We're Back....

And I'm exhausted! Marissa did well. Heck, all our kiddos did well. Great actually. Between flights, long days at the conference, and crazy schedules....we didn't just survive. We learned. Had fun. Oh, and put on a great show!!

Now we're home. And I'm so exhausted, our are bags are still sitting in the garage. Except Maribel's. But we all know her. She had to put everything away. Immediately! Mommy? Not so much. I've just been trying to get everyone, back into their schedules.

For example, this afternoon/night are going to be nuts!! I pick up the big girls from school, get them to dance practice. Manage some quick snacks in there. Pray and hope everything gets done. Pick up the girls. Make it to the soccer fields in time. Oh, and dinner....

I bet you're wondering about our dinner. So am I!! I found this recipe a few weeks ago. Right now, it's bubbling away. And smells pretty wonderful!! This morning, David made some tostada shells, and pico de gallo. I'm making guacamole in a bit. And well, our crock pot will be heading to the fields with us.



It does look tasty. And let me tell you, it smells yummy!! I'm also packing some fruit. And perhaps, we might stop for ice cream. You know, after the soccer game. Speaking of, when did life get so busy? When did my youngest, decide soccer was his life? I'm starting to really feel like, a mommy of 5!!

Mountain Dew Fun

I guess you should know a few things. Marissa is a bit obsessed with Mountain Dew. I'm going to say, it's because of this hombre. But it's the honest truth! We don't let our kiddos drink soda. Almost never. For Marissa's birthday, she's allowed 1 can of soda. Which is ALWAYS Mountain Dew. Hands down. I never have to wonder.

The kid is beyond obsessed. Her Tia Bonita bought her a Mountain Dew lipgloss. The thing lasted days. Because my daughter, constantly put it on. She's sorta in love here.

Sometime around Spring, I noticed this picture on Pinterest. It peaked my interest. And I just knew, I'd come back to it. And boy, did we ever!!



I can honestly say, we've tried this "Mountain Dew paint," more than 20 times, this Summer! I'm sure, David was wondering where all this Mountain Dew was going. Until one Saturday, he came home between gigs. To find us "painting" our back patio.

Let's just say, this is fun for more, than just the kiddos!! And I don't have to worry about Chente....or my kiddos eating it. But it's definitely fun to play with. And my kiddos absolutely love making our patio "glow."

It's Friday

And it's been one looong week!! That's funny. Being that we started the week with a holiday. I guess, we just never fell into our schedule this week. And it's made for a very long week!

And I just feel like making a little surprise, for my kiddos. It's well documented, that I'm not a good cook, or baker. But you know, even I can make these.



Don't they look delicious? And come on, even my little moody princess, should enjoy these. After school. But before dinner. I'm sure, I'll have to hide a few for David. :)

Speaking of Marissa, I'm praying for both of us. We have 3 days. 3 days people! I hope she's able to control herself. Or the 2 of us, will be staying home for the week. Las Vegas, I really do miss you! So everyone, please say a little prayer for Marissa and I.

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! :)

For the Birds

It's Summer! My older girls, I can tell they're getting a little bored. I can just see it all over them! You see, we have ridiculous weather here. Weather that is happy to stay 100+ for weeks at a time. Most of the time we're well over 105 degrees.

I know. My kiddos would enjoy, staying in the pool all day long! But with 5 of them, and 1 of me, that's not a possibility. Not even close!! We only go in the pool, when David is home. That means, I must come up with some good ideas. You know, to keep Familia G happy.

It's crazy. Especially being that my husband works, 7 days a week. No, really. Monday-Friday he has his job. You know, where he has a career, as an engineer. Then on the weekends, he's working with the Mariachi. We're sorta used to this. You know when we have a routine.

But now that it's Summer, our routine has changed. Marissa is in Summer Camp. Because, well she needs it. We need it. I NEED it!! But that's only during the week. On the weekends, I've got everyone. By myself!!

I turned to Pinterest. I needed a plan. For this past weekend. My husband was working all weekend. And I just knew, Marissa and I would butt heads. We needed a plan.

Well, turns out, we had some fun projects to tackle. That honestly, kept everyone busy. And happy! What did we work on? Something for our little feathered friends. :)



Now if you're asking yourself...."What is this?" It's a bird feeder. Shut up! I know. Just call me "Crafty Mommy." We made 3. Maribel and Marissa each had their own. The 3 youngins' and I, worked on another.

These lovely feeders, are made with slinkies! Shut your mouth!! That's what I said. A slinky, some wire, a bit of paint, and bird feed....made for hours and hours of fun! And I'm 100% positive that our feathered friends, were happy with our crafting too!

