Just For Mommy

Life is getting into a nice little routine. The girls are loving school. Which honestly, isn't a big surprise to me. I still can't believe I have a kindergartner, and a 1st grader. When did this happen?

Silently, I'm excited that Mariella, decided not to go to pre-school this year. I'm being a little selfish here. But I'm happy that she's home, with the twins and I. At least for one more year. And I'm 100% positive that David, is happy too! One less tuition. At least for another year. :)

But our little routine is getting set. Every morning, David and the girls are gone before 7am. Completely ready, to start their days. Yes, they've even had breakfast! I don't know how they do it. Oh, yes I do!! We've managed to keep our little routine from last year.

Somehow, we keep the twins and Mariella in bed. David is up making breakfast. And I'm getting Marissa and Maribel ready for the day. They eat a yummy lunch at school. And I only have to worry about "Snack Days," twice a month.

After they're gone, the twins, Mariella, and I have our breakfast. While enjoying Sesame Street. Yes, in english and spanish!! It's a MUST in our home. :) Honestly, we just enjoy the quiet. It's the only "quiet time" we have, while our kiddos are awake.

We then get ready, and head out. Mariella has gymnastics. And we run a few errands. Before making it home. You know, at the "heat" of the day. Can you believe, we're still have 100+ temps? Ugh! Where is Fall?

When we get home, we typically have lunch. Then my kiddos go down for a nap. I'm a little spoiled here. My kiddos take a 2 hour nap!! Yes, I said 2 hours. During which, I'm finding a little more "Me" time.

Typically, this didn't happen. Just a few months ago, it meant quickly cleaning up the house. Doing piles, and piles of laundry. Just trying to keep up with my kiddos, hubby, and the house. These says, Chente and I have some time to just relax.

I try to catch up on General Hospital. And maybe even The Chew, and The Nate Berkus Show. You know, I have them recorded on tivo. And eventually, they NEED to be watched! All the while, Chente is napping. But I'm starting to feel like I need a hobby. Real bad.

I took to Pinterest. Man, you can get lost there, for hours and hours!! There is so much information and inspiration, on Pinterest. That's where I found this little project...



Before my friends start laughing, yes I'm going to craft! I need a hobby. Something to fill my time. You know, now that all my kiddos are potty trained, can play alone, and have their own activities....mommy's a little bored.

I'm going to make a few of these bangles. Just like this. But in a more "Selena" color pallet. Then maybe some with my kids' names. And a few with cute sayings (things David and I tell each other.)

Are there any crafts out there, that you would recommend? Something for a new "Crafty Mom." Something I can handle. Please let me know! Because it's nice to do fun little things for yourself. You know, every once in a while. Like during those precious 2 hours, every day!!

His First Game

Tonight, our baby boy, became a big boy!! Oh yes he did. :) David Jr. had his first soccer game. I know that I haven't talked about it on here, but for the last few weeks, David has been coaching a soccer team. Of 2 year olds. They are the cutest little things ever!!

I might be a little biased. Being that my son, is on the team. And so is his little buddy! I'm positive, that there weren't 2 prouder mommas. Oh yeah, Rach was pretty proud of Danny too! :) It was a grand time. And something I'm looking forward to every week!



You see, we have 4 little girls. 3 of which, dance and play instruments. No one is into sports. But our son, has wanted to do it all. Since he was so small. He wanted to dance with his sisters, play the trumpet with his daddy, and play futbol!!

It's so nice to see David and David Jr. working at this together. Seeing my husband coaching. And my son, have the time of his life! He's probably thinking, "Finally something for me. All for me. No sisters. No girls stuff. Just me, daddy, and the boys." I can just see his little train of thought. :)

They practice twice a week. And have one game a week. Either on Tuesday or Wednesday nights. And let me tell you, tonight 70% of the people at the game, were there to cheer on my little man!! He loved it! Tia Bonita even sent some presents. Which they adored!! Thanks again Chiquitita.

I'm excited for this new phase of our lives. To see the difference between our girls, and our son. To live on this side of parenting. To enjoy new and exciting things. I'm pretty excited! I know David Jr. is too!! And of course, his 4 biggest cheerleaders. See what happens when you have 4 older sisters. :)

Something Special

Marissa and Mariella both have birthdays coming up in September. I'm always looking for new ideas. New things to do for them. Something special. Something that makes each one of my kiddos know, they are loved.

I took to my favorite little place, Pinterest. So many good and fun ideas. Some that are just over my skill level. Come on, I don't know how to sew. But some that I know, I can do. This one, being one of my very favorites.



Being a mommy of 5, I know that these things can quickly add up. Believe me, I know! And with 2 daughters, having birthdays less than 2 weeks apart....I always take these things into account. I'm looking for things we can afford, and that are still fun.

Yes, this is a total inspiration for us. In fact, we have a certain 6 year old, that needs a little love right now. I'm 100% positive, that she is going to love something this special!!

Oh Summer!!

I know. Most people love summer. Most kids love summer. MOST. The exception, my daughter. It pains Marissa, when May is winding down. ALWAYS has. Well, it started when she was about 3 years old. It just killed her. I don't know why.

This summer is no exception. Not at all! She was bummed because Papa Memo and Cari Bear were heading to Mexico. All summer long! What the heck was she going to do? Her dear Tia Bonita wasn't going to be spending tons of time here. Oh, and there was our trip.

I don't know what it was. Or why she really hated it. Not all of it. But most of it. Marissa insisted that the trip, was all about David Jr. Truth is, we spent a ton of time planning out a good trip. Well rounded. With things for all of us to do. And enjoy. Honestly, deep down inside, I know our daughter enjoyed the trip.

Most of all, I just think Marissa is having a hard time. You know, growing up. And dealing with her 3 little sisters. And her little brother. Yes, 2 and a half years later, my daughter is still trying to give away her brother.



This summer has been a heck of a time. Marissa has had her beloved Papa Memo, her best friend Cari, her Tia Bonita, her favorite uncle Sancho, and at times, her daddy. It's been a tough one. I think that's why she's been acting out.

Does it make what she does OK? Heck no!! But I can understand it. It's tough. It's been a tough summer. Marissa has been testing my patience. It makes me want to strangle her. Hug her. And cry, all at the same time. It's been a tough summer. One that I wish would just end. For all of our sakes, I wish school started today.

Instead, my daughters have one week of summer left. The part where Summer Camp is over. And school is a week away. The week, most kids love. And never want to end. My daughter, is counting down, until next Monday. Silently, so am I.

You see, not only is our beloved Summer Camp over. Which by the way, has been saving our summer. Well, for the most part. We would have all killed each other, had it not been for Summer Camp. But this week, David is gone. All week long!! Someone please save me and my kiddos.

David sat everyone down. Before he left. And laid out the rules. We reminded Marissa, that she has to be good. Especially, if she wants to go to the conference in Las Vegas. Which, is just about a month from now.

This week, is going to be a long one. One for all of us to pray. Say lots and lots of prayers. I'm afraid of what might happen, if we don't pray. We NEED to pray. For my sanity. For my kiddos. Most of all, for Marissa.

Yumm-O!!

Our family of 7, loves to snack. No, I don't think you understand the reality of that statement. We LOVE to snack!! And I'm always looking for new ideas. Something delicious, fun, easy, and nutritious. You know, I'm supposed to be teaching my kiddos, about these types of things. Good food, being one of them.

We'd been enjoying the same snacks for a while now. Apples with Nutella, cheese melted on apples, granola, oranges with strawberries, carrots and ranch dressing, and a once in a while cupcake. Sometimes, a smoothie.

As you can see, we've been in a bit of a rut. A food rut. So I took to Pinterest for a little inspiration. Boy, I've got some ideas now!! Hopefully, my kiddos like them. :)




There is one "recipe" that I've tried. And that my kiddos love!! No, I mean L-O-V-E!!!! We eat a lot of bananas. But just plain bananas. Nothing too crazy. I think the craziest we get, is mashed bananas and Nutella, on toast. That is delicious!!

But this little idea, is all about a yummy, frozen, chocolate covered banana. With a dash of powdered sugar. Or in our case, I sprinkled them with toasted coconut. I'm not sure who enjoys this snack more. My kiddos, or David and I. Can't lie, I made a batch when the kids went to bed. Um, we may almost be done with it now. Just 20 minutes later! :)