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Tuesday, May 31

Thinking peace

Kip woke me up around two pm yesterday with an invite to see Hangover 2.  I got out of bed after a long weekend at work excited to go out with him.  My mom had taken the kids swimming so we were kid free with no one to chase after, or feed or pick a kids movie for.

I packed raspberries in my bag and bought dark chocolate and laughed really hard (movie is funny but definitely not as good as the first).

We stopped for tacos before getting home and cleaned up Audrey's playroom before bed (it took a whole hour with all of us working on it).

Such a good Memorial Day.

Jeremiah recently got to watch The Pacific and Band of Brothers (two favorite mini series which I highly recommend) with dad ... it has helped him understand American history, what an important job our soldiers have, what they risk and how dangerous guns are.  Have you watched?

I hope families everywhere are at peace remembering their loved ones.

Friday, May 27

Nike+ is gifting free Nike+ GPS Apps



I was sent some cool info... think you might like...

In celebration of Nike+ turning 5 this year, Nike+ is gifting free Nike+ GPS Apps, available on iTunes App Store for a limited time.

I thought some of you might want to add this app (you can wear shoes of your choice)!

I use it all the time during my runs... it's been a great way to keep track of my progress and a great motivator.

If you are running these days, and have an iPhone, I know you will love it too.

Thursday, May 26

Summer must haves

Summer must haves

Summer must haves by Marcela Beatty featuring nine west sandals

Summer musts. New sandals for summer parties. New pretty polish. A paleta maker for all the pops I want to make the kids. New hiking shoes. A backpack to carry sunscreen, snacks and a picnic blanket during long trekking. Lavender from my backyard to make lot's of iced tea to last through the summer with a book to read while the kids are at swim class... and a bike has been on my list for a long time.
Nine west sandal
$99 - ninewest.com

Teva shoes
outlet.altrec.com

Backpack
$36 - shopko.com

Ice Pops Cookbook | Williams-Sonoma
$6.99 - williams-sonoma.com

Monday, May 16

Lunes


We had a good weekend here.  Audrey used the potty all weekend long... today too!
It's really weird how it happened.  I had kind of let go of the whole potty training thing.. just way too hard and I kept feeling like she was just not ready. 

Anyway, this weekend, she just did, I didn't have to sit her on the potty like every 2 minutes or leave her without pants all day long.  
She just did. 

She just runs over, hands between her legs, I need to potty, I need to potty. 

Which makes me wonder if there is even such a thing as potty training?  And if there is, is it even worth the trouble... why not just wait till she decides and is obviously ready?

Speaking of readiness.. she is so not ready to stop breastfeeding.   Although it's the last thing I want to do sometimes, once I start, it always feels like I'm exactly where I should be doing exactly what I should. 

I know that is exactly how she feels also. 

Friday, May 13

Celebrating Women

It's National Women's Health week... a reminder for all of us to get our regular check ups.  

Being a nurse I often notice that cultural and language barriers keep Latinas from being able to explain their symptoms or understand their doctor's advice. 

I think in our culture we are either taught not to trust our doctors or never question what they say. 

Yet... how can we trust them if we are scared and never question? How can we decide what's right for us whether it be childbirth, cancer or diabetes if we don't learn about the options we have?

So this week not only are we going to schedule our check ups, we are also going to remember to ask, ask, and ask questions and communicate freely with our doctors...ok?

Saint John's McAlister Health Center, a local hospital, sent me info on what they are doing to bring awareness and educate Latinas in Southern California... they are doing good things like wanting to open up the dialogue in English and Spanish between patients and their doctors. 

I'm loving this hospital's mind set and hope more follow soon ... "empowering Latinas to ask questions and to communicate freely about women-related health issues is the first step in educating them". 

Let's celebrate women this week, our health and well being and remember that we are in charge of making our health a priority...

So.. fess up... when was your last check up?


My favorite women(because it only seemed appropriate)... whom I hope will always be healthy( : 

Bridesmaids


Iv'e been skipping out on trips to the show lately... yet this movie is one I'm looking forward to. 
Not only does Judd Apatow make the funniest movies, Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph are pretty hilarious (speaking of Maya... did you ever see Away We Go? I liked, recommend it). 


Have you seen the Bridesmaids trailer yet? Will you catch it at the show or wait for it on DVD?


I'm thinking... a movie trip sounds good this weekend. ( :

Thursday, May 12

Communion

Jeremiah's first communion was very special.

I am so glad I waited for him to get a little older to do it.  I think he learned and understood so much more at this age.

The celebration included mass followed by lunch at a local Italian place.

The kids ate mozzarella sticks while the adults started off with fried calamari, artichoke dip and fried zucchini.  We had wine and I let Jeremiah have a Sprite to drink since it was such a special day.  During lunch he asked me what had happened to his soda... only to find that miss Audrey had gulped down his soda trading her water for his special drink.

We ate way too much pizza and yummy dessert (a gift from grandma).





That night when we were getting ready for bed I overheard Kip tell Jeremiah how proud of him he was...

We all are. 

Sunday, May 8

Mother's Day...

Kip took the kids out to a movie and shopping this morning so I could get some much needed uninterrupted sleep ( I worked last night).

