on event days when there are tons of people. And I have no GPS on my iphone! Did I mention already how much this sucks? I think I sure did. But somehow I remembered how to get there... that was the easy part. But getting back to the freeway afterward had me a little nervous. But somehow I found it without a hitch and we're all alive. Ye of little faith (ahem husband) I proved you wrong!

So... when we got there they had this little bouncy thing set up for the kids. I had the kids go over and stand by the Elephant (I have QUITE an obsession with elephants I never knew I had until about a year ago) and the kids were happy to oblige!

Well all except Arielle who wouldn't get near it. I thought this would be a bad beginning... I mean this was a cartoon elephant on giant vinyl! What would she think of real ones... and at this point I still didn't know how far or close we'd be sitting. Luckily she was amazed and loved it.

Settled into our seat are my 3 babies, my first baby (my baby cousin Alex), and my adopted baby (my nephew Duck who this summer practically lives with us).

Me and Alexis. Gotta get some quality time in with her because she leaves to NAU in August! So proud!

Me and Miss Arielle

Welcome to the circus

Sno Cones make my kiddos happy... But Sno Cones make Mommy's wallet not so happy!

And after a fun filled 2 hours it was over...

And it was time to go home with extremely happily exhausted kids :)

I asked the kids what their favorite parts were:
Diego said the clowns.
Alayna liked the Tigers.
Alexis said the highwire acts.
And me same as always... those elephants! Man do I love them so much!

I love the circus so much I asked Diego on the ride home if it was too childish to decorate his room in a vintage circus theme. He shot that down quick. He said he needed a manly room. What does that entail? His answer... skulls and stuff. Why can't I just have my baby boy back? Sheesh 8 year olds.

Oh and before I forget!!! My talented cousin Alex took her camera in with us and she got some AMAZING pictures. She is so great! Check out her Flickr HERE!

The Past 9 days...

2011-06-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

So 9 days ago my husband brought me home a brand new iphone. Let me tell you I have not really cared for the iphone ever. I have had nothing but droids and I feel like I like them better even though I never owned an iphone. I don't see all the hype of paying the high price of an iphone, then paying more in service, and then paying for Apps! With all of my droids they were reasonable priced and usually never paid for them technically anyway because my husband would sell our current one to buy the new ones he wanted for us. And let me tell you had a new phone every 3 months for the past 2 years. He can never have the same phone for too long. I could care less as long as it was an Android. I like the layout of them. I get free GPS. I get free Apps. And mostly any app that an iphone has, a droid has a very similar version, and in most cases free of charge. I never not once paid for an app on ony of my phones. It was also very easy to sync my phone to my computer and such. And like I mentioned the free GPS. I need someone to talk to me while I drive because trust me I would be lost everywhere I go.

So anyway he bought me an iphone and although I like it, I still feel all they want is your money. A downside, we don't have free GPS. It's got maps but that doesn't do crap for me. Not only do I need it to get myself anywhere outside of my little area, but my husband always relied on his for work to find customers houses. It was vital! Now in order to have GPS we'd have to pay a monthly subscription. Yeah not happening. So I am not convinced. I can do everything I do with my iphone with my Droids.

The only good thing I can say about my iphone... the instagram App. I just love it. So to conclude my review of my iphone (which wasn't supposed to be a review when I started this post) here's the past 9 days of my life with iphone photos :)

9 days ago... he bought me a phone:

My sister, before I even had a chance to do anything with my phone downloaded instagram for me right away. And it was also her birthday so here she is on her 24th Birthday.

My littlest Princess being my model

I let my oldest daughter Alayna comb my hair one afternoon

My middle daughter Arielle who lives in dress up clothes. Really she does. I think the past 2 weeks she's only wore regular clothes maybe 2 days. She thinks she is Rapunzel.

And here she is singing with her pet spider... before this she was pretending to be Cinderella (I mean hello she is wearing the dress afterall) and asking her pet spider to help her magically clean the curtains in the kitchen. Hence why she is standing on a chair. And also singing while she worked.

My son Diego had his closing ceremony for his little league. It was such a hot day!

And Arielle of course soaked up all the time she could with her "#1 Grandpa"

I love freshly bathes baby parts. Like clean little piggies <3

I've spent lots of time in my office working this week. Lot of orders. Lots of 4th of July stuff I need to hurry up and get out. Tons and Tons of Tutus I am starting to see cross-eyed. So it's been a lot of coffee in my favorite cup and netflix on my computer to help me get through hours of work.

But it results in these cute things coming out of my office and into the mail for my customers!

Now that Arielle has her brother home for the summer she is totally taking advantage of him. She loves him to death. She is his shadow. And he would do anything to make her happy. So there has been a lot of playing Princess and King at her request. He never says no to her.

And Dancing at the Ball of course

We also put a pool up and had our Goddaughter and nephew over for some swimming and lots of bbqing has been going on too. Even during the week!

And then this weekend:

Friday night we had 2 of my nephews here again to spend the night. (And if you're keeping track only one night in the past 2 weeks I didn't have someone else's child here or multiple children... that's our house in a nutshell run by kids)

The kids watched movies after dinner and well...

But all that fun resulted in this literally 30 mins later!

Yesterday consisted of more swimming all day long...(and 6 kids who took a very long nap in the afternoon yes!)

And Atalie's first time in a little pool :)

And when baby woke up before everyone else... she spent a lot of time with Daddy in our bed playing and playing. She loved playing airplane on his legs and looking at the world upside down.

Then she spent a good 45 mins with me in her room reading books and playing around. She is SUCH an awesome and calm little baby. And she totally loves one on one time.

So who has instagram? Care to follow me: mrsmamaduckie :)

What I Woke Up To

2011-06-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up and looked at my clock...

Oh crap it's EXACTLY 10am I thought! I jumped up out of bed and looked for my shoes... put some pants on and trying to rub the sleep out of my eye!

No I didn't have anywhere to be... but I had 5 kids home and hello 10am is way past the time those little buggers wake up. I don't hear any noise upstairs so I go into the baby's bedroom. She was still asleep! I could always count on my baby... she takes after me.

But there was no sound downstairs. So I braced myself for the worst.

I mean a 3 year old, a 5 year old, a 6 year old, and an 8 year old can make a big mess if not supervised. So I walk downstairs and don't see anyone. I

I walk into the kitchen and saw a great big mess of empty paper plates full of remnant of waffles and traces of syrup. And then I remembered today was Thursday and my husband was off. He is rarely home from work. And even on his days off he goes in sometimes. But not today.

And that's when I looked outside and saw this:

He was out there cleaning the yard with the kids. The boys shirtless and the girls in tutu dresses and rainboots. All nicely feed from looking at the mess in the kitchen.

So I got to sleep in :)

But then I got the baby up and ready and cleaned up the lovely mess they created.

And all the while the went from dry to this:

The children had a good time out there. After a while she even got Atalie in on the fun.

Summer Bucket List # 44

2011-06-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

~~44. Read w/the Kids~~

We spent the morning watching Tangled... yet again, and snuggling on the couch the kids and I.

It was wonderful :)

Then we cleaned the house because it was a mess from having 9 kids all weekend. And then we all showered/bathed and got ready.

I decided a trip to the library was much needed. So we drove there, got a library card, and then went at it looking for books. They kids would have taken everything from there if I would have let them! Diego had his list "chapter books" and goosebumbs, Alayna wanted Olivia, and Arielle wanted Fancy Nancy!

But as for me I was in uncharted territory. I don't read. I had no idea what to look for, what I like, and I browse by what the cover looks like. If it catches my eye and looks pretty chances are I will pick it up. I ended up with a pink book, an aqua book, a purple book, and a book that says Mother on the cover... if that tells you anything. So if you have any book suggestions throw them my way. I really gotta start excersizing the part of my brain that reading is supposed to excersize.

We ended up with 26 books total.

And right away we sat down to read.

But it was interrupted after a while by a fantastic lunch. You know corn on the cob, seasoned fries, chicken nuggets, and pasta salad... all leftovers thrown together from the day before's lunch and dinner. Oh and I made Jello for the kids and put them in the gerber containers I had been saving from Atalie... they loved that they had their own personal serving.

Arielle didn't even complain and she usually has something to complain about.

And the rest of my day was spent reading to my kids. I haven't even started my own books yet. They just want me to read them stories all day long.

Have I mentioned how much I love the Fancy Nancy books?! Man I had read them before and I still just love them. And Arielle loves them too. She has to have her Fancy Nancy doll with her while we read.

Just Another Day in Paradise

2011-06-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I babysat my 2 nieces and 2 nephews and they stayed the night because my sister-in-law's Mom is in the hospital and my Brother had to work today. So I had 9 kids in my house. My 4, my brother's 4, and my sister's son... all I was missing was Laila... but she cries at my house.

But it was very nice. The kids were all really well behaved. I was expecting chaos... it usually is... but surprisingly they were in good moods and happy kids. Yeah!

I mean my nephew Juanito even performed a concert of songs at the table while eating!

I decided it was a good day to have salad for lunch...

It was very good... and Diego agreed!

While I was cleaning up after lunch Diego noticed a fire out the back door... so we ran upstairs to Alayna's room to get a better view.

This evening was Diego's final baseball practice. His last game will be Wednesday and Monday we have closing ceremonies. Of all the activities Diego has done so far I have enjoyed baseball the most. It's in my blood I guess.

Even Alayna has really loved watching them practice and play their games. Don't tell her I told you but I think the real reason in Diego's best friend Detrick. She swears she is going to marry him... she tells him all the time :)

And this little girl is obsessed with Rapunzel now... like overly obsessed... it's all she talks about.

Arielle: Mom I am going outside.
Me: Okay but you have to put your shoes on.
Arielle: No I am Rapunzel... she doesn't need shoes.
Me: I don't care who you are I said you need shoes.
Arielle: But Mom... I am am Ariel... mermaids don't need shoes.
Me: If mermaids want to walk on land then they need shoes so go put them on.
(She goes and puts her shoes on defeated)
Arielle: Okay Mother I put my shoes on...
Me: I told you Rapunzel... Mother knows best! (A quote from the movie)
Arielle: (Giggles) As she walks out the door singing the Mother Knows Best song <3

My littlest Princess is always content to be outdoors... and even in June the weather is great to spend the evenings watching baseball.

And here's my boy in action! (I can't figure out how to put more than one video together so you get 3 little clips... sorry!)

After the game we headed home but as we approached the cemetery Diego screamed, "Oh Mom can we please stop and say hi to Jamma?!" And Alayna followed up with, "Yeah please I really needed to talk to her!"

So a quick right and we parked to visit with my Mama.

Alayna was the first one to the spot... Diego got lost trying to beat her (Alayna has a good memory sometimes) and Alayna stopped right at her stone and said, "Grandma I needed to tell you I graduated Kindergarten. You would be so proud of me!" And she said it in the most confident proud voice ever. And then she said, "I hope you got the balloon that my Mommy bought me for my Graduation that me and Diego and Ducky sent to you with all our kisses on it."

Diego kinda looked at her insanely when she sat there literally talking her heart out to the ground. I sat there the entire time with a smile from ear to ear just watching this amazing little girl. I love that she could just sit there and talk not worrying that we'd think she was crazy. Not embarrassed that she was talking to a plaque on the ground.

Because this wasn't the case at all. She was talking to her Grandma the only way she knows how. And sitting there with the hopes that Jamma heard her every word. Amazing is all I can say.

Diego and I sat there more quietly, I imagine he would rather be alone with his thoughts... I did the same.

-Mama, We Miss You
A year a half has gone way too fast...

And for good measure... here is my conversation with Arielle about Rapunzel:

First Day of Summer Vacation

2011-06-03T23:15:00.000-07:00

Started our summer off with a bang already.

Today was our very first summer movie. Clifford. It was boring for me but of course the kids loved it. I think it was just all the excitement. But Arielle really did like it. And she liked the popcorn too she said.

So here's my gang. Ducky got to come with us and use Jr's ticket because Jr had to go into work that morning to pick up his paycheck. So he was pretty happy about that.

Ready to watch the movie... munching on their snacks.

Me and my Princess

Me and my Mermaid

After the movie the kids HAD to take their picture with the Transformers

And we can't WAIT to see Cars 2!!!

Then the entire rest of the day was spent at stores... with all the kids. And by the end of the day we ended it with an hour and a half trip to Costco... 6 kids... 2 men who are like kids... equals one tired ME!

Alayna's Kindergarten Graduation

2011-06-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

Well my Princesa gradutated from Kindergarten tonight. The second kid of mine officially on their road of education. Kinder is a good start but too easy for my little smarty pants. She is ready and anxious for 1st grade and her teacher is so ready to let her go because all year she has expressed to me how above the class she already is. The girl reads everything. She can spell like no ones business (she gets that from me) and she even got a special award and ribbon for getting 4th place in the Math Olympics. She makes me very proud in her schoolwork on a daily basis. She loves to learn! I am gonna assume she will be just like I was in school. I was always the same and I was good at it. I really flew through school, even high school was easy and enjoyable (schoolwork-wise) for me... and I am hoping I can keep her on track to do the same.

Before the graduation I snapped a picture of her with her proud brother and sister

Grandpa and Arielle waited together... and Arie showed off that her doll and her had the same dress

The Princesa up on stage ready to start the show

While we were waiting for the show to start we had a ball catching Alayna's attentions and then we'd all start waving at her all at the same time. It was hilarious. And she smiled this shy little smile every time. At one point she even turned to the girl next to her and pointing to my Dad she kept saying, "That's my Grandpa" And every time he waved again she tried to point him out to her again. So funny!

