Happy Valentines Day!

So here are my favorite valentines (minus my hubby). We had a wonderful day! First we went to church, then to breakfast, came home and took a 2 hour nap!! I love naps! My hubby gave me a cute card and a strand of pearls. We had a yummy dinner of grilled salmon, vegetables, and wine. We also went to Menchies for dessert. It was a really nice Valentines day spent with the ones I love! My hubby had asked me if I wanted to go out, but I really don't like the crowds on Valentines so I would rather stay home.

There was a lot of chick flicks on today and yesterday Sophia from SentimentsbySophia posted her favorite romantic movies. I thought that was a cute idea and told my daughters about it. My oldest picked her five and here they are in no particular order:

1. Juno
2. Nick and Nora's Infinitie Play List
3. Twilight
4. New Moon
5. Sex and the City (Yes she has seen this movie, but only with me and I make her leave the room or fast forward in certain parts. We've also have had the talk and she was there when her baby sister was born. I think we have pretty good communication and I don't want her to hide things from me, but feel like she can come talk to me.)

My movies are: (in no particular order)

1. Mr. Wonderful
2. While You Were Sleeping
3. Sleepless in Seattle
4. You've Got Mail
5. When Harry Met Sally
6. Mystic Pizza
7. Someone Like You
8. Love Actually
9. Serendipidity
10. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

I am a hopeless romantic and LOVE chick flicks! My daughter Weegie likes them too. She was surprised that I didn't put Pretty Woman, Sex and the City or Sweet Home Alabama because I watch those a lot too, but these are my all time favorites!

I had also wanted to post a really cute project that I made at work for my students, but I left it at school so it is going to have to wait until later. It's really cute and I made one for myself. Oh and very easy too!

Squiggler is 14 months!

My Princess Squiggler is 14 months old and I of course took her to have her picture taken again! I couldn't help myself, because I really wanted Valentine pictures taken of her! I bought her this cute little red coat on clearance right after Christmas and knew it would be perfect for today! I also got her the little hats off of ebay. Isn't she a doll? I can't wait for her to wear these outfits next weekend to church.

This girl is such a ham and loves to take pictures. At first she was real smiley, but she didn't take a morning nap, so then after about 10 minutes she got real fussy and we had to work for pictures in the kiss me, hug me shirt. She has really grown this month and now I can see that she is no longer my little baby, but a little person. She was so lucky to have her daddy home for the last 6 weeks and is so spoiled! He has to go back to work in a week and she is going to miss him so much!

This month the Squiggler:

• really has learned to walk! She takes up to 16 steps at a time and goes across the living room without falling.
  
• Says Ga for grandma. She walks around the house calling Ga and looks for her at church.



• Can drink through a straw with no problem.



• Loves to share a banana everyday with my mom.



• Sings so cute. She makes a cute humming noise. I have it on film, but it is hard to describe.



• Loves to watch Sid the Science kid in Spanish.



• Loves to dance and when we say "Shake your butt!" She moves her little booty!



• Knows where her nose is and when we say "Where's your nose?" She points to her noses.



• Loves dogs and is always looking for our wow wow.



• Gives hugs.


• Gets so excited when mommy comes home and still nurses everyday when I come home. I think she is going to be my longest baby that I nurse.

I'm sure there is lots of things I am forgetting, but I wanted to post on her day. I'm not sure I made it since blogger is being all wierd and has messed up my post two times now. This little girl is such a delight and I thank God for her everyday! She is such a little sweetie and loves her sisters so much! She loves to hang out with them in the room and just be part of the girls. She has a little bit of both of them in her. She brings so much to our lives. In some ways having a baby after so many years has been different, but I am so grateful for this opportunity in my life. To just cherish her and the short time in which our babies are actually babies and I wouldn't trade this time in my life for anything! Love you my Squiggler!

Simple Pleasures

Kelly over at Kelly'sKorner blogged about some of her "Simple Pleasures" and it got me to thinking of some of my own. Some Kelly had written are some of mine too, but some are slightly different.

This little face is one of my simple pleasures. Especially this cheesy smile of hers. She is such a ham! I can't wait to get home each day just to squeeze and hug her!

The smell of the Squiggler! Her scent is such a sweet smell and I love to put my face in her neck and just inhale!

The sound of my daughter playing the violin is also one of my simple pleasures lately. She is getting really good and she has some favorites that I just love to hear when she is practicing. I hope she always keeps it up!

