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!!

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!!

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!!

Play Doh

I'm pretty sure my parents hate me. They bought our girls this big pack of Play Doh. And today, I was trying to be a good mom. I let them play with it. Like always, Maribel played nicely. She didn't mix the colors. Or put the Play Doh in the grass or dirt. She didn't throw it into the pool. No, that would be Mariella.

We played outside with the Play Doh. Because I didn't want to find it in our carpet, on the curtains, or in the furniture. So after 2 hours, we headed back in. All Play Doh was confiscated. Put away in the garage. Out of my little girls' reach.

Then after bedtime, I found it. In the carpet. Blue Play Doh in our light carpet. And I couldn't get it out. Good thing David is patient. After the clean up, we went to sit on the couch. Watch some TV. Pink Play Doh was between the cushions. How does this happen? I know I took it all away from Mariella.

I'm wondering, did she hide some? Is she just trying to drive her mom crazy? What's up? Note to all grandparents, no Play Doh, markers, finger paints, etc. Not until our youngest 2 are at least 4. Then we might be able to deal...

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!