Chocolat Princess

Thankful

2010-12-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

This post perhaps is a bit late... since Thanksgiving was last month. However, before the moment passes by, I wanted to share how thankful I am. There are days where things can feel so rough and busy, hard and difficult but the fact of the matter is that there's always something to be thankful for.

Today I have a few that came to mind so I wanted to journal it. I opened my freezer and it is full of food... I am thankful I have choice on what we can cook and eat tonight. I thank my husband for being such an amazing provider to our family. His job can be at times draining but he continues to push through in order to provide for this family. I am thankful that this morning I opened my eyes and I have the opportunity to live this day. I don't have a terminal illness or sick children, my husband, kids and I are healthy and we have a beautiful home, we have a warm place to call our own and for this I am THANKFUL! God, if you can hear me... THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Student of the Week

2010-10-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

Our youngest is student of the week! We're so proud. She got a poster to fill out and color that shared the tidbits of who she is and the things she l♥ves. We even got the opportunity to add some sparkling glitter to the poster! This is her first time... I recall doing the same for my oldest for first and second grade.

We pasted a photo on her poster that we took this past July during our San Diego vacation. I thought it would be fun to share it here. Olivia didn't want to ride the "boat" by herself so I joined her, and from the looks of it she had a great time!

Cheers! ♥

How to Be Alone

2010-09-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

I ♥ed this poem. I am not very good at being alone. In my case of course, I am married with kids but being home and working from home does come with a dash of "alone" at times. When there's no work I find myself unable to make myself useful... but I'm learning.

When I Grow Up

2010-09-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

When I grow up I want to be a successful freelancer and since I'm still growing there's room for learning. If I don't win the book giveaway ending today at Mint of Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business, I will be making sure I buy it. Watch this adorable feel good stop motion video covering the "9 Qualities of a Successful Freelancer", then run and buy the book!

Pottery Painting

2010-08-29T16:41:00.001-07:00

I love painting with the girls at the As You Wish pottery painting shops. This time instead of watching them paint I decided to paint a little something for a friend. It looks yummy!

Curly Curls

2010-08-27T18:00:00.001-07:00

This is how we do hair! Isa needs a haircut... Those curls are a lot of work. We were touching up her hair to go to grandmas!

Vampire Teeth

2010-08-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

I took this phone photo last year. Isa loves vampire teeth, I wonder if I should worry?? She has a new pair, green ones. She washes them at night and puts them on after school. Sometimes I think they're funny, sometimes I think they're yucky, especially when I see them laying around the house one minute and in her mouth the next. Most of the time though, they make me laugh!!!

Talking the Talk

2010-08-23T05:42:00.001-07:00

My hubby snapped this picture the other day! Isa chatting with a friend. Love for the phone has begun. It was a sweet snapshot of what's yet to come. Cheers!

Long Time No See

2010-08-18T09:41:00.001-07:00

I can't believe the last time I blogged was February and it was a video post. I have been way over my head lately. I'm trying my best to simplify things, the more I try the more things storm my way and complicate themselve. A few things that happened while I was away...

Isabelle is now in 5th grade, it was a rough 4th grade year but she did it! And she figured out what it meant to be responsible in school work. She is now an amazing 5th grader. WOW!
Olivia made it through Kindergarten! We both had a rough start and separation anxiety but we survived, she is now in 1st grade and not a single tear has been shed, me on the other hand did become misty eyed.
We had an amazing summer! It was filled with movies, camping at Sea World, Sand Diego visits, pottery painting, play dates, ice cream, shopping, and some minor school work to keep their noggins working! We turned off the TV cable mid-June so there was not that much TV going on. We did do some gaming and Lego Harry Potter was a big hit with all of us.
Isabelle turned 10 and she had a wonderful small birthday party, I can't believe she's just 3 years away from 13, yikes! We are considering sports this year and Volleyball is at the top of the list.
Olivia turned 6 this past Monday... she can now decide if she wants earrings. :-) I always wanted them to ask for it and decide if they wanted piercings, I know 6 is still young to make decisions but I always felt I had no right to do this to their body. We did the same with Isabelle. Olivia has been asking since she was 4 so it's time.

That's it for now! I'll keep it short and sweet, have a lovely day!

Happy Groundhog Day (Feb 2nd)

2010-02-01T20:12:00.001-08:00

I'm a little early but before I forget, Happy Groundhog Day. As a side note I love that movie, it's my favorite!

I Did It! I Can Sew!

2010-02-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

I did it, I managed to take some time to learn a little sewing (one of my quiet, yet personal New Year's resolution). I took a 2.5 hour class at our local fabric/craft store where I was able to get more acquainted with my basic sewing machine. Want to see what I did?

Granted that the project I put together isn't a fabulous rendition of a tote bag, I am satisfied in knowing I did it all by myself and I could do it all by myself again and again if I wanted to. Next, I plan to take a home decorating class and the project for that class is pillow slip-covers. The most exciting part is that the instructor happens to live near me, and offers private classes. God willing, I plan to sign me and my Isabelle up... she's been wanting to learn too. Before you know it we'll be sewing anything and everything, or at least some pillows and curtains!

Parenting, Sigh with Me

2010-01-31T16:36:00.000-08:00

I tell you some days I want an instruction manual. I was put in a situation today where I didn't know what to do. I felt that what my daughter (9) had done required consequences but I didn't want to blow it out of proportion... so I proceeded to implement an old-fashioned method of structuring and developing self-discipline... the method involves a piece of paper, a pencil... and sentence written 30 times. Yes, I had my daughter write lines... (first time ever)

* I will respect my mom and will be thankful for what I have. *

I sat down with her and broke down each part of that sentence and why I was having her write it. In a world filled with materialistic wants I wanted her to understand that putting all her hope on a "thing" to feel complete is a sure way to grow-up always wanting "more" and never feeling satisfied. Sigh, on one end I hate how guilty I feel when I have to implement some sort of discipline, on the other end I know it's necessary because the future end result is more important than feeling good about the now.

The Net of Life

2010-01-29T17:56:00.000-08:00

I heard this on NPR yesterday and found it beautifully written. It really touched my heart. A passage in regards to our human connection with animals... and how they should be respected. We're not 'above them' we just share the space with them.

"The animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren; they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of the earth."

Henry Beston, The Outermost House, 1928

Expired and Worn Out

2010-01-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased a book from Amazon. I happen to find it at 2:00 am one morning while taking care of Olivia as she coughed the night away. I was SO tired and sadly, so grumpy. I started thinking why am "I" so tired? I know immediately the thought you have in your head is "duh, because it's 2:00 am", but that wasn't the case or the exhaustion I was referring to. I had this feeling pile up on me, one where I felt as if I had been carrying "tiredness" from months ago, maybe even years old.

I happened to have my iPhone near by so I went to my * forgive my geekiness * pull up my Amazon app and search the term "worn out". The results were, of course endless, but this one particular book stood out:

The Worn Out Woman: When Life is Full & Your Spirit is Empty
* Book Cover Image Courtesy of Amazon.com *

I bought it and I'm a 1/4 ways into it. One could consider it a self-help book but for me, to tell you the truth this one under $10 book might actually change me forever. I truly hope so because I'd like to put an "expiration date" on the exhaustion I've been carrying around. The creepy part is that I'm wearing me out. It's not the cause of having kids, a husband, not friends, work or family, it's "me" putting myself in situations that compromise my time, emotions, energy and finances.

I want to find balance that benefit my spirit and my relationship with my God and my family. I want to put what matters first and let what's unimportant be, melt away, in order to not find myself so worn out. If you find yourself in my shoes, if you define yourself as a "perfectionist", "people pleaser" and "workaholic", "addictive volunteer", this book might be for you too! I'm so happy I found it...

Freeze

2010-01-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

I've been on 'freeze' mode for a while, I hope I can find the motivation to get some things done this year because somewhere last year I lost it.

Great Quotes that Gave Me a Moment of Clarity

2009-09-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

I just spent a few minutes reading some Erma Bombeck quotes, and I really enjoyed them. Thought you might too, I made my three favorite bold. Life is so simple, I think we complicate it, over and over again...

"Insanity is hereditary. You can catch it from your kids."

"My second favorite household chore is ironing.
My first one being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint."

"There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake
Christmas morning and not be a child."

"If a man watches three football games in a row,
he should be declared legally dead."

"The only reason I would take up jogging is so
I could hear heavy breathing again."

"Laughter rises out of tragedy, when you need it the most,
and rewards you for your courage."

"Dreams have only one owner at a time. That's why dreamers are lonely."

"When I stand before God at the end of my life,
I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left,
and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"

"In general, my children refused to eat anything
that hadn't danced on TV."

"When humor goes, there goes civilization."

"Seize the moment. Think of all those women on
the 'Titanic' who waved off the dessert cart."

"Never loan your car to anyone to whom you've given birth."

"The grass is always greener over the septic tank."

"A child needs your love more when he deserves it least."

"There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain,
comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt."

Twilight Should Have Ended Like This

2009-09-01T12:13:00.001-07:00

All I can say is that when my husband showed me this on a not so great day.... let's just say the sun came out. Too funny! I did see Twilight, it's the girly version of a vampire movie. I will not pretend that I will not see the 2nd film when it makes it to DVD... however... this photo brings much, much, laughter.

The Unavoidable K-12 Years

2009-08-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

I figured I could pour my sadness here because I worry I'll tire those around me about how I feel right now. I have two little girls and with my oldest I had a common transition in sending her to daycare as I had to work during her first years, then she went to an excellent preschool, but with our youngest, whom I've been able to be home with for 2 years, and has been with mom or dad most of her life, I am suddenly separated from since she started Kindergarten this week.

Monday was Oli's first day away in school and while I know it's part of our children growing up, sending her off to school really broke my heart today. The first day, Monday, was hard and we both struggled but we made it (mostly because my husband was there, thank goodness! I would've been a mother in tears and not the only one), the second day, I'll call it "Illusion Tuesday" as the day felt like it was all going to be okay from this point forward when leaving her in school. The day was perfect, Oli came home excited and she made some new friends. All was good! Today, Wednesday, the day which I will label as "Tricked Ya' Wednesday!", Oli screamed as I left her classroom – "MOMMY! MOMMY! DON'T LEAVE! MOMMY! DON'T LEAVE!!!"– the teacher of course reassured me she'd be okay and I know she will be but a thought kept pressing my heart...

We are somewhat forcing them to leave our side, when they aren't ready, separate them, and then when they are older, teens and young adults, we do everything we can to bring them closer. Part of me wanted to just bring her home, I know the thought was selfish, I just want her by my side as long as I can have her as my itty bitty baby. * Sigh * My girls are growing up so fast and I wish I could pause these years. Lately time feels like it's moving much, much faster than the previous years.