Another simple pleasure from the Weegie is when she calls me "Mommy." Now that she is older she doesn't do it as much, but when she does...that is music to my ears!

A simple pleasure from the Speedy Cheetah is her sweet hugs! She is such a loving child and her hugs always melt my troubles away!

Eating her cooking is another! She is quiet the little cook and loves to make simple recipes for her family.

Here are a few more simple pleasures that always brighten my day!

Diet coke from McDonalds.

A warm comforter on the bed on a cold day.

Snuggling in the arms of my love! Taking a nap together is a bonus!

A text or email from a good friend always brightens my day.

Finding money in the most unexepected places. (Like a coat pocket.)

People remembering my birthday!

The sun warming my soul on a beautiful day! (I am a lizard)

My class telling me that they love coming to school.

Chips and salsa with a good friend !

Those are just some that come to mind right now, but I'm sure I will think of more in the coming days! I like thinking of this because it reminds me of the blessings we have each and everyday!

Happy February!

Well I can't believe it is February already and I have been a bad blogger! Not on purpose, but our lives have been so busy and I end up falling asleep by 8 pm! I had wanted to blog so many time in January because I had stuff to share, but I just never got around to it because there was always something else going on too. (Kids, family, school, class kids, church, ccd) Any how the above picture was actually taken in December right after the Squiggler's first birthday. I love it!! She is such a ham and it totally captured her little personality! A studio came out to take her pictures and they cost a pretty penny! I wasn't able to buy many, but I did get this one and scanned it so I can share it with family and friends. Okay now on to some of the things I wanted to blog about in January!

This is an older picture of my honey and I. Our anniversary was on January 20th and we celebrated 14 years of marriage! Sometimes I think that number is such a small one, but other times I think it's pretty big!!! My honey is such a great guy and I really don't know how her puts up with me half the time!!! We are completely opposite, but you know how they say opposites attract. Well that is us! I couldn't imagine marrying a more wonderful man! He is the perfect one for me! When I was a little girl I always had an aunt that said, "Marry the man that treats you like a princess." I never understood what she meant until I met my husband. She was so right and I often thank her for giving me that advice. She says she wonders what happend to my cousins because she gave all of us that advice, but I was the only one that listenend! LOL! We celebrated pretty low key at home with our girls. I had to teach CCD that day, but when I came home, he had a great meal waiting for us! It was yummy! We didn't exchange gifts this year because of our big purchase the week before! Read on....

This was our big purchase this year!! A new car!! (At least a new car to us!) Our trusted old Ford Explorer started showing it's age and it was time to find something that would not leave us stranded. Our old car was 11 years old and had well over 100, 000 miles on it! It was the best car anyone could have ever asked for and never gave us a day of trouble until this past September. A month after getting the car fixed it started not wanting to start. The mechanics weren't sure what was wrong with it and it was going to cost a lot just to have them check what they "thought" was wrong with it. My honey kept saying that the car had to last until after Christmas and the car listened to him. On December 29th it decide it didn't want to start anymore at all! (or at least it didn't want to start for my husband) He told me it was dead and so I didn't even have the heart to try. When I finally did try a week later, the car started for me and continued to do so up until January 12 when we traded it in. I think it just love me best! Ha!

We looked around on the internet and wanted a comparable car to the Explorer, but really didn't want to spend too much because we are looking at pay cuts this year. (We both are!) We were browsing the Carmax website and saw some things that caught our eye, but everything in our price range had so many miles on it! Later the evening of the 4th I was looking at the website by myself and typed in SUV, under $18000 and hit search. Well I didn't realize that I hit search the United States and up popped up this beautiful Dodge Durango from New Mexico! It had almost everything we wanted in a new car, it was a little less then 2 years old, only had 14, 900 miles on it and cost....$15000. Whoo Hoo! We had to have it transferred here to Burbank and that took a week. When we saw it, we couldn't believe how clean it was! It is very roomy, but only seats 5. That was the only draw back because we would like to take my mom places, but it does fit our family just perfectly. The girls love it and we were even able to upgrade the Squiggler's carseat now that she finally weighs 20 pounds. We couldn't be more pleased with our new car and hope it lasts us like our old trustworthy Explorer did. It doesn't have a lot of bells or whistles, but like I said...it fits us just perfect! Well I better end for now, but I promise to be better this month about blogging and I do have a lot more to write about! Especially my two other beautiful girls!

Squiggler is 13 months!