Congratulations! You're graduated! A Princess balloon for a true Princesa

Here she is with her teacher Mrs. Cronover. She is SUCH an awesome teacher! I really really love her and I couldn't have asked for a better teacher to help my baby girl through her first year in school.

And then she posed with her friends

And this little boy adores Diego. He looks up to him and ask Alayna about him all the time. He even gets sad when he doesn't see him after school. His Mom asked if Diego could be in the picture too.

And finally her family got a litle love too

And her certificate! Now I can put it with Diego's.

Want to read my Daddy's post about this lovely Event? Click Here

Summer To Do List

2011-06-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

With only 1 more days until the kids are on summer vacation (yes I look forward to this) and all the ideas swirling through my little head... I thought it would be a fun idea to make a Summer To-Do List! So the plan is to try and do all of these things before the end of the summer, take pictures, and then blog about it. I am pretty excited! Most of these things involve the kids but I also added some personal ones.

Here is the list I compiled. Think I can get it done? There is only one thing on there that I am iffy about... but we'll see! Now I challenge you to go and make your own!

Summer Bucket List:

1. See Cars 2
2. Go to California
3. Summer Movie Program @ Harkins
4. See a movie at the Drive-in
5. Read a Book
6. Disneyland
7. Have a Summer Party
8. Take a Roadtrip
9. Go out for Ice Cream
10. Fly a Kite
11. Do a Craft
12. Go Roller Skating
13. Bake a Treat
14. Make a Fort
15. Summer Reading Program @ Library
16. Do a Puzzle
17. Have a Picnic
18. Movie Night @ Home
19. Splash Park
20. Eat Watermelon
21. Children's Museum
22. Enjoy Popsicles
23. Take Diego on a Date
24. Take Alayna on a Date
25. Draw with Chalk
26. Have a Water Balloon Fight
27. Grow a Plant
28. Blow Bubbles
29. Make S'mores
30. Have a Slumber Party
31. Camp
32. Go to the Beach
33. Get a Sno Cone
34. Have a Tea Party
35. Back to School Shopping
36. Play Dress Up
37. Play Mini Golf
38. Go to a New Park
39. Cook a New Recipe
40. Date With Hubby (Somewhere we've never been)
41. Swim
42. Paint
43. Peter Piper Pizza
44. Read w/the Kids
45. Pedicures [Girls ONLY]
46. Coloring Contest
47. Game Night

And here is our printed version that I taped to our fridge so we can actually see where we stand! The kids were so excited to see some of the things I chose... they are looking forward to this summer for sure!

Memorial Weekend

2011-05-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

An altogether relaxing enjoyable weekend...

Friday we hung around the house doing absolutely nothing :)

My sister got a water slide and I think the kids had a blast!

Sunday was another hang out and do nothing day. But we did clean the entire house. And got a lot of laundry done. I enlisted the kids to help and it went smoothly for once!

And then yesterday the kids watched movies in the morning while I worked. And then we got ready and spent the whole afternoon with my Daddy-O. We had lunch at Peter Piper which the kids LOVED.

It was fun to sit and talk with my Dad for hours and hang out back at home with him. Thanks Daddy!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents FULLY CHARGED!

2011-05-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents FULLY CHARGEDSM, the all-new, 141st electrifying edition of The Greatest Show On Earth®!

Ringling Bros.® powers up audiences with acts from all over the globe featuring breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts and never-seen-before performances that spark the imaginations of Children of All Ages! Clowns from the world-famous clown alley charge the audiences’ funny bones, while megawatts of thrills explode out of the ring including The Human Fuse who rockets across the circus skies igniting the power of the people. And of course, amazing animals that spark the audience’s awe and wonder. Experience the current of excitement at Ringling Bros. FULLY CHARGED!

Playing June 22 – 27 at the US Airways Center! Get your tickets today!

Buy 4 tickets for only $44 when you use code ELEPHANT online, over the phone or show a flyer at the arena Box Office.

Good for any performance except Opening Night. Discount is not valid on VIP, Front Row, or Circus Celebrity seats. A minimum of 4 tickets is required; additional ticket can be purchased at $11 each. No double discounts, service charges and handling fees may apply.

Low-key Sunday

2011-05-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today my sister in law invited me to a family reunion of sorts on her Mom's side of the family. It was at one of my favorite parks where they have a splash pad for the kids to get wet. So given the option I thought, "Laundry? Or take 5 kids out for the day and drain their energy?" Well who really needs clean clothes anyway right?

So after laying in bed watching TV until oh about Noonish... I fed the kids, packed up, and dressed them and we headed over.

Oh but not before I threatened that whoever didn't help clean the whole upstairs (we've had my nephew Ducky since Friday and they love to destroy the rooms and bathroom and hallway) would NOT be going with me to the splash park. Well that upstairs sparkled in about 45 mins!

At the park they had a great time like always...

Arielle loved it!

Even Atalie got in the water. She was a little afraid but didn't make a big deal... but didn't last a long time in there either.

They also blew bubbles and played on the playground.

Atalie was content being right next to Mama!

And then it was time to go... exhausted and hungry.

These are my kids, minus the baby, and yes... Duck is half mine now... I think I need child support since I have him all the time :P

Lots Happening Once Again

2011-05-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

So been gone a while again. I get busy what can I say? I am making myself blog more though. I hate that I am not keeping track of my memories!

So what have we been up to... well a lot and nothing much all at the same time. Haha!

Atalie has continued to be my little sunshine. She makes me so happy and I love spending time with her everyday just being silly. She loves to be silly!

Baseball gives us something to do 2 evenings a week. Diego is enjoying it and the girls love being outside running around for a while.

Cinco de Mayo, Jr and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary. I love that man!He took me out for dinner with his co-workers and then to the movies to watch Fast Five!

And Alayna and Atalie were festive for the occassion. I made Alayna Mexican hairbows and the dress that Tal was wearing has gone through all of my girls. My Mom bought it for Alayna when we went on our cruise in 2006 in Mexico.

After a few weeks of practice Diego had his first game. So much fun! I of course made myself a Dbacks bow and wore it as we cheered him on.

Tal likes hanging out with me in the wrap as we watch the game...

Diego and his best friend Detrick... best buds since Kindergarten!

We went to my good friend's daughter's birthday party. Ally turned 9!

This is me and her little brother, my best friend, Jimmy!

There was a waterslide and the kids ended up filthy... okay maybe not all of them but my nephews sure did!

It was a good time!!

My sister in law Jen and her Mom Linda (who does all my cakes) made Ally's Monster High cake. I loved it!

And this week we moved into a house. I cleaned and unpacked while the boys did all the dirty work... like knocking down walls!

Everyone is enjoying our new home. It has much more space!

But when your tvs aren't hooked up yet and you need to work from home... you find clever ways to entertain the children. Yup movies on my computer did the trick!

My dad came to see the house... and found a place to sleep...

As Did Arielle...

Tal spends time with the boys

And the kids have a huge yard now to run around in... so they decided to get wet!

And I will leave you with a little song... The girls favorite new game is to use the stairs as their stage and sing songs all day long. I gave them a microphone and I get full blown concerts now.

Easter Sunday 2011

2011-04-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

The baskets were all ready

The birthday boy was in the house!

The people all mingled and posed for my camera

Then I tried to take pictures with and of my children... It's a challange to do that! Diego is NEVER around he is always playing with the boys. Alayna NEVER opens her eyes and I have to snap a ton of her and she still comes out with her eyes closed. Arielle won't EVER look at the camera. And Atalie just NEVER stays still... she is on the go go go!

I got a special Easter egg from Linda!

And once again we tried for some decent shots of me and my kids...

And then my Dad tried for me... this chaos and crazy kids are my life.

Atalie had an adventure when she picked up a lime off the table... of course we didn't take it away from her!

Then it was time for the egg hunt! Babies first! I love how excited Tal looks when she scored her only egg.

They made out good! Not too much candy which I liked!

And as the kids had a water balloon fight...

Some people slept! My Dad is an expert sleeper... I know where I get that trait from.

And then it was time to go home... exhausted!

Hope you all had a great Easter. Nothing is greater than happy kids and a day with the family. Well except my Mom's cooking... I sure do miss my Mom's cooking.

It's Park Weather!

2011-04-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

What do we do on a Friday when everyone is off of work and school... well we load up the kids and spend the afternoon at the park of course!

I love that my husband is off a lot more because he can join us when we do things with the kids.

Laila loves the swings as usual... Atalie likes them but she is so active that she doesn't like being constrained for too long.

And Arielle loves the swings as long as it isn't swinging haha!

And what do boys do? Well practice baseball of course!

But like I said, Tal has to be free to roam so she was loving life when I let he walk around all over the place.

But babies get tired...

And cranky...

Big kids don't... they have way too much energy.

But all good days come to an end :)

Baseball is Life

2011-04-21T23:25:00.000-07:00

This past week the weather has been awesome... well except that my allergies are KILLING me... but I am trying to not think about that. I enjoy this time of the year. Lots of afternoons and nights at the park, sports and activities for the kids, water, bbqs, water, and with summer coming my usual summer activities with the kiddos are already so near! Summer movies and Peter Piper we will be seeing eachother a lot this summer! I can't wait!

So Diego started baseball this week. He has never played baseball before so this is really exciting. Baseball is in our family... we grew up around it. Summers = Baseball to me. So I am pretty excited to watch him play. It's Coach Pitch so he needs to not only learn the game but learn to hit when being pitched to.

His first practice was great! They practiced hitting and I was totally surprise that he did pretty well hitting the ball! He is on the same team with his best friend since kindergarten :) Even with our move from his first school their friendship is still there!

And he has a cute little cheerleader on his side who kept trying to run onto the field to follow him... so she had to be restrained.

His 2nd practice was cool too. They actually played on the field and practiced their catching... which by the way Diego sucks at. And I say that in the nicest way possible. He spends more time trying to imitate movies and the big leagues than actually focusing on catching the ball. It was quite a show though!

And his little cheerleaders... well they just bugged. But they are cute!

Yay for Baseball Season! Did I mention his team is the Diamondbacks! Heck yes!

Atalie's 1st Birthday Party

2011-04-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

We decided to still play off of my baby shower theme and had Atalie a sweet shoppe themed first birthday. Again with the hectic week that we had, vacation, a death in the family, all leading up to her party I didn't get everything done like I wanted. But I think it turned out pretty good.

My best friend Tiffany, Atalie's Godmother, put together the sweets buffet which was definitely the hit of the party!

My husband grilled up all the chicken and carne asada... I cooked some bomb shredded pork. My dad made us frijoles puercos and salsas... and we had the best meal... a variety of tacos with all the fixings. It was sooooo good!

And all the guests just mingled and had a grand ol time!

But all Atalie wanted to do was be outside with all the big kids... so I finally took her outside to play. And take some pics of her of course... but she is fast.

Her Nina Tiff made her birthday dress and matching skirts for big sisters. I love them! <3

And before it got to be her bedtime we sang her happy birthday and opened up her presents! She had a good day! :)

Knotts Berry Farm 2011

2011-04-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Friday after the kids got off of school we loaded up and stopped at the store for some lunch and snacks before hitting the road. But at exactly 4pm we were getting on the freeway and heading towards California!

The sky looked like this:

And 30 mins into our trip is starting raining and pretty much rained on use the entire rest of the trip.

We only made one stop and that was 2 hours in... just to potty, gas up, and switch Arielle's seat to the middle next to Atalie so that the 3 older kids could all be together in the back. Oh yes... we my nephew Ducky too. I don't have 5 kids... although it wouldn't really matter because I practically own the kid now anyway.

The next morning we were up bright and early... and when I say bright and early... I mean Jr had me up at 5:50am to shower. We still didn't end up leaving the house until 9:30am but for us that is record time! We usually don't roll into Knott's until almost Noon.

We made a quick stop at the McDonalds across the street from the amusement park because although we made sure that the kids were very well fed before we left, us adults needed some nourishment too.

Once we got inside the picture spree began... would you expect anything less from me?

We were standing around when I hear a voice from behind me say, "Tia, turn around and take a picture!" And when I turned I found Diego and Ducky JUST like this! (They MUST be my kids! I am so proud!)

Then first stop was Camp Snoopy!

The kids got to meet characters right away

But getting on rides was what they were excited for!

What I love the most about Knott's is how much fun the kids have. And Atalie was a perfect angel the entire day too. But she is perfect every single day so this was nothing different. I love how easy she is!

In Camp Snoopy they always have something fun for the kids to do to win prizes. Last time we went it was a safari themed scavenger hunt where at each checkpoint the kids got a safari themed prize. This time it was sports themed. And each checkpoint they had to complete a different sports related task. At the end they got a free Snoopy water bottle and coupon for a $6 Tshirt. So we all ended up buying the kids their shirts and of course they all had to wear them right away.

We spent a couple hours in there and then my Dad and the rest of the family arrived. Which meant more pictures duh!

And then it was decided that the adults needed some fun too so we started to ride the bigger rides. Good thing all the older kids (Brianna, Tallynna, Diego, Noe, and Anthony) are daredevils and ride all the roller coasters too. There is not a ride they won't get on as long as they are tall enough!

So we had the guys stay off with the babies and little kids...

And we had fun getting on our favorite coasters and some new ones we hadn't tried too

But all that fun makes us hungry... lunchtime!

After lunch it was decided that we ride Ghostrider... that has to be my favorite ride. I had two brave boys waiting with me in line.

After the ride we took a little break and my cousin Crystal snapped a whole bunch of awesome pictures of my little Atalie.

