One Month

One month ago, Elena started school. It was a tough day for me. It's been a tough month of adjusting for me. But my little girl, is just LOVING school! Every morning, she is excited to go to school. Every afternoon, she's so excited to tell me and the girls, all about her day. And every night, I hear her telling Mark about what she's learned. It's so sweet!

I was talking to my MIL about this. And she tells me how Elena adores that 30 minutes with grammy. I know she does! She tells us all about it. You see, my MIL works in the office. Why? I'm not sure. She doesn't need to work. My in-laws are doing well. But she enjoys it. Even if we all tell her, that she should retire. And you know, enjoy life.

Back to my MIL and Elena. School is out at 3:30PM. My MIL patiently waits for Elena and her teacher, to get to the office at 3:45PM. After all the other kids are on their buses going home, or with their parents. Elena comes bringing in the attendance sheets, and anything else that needs to be turned in.

Yes, her teacher walks her there. And I'm sure she probably has business to do in the office too. But then, Elena gets to hangout with grammy for 30 minutes. While grammy closes down the office. And Elena is quickly becoming "Grammy's Helper." They put the mail in the teacher's boxes, organize attendance papers, and close down the office.

By 4:15PM, we're there to pick up Elena. She gives grammy some love. Grammy is excited to see the girls. It's a win-win. Once in a while, grammy brings Elena home for me. You know, if the girls are having a tough day. Or I'm helping my FIL. But we're definitely adjusting, to this new schedule of ours.

Now let me tell you, this is not a first for my MIL. With our oldest niece and nephew, they went to the school where my MIL works. They helped her too. But for Elena, I think this is a "Right of Passage." To get to help grammy at work. It really does make her feel so special! And my heart grows, every time she tells me about her afternoon.

In a month, I can see the difference in my daughter. Elena is more aware of things. She is always trying to teach Ofelia something. Her love of reading, is growing. Elena studies the world more. Likes to see how things work. She has friends. Boy does my daughter have friends! And it's so nice to see these changes.

To mark a month in school, we've invited a few of Elena's friends, and their moms over. We live outside of the school district. And it's a bit of a drive. So we decided a nice trip, to a local pizza and sub shop was in order. Closer for all.

I put together some little treat bags, for the kids. Convinced my FIL to watch Ofelia and Sofia, until my MIL got home. Which wasn't hard at all! He adores his grandkids. :) And I have a batch of this, in our slow cooker.



I just felt like we could all use some celebrating. It's been a tricky month for all of us. New schedules. New activities. New phases of life. I feel like we're really making some good friends. People who are experiencing all of the same things. It just feels good. And right. Oh, 4PM can't come soon enough! A

Happy Easter!!

I wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Easter!! From our house to yours. We're happy to be home. Enjoying our new family of 4!! The Easter Bunny made his way to our house. And we're all happy. :)



Elena, Ofelia, and Mark are reading from the girls' new Easter books. Learning about Jesus. The entire sight, makes me happy! While Sofia and I, are just relaxing. Wishing that we had made this sign. For our house!! Have a wonderful and blessed Easter!! A

So Sweet!!!

It's no secret, that this is our 3rd baby. In our family, we have 1 baby shower. For the first baby. After that, people are still happy for you. With each additional baby. But everyone feels like, now you know what to expect. You should have things from your previous babies to use. A little more on your feet. And your now a mommy, and know a little more about what's ahead.

I think this is a good thing. You celebrate with family, and get advise, the 1st time around. After that, people still bring gifts by. But it's a little more low key. I really like that. Our other babies are not loved less. It's just more low key.

So what happened yesterday, really surprised me! Lola has been in town. Her uncle past away over the weekend. But while the family has been trying to make arrangements, I've gotten to spend some much needed time, with my friend. Who has also been working on baby girl's nursery. :)

Yesterday, I had already agreed to be out of the house. So Lola could finish the nursery. I figured that, as a family, we'd get to see it complete after dinner. The girls and I, left early in the morning. Met my FIL for breakfast. And then we went shopping. About an hour into shopping, Lola called me. And asked if I could come home. I thought, oh no! What happened?