I feel so sad, I miss them so much. It would've been easier if I had taken her to preschool... like our Isa. I know it will get easier, it's just... I miss her and the house is so quiet without them here. Lastly, I'm sorry for the emotional exhaling, I know, I'm a big baby about all of this... Now give me a hug. :-)

Her First Camping Trip

2009-06-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

The reason our Isa Pizza decided to join Girl Scouts was all based on one word: camping. When the troop leader voiced out all the activities they would be participating in, Isabelle thought they all sounded wonderful, but camping, camping was the seal on the deal. Of course she had to wait almost one whole year for the event to take place as it was not happening until mid June.

Fast forward to mid-June... we are back from our camping trip and it was a super success! She tried so many new things, archery, a creek walk, canoeing, rock climbing, sleep in the cold and sharing a small space with 5 girls. She did fabulous and of all the activities, the creek walk was the least favorite and it did involve an emotional breakdown but she pulled through. I was proud to see her overcome many fears and that was what this experience was all about! I now feel very comfortable allowing her to attend a camp on her own. While I know she'd have moments of fear and frustration, I also know she has the strength to get through them.

I loved having the opportunity to bond with my daughter and the other little girls in the camp site. They made me laugh, wore me out at times but made me feel loved when asked to sit on "their" table. I had the opportunity to lead, comfort other little campers that were there alone, I even had the chance to try some archery myself. Unfortunately, I also picked up something and developed bronchitis. I thought this is something that happens after a few days of a cold but this developed rapidly for me in 1.5-2 days. I am so thankful there's medicine for this because the chest pains and the scary fevers I've gone through really had me worried. If I had not had my husband to get me through the fever I faced last night, I probably would've had someone rushed me to the emergency room or dialed 911! Or perhaps, I'm a wimp! :-) I have not been sick in a very long time.

Lego Harry Potter, Yay!

2009-06-01T13:21:00.001-07:00

I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter series. I'll prove it in the future with some evidence. However, I couldn't resist to take a moment and share the news! Apparently by 2010 Lego Harry Potter will be released. The line of Lego games is incredibly adorable: Lego Star Wars, Lego Batman and Lego Indiana Jones. However, I have not played any of them all the way through. Videogames are just really hard to keep up with! I'm pretty sure HP will be the first I finish for this line of titles!

See here, see here:

He Laughs and I Feel Good

2009-05-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

When I hear my husband laugh I feel so happy! When I make him laugh, I feel loads happier. When he and the kids laugh together is like a joy bomb! :-) Jamel, this is a public announcement: I love you, love being your wife, the mommy of your little monkeys and your best friend. Love to make you laugh, make you breakfast, make you dinner, love family videogame nights... love Avatar with you and the girls and just you and me Dexter dates. I love you! My heart is yours! Thank you for being the hubby, father and best friend you are!

Things I Don't Understand [On Self]

2009-05-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

A while back I started reading this great blog and one of the posts was "things I don't understand". I thought I'd take the time to do one post related to the topic, but on a personal note. Here are mine:

Why people [me included] fail to make time for the things they love and drown in to-do-lists instead.
Why it's so hard to make friends as one gets older.
I can't do yoga, be quiet or still.
I'm so loud! LOL
Could be broke but I'll buy a Starbucks whenever possible!
Taking it personal when my 4 year-old refuses to eat the dinner I've made.
Why friends don't take my advice, sometimes it's really good advice.
Being so sensitive, cry over almost anything, I'm a big baby sometimes.
Waiting so long to order myself business cards for my freelance services.
Living in the desert, Arizona, you're too hot!

My Fortune on Mother's Day

2009-05-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

We ordered (my choice) Chinese take-out on Mother's Day and I had saved my 'fortune' insert to share via Twitter, but it was too long for the minimum characters allowed and being able to explain that it was found via a delicious 'fortune' cookie.

"Love is like paint... it makes things beautiful when you spread it,
but it will dry up if you don't use it."

I suppose my silly and negative temperament could say that paint colors can be rather ugly so be careful how you spread it on your walls. ** Giggles ** Go spread some love! :-)

I'm the Mom

2009-05-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

Sometime last year I watched this YouTube video and I ran into it again this year. It's nice to know that as a mother, ** haha ** I'm not alone. There is so much books don't cover when it comes to parenthood. Some of this stuff just has to be lived and experienced. Enjoy my 24/hr day in 3 minutes! Haha!

Me Thinks

2009-05-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

I am a photo booth junkie. I love my photo booth camera. Sometimes I find myself bored or thinking while working and then I start taking goofy photos of myself. ** NERD ** Here's a few:

A Private, Public, Quiet Rant

2009-05-07T14:30:00.001-07:00

A private, yet public 'good-bye',
maybe a quiet rant towards an issue I'm having.

......

"Kindness is loving people more than they deserve."

Joseph Joubert
......
Slowdance
Have you ever watched kids
on a merry-go-round
Or listened to the rain
slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last

Do you run through each day on the fly
When you ask "How are you?"
do you hear the reply?

When the day is done,
do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
running through your head?

You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
'Cause you never had time
to call and say "Hi"?

You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away...

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Love This

2009-05-05T22:38:00.000-07:00

My Digi-Green Thumb

2009-05-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

I may not have the extraordinary ability to prevent flowers from dying, or an actual gift of harvesting my own fresh apples, but when it comes to what I do have, I do have a digital green-thumb. My 4-yr old and I just played a round of shared games of Gardening Mama. Hysterical and we aced each game without a hiccup. If gardening were only this easy!

501 Science Experiments

2009-05-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

During a mini-birthday book shopping spree for my hubby, we found a book in the sales section of Borders titled "501 Science Experiments" by Estelle Longfield. My oldest loves science and I think we're going to have so much fun with this one. Similar to the "Little Hands Art" book below, it has clear intructions and tabbed sections such as Biology, Chemestry, Physics, Astronomy and more! I'm now collecting materials to put the book to good use!

Exploring Arts with Little Hands

2009-05-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends, Elizabeth, shared with me an adorable art and crafts book for little hands: "The Little Hands Art Book, by Judy Press". It is absolutely adorable! The little hands projects are simple, the instructions are clear and the materials are easy to do at home, or gather through recycling. The book has cutesy short poems before each craft project that you can share with your child and home made art supply recipes that allow you to skip most expensive art supply purchases from your local craft/art stores.

If you have a little one at home between the ages of 2 and 6, be sure to pick up a copy! I wish I had found it sooner. It's probably one of the first books I actually believe my kiddos could really enjoy crafting from. If you have a baby at home, add it to a wish list, it will come handy once they turn 2!

Me in Spring

2009-04-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

I look like this these days... I don't know what to do about the frizzy hair. Boo! However, God gave me these curls I'm still learning how to style. At times I want to cut it all off and other times, I love it long and straight! I realized it had been a while since I posted a self photo. So here it is, a fancy "Photo Booth" shot!

Hey There Butterfly

2009-04-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hey there butterfly,
you use to fly so pretty,
your wings would float up in the air,
without any worries or care.

Hey there butterfly,
you're once again a caterpillar,
you crawl along and try to hold on,
yet filled with constant fear of falling,
after all you used to know how to fly.

Once again you shall turn colorful,
and glide your beauty in the spring.
Once again you'll feel the air,
flowing through your wings.
-- by Chocolat Princess

Will You Be My Friend?

2009-04-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

Every Wednesday (almost every Wednesday) I have a training session at my gym. Every now and then my trainer will ask me if I've met anyone at the gym. To my surprise, my answer is usually a 'not really, just a few acquaintances'. I come and I go and keep to myself, not on purpose or as being anti-social, just more so that I'm usually on a schedule.

This morning as I finished my routine, I was doing my last exercise and there was a young woman in front of me doing her own routine. She asked me what the funny yellow sit up balloon I was on was for and I explained the details. I immediately introduced myself thinking "this shyness ends now, I need to make friends!"

In our 5-10 minute conversation I found out that I perhaps, assume who a person is by the looks of them. ** Shame on me, I know ** To my surprise she is a mother of 2, just like me, and has an older and younger child just like me and I felt for a moment that it was really easy to talk to her. Before I left she asked if I could show her how to use a machine because she didn't feel comfortable asking a trainer. "Yay, I didn't scare her away!"

In all honesty I'm hoping that I made a new friend and not just another acquaintance. I didn't want to be too forward or desperate and be like "Here's my number, can I have yours?", "Can we schedule a play-date for our kiddos?" Boy I sound like a dork! It's just as one gets older, it's harder to have solid mature friendships. I know most would agree!

One Change & Everything Changes

2009-04-21T17:23:00.001-07:00

Let's Take it Back...

2009-04-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

As I watched teens walk to their high school today, I had a moment (call me crazy) where I wished to be 16 and responsibility free (for a day), where I thought that the inability to manage my hair was the end of the world and a chaotic scenario. Surprise, surprise! So naive. Then I snapped out of it and realized how crazy I was to even wish to return to days filled with lack of clarity, confusion and insecurities. Loving 30 right now! Perhaps I'm worn out, but glad to be where I am today.

A Maze Me

2009-03-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

Life is a triangle of twisting paths.

Some short. Some long.
There are dead ends. And there are choices.
And wrong turns, and detours, and yield signs,
and instruction booklets, and star maps,
and happiness, and loneliness.
And friends. And sisters. And love.
And poetry.
Life is a maze.
You are a maze.
Amazed.
And amazing.
(My Isa, you are Amazing)

I picked up a lovely little book by Naomi Shihab Nye titled "A Maze Me" – Poems for Girls. I went to the library for story time with Olivia this past Tuesday, but storytime had been canceled so I wondered into the biography section, as my oldest had requested I check her out a biography about either: Martin Luther King Jr. (she has a collection of his story), Einstein or someone important... she didn't care, as long as it was a biography. That's our Isa. Most of the time you'll find her lovely little face covered by a book. In fact, when she was little I read to her so much that she didn't sleep with any stuffed animals, she'd ask to keep the book I'd read to her and she'd tuck it gently by her side, that was her comfort blanket. Isa was enrolled in a book club since she was born... I'd get a book every other month and read it to her ever since she was in my tummy. There came a point I had to cancel the book club, so we'd go to storytime at our local library and then after check out a stack of books. She just loves reading and has a mini library in her walk-in closet! As of now, our little 3rd grader is enrolled in an after school book club program... and re-enrolled all by herself for the next round. I have no doubt our Isa will be something really great in the years to come! I pray the Lord let's me see it in bloom. As of now she says she's going to be a marine biologist. Makes me so proud and I'll be proud of her always!