Then my cousins Thalia and Crystal watched my 3 girls so that Jr and I could ride the Silver Bullet...

The rest of time was spent sitting on benches in Camp Snoopy while the kids rode more rides

Fantastic day... but we were pooped!

Disney on Ice Presents: Princess Classics

2011-04-07T23:07:00.000-07:00

Yet again another great show! The kids loved Princesses on Ice... yes even Diego. Disney is just so magical you can't help it!

So as a surprise I bought the girls Princess dresses to wear. They LOVED them.

Jr and I decided to take our Goddaughter with us but last minute Jr decided to stay home with the baby and my BFF got to take his place and come too. So that was fun!

And once the show started their little faces were in awe. So cute!

Princess Jasmine... my BFF is named Jazmine. So obviously this was her favorite part.

The dwarfs! Who Arielle kept calling the "big grandpas" haha!

And at the end of a great night... popcorn makes everyone happy

Arielle is Three

2011-04-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

Today my mermaid is three. My crazy little daughter. So in honor... let's learn some stuff about Arielle shall we?

-Her favorite food is "sopita china" or better known as Ramen noodles. She could literally eat two in one sitting. Other than that it's a battle to try and get her to eat things.

-She hates meats of any kind. She takes the turkey out of her sandwiches. She doesn't like ground beef so i have to make her food without it. She doesn't like tacos. She doesn't like chicken... we usually have it cubed up in our meals... she calls it rocks. She no like rocks. She won't eat hamburgers, hot dogs, or chicken nuggets. Well on occasion she'll eat chicken nuggets.

-Her favorite shows are Ni Hao Ki-Lan, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Dora.

-She loves little toys. Like if you buy her a cool fancy toy she won't ever use it. But buy her a little doll, little pet shop pets, my little ponies... and she loves them. And she carries them around EVERYWHERE! She has a ton of these little colorful puppies that she wins every time we go to Peter Piper and she carried them everywhere. If it fits in the palm of her hand it's gold.

-She travels with an entourage of dolls. Usually her mermaid Ariel and a Marie kitty cat at least. But most of the time it's 4-5 dolls at a time. And not only does she travel with them but she insists on taking them down everywhere too. To the stores, to peoples houses, to the park... it drives me crazy but it makes her so happy. She talks to them and babies them and buckles them in when we get in the car. It takes her so long to set them up that I am constantly yelling at her to just get into her carseat.

-She tells me I am her "best friend ever". I love that at this age I am totally her best friend!

-This girl LOVES pizza. But again... she won't eat the pepperonis.

-She is very silly. Like she says the funniest things. She is just wild, crazy, and all out silly all the time. It's hard to get her to be serious and settle down. She likes to be loud, and jump, and run.

- She talks with her hands and it's hilarious. She is pretty theatrical. Speaking of theatrics she is drama. When she cries it's a production, when she is hurt she won't speak to you, she puts on a good show.

-Deep deep deep down she is a sweet girl. But it takes a lot to pull that cuddly nice kid out of her. But it is there... even if it only lasts a few minutes.

-Her voice is so cute. She has this voice that I just can't get over. the way she talks, the way she sounds, the stuff she says. I just LOVE to hear her talk. It's kinda hard to explain haha.

Arielle's 3rd Birthday Party

2011-04-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Arielle's 3rd Birthday... mermaid style! She loves mermaids. And obviously Ariel. But we all know how I am not big on licensed characters for parties although I have done some. Instead I asked my sister to design me a mermaid that looked like Arielle. And we put together a simple party for her.

My best friend Tiff made her cupcakes. They were lemon flavored with lemon and cream cheese frosting. They were to die for! And I am NOT a cake person at all... but for some reason I can never stop eating the cupcakes she makes. I had about 3 or 4 today... I am eating one as I blog... shhh!

Here she is dressed and ready to go! It was funny because my niece Emma had asked my Dad "Why is Arielle wearing a bathing suit?" And he said, "I don't know I'm just the Grandpa. Go ask her Mommy." And when she came to ask me I answered, "Because she is a mermaid!" And she walked away with a satisfied answer. Haha!

When I asked Arielle to pose for me and say cheese this is what I got: It's her new thing to just pretend to be asleep for pictures.

And then she lost her shyness pretty quick (or the shyness she pretends to have) and turned into her old self again for a little photoshoot with her best friend "Tippany"

Arielle loves her "number one Grandpa" and thought she was so funny when she made him wear her headband...

Little sister mingled with Tio Jorge

Big sister posed with the birthday mermaid...

And alone.

And big brother was no where to be seen because when the cousins come around he has no time to waste in front of a camera.

The kids had fun playing the entire time in the brinca brinca

Soon it was time for some cupcakes

But when we started singing she got shy again and sat down and closed her eyes...

But like every great actress she woke up blew out her candle and took her bite. Haha this kid is too much sometimes she cracks me up!

And she very much enjoyed her cupcake.

Then she opened her gifts!

And before running off to enjoy the rest of her party she posed for me... a real genuine pose. THIS is RARE!

She loved her ponies and played with them the entire time

And her Pinkalicious is another favorite gift

I would say it was a great day for her! She finally gets the concept of birthday parties and all she could talk about the night before was her birthday cake! Haha!

Random Snapshots

2011-03-31T03:47:00.000-07:00

Happy 8th Birthday to you!

He bought this mask along with a wrestler with his birthday money... hasn't stopped wearing it since.

Brother and Sister!

Don't shoot!

Yes my daughter falls asleep in the hallway sometimes...

I walked outside my house to find these one day...

So I called the kids to come outside and blow one.
We used to do it all the time when we were kids!

8 years

2011-03-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe that my son is 8 years old today. Really? I know I say this like every year but this year it's just a little harder to swallow for some reason! I can remember in detail like it was yesterday the day he was born. I can remember specific conversations word for word. I can play it in my head like a movie. It's really very crazy to me. 8?! I wish time would slow down. That means I have been out of High School for 8 years! I had him 2 months before graduation! Yeah pretty crazy that my H.S. reunion is like 2 short years away. Oy!

But back to my son...

I guess all I want to do is remember him the way he is RIGHT this second. Because if 8 years went this fast then 8 more can fly by in the blink of an eye.

{Diego}

Diego is the oldest of 4 and the only boy. And he lives this role. He is a leader. He is a take charge type of person. He is very orginized and responsible. He loves to be this way. He helps me with the girls, he gets on their cases when they aren't listening, he tries to make everyone around him lives easier. If I am cooking he helps, he cleans the table, he feeds his baby sister, he sits the girls down and helps serve them. And he does all this without asking. He is the most helpful, compassionate, caring, and mature child I have ever known.

He lives to please others, to serve others and to make my life as easy as possible. He does this not for rewards, or praise, just purely because he genuinely wants to see everyone around him happy. I don't know how many times in a day he will ask me, "Mom what can I do to help you?" "Let me help you!" He takes on so much responsibility on himself that I have to stop him many many times and tell him, "Diego you are not the parent, I am... so please just be a kid!" If we are at dinner he will make sure the girls and I all have what we need before he will even sit down. I had to ask him to sit and eat a few times and he still gets up to serve juice, get napkins, push Arielle's chair in, or make sure I have a drink too. And sometimes as I go to sit down I will say, "Oh I forgot the cheese (insert anything I forgot here)!" And he will automatically jump up and grab it before I have a chance to. He cleans up the girls plates, he gets his and Alayna's stuff ready for school the next day. I mean I can go on and on about how amazing this kid is.

They say a Mom has a special relationship with her son. That boys love their Mamas in a unique way... a love that's hard to describe. I know exactly what they mean. He will make a woman very happy someday. He has the upmost respect for women. He tells me everyday that he loves me. Without fail. He tells me everyday how much he appreciates what I do for him and the girls. It's not always in the same way but it can be a hug he gives me out of the blue and says Thank You Mom. Sometimes when I am working on bow orders he will come over and ask me to take a break... he will then voluntarily give me a massage or rub my feet. Yes. He does this all on his own. At various times thoughout the day he will check in on me to make sure I am not hungry, thirsty, or need anything. It's wonderful to know that my son, merely a little boy, can appreciate me for who I am... the good and the bad.

I still to this day don't know what I did to get so lucky?! If you know Diego personally you know exactly what I am talking about... I am sure anyone can vouch for me on that! I am so glad I get to be a part of this little boys life... Diego will do great things I just know it. He is the most humble and caring person. And his determination to be a GOOD person, a genuinely GOOD person, is incredible. He has told me many many times he wants to eventually help as many people in the future. What he will do is unknown but this boy has it in him to succeed in anything he chooses.

Diego,
Mommy still can't believe you're 8! Please don't grow up too fast.
I want to hold on a little longer to the boy who isn't afraid to kiss his Mom in front of his friends.
The boy who shows me off to the world like I am a prized possesion.
The boy who isn't afraid to stand up to people at school who mess with his sisters, who isn't afraid to stand up for other kids who are being bullied, and who isn't afraid to defend himself against teachers and principals who question why he got into an altercation with another little boy who was bullying.
You my dear have a kind heart.
A selfless heart.
A heart of gold.
I appreciate you everyday of my life. You make me prouder than you can ever imagine.
Thank you for being you... amazing you.
Love, Mom

Diego's 8th Birthday Party

2011-03-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

We had a simple little gathering this year for Diego's birthday.

Just some hot dogs...

...and cake.

And lots of family :)

My boy had a good time!

Oh and Arielle loves to give Grandpa kisses! :P

Diego's Birthday Weekend Begins!

2011-03-25T23:53:00.000-07:00

Since Diego's birthday is Sunday (and like every year so far) I decided to take cupcakes to his class to celebrate! With Jr's new awesome work schedule he is off Thursday-Saturday so he got to go with me this year. That sure was a treat for Diego. He loves when his Dad is involved in anything we do because he used to work so much. So this had him pretty excited.

We got to go into his class and he handed out the goods.

It was adorable to see him up there just soaking in the attention when everyone sang to him!

And since it's his weekend... we let him decide what to do tonight. He chose the park. So we bought a pizza, loaded up the dog, and headed to the park.

The kids enjoyed their dinner...

Even Atalie who loves bread!

Arielle and I hung out while Jr took Diego and Alayna to play with Hazel in the doggie park.

Arielle is my little Best Friend Ever... she tells me this all the time!

And the rest of the time was spent on the playground.

It was a completely cold night for some reason and I was miserable. But the kids had a blast.

I am still cold. And I have been home for hours :/

Ramon Turned One!

2011-03-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

My nephew Ramon was celebrating his first birthday Sesame Street Style at the same park we went to last week. It's our favorite park what can we say? It's awesome!

My sister and I got there "early"... because we were late... to help my sister-in-law Jen set up. But it's hard to get out of the house and remember everything with an army of kids. But we did get there with enough time to set up before the party started.

Tables looked cute!

A whole table was dedicated to coloring...

The goodie bags were set up...

And Jen set up her cupcakes that she made! Didn't she do a great job?! I loved them!

And when the baby of honor showed up the party got started!

My girls used the coloring station

My son hung around looking all cute...

I like my Dad even if he forgot to bring dollars for sno cones!

Arielle sure does love her #1 Grandpa... as she says

And Arielle loved her Elmo bow I made her

Ramon soon got tired and didn't like the whole present opening process at all...

But the cake well that was different... he kinda liked that.

And everyone LOVED the cupcakes! Haha! Kids and Adults alike!

One child didn't want to eat theirs because it was too cute...

One child thought about it but decided to eat it anyway...

And the last child gobbled hers up before Elmo even had a chance to fight for his life!

Atalie got no cupcake... she hung out with Tio Oscar...

Oscar the Grouch!

I can't believe that in 3 short weeks Miss Atalie Belle Pepper will be be one! It's gone way too fast! She is the little love of my life this girl. She totally has Mama wrapped around her finger with all her sweetness!

I am head over heels in LOVE with this Princess!

Birthday Party Kinda Weekend

2011-03-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

Let the birthday party season begin! A lot of this is my fault... 3 out of my 4 kids birthday are within a 12 day timespan. BUT there are a few other people in the fam who have birthday in the next few weeks. Actually well into May!

Birthday season kicked off. (As if we already don't have birthdays every other week anyway... but this time of year it's literally one after another.)

So we started the weekend by taking a roadtrip to Tucson for the day yesterday. And we had two birthday parties to go to down there. Surprisingly this wasn't for my family... but for Jr's family.

Who paints their nails on a roadtrip? I do!

The boys all rode together in my sister-in-laws van

After a hamburger ketchup on a white t shirt mishap by my nephew Anthony we had to stop at Ross before the first party to buy a new shirt.

Thus making us a half hour late...

First we went to Kristen and Mykel's party at Pump It Up. I hadn't been in a while but I was so excited. I knew I would have a blast. And boy did we ever. My sister-in-law and I took the kids up and down up the giant inflatable slides. And boy did we ever get a workout. But fun indeed!

And Atalie decided to use her newly aquired walking skills and walked herself all over the place

After the jumping the kiddos enjoyed the party room with pizza and drinks!

And then it was done and we headed over to the second birthday party. Which was the 2 little girls whose party we were at younger cousin Damian. His party was at his house though and they had some really good tacos and a bouncer set up for the kids.

And we hung out there the rest of the day.

Alayna is like the Little Mama and she loves to help with Atalie even if Atalie doesn't want help...

But Javi sure did like Alayna's help when they cruised around the yard together...

I mostly hung out with my nephew Raul...

And Jr had Atalie...

Then it was time to head home at about 6pm because Jr has to work Sundays now. But it was so good to get away for the day! I hope we do it again soon!

Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics

2011-03-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics is an amazing journey to the magical lands of Disney’s classic fairy tales. Travel to a kingdom under the sea, an enchanted French castle, an Arabian palace
and more! With special guest Tinker Bell, enter the worlds of your favorite Disney princesses – Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and Snow White – and see their dreams come true as this royal skating extravaganza brings magic to your hometown!

This looks like it will be another AMAZING show! My whole little family enjoyed seeing the last Disney on Ice back in January!

And now you can enjoy the magic of these shows because I got an offer for you!

How about 4 tickets for only $44!
Use code MOM at ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000, or redeem this flyer at the US Airways Center Box Office
Good for Friday, April 8th 10:30am and 7:30pm

Saturday, April 9th 7:30pm

Sunday, April 10th 1:30pm and 5:30pm

(excluding Front Row and VIP seating).

A minimum of 4 tickets is required; additional tickets can be purchased at $11 each.

No double discounts.

Service charges, handling and facility fees may apply.

BBQ at the Park

2011-03-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

My husband woke up and decided he wanted a family day. At first I didn't want to do anything because I woke up with a itchy throat and a runny nose. Plus I could feel a slight headache in the works. But he assured me if I showered and we took the kids to the park we'd all feel better. So I got ready.

And when he said family day he meant the whole family. So we started calling everyone. He headed to the store to buy drinks and chicken and such. Picked up some carless family. Loaded up both cars (both the truck and my van were at capacity) and headed to the park.

Best idea ever!

It was a warm day... and perfect for just being outside. The kids ran around happily. We ate. And I even got a sno cone! I have been wanting one for a few days... ever since Jr and I went to get hot dogs and the cart had sno cones too. And there was a lady there selling some... and she had like 20 flavors! And chamoy! Heaven!

So here's a glimpse into our day:

Cousins: Izais, Ducky and Diego

Just some of the Fam

Tal loves her Grandpa!

And so do I... err my Daddy I mean...

My Little Arielle

This is the family man... loves being with the family.

My sister, my sister-in-law, and Me!

My pretty baby! Love of my life!

My neice Laila!

We took all the babies to the swings. They loves that! I can't believe they will all soon be ONE!

Ramon (March 19)

Atalie (April 8)

Laila (May 25)

And after a few hours it was time to go...

But not before snapping a few of my kids together. But Arielle is NEVER normal.

Ahh... what a great day!

Let's Play Catch-up... Shall we?

2011-03-12T22:08:00.000-08:00

*** At the end of December we hit the one year mark without my Mom. It has been a very hard year for everyone in my family but we have gotten through it. We still visit her in the cemetary and talk about her with the kids a lot. I can't believe how much she has missed! I often sit here and think of how much she would enjoy Atalie. It's hard for me to not have anyone to go to anymore. No matter what it was I would go to my Mom. Now Jr and I have to figure things out on our own. I've had to kinda grow up in other words. But with the endless amout of advice she gave us (and others) while she was here... if we are ever in doubt we say What Would Mom Say? And usually we know the answer. We still try and use everything she taught us to make it in life.

Growing up is hard. And I have to say my Mom did anything and everything for us. She lived her life for us and her grandkids. She made it so we never worried about anything and were always comfortable. I learned that this year. I mean I have always known that about her but it was just solidified for me. When I got sick she was the first one to the rescue. Anyone who knows me knows I am a complete baby when I am sick. She even brought that up when Jr asked to marry me... she said "I am warning you to get out now, you'll have to do everything for her, especially when she is sick." When Mother's Day came around I found myself thinking "whoa... now I gotta buy my own MAC makeup." It's the little things I tell ya. Every year since I was 18 she bought me MAC for Mother's day. It lasts me about a year anyway so it was always perfect timing. But guess what... Daddy came to the rescue! Yes. My Dad... he went into a MAC store... asked for our colors and brought them home for my sister and I. Seriously these are the amazing parents we got!

So it's just been a healing learning year. I don't know if any of you readers have lost a parent... especially so suddenly... it's just a lot of confusion.

*** We got a puppy. Her name is Hazel. Everyone is smitten with her... except me. I had a love/hte relationship with her. I have 4 kids... who wants to throw in a puppy?! Oh well such is life.

Arielle had a special relationship with her. I can't help but swoon over her and that dog...

*** Business has been GREAT for me! I am blessed to finally have something that let's me still be the SAHM that I love to be yet now have an income! My customers are the best!!!

*** We went to the snow in Flagstaff. It's been a bit of a tradition the past few years. And after a long year of hiatus for our family for all our usual family trips. We started the new year with tradition and promised to all be back in action.

*** We went to Disney on Ice! It was the first time for my kids to see something like that. The past year or so I introduced them to all the classic Disney movies that I grew up with. I have been prepping them for a Disney trip. The only time we've gone with the kids Diego was 3 and Alayna was like 7 months. So they don't remember it at all. They LOVED it!

Other than that I have just been really really busy with my business. I have bows for sale at Hissyfits Resale. I feel very proud and excited with it all. It's a 24/7 job in between being a Mommy and there are times where I am so swamped that I am literally glued to my chair and table for hours and days. (Ahem... Superbowl!) But I wouldn't trade a thing!

I am about the hit the busiest time of the year for me. Birthdays and vacations are what March-May brings for me! Every year this time is insane!

I missed blogging. I am so glad to be back :)

I am Baaaaaaaaack!

2011-03-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

Expect me again!

That is all :)

Curtsie Boutique

2010-11-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

What started off as a little pipe dream has slowly started turning into a small business for me!

Months ago with the push from my best friend Tiffany I decided to start selling my handmade tutus and bows and such. And without any start-up money and just using the enormous amount of ribbon I have collected in the past few years I got to work. First selling to family and close friends. And once I accumulated a bit of cash I started with actually forming it into a business.

Tiff and I both decided to sell out stuff together. I make tutus, bows, flip flops, and accessories. She has been making these adorable pillowcase dresses, and will soon be adding more items to her collection such as aprons!

Tiffany's sweet little dresses

Once I had a good stash going I decided to create a Facebook page to broaden my horizons. And I started receiving custom orders from different states and such! I've had so much fun putting together my creations for many people to enjoy. The feedback I have gotten has been awesome! And now Tiff and I have set up shop at a few craft fairs around the valley. And hope in the new year we can attend and be a part of many more on a regular basis!

Peoria Holiday Sale

If you're interested in purchasing any of our items my store is HERE
I have it up to date with in stock items but we really love custom orders. Match an outfit, occasion, or anything!

And Tiffany's items can be found HERE
My girls own some of these dresses and they're complimented every time they wear them! Paired with my bows and flip flops my girls are just so cute!

Atalie Belle is 6 Months! No Wait... She's 7 Months!

2010-11-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

I hadn't done Atalie's 6 month update and now she just turned 7 months! A lot has changed since my last update when she was 4 months... I believe! Yikes!

The week she turned 6 months I kid you not it was like she transformed into a different baby. Or not a baby. She's trying to grow up faster than I want her to. She's been sitting on her own since she was like 4 1/2 months. Then by 5 months she was scooting herself across the floor to get wherever she wanted to go.

At 6 months she was fully crawling and pulling herself up on things. Couches, tables, any furniture she could get her hands on. At barely 6 months people! I've never had a child to do these things way early! None of my other three even began to start crawling until like 7-8 months!

And now she just turned 7 months and is so active. She pulls herself up and tries to walk. With the aid of the couch mostly, she cruises back and forth. Sometimes she thinks she can walk and completely lets go. And we have nothing but tile :/ She cries but gets right up to do it again. Crazy child.

She blows my mind on the things she can do! Her pediatrician bet me she'll be walking by her 9 month check-up! Oh no... I still want her to be my little baby!

Atalie @ 6 months:

- Weighed 14lbs 14oz
- Size 2 diapers
- Size some 0-3 months and some 3-6 months clothes
- Eats Eats about five 8 ounce bottles a day... no solids because she refuses to eat it! I've tried and tried!
- Holds her own bottle (been doing this a while too)
- Sits up completely on her own (been doing this for over a month)
- Rolls and drags herself to get from one place to another
- Babbles a lot when you talk to her
- Loves to sing songs... she joins in when you sing to her
- Hates to have her diaper changed because she hates being constrained in one place for more than 5 seconds
- Hates being held... she's so independent she 'd rather be exploring everything

Atalie @ 7 months:
- Not sure how much she weighs but she's so tiny!
- Wears 3-6 months and some 6 months clothes. She's very small.
- Size 2 diapers. Bought size 3 and they were way too big and made her leak. So back to 2's.
- Finally eating solids! Stage 2 Gerbers
Feeding Schedule:
Breakfast - A fruit gerber mixed with cereal (either rice, wheat, or oatmeal... we change it up every day) And she washes that down with a baby juice.
Snack - 6 ounces of formula
Lunch - Vegetable gerber and baby juice
Snack - 6 ounces of formula
Dinner - Vegetable gerber
Bedtime - 6 ounce bottle with one scoop of cereal in it.
- Walks around everywhere with the help of couches and her sisters and brother
- Babbles and screams to get someone's attention
- Starting to wave bye bye

She's growing so fast! It's weird to see such a tiny little thing doing all these older baby things. But she's absolutely the calmest easiest baby I've had! Our next goal is to get her a high chair so she can start feeding herself some finger foods and such.

My 26th Birthday Halloween Party

2010-10-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I celebrated my birthday yet again with a Halloween Party. Woo!

My sister Nichole and my neice Laila

My baby Tal in the costume that both of my olders girls wore their first Halloween that belonged to my neice Brianna who wore it her first Halloween... and she is now 9. My Mom bought it and so I've kept it.

Junior the Mexican Situation and Kika the Sailor!

Matthew the Nerd

Felicia, Jr, and Me

Felicia, James, Kika, and Me

Felicia and James have been my friends since High School and they've been together that long!

With our babies... Atalie and Journey are 2 days apart!

Me, my Daddy, my cousin Alexis, my sister Nichole

Me and my Bestie Tiffany

They are the cutest ever! Her husband Kevin was the bee keeper!

She was a nice bee... no stinger! Just a sweet little bow! (But we know better!)

We're awesome.

Hot Stuff!

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday to me...

Happy Birthday dear Michelle... (from Loyiel)...

Happy Birthday to me!

Man what a great birthday weekend. I was spoiled beyond belief! Lots of gifts. Lots of cake. Lots of love. Lots of food.

And to top it off my aunt had my uncle make me some pozole and sent me a big huge pot. Seriously I have the most amazing family and friends ever. At first I was bummed because my Mom always made my birthday special... she bought me my outfits, she bought me the perfect gift, she took me to my favorite places, and she cooked me my favorite meal. And this year I wasn't without any of that. She left me in good hands because these people I love... love me just as much!

Gracias Tia Elena y Tio Alfredo por el pozolito! Los quiero mucho!

My 26th Birthday @ Westgate

2010-10-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

Friday was my 26th birthday. For the most part it was a lazy day for me. Enjoyed the wonderful weather. Missed my Mom like crazy because I wasn't getting her pozole like every year since I turned 18. It's totally my favorite food ever. :(

But that night we went out to Westgate and boy was that fun!

We started off at Saddle Ranch because they make the best drinks.

Best Sister-in-law ever! Jen and Me!

Me and my good friend since High School Felicia!

Earlier in the week sometime when I wasn't aware my husband had called Jen and had asked her to make me a cake for my birthday... and she showed up to Saddle Ranch with this!

They love me they really love me!

My brother and his beer tower... solely for him...

The King and the Queen

Me and my aunt Kika

They made me take a shot called a blowjob... needless to say I couldn't fit it into my mouth.

After getting our drink on a while we headed over to McFaddens for a more party atmosphere...

He loves me entirely more than I deserve

And then we got kicked out of the bar... I will spare you the details but it wasn't our fault.

Oh well it was only an hour til closing anyway...

I still had a blast!

30 Day Challenge - Day 9

2010-10-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

Day 09 - Five Thing You Would You Like To See Change

1. The Economy
2. Joe Arpio as Sheriff
3. The price of gas
4. My weight (that involves work though :P)
5. A higher balance when I check my bank account!

It's My Birthmonth!

2010-10-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

I love October... it's the beginning of my favorite time of year. Not only is my birthday in October... but there's Halloween, Pumpkin Patches, Fall Clothes, Cooler Weather, Parties, Food, Lots of Family Time... I could really go on!

So I'll be 26 on the the 22nd. Holla!

My birthday lands on a friday so I have a weekend of fun planned. Yay! I really can't wait.

And just for fun (okay okay maybe not for fun but I found out my husband reads my blog now so...) I am posting my birthday wish list. It's actually my Holiday wish list. It's just a bunch of random things I want. Hint Hint Honey! ;)

Without further ado... in no particular order:

Macbook - I am currently without a laptop and I really need one for my work. It's hard to put together flyers and invites for my business when I don't have all right programs and a computer that works.

Makeup and a Makeup Case - I really want new makeup. I don't wear it much so I don't even know what I like anymore. I mean besides MAC. I get by with my Studio Fix, black eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss. Also I have bought a few new things and now I need a real makeup case or bag to hold it all in. Jr and I saw some really cute sets at Walmart and when I went back to buy them they no longer had them. Boo!

Cardinals Jersey

Boots - I have always loved boots and every year I say I am going to buy them and never do. This will be my year for boots!
Forever 21 has cute Over the Knee boots. And for the western girl in me there's these! And how cute are these little things?!

Walmart has cute affordable boots too! Here, Here, and Here!

New Purse

Coach - I love these two... Here and Here.

Walmart - Again with the cute stuff at Wally World... I like this!