We headed home.When we got here, I was shocked! Lola and Lorenzo planned a "Baby Tea Party" for us! I'm pretty sure that I've said it before, but Mark's family owns a business. Lorenzo runs it. Mark, his brothers, and cousins all work for it. So they got to take the day off, with no problems. My MIL took the day off of work. As did Mr. and Mrs. S, lots of friends, and more family!

This was such a nice and unexpected surprise. It wasn't about the presents. But we really did appreciate those! All of them. :) It was about getting time with our family and friends. Seeing how happy they are, for us. Starting this new chapter, in our lives.



The food was plentiful. Something tells me, Lola spent all night cooking! This was definitely my favorite! If you haven't made it yet, run out and buy all the ingredients. It's super simple. And so delicious!

The day was perfect! Lots of food, friends, and family. An easy going day. Nothing too complicated. Lots of celebrating our baby girl. And our big girls too! And to top it all off, Lola and Lorenzo finished the nursery. Little did I know, it was finished the other night. When they came over, with a few friends. And let me tell you, it's beautiful!

Now I really can't wait for our baby girl to come! This is such a special time in our lives. And we have so many wonderful people, in our lives. We are blessed! Yesterday showed Mark and I, that we picked the perfect Godparents for our daughter. It was not about the gifts or party, but about the love, that they showered our family with! A

Lamb of God

I recently came across the blog, Dreams into Plans. Jen's blog is just amazing!! She shares such nice things. Things, that make my heart sing. And bring a smile to my lips. Like this printable.



The second I seen this, I knew that I had to print it out!!! Not only is it my style. With all the fun colors. But it speaks to my soul. Makes me think of my religion. And I just knew, we had to add it to our Easter decorations.

I printed this out out last night. And happened to have a pretty, Spring frame. A pink one!! That I put it in. And added this beauty, to our mantel. Go visit Jen. I promise you, you won't be disappointed!!! A

Happy Birthday Lola!

We just want to wish one of our favorite people in the entire world, a very Happy Birthday!! Lola has been a life long friend. Of both mine, and Mark's. Someone that has been through so much, with us. We're very lucky to have Lola in our lives. Have a wonderful birthday!! Hope all your wishes come true. :) A

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

Happy St. Patty's Day everyone!! Around here, we're very excited! Green pancakes for breakfast. I'm thinking green eggs and ham for lunch. And corned beef and cabbage for dinner! Let's not forget about our new green clothes. This is just one of those silly holidays, that makes life so fun!! And anything that brings a smile to my girls' faces is totally worth it!! A

Ofelia is 2!!!!

I just can't believe it!! Where has the time gone? Today Ofelia turns 2. To be completely honest, it sort of saddens my heart a bit. Because my babies are growing up, so quickly! And there's nothing I can do about it.

Two years, have just flown by!! I still remember feeling those little feet, kicking me. And the little flutters, from my baby moving around. The sweet, sweet smell of a newborn. And now, I have a talking, walking, laughing 2 year old!!



Our lives have changed so much. In 2 years!! Ofelia has brought so much happiness and love, to our family. Love that can't be taken away. Happiness that energizes our entire family. Love that continues to grow.

It still surprises me, that my baby is now, well on her way, to being a big girl. She picks out her own clothes. Let's me know, that peaches from Papi's house, are her "favoritists" thing in the whole wide world!! Ofelia just soaks up the world. Is such an explorer. Reminds me so much of her Nina and Nino. :)

We're having a birthday party this weekend. I'm so excited, to celebrate my little girl. And Mark, stayed home today. So we can shower our little girl, with lots of birthday love! I just hope, the next 16 years, are a little slower. I'm not ready for my baby birdies, to fly the nest!! A

Just Happy

Saturday was my birthday. I don't think it's a special day. I've always been funny about my birthday. I think, that's why I make such a big deal, out of my daughters' birthdays. :) But I have this amazing husband. That likes to spoil me. And our daughters. This year, he was extra sweet! To his extremely pregnant wife.

First came breakfast in bed. Which was delicious! Our daughters joined us. With special little gifts, that they made with Mark. My heart was so full of love. As they snuggled with me. And told me, that God sent them to me. Just because he loves me. I'd have to say, God loves me so much, that he sent me, these precious little girls to love!

Mark then drove me to my favorite spa. Where Cam was waiting for me. And we spent the entire day, getting pampered! Oh it was heaven. I got my hair cut, a magnificent prenatal massage, and a mani-pedi. Honestly, it was just what I needed. And before that day, I didn't even know it!

When Cam dropped me ff at home, I was so happy. And relaxed. I didn't expect to walk into a quiet house. With a delicious dinner waiting for me. And all my favorite movies. Yes, the perfect quiet night. With the man I love!

I still can't believe that Rems and Cam watched our daughters until this morning. Or that we literally spent the most incredible weekend alone. At home. Not doing much. Just enjoying each other's company. Much like we did, when we first got married.



Mark is the kind of husband, that will always make me feel, like that 16 year old girl. Who's heart raced, the minute she saw him. He'll always protect me. And our family. Most importantly, he'll always be here for us, and love us.

I got some amazing presents. I got a fun treat, of going to the spa. Amazing meals cooked all weekend. But the one gift, that my husband can't wrap up, he gives me every day. His love. And that's all I need! A

We're Getting Old

I'm getting old. So is Mark. Just don't tell him! Why am I saying this? There was a time, when we'd have gone out. For New Year's. Spent the entire night, with family and friends. Dancing away. Celebrating the passing year. And the coming year.

Mark's brothers, with their wives, my siblings with their significant others, and a handful of friends. We'd go out. Find a good, and safe place to celebrate. Have the time of our lives! Dance until the sun came up. Then we'd all go out for breakfast.

If we were lucky, we'd head home for a 2 hour nap. Then to church. And a day full of family fun. Nowadays, we're homebodies. 100% On New Year's Eve, we had a little "dance party" with the girls. We've been doing this, since Elena's 1st New Year's. The girls stayed up later than usual. But we're still in bed, before 11pm.

Mark and I, stayed up to ring in the New Year. Low key. Yummy snacks, a good movie, then the "Ball Drop." I'm pretty sure, we were in bed, before 1am. Happy as can be! Us, and my big 'ol preggers belly. :)

Yesterday morning, was like pulling teeth! We almost didn't make it to church. Because we unexpectedly overslept. So did our daughters. You'd think, we partied all night! Both girls fell asleep in church. That never happens! We'll chalk it up, to all that dancing. :)

Then we went to my in-laws' house. If you haven't realized it by now, we spend a lot of time with them. I personally, love it! Mark's family is so close! And I think it's the perfect environment, for our daughters, to grow up in.

Since we woke up late, I didn't get my cooking done. But we had the groceries at home. Mark lugged them into his parents' house. Where I was going to do a little cooking. When my MIL told me to relax.

My SIL actually whipped up, my mashed potatoes, salad, and dessert. She is a sweetheart! While my BIL entertained the girls. Taking them on horse rides. While Mark, my other BIL, and FIL were working in the barn. I'm still not positive, what they were doing. But it was some "guy thing." That kept them, and all our nephews entertained!

Meanwhile, my MIL, SILs, and I spent the better part of the day, watching the Hallmark Channel. What else would you expect? We're addicted! I'm pretty sure, that I took a 2 hour nap. Sometime during our movie marathon. I just can't shake this exhaustion!



We eventually got it together. Later in the afternoon, many other family and friends came over. And we had the best dinner! My MIL is a genius in the kitchen. No lie! And we watched more Hallmark. As the guys caught up on their games.

Let me tell you, I'll take Hallmark, family, friends, and good food, over going out. Any day! This is the life! Even if, I seem to now, require 10 hours of sleep a day! And cry every 15 minutes, while watching Hallmark. Isn't that where the fun is? That and playing dolls with my girls! How was your New Year's? A

Happy 2012!!!!

