Top 10 of 2013!

Well today marks the last day of 2013, and it has been quiet a year and for our little family it has been an outstanding one! We have been so blessed and couldn't ask for more. We are healthy, happy and it is all thanks to God that we have all this. God is good, all the time! That's not to say we haven't had hard times or sad times, but we try to look for the good in all things. As a family we sat down today and discussed our top 10 highlights of 2013. Here they are in no particular order.

 1. Speedy Cheetah is Valedictorian!
Our baby girl was named Valedictorian of her 8th grade class! She had perfect report cards each semester and was loved by her teachers.  She also won numerous awards and we are/were so proud of her. She received a special medal to wear at graduation.

 2. Squiggler won an award!
Her preschool class had a graduation/moving up ceremony. She was part of the moving up since she won't start Kindergarten until next year.  She received her first academic award for having never missed a homework assignment. We were so surprised and happy for her. She was excited too. The ceremony was great and so glad that she has a great teacher.

 3. Weegie passed her AP exams.
Weegie took AP classes her junior year and worked really hard in them. We were so happy when we got the results of her exams! She passed! We were at Disneyland when we found out since everything is sent electronically! Way to go Princess!

 4. Weegie is named Captain of her dance team.
Weegie and Squiggler were in their second dance recital for RDA and Cynthia was named Captain for both of her dance squads. Again another proud moment because she loves dance and works hard at it.

 5. Squiggler can swim!
This summer Squiggler took swimming lessons and was quickly moved to level 2. She was by far the youngest in her class, but did very well. Each Friday they had a chance to go down the huge water slide, but my baby wasn't scared! She is so daring and fearless!

 6. Squiggler is in prekindergarten!
Squiggler is going to class with Miss Irene again and has learned so much. She can count to 39, knows all her letter names and sounds, can write her first name perfectly and almost her last name. She is always asking how to write words and loves to listen to stories.

 7. Senior/Freshman
Weegie started her Senior year this Fall and Speedy is a Freshman! They go to the same school and both are having a great year! I can't believe that my oldest princess is almost at of school. I remember her nursery school days like yesterday. She was so cute in Miss Agnes' class and cried a lot! Speedy is taking some serious classes this semester and is doing awesome! Again so proud of our girls!

 8. Disneyland Annual Passes/Mouse Wait
This year instead of taking a family vacation, we bought season passes to the Happiest Place on Earth. We have gone about 8-10 times already this year! We are definitely getting our use out of these babies! We love Disney and have been able to enjoy the different seasons of the parks.  We plan to go at least 6 more times and hopefully spend the night, go to Goofy's Kitchen and experience so much more of our favorite place.

 9. Speedy got a part in the school play!
This is was an exciting event for us! Speedy went for it and she nailed it!She was the only underclassman to make the play, everyone else was an upperclassman.  She loved it and had a great role! She even got to sing in the play, which she loves to do! Many of my good friends went to go see her and to those great friends, I am so grateful!

 10. Family
My honey and I have been together 20 years.! (Married for almost 18.) He is wonderful and I couldn't have asked for a better husband! He said to write about us as one of the top ten, but it's not just about us. It's family! We have three amazing daughters, we are part of an awesome extended family on both sides. We were so happy that all of us were able to get together on my husband's side this Christmas. My honey really loves his brothers and sisters and I know it means a lot to him when they are ALL together! I was very proud that we were able to get members of my family in a book! This is actually the second book that my grandfather is in and the first for my mom and uncle.  There is another book coming out soon and I think my grandfather is in that one again and another uncle. My name is also in the book so I guess I am published! LOL!

 Honorable Mentions:
My honey said to say that he survived his class last year!
I had the best class ever in my 23 years of teaching!
Weegie learned to cook like a boss!
Speedy went to Chicago and takes voice lessons now too.
Squiggler turned 5 and says her best memory is Disneyland!
Sadness:
Losing my cousin Joe, my uncle Ruben and my friends Elena and Mirna.
Not seeing my cousin Rock Bottom.
My cousin Salena having breast cancer.
All the turmoil at my school, but I know goodness will prevail!
Disneyland closing the Court of Angels to the public. (We did get to take pictures there before it closed.)
Other Happiness:
Our nephew Isaiah joining the Navy.
Our goddaughter joining competive gymnastics.
Our great nephew Jordinson James being born. (First great great grandchild)
Our nephew Henry going away to college.