Reading A Maze Me has given me a moment to get in touch with the little quiet emotions we all experience as little girls. I personally feel like I never really got a chance to be a little girl and if I did, the memories are hidden somewhere deep within. I really just don't remember much until the age of 8. It's a feel good little book. One of my favorites was the following –

* Neklace *
I hope Sunday's slow and long,
steeped like a pot of mint tea.
Soft sun and deep thinking.
Saturday was a crowded calendar page,
a mound of chores.
Could Monday be a porch?
Facing the week. Wednesday a meadow?
Thursday, let's leave
small baskets at everyone's door.
Flowers, notes, stones.
No one does that anymore.
Could a week be strung on a silver chain?
A boat?A tree?
Tuesday as a tree?

Loved These Flicks

2009-03-09T10:13:00.001-07:00

This weekend I was fortunate to be able to run away with my hubby for a movie date. (WOOT!) We were able to see Watchmen which in my opinion was awesome! It was a 'different' type of superhero film for me. My husband had gifted me the comic novel but I have yet to read through it. It took me a little bit to understand the story, but in the end I left completely satisfied with excellent and unpredictable results.

Another excellent rental flick this weekend was Sunshine. If you have not seen it, I truly believe is worth checking out. However, if you're like me, you need to watch it during the day because Danny Boyle movies tend to leave me on the edge of my seat almost every time (don't even get me started on 28 Days Later).

Emotional Tune-Up

2009-03-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

I need an emotional tune-up. I often talk to my husband about how I wish I wouldn't take things so personal. I'm an extremely sensitive person. I wonder why and how it happens, if it's in our nature or something that could've been adjusted by the emotional guidance of a parent. Perhaps it's based on events that took place during my childhood years, affecting the way I handle my emotions as an adult when something makes me sad, angry, or threatened.

Unfortunately, this weekend, I am the guilty party for doing that which I just described above to my poor husband. (I'm sorry times a million and one) Advice... don't do that! My biggest regret is my inability to just deliver my feelings more so calm and collected. I lose it quite quickly, which could be also labeled as lacking patience. Instead, I bottle my feelings and then **KABOOM** and I honestly don't want to do that anymore.

I found an excellent article on emotions (I'm not done with all of it yet, it's very detailed) and perhaps you too go through something similar and want to do a little bit more research, like I. I am on a search for a healthier emotional handling, for the sake of those whom I love and love me back and for myself as well... I really would love to find a way to not let myself be consumed by my emotions, but find a way to exhale them properly.

Emotions - How To Understand, Identify Release Your Emotions

Daffodils Make Our Home Happy

2009-02-25T11:06:00.000-08:00

** Yes my hunny owns that many videogames and then some... **

I've had some inspiration come my way and I really need to find a way to execute all the ideas rolling around my mushy brain. I want some more hours added to the clock. For those who don't know, I do freelance graphic and web design. As of now I mainly just design the web site prototypes for a couple of private clients. These clients also own a proprietary Content Management System where the web site is built. I've learned the software well enough to train, service and troubleshoot software owners and their clients. This may not sound as much fun to the creative types, but I've really enjoyed learning to use the CMS and being able to feel challenged in fixing technical problems when they occur. It's not like Dreamweaver and it can be quite complex for a new user. I feel very fortunate to have learned it as it has provided a very unique route in my career. My next web design project is in the 'fashion' industry so I am very jazzed and eager to get started on it.

As for my recreational world, I'm loving episodes of The Guild. If you're a gamer you'll find them humorous. I have yet to play World of Warcraft but temptation is looming. I hear it's very addictive and perhaps that would be counterproductive to the projects I have in mind. I love that they're short and sweet and I can relate with the 'imaginary-internet' world as most of mine, even clients are a far away online communication.

Lastly, aren't the daffodils above just delightful?! Picked them up yesterday at our local Trader Joe's who has a wonderful flower market filled with a beautiful and affordable selection of indoor plants and flowers.

Pitter * Patter

2009-02-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

Little Isa and Oli are my company and the day's entertainment until around 6:00 p.m. Work surrounds the day in different forms: laundry, creative design, dinner, then some more laundry, homework. I skip around the house from one task to the next in thankfulness (95% of the time) that I am able to do a 9 to 5 at home and not away from little Isa's school time or little Oli's play time. I enjoy the tick and the tock of the moving clock... then there's 6:00 p.m. I like you 6:00 p.m. You bring my heart much joy! The gift you bring sends my heart into a pitter patter, pitter patter goes my heart. My husband's arrival every day from work... is just like this...

Inspiration: You Musn't Quit

2009-02-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

Found this short poem inspiring this morning:

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest! If you must-but never quit.
Life is queer, with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might of won if he'd stuck it out;
Stick to your task, though the pace seems slows-
You may succeed with one more blow.

Success is failure turned inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt-
And you may never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things seem worse that YOU MUSN'T QUIT.
– Anon.

Creativity In Repair

2009-01-30T13:25:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks I have been experiencing something I didn't think I would while at home, a creative emptiness and lack of fulfillment and direction.

I have found myself doing very little to stay creative and I'm having a hard time coming out of the uncreative funk. I don't feel as if I nailed that one thing I'm passionate about. I need to figure out a way to manage my time and make sure I fit in 'creative' time, however old habits die hard. With all the responsibilities that come with life, I can't seem to fit it in. If you're a creative stopping by to read this post, I am curious how you have found your one thing or two you have passion for? How do you maintain it, protect it?

I'd love to make that one of my goals, finding one thing that creates a personal fulfillment in my creative world. With that I dedicate to myself a new favorite song, John Mayer's In Repair. I can do that right?

"Stood on the corner for a while
To wait for the wind to blow down on me
Hoping it takes with it my old ways
And brings some brand new luck upon me
Oh it's taking so long I could be wrong, I could be ready
Oh but if I take my heart's advice
I should assume it's still unsteady
I am in repair, I am in repair "

New Glasses

2009-01-30T09:27:00.000-08:00

Oh yea! My glasses were ready for pick-up this morning. Love them! They are perfect, and feel perfect. Excuse my Hello Kitty band-aid, I cut my thumb opening a jar of peanut butter yesterday.

The Linens Closet is a MESS!

2009-01-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

I am so tired of the amount of blankets that we have that we don't use. Today felt like the perfect day to pile the ones I don't wish to decorate with ever again and pass them on to someone who might need a warm evening. Yes, that's the fancy way of saying I'm donating them. I just want to be a bit more organized. I tried to think back to when I started becoming so unorganized, and I'd say it happened after our second child. No, it's not Olivia's fault! Really, really. I just lost interest in keeping things in order when it comes to closets and clothes. Our garage too, that's next on the list. We WILL park one car in our garage this year. My goal for that one is the end of February. I'm also hoping to clear one room strictly for guests as right now our guest room is also a play room, and well the toys are just everywhere!!!! Especially those little McDonald Happy Meal toys. Maybe I'm being an over achiever, we'll see.

My 4 Eyes

2009-01-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

Today was a sweet day! Thanks to my hubby being able to work from home (as I am a stay at home mom), I had the opportunity to see an optometrist and get a fresh new pair of eye glasses and contact lenses. I lost my last pair of contacts almost 2 1/2 months ago and I have not worn them since. As of now I'm wearing my contacts and my face feels empty, lonely, bare. I can't wait 'till I get my new pair of eye glasses. These are plastic, but they've got style. They have a tropical flower on the sides... a bit pricey but one of those 'got have it'. I'm so excited, here's what they look like:

It's funny when I think how much I hated my first pair of glasses. They were plastic frames, of course, and mauve pink and very but very ugly, plus I was 13, I hated the idea of glasses as a teen. Now, plastic frames are the 'it' choice for eye wear. Go figure!

To Do Lists and the Steps I'll Take in '09

2009-01-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since the New Year. A post is very overdue. I hope everyone that stops by had a great holiday season. I had a fabulous Christmas and New Year with my loved ones, which of course includes family and friends! My husband got me a cruiser bike which I'm in love with and the weather is now perfect for a stroll! If anyone has links to places where I can get an adorable white basket for it, do tell!!! I haven't Googled for one yet.

In a nutshell, I can't believe it's already almost the end of January of 2009! This month just flew by. I'm currently considering starting a new blog in WordPress, inspired by my hubby. I'll be working on that in the coming weeks... I just want to be sure I can maintain my blogs. I haven't been very good about this in the past, I know.

I'm currently reading the January issue of Real Simple. It's all about lists. However, I like the twist on a particular list they did, "the ultimate not-to-do list". Personally, I think I prefer that one instead of the "to-do-list" for 2009 or New Year Resolutions. I decided it be a good idea for I to create my own not-to-do list. I know it's somewhat intimate as it shares some of my fears, doubts and areas where I am insecure, but I do believe it be good to come back here and see my no-to-do goals from time to time. It will be my stepping guide for the months to come.

I will try my best not to do these things in 2009 (in no particular order and I will also borrow some from the original article because some really do apply to my way of being):

I will not compare my success to others but be inspired by others.
I will not feel incomplete because I don't have a full time job in an office environment but make my home office space a creative and fulfilling space.
I will not overcommit but will do those things I find joy and value in.
I will try my best to not over worry about things I can't control, but pray about those areas of concern.
I will not obsess about the pounds I wish to lose but maintain a healthy gym routine and eating habits.
I will not let drama from people I know consume me or my life or my family or be overly concerned with people who refused to stay positive.
I will not let friends take advantage of me.
I will not let my creativity fade but set up an area where I can remain creative at least once a week with projects that are not work related.
I will not obsess on whether I am a good mother or bad mother but do the best I can to provide in the areas my children need me.
Last but not least at all, I will not take my husband for granted, but appreciate him in every area where he provides, gives, listens and loves me day in and day out and I will invest in making sure we are always growing in our relationship and shared dreams.

That's it for now, I truly hope this year will be one to remember, one where positive changes are established, one that includes much growth for our small family of 4!

Merry Christmas and a Minor Leave of Absence

2008-12-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

I'd like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a super fantastic New Year! I can't believe it's going to be 2009 already! I really want to set some goals in place for the coming year! I shall elaborate more in '09! I want to find myself being more creatively productive. I want to offer a place to show what these two hands can do. There is so much inspiring talent out there!

Anyhow, I might have said this before, but this time I mean it. In the interest of sorting out my purpose with this blog and my creativity, I am taking a minor leave of absence. I shall be back after the New Year! Loads of love and loads of hugs! ~ Mrs. Chocolat

Slackin' Times

2008-12-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't posted in forever. I have been a slacker and I blame a portion on my husband. In the past I have been one to not really play much video games, but my beloved better half has introduced me to a game and now I love spending my spare time playing this:

It is a fabulous addiction and I don't see the interest fading any time soon. Now of course that's not all I've been doing... *cough - cough * There's Girl's Scouts and Thanksgiving stuff that took place and Christmastsy stuff too! :-) Loads of baking and eating! But I must admit I'm addicted to Fable II. I told my hubby he's going to regret it!

* Image Courtesy of Jamel Grow Up *

Time is Flying By, Again!