I slept... and slept some more when Audrey got in bed to cuddle with me upon their return.  She asked to breastfeed.  I said yes, and we fell asleep together some more. 

I woke up to a new (and much needed) wallet!  And they brought dinner home too!  And Iv'e been catching up on lots of Mothers Day texts from friends and family!

I am happy and in love. 

I hope my mother feels happy and in love today too!

And hope all mother's feel happy and loved!


Giveaway:

In celebration of Mother's Day and La Leche League International's new slogan campaign... got breastmilk? I have a copy of their new book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and a travel mug to give away to one of you!

Just leave any comment on this post (US only) and I will randomly pick a winner on May 18th.  

I hope you love this giveaway as much as I do, this is such a great book to give as a gift or keep in your library to share with friends and family!

*got milk? sent me the same package they are sending one of you.  No other compensation was given. 

Thursday, May 5

For Mothers Day

A couple of weeks ago... Baby Einstein sent Audrey some of their new Discovery Kits.  They were really nice with their shipment, so I took some to work and shared with a couple of co workers (new moms to toddlers) who all had good things to say...like how much they got done while baby was busy.

Audrey has enjoyed the kits, specially the cd's that accompany.  
I love to hear her sing, and see her dance (and really need to video tape more often).  
She makes me feel so alive. 

Mother's Day is near, a special day, I love... to get gifts and not get any older!

If you are looking for something special to do for a dear friend....

fill a basket or gift bag
with a lovely colored nail polish
some yummy tea bags...

and something to keep the little one busy while mom sips on tea and does her nails. 

Something to keep them singing and dancing. 

*Baby Einstein sent kits for Audrey, we shared with friends, and Audrey really does enjoy them. 

Tuesday, May 3

Brunette

As I brushed Audrey's hair I whispered...

You are beautiful ,  you are smart, you are funny, you have beautiful long hair...just like Rapunzel.


Audrey responded, "Rapunzel cut her hair, then she like me" (referring to the movie Tangled after her hair is cut and her hair turns brown).

I quickly answered.. yes Rapunzels hair is cut and turns brown, a beautiful brown just like yours.

This made me think.

Originally I was comparing her hair to Rapunzels long blonde hair.

Why would I compare her hair to Rapunzels long hair?  Audreys hair is not blonde.
Is this what I want Audrey to think is beautiful? Long, blonde hair? Why would I compare her hair to anyone at all?

I'm not quite sure, why I said this.  Maybe because I know how much Audrey loves Rapunzel,
 or is this what I think is beautiful?

This has been on my mind... I want Audrey to love herself just the way she is.

It's made me realize what big part I play with her self image. And how important it is for me to let her know how special she is.

Now I'm looking for a brunette Rapunzel doll with no luck so far.

This also makes me think.

Monday, May 2

Panela, tomato and Melon Salad


The kids and I have stated our vegetable garden. It was a full day of work with fights over the water hose, several breaks for snacks and getting wet, need for baths post gardening and a ladybug release to celebrate. 
  Tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, mint, cucumbers and squash. 

Audrey has a "let's water the plants mami" obcession going on and Jeremiah keeps checking out the strawberries hoping to beat the squirrels to the first one. 



I find joy in seeing my picky eaters try the different dishes from our cosecha (harvest), they are much more willing to try knowing they have worked hard at growing the veggies. 


I have a yummy recipe to share that uses plenty of seasonal fruits you might have in your garden or are easy to find in the store, including tomatoes, melon, jicama, basil, watercress and cilantro. 

It would make a perfect meal paired with bolillos or french bread...

or make a yummy salad for your Cinco de Mayo celebraciones!

Grilled Cacique® Panela over Summer Tomato & Melon Salad with Lime-Chile dressing



Ingredients:

Salad: 1 package (10oz) Cacique queso Panela, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices 
1 tbsp. olive oil
4oz assorted baby/small multi-colored tomatoes, washed in cold water
1 cup watermelon cut  cut into 1/2 inch cubes or balls using a melon baller
1 cup honeydew melon or other green melon cut into 1/2 inch cubes or balls
1/2 cup jicama, peeled and julienned 
1/4 cup fresh basil and cilantro leaves, tossed together
1 bunch watercress or baby arugula, washed in cold water,then dried well

Dressing: 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp. chipotle chile canned in adobo, minced fine with some of the sauce in the can
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

For dressing add all the ingredients together, mix well and season with salt and pepper, add more chipotle if more spice is desired

For cheese: preheat the grill or bbq. Be sure the grill grate is very clean and place it on BBq to heat up. Once the coals are ready and the grill is smoking hot, lightly oil the grill and the cheese slices. Carefully place the cheese on the grill for about 10 to 15 seconds until the cheese takes some grill marks, and then remove from the grill. 
For salad: lay a bed or watercress or baby arugula on a large platter. Arrange the assorted melons, tomatoes and jicama on the greens. Lay the grilled cheese over the salad, and then drizzle with the dressing. Sprinkle basil and cilantro leaves around and add a touch of salt and ground pepper. Serve immediately. 


 Enjoy!

*No compensation of any kind was given for sharing this recipe with you.  Cacique sent me this recipe just in time... when I'm planning my veggie garden dishes(:
Salad picture credit: Cacique

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