I'm sure there is so much more to add, but all this wouldn't be possible without our Faith in God! It is through Him we are able to accomplish what we do and for myself, I hope that this year I am able to serve him more. The other day I told someone, "When you see it needs to get done, then it is up to us to do it. Don't wait for others." I hope that I can live up to these words. I've been very busy this past semester, and stressed, but I need to remember that it's not up to me. It's up to God and with Him all things are possible! Happy New Year and may all that you wish for, work for and desire be granted to you!

Merry Christmas 2013

 Today is Christmas and it is a day filled with lots of love, family, Baby Jesus and a time for giving! When you have kids Christmas takes on a whole new meaning! It's more about the kids and trying to find a balance for them. Above is this years Christmas card. I really have a lot of fun making them, but this year I had to work to the 20th and then my friend, Mirna, passed away and so I almost didn't get them sent out.  I'm glad I did. I love them and they really capture our year!

 My girls in their new jammies. This has also become a tradition and it almost didn't happen again. Luckily I was able to take the older two out and find something they both liked and on sale! The little one is easy to shop for still and likes mommy's taste in clothes and outfits. My older dd would have a heart attack if she knew I posted a picture of her with no make up. I think she is just as beautiful without it, but she would not agree.

 Here is my honey with his brothers and sisters. They are in order from oldest girl to youngest girl and oldest boy to youngest boy.  I'm so glad we took time to take pictures! It was great to have everyone together this year! We always have a good time and thanks to my SIL we have a new tradition of Family Jeopardy. It is hilarious, fun and we learn a lot too!

 My honey with his baby brothers and just messing around! Everyone gets a long great and I really think we enjoy each other's company. Unfortunately we do not get together as often as we should. Family is very important and I'm glad that my girls get  to see that. We often spend more time with my family, but I don't have any brothers or sisters so it's not quiet the same.

 Here we are with the spouses and then the whole clan! I have some pretty amazing in laws and one thing is for certain....they can cook! We had prime rib, baked potatoes, brussel sprouts, creamed corn, fresh homemade bread, wine, and lots of dessert!!!

 The cousins posed for a picture too! I don't think they have taken a picture together like this in a long time! My daughters and nieces are all so beautiful and my nephew is quite the handsome young man.

Here is our family picture! So grateful for my sister in law, A, to take it for us! I love it! We are all looking and smiling! We had a great Christmas, went to church as a family yesterday, and came home to a dinner of tamales, mole, rice and beans. The little one wouldn't go to sleep until like 11:00 so she didn't wake up on Christmas until about 9:00 am.  I think my girls would say they had a good Christmas. I got a ring with three stones, representing each of my girls, and two special coins with Mickey and Minnie on them. (My honey knows me pretty well.) Thank you God for sending us your son, Jesus, to us! He is the greatest gift of all time!

Happy 5th Birthday Squiggler!

 I know I ignore my blog a lot now, and my girls are always asking me why I haven't put their latest achievements on it, but today I wanted to make sure I blogged about Squiggler's 5th birthday. 5 years ago, this little princess was born! I can't believe that 5 years have gone by!

 Festivities actually started yesterday at her preschool class. I took lunch for everyone and we passed out cupcakes and sang to her. She shares a birthday with her teacher! She was a little confused because it wasn't her real birthday. She kept saying she wasn't going to be 5 until December. LOL! I guess she doesn't know it is December!

 She received some presents from her classmates. She got a Build a Bear toy, a Princess drawing toy, a frame, a Barbie, and a memory game. We had pizza, carrots with ranch and fruit punch. (Her favorites!) Then we had cupcakes and I had Angry Bird rings and Princess rings for the students.  We then passed out goodie bags to everyone! Some may wonder why I did so much, but it's because next year she will be in Kindergarten and I can't do these fun things at school anymore.

 The bottom picture is a sneak peek from her photo shoot at JCP today.  I like going there and have gone there since she was a little less then 2 weeks old.  Today I had to run to work to do some last minute things for the sub, but when I got home she was already awake. We watched Disney Jr. for a while and then got ready to go. Her appointment was at 10 and we were the first ones there. After her session, we picked pictures and then went to get her cinnamon sticks.  Afterwards we decided to go see Frozen. It was the perfect time to go because there was only 2 other small groups there and I didn't have to worry about someone bothering her or her bothering someone else. The movie was great and she said she can't wait to buy it on DVD.

 We then went to the Disney store and to Macy's. Lastly we went to see her friend, Santa Claus at the mall. She first met this Santa when she was two weeks old and she has never been afraid of him.  She is fearless! He is such a good Santa, always trying to find out a little about each child before they sit on his lap.  She couldn't remember what she wanted so she made me tell him. LOL!