The Squiggler is 13 months old now! Wow it has been a whole month since her first birthday! She has had such and exciting month! A party, 3 cakes, lots of presents, shots, Christmas(celebrating 3 days in a row with family), going to Disney, Mommy's birthday and New Year's Eve! Wow that is a lot for such a little Princess! Today as usual I took her to JCP's for a small photo shoot. I was going to stop, but then decided that no I want to continue if I am able to. I had the fabulous photographer only shoot a couple of pixs because I didn't want to be tempted to buy a lot. It was good thing to because we ended up having to wait and by the time it was her turn, she didn't want to take her picture after all. She was tired and ready for her nap!

I was happy with the ones we got and bought just a few. Her sister's picked her clothes today and I didn't even take a change of clothes for her. Tonight at dinner the Squiggler started singing. It was so cute and if I can figure out how to post video then I will try to post it soon! She was so funny and had us laughing. She then decided she was going to throw her sippy cup over her shoulder and she almost hit our dog! Poor Fido! (That's what she calls him, but his real name is Woody.) He loves when it's meal time because she always shares!

Squiggler had some new things going on this month and I want to record them for myself. That is why I mainly blog! LOL! Thank goodness for my wonderful sister in laws or no one else would ever read this. I have never shared it with anyone! This is more like an online scrapbook for me until I get in the groove again. I haven't scrapped in over a year!

This month Squiggler:

• has started eating yogurt, grilled cheese and meat.




• still wears a size 2 diaper, a 3 1/2 to 4 shoe size (depending on the shoe) and wears a size 12 months perfectly! For her birthday she was given a lot of size 18 months, but they are still too big for her.




• learned how to open presents. She loves to rip wrapping paper.




• take more steps, but still isn't walking on her own.




• says dad, thank you, ga for grandma, wow wow for dog, hi to everyone, and cheese for when I want her to smile at the camera.




• loves to eat fresh fruit, especially bananas, apples and pears.




• loves to try to put her socks on or pull them off.




• loves to pull my hair and has to touch it before she goes to sleep.




• likes to watch dog movies like Bolt or Beverly Hill Chihuahuas.




• plays peek a boo with whatever she can find around her. She also loves to pull clothes on to her head.




• gives wet kisses and hugs people to show affection. She lays her head on your shoulder and pats you while she is hugging you. It is so sweet!




• has the cutest cheesiest smile!

I wanted to add some more pictures, but sometimes I have the hardest time editing my posts so I will have to add them another time. My 3 girls are such a blessing and today I was telling my honey that I am so thankful to God for sending us these beautiful daughters to raise. I am especially grateful to be able to do it all again with Squiggler. I am in no hurry for her to walk because I'm not in a hurry for her to grow. I'm just taking it one day at a time and enjoying every second of it! I so wish we could win the Lotto so that I could stay home with her 24/7. This often surprises me because I never wanted to be a stay at home mom. Even now I don't think I really really would. I love teaching to much too, I would have to find some happy medium, but since we haven't won the lotto, there is no need to worry about that! LOL! I love you Squiggler! You are the sweetest baby I am so happy that you are part of our family. How lucky am I to be your mommy!

Happy New Year!

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before? Went to Disneyland by myself!
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? This last year was to take it slow and steady since I had a new baby. For 2010 I want to get back in shape.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? In 2008, yes, me, and 3 good friends. We all had baby girls. In 2009 a wonderful kindergarten teacher at my school did to a beautiful baby boy.
4. Did anyone close to you die? No one close to me, but sadly family from close friends.
5. What countries did you visit? No countries or other states this last year, but we did go to Yosemite and it was beautiful!
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? To get our finances in order because we might be taking a huge pay cut and that will not be good for our two teacher family income. We had thought about sending our oldest to Catholic High School, but we will have to wait and see.
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? April 18th, 2009 because that is the day the Squiggler was baptized and the Tejedas became our compadres. They are very special to us and it is good to have them as family now!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Being a mom to 3 beautiful girls that are completely different. And being the teacher to 5 of my collegue's children. I am so honored and touched that they chose me to be the teacher of their children. I hope I don't let them down.
9. What was your biggest failure? Not being organized at work! It’s driving me crazy, but because I leave right after work to pick up my oldest daughter and pump during my breaks, I never have time to organize. I hope to do better in 2010.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? No! Thank you God!
11. What was the best thing you bought? Hmmm? Haven’t really bought anything. I’ve received some great gifts.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My girls!! My two older daughters are just the greatest! They are both straight A students and get compliments from their teachers. I am so proud of them because they are good sisters to each other and to Squiggler.
13. Where did most of your money go? To Squiggler! We had to get all new things because we had given everything away. Some things we bought used, but it was still new to us.
14. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Having a new baby in the house and being able to really enjoy being a mom to a newborn. I cherished every minute with her and still do. I know it goes by so fast and just want to take it all in one step at a time. No rush!
15. What song will always remind you of 2009? I've Got A Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas
16. What do you wish you'd done more of? Exercise, keep my class organized and keep my faith in the right place.
17. What do you wish you'd done less of? Getting involved in other people’s drama. I am the mother of 3 and I don’t have time for all that.
18. How did you spend Christmas? With my beautiful family. Christmas day was low key, but oh so wonderful and peaceful.
19. Did you fall in love in 2009? 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.
21. What was the best book you read this year? I did not read one book for myself this past year. I did like Moo Baa La La La. Love that book!
22. What was your greatest musical discovery? I don’t think I had one except that my daughter has really learned to play the violin well and I love to hear her play.
23. What did you want and get for Christmas? Gift cards so I can buy myself a new outfit. I seriously had not bought myself any clothes since the dress for the baptism in April.
24. What was your favorite film of this year? The Proposal with Sandra Bullock. (it's actually the only movie I saw all year except for the two movies I saw this past week and that's only because it was my bday present)
25. What did you do on your birthday? I went to Disneyland with the Squiggler and met my friend Mrs. Pooh there. We had a great time!!
26. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Staying strong and not losing my faith. I have it, but it’s not at the level that I want it to be.
27. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? This year because I was nursing it had to be easy access for the Squiggler. LOL!
28. What kept you sane? My faith!
29. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Ellen De Generes. She is always so happy and so giving!
30. What political issue stirred you the most? I stayed away from politics this year, but it just irks me on how the Education System is being handled. Our children are our future, but they always seem to come in last.
31. Who did you miss? Someone who I thought was my friend, but it turns out that person never was. That makes me sad.
32. Who was the best new person (people) you met? I haven’t really ever met her, but it would be Kelly from Kelly’s Korner. I think she would be a great friend to have in real life.
33. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009: To trust your instincts. They never let you down!
34. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: "Everything’s gonna be alright!"
    

Happy Birthday to Me!

My birthday was Monday and I decided to celebrate it at the Happiest Place on Earth. For 2009 they were giving free admission on your birthday and I decided to take advantage of it with my darling Squiggler. (She was free too!) I was a little nervous and first and explained to my two other girls why I wasn't taking them and they understood. (No extra $ after the holidays.) So I ventured out and arrived at Disney at around 8:30 am. We got a great parking space and walked to the park. We had our picture taken right away at the C with Mickey and C for Squiggler's name. Some nice people took the picture for me, but cut off part of the C. Oh well!

As luck would have it, my good friend, Mrs. Pooh was going to be at Disney on that day too and so we met up with her. We got into the park with no problem and they gave me a special pin that said "Happy Birthday". Wow that pin gets you lots of attention! I got sung to 3 times in the first 30 minutes of being in the park. For the rest of the day, everyone was so nice and kept telling me Happy Birthday! We got a silhouette of the Squiggler done right away and then headed to Small World. The Squiggler loved it!! She could not get enough of it and kept swaying her head to the music. We got to sit in the front because it was my birthday and then they gave the Squiggler a pin that said "1st Visit."

We then decide to go to Toon Town and see Mickey. Well with all the excitement the Squiggler fell asleep and so this is what our Mickey pix looks like. I love it!

We then had a great lunch thanks to my wonderful friend Mrs. Pooh and ate at the Carnation Cafe. We stayed to watch the Christmas Parade and Squiggler loved that too! I think she overall really loved Disney and I know she won't remember her 1st visit, but I will. We left the park at around 5 pm and came home to a lovely dinner with my girls and honey. The girls made me a cake and it was so scrumptious! My birthday falls between Christmas and New Years and usually gets lost. This was the 2nd most favorite birthday of my life! (The first being in 1996 when I married my husband in the church and had a church wedding.) Last year I had a "big" birthday, but since I had just had a baby there was no way to celebrate it. This year totally made up for that and it was pretty economical too. Thanks again Mrs. Pooh for a marvelous time. You gave me a present I will never forget! Also thanks to my hubby for letting me go and not trying to talk me out of this crazy idea!