Clothes - Shopping Spree Please! I want a new coat and some skinny jeans. Among other things.

That's all I can think of right now! I pretty much want everything. But what's new?

30 Day Challenge - Day 8

2010-10-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

Day 08 - Someone you think would make a good president

George Lopez

We need a Mexican president. He's funny. And he's real. He'd get my vote! Watcha!

30 Day Challenge - Day 7

2010-10-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

Day 07 - Favorite cover of your favorite song

I have way too many favorite songs... so how about I switch it up a bit and give you my favorite covers? These are songs that even though I like to original... the cover is just even better! And I am gonna give you 3... because yes, I am that indecisive.

1. "Use Somebody" Original: Kings Of Leon Cover: Paramore
I love love love Hayley Williams voice. My goodness can that girl sing!

2. "Hallelujah" Original: Leonard Cohen Cover: Jeff Buckley
One of my most favorite songs... and definitely my most favorite version. I can listen to it forever!

3. "Hurt" Original: Nine Inch Nails Cover: Johnny Cash
Everyone might know this already as the biggest debate over which is better. I am here to say I love them both in their own ways. I do not listen to Nine Inch Nails and only first heard the song with Johnny Cash. If you know me then you know I am fascinated with Johnny Cash and his life. My favorite movie is Walk the Line y'all. So immediately I couldn't help but feel all the emotion in his version. But when I realized it was a cover... I found the NIN version. And I really really like it. Sometimes you can't tell it's the same song. Well I'll stop rambling... I've included both versions for your listening pleasure :)

30 Day Challenge - Day 6

2010-10-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

Day 06 - Earliest thing you can remember

Sheesh I guess it has to be my 3rd birthday. I vaguely remember the house... our old house before moving to Arizona. I remember what I was wearing. The cake. My Pillow People that I got as gifts. When I was younger I though it was all like dreams or just something in my head. Until one day my Mom and I were looking at old pictures and I found one from that day and all of a sudden it clicked. That was my memory! I asked her and she told me it was my 3rd birthday. If I had a working scanner I would post a picture. I was so darn cute too.

30 Day Challenge - Day 5

2010-10-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Day 05 - A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life

Dear Diego,

Of all the people I know and of all the situations I have faced in my 26 years of life... you are the person who has changed me the most. I can say it was me and take the credit but really... it was ALL you. I can say my Mom, who helped me grow into the person I am today, changed my life... but really she didn't. It has always been you.

At age 17 I was scared to find out about you. I had a flood of emotions run through me. Worry. How on earth would I be able to be a mother? I didn't even like kids! Sadness. I didn't feel like I was worthy enough at that age to have someone as precious as you. Afraid. Afraid that I would never be the kind of mother you deserved. But then ultimately excited. As you started to grow within me... suddenly I didn't feel so young anymore. I felt like I needed to step up and be whatever it was you needed me to be. And although I didn't know exactly what that entailed when you were born and I was just 18... I knew I had to just take things as they came.

And when you were born you comepletely changed me. My outlook on life was different. Everything was happy just because you were there by my side. Your smile made me smile. Your laugh made me happy. And although I still didn't know which direction my life was headed, all I knew was that you were the single best thing that ever happened to me.

The timing may not have been perfect... but who is perfect anyway? I learned that with you I made mistakes and I still continue to make them even 7 1/2 years later. There's no right and wrong way to parent you but I am learning as I go along. Learning that you changed me into the kind of person who lives for her children and all she wants is her childrens happiness.

Becoming a mother changed me.

30 Day Challenge - Day 4

2010-10-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

Day 04 - What you imagine paradise to be like

I imagine paradise to be just somewhere where I am with the people I love the most and laughing. When my family and I get together it's nothing but non-stop laughing. Every time. So paradise would be like a family reunion. Oh and maybe someone giving me a pedicure too ;)

30 Day Challenge - Day 3

2010-09-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Day 03 - The five songs you would have with you on a desert island and why

1. I Will Survive: Gloria Gaynor - Cuz I would... somehow

2. Crazy: Patsy Cline - Just seems to fit... kinda. And I need a little country.

3. Not Afraid: Eminem - No time to be afraid son!

4. Airplanes: B.o.B/Hayley Williams/Eminem - I'd need a wish... Hayley Williams... and Eminem... need I say more?

5. Spacebound: Eminem - It's my favorite song at the moment and if this was right now that I was on a desert island then I'd have to have it.

(Really I'd just have all Eminem CDs with me... he's my favorite! His album recovery is Awwwesoooome!)

30 Day Challenge - Day 2

2010-09-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

Day 02 - Something that inspires you

These people.

Seriously.

My kids are the ones I live for. I do everything I do for them. The inspire me to want to be a good mom. They inspire me to take up my crafting. They inspire my photography.

And my Mom. She has always inspired me. And now that she's gone I find my self always thinking... WWMD? (What Would Mom Do?)

30 Day Challenge - Day 1

2010-09-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

Some of my cousins do these challenges on their tumblr accounts so I figured I start mine here and you all can link up if you want! (If you've already done them just backlink every day se we can all read them!)

If you're not doing these challenges feel free to start with us! If anything it can be a good way to get new readers to your blog :)

Here's our first 30 day challenge:

Day 01 - Guilty pleasure
Day 02 - Something that inspires you
Day 03 - The five songs you would have with you on a desert island and why
Day 04 - What you imagine paradise to be like
Day 05 - A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life
Day 06 - Earliest thing you can remember
Day 07 - Favorite cover of your favorite song
Day 08 - Someone you think would make a good president
Day 09 - Five things you want to see change Day
10 - A dream you had this past week described in detail Day
11 - Favorite picture ever taken of yourself Day
12 - Your favorite musical artist’s life story
Day 13 - A memory that never fails to make you laugh
Day 14 - Best mashup you’ve ever heard
Day 15 - A moment, phrase, or song that has changed your life the most.
Day 16 - Something that you want to do within the next five years.
Day 17 - What you want to remembered for.
Day 18 - A picture that makes you feel
Day 19 - A passage from a book that has touched you
Day 20 - A band that you immediately liked and the song that made you like them
Day 21 - Your favorite medium of art.
Day 22 - Someone you would give your life up for without question.
Day 23 - Most awkward first impression you feel you’ve ever given
Day 24 - Something you did as a child that other people remember you for.
Day 25 - Something you would do if no one stopped you or if you knew you wouldn’t fail.
Day 26 - Your definition of love.
Day 27 - Your definition of the meaning of life.
Day 28 - A moment you remember being completely happy in and a description of why you believe you were. What is your definition of happiness
Day 29 - What you live for.
Day 30 - Ways you believe you have grown over the past thirty days.

Day 01 - Guilty Pleasure

My guilty pleasure?

Buying craft stuff. I mean Hobby Lobby is like my Disneyland. I seriously gravitate towards that stuff like a magnet! I haven't scrapbooked in 6 years and I still find myself buying pretty scrappbook paper vowing to myself that one day I will use it for something. I literally have a whole scrapbook tote FULL and maybe even overstuffed with an entire collection of paper that spans through 6 years. But it's not just paper... I have ribbons, paints, adhesives, embellishments, stickers (oh the stickers, I have an accordian folder FULL), fabric, wood shapes, wood boxes, wood frames... the list can really go on. I can't help it! Maybe one day it will all get used.

At least I can justify that the ribbons and embellishments are all now being used for bows!

I Love The Way You Lie

2010-09-22T23:03:00.000-07:00

I have been trying for so long to capture this on video.

It's my ringtone... and she sings it everytime I get a text message... which is a million times a day.

But...

When I try and film it she either gets camera shy, or picks the one time to NOT sing.

And then when I had the camera... she ignores the song. I never win.

But yesterday... all the hiding paid off... I finally got it!

Kids Expo

2010-09-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

I decided to take my kids to the kids expo this year... so I called up my sister and asked her if she wanted to go. Every year I say I want to go but it never happens. The last time I went I was a kid myself! But I knew it would be a lot of fun for the kids and I could get lots of vendor information and maybe win a few prizes while there. So when I remembered a few days ago that it was coming up I had to work fast to be able to get the tickets early so I didn't have to pay $10/head at the door.

It was held at the University of Phoenix stadium... otherwise known as the Cardinal Stadium. I live literally 5 minutes away and yet I've never actually been there. And how long has it been built... yeah.

The kids were super excited once they found out where we were going... even though they had no idea what it was.

And Nichole and I were happy to take the kids... but we didn't realize that we'd meet a whole lot of celebrities.

But of course as always... potty stop before we even start because we KNOW these kids!

First up the kids watched an animal show. We saw a huge lizard thing, snakes, a turkey, chickens, a sugar glider, a baby goat... I am sure we saw few more but I don't remember them all. Diego, his friend, and Arielle all sat there just taking it all in while my nephews Anthony and Ducky were about ready to bolt everytime a new animal was brought out.

And Princess Atalie was so much cuter so my sister got some shots of her!

Then it was time for some arts and crafts...

Daddy helped Arielle make a flower and she was so amazed

And at the Cox booth we got to color Digi!

Even my sister and my husband joined in on all the fun!

And holy moly guess who showed up? Digi himself accompanied by Dora. Digi made my day... Dora made Arielle's day even though she wouldn't go anywhere NEAR them.

Diego got to part a cute little magic show!

And then all of a sudden we're just walking and Nichole spots him... it was Howler! She hands her husband her phone and pulls Howler to pose with her. He probably thought... what a crazy lady!

And then he was gone again just like that. What about me?! :(

There was lots of more activities for the kids to do and in between it was like a character celebrity overload! It was so exciting!

I mean come on now... Spongebob! Overwhelmed us seriously!

And then at the Coyotes booth... who was sitting there signing autographs?! Yup Howler. We jumped in line quick be cause he was also signing Coyote hats!

And when he wasn't looking the fangirl in me too over and I snuck in for a picture... aided by my sister of course... I snuck... she snapped...

And when he realized I was invading his personal space he stopped to pose for a picture. He must have liked me... that smile says it all!

And Diego and his best friend Detrick were stoked to get signed hats!

When Alayna saw Strawberry Shortcake she was so excited... forget Hockey... Strawberry is the business!

And Nichole and I were like totally in awe... the girl that was on our bedsheets as kids was standing right before our very eyes! Nichole was a kid again to say the least! Yup I thought her eyes were going to pop right out of their sockets.

Don't worry her glasses must have helped keep her eyes in place because we were able to continue on...

Got the kiddos together for a group picture... minus the princess babies...

We got separated for a bit... bathroom break you know how that goes... but right outside the bathroom was McGruff!

Nichole didn't get to see him but I told her of our chance encounter... and a few minutes later he appeared again and Nichole got her shot. We go back... way back to like 6th grade.

Take a bite out of crime. Ruff.

But wait?! Who is that jolly fellow standing over there?

Oh yes... George... Curious George...

Had to stalk him too... and take up entirely too much of his time.

Atalie wanted to touch him... and Arielle wanted to be as far away from him as possible...

And Nichole... well she snuggles with everyone...

So you see it was a star studded event... and all of it was just too much for us to handle.

I had to elevate Atalie to keep her from fainting... just way too much excitement on a Sunday afternoon.

And an outing is not an outing if Alayna doesn't fall and then whine about her scratches, y'all.

And the car ride home was peace... all 5 minutes if it.

Joe Cool's 51st... err... 11th Birthday!

2010-09-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

My Dad said today "If Life begins at 40... then that makes me 11 today!" Yup my Daddy-O is another year older. But he ages rather nicely don't you think?

I invited some family over and we had coffee and cakes/mexican bread in honor. There was a plethora to go around. And we sang him Happy Birthday.

And he got not one, not two, but three new outfits! Score!

But sorry Dad... the stars of the night were these three:

Atalie: "Laila is that you? You look almost as beautiful as me!" Laila: "Atalie! How dare you steal my shirt... it's my favorite!"

Ramon: "Oh my Gaaahhh what do these people have on their heads!"

Ramon: "Oh Mom if I ever needed you it would be now... get me out of here please!"

"What does Ramon know? We're hot."

Random Pictures

2010-09-18T23:10:00.000-07:00

Here's some random pictures from the last month or so since I have been MIA from blogging.

Miss Tal is getting bigger and bigger (and cuter) every second!

And people just want to love on her all the time... Like her Grandpa and Tio Oscar! I mean you can't resist her cute face!

Her Nina Tiffany bought me these for her baby shower and even though I don't use binkys... I can't help but pop these into her mouth every once in a while.

Spent a day in the sun at a birthday party

Another trip to the Children's Museum... we really do love that place!

Arielle and her crazy hair from braids!

Labor Day Picnic at the Park

Me and 2 of my Princesses

Atalie and Great-Grandma Abuelita. My Grandma has 21 great-grandchildren... Atalie is number 20. And that's only from 7 grandkids! She has 17 grandkids total.

And this was 8 months... but in a few days we're approaching the nine months.

Grandparents Day

2010-09-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

Many people realize that Sept. 12th is Grandparents day.

Shoot I never even knew about until 6 years ago... Diego was about a year and a half and I was at Walmart shopping for some diapers when I passed a display with Hallmark cards. The sign above was saying it was Grandparents day (the next day) and so I stopped picked up a card and had Diego give it to my parents the next day. I am pretty sure I bought a little bear of some sort as well.

But every year I've made sure that he tells them Happy Grandparents Day.

So this year the kids drew pictures for my Dad, my Mom, and Jr's parents... they also decided they wanted to make tissue paper flowers. I taught them how to make them and they went to work making little bouqets of flowers.

