I've Been Inspired

There's something that I've definitely noticed, about being a mom. I've let my "fashion" sense go. You're not going to be seeing me wearing high heels. Most days, I'm just plain lucky, to get dressed, comb my hair, and brush my teeth. I know. Mommyhood, just isn't glamorous.

But I've been inspired. I see my friends, like La Chiquitita, Linda, Manders, and Rachael, that just have it all together. La Chiquitita has no excuses. All the time!! I've seen her so sick, she can barely walk, but the mujer has her lipgloss on, nails polished, and some cute little outfit on. Even if it's sweats, and a t-shirt. She's always pulled together!

Linda is sicker than can be. She's expecting her 2nd daughter this December. But every time that I see her, she look adorable! Manders, well what can I say? I've never seen her, not put together. Even after she had her twins. No lie! I waddled into her room, and she looked perfect. With lipgloss and all.

Mrs. Rachael, well she also inspires me. Her husband has been gone for months. Fighting wildfires. He comes and gos. But is mostly gone. She's got 2 little boys, and a baby girl. But honestly, she always has it together. Hair, makeup, clothes. Even the cutest accessories.

Can you see why I'm inspired? Well, that's not even the half of it! While I was searching for some yummy recipes on Pinterest, I came across Sheaffer. Who has some great taste! Oh, and she also happens to have a cute Fashion Blog. Not the "usual" type. More of a regular mom, type. Something I can relate to.



This my friends, is one of my favorite outfits on her blog. Especially during this time of year. In the desert southwest. Let me tell you, it can be a little confusing, as in what to wear. Well, I'm going to try this out. This week, for my boys' soccer game!

I'm positive, that I have that same tank top. From Target! In fact, I have it in like 4 colors. :) Who doesn't own a pair of dark wash jeans? I have a brown belt, and some awesome wedge, tan sandals. I got them on clearance for $5!! At Old Navy. That was shocking. As they never have anything in my size, on the clearance rack. :)

Don't laugh, I even have a hat like that!! Which I'm totally going to wear. One, because I haven't worn it since our vacation last summer. Two, I won't have to worry about my hair. :) Shhh, don't tell anyone!

I will however, have to search out some of that "antique gold" jewelry. Love it! Love that my girl, loves to sport it. But I'm positive, I don't own any of it. :( I guess, I will just have to do a little shopping this week.

Honestly, that will be a blessing to all. I really do, have to buy some new clothes. I know! Sorry friends. But this is my pledge, to trying to look better. Taking a little more time for me, and well anyone that I come in contact with.

Thanks to all the ladies that have inspired me!!

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.

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!!

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.

New Desk Idea

Around our home, space is always an issue. We seem to "hunt" down a little space. And mark our territory. I don't think small families have this issue. I'm not certain. Being that I've always been from a large family.

As our kids get older, the issues just seem to grow. We need sleep spaces, play spaces, and know homework spaces. Since we moved into our home, the office has always been David's space. He needs it for work. But I had a small desk, and some space in there. A place, for me to go and do work. You know, pay bills, write letters and Thank yous, things like that.

But last year, I started to notice something, I was getting squeezed out. You see, this also happens to be the space, where Marissa and Maribel do their homework. Mostly because it's quiet. And the younger kids know, it's off limits.

Their little desks moved in. Mine got harder and harder to get to. I wondered if I'd ever have a little "space" again. While I was browsing through Pinterest the other night, I came across this picture.

And it's given me some ideas. We have 2 large closets in our den. One that we don't really use. I talked to David about this. Showed him this picture. And instantly, he started sketching some ideas.

Looks like this mommy is getting a new "space." That's all hers. :) Honestly, this setup is much better than the one I previously had. Don't tell anyone. But maybe just maybe, this will also help me stay organized. Goodness, I can't wait to get started!!

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!

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.

Typical Busy Day

Today has been a typical busy day for our familia. Filled with a little more drama than usual. But typical in most ways.

David took Marissa to camp esta manana. I stayed home to get the girls ready. We dropped Maribel off at dance practice. She cried for 20 minutes because Lauren is visiting her grandparents and wasn't there. They are so close and don't like to be at dance without each other. I felt her pain. And at the last minute, almost convinced myself that my 2 year old daughter would be better off going to the doctor with us. But I knew better.

Mariella was cool as a cucumber. Didn't cry. Just played with David in the car as Maribel almost convinced me to take her with us. I knew, had it been David, Maribel would have missed dance until Lauren gets back. But somehow things went well. She was all smiles by the time her teacher came out. And she ran into class dressed in her purple tutu!

We made it to the doctor 10 minutes before my appointment. Baby #4 is doing well. We got to listen to the baby's heartbeat. The sound is always such a miracle to me. David was so excited. He immediately grabbed my hand. We always feel so blessed at that moment. It's like the heartbeat solidifies that there really is a baby in there!

Mariella even got in on the action. She was very excited at the sound. I still wonder if she understands. Maribel was that way when I was pregnant with Mariella. Like she knew what was going on. And as my pansa grew, she would lay on my lap and rub it. She would make little sounds against my pansa, and Mariella would move around in there. Like they were talking to each other.

After the appointment we went to lunch. I'm still having some strong morning sickness. And why do they call it that? I am sick all day. Not just in the morning! But I attempted a salad and part of a sub. We went to Dion's. David enjoyed lunch. And Mariella tried to eat like her daddy. But just couldn't get the entire sandwich in her bocita. Eventually, she just ate the meat and tomatoes. We picked up Maribel and headed home.

David had to go to work right away. But he put Mariella down for a nap first. He is just able to calm her down like no one else. She goes from a 10 to a 1 in a blink of an eye. Had it been me, it would have taken 3 hours. Then I would have to put a sleeping baby in the car to go pick up Marissa. Bless mi esposo! With Mariella down for a nap, Maribel had her lunch. Then she showed me her dance that she learned this morning. She is a "lerina" through and through. No doubt in my mind.

We sat on the couch to read a book. Before we got to page 3, she was out like a light. Still not feeling good, I just sat there holding my baby girl. The next thing I knew, I was waking up. Because I could hear Mariella trying to desperately climb out of her crib. My baby is like a monkey. No lie! Maribel was also waking up. And I was trying to figure out what in the world I could make for dinner. Cooking is not at all my strong point.

David didn't have to work long, and on his way home, he picked up Marissa from her day camp. Only my 3 yr old cries to go to camp and school! And the minute she walked in the door, the house came to life. The girls had been quietly playing with Chente (our dog.) Marissa comes in baring gifts for all. It was craft day at camp. That is one thing I have to say, she always thinks of all of us.

Mi esposo got to cooking. And I tried to keep the peace in the house. Before long Marissa and David were fighting over the futbol (soccer) game. By this time, David is wearing his Mexico jersy. Marissa is jumping up and down. Cheering for the USA. Dinner was almost too much. My futbol fans were too excited to really be bothered with comida. Pero, dinner was dinner.

For whatever reason, Maribel and Mariella were tired. They didn't last long after dinner. Chente ran for dear life and hide out under the crib. He was fast asleep as I could her Marissa desperately hunting him down. But her dad got her distracted with the game again. Before I knew it, David was carrying her to bed. They were just dropping like flies tonight. I think it has something to do with the changing weather.

As quiet took over our house again, I finally got to the computer. I signed up for twitter. Manders and la Chiquitita finally convinced me to go for it. But I have to say, it is nice to follow the ABC news team. David is still on cloud 9 about Mexico's win. I am ready for bed. And my husband is eating a bowl of ice cream.

Mexico wins!