2008-11-26T06:41:00.000-08:00

I did it again. It's been a month, almost, since I posted and I feel extremely horrible about it. Work picked up and the holidays kicked in, which means the agenda is starting to fill up. I cannot believe it's the end of November already. I owe some photo posts too.

A quick proud announcement is the carrot cakes I made. My dad works for the Arizona Veteran Hospital and they were holding a fundraiser. He asked if I'd donate a couple of my carrot cakes which he refers to as the best carrot cake he's ever had. I'm often complimented on this particular cake and it's my pride and joy when it comes to baking. Yesterday when I followed up in regards to the fundraisier, (woohoo!) he shared with me that they sold at my suggested price, both of them!!!! I never sell my baked goods, just share them, so it was a joyful moment for me. I plan to make some more baked goods during the holiday season. Whoops, and I suppose I plan to expand the waistline a couple inches too! (p.s. sorry for the not so great iPhone photo of the cake)

Finger Lickin' Good

2008-10-31T14:49:00.001-07:00

{ Happy Halloween Everyone! }

Made these and just finished decorating a few. I love 'em.
Hahah! I love Halloween, it's so silly!

My Little Spider

2008-10-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am short on time today. I have some Halloween stuff to get done, like baking creepy finger cookies. I promise to post of a photo if they are worth showing. I wanted to share Isabelle's costume for school. Her class usually celebrates Literature Day which is a safe route in the allowing kids to dress up as a character, but not include the political issues or offensive terms of celebrating Halloween. The class chose Charlotte's Web as the Literature Day theme. Isabelle chose to be Charlotte. I put a quick costume together for her and I think it turned out quite adorable. She was so happy to wear it, which in turn made me happy to have made it just for her. I procrastinated a bit and excuse the antennas as I was confused due a diagram I had referenced and in the rush of the morning, I mistakenly thought the spider had antennas. ** Silly Me ** She looked adorable. I'll share my finger cookies with you tomorrow, wish me luck!

I Did My Homework

2008-10-29T16:37:00.001-07:00

A couple days ago OperationNICE had a beautiful assignment: Make a Love List. I just realized, I didn't post mine on my blog. Here it is... and if you haven't already, please stop by OperationNICE. I guarantee you, you'll feel good there! Below is my "Love List". Give it a try... if anything you can get the work turned in for 50% of the grade... * tehee *

" I love how my husband loves me, how he sees me, the real me and how he goes out his way to make sure I am happy, even at the hardest times. I love my husband's laughter, the sounds and the visual reaction is exhilarating and contagious. I also love my husband's ability to retain an immense amount of information, and I consider him a genius or consider that his super hero power because I am not capable of doing that with such a natural ease.

I love the family my husband and I have been blessed with, my daughters and all of us together, I love how our little family brings us back to the center of our hearts. I love the laughter my daughters generate for me. I love how my oldest daughter has an immense passion for knowledge and willingness to help out and how my youngest loves to show affection and knows when to say I'm sorry with loving words. I love how my daughters put together a surprise girls night just for me. I love how my mother kept me honest, loyal and confident and I love how my father is able to point out my mistakes even when it hurts to do so.

I love seeing my brother happy with his wife. I love that I know how much my mother in law loves my daughters, I find so much peace in that. I love the friends that I have made in the past 5 years, each one has left a positive mark in my life. I love God, he keeps me in line and focused when everything gets dark. I love the person who put OperationNICE together, she's been a creative role model in the past and continues to be a great inspiration and friend in my life.

I love me for being able to love all these people."

I'm 'It"...

2008-10-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

My goody good friend Mel tagged me. I am honored to follow up and post some answers, as I know you're dying to get to know me more and more!

favorite artist/designer: I'm going to cheat a bit and put a 'movie' designer; Guillermo del Toro. His work is just amazing, the characters, the way he delivers his movies as a whole is very inspiring. You can tell he pours his heart, soul and blood into his films.

I love to create using: My hands... baking and paper are my favorite resources for these hands.

what inspires me: Competition inspires me, usually when I feel competitive, I take action rather quickly, and I'm not sure if that's good or bad but it fuels me. Seeing work out of the ordinary done with limited resources also moves me.

favorite medium besides my own: Film. I wish I could shoot beautiful photography or video.

most inspirational city: New York City... I'm with Melissa on that one. It left me breathless, the people, the streets, the crowd, the fullness of the city leaves you wanting to come back.

ideal weekend off: Romantic getaways with my hubby or the entire family where we are visually stimulated by art, fun people, loads of laughter, good music and excellent food, food you can eat, enjoy and not care how unhealthy it is! Like fried Twinkies I mean!!! LOL

favorite color: brown

favorite musician: (of all time)- of all time... wow that's hard... Frank Sinatra

favorite movie: Either Groundhog Day or Lost in Translation and as a coincidence Bill Murray is in both, whoa!

favorite song: Right now... Estelle's "American Boy" and Snow Patrol "Make This Go On Forever"

favorite song lyric: "What's with these homies dissin' my girl? Why do they gotta front? What did we ever do to these guys That made them so violent?", Weezer - Buddy Holly

If I could have any other job it would be: Pastry Chef, hands down!

I wish: I could be a bit more organized and a bit less temperamental and a bit more childish. :-)

Wow, Speechless After 9 Years

2008-10-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

** Warning, Lovey Dovey Post Below**

I want to elaborate in detail the amount of excitement that it brings me to be able to share with those of you who read this blog that my husband and I celebrated 9 years of being married together this past Friday, October 24th. However, I find myself speechless. I find myself emotionally silent wanting to just sit still in this moment, I have such a tremendous amount of joy I cannot begin to put into words how happy this makes me feel and my keyboard is about to be showered with tears of joy! Excuse me as I'm a tad bit emotional.

I still feel the same I did yesterday, when I boldly approached Jamel to go to a concert/date with me back in August of '97. The photo above was taken about a year later when we once again, boldly, moved in together. I don't know what the secret is to staying married and I don't know the secret ingredient in making relationships last a lifetime, but the one thing I know for sure is that I choose to love this man until my heart beats no more. I choose to make him as happy as I possibly can and be here when he needs me.

This past week Jamel surprised me with an amazing romantic getaway to one of our favorite spots in Sedona, Arizona. He planned everything so carefully, flew my mother in law into town quietly and booked us a two night stay at a favorite resort, he even rented a getaway ride... He surprised me with flowers after a walk in the town and we had such an AMAZING time. I know this took a lot of work. I am just speechless still and I feel like I'm walking on air! ** Blush **

Jamel, you must know that nine years later I am still sure that I choose you to be my partner, my friend, the father of our children and the man whom I want to love forever and a day... This past weekend I literally felt like a queen! It was a dream and I am still very speechless about it all. Thank you Jamel for an amazing anniversary gift and for giving me 9 years (more like 11) of your heart, of your life, of laughter, of sillyness, of support and encouragement. Cheers to another year together! I love you!

Excellent Weekend

2008-10-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

I had to share that I had the most wonderful weekend with my hubby and my princesses! We were invited to a picnic that was put together by one of my main clients whom I freelance for. They are such an honor to work for. There we enjoyed the company and some awesome catered Famous Dave's BBQ! I have to brag a little, as they gave me a certificate that tied into the picnic's cowboy theme. I was awarded the Bronco Award:

"for riding the design bronco with perfection,
winning all those coveted 'design' awards for her beautiful sites,
and for always doing it with a smile. You go girl!"

Olivia and Mr. Chocolat laughing it out.
** he tickled her **

Isa, Daddy and Oli, who at the end of the picnic
was running a mild fever. Poor thing.

Later, on the way home, Jamel made a pit stop by Game Stop. Guess what he bought? The SingStar Bundle for PS3.

We rocked this high class fancy karaoke game to the tunes of Eye of the Tiger by Survivor (this one was my favorite), Back to Black by Amy Winehouse, Mr. Brightside by The Killers and more! We sang 'till we could sing no more. Everyone should have this game. I told Jamel we need to have a SingStar party! I am not ashamed to say I loved the game! Bring on the Karaoke! (Thanks love, this was a fine investment!) I'd like to think he bought it for me...

Sunday we chilled out and made a delicious roast. ** Mouth Waters ** and today I'm making enchiladas with the left overs. I better get rolling because I've been out of the house most of the day. Happy Monday!

Speechless...

2008-10-16T15:26:00.001-07:00

Maybe I will later... these cards are so random. { LOL }
Image courtesy of: http://www.someecards.com

Needing an Rx for Lazyness

2008-10-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

I feel so lazy today. I don't like it when I feel like this. I can think of a million things I need to do but can't regain focus or the ability to start a task and deliver it to completion. Both of my kids are home right now, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I want a spotless home but all I seem to do is create a bigger mess and stacks of clutter. ** Ugh! ** what's wrong with me? I should just throw my hands up in the air and call this day a freebie-do-nothing kind of day!

Let's Do the Math | 20+10=30

2008-10-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

I am officially 30! My birthday was October 9th. I have to admit that I had the blues the day before. I always thought I'd welcome the day with a joyous celebration, but it was a day where I felt as if life decide to put a 'check-point' on it. It was a moment to reflect the things I've done and the things I have not done. To see how far I've come, or how short I've arrived. I don't mean to be hard on myself but I usually have high expectations, and right now more than ever, I have even higher expectations of who I should and should not be.

I had an amazing birthday. My Jamel got ready for work as usual and we said our 'see you later - love you' greetings. I got ready to take my oldest to school but about 45 minutes later I hear my Jamel come back. He said he had forgotten something, he had forgotten to tell me that he had taken the day off, and the day after, just for me, for my birthday! That made me feel so special! I needed him here and his company and that alone could have been my gift and I would've had a fabulous day. However, that's not how my Mr. works it. He came home with groceries to make me breakfast! Then we spent the day together doing the things that we both love. In the evening we had a sitter scheduled because Jamel told me to dress nice for an outing, but he wouldn't tell me where or what. The suspense sure made it much more exciting!

He took us out to eat at this wonderful hidden gem in Phoenix called Richardson's, Cuisine of Mexico. The restaurant wasn't just comfortable, the mood was perfect, the lighting, the seating. Perfect! The food was amazing! I had an amazing dish with Pork Chops and Chorizo served with these amazing 'green chile potatoes.'

After our meal we drove over to another 'surprise' location... Sweet O Wine and Chocolate Bar. A wine bar that offers a variety of wines and chocolate, among other desserts. There we found a spot were we shared an order of Fondue for 2 and a few glasses of wine. The rest of the evening is for me to know and for you to never find out! ** Wink **

Jamel of course showered me with gifts. The treasure box included the following from my wish list... and yes, I'm spoiled!

