Diego is TEN

Today my baby boy is 10 years old! Time flies for sure. When he was born I was scared out of my mind. That the tiny 6lb 2oz bundle coming home with us was my responsibility. I had to care for him, love him, teach him, discipline him and share far more experiences with him than I knew I was in for. Loving him was the easy part.

He was a happy baby.  Never cried never fussy. (Okay maybe once or twice) As soon as he was a toddler he was off. Talking way before most babies talk. Dancing. Potty trained at 18 months. This kid was ready to be an adult by the age of 2. And I always wondered... am I doing okay? Is he going to grow up and be a good man? Someone people admire and respect?

When he became a brother even at 2 years old you could see the person he was becoming. He adored his sister and immediately took the brother role. He protected her and wanted nothing more than to be around her, protect her, and see her happy. 2 more sisters later he is still this way with each one of them.

He loves his Mama. I know all my babies love me but I am not sure if it's cuz he is a boy or because he is Diego but he loves me more than anyone I know. He wants to please me and see me happy. He is my other half around here. Without him I couldn't function. He helps me in so many ways physically and emotionally. And he takes this on like its nothing. Most kids dont have a care in the world. And as much as I try and make him just be a child and play and get into trouble and just not care and let loose. It is just not Diego.

So here we are... I have spent a decade with this boy. I've seen him deliriously happy. I have seen his heart break. I have seen him take on things that children shouldn't have to deal with. And each and every time he is the one who is teaching me something. All along I thought it was me who had to mold him but in truth I can't take credit for him. He was born as great person. Everything he is, is him alone. He is naturally a person that people admire and a respect. God gave him these qualities and I stand by in amazement because I dont know what I did to be so lucky to be a witness to how awesome he is. I REALLY don't.

We had a conversation recently about parent child roles and I tell him its so hard to be a parent to him because I feel like when we have conversations with him... his daddy and I... he understands everything and is so mature. I told him, "Diego when you were born our job was to take care of you. Teach you. Raise you. And your job is to learn from us and become a great man. Instead you already have knowledge within you to be a great person and we stand by here and watch you with our hands up because all we can do is surrender." He replied,  "Mom you had me at a very young age. You were still in high school. But you finished and set an example... so whats wrong with me and you growing up together and learning from eachother? Then we can teach the girls to be good people. I can help." This kid is  amazing. Seriously.

I love you my son. Happy birthday! I hope today we can make you a bit as happy as you have made me and your Daddy! You are our everything!

A Pre-Birthday Surprise!

So it started like this... I enter contests for the radio station I listen to religiously... KMLE Country 107.9 because trying to call in and win anything never even comes close for me. I don't quite have the luck my sisters does. I enter contest regularly when I read about them on their Facebook or Twitter. I do it a lot. But much to my surprise I get a call yesterday. Seeing a random number pop up on my phone I decided to answer. The girl on the other end was cheery and upbeat as she told me I won passes for the contest I had entered! I was like Woo! Elated. I was told I could take 2 people with me. Immediately I thought of my husband and my sister. But unfortunately they both work real people jobs... so right away I  thought OMG Diego would LOVE to go! And seeing that his birthday is on the 27th I thought what could be more perfect?! My husband said, "You're gonna take Diego?" My thoughts were DUH who else would appreciate this experience and be as excited as me other than my little country music loving spawn?! So I stayed tight lipped because what I really wanted to do was spill the beans... but what fun would that be?

So this morning with a little conversation on the way to school I found out what time he heads to lunch at school. 11:15. Perfect. I was asked to be at the station at 11:30 and I wanted to pick him up before he headed to lunch so it wouldn't take too long for staff to track him down for me. I dropped the girls off (Thanks Sindi you're a dollface for watching them!) And I went to school to pull him out. When he walked into the office he had no clue what was going on. He asked, "Where's Alayna?" I told him she was staying in class and that he was going with me. He gave me a blank stare and said, "What did I do?" Haha! Well truth was nothing so I said, "We're doing something special just you and I that's all."