Happy New Year's! I can't believe it's already 2012. Time just seems to be flying by. I swear, I still feel like it's the 90s. When Mark and I first fell in love. :) Now here we are, excited to meet our new daughter. Making so many changes for the coming year.



I always wonder, how we'll make the next year, better than the last. How can it get better? But it just does! And I feel so blessed! I can't wait, to see what 2012, has in store for our family. A

Elena is 3!!!!

Can someone please explain to me....why does life move so fast?? I swear to you, before we had kids, life didn't move this fast. Never!! Not once, did I feel, like life was in high gear. These days, I'm constantly stressed out. My babies are going to grow up, and fly the coop. I feel, like one day, I'm just going to wake up, and they're going to be adults. On their own. Do you understand that?

I shouldn't be quite so dramatic. I know. One day, my girls are going to grow up. Move out. Be on their own. With their own families. But to me, I'm still in shock. At how quickly things are moving. 4 years ago, Mark and I decided to have a baby. We'd been married, nearly 10 years. It was time. To make an addition, to our little family. :)

God blessed us. So much!! With the most perfect little girl. With all her daddy's curiosity. Her mommy's eyes. Daddy's dark hair. This little person, who loved us more, than anyone in the world. In return, we love her, more than anyone in the world!!

3 years ago, we became parents. We held our little baby girl, for the very first time. Soaked up the sweet and wonderful, newborn scent. Watched as she nuzzled into us. And fell deeply into love!! Elena, was the missing part of our family. That we never knew, was missing.



The last 3 years, has been completely filled with love!! Wonder. And precious moments. Moments that we would never take back. Moments, that in our old age, we will still be cherishing.

I absolutely cannot believe, how quickly time has flown by! How one day, we were shocked by hearing our baby's heartbeat. For the very first time. And next, Elena is reading to Ofelia. It's just so crazy, how life moves this fast!!

Saturday, we're having Elena's birthday party. But today, is all about, our favorite 3 year old!! Mark is busy making breakfast. And I'm sitting here. Staring at our very first family picture. Getting ready, to shower our big girl, with lots of birthday love!! There might even be, a trip to the Disney Store, in our very near future!! A

Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter everyone!! There's just something about Easter, that makes me so happy!! Lent, is a time, when I completely "fill up" my tank. I soak up all of God's grace. I feel like Lent, is a time of reflection. But also, a time of "soul healing."

Our little family, is so excited about going to church today. I'm telling you, we all feel so blessed. The Easter Bunny even stopped by. Left our daughters some treats. That I'm sure, when they wake up, will be so thrilled! :)




This afternoon, we're all heading to my in-laws' house. They're hosting a nice cookout. And my family, is so happy about going! My sister even called last night, to ask me what time she should be there. Secretly, I know that she's excited over my MIL's cooking!! So am I!! I made this cake for the celebration. It was super easy!! And now, I'm wondering why I haven't done it before. Happy Easter!! A

So Cute!!

It's almost Ofelia's 1st birthday!!! I know, I'm in shock too!!! We've been planning her birthday party, for about a month now. :) I like to make a big deal, of my daughters' birthdays. I want them to know, that they are special. And should be celebrated. For being them.

But Mark and I, agreed, that some birthdays should be bigger than others. Our plan, is to celebrate each birthday. With a nice party. But our daughters' 1st, 5th, 10th, 13th, 15th, and 18th birthdays, should be special!! Extra special!!!

Our theme for Ofelia's 1st birthday, is "Little Cupcake." And we've had so much success, at finding things. Cupcakes are so popular right now. But the idea, behind the cupcakes, are all about Mark!! He calls Ofelia his little cupcake. So cute! And the name is sticking. :)




These little candles are my favorite!! They are just so fun. :) We're used to having parties, in warm weather. Outside. This will be our first, indoor event. But I think it will be fun. You should see our guest room. Stuffed with party stuff!! Have you seen anything, that we just need to have? Anything cupcake themed. We'd love some ideas!! A