- Hello Cupcake! by Karen Tack & Alan Richardson
- Many Ways to Say I Love You by Fred Rogers
- The Adobe Illustrator WOW Book by Sharon Steuer
- iPhone Case by SwitchEasy (my iPhone looks so sexy!)
- Sex and the City – The Complete Series | Collector's Gift Set

I love all my gifts! However, one is a favorite. He got me a book by Syuzi Pakhchyan, Fashioning Technology. Wow! It's filled with projects that allow you to learn electronics while crafting. I feel so challenged and ready to jump in! It requires a lot of read before jumping into the first project, since I know nothing about building a circuit board, but I am so inspired to learn something new. I feel like this book is just what I needed!

I had the best birthday ever. Thank you Jamel for making it amazing, being here for me for the past 11 years, for being my rock through my best days and my worst days, for loving me every day and loving me in the days that I was most unlovable. Thank you!

Turning 30 was a 'check-point' and I'm excited to see what comes of it. When I reflect on it, I have so much to be proud of. I am well educated, I have a handful of amazing people that surround me, I have a beautiful family and an amazing partner in my life. I have a lot to be thankful for!

{ sorry for the long post }

Early Bday Presents

2008-10-07T20:54:00.001-07:00

Just a quick short post. Two wonderful birthday gifts. First, from my beloved, my very own Xbox controller. There's this game my hubby and our two girls play and it allows up to four players but we only had three controllers. I can finally join in the game!

The card and wrapped gift are from one of my closest friends, Elizabeth. I have not opened it yet. I was going to wait but I'm thinking I can't wait two days to open the pretty box. Two wonderful gifts! I feel special!

Saturday! Yeah!

2008-10-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

This is me as of October 2008.
I have not cut my hair. I kinda' like it long most days.

It is Saturday! I'm enjoying a nice glass of a Riesling wine. I had a nice relaxing day. I even took a nap, which is so rare! I need more days like this. I need to relax more and more! Today I took my oldest to a Girls Scout event.We sang songs... lots of them and did some handmade musical instruments. My little Olivia, the youngest, got to stay home with daddy and enjoy a morning of Lego Batman. Cuuute!

Ah, I'm rambling! ... And I had two glasses or maybe three of wine, so forgive my immaturity. :-) Okay... I'm watching Six Feet Under, based on high recommendations. Thus far good, but we have it paused as my hubby agreed we need more wine!

Tata for now! :-)

If Money was Plentiful

2008-09-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

This would be my car : 2008 Impreza WRX STI

I would take us here for a long vacation: Santorini Island, Greece
But since money is not plentiful, I will instead admire the pretty pictures...
they're a lot easier on the wallet.

A Time for Everything

2008-09-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
-- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 --

I find comfort in knowing that God planned the time for each season, each season of my life. He predetermined the struggles I would encounter and has placed some amazing people in my life to help us endure the current struggles we face as a family. I thought I'd share these lines... as I truly believe that I am going through what I'm going through for a much bigger purpose. I try to find ways around it, but I truly believe that in order to regain healing from all the struggles we have to walk through the 'fire' first... on the other side we will be much stronger. I will do this, holding on to Christ with my dear life.

And just to make sure the passage isn't twisted on my behalf, I don't hate anyone or wish to tear down anyone, and of course I don't wish to kill anyone. I take these verses as an example that there's a time for everything in life. There will be good times and bad times and we have a choice as to how we handle them. I plan to handle them in Love. 1 Corinthians 13 is the best explanation of true love. I truly believe love is a choice. It's easy to love when everything is wonderful, but choosing to love when things are not so great really give your the opportunity to demonstrate your genuine ability to love.

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Fun Stuff Monday

2008-09-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some fun links today. I may do this every Monday. I'll call it something clever.

Let your little one be a super hero: Fliggity Clothing
Unwind the stress of the day with a glass of this (soon to become our favorite thus far): Schmitt Sohne Riesling
Books that relax me: The Art of Doing Nothing
Podcasts this Mommy Loves: Jumping Monkeys
Have a Quick Laugh at Dooce: Duh!

Clearly...

2008-09-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

I disappeared for a bit. I've been taking up space among other areas of my life but the month of August was ** a word I can't seem to find goes here ** and I'm taking what I learned during that month (which was a lot) and making changes based on what I've learned. Am I speaking in riddles...? mayyyybe! But let's leave it at that.

On a fun exciting note my hubby and I went on a date this weekend! ** in a childish voice ** "We went on a date, we went on a date". We tried something we hadn't done before. We went to this place called F1 Race Factory and I took him indoor kart racing.

There I found out that he is fearless to speed! It was fun to put on the helmet and the racing gear is optional so we skipped it but it was available should you choose to wear it. I wish the place had been a bit more crowded so we could've had the opportunity to experience a real race but when it was our turn, it was just Jamel and I racing... guess who won 1st Place? Before we headed out for some huge and delicious portions of Italian cuisine, my hubby noticed how there was was an indoor rock climbing wall. Jamel wanted to give it a try - I too thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to try it myself. Whoa! That is more exhausting than I had anticipated and it literally left me out of breath. I need stronger fingers and a stronger upper body, little shoes for the little rocks and some gloves for the next time around. I actually woulndn't mind doing that again with the proper attire. Below I leave you with a few shots of our magnificent rock climbing talent.

It was a nice view from where I was standing...
I would've taken more photos but I was a tad bit distracted.

Exhausting but fun!

Next time, the proper attire will be of huge help:
little shoes, sporty clothes and most definitely, strong fingers.

Is Love an Action or a Feeling or Both?

2008-09-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

A few things I must share on this day:

Don't take the one you love the most for granted, are you truly expressing your love for the ones you love with more than words? Make it actions starting today! Lastly, love is always worth fighting for!

Want to read a book that you could transform the way you express love, check out The 5 Love Languages if you have not already. It was a great read!

Endless Love

2008-08-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

My love
There's only you in my life
The only thing that's right
My first love
You're every breath I take
You're every step I make

And I
I want to share
All my love with you
No one else will do
And your eyes (your eyes, your eyes)
They tell me how much you care
Oh, yes
You'll always be
My endless love

Two hearts
Two hearts that beat as one
Our lives have just begun
And forever
I'll hold you close in my arms
I can't resist your charms

And I
I'd play the fool
For you, I'm sure
You know I don't mind
(no, you know I don't mind)
And yes
You mean the world to me
I know I've found in you
My endless love

And love
I'd play the fool
For you, I'm sure
You know I don't mind
(Whoa, you know I don't mind)
Oh, yes
You'd be the only one
'Cause no, I can't deny
This love I have inside
And I'll give it all to you
My love (my love, my love)

Reality Check

2008-08-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

I think I've just had a moment of realization... I turn 30 very soon. In about a month and a half and I'm one of those that use to say – "It can possibly be so bad to turn 30". I officially owe some of you an apology if I ever made such statement, including my husband. I like the number 29 so much... do I really have to give it up. Not ready for that big 3-0. I know I won't look older instantly, but I feel as if expectations change when you enter the increments of 3 tens. I wonder what could possibly change besides the number? I remember my mother being in her 30's. She always looked so beautiful! Anyhow, I don't think it's bad to be 30 or anything of the sort. More so I am a little bummed to say goodbye to my 20's! Time to go on the hunt for my "fountain of youth!!"

A Life Changing Decision

2008-08-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

I know this post is very intimate and most of my closest friends read my blog, so sharing these words in public means a lot to me! I know from time to time I tend to be very reserved. It's been a long busy, yet exciting day.

I know I've been somewhat missing these past few weeks. I've had some busy work, that would be reason #1 as to why I've disappeared. Reason #2 is that about 3 weeks ago I received a call about a volunteer opportunity. Last year I took a course, a bible study course that covered Corinthians 1 and 2 in an in-depth study. I really enjoyed it so much! It was like no bible study I had ever done. In case you didn't know already, living for God is a huge part of who I am and who I am becoming.

Several times through the year I assisted in the childrens ministry. I really enjoyed it and even mentioned to my hubby several times how I envisioned me being an actual teacher to the little kids. I never really mentioned it to anyone else. Three weeks ago I received a call to find out my class leader had recommended me as a childrens teacher. I was really just honored. It is such a magnificent opportunity for me and at the same time a huge responsibility, not to mention commitment. I know this opportunity requires me to make some changes in the way I do things and they are changes I am thrilled to make. I am nervous and honored, happy and thankful to have the opportunity to mature in my walk with Christ. For me this is a life changing decision. I have been a Christian for a long time, but this year I have the opportunity to not just be a Christian but live like one. This year I have the opportunity to grow close to God and I can sense this time is like no other!

In Need of Some Giggles?

2008-08-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

I've had a few busy days and I am just so drained. I want to slow down but the to-do-list just continues to increase. I envision the work sitting at the top of a mountain and I'm close to the easy ride down. In the mean time, last night around 10:30pm or so I was watching the Olympics. I finally caught a glimpse of the gymnists. Anyhow, this commercial came on and it just melted my heart. Laughing babies are so "the it" thing right now. Do a search on You Tube and you will find a never ending list of giggles. Too much fun. Below is the AIG commercial that just captured my heart. The little guy just melts my heart! Makes me want more kids... ** giggle ** but two girls is good for us. :-)

A Fabulous New Me

2008-08-06T17:16:00.000-07:00

Look Fab from the Back

Image Courtesy and Property of Oxygen for Women Magazine

I have officially set an appointment in the hopes that I can hire a personal fitness trainer from the gym I'm a member of. I know I'm not way super unfit but my body could afford to lose a few pounds. I'm sure you hear this often, the story where one wants to lose weight, joins the gym, but never really goes. That's me right now. Seeing that I will be 30 in a couple months really motivates me to really put an effort into getting my body in shape. This wouldn't be the 1st time in having a personal trainer as I did this way back when my oldest was 3 or so and I had this awesome trainer. His name was Clinton. I tell you, I had the best biceps of my life! Nothing like the picture above, but I had muscle. I could use some awesome biceps...

New Look

2008-08-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight I looked in the mirror and I am just bored with my long hair... I want to cut it and usually I'm the first to say chop it! Don't even think twice about it, but for some reason something's holding me back. I told Jamel (hubby) that my long hair makes me feel old. So should I crop it? I keep pulling it up, it's useless long... when it's short I use hair bands and clippies and I can see my earrings and my face... what do you think.... short or long? What ever shall I do? However my bangs are short. Sorry to the men that just read this silly blog post.

There's something intriguing about a 1 and 1/2 floor level.

Reminds me of Harry Potter's 9 and three 3/4 train stop.
* Yes, I'm a Geek! *

I'd probably go just a tad bit shorter...

Hmmm. What do you think?

Back to School

2008-08-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

In the interest of learning the trade of "sewing", I have enrolled in my nearby community college for Sewing 101. If I could I'd go to a fancy design school to learn to sew (I have experienced the costs behind a fancy Art Design School), however in the interest of not putting myself in debt, I opted for the nearby community college. I am excited!!! I start in September. I am so intimidated by my sewing machine, but I know I could do so many projects on it if I just got a bit more familiar with the tools of the trade. Ladies and gentlemen, is back to school time!