Next task... get downtown without getting lost or killing us. Easy? Well Kinda. We're alive so that's good. See... I am NOT a driver. I hate driving. I have no idea where to go... and I do not know how to drive downtown. I can get certain places easily but  all the one ways confuse and scare me. So I plugged the address into my trusty GPS on my phone. All was going great until I passed the building. I am like uhh... so much for trusty. As the lady on my phone kept jabbering away I was telling Diego, "I think the GPS made me pass it!" But I continued to follow her. When she got to the  end she said, "Destination is on the left". It was on the left alright. Same place I had passed. And no entrance from where I was coming from. So with the one ways I had to pass it again turn around and go back. And then of course no parking. So I was directed to another parking lot... we had to walk across the street not bad and still made it on time. So I mean an adventure can't be an adventure without some adventure... right?

Before we got out of the car I finally told Diego what I was up to...

We are definitely X Factor watchers and I was in LOVE with Tate Stevens since the beginning. He was so humble, and so family oriented, plus he was country and I always am drawn to the country artists in competitions. My husband was even on the Tate bandwagon and Diego helped me vote every week from both our cell phones for him. We were dedicated and wanted him to win. So when he won we were so excited. And when they called and said we'd get to hear him sing a few songs and meet him I was totally down!

When we got there we were fed. Pretty cool :) And we got a tour of the studio and offices. I thought it was neat but it was so much cooler to see Diego finally put together the names and voices of the people we listen to daily with a face. 

David Dean was On Air so we got to wave and wait for him to finish. It was also his birthday today so we sang to him.

He was gracious enough to pose for pictures with us. I took one of him and Diego and then a lady offered to take one with me in it. My eyes have been swollen and puffy these past few days with allergies so I hesitated but when would I be lucky enough to have another chance?

 After a tour of everything and pictures and meeting people we were taken to a small room with a stage and waited for Tate Stevens.

There was like 20 in the room and it was so cool to have him just sit and talk to us. Answer questions and of course he sang a few songs from his upcoming first album.

He sang his first single "The Power of a Love Song" which I had heard already a couple times. Such a beautiful song. I am known to be a crybaby and I shed a tear hearing him sing it live. Swoon.

At one point when Tate, or Tater as he said everyone who truly knows him calls him, was telling us how the audition process went... he was trying to recall a date. He asked, "What's today's date?" And Diego like a cannon shouted out, "The 22nd!" Everyone laughed and he said wow that was quick! Diego replied, "Cuz my birthday is in 5 days!" Which caused everyone to laugh even harder! They joked about it and we got to hear him talk with us some more. If I didn't like him before I like him even more now. The charismatic humble man I saw on TV is exactly the same in person. I've never met a celebrity before and this was fun to just meet someone who is on his way up and in my opinion will have a great career in country music. He sounds awesome live. It was really fun for me... but even better seeing how cool it was for Diego.

After the mini concert the whole staff was telling Diego happy birthday and treating him like royalty... high fives and all. Here he is with Brad Booker and Nina D. Whom we love listen to!

After more high fives Diego got to talk more with Tate. He signed him an autograph and took pictures!

And I got one too :)

And then they surprised us and gave Diego a birthday present. The Gary Allen CD (Thank goodness he shares my love of country music), stickers, and some tickets for our family for the Renaissance Festival. It was so nice of them and I am glad that Diego and I could do this together. I remember my first concert like it was yesterday and I was in 7th grade. I know today and this experience will be something he will never forget.

On the way out I couldn't help but try and steal a smooch from Mr. Aldean. I stare at his face everyday when I sit at my desk... I think I need a cardboard cutout now too.

Before heading back to real life... you know picking up the kids from school and being a Mommy again... we grabbed some Starbucks. A great day for a great boy!

Thanks KMLE Country 107.9!

Firebird's FINAL EVENT SPECTACULAR

NAPA AUTOPARTS FIREBIRD FINAL EVENT SPECTACULAR, PRESENTED BY THE ARIZONA FORD DEALERS

Event to feature Monster Trucks, Robosaurus™, Jet Dragsters, Funny Cars and an Interactive Kids Zone

WHAT:            Firebird International Raceway is gearing up to go out with a bang as they prepare for the Final Event Spectacular to be held at the track on Saturday, March 30^th.  The event will feature the legendary monster trucks Bounty Hunter, Scarlett Bandit, Bigfoot and more.  Fans will also witness ROBOSAURUS, the 30-ton fire-breathing, transforming T-Rex that eats cars and airplanes for an afternoon snack.  The event will also include Funny Cars and Jet Dragsters speeding down the raceway at 300 miles per hour.   Kids will be in for a special treat at the Kids Zone, where they will find interactive games and inflatable’s to keep them busy. This event has something for the entire family!

WHEN:                        Saturday, March 30, 2013
                        Gates open at 4 p.m.

                        Pit Party 4:30 – 6 p.m.

                        Main event 6 p.m.

WHERE:           Firebird International Raceway

                        20,000 Maricopa Road, Chandler AZ

TICKETS:          Tickets go on sale on January 20^th and start at $25 for adults.  Kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult.  Call the Firebird Raceway Box Office at 602-268-0200  or go to www.FirebirdRaceway.com for tickets.

BUT I HAVE A DISCOUNT FOR YOU!

$10 OFF 

This is an online offer (office hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm where a representative can help someone with a transaction if anyone is having trouble online).

FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Select your tickets through the link below, you may choose either pit side or spectator side, general admission or reserved 

Step 2: Click "Apply Discount" to your tickets in your shopping cart and enter "MOMMYSAURUS" in the discount box 

Step 3: Select "$10 off Ticket" from the drop down menu and click "change discount".

Remember to apply the discount for EACH of your Adult tickets!

Purchase tickets here:

http://firebird.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=167

Disney On Ice Treasure Trove

ENDLESS RICHES ABOUND WHEN

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS TREASURE TROVE

COMES TO THE US AIRWAYS CENTER

Feld Entertainment’s New Ice Spectacular

Celebrating the Legacy of Disney’s Classic Animated Films

Skates into the US Airways Center April 11 – 14, 2013

(Phoenix, AZ / January 15, 2013) – Audiences will discover endless riches when an extraordinary lineup of stories from the Disney Vault come to life for the ultimate Disney animation celebration in Phoenix with the new production,     Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove.  Disney On Ice sets the gold standard with its newest skating spectacular spanning tales from the first full-length animated film to the 50^th Disney film, coming to the US Airways Center from April 11 – 14, 2013.  Tickets are now on sale and available to purchase through the US Airways Center Box Office, online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

Hit the ice with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy as they embark on a fun-filled treasure hunt for some of the most popular Disney films ever.  Families can expect to get tangled up in the Walt Disney Studio’s 50^th animated feature with Tangled stars Rapunzel and Flynn, and enter the worlds of other favorite Disney princesses – Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan, and of course, the one who started it all, Snow White. Youngsters of all ages will enjoy setting sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell, and the cantankerous Captain Hook & his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Never Land and trekking the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the ‘Circle of Life.’ And no one wants to be late to a very important date with Alice & the Mad Hatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts’ Army of Cards.  Highlighting eight Disney movies and more than 50 Disney characters featured, Feld Entertainment’s Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove has a magical story for every generation to relive!

WHEN:           April 11 – 14, 2013

Thursday, April 11      7:00 PM

Friday, April 12           10:30 AM & 7:00 PM

Saturday, April 13       11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, April 14         1:00 PM + Spanish Language Performance at 4:30 PM

WHERE:        US Airways Center – 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 850

PRICES:         Ticket prices range from $18, $24, $40 (VIP) and $58 (Front Row)

                        Opening Night seats available for only 50% off (discount does not apply to premium seating)

                                **All seats reserved; service charges and handling fees may apply

Alayna's Lalaloopsy Birthday Party

The party that started out as a Wizard of Oz theme... didn't quite happen. You see this summer Alayna has learned about the Wizard of Oz and being that it's always been one of my favorites as a child we talked about it a lot. So when it came time for me to start planning her birthday party I asked her if she wanted Lalaloopsy or Wizard of Oz. I think with the hype she chose Wizard of Oz. Unfortunately I didn't get a jump start on her party like I usually do because the summer has been crazy busy. But with my sister's help I did put together the MOST ADORABLE Wizard of Oz invitations and we delivered them.

And 3 days before her party she tells me, "Mommy I really wish I was having a Lalaloopsy birthday..."

I was like, "Child you couldn't have told me that a long time ago?!"

But since I only had a couple things for her party and nothing major my sister kinda convinced me to just change the theme to what she actually wanted. So against my OCD self when it comes to planning (you know I have to have plenty of time to have the whole party mapped out in my head and go over every detail for weeks in advance)I changed the theme and she was one happy girl.

