flew by

Audrey's birthday party is this weekend and there really hasn't been much else on her mind. Talks about who will be there what we will eat what we will do and how it's going to be SO much fun have filled our home.

Iv'e taken the kids out for ice cream every one of my off days this week... and this might be due to more of my own cravings. ( :

We cleaned out Jeremiah's closet yesterday, and I almost wish I hadn't. Every time we clean his things out we give more toys away... and every time we do it looks more like a teenagers room and less like my little boys room.

When did all those action figures not become so important in his life? It just flew by, it seems. And all those times I wished there was less toy clutter...I miss them. 

I think I want ice cream right now...

short hair

Friday morning I get out of the shower and find some of Audrey's hair on the kitchen floor. Scissors left as evidence on the counter...scared to see the damage... Que paso???


Apparently she wants her hair short. This is the second time she has done this in the last two weeks so she is obviously very serious about not wanting long hair. I'm taking her in for a cut asap. (:


Jeremiah starts summer vacation in three days. I'm so happy about this. I love having him home. No pressure about drop off's or pick ups. Everything is so much more relaxed around here. I think it's just what we need before baby gets here.

The kids have already requested lots of beach days and I'm totally feeling this request....

The Avengers

Oh.... the boys here are super excited to see The Avengers this weekend. It's been quite the talk on car rides to school... are your boys feeling the I can't wait's also?

Confession: I might be feeling it a little too...two super hero lovers will do that to you...

Kip and Jeremiah have a date after school tomorrow to watch while Audrey and I head out to a 1st birthday party.

Then on Saturday they plan on taking mommy to see it too. ( : I think they just want to see it a second time. ( :

fried yucca

I am feeling a whole lot better. I still get a couple nausea episodes during the day... like when I leave work in the mornings and walk into the parking lot.  I'm not sure if it's a smell or that it's morning ... whatever it is...my first couple minutes after getting in the car are usually spent gagging. 

Lovely.

I'm definitely starting to show (belly pictures soon) but not enough to wear maternity clothes so everything is feeling snug these days. 

We took the kids to Disneyland and California Adventure recently and had so much fun together. We all played hookie one day from work and school and spent the day getting on rides eating yummy things...like pickles...Disneyland has the BEST pickles!

Iv'e been on this Salvadoran childhood food crave over the last month. I'm not sure why but all the foods I didn't pay much attention to as a child are exactly what make me feel good these days. 

I've raided the Latino markets lately and had a list of foods for my mom to bring back from her recent trip to El Salvador. 

Beans and rice, plantains, yucca...oh, fried yucca...hibiscus tea, vegetable and bean soups...fruits like mangos and guavas...

Excuse my food post....it's that obvious I guess...that I'm pregnant!( :

What foods comforted you during pregnancy? Were they foods that mom made or you ate as a child?

his style

 Outside, with guitar and music book in hand. On our way to lessons. 

Sometimes Audrey and I fight over who's Jeremiah he is...

"he's my Jeremiah"

"no, he's my Jeremiah"

She always wins.

completely his style....

shirt : Macys (we got all three)

skinny pants: zumies

shoes: Vans

a little late to Thursdays link up but still having so much fun with small style

birthday bowl

Last night we bowled.

Audrey in bowling shoes = super cute.
Kip set up a bowling ramp for her and she would jump and throw her hands up in the air after her turn.

Jeremiah would power slide across the floor (slide on his knees while pretending to play the guitar) after his. His friend joined us to celebrate his birthday.

(and mine... Jeremiah and I share the same day)

I had a mojito.

And we all shared a meal of mozzarella sticks, cheese fries and pizza.

When the kids weren't bowling they were dancing.  I think all of us (except Kip) were dancing and singing to Justin Bieber at one point. ( :

There were thoughts of getting cake or ice cream post bowling but after such a huge meal there was just no way we could fit cake in...we were super satisfied and sometimes after having such a great time...
birthday cake is just not needed.