Going Mental

2008-08-05T08:39:00.001-07:00

I think I may go mental this week. I have a heavy load of work and it's on me. I need to figure a better way to manage the workload that has begun to grow and it's fantastic that work is steady but it's in "feast" mode and I'm trying my best to keep up. So in order to find a moment to breath before I go back under, I wanted to blog and do a little detox scream! Ahhhhhhhhhh!

Now I feel, much better. Okay not.

Friday Can't Come Soon Enough!

2008-08-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

It is Monday and I know it is going to be a difficult week but we will load up with as much of a positive environment as I can and will roll along the way. I'll just think of my wonderful adventure on the East Coast.

Now I know it's over a week past due but I must brag about my Jersey/Philadelphia trip. It was beyond wonderful... and Melissa and her Rob couldn't have being more amazing hosts. I really appreciate her saying that I bring out her best and she brings out my best. Mel's energy and kindness was and is so contagious! I only wish we were closer in distance.

We started Friday with a little shopping at King of Prussia. We had to shop for our evening adventures.... following we went to an event called Making Time where the "can't get them out of my head" tunes from the Friendly Fires will forever stay with me on the dance floor. I bought me some of the music because every single time I hear the songs I time travel. I love it! I have not danced that much to date and it was AMAZING!!!! Following after the dance party, a slice of Lorenzo's Pizza. I couldn't finish the ginormoous slice, but it was cheese heaven. We made it home around 4am. Just perfect!

Saturday Mel surprised me with this stupendous gift, a Philadelphia City Food Tour. There we ate some rich and flavorful cheeses, candies and fresh brewed coffee. This was so fun and educational because the guide knew so much about food. I highly recommend it and now I'm eager to throw a "wine & cheese" party! Now... the weekend adventures could have not been complete without an evening of Karaoke. I will be the first to say I stink at it but Mel's friends were sweet enough to clap at the end instead of throw some tomatoes my way...

Sunday we rested of course and ate at this little diner that looked like it could be owned by your favorite grandma. It was so cute... we proceeded to stop for milkshakes before heading to the airport where we said our good-byes... no tears though as I know Mel & Rob will come my way (God willing) or I will come their way (no doubt). The best part of it all is that is was all good classic fun!!! Dancing, eating, singing! When I'm out with Mel and Rob I feel like the shoe fits and I'm so glad to wear it!!

I feel very honored to know them and to know we met online is just the craziest thing of all!!! Thank you Mel & Rob!!! I will never forget my solo-trip to the East Cost 2008!

On a side note... I bought me this skirt from Urban Outfitters. It was on SALE! LOL I think it's so cute... couldn't help myself. I also followed Mel's lead and bought some Sharma Designs earrings.

Urban Outfitters Pencil Skirt $29.99 (was $68)

Red Carved Cinnabar Necklace
Drool! I want it.

In the "Off" Mode

2008-07-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

{ This is me at the dance party in Philadelphia - Making Time at Transit }
I could relive this moment over and over again, it was that good!

I'm so busy. I'm probably not going to be able to post much this week. ** TEAR ** I hope to come here and post the awesomeness of my travels but I need to wait some because I'm so tired right now and my brain is in "off" mode. I promise to come back in a few days. If you want to see pictures of the travel events (it was such a BLAST!!!!), then follow me here.

It's Hot!

2008-07-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

** WARNING - RANDOM POST **

I am hot... it is hot. I know it's just 104, but it irritates me today. I'm also busy and a little cranky. Sometime last night our house was egged. ICING ON THE CAKE RIGHT! It's the 2nd time our house has been egged. When we lived in our previous home, this took place once, and now once in our current home. Luckily, they were nice enough not to aim at our vehicles. Makes me so MAD though, because the stuff is HARD to clean. I also feel threaten and targeted when it happens because I didn't see the neighbor's house egged. Because of this, I did a neighborhood drive by and spotted one more house that was egged which brings MUCH relief. It stops me from thinking, whom have I made angry... what have I done. Because I know very little people in my neighborhood - I begin to worry. Luckily as mentioned, I was not the only one.

In the land of freelance, I suppose I'm still learning to work for myself. It's hard to stop working when work is always with you, just a laptop away... an office away... any computer (we have 3) in the house away. Are you a freelancer, if so, any advice you can offer in the way you handle your work-flow and how do you set home office limits?

I have 3 - 4 design layouts to finish for websites. One letterhead set and it appears that before I head to visit my rocker, super nice, crafty and energetic friend Mel, I must earn the 'time off'. So I need an energy boost, which is why I drank me a Grande Iced Nonfat Vanilla Latte with Whip. R-E-F-R-E-S-H-I-N-G!

I Wish!

2008-07-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

I wish I had something creative to show you. In the past few weeks I have not had or made time to do creative "me" stuff. I have been busy working, entertaining my girls as it's summer vacation and somewhere in there I'm also decorating my room and I am moving very slow. Today I sent a prayer to the man upstairs: "Lordy lord, can you guide me in managing my faith, my time, my parenting, my money and my health." I felt bad, it's a lot to ask, but managing all these can at times be so hard. If I were to pick two that are the most important to me, it be my faith and my parenting. I want to be the best parent I can be. By this I don't mean anything competitive by it, I mean I want to be a solid presence of support, guidance (a nice word for discipline) and love. Anyhow I'm working on all of these one day at a time. ** Wink **

Now about the creative stuff - I need to do at least one creative thing this weekend.

What should I do?
a) 3 greeting cards
b) baking something creative
c) sew some curtains

Help me decide, then come Monday I'll report my actions! Help me stay creative! ** Giggle **

Relaxing Times

2008-07-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. It was a kick back, take off your shoes and hang on a hammock kind of day. My friend Elizabeth came over. I actually feel horrible because I don't think I have a picture of Elizabeth. Shame on me... We've been friends for a long time now and she is such a peaceful presence in my life.

We have a lot in common in faith, parenting, baking passions to name a few, and it's nice to have that in a friend. I feel inspired as a mother when she visits. She is my mothering role-model. I don't think she reads my blog all that often (time is of essence for them as they spend a large amount of the year on the road for the family business) but if she does I want her to know that she is an immense blessing in my life. It's nice to have another mother that understands what you are going through in an honest way. With Elizabeth I know I don't have to pretend to smile when I feel like I'm going to go mad. Everyone needs an Elizabeth. She also has an almost 6 year old, little Hannah. They came over today and the girls had a fun time playing dress-up, Barbies and eating yummy chocolate pudding while us grown-ups got to talk and talk and talk! Below is a photo of almost six-year-old Hannah and my eight-year-old Isa Pizza!

June 2008 | Hannah and Isabelle

I Did It

2008-07-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

I held Peter (the hamster). How silly. I was a nervous wreck but I held him. He was a nervous wreck too. To tell you the truth, I don't know how I'm going to do that again. I'm gonna have to because I'm going to have to clean his cage and I will, it's just I thought this would be easier for me. Isa (pet owner) is scared to hold him because he bit her. So that leaves me with the chore of taming him and aiding him at feeling secure and trustworthy. I didn't really have pets when I was little so this is not easy for me. It makes me so nervous when I have to go in his cage and hold him. He's so fast too. Last night before I went to bed I heard this noise that freaked me out and as I went to see downstairs I noticed it was Peter chewing on his cage. Geez!!! So I looked it up and I found multiple reasons for this:

1. Boredom
2. Brain Damage
3. Moody

I truly hope it's just boredom. If he does it again and again then I'll take him to be looked at. I already love the little guy so I'd hate for him to be sick. :-( I'm scare to hold him, that's all but I think he's adorable. Particularly adorable when he runs on the wheel at the speed of light!

I'm going to the pet store to get him toys to chew on. Poor thing, I kept trying to distract him so he would stop and he just kept going. Eventually he stopped. Mind you, this was at 3 a.m. so if I were to rate my effort from 1-10 it be 7. In the end I thought it be easier and it stinks a little that Isa's scared of him. I encouraged her to wear gloves so she would be more confident, that's what I did because I wanted nothing to do with bites. I'm sure someone reading this finds it hilarious. I'm a good wife, friend, mother, daughter, just not very good at handling pets. I admit it! :-)

Completely unrelated to the topic above, however, I must share that I bought some blankets for my bedroom to go with my new tropical waterfall walls. I've been eyeing these for some time now and they were on sale, so I dove in! Pretty! Can't wait to see them on my bed.

2008-07-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

Long day... I have some projects that require attention so I must not play around, distract myself or be doing what I am doing now, as I am going to be up for a long time.

My beloved is in Los Angeles attending E3. Yay! Woot! It is his chance to geek out, 100% about electronics and video games. (Mostly video games.) My beloved half has a sincere passion for all things techy. I tease him because in all he's not just my husband, friend or the father of our children, but he is my very own personal IT. I often tell him, because of that, he's a keeper!

I love his techy ways and some days I know I come in between the techy ways. But seriously speaking, I am so glad and proud that he has the opportunity to attend this event where he can find a home for his never ending electronics knowledge and video game interest. I recall back in '98 sitting by his side (then too, madly in love * giggle *) and watching him play Final Fantasy for hours, and to this date I am every now and then captivated by how amazing a video game's story can be, or the articial intelligence, the environments.

I don't play all that often but I do play every now and then. I dedicate this post to him. He'd be so proud:

Top 3 favorite games I have loved watching Jamel play:
1. Bioshock
2. Ico
3. Shadow of the Colossus

And here are 3 games that I've enjoyed playing with Jamel:
1. Boom Blox
2. Rock Band
3. Super Smash Bros. (Brawl or Melee, this one's a family favorite)

And somehow this reminds me of Napoleon Dynamite, you know that song... teeehee!

Napoleon Dynamite - I Love Technology

Wow, Really 8!?!

2008-07-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, 8! That is what my daughter Isa turned this past Thursday. I can't believe it... where have these years gone? She is truly a beauty in and out! We decided this year we would not be doing a birthday party but activities together. We went to the water park, the one with fun slides and pools and lazy rivers... we had such a fantastic time there, and as "icing on the cake"... we ran into some friends of Isa's - so in a way it was like an unplanned birthday party for little Isa. They got to roam the park on their own (I was so freaked out at the thought of letting her go on her own, okay I was constantly checking on her, two steps behind without bothering her or letting her see me much).

From left to right:
1. Isabelle & Olivia at the park's rocket ship. Get ready for take off! 2. Me and Isa make normal faces along with many silly faces. 3. Isabelle's 8th birthday cake. Peter is our newest family member. 4. Last but not least, I need to know how to take care of Peter.