 We then went to Target so she could pick out a present. She picked a Butterfly Barbie, dress up shoes and a necklace and crown from Ariel and Belle. We then went to go pick up her sisters from school and I thought she was going to fall asleep, but she didn't.  (She was little Miss Cranky Birthday girl after that.) We came home and had her favorite meal of rice, beans and carnitas. We also had birthday cake and sang to her. She love the Family Birthday song! I love this picture because she is just beaming!

Happy Birthday Little Princess! Even though you may not remember this birthday, I will and how we spent it together! I love you so much and Thank God for blessing me with you and your sisters! Love you to the moon and back a gazillion times!

Valedictorian 2013

This girl, named Speedy Cheetah, walked across the stage at her 8th grade awards night 7 times! She received an award in Science, English, History, Outstanding Citizenship, Presidential Excellence, Principal's High Honor Roll and Valedictorian! She had a perfect report card for all her 6 semesters at Pacoima Middle School! It was so cute to see her have to walk in her heels across the stage and shake everyone's hand. When they announced the criteria for Valedictorian, she whispered to herself that she thought she had all A's in all her report cards and then they called her name! She has had an awesome year in 8th grade! She was an officer (assistant director) in Musical Production, she had a solo in every show and in the big show she had 5 solos, a monologue and danced in all the other numbers. She also won a poetry contest and numerous prizes from various teachers. (Especially Dr. Nurnan) She is such a great girl and we are so proud of her! Many people came up to congratulate her father and I  which was so sweet! I don't take credit for her except that she came out of my womb. She has been a firecracker since she was born and I hope she keeps the momentum going. She has already decided where she wants to go to college and what she will major in. I will do what it takes to make sure her dreams come true! Love you Speedy Cheetah!

Mother's Day 2013

I love this picture! It was a great Mother's Day and I don't think I would have changed anything! We got up this morning and went to church. My mother and I then went to the Moose Lodge to have Mother's Day brunch! Two old friends from high school catered and it was great! I would have never in a million years expected those two guys to become chefs, open their own restaurant and catering business. Afterwards my mom and I went to the movies to see Big Wedding. I loved it! Then we went to the mall, Target and Starbucks. We came home to a beautiful dinner, and gifts. I got exactly what I asked for and my mom seemed very pleased with her gifts too! It was a nice warm day just like I like them. I love these girls and I am so glad that I am a mom. It is is the best job in the world and they are my most glorious blessings!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl! (Round 2)

 Happy 17th Birthday to our oldest Princess! On Thursday she had her birthday and celebrated at school with a bunch of goodies from her friends! She received cookies, make up, clothes and lots of cards. She asked her daddy to make her chicken parmesan and she went to dance class! (She didn't want to miss her class because her recital is coming up!) On Friday, I picked her and her besties up and dropped them off at the mall. They went to see Gatsby since they had just finished the book and out to dinner. They also went to Starbucks which we also did the day before, but that turned into a fiasco.  My Starbucks totally let me down, but that is another story! It all turned out to be okay because I did end up with a lot of free drinks! They had a great time!

 On Saturday, we went shopping in the morning and she bought a formal dress for a really great price and now has something to wear to her many dances she has next year! She took her lifelong bestie to the game with her and they had a blast! I'm so glad she had a great birthday and she still has more presents coming, just not yet. (Her sister does too) I love you baby girl! You make me a better person and I'm so glad that I'm your mom!

Happy 14th Birthday Baby Girl!

Today is Speedy Cheetah's birthday! She's been so busy that she says she actually forgot her birthday was coming up when I reminded her on Tuesday! She had school, CST testing, practice and then we went out to eat at her favorite place, Soup Plantation.She is getting a new phone for her birthday, but it's not here yet. She is also going to Magic Mountain this Saturday to compete and she just came back from Chicago for four days. I think so far this has been a good birthday for her. She is excited to be starting high school in the fall, but will miss her friends from middle school. (She is the only one from her class going to her new high school) I know this little girl will do great things in her life! She always had a special bond with her paternal grandpa and I have no doubt he is looking over her and guiding her every step! He would be so proud of her and her philosophical ways! Love you Speedy Cheetah!

My Cousin Joe

This picture was taken 10 years ago at my grandmother's funeral. These are my four cousins that are older then me.  (My cousin LaLa is missing.) I love this picture even though it was taken at a sad occasion. The reason I am posting this picture is because my cousin Joe died last night! (He is the one to my right in the picture.) I still can't believe that he is gone. He was young, only 49! He is my first cousin and the first of us to go as adults.He leaves a beautiful wife, 4 daughters, a son and a beautiful granddaughter.  Joe was a great guy with such a soothing voice and giving heart. (He is my first cousin and we haven't lost a cousin in 27 years so this is very hard!)

On my birthday this past year he had emergency surgery on a brain tumor. The doctors said that it was an aggressive tumor and had he not come in because of a headache then they don't know what would have happened.  After the surgery he was talking and walking like as if he just didn't have major surgery.  He lives kind of far away and I was very sick and couldn't go visit him.  My mom saw him two weeks ago and he was doing fine. He had just had a birthday and was going to start treatment for the cancer.

On Monday, the 28th of January he had a stroke and when they did the MRI they found that tumor was back and it was 3x the original size. He did not wake up and he got progressively worse! He died shortly before midnight last night. I wasn't there, but some of my cousins were. I'm sad that I never got to tell him goodbye, but I am so thankful for that month he had to take care of what he needed to. I won't go into detail here, but I think it was a gift from God that he was here on earth for another month.

Joe, I know you are in a much better place and it is us here on Earth that are selfish in wanting you to stay! Say hi to Tata, Grandma, and Your mom for us!You will be missed so much, but know that you live on in the beautiful family you have raised! I love you cousin!

Love! Love! Love!

I am so loving our custom illustrated picture done by Katie Moon! She is so talented and made my family even more beautiful then I could have possibly imagined! I had heard about Katie and oohmoon through Lindsay Teague Moreno and when I saw hers, I knew I had to have one too! I really wanted to just capture time right now and freeze it! My girls are at the perfect ages right now and I know it a couple of years our family will be changing! Weegie is a junior, Speedy is almost in high school and Squiggler will be in Kindergarten!

Katie did a fantastic job capturing our family and our love for each other! The girls love it and so does my honey! I have big plans for this picture in our house! Thanks Katie and to my mom for helping me get this! It's my birthday/Christmas/lots of presents for the next year gift! LOL! I also feel so Blessed and fortunate because Katie will no longer be doing these types of illustrations. So glad I met her before she stopped! God is good all the time!

Family Field Trip!

 Today we decided to go on a Family Field trip before we all have to go back to school next week. My honey decided we should go see the USS IOWA. We got a great deal on a family pass and decided to go today! It was an absolutely gorgeous day here in Southern California! We headed out early this morning and made it to Long Beach in record time!

We were able to tour the entire boat and learn a lot about Navy ships and they way the Sailors live.  Weegie and Speedy really enjoyed it and took a lot of pictures. Squiggler didn't enjoy it as much, so I didn't get as many pictures since I was watching her so much.  It was a great way to spend the day as a family. There were quiet a few people there and the boat has only been there for a few months. They are hoping to pick up on attendance. Afterwards we went to eat lunch at Ports O Call at a restraunt that one of my honey's friends recommended.  We were very hungry at this time and the food was absolutely scrumptious and they gave big portions.  We all shared everyone's meal.  This may sound crazy, but that is one thing I love about my little family, we always share our food and taste everyone's meal. It's a great way to taste a lot of different food.  (I have cousins that do not share food and so I'm glad we do.)

We walked around a bit and Squiggler wanted to ride on the little rides they had.  I love the outfit she is wearing! She is such a fashionista! Hello Kitty, Leopard, boots and shades! What more could a girl ask for?

 I love my life!

Happy New Year!

Well 2013 is here and we had a nice New Year Eve where my honey cooked dinner, we stayed up watching movies and the ball drop! Squiggler fell asleep at 11:40 so she didn't make it to see the New Year! Today we had a nice day at home watching movies again, eating menudo for breakfast and a great ham dinner. It was a great ending, great beginning to 2013! Loved it! This is a little questionnaire I borrowed from Sophia Corbridge that she does every year. I did it 3 years ago, but hadn't done it since then. It was interesting to see what had stayed the same and what had changed!

1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before? Took my daughter to see 4 musicals in downtown Los Angeles and took my other daughter to two concerts by myself! I'm kind of a scaredy cat and don't like to go places by myself  (especially in the dark) but I did it and had a lot of fun too!
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I actually don't make resolutions, but I do try to have a good life and be a good person, but that is a given not a resolution.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? No one in my family, but my hairdresser had a baby boy in October and she named him Lennon.
4. Did anyone close to you die? No one close to me, but family of some of my friends.
5. What countries did you visit? Canada! First time I have ever been out of the country! In May my daughter, Speedy and I went to Canada with her singing group. It was a great trip!
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012? Spend time with my best friend or at least plan to spend time with each other.  I feel bad that we live so close to each other and rarely spend time together. I know she is really busy, but I want to make it a point to try to get together monthly. We have been BFF's since we were 8!
7. What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Two dates come to mind. The first is November 6th, Election night! I my goodness! Never has an election had such a big impact on me! The second is December 14, 2012. The day of the Sandy Hook School shootings. It was a sad day in America and as a teacher it will forever be etched in my brain.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Being a mom to 3 beautiful girls that are completely different. I love my girls so much and I am so happy of the relationships we have developed! I hope we are always close and they can always feel that they can come to me. My second was the letter I received from Mrs. Drew at the end of the school year! I will cherish that letter forever and always strive to be that teacher for my students,
9. What was your biggest failure? Not being organized! I have always have had problems with this, but I need to just get it together already! 
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? No! Thank you God!
11. What was the best thing you bought? I bought a purple coat last January and I love it! Best purchase I have made in a long time and great price!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My girls earn this honor again! Weegie is just such a great girl and I am so proud of her work  in our church, the great friend she is to her friends and that she would protect her little sisters from anything.  Speedy for her hard work and dedication in school, in her singing and the great big sister she is to Squiggler and the relationship she has with Weegie. Squiggler is doing so well and is such a great listener at pre-school and in dance class! She loves her little sisters and is so friendly to everyone!
13. Where did most of your money go? To my girls! Between school and lessons they require a good amount of money, but I know it is all worth it!
14. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Getting my donorschoose projects funded and being able to give my students access to technology!
15. What song will always remind you of 2012? Gangham Style! That guy is all over the place and it is a crack up to see my student's dancing to that song.
16. What do you wish you'd done more of? Remembering to keep God first and to say my daily rosary completely.
17. What do you wish you'd done less of? Spending time on the computer. LOL! I get so many great ideas from Pinterest that I don't even have time to use them all!
18. How did you spend Christmas? With my beautiful family! We had a wonderful morning and then went to my brother in laws and had a wonderful rest of the day there.  Christmas this year was just wonderful and no drama! Loved it!
19. Did you fall in love in 2012? Yes with my wonderful hubby, my beautiful daughters and my awesome class of Kindergarteners.
20. What was your favorite TV program? Say Yes to the Dress and Gray’s Anantomy. (This has not changed in 3 years!) I also like Once Upon A Time and Private Practice. (Benjamin Bratt is my eye candy!)
21. What was the best book you read this year? I really like The Next Best Thing. I'm not sure why, but I wanted it to go on and not end.
22. What was your greatest musical discovery? I learned to really love Pitbull.
23. What did you want and get for Christmas? I got the prettiest necklace from my girls! I love it!
24. What was your favorite film of this year? Argo. I loved it and thought Ben Affleck was very good in it. (I don't see many movies actually.)
25. What did you do on your birthday? I was sick with a terrible cold, my cousin Joe was in the hospital having emergency surgery for a brain tumor and so it wasn't quiet what I had hoped for. My wish came true and my cousin came through the surgery and is doing well. His tumor is cancerous and he will have to go through chemo, but he is doing very well! Praise God!
26. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Nothing really! I have a great life and it is so full of Blessings! My honey would like it if we won the lotto, but I remind him we are so very rich already!
27. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012? I have no fashion concepts! I wear what it easy and comfortable because I teach Kindergarten. I like to dress up 3 times a week and always wear jeans on Friday with my Kindergarten shirt!
28. What kept you sane? My Faith!
29. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Ellen De Generes. She is still my favorite celebrity and I wish I had time to watch her show. I fancy Benjamin Bratt! (Swoon!)
30. What political issue stirred you the most? Proposition 30 and 32! We won, we won! My honey and I went to sleep not knowing the outcome and when we woke up we were worried to check. I saw the results and wanted to cry! I think I did!
31. Who did you miss? My cousin Chris.  I saw him once in July, but I haven't seen or heard from him since then even though other family members have. 
32. Who was the best new person (people) you met? I love having lunch daily with my friends Jen and Martha. This is the first year we have had lunch together and so we are really getting to know one another. They are awesome ladies!
33. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012: Count your Blessings daily! Always try to see the bright side of things and remember there is nothing that you and God can't handle together!
34. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: Shine bright, tonight, you and I, we're beautiful like diamond in the sky! (That's Squiggler's song!) My personal pick is Oh How He Loves Us. (Weegie sings this everynight during her prayers.)