So we went to see my Mom. And take her the flowers and drawings. My Mom was the ultimate Grandma. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her grandkids. She loved them all. So it was very important to me and the kids to go see her. I want to be able to always remind the kids of who she was and how she was with them. They're still so young that their little memories will only vaguely remember her in a few years. I was 2 when my Mom's mom passed away and I don't remember her at all obviously. And beside stories that my Mom, Aunt, or Uncles would tell us... whenever I asked my Mom about her... she never offered up much information. I want my kids to know everything about their Grandma. She is so much the reason why they are so lucky. She never gave up on me and was always supportive of me even though I know many of the choices I have made in my life she didn't agree with. And beacuse of her my children are happy and healthy.

While there I also left two flowers that I made especially for my Abuelito. He was the most influential Grandparent a person could have! I could go on and on about how much I admired (and still do) my Grandfather. But that might make for another post entirely.

So here's some pictures of our time at the cemetary with our Grandparents.

Alayna and Atalie were asleep so they stayed in the car while we got off with Arielle and Diego

We Love Jamma

We Love Abuelito

And before we left I got these shots of my boys <3!

Curtsie Boutique

2010-09-07T00:44:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to share this for a while now but since I usually post everything on Facebook I forget that my blog readers may not know yet. I have been selling my tutus and bows for a while now. Just one more of my ventures... I am an entreprenuer of sorts! Business has been busy busy with that and everything else I do. But I'd like to share how you can place an order if you're interested.

Curtsie Boutique Facebook Page - Here I post samples of my creations, prices, info, and keep you updated on where I will be in person selling my stuff. You can order anytime. I work mainly off custom orders but you can get an idea of our products by the pictures of what I've made in the past. I am working on some new products coming out soon! And I may be starting a referral program so you can earn credit towards future orders! So stayed tuned for that too!

Or you can email me at curtsie_boutiue@yahoo.com

I don't just do local order either! I have and will ship in needed!

Tell your friends and pass the word!

Swagbucks.com

2010-08-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

Swidget 1.0great free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

If you haven't heard about swagbucks it's a website where you can earn "bucks" for using their site as a search engine. There's cool things you can redeem swagbucks for. I've already ordered a $5 Amazon gift card and I just started!

It's really easy you sign up, log in, and start searching. Bucks are given at random. You can also install their tool bar (which I did) that way you can search even when not on their site. It keeps you logged in and the bucks start adding up!

Also if you follow their blog you they put out codes and you can enter them to win more swagbucks! Same goes if you follow them on facebook and twitter! They give you various ways to win.

Here are just a few of the more ways you can win:

- Complete special offers
- Complete surveys
- Shop through them (If you shop online a lot this is good!)
- Daily Polls
And more!

For me this is great, I spend a lot of time on the computer and it takes little effort to win. Of course the more involved you are with them the bigger bucks you win. Searching for codes takes time but can pay big. They have codes hidden on the website and in the blog.

Try it! They start you off with 30SBs just for signing up! You might just start winning cool stuff like I have!

Atalie Belle is 4 Months!

2010-08-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Okay Okay so she turned 4 months on the 8th... but I am within good time!

She had her 4 month well check today!

Atalie @ 4 Months:

-12lbs 12oz

-Moved her into size 2 diapers

-Wears 0-3 months still except for her sleepers... she's wearing 3-6 months.

-She drinks 6oz of formula every 4 hours

-Still the perfect sleeper. And she takes like 3 naps a day.

-She is so ready to try and crawl. Seriously! She gets on all fours and uses her legs to crawl but since she can't hold up her own weight with her arms yet she just gets frustrated and scoots herself where she wants to go. And she combines that with rolling. (Watch her take forever to crawl instead haha!)

-She loves her toys when she sees them she does everything in her power to get to them.

-She loves her bebe pod seat. Sitting up in it is the business because she can be nosey!

-She coos and babbles and carries on full conversations with me.

-She LOVES her brother and sister. She has discovered how to scream to get their attention so they'll go over and play with her. Lucky for her she has 3 choices so she always has someone to play with.

Mama's girl... definitely.

Miss Laila D. and Miss Atalie D.

Oh My Girls...

2010-08-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

I was coming out of my bedroom when down the hall I heard this...

Know what song this is??? LOL

Dear Arielle

2010-08-10T14:03:00.001-07:00

I take back this letter I wrote to you before.

You are the greatest child.

Last week you woke up in the morning with a little pee in your pull up. And when I took it off to change you I was getting ready to put another one on.

You see after weeks of trying and taking you to the potty in regular intervals and cleaning up mess after mess after nasty mess... I was just tired. So I wanted an afternoon of stress free relaxation. And by relaxation I mean cleaning the house and having it stay clean for a few minutes or an hour before you came to poop and pee anywhere you dang well pleased. See re-cleaning something I just cleaned is not fun. When I clean I want it to stay that will until possibly the end of the day.

Anywho darling, on this particular day you said, "No Mommy. No pull up. Chonies!" (Chonies=Underwear in spanish) So even though I didn't want to I still put them on. What do the experts say? Consistency is key no? So well even though you wear the pull ups at night I decided to let you wear the underwear. Not even 45 minutes later you walked into the kitchen and said "Pee Pee Mommy" So I felt your dry butt and rushed you to the potty. And lo and behold the skies parted and said "I love you Michelle!" You sucessfully used the potty and told me when you had to go.

I was so proud of you. I am so proud of you. It was a long road with no end in sight but now I see that light was there.

The next day I got brave and decided to take you in underwear on all our errands. And errand days mean that we're out 4 hours or more before coming home. I made sure to take you to the potty every hour or so while we were in a store or at someone's house and you went every time! And towards the end of the day while in Walmart you said, "Bathroom Mommy" We took all the stuff to the car, unloaded, and went back into the store and you went to the potty! It was a great day!

There's no looking back now. I still put you in pull up at night and durning naptime but you wake up dry almost every time!

I am so glad we finally got to this point. It was a long time coming.

Game Night!

2010-08-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

This family loves to play board games. And we try to plan game nights as often as we can. Spur of the moment I decided to host another one.

How this came about was because on Facebook I had said I was craving donuts. Jr had taken my car to work so I was car-less. Everyone started replying at how good donuts sounded. Then my sister said it sounded like a good excuse to invite everyone over for donuts and coffee. So we quickly said let's call everyone and have a game night.

Man game night in this house is always nothing but laughing and laughing. Seriously we have the BEST time!

While waiting for everyone to arrive we started the night with Uno.

Yes we play with Hannah Montana cards...

Don't look at my cards!

Then we got the pineapple juice and Malibu flowing... and Jr gave me mine in a shamu cup with a straw!

We don't mess around...

And then we played Partini! It's the funnest party/group game ever! It gets us going every time!

Gaby did a good job miming this one but her team is not as smart as me! Bwahaha!

Oscar made me laugh with this one.

Juanito had us all rolling as he sat there and mimicked his Daddy. Hilarious!

And we have more videos. You now you wanted to be at my house that night! We're doing it again soon. Anyone is welcome to join us... the more the merrier!

End of Summer

2010-08-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

The last 2 weeks have been jam packed with fun. And now that summer vacation is over my life will return to be somewhat normal. So here's what we've been up to:

Eating lunch with my favorite girls

Making Miss Atalie smile

Rainy days indoors watching the water from our front door

Lots of yougurtland consumed... courtesy of my Dad

Diego and Atalie bonded more than ever... they both love each other so much!

Atalie decided on a new way of sleeping...

It's been a fast summer! I can't believe it's over. I want my kids to go back to school but I will miss the time with them. Can summer be strected a month longer?

Toilet Talk

2010-07-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

Just a glimpse of the conversations I have with Arielle as I try and get her to go potty...

Jr and the Wasp

2010-07-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

My husband is a chicken when it comes to wasps... and as we were sitting around watching tv he realized there was one in the house. He'd been chasing after it at a distance for a while before I thought to grab my camera. He eventually killed it and knocked down a nest they had built by out back door.

Alayna's 5th Birthday Party

2010-07-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

I should have taken the signs two weeks ago that this party should never have happened. Everything that could possibly go wrong... did. But I am not one to stress or freak out... they reason I throw birthday parties in the first place is to celebrate the day each of my children was born. It's so important to me and I love to see the happiness in their eyes on this one day. One day dedicated just to them for coming into my life. Each of them love having awesomely themed birthday parties and I have even more fun planning them.

I chose an Alice in Wonderland theme for Layna's 5th birthday. I didn't get done half the stuff I wanted to but it was cute. And I didn't get hardly any pictures of my decor at the party either... due to lots of problems that day I just ran around like a chicken with my head cut off and didn't get a chance to take any pictures. This makes me super sad because my tables and centerpieces were super adorable all set up like a tea party.

Oh well :(

Anyways the night before like always I recruited a team to help me finish decorations and such. My cousins Rebecca and Jessica were here from California and I put them to work.

Jessica helped me put together the flower pens for the centerpieces. But before I get in trouble... let me give credit to my husband for showing us how to make them.

Rebecca did all the drawing because she is great at it.

Kika made the cutest mad hatter hat out of a paper bag!

And after a while we all started to go a little crazy... or should I say... mad?

And Jessica and I with Jr's help built rose bushes

Painting the roses red...

And after a long long night... I think the paint fumes got to us... okay okay so we used acrylic paint but still... we were all a little loco.

The next morning was a lot of preparations... We had to still put together 30 goodie bags...

And my wonderful sister-in-law Jennifer made us the cutest cupcakes. She wants to practice and I thought these were really great!

And amidst all the chaos Alayna managed to be in love with her party

And we all had tons of fun with the theme

My bestie Tiffany made her the Alice dress she was wearing... I LOVE it... and Layna wants to wear it everyday.

And then I made my girls pose for pictures

And then... Surprise! The Queen of Hearts arrived... and she was very pretty!

Alayna loved having her there... she really was all excited about it. Haha!

And Nichole... well let's just say she was star-struck and she likes to get touchy touchy... at least the Queen didn't off her head!

But we did find someone who should have had his head cut off!

And here's some of the kids at the party...

And then we sang, at cupcakes, and opened gifts... it was hot and we were all way tired.

And I really wish I had more pictures but my camera died too... see? Issues that day I swear! But believe me it was fun even if it was hot, the pool was broken, and we wer all crammed into the house.

Dancing In The Rain

2010-07-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

My sister came over today and brought me Yogurtland in exchange for me making her 2 bows. I work for food... so it was a good exchange. And we were very happy.

Until we finished... that makes us sad...

But you know what made us happy again?

It started to rain.

It's is the 22nd. And raining again.

The rain makes us think of our Mom.

Rain doesn't last long in Phoenix sometimes it falls for literally 2 minutes and it's all done. So we called the kids and told them to run out into the rain. There's nothing more fun that dancing and playing in the rain. And there's nothing more happy than seeing your kids lauging and running and having a good time with something so simple.

I hope Jamma enjoyed playing with her Grandkids for a while.

\

Alayna Danae is 5 Years Old

2010-07-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

Today Alayna turned five.

Status via Facebook "‎5 years ago today I had my first daughter. And from that day forward she's completely had me wrapped around that finger of hers. There's something special about a first-born daughter for a Mother. She sure has kept us on our toes and she is full of drama but I love her to infinite and beyond. She's growing up way too fast. Happy Birthday Princesa! Mommy loves you!"

Last night Jr and I decorated the table for Alayna... and her chair.

6am in the morning Alayna comes in and says, "Mom it's my birthday I am dressed"... wearing a ballet outfit of course. Then she says I need cereal and runs off. I try and turn back over to sleep and she comes back in, "Hurry Mom it's my birthday in the kitchen and it's so wonderful!"

I was able to stall her by laying her in my bed with me to watch cartoons for almost an hour before she asked for cereal again.

So I gave the girl cereal

Then we dressed her and I curled her hair. She asked me to curl her hair for weeks now and I've been too lazy... her hair is long! But for her birthday I did.

I can't believe my baby girl is five now!

And in true Layna fashion... a wardrobe change... not completely but she changed nevertheless

Miss Diva and baby sister Atalie

Mama and the Birthday Princess

After Jr got home from work we took the kids to Cici's Pizza for dinner. (FYI didn't like it not going there again) and then we had Yogurtland for dessert. Mmm!

She had such a good day! Now on to her party on the 24th!

Summertime Is A Busy Time

2010-07-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Yes I am still slacking on my blogging. But come on it's summer! Please forgive me. I spent all the time with my kiddos. They go back to school in a few weeks so I should be back to regular by then.

So here's some Random Pictures from the past couple weeks:

Making decorations for Alayna's party

Swimming!

This marks the first time Arielle has gotten into the pool this summer! Progress!

My niece Mia and nephew Ducky

And BBQing with the Family!

Me and my precious baby

The crazy brother

My psycho honey

This is Juan's passionate look... or so he says...

Miss Atalie Belle

Miss Laila Graciela

Atalie Belle is 3 Months!

2010-07-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

*I never posted a 2 month update on Atalie oops! I have her stats and pics and stuff like that so I'll add it in soon and backdate it for my own personal reference.*

Atalie @ 3 Months:

-I am not sure of her weight because her next check-up isn't until August but she weighed 10lbs 13oz at her 2 month appointment.

-Wears size 1 diapers

-Wears 0-3 months clothes and even some newborn still.

-Still drinks 4oz of formula every 3 hours. I've really tried to increase her to 5/6 ounces but she never finishes it.

-Goes to bed at 9pm and wakes up at 6 to eat. Then goes back to bed until 9am.

-She rolls from her tummy to her back.

-She smiles all the time now and even tries to laugh but can't yet

-Her favorite song is Baby Beluga which I have sang to all my kids and they all loved it. I guess it's just a happy song!

-The only other person who she likes to hold her is Diego (and Daddy of course).

-Everytime I try and change her diaper she kicks frantically and doesn't let me put it on her... she must think it's funny to give me a hard time. It's like a game.

-When I make her a bottle and I shake it she gets SO EXCITED knowing that she is going to be fed!

-She sucks her thumb like Alayna!

-Tummy Time is her favorite time.

-She still loves her swing and will sit in there all day if I let her. It's still her favorite place to sleep.

I can't say enough how much I love this tiny girl! I truly was meant to be a Mom of girls (not like I had a choice in the matter anyway) because I just love all the pink, the cuteness, the giggles, and bond a mother and daughter share. When she cries only I can soothe her, when she sees me she smiles the biggest smiles, when I talk to her her eyes light up with happiness and she tries to coo back at me and lets out little sighs and giggles, and when I hold her or lay her with me she just cuddles into me and stares at me in amazement. I can't believe it's been 3 months. She a perfect fit for our family. She reminds me SO much of Diego because she is so calm. We've had absoltely no problems with her since we've brought her home from the hospital. She really is a little Angel.

Sea World Day 2

2010-07-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July! Everyone was decked out in their shirts my mother-in-law bought us for our trip. We all matched.

Even my Dad matched on accident. He had bought the same shirt but in black... whereas my mother-in-law bought us all red.

My nephew Ducky, Arielle, Diego, and my niece Mia

We were all in for a surprise when Jr decided he wanted to meet us in San Diego. So he flew down and we picked him up from the airport on the way to Sea World for our 2nd day. The girls were so surprised and excited. Especially Miss Arielle... who looked at him amazed and with a big smile on her face.

After another good breakfast we got in line for a show.

This little girl was sure glad to have her Daddy

And I was sure glad to have my honey back

Our first show of the day was Cirque de la Mer. That was funny too. The kids again didn't care for it.

After the show we got seperated from the group and Ducky had been asking to see Shamu since we had gotten there. So off we went. Him and Layna, the identical DNA babies, were so happy. They walked skipped hand in hand and people kept telling me how cute my twins were. LOL

Shamu was awesome. I guess I never realized you could see him from his tank. When he kept swimming right up to us I was so blown away I forgot to take pictures for a while. But then I got some shots since he kept coming right back to us.

Ducky was very happy

After about an our of watching Shamu... we met back up with the group for lunch. Where Arie decided that drinking ranch would be a meal enough.

She quite enjoyed it...

And my baby posed with her favorite thing in the entire world... milk! Man this girl cannot function without milk. She can drink a gallon a day if I let her.

My little firecrackers

Alayna and Mia

As you can tell the day stayed gloomy and it was very cold. Cold enough that I had to buy Jr a Sea World sweater (that is actually mine now of course) for $25 so he could be warm.

(At the Atlantis ride they have this machine where for 25 cents you can set off a cannon of water to splash people after they come down. Jr had fun doing that for a while. Evil I tell ya.)

And cold as it was that didn't stop any of us from riding Atlantis a million more times.

But I ain't no dummy... I bought us ponchos so we could at least stay a bit dry. It totally helped.

Crazy boys... they went just the Ducky is. And weren't even complaining about being cold. I think I was more worried about them than they were about themselves.

When it finally got dark we took all the kids to change them into their warm clothes and have some dinner. We also rode the Artic ride. It's like a virtual reality type thing. It simulates a helicopter ride in the Artic. Alayna's face was priceless throughout the whole thing. I could NOT stop laughing. Jr had to tell me to be quiet a few times but neither of us could hold in our loaughter. All she could say was "whoa, whoa" as her face went from calm to on the verge of tears. Hilarious!

While we were having dinner the fireworks show started and the kids loved watching them. My Layna was mesmerized.

And the skytower got all lit up pretty

And when we were all done for the night we got to do our souvenier shopping. Everyone got necklaces. We bought Diego a shark necklace.

Alayna got this pretty dolphin... in pink of course.

Arielle wanted a dolphin too so I gave her a few choices different from Alayna's and she chose this one. And in pink too.

And Mommy got a starfish... I had eyed it since the first day there and I just had to have it.

Sea World Day 1

2010-07-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning with anxiousness we were up bright and early! We wanted to be at Sea World before they even opened. Jen told us that she heard in order to see the new show Blue Horizons you had to get a wristband for a certain time. And once they were all given out there would be no more. And we wanted to make sure we saw the show. After getting in and buying our meal tickets we were given wristbands for the very first showing of Blue Horizons at 10:30am.

*Note - The meal ticket is the best idea ever. $30 for an adult and $15 for a child and you can eat at any participating restraunt all day long. Each time through the line gets you one entree, one side or dessert, and 1 drink. And you can go through the line as many times as you wanted. We seriously ate all day long. And came home with tons of the souvenir kids plates and cups. Well worth the money.

So after a realy good breakfast we headed off to watch our first show.

Being that it was overcast there was no way I wanted to sit in the soak zone so we went up to find some seats.

Blue Horizons is the brand new dolphin show. It was so cool. I loved it. The dolphins are so cute and it's so awesome seeing the people in there dancing and swimming with the dolphins.

Even though we didn't sit in the soak zone... my mother-in-law and newphews DID sit there...

The Shark Encounter was next on the list. That was my first experience seeing the animals up close. I was seriously like a little kid.

We saw the Starfish!

And we got on our first ride... the Rapids! My Layna was FINALLY tall enough to get on a ride. Ducky too! This has been the first time at any amusement park that they're finally tall enough.

And then it time to meet back up with my brother who had taken Arielle and Juanito so that Jen and I could take the older kids on the ride. And we found him like this...

Arielle and Alayna were happy to be re-united again

Posing for a picture with my girls

And then it was time for our next show. Shamu! By this time the sun had finally peeked out to play and we waited.

Believe wasn't as impressive as the dolphin show. I loved seeing Shamu and how big he was! But due to the recent incident in Florida with a whale... the trainers are not even allowed in the water with them anymore. But oh well.

Then it was lunch time. And we were all starved.

Shamu Cookie!

Even Juanito's dolphin was hungry... he kept trying to steal Jen's salad!

And Jen got chocolate wasted!

Then the kids stopped to pose for me for a bit... just a bit though.

The rest of the afternoon was spent riding Journey to Atlantis a million times in a row. Hence no pictures. I wasn't getting the camera wet. And we really did ride it at least a million times in a row. My in-laws foster son is autistic... and so we got to just go straight up to the front through the handicapped line. It was awesome.

Then we had dinner and more dinner and more dinner. Seriously we ate like there was no tomorrow.

And we watched the Sea Lion show. By far my favorite show! I guess it's different during the day but we went at night at it was hilarious! I totally loved it! And none of the shows really held any of the kids attentions except that one. I never saw it during the day to tell you what the difference is but from everyone who has seen it before they said the night show is better.

We also watched the night Shamu show. It was a little better at night then during the day. Plus we had a perfect view of the fireworks show as soon as it was over. And all the kids were asleep by the end. So we decided to call it a night.

My first day at Sea World and it was amazing.

San Diego Trip

2010-07-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

Friday we left early in the morning on a trip to San Diego. 6am we were on the road and excited to spend the weekend at Sea World. I had never been there and have been wanting to go for YEARS! So to say I was excited was an understatement.

The girls and I (except Atalie who I left with Jr's older brother) rode with my sister-in-law (Jr's sister) and her kids. And my in-laws as well. But we were not the only ones who went. My Dad who borrowed Diego for the weekend also went... and my brother and his family. All in all there was about 25 people. But we weren't all together. The only ones who didn't get to go were my sister and her husband because they worked. But they did send my nephew Ducky.

And since I borrowed my sister's camera for the trip... I found this...

So after loading up the cars we were on our way.

Not even 30mins into our drive and the side mirror on the passenger side decides to fly off and straight into my window and scared the crap out of us.

We stopped for breakfast at McDonalds

We wanted to leave way earlier than what we did because we wanted the kids to sleep most of the trip. But that didn't happen... and they didn't quite sleep. And having three 2 year olds in the car wasn't fun at all.

But luckily for a while the twins Mia and Luis found a way to entertain themselves.

But it didn't last long and then we heard this... .

Sometime after that we also go a replacement mirror. Ghettofabulous!

And then we finally arrived in San Diego and checked into our hotel! And that made the kids happy to get out of the car.

But then we were off again. We headed to Mission Bay Park for some beach fun.

I can't tell you most of what happened because after being there a little while I stuck my toes in the sand and fell right to sleep.

But here's what I did see...

Arielle wouldn't listen to me about throwing sand

Alayna enjoying the water

Everybody decided to bury my nephew Noe in the sand

Arielle played with her Nanis in the sand

But mostly the kids just played in the freezing cold water. And I am not exaggerating when I say it was freezing cold. I wanted to be no where near it.

After that the kids were cold and tired so we drove over to Belmont Park and rode the rides. And ate pretzels! Yum! And the girls got to ride the carousel.

Everyone was exhausted and we took the kids home for baths and put them to bed. That's when we met up with everyone else. And we hung out outside the hotel rooms laughing, talking, and having a little drink.

My mother-in-law made us an ice chest since our room didn't have a fridge.

Toy Story 3

2010-06-24T00:41:00.001-07:00

For the first time ever I did something I hadn't done before. Something absolutely crazy...

I took all 4 of my kids to the movies.

Not crazy you say?

It is when you decide to go and no one has had a nap, and it's your 2 year olds very first time to the movies EVER, and it's right before dinnertime which means dinner will have to wait until afterward, and you have to carry your infant in a wrap the whole time and are not sure how that will go.And did I mention I was doing this ALONE?

Yeah I am a wild like that. After being in the house doing nothing all day it was a good spontaneous thing to do.

So we all hopped into our car and off we went. Luckily Diego and Alayna are very helpful and the outing was very smooth.

Upon telling my children what movie we were going to see Alayna shouted, "Yay Toy Story! I wanna be the cowgirl!"

But Diego... oh Diego... all he could say was...

"Didn't we already see Toy Story 3?"

"No we haven't... it just came out!" I said excitedly. Hey I've been looking forward to this movie. I know the other 2 by heart.

"Yes we did." He said. "Remeber that one day..." as he continues with his attempt to remind me we've seen a movie I for a fact know we have not seen. I interrupt him...

"No, son. We have NOT."

"But Mom remember when..." Blah blah blah still trying to convinve me...

"That was Toy Story 2 duh!" I said now annoyed. Annoyed because he should know the difference. There was a difference!

"Toy Story 2? Oh well... it's the same thing."

"What?" I screamed!
"It is not the same thing! This is Toy Story 3!"

He looked at me a little confused and a little like he didn't really see the difference and importance here.

"Toy Story 3 Son! I've waited 11 years for this movie!"

All I got was another strange uninterested look.

"You don't understand, Andy is going to college! The toys...!"

"Who is Andy? I thought it was about Buzz and Woody?"

::facepalm::

Why do I even bother?

So we just walked in silence to wait for our movie. And we posed for pictures around the theater. It's what we do. Mama needs pictures to remember all this precious time together.

And without any spoilers the movie was great! I really hope they don't go crazy and try to make a 4th one because this was just the perfect movie to close them with.

When it was over I got up and clapped... and Diego turned to me and said...

"Mom are you crying?"

"No son."

"I saw you wiping your eyes I thought..."

"No son, it's my allergies."

"Your allergies? But we've been inside and it's not windy."

"Well I poked my eye then."

"I think you're lying but.. okay."

Yes it was that good.

Summertime Thus Far

2010-06-23T23:33:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed the lack of blogging I have been doing? Well you guessed it... summer is in full swing and since the kids have been home with me all day I try and stay busy. And that we have. I love summer. I don't feel rushed. I don't feel like we have to be in certain specific places all the time. It's just carefree fun days spent with my babies. We can spontaneously decide to go do something and not worry about making it home for anything. It's been great.

So blogging has been put on the back burner. We have full days and lazy days and computer time just doesn't always fit in. But I really need to catch up so expect posts from me again. Let me fill you in on what's been up...

Jr got a new job and now he is a truck driver... a truck driver who drives all over the freakin country! Which means he has left me all alone. I know this is what he has to do so sacrifices must be made. He has been gone a whole 2 days and I already miss him! He'll be gone for up to 8 weeks this first time out. After this he'll only go out for 3 weeks at a time. So now I am really trying to stay busy and keep my mind off missing him.

We do have our summer vacation coming up. We're going to San Diego 4th of July weekend and going to Sea World! I've never been and neither have my kids so I am way super excited! I have wanted to go ever since I was a kid and my dream is finally coming true. I really can't wait. We have a countdown going in this house.

And here's some visuals of what we've been up to the last couple of weeks:

I've been doing a lot of crafting, making headbands for my girls, making them more bows, making their outfits for 4th of July. Now if I could just learn to sew... it's my mission this summer.

I've been trying to be in more pictures with my kids... I am always behind the camera so here are some attempts.

Atalie has been enjoying her playmat... I think she's ready for lights and sounds though too. Err... well everyone has been enjoying Atalie's playmat.

Walking hand-in-hand...

We've gone to the splash park... one of our favorite things to do!

Soccer Games!

Spent some time by the pool with Diego's best friend and his Mom at her gym.

And lots of time at home just hanging out together...

Brother putting baby sister to sleep

Atalie and my nephew Javi ready to go to the park

Had to pull out the sofa seatbelt... I've done this with all my kids when they want to sit up like they're big but can't sit up yet.