A promise we had made to Isabelle was that she could have a pet when she turned 8. We had agreed on a dog at first but after evaluating the responsibilities, we opted for a Hamster instead. We are now the proud owners of "Peter" as in "Peter Parker". I am not the usual pet friendly type so it's a huge compromise for me to allow her to have a pet. Let's just say I have not picked up Peter yet... It's hard... he runs fast and I'm a little scared. Go ahead and laugh! :) It's amazing how nocturnal these little guys are... he just runs and runs and runs, usually after 9:00 p.m. He's cute, I give you that!

On a more personal note I am reading a book about when to stick to things and when to quit them. (Not a book about "never give up" either.) It has actually been a great read. You see, I am one of those that starts like 10 different things but seldom finishes one to the end. Take my crafts for example, I have several unfinished pieces. My sewing, I start the plush doll, don't finish the plush doll. So when the pastor at my church talked about the book being a good read - and being able to apply it even in a biblical way, I decided to check it out because I myself want to avoid what the author refers to as a "serial quitter". I don't think of myself as quitter as of now - what I wonder is why am I losing motivation in doing some of these things I love. I'm not depressed, I'm not sad, or blue or anything of the sort. It's just I can't seem to make the time for those things I love, but why? I know the time is there. In all, apparently there are many reasons: time, money, fear, not being serious enough about it, lost of interest, lack of focus, quitting when it gets too hard, or picking the wrong thing at which to be the best at.

Now to many, this may sound self-explanatory, (many reviews of the book say the message is obvious) but not to me, it's all foggy and I have to clarify it by having someone tell me it, in my case the author gets to do that. Lucky him! Anyhow, if you feel interested in checking it out or if you suffer from the same problems I've listed above then maybe reading this book may allow you to clear some of the fog: The Dip – A Little Book that Teaches You When to Quit and When to Stick. In all really, it's just a read that shares with you how to pull through when you fall in the dip. Have a happy day.

They Should Come With Instructions

2008-07-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

November 2005 | Maria & Olivia | It's an Airplane, No It's a Baby

Seriously! Kids should come with some kind of instruction manual, maybe a 'troubleshoot' section or something (preferably in alphabetical order)! Today I had a day that while somewhat not so serious now, was an overwhelming one this morning.

My youngest whom is 3, is going through some "adventurous 3s". She has my love forever and in exchange I'm sure she's left a few mothering scars of stress, gray hairs and I'm sure somewhere in there, a wrinkle or two. My oldest on the other hand has a grand amount of understanding, patience and guidance for little Olivia. I would love for her amazing ways to rub-off on me. I'm so proud to call them mine. The scars, gray hairs, and wrinkle are totally worth it!

September 2004 | Isabelle, Jamel & Olivia | I Just Want to Giggle!

The truth of the matter is that being a parent is truly the hardest job in the world. I used to not think so. I was wrong. The older the children are, the hardest it gets. I wonder if this will change like seasons. My goal, and hope is that when they look back in say 20 years or so, they will know my firmness, time-outs, and "no's" where all done out of love and discipline.

July 2005 | Maria & Isabelle | She Love to Make Faces

Tough day indeed! I would not be the parent I am today without my husband! What a blessing to have him around. I'm not trying to over-sweeten this post, but seriously, without my husband I don't know if I'd be the parent I am today. We rely on each other and I have much respect for the single mothers and fathers holding the foundation on their own. I bow to you!

How My Hubby Makes Me Laugh | "Trapped in the Drive-Thru" | Giggles!

Irritated 24hrs Ago

2008-07-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not one to "vent" much these days. In fact I don't know that it's a good thing or a bad thing. I use to sorta' explain my thoughts and feelings to people and as time passes, I'm just a tad bit more personal about them. Nothing against my close friends, more so I wonder if it's all that necessary to overwhelm them with stuff that will probably be categorized as extremely minuscule and unimportant. Yesterday though, I was extremely irritated by the lack of punctuality on someone else's part. I had arranged my schedule to sell some PS3 controllers on Craigslist and the candidate arranged to meet me at 6:30pm. I was at my mom's at the time, we got to cook together, had dinner and when I looked at the clock, and realized all that took longer than anticipated. I hurried it up and got home by 6:20pm. Note: My mom lives about an hour away.

Well, 6:30 rolls, 7:00 rolls, 8:00 rolls, 9:25 rolls and RINGGGGGG! -- My phone rings. I didn't answer the phone, I was furious. I know, I know, see, this is why I don't share much of this because I am sure I am over reacting. However, the guy missed his appointment because he was at the "movies". That for me was like throwing some oil in the already well fired-up Maria. It took about 30 minutes for me to recompose and I know I was tired. To my benefit someone else is interested in buying them. The first candidate is still interested of course, but I can't even think of looking at him without giving him some sort of moral speech about punctuality and respect of other people's time. ** This surely is my father's side ** My mom is the creative, free spirit side **

Ahhh I know, no big deal, relax, I'm over it but I felt like I rushed for nothing and I'm sad to say that I'm sure I'm dealing with a teenager. :-) I'll have two of those in about 7 years... I told my husband that I felt like calling him and telling him he could have the controllers for free if I could just share with him my "moral" speech!

So to relax I did some window shopping! Call me weird but I LOVE these! Too bad they are way out of my budget: $250.00. Tear! Now where's my sharpie, I have a pair of white flats. * wink *

Geez!

2008-06-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

I'm tired. I have not painted walls in a long time. It's hard because I want to take my time, but at the same time I want immediate results. ** Must slow down ** I keep telling myself. This is going to take longer than anticipated. I feel as if I have been asleep to decorating our house for so long. Now I'm suddenly awake and I see improvement in every area. It's a good thing, it's a bad thing. I have a lot I'd like to do, but I don't want to leave my wallet empty while doing it.

I managed to get us some paint for our living room and kitchen and I even got the preferred customer rate. Nice! So what could've been easily over my budget, became nicely affordable. My laptop's battery is lowwwwww and I don't feel like plugging it in. So I'm going to make this post short. Below I leave you with a photo of my two little princesses.

Amen! It's a Tropical Waterfall!

2008-06-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Yes... I have dressed the walls of our Master Bedroom in the beautiful tone of a tropical waterfall. Actually that's just the name of the color I've painted the walls. We've been in our home for ahhhh about 3 years and I am just now feeling inspired to paint my walls. (My friend Mel had a lot to do with it.)

I've had 2 cans of paint on the floor for almost 2 months now! Sad, I know! Today I had the motivation to get it started. I am now inspired to change the look of our home. I'll be honest with you, when we moved into the home we live now I loved it, then a year later I hated it, now I'm just making it "ours." I know the home has wonderful potential to be what we want it to be, the hard part is finding the time, energy and funds to get things moving.

Below I leave you with an iPhone shot (sorry for the not so great quality). Our Master Bedroom is HUGE! I so wish it were smaller! I have one wall to finish and I'm pretty sure the walls are going to need a 2nd coat. What keeps me motivated is imagining the new light fixture I got from Craigslist. I can see it hanging beautifully from the ceiling. Yes, yes! I'm getting this done!!!

Want some more inspiration on home renovating and decorating, these two gals have it down: Making It Lovely & Melissa Yabberings. Need organizing inspiration, check this out: Organization is for Squares. I'm just now catching up with the cool cats! Cheers!

It's Only 104°

2008-06-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

When July is about to enter in Arizona, it never fails that I find myself questioning how on earth have I lived here for so long. This is the first full summer that I get to be home with my girls. June had a great start! We've done the swimming, chocolate factory tours, movies, museums and some swimming. However, as it starts to get hotter I'm starting to not want to leave the house after noon or before any hours before 6:00 PM. It's just HOT! Today the weather is predicted to reach "just" 104° so that's not so bad.

If I could, I'd chill in a gigantic bowl of ice cream! And speaking of ice cream, check out these awesome ice cream kitchen additions. I really like the ice cream scooper! I could see myself giving them out as house warming gifts. As for me, I like the pink one!

In addition, if you don't like waffle ice cream cones you can always buy some Andy Warhol cones. To read more about these icy cold kitchen additions visit wrapables.com.

It's a Trend, I've Been Meme'd

2008-06-24T09:50:00.001-07:00

Melissahead Yabberings has meme'd me. The word "meme" in itself is just interesting enough to google. I am not "hip" so I had to look it up.

The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?
Wow, June of 1998!!! - I had graduated from The Art Institute of Phoenix. I was probably hunting for my first real "graphic design job." I found one as an "image manipulator". Learned a lot about those little flip up and down lenticular animations.

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?
In no particular order I have to:
1} Meet with a client for an online training session over the phone.
2} Swing by the bank so I can pay our newly found gardener.
3} Exercise (I really need to!!)
4} Take my girls to do a fun summery event: either pottery painting or the pool.
5} Read a little bit from a new book I bought about recently in regards to parenting.

3) Snacks I enjoy:
Oh the enemy, snacks. I seem to snack on a lot of the things I buy for my kids like chocolate teddy grahams, gummy sour worms, popcorn. Now snacks "I" enjoy: cookies, ice cream and of course chocolate.

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
I would schedule some vacation time with the family, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Europe but I would probably hire someone immediately to redo my front and backyard, I would redo a lot of the house decor asap, pay off a lot of the things that could use some paying off like mortgage. I sound very uncreative in the matters of handling money, I know. I would make sure to secure some college funds for my kids and buy my parents a home and pay off their debts as well. Buy an awesome new car too! Oh, shame on me, but I'd hire a plastic surgeon and upgrade to Maria 2.0.

I don't know, to tell you the truth I don't want to be a billionaire, I'd be happy with 500,000.00 first. If I can manage that, then I'd trust myself with a billion.

5) Places I have lived:
I've had the awesome opportunity to spend most of my childhood in San Juan (Puerta de Tierra), Puerto Rico. Oh how I miss the tropical paradise at times. After that we moved (I was 12) to Phoenix, Arizona. I currently reside in a city named "Surprise!!"

6) Jobs I have had:
I worked for a dry cleaners as a counter person. I collected your clothes and money. I opened the store, closed it, was in charge of getting the money ready for deposits, etc. I was 16, at the same time (yes I had two jobs at 16) where I worked as a sandwich maker for Schlotzsky's Deli. There I learned to move fast during rush hours and tend to about 200 customers in about an hour and a half.

Lastly before entering the real job world of design I worked at my college's book store. There I learned to use my time wisely. I read the store's books and educated myself more about art, and drawing without buying the books. Saved tons! Made a really bad minimum wage.

7) Bloggers I am tagging who you will enjoy getting to know better:

- Mr. Chocolat Princess
- Jeopopolis
- Mary from Diversion Mary
- A Little Hut
- I need more blog friends. ** Cheers **

A Work in Progress

2008-06-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

As you see, I'm playing with the look of my blog, however I will have to somewhat start from scratch. I'm a little rusty on the CSS and messed up the centering, width, and code of the page. To top it off, the Photoshop file for the header above is corrupted. I have not had a file become corrupted in Photoshop for years. Just as I had exported the Jpeg, the .PSD became corrupted. Pooh!