I only got this one picture last night, I totally took my camera with me but just didn't take any, and when I asked myself this morning why I had forgotten to take pictures??

I answered me by saying... we were just having way too much fun. 

eleven

In need of good food, some sun, play and a change of scenery we got out of the house

(the kids had been at each other all morning). 

Moods quickly changed to happy as we ate pizza outside at Plaza Las Fuentes. 

Jeremiah had been craving a slice of pizza after a week of mostly soft foods from getting braces. 

today he turns eleven, and as difficult it is for me to accept that he is growing into himself, I can't complain...

he has so much love and kindness, and funnies inside him

post lunch faces

and carousel rides before heading home 

on she
top/dress: olvera street LA

leggings: childrens place

sandals: saltwater

on him
 darth vader top: Target

 skinny jeans: Levi's

shoes: vans

joining and loving all the cute kids on small style

swimmers ear

Yesterday, we splashed in a friends pool all afternoon.  Kip and I saw The Adjustment Bureau (I am in love with Matt Damon even more now) while the kids played in Jeremiah's room and we all went to bed super tired.

Around midnight Audrey woke up complaining of an ear ache.  We tried to settle her and comfort her back to sleep but it was hurting her way too much. I quickly got out of bed and googled "swimmers ear", then gave her some pain reliever and turned the heating pad on to rest her head.

Nothing helped.  And I think between the 3 of us we got 3 hours of sleep. 

Today she is doing much better. She played outside and took a much needed long nap.

 Jeremiah can officially say it's summer, today was his last day of school.  He also showed me a picture he took with his iPod of his favorite girl in school... but I'm not telling. 

I work all weekend and the first day back is always the hardest. 

I hope all of you have a beautiful weekend....

I will leave you with more fun photo booth pictures from the Pampers event...

xoxo Marcela

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. 

twitterpated

I might have a little Disney addiction left from the cruise.

Bambi was Jeremiah's favorite movie.  We owned it on VHS years ago. ( : He absolutely loved Thumper.

 So excited about it coming out on Blu-ray and getting to watch it with the kids again.

Since it's Valentines week...thought you would enjoy this clip.

*I was sent a review copy of Bambi on Blu-ray.  Was not required or given any compensation for sharing this with you. 


*Edited 2/28/11 Here is a $10 off coupon to buy it on Blu-ray 

Less isn't always good

Jeremiah's closet finally got cleaned out. 

We went trough every toy, Lego piece, puzzle, crayon, and book .... he had... I almost cried.  Several times. 

I would ask ... do you still want this?

He would quickly answer ... no, I don't play with that anymore. 

So to the donation box it would go... a little piece of my little boy leaving me, for good. 

At one point I even got mad he was giving away so much.  

I will be eleven this year!

And Kip helping out saying  ... I didn't play with toys like that when I was ten. 

For years I always wanted less toys in the house.  Less stuff to clean.  Less stuff to step on.  Less stuff. 

Right now.  Less isn't feeling so good. 

Milagros

*Disclaimer: I was compensated  for attending a Pampers brand event.  Thoughts and feelings on the event are all my own.  


 Sometimes, you just can't explain it.  Or put into words. Or know exactly what you felt....

except you know that it's the most amazing feeling, ever.  You are inundated with love.  And peace.  And for that moment everything is perfect.


Miracles.

my two little miracles working on gingerbread house

Audrey and I were invited to the launch of Pampers brand "Pequeño Milagro" (Every Little Miracle) campaign. The event took place at MacArthur Park Primary Center, a very cute pre school/kindergarten center with majority Latino student population.

We enjoyed goodies.  Got to see blogger friends (which is always the best part about going to these sort of things).... and I got to chase Audrey around the playground ( :  Yay!

Catalina, me, Liz, and Jennifer

The students had a special performance prepared,  spanglish Christmas carols... and when Audrey saw all the kids lined up singing fun songs she HAD to join in. 

It was the cutest thing watching her sing along and join them.

Pampers announced the donation of a mural to this lovely school, and from the pictures of mothers and babies we saw and the great local artists Retna and El Mac who will work on it...I'm sure it will be beautiful.  

We heard all about the new campaign.

Their new Milagro campaign promises to provide resources and support for Latina mothers and their babies remembering that "every baby is a little miracle", they also have a new facebook page. It's specially geared towards Latina moms. 

We also had a chance to meet Barbara Bermudo from the popular spanish show Primer Impacto.  She is the perfect choice for spokesperson of this Latina focused campaign (just as lovely in real life) .... the honorary madrina, as they call her.   She was glowing all over, giving birth to her second baby girl just one month ago.  She is also on Pampers Latino facebook page, her videos, chats and pictures show just how much of a sweetheart she is.

with Barbara Bermudo

Visit Pampers Latino on facebook, and "like" them.  I just did ( :

(more gingerbread pictures to come!!!) ( :

Doy Gracias por...

I woke up this morning and I thanked God I was alive and able to get out of bed and see and hear my kids play.

It's a beautiful day.  The sun is beaming.

We walked to the park today.  And met some friends there for play.

We will have our Thanksgiving meal with family.  Thankful for every bite.

There are mothers in this world who won't be able to feed their children today.  Some aren't able to hold their children in their arms.

Let's hug our families today and tomorrow.  Let's stay home tomorrow.  Stay in pj's.  Drink warm tea.  And forget all the shopping.  There is no need to be at the store at 4am, the best specials are in our home.


Happy Thanksgiving friends!  I am thankful for you!

Christmas is near...

I can feel it.

Our breakfast nook is filled with little trinkets.  Finds that Audrey and I have discovered at local vintage/thrift shops.  Christmas gifts.   I have found some beautiful plates and platters (perfect for treats), treasures actually.

Iv'e been collecting recipes.
And thinking of doing much more baking this year.  

Forget the big gifts!.....we are coming over, kids too, and cookies and cupcakes and bread in hand.

I'm changing my gift giving/recieving focus this year.

I have two little hearts at home.... and a big manly one too ( :  Whom I love.  And love me much in return.

I have friends and loved ones.

I don't need much more.


Christmas is near!

Ruby Slippers

She's been wearing them all day.

She says the word pretty, cat, princess and sooo butiful, all the time.

She dresses up.  Just like Jeremiah did when he was her age ... 200 days of the year (seriously)  (for 3 years in a row).

He wore his spiderman costume to visit friends and families, shopping, to the park...and to go to sleep.

I think I was able to wash it a couple times here and there ( :

It's time for make believe.

Do your little ones dress up?  Any day of the year?

Potter fans?

Jeremiah has just a couple pages to read to finish book 5.  It's his first big (literally ....800 page books) series.

He is so into it(just as much as Kip and I were when we read them).  

There is nothing like having your kid ask you "can I read some more before bed?".  I highly recommend it for your kids... Jeremiah started reading the series in 4th grade (it might be a little dark for someone younger).

Of coarse we will watch the new film!  Perfect way to celebrate such great reading.

What are your kids reading these days?

Are you Potter fans?

My fifth grader...

This week, he started fifth grade.  This photo is via Dad's iPhone.  I worked the night before and wasn't able to get out of work on time to be there.

One of the thing's that breaks a working mom's heart...missing occasions like this.

I made sure to call and say good luck, and Kip made sure to take a photo so I could see.

I slept.  And then woke up, got in my car...and was there when he got out.

He had a million things to say.

I a million times in love.

"kissing hand"

Audrey loves us to read to her before nap and bedtime. 

 Today, as I was digging trough Jeremiah's books for possible books to read to her, I came across 

The Kissing Hand.  It's a special book for Jeremiah and I, a book I always read to him during back to school.  

It is the perfect book for a child who is starting school, and also for a mom who has to learn to let her little one go to school as well. 

I recommend it, every morning that I drop Jeremiah off to school we say good bye with a kissing hand. 

*I bought it this book with my dinero.   

A special kind of Quinceañera (here at home)

I can remember holding my baby sister as a newborn.  I was a teenager then.  I remember her little baby toes, that I would paint, to match whatever color polish I was wearing at the time.

She just turned 15.  We hosted a party here at home. A Quinceañera.  It wasn't fancy.  No ballroom, ball gowns, or limousines...but it was special.

Gaby is beautiful.  And looked even more beautiful in her pretty pink dress and heels.

Our family all worked hard to get all the little details just right. 

Like yummy food.

A beautiful cake (made by our cousin Xenia, the chef). 

Decorations.

A candy bar!

Audrey wore a pretty dress also.

Most quinceañeras would skip the piñata.  To feel all grown up.  But not Gaby, she is her own person...and wanted a piñata.  

She is the youngest of all the girls.  We all love her.  And sometimes still think she is our baby, the baby we all carried in our arms. 

Jeremiah looks up to her.  To him, she is the coolest teenager.

Happy Birthday Gaby!  

You are loved!

Back to School Shopping/and tips

Jeremiah start's school in two weeks.
Fifth grade....how did you happen so fast?


This time of year is exciting.
Friends, a new teacher, being a fifth grader!

As for back to school shopping... it has never been one of his biggies.  He thinks shopping for new uniforms, or shopping in general is torture.  Seriously?
(side note:  Uniforms are easy. No one looks better, has better clothes, or has brand names. It's something more public schools should do).

So...anyways...because it's back to school... I'm inspired to share some of my back to school tips...


Jeremiah will be using his same backpack.  We bought it when he was in third grade, and it's still in good, ready for 5th grade condition, it's camo pattern, and all the kids know it's his. 

I think he likes this.  

I don't believe in the yearly backpack, specially when he has a good one at home.  I am lucky, because the backpack is not a big deal to him.  My tip: Invest in a good quality backpack...and it will last more than a few years, pick a simple pattern or plain color and don't pick something that will most likely go out of style the next year. 

Before you go out school supply shopping, take inventory of what you have.

Prepare a desk or work study area, cleaning it out (I SO need to do this with Jeremiah).  Less is more....so no clutter (:

Invest in a good sharpener.  Sit down with your kids, sharpen all your pencils and color pencils.  They will look pretty, and the need for new ones every year won't seem so important.

I keep Jeremiah's loose markers crayons in pouches or Ziploc bags. 

Buy a small storage container to hold all your supplies in.  When it's time to do homework or a project you bring it out, and then put everything away when kids are done, this way nothing gets lost or misplaced.

 You don't need fancy school supplies.  Remember: minimal and quality.

Shop at a office/school supply store instead of a carry all type department store.  This will prevent over spending in other areas....like a new top, or scarf, or cookies, ....etc... ( :

Staples is the closest to me.  They were also very nice (because of this blog) to send Jeremiah new school supplies.  This means a lot, and Jeremiah's happy face when opening the package was enough to convince me.  That and a PR company that actually took time to read through my blog ( :

They have shopping list's by grade that can help you organize your things at home in order to find out what you need for your shopping trip.  Very helpful.

Hang a calendar up for your kids, teaching them to keep track of projects, events, and homework, or show them how to keep a planner or calendar on their computer.  Daily tracking will help them and you stay organized.

Set up a small basket or box to keep papers sent from school.  You can have them use the backs for scratch paper for mathwork.  Cheaper and greener than using a new sheet of paper during homework.

I think that's it for now, maybe a lot?  
I hope some of these are helpful for the new year ( :

Where do you shop for back to school supplies?  Do you have tips to share?



*I was not required or given compensation to write this post.  I did receive a gift of back to school supplies from Staples.  I am thankful for them.  I do shop at Staples (have for years), again, mainly because it's the closest, but always find great deals and products there.