Life Changing Ideas

Sometimes I just have to admit it. Life with 5 kiddos can be....well let's just say, a little crazy!! And I welcome all things, that will make my life easier.

When you go this route, things may not be done perfectly, but they will be done. My kiddos are getting to those wonderful ages, where they can now do things for themselves. And remember our "Color System." It's still in action. And doing GREAT things for us!!

Now that we have older kiddos, I'm looking for those things that make our lives a little easier. Pinterest is a great place to find ideas and inspiration. That's where I found this idea!!



We made a quick trip to Target yesterday. Everyone picked out their favorite cup. You know, in their color. When I got home, I washed those babies. Glued a few magnets on. And now, my kiddos can get their own water. Day or night.

It's one less thing, that I'm worry about this Summer. Yes, I've noticed a bit more water on the floor. But Chente is enjoying the cool water. It's a win-win-win. The kiddos are becoming more independent. Chente is getting a steady amount, of cold water. And well, I'm able to make snacks, do laundry, and perhaps run to the bathroom....without searching for water cups.

Do you have any more ideas I could use? Simple things. Things that my 6 year old, and 2 year olds can handle? I'd love to hear about some more good ideas!!

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. :)

Friends

Friends are pretty amazing. They're right there when you need them. You never have to ask for them. You never have to tell them what's wrong, they're just there.

On Friday, both of our older girls had events to go to. My parents were taking my grandma to the doctor. David's parents were busy. David had to work. And well, these days, it's tough for me to get out of the house. Breastfeeding twins is a FULL TIME JOB! But I do love it.

Maribel asked her Nono (Albert) to take her to her dance performance. And Marissa called up her Tia Bonita (Lola.) She had a field trip to the park and the museum. Tia Bonita immediately said yes. I know it was going to be tough for her. Being that she was supposed to be across the country. But she came.

And our girls had a blast! Maribel did so good. And Albert even recorded it for us to watch. :) Marissa had a great time too! And she even talked Tia Bonita and Tio Berto into taking them out for pizza. From what I hear, Marissa "bought" Maribel dinner. She has a bunch of those free pizza coupons from school. Because my daughter reads and reads. The coupons are their rewards.

But we've got some pretty amazing friends. This is just 1 example of our amazing friends. I never used to understand the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." But now, I know that is true. There are so many things our kids would miss out on.

Our friends are always doing things like this. Borrowing our kids to go to the library, store, or the park. Papa Memo coming and picking up our girls to take them for a sleepover and cooking. The girls really enjoy that.

But then there are things like when Lola comes over for a visit. And I'm looking like a "hot mess." Just ready to fall apart. And she tells me to hand over my screaming babies. Mariella is running around, Marissa is asking a million questions, and Maribel is quietly playing. That's a pretty average day around here.

Lola sends me to my room to just collect my thoughts. And she is wonderful with my kids. By the time I come back out, my bigger girls are happily coloring. And my twins are laughing away in their little chairs. How she does it, I'll never know. But Lola really does need to have children.
She just knows that I need some time. And she gives me 5 minutes. Heck, one time I took a nap. A 2 hour nap. And the kids and Lola were just having a good time. That's what good friends are. People who come running to you when you need help. They're there for you during the good times and the bad.

David and I are so lucky to have amazing friends. All of our friends. But especially Albert, Memo, and Lola. Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. I know I couldn't survive most days without you. Your friendship means the world to me!

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.

Brand New Babies!!!

Early this morning, we welcomed our 2 newest additions to Familia G. Marianna and David Jr. are perfect! Our son is truly the baby of the family. Being born 6 minutes after his sister. :)

Our big girls came by to visit their new siblings today. Everyone is so excited! And we honestly have the best friends and family. Who have been watching our big girls.

I can't believe how sore I am. Or how tired I feel. But it was all well worth it! We have 2 precious babies. And David finally got his son. Early tomorrow, well I'll be having a minor surgery. After 5 kids, I know our family is complete. :)

Bienvenidos!

Familia G has gotten a blog. Testing...1, 2, 3...testing! hehe There have been a number of times that I have debated a blog. But when I was working, it never seemed like a good idea. That is all I needed. For viewers of our morning show to read about what a klutz I am in real life.

But the dia has come. If you want to know how I went from a woman with her MA in journalism and communication...and a job as a morning anchor to a housewife and mom. Come back. I assure you, you will not being getting cooking tips from me. But you will hear about my life with 3 daughters that are under 3 yrs old...and me being pregnant again. And how my husband desperately tries to teach me to cook. But I don't have a domestic bone in my body. I hope you enjoy a little piece of our lives.