On a happier note I have never bought anything from Craigslist. I've sold items, never bought. Out of boredom I did a random search for "west elm" because lately I'm in love with their stuff, "Pottery Barn is so yesterday". Anyhow, I found this "must have, always wanted" pendant lamp for my bedroom's makeover. Check it out, $40 bucks! Brand new - the pendants aren't even unwrapped. Right now the lamp is on sale for $60, but add shipping. I did get a good deal... I can't wait to work it out in our room.

Changes!

2008-06-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

I miss blogging. I can't believe I'm saying this... I am in the process of redesigning my blog, so please check back soon. I am eager to give my blog a new look and share my thoughts as often as possible. My life has gone through some changes the past year and a half that has left me with a small amount of time to blog or keep in touch ** virtually ** I sincerely apologize to those whom I've left behind and whom I have not kept in touch with. I am on my way back. I miss blogging and intend to come back! In the meantime, please excuse my mess! Cheers.

Of Course I'm Back!

2007-12-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

" Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock.... " It's the holidays. Yay! I have most of the gifts I wanted to purchase covered. Now that I work from home, money matters are more so limited. I want to go crazy shopping for everyone, but the truth is, I rather remain out of debt and only buy with "my" money rather than a credit card. This year, my Christmas list is short too, because I work for myself. Normally I would buy for close co-workers too! I don't mind though. It's not what Christmas is about after all. Right...? Right! It's about love, family, spending time together, the birth of Jesus. Right! :)

Next I'd like to share my joy for my best friend (Mrs. Cupcake), who had her baby boy this past weekend! She did it! The little one was born around 11:40 am, weighing 9 pounds... wow! And he was 21 inches long! Woooow! I was blessed to be there and witness this miracle. Having already had 2 of my own, it's a whole different scenario being present and watching this miracle take place. It was amazing! I instantly fell in love with the little one! And I feel so much joy for the new parents. I'm rambling... all caused by euphoria!

The baking marathon begins tonight! I haven't had a chance to bake much this week. First I'm making peanut butter fudge, some Mocha Buttercream filled Sandwiches, some Candied Tarts and believe it or not, I've never made them, Gingerbread Men (or Women) Heh... so I'll be giving that a try.

Well, enough blogging for me! Dinner's ready! We are having some Bell Pepper Chicken with white rice and some good 'ol veggies. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas! I shall post the craziness of the day when it takes place. Below is a photo collage of some overdue photos!

{ From Left to Right }

Isa as Dorothy and Oli as Tinkerbell in Halloween 2007. Jamel and I up high in a Ferris Wheel in our 8th Anniversary. Isa practicing her new extracurricular activity; the violin. Isa and Oli hugging it out for Thanksgiving. My parents with the grandkids! The new little miracle.

Just Not Interested These Days

2007-12-11T22:57:00.000-08:00

I think I need to be honest and say that I have lost interest for blogging altogether. Maybe next year I'll feel differently (or next week). Right now though, I feel like my life is just too busy. You have blogger, various emails from various accounts, phone, freelance, kids, homework, kids after school activities, dinner, laundry, bills, my space, facebook, etc., etc. Life is already packed with a to-do-list and here I keep adding to it. So I need to evaluate the importance of each of these things I spend my very precious time on. After all, if you know "ME" it's most likely we email each other too! And should I really be sharing details of my life with complete strangers. Hmmm... maybe, maybe not.

And even though I enjoy blogging, I just find a hard time setting time aside to do it. Maybe if I committed to doing it every other day or every Wednesday (instead of every 2 months) ... as it's now 12:00 am, maybe this will count for my every Wednesday. Hahaa! I am so sorry for the gentle rant. It's just I realized that it's easy to overwhelm ones self with a to-do-list that really isn't necessary. So I will most likely be getting rid of this (saving it for memories and the in case I change my mind) and my space and keeping Facebook and Flickr to share pics. :) There! Awwww I'm so sorry! It's time for bed. LOL Good night friends!

It's October and I'm 1 Year Older

2007-10-11T17:59:00.001-07:00

Again I have the ability to disappear very quickly. I've had some freelance that has kept me busy. It has been fun work so it's not a complaint at all. As for what I've been up to on the side... planning a baby shower for one of my best friends. I've never thrown anybody a baby shower, so this all new to me and I'm excited to make a great baby shower! I have finished the invitations and mailed them out. They are ultra simple but cute.... baby food! Yum! :)

On another note, I realized that I haven't posted any photos of me for a decade now. I look a little different... I think anyways. My hair its naturally dark right now and I'd like to do something with it, but my mind's still pending on ideas... I'd like to go back to shades of red. By far my favorite hair color, however, somewhat high maintenance for this natural brunette.

Besides crafts, freelance and parenting... I am hooked on a few shows offered this season like Pushing Daisies. LOVE IT! (no... it's not because it's narrated by Harry Potter's audio book narrator Jim Dale * my eye twitched exposing the lie *, it's just the show is so beautiful. Beautiful visually but also the mood of the show, love it! I'm also hooked on The Office which I'm still catching up on DVD rented seasons... so I'm not watching the current episodes.

What else... well I turned 29! It was a lovely birthday. I was definitely spoiled with gifts from my hubby. By far my favorite gift was the Harry Potter Weasley clock. If you read the book, you know what I mean. ** wink **. Below is a pic of it! :) And that's all for now boys and girls!

Photo Courtesy and Property of The Official Harry Potter Warner Bros. Shop

Oli turns 3!

2007-08-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

My little Oli turned 3 this weekend. We did a small family only celebration but I made sure it was as sweet it could be. I made her some marshmallow frosted chocolate smores cupcakes. They were so yummy! I can't believe she's 3. She's such a little doll. When we were opening presents, well she's just not the kind of kid to tear every gift open in 1.2 seconds. She'd unwrap each gift in detail and then when she was done appreciating the item, she'd kindly ask for another one: "Can I please have another one?". It was just so cute! Here's some photos of the day...

A Berrylicious Celebration!

2007-08-15T20:08:00.001-07:00

And voila! Here's the good use out of the adorable supplies I picked up yesterday to make invitations for Isabelle's upcoming birthday party. Aren't they just so sweet?

I really do adore them! I only had to make about 8 of them because it's a very small party based on reserved seating at this adorable ceramic pottery painting place here in Arizona. This place, me and Isa go way back! It was what we would do very often when we lived near one all the way from when she was barely 3. Now that we live in a different area is not as easy to get to, however, I thought of the grand idea to hold her birthday party there and she agreed! It shall be berry, berry sweet day to celebrate being 7!

I love the basket-weave pattern on the paper!
And this particular plushy strawberry is by far my favorite!

Inspiring Materials at 58mph!

2007-08-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

I accomplished quite a bit today!!! I got one of our van's door fixed today. The lock was broken and it kept making this terrible and very annoying sound every single time we locked it. Funny enough, now that it's fixed, I sorta miss the funny annoying sound... weird!

I managed to also get myself a speeding ticket! Booohoo! I was speeding, which I told the officer I was fully aware of! I admit that I could've been driving a bit slower! I'm trying to decide if I should just pay the fine or take the driving lessons to avoid the ticket on my record. Not sure? In the meantime, why was I in a hurry you ask? Because I wanted to get to the craft store! :) A valid excuse for such a crafty girl right? Hahahaa! What I bought you ask? These adorable and sweet supplies to make invitations for my Isa's birthday! See, lookeeee here!

A very valid reason for speeding: Crafting!

Her Second Journey Begins!

2007-08-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

Isa's journey that is... 2nd grade has just begun! Funny enough I'm not that parent wishing her kids off to school! In fact I am going to miss her so much and I know I am going to feel somewhat empty the following weeks. My Isa is so full of life!

This is Isa in her new homeroom class.

The house beams when she's around. She our very own clown and joker! This morning as I drove her to school, which was pretty packed due to being the 1st day, she proceeded to tell me something that sounded like 'mom, why don't you just drop me off'. She was in such a hurry to go inside and see her friends!

Isabelle showing off her outfit! Cuuuuute!

It brings me great joy that she is confident, happy and joyous about going back to school and not a little one who won't leave my side. While I will miss her, I am very happy she's happy to go back to school and not in tears!! :)(Okay, I'll admit that maybe I was misty eyed.)

Little Miss Oli turns 3 this week!! Toot! Toot!

I know my youngest one will most surely miss Isa... they play so well together! However I have a few plans that will keep her pretty busy too!! :)

Simply Saturday!

2007-08-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

I have a hard time coming back here to re-tell the tale of my daily adventures. So here's a simple Saturday update.

I managed to take a Cake Decorating class this morning and I had a great time! I decorated 2 cakes and learned how to make a frosting 'rose'. I'm not that good at the roses, mine looked more like carnations, but I came home with 2 cakes (one which I gave to my mom). For those who don't know me.... I LOVE baking and I've often wondered if I missed my calling in that area. All I need after taking the class is a cake decorating turn-table stand. They're also teaching an Asian cuisine class... I may check that one out too!!! Weeeeee!

Nothing can be more right than pink & brown!

I've also made some cards! Finally! (I'm with you on that one!) I love making cards, but I have been rusty (still am) and I know there's tons of room for improvement. Tell me your thoughts about them. I went to Etsy.com and saw the millions of people that sell cards. I worry mine would just drawn among the competitors. There are some amazing designs in Etsy! Check it out if you've never been, though mostly everyone knows about Etsy by now! In the end though, I make them mostly for me, though I would not mind if they were special enough for purchasing! :)

It's hard to see on-screen, but this one has some
reddish glitter on the flourishes.

I love this love note card! I have yet to
use it or give it away!

8 Random Facts 'bout me!

2007-08-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

One of my best and inspirational friend Melissa from Melissa Yabberings has tagged me, and I'm it! Apparently people want to know all about me, all my secrets... okay more like 8 random things about me. Seeing that my blog is lacking update I really need to participate! I promise more content will be coming... in the meantime, here we go! I think for the most part I'm pretty normal.. I don't think I'm very random. I wonder if my hubby would disagree.

Número Uno:
Minutes pass by as I try to remember something to say.... ahhhh. Oh yes if it was up to me I'd have Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream for dinner every night. My body says 'no' 4 out of 7 nights. So yes, I almost eat even if it's one itty bitty scoop of ice cream 3 nights a week.

Número Dos:
I went to a practically all girl school from 5th grade to 7th grade. We had one boy in our class. It was an arts/vocational talent school. My mom wanted me to be a dancer so I danced more than 4 hours every day, and some nights. I lost my passion for it by 7th grade. Then we moved to Arizona and didn't want to ballet anymore. Just wasn't my calling. :) Though I enjoyed the experