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.

French Braid Updo

David is at work. Marissa is at school. Maribel is at dance practice. Mariella is sitting here with me. And the twins are napping. Mommy Love needed a little break. :)

So we're watching some YouTube videos. And I found this one...



I just love this hairstyle! So cute. I have such straight hair. And I don't do much with it. Because I don't know what to do with it. I've always had this problem. It was much more of an issue when I worked. But now that I stay home with my 5 kiddos, well it's usually down. Or in a bun. Or something like that.

But David and I are going on a date night soon. So I was looking for some nice things to do. I'm trying to make an effort at looking nice for my dear husband. My plan is to practice this at nap time this afternoon. I really want to try this for our date night. :)

Marissa's 5th Birthday

Dear Marissa,

We can't believe that you're already 5 years old! Where did all the time go? You're already such a big girl. I still remember the day you were born. The day you made us parents. That beautiful smile that we've grown to love, that was the first day we got to see it. :)

You have taught us so much in the last 5 years. So much about love. And patients. About answering the never ending questions. And loving all things pink and NASCAR. Yes, our little girl, you've taught us more than we've taught you. It's just that simple.

I know. You're a big girl. I see it every week. The way you take care of your little sisters and brother. And yes, you're still working on "loving him." But we're getting there. We just love watching you grow. How excited you get to go to school or your "biolin" lessons. The love you have for church. And dancing is your life. It's amazing to sit and watch.

But most of all, we're just happy and grateful for you happiness and health. It's something we'll never take for granted. It's been 5 years since we welcomed you into the world. 5 very short years! But were has the time gone?

All we want is for you to grow up and be happy. I'm not sure were the years are going to take us. Or how the journey is going to be. But we're excited! And ready for it. We just want for you to continue to grow and be such a happy ninita! Feliz Cumpleanos! :)

Con amor,

Mommy Love and Daddy Bear

Made Me Laugh

I seen this commercial this morning and it made me laugh. I think David wanted to cry. But as you all know, we have 5 kids. Our last 2, being twins. And the color system, it's been in place since our 2nd daughter was born.

Everything is color coded. Their towels, blankets, and sometimes clothes. I'm just trying to keep up with them here. But this commercial just made me laugh. I hadn't yet thought about the day we have to buy them all school supplies. And how are they going to keep it all organized. I'm hoping, there are our 5 colors that we use.

And why exactly did David want to cry? Because we made the decision to send our kids to Catholic School. Why? Because the public school system here, it really is not good. And the Catholic Schools are really good. Secondly, our religion is really important to us.

That means, we spend less money on other things. Like toys and vacations. But it was a family decision. One that we're very happy we made. But Marissa is starting her 3rd year of pre-school there. And I have to admit, it's pretty costly. Not crazy, but that's money we could use in other areas. Just wait until next summer when we are facing 2 tuitions.

So this commercial, it's just a reminder of what we are going to face in our future. Not that we have triplets. But 5 kids, 2 twins, isn't that crazy enough? But you have to love the color system. It still allows for creativity and individuality. :)

Dear Daddy Bear

Dear David,

First of all, Happy Father's Day! I'm so proud of you! I knew all those years ago, that I had met the most amazing man I could ever dream up. But you have become an even more amazing man since we've had our kids. I still remember the day we found out we were expecting Marissa. Our entire lives changed!

Over the years, you've been so amazing. Taking a break from your career to allow me to follow my dreams. I know those are the years that you became an even better man and daddy. Marissa and Maribel were very lucky to spend so much time with you.

I know that the last year, I really tried to make you feel a little guilty. Because Baby #4 turned into twins. When we already had 3 daughters...under 4. But I'm glad you convinced me to try for just 1 more baby. Because now our family is complete. And we're all so happy.

The last few months, well they've been tough. Just learning how to balance our 3 girls and our new twins. But I have you. And that's all I need. My heart just swells every time I see you playing with the girls. Honestly, I love Sundays. I just love walking in and watching you and Marissa watching the race. You 2 are so into it. Marissa asking 1001 questions, you patiently explaining all the answers.

Maribel is always going to be your "Daddy's Girl." No doubt in my mind. I hope our other kids don't get too jealous. But there are not many dads that would sit down and try to polish their little girl's nails pink. With extra sparkles. And then endure a tea party, dressed in crazy hats and necklaces. Then there are you and Mariella. The perfect duo. Full of energy and exploration. I can always count on the 2 of you to come up with the perfect jokes when I need them.

Our twins. I don't even know where to begin. I know no other dad that is so happy to change diapers, give baths, and just make their babies smile. I know that Marianna's smile grows 10X's the size when she hears her daddy's voice. That little girl is so in love with her daddy. And David Jr. The boy is going to be so lucky to have you as a role model. I hope he turns out just like his daddy. No doubt, he has a great teacher in you.

I'm very lucky that you fell in love with me. And I'm so proud of our 5 babies. All made with love. All perfect in their own little ways. We're the lucky ones. We have you as our "Daddy Bear." There is no one else I would want to be on this journey with. I love mi amorcito! I hope your day is wonderful. You deserve everything and anything your heart desires.

Con amor,

Sals, Marissa, Maribel, Mariella, Marianna, and David Jr.