So in one day I had to run around and buy everything for her party and luckily my sister was able to do all the design work for me and have it all printed. And my son and I ran all over town looking for the dolls she wanted as her gift. AND not only that but in one of our pit stops that day, my husband and I were walking through the Lalaloopsy section at Target (we were kidless) and he found a "Jewel Sparkles" dress on clearance for $14! So he bought it. But when we got home we had a very sad younger sister Arielle because she is JUST as obsessed with the dolls as Alayna. And Daddy said another trip to Target was in order. So off we went to buy a "Crumbs Sugar Cookie" dress. And when I got home I was so excited and the girls tried on their dresses with the tights and shoes... and in walks my baby Tal. And she was fascinated that her older sisters looked just like the dolls she plays with everyday. And that's when I turned to Daddy and stuck out my lip and said... "Baby needs a dress too." By this time it was so late that Target was closed. So we jumped in the car a 3rd time and drove to Walmart for the "Mittens Fluff N Stuff" dress and had them price match it.

Oh the things I do for my girls. And the things my Husband does for us!(Don't worry Diego wasn't left out... he got a wrestler!)

So well into the night I was up cleaning, baking, decorating, and wrapping. But like I always say... it was worth it to see my baby girl with pure happiness. She got exactly what she wanted.





Alayna is my crafty child. She loves anything to do with drawing, coloring, and being creative. So I set up a craft station for the girls to make their own Lalaloopsy doll. It was a "naked" doll and I set out crayons, pipe cleaners, foam stickers, and poms for them to use.



As guests started to arrive we took pictures in front of my decorated wall.

Alayna & Her Nina

Fernanda

Emma

Laila


Julia


Mia


Karla


Birthday Girl Alayna Danae

Baby Sister Atalie Belle

My 3 Lalaloopsy Dolls

After eating the girls started on their activity. And it was a hit! They played at that table the entire party!









Grandpa and Abby got there a little late because of church and my Grandma wanting to feed them afterward... but when they did Arielle was the first to greet Grandpa!

But Atalie quickly followed.

I pulled Alayna away for a little bit to get a picture of her with them too.

It was funny because Arielle was standing next to me as I took the pictures of Alayna and when she saw Grandpa and Abby kiss Alayna... she yelled, "My turn!" Which made everyone laugh. She got so embarrassed. But Grandpa and Abby were happy to do it... and that made Arielle obviously very happy!

Then it was time to sing Happy Birthday. My best friend Tiffany made them for her. I love Tiffany, I didn't want to bug her yet again for another one of my many parties to make me some cupcakes but she offered. And as always I cannot say no because I LOVE her cupcakes. They're my favorite!



And her favorite part was opening presents. And we watched as she opened Lalaloopsy after Lalaloopsy among the other tons of stuff she got... clothes, Barbies, a lunch box, activity books, games. But her expression and she opened each Lala and discovered it was yet another one that she wanted so badly. Priceless!





And a gift I was so excited about was the Lalaloopsy backpack my cousin Vanessa got her!

I love how Arielle got bored watching her open all those dolls and not being able to play with them. She just laid there daydreaming.

But she made out great. Here's a portion of what she got.

I took the opportunity for another photo session with the birthday girl...

Alayna and my Sister Nichole

Cousins: Mia, Alayna, Karla

Cousins: Emma and Alayna

Brother got to emerge from his room towards the end of the party and both wearing their Nerd glasses I bought them.

Me and my Princess

I just love my girls (Tal was napping)

Me and my friend Tracy!

Alayna handed out her goodie bags

She also handed out the button cookies I slaved over the night before. It was my first time making cookies so don't laugh at them.

And I passed out the cake pops I made. A pain in the butt they are... but I have perfected my chocolate ones that I dare not make any other flavore because these are so freakin delicious!!!

Everyone agrees with me except Kika who likes to be difficult... but deep down inside she loves them.

After everyone left I crashed out and left Daddy on duty the rest of the night. Apparently he was wrestling and screaming with them in my bedroom the whole night and I didn't even hear any of it.

I was exhausted.

But look at this face?!

You my baby girl are my best gift! I love you more than you'll ever know!