Sharing one bed and not fighting!

And napping together

So we'll see what the next month has in store for us! Beside Sea World we have Alayna's 5th birthday party. We're halfway through summer vacation that the next half would just fly by!

Bits Of My Weekend

2010-06-14T01:22:00.000-07:00

Friday:

We went to Westgate for my sister's Birthday. She turned 23!
Full Post Here!

Saturday:

Atalie turned 2 months old so I decided to go through the stuff she is already out growing and put it away after I did laundry. And then I went and got a box of Arielle's old clothes. I have them stored away in boxes by sizes up to 2T so as Atalie starts outgrowing things I can have the next box ready. So I spent my afternoon switching things out of her closet and drawers. And HOLY does she have a lot of stuff!!!

Everything in front of the long green sleeper is her dresses, outfits, and pjs. All 0-3months or 3 months.

This drawer is all her onesies... there's over 40 in there. Plus the last row is more outfits and there's like 12 of them in there. Sheesh!

And then her shoes... I also have boxes (and yes I said it in plural) of shoes saved that she will eventually grow into up to size 7! So here's all the size one and twos. She's still wearing newborn though so all but 3 are too big for her still.

That took up most of my day but since we'd been inside I decided to take the girls shopping with me. We went to Hobby Lobby to start getting the things I need for Alayna's 5th birthday next month. Planning has officially begun.

Then we went to Kohls to take advantage of a $10 rewards card they sent me. I wanted a new pair of brown sandals because brown is like the only color I don't own. But once I got there I realized I also don't own silver or gold sandals and I feel in love with these!

$20 pair of sandals on sale for $11.99... and my $10 rewards card... I paid $2! Yay me! I'm always getting sales like this and I love it.

Sunday:

I slept on and off all day as did the girls. Diego had been gone spending the night at his Best Friend's house. His Mom is SO nice and let him stay over the whole weekend. So we just were lazy the entire day. Until Jr got done working at 5:00 and we went to his cousin's house to go swimming.

Arielle loves being at her Nino's house... as long as he's not holding her and kissing her! Here she is in her happy spirits! I love this Chunky Monkey!

Nichole's 23rd Birthday!

2010-06-12T00:14:00.000-07:00

My sister turned 23 so she decided she wanted to go out to Westgate. It was an all girls night and we had a blast! A blast may be an understatement. We bar hopped... started off at Calico Jacks Cantina, heard it was a good place. Some of us ordered some appetizers and some ordered drinks. The drinks were way expensive for the tiny glasses they came in! Not to mention the one my sister got tasted like Robitussin... nasty! The food way okay. The service wasn't that great. The atmosphere was kinda borning. And above all the chairs were hard and out butts were hurting after like 5 minutes! So we paid and got out of there.

Hello Westgate! The FUN has arrived!

My sister Nichole the Birthday girl and I

My Bestie Tiffany and I

Me and my Aunt Kika

Me and my cousin-in-law Sindi

Denise and I. Denise is my Mom's Best Friend :)

Me and the BEST sister-in-law ever Jennifer!

Ladies!

Falsies! That's how we roll...

Last year for my sister's birthday we went to Saddle Ranch and we loved it there so our next stop was Saddle Ranch. Got some drinks... bigger and better! We spent the majority of the night there. Talking, laughing, taking millions of pictures. Really having a good time.

Sisters at the Saddle Ranch

Group Shot!

Made Nichole take some shots

At midnight some of the girls went home because they had to work and such. By this time everyone had a good amount of drinks and fun and we were in the mood to dance. Although they play hip-hop music videos all night there's no where to really dance. So we decided lets head out.

Next stop was McFaddens. I hadn't been there but ever since it opened I had wanted to go. See the problem is though I never get out. One, because I have 4 kids and it's SO hard to get a babysitter. But even if I did... my husband hates going out dancing. He hates clubs, bars, anything of the sort. And although I can't do it all the time... it's nice to go out dancing once in a while. So I was excited about going. We walked over and let me tell you the last 2 hours of our night were the best! The place is cool, they dance on the bar a la Coyote Ugly style. They have a live Dj and lots of dancing. The people were interesting. It was just party atmosphere and we had a blast.

My aunt made me take a Patron shot... it was brutal. I spit half of it out back into the cup LMAO! I'll stick to what I like next time.

After all was said and done we had my Dad be our DD and he picked us all up and shuttled us all home. It sure was an adventure but it was so much fun! And we have MANY stories now!

Bits Of My Weekend

2010-06-10T09:35:00.001-07:00

Friday:

Alayna had her dress rehearsal for her Ballet recital. She did SO good I was so proud of her. There's a part in the dance when the front line of girls jumps back to join the back line of girls, and then they find their partner and run up together holding hands. Well Alayna's partner is sometimes in class and sometimes not. So the teacher tries to drill it in their head that if their partner is not there then they just have to pretend they have a partner and continue. Every routine we watched before hers the girls would get flustered if they couldn't find their partner and completely forget the choreography. When Alayna's class did their run-through everyone had their partner except for her. I didn't notice hers was missing until the part came. I thought "Oh no!" but she remembered and pretended to hold hands with someone and continued right on never missing a beat. I wish I would have recorded it! But I wasn't thinking... But at least I remember it. She did great and was SO excited!

(Alayna is at the far left)

Saturday:

Diego had his first soccer game. He likes soccer. And actually he is really good at it surprisingly. I hope he can continue if I can find him a different league to play on after this session is over. (If not, baseball sign ups are coming up!)

And his cheerleaders

And his number one fans too

On the field ready to go

The diva watching her brother

And his team won 8-5 and Diego even scored a goal! I caught it on video too.

But even at 8am it was hot outside. We totally melted out there. And I had this person strapped to my chest to make things worse!

But she was as happy as can be. Figures.

Later my Daddy treated us to some Jamba Juice!

And Alayna's Ballet Recital was that night... but I'll do a seperate post since I don't have any pictures yet. I wasn't feeling good so I didn't take out my camera.

Sunday:

I said I wasn't feeling good and by the morning I was feeling horrible. So Jr took me into the Urgent Care. I have strep throat, and ear infection, and I was running a fever. Seriously so horrible. I literally slept from Sunday until yesterday... hence the lateness is posting this weekend blog.

I'll be back to blogging soon...

Atalie Belle is 2 Months!

2010-06-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

Atalie @ 1 Month:

-10 lbs 13 oz

- inches long

-Wears size 1 diapers

-Wears newborn clothing and a few 0-3 months

-Drinks 4oz of formula every 3 hours.

-Sleeps from 9am-6am. Eats. And then sleeps until 9am.

-She loves to swim! We've gotten her into the pool a few times now.

-Loves me to carry her in my wrap still.

-Her swing is her favorite place to sleep

-Loves to be on her tummy

-She is so nosey. Always has to see what everyone else is doing!

Bits Of My Weekend

2010-05-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

Thursday:
Technically not part of my weekend but since I havent blogged I figured I'd add it)

Met my neice Laila for the first time. Born May 25th!

Atalie got to hang out with Laila while we visited at my sister's place.

Friday:

Alayna had her last ballet class and her recital is next week! So the girls all celebrated with treats after class!

I finally was able to capture Atalie smiling... blurry I know but there's a smile!

My sister and I made headbands for our daughters... I love them!

Junior helped his cousin move into his new house... and Atalie tested out the new bed after Jr put it together.

Saturday:

Went to watch Sex and the City 2 with one of my Best Friends. I hadn't seen the first one so I watched it in the morning prior to getting ready for our girls night.

And before the movie she treated me to Yogurtland! I'd never had it but it was so good! I think I am addicted now... that's a bad thing.

(Thanks Bestie for the night out!)

Sunday:

We went back to Jr's cousin Martin's new house for some swimming.

Monday:

And today we had a bbq with my family!

My Uncle Mario was here from California.

All 3 new babies were finally together

Ramon looks hungry... he wanted to eat Atalie... Laila didn't care though cuz she was getting her beauty sleep.

Grandpa and Ramon

My baby Princess Atalie Belle... She loves giving me these smirks now when I talk to her behind the camera.

Bits Of My Weekend

2010-05-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

Friday evening we went to the courthouse downtown to witness my Best Friend get married. I love her so much and am so happy that she found someone worth marrying. Now we share the same anniversary month! May is a good month for weddings.

Jazmine has been my friend for 11 years, she is Godmother to my first-born child, and she was Maid of Honor in my Wedding... we've been through quite a lot together. I met her the very first day of high school... Literally like 10 minutes from entering the gate. LOL Friends at first sight I guess!

Saturday we ran errands all day and cleaned just a bit.

But that night we went to the Sandbar to celebrate Jazmine & Justin's marriage. It was the first time Jr and I have gone out since Atalie has been born. It was also the first time I've left Atalie. But not overnight... I couldn't bear it. So while the other kids stayed away the whole night... we picked her up and brought her home with us.

It was a fun night out though for sure.

My sister did my hair and makeup. And my Dad bought me my outfit! My favorite part was my shoes... aren't they adorable?! I grabbed them as soon as I saw them and looked no further.
Thanks Nichole and Daddy!

(Don't mind the constipated look... Nichole made me stand there posed too long before she took the picture... I was under pressure)

With our designated driver in place we were off! (Jr enlisted his sister for this and thankfully she agreed)

Jr and I were both able to drink and have a good time. The last time we went out like this was last year in June for my sister/bro-in-law's birthday. We take it literal with the once a year drinking no? LOL

Jazmine and I

Sabrina (Jaz's Mom) and I

Me and my Honey

Sunday neither of us were hungover... I knew I wouldn't be but I wasn't so sure about Jr... but surprisingly he was fine! Jr really can't handle his alcohol but he did good.

After eating breakfast we picked up the kiddos and we went to his Mom's house so the kids could swim.

Not too many pictures... but the ones I do have are courtesy of this little girl:

Me and Atalie were her only subjects... she took like 20 of us in these same positions.

Better than nothing!

Ben & Jerrys

2010-05-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

It's been 5 months Mom. But instead of my usual post on how I miss you so (which I do) I will share something funny with you.

Remember that little itsy bitsy thing of Ben & Jerry's ice cream you bought right before my birthday? You know back in October?! And you remember how I wanted to eat it so bad and you never let me cuz it was yours. And we laughed about how cute it was and you still wouldn't let me eat it. (What kind of mother hold out on sweets from her darling daughter?) And you remember how it sat in there for a month until like Thanksgiving... and I saw it in the freezer every time I came over to visit and I still begged to eat it and you still always said no? Remember?

And it continued to stay in there until December. And then you passed away. And I couldn't beg you for it anymore because you weren't here to tell me no. And what fun would it have been to eat it without someone yelling at me that I couldn't have it.

Suddenly I didn't want it anymore.

And since then in these past 5 months you've been gone your freezer has been cleaned a few times. And everytime... the ice cream continues to stay in there.

I just can't bear to throw it away... or eat it for that matter.

Alayna's Preschool Non-Graduation Ceremony

2010-05-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

Haha... long story but they are not allowed to have a "graduation" ceremony at Alayna's school. So instead all the parents were invited to watch a show (the kids danced and sang songs), they received a certificate of completion (but they didn't graduate), and we all ate food afterward (but it wasn't a party or celebration).

When I arrived she was sitting there on the carpet waiting patiently. She looked so cute and I was so proud of her. A lot of the other kids were all rambunctious like... by my daughter was an angel. :)

Then they sang their songs...

After their little performance they got their bags which had their certificates, a class picture, some work they did throughout the year, and some fun little gifts from their teachers.

Their teachers also posed for a picture with her. Mrs. Carolina on the left and Mrs. Theresa on the right. They are like the nicest teachers ever... I really loved them!

Then it was time to enjoy the food...

They sang their goodbye song (song they sing as everyone leaves the classroom to go home) and released their balloons. The kids loved this! The song says: "Goodbye (insert name here... but in this case they said Everybody), Goodbye Everybody, Goodbye Everybody, Until we see you again."

I can't believe that after this summer my baby girl will be in Kindergarten! Sheesh!

(I have to add that my sister, Alayna's Nina, bought her this outfit just because... and Alayna saved it all week long just for her last day of school. Isn't it adorable?!)

Then we went home with all her goodies. One Mom brought each student a balloon and when we got home this is what Alayna decided to do with it... Thanks Nichole I think you started a trend ;)

Nice Spring Evenings

2010-05-20T09:51:00.001-07:00

Another wonderful evening.

The weather has been so nice so I've been taking the kids outside a lot. Once the summer hits us full force there is no way I am stepping foot outside if I don't have to so I might as well take advantage now.

Plus the kids love being outside... and I get a break.

So Atalie and I took our usual spot on a blanket while Diego and Layna ran and chased each other.

And I marveled at how beautiful my baby is. I can't help it... she's just so cute.

Even her humongous feet are adorable!

And then I took out some bubbles and Diego and Alayna decided they wanted to take turns blowing them for Atalie.

And Atalie loved watching the bubbles... she was following them around...

Arielle had just woken up from a nap so she refused to go outside with us. She sat inside looking out the window. Stubborn girl.

BUT when she saw the bubbles (She's become obsessed with them. Can you blame her though? Who doesn't love bubbles?!) she came running out demanding they be handed to her. Luckily Diego and Alayna were bored of them.

Arielle was quite literally "happy".

But I wasn't "happy" when earlier in the day she did this:

Which is why she was napping before this little bubble blowing fiasco.

But really she's just so cute how can I stay mad at her?

I mean bubbles just make everything better...

Even a 7 year old still likes bubbles.

So the day ended in love. I love my kids. They love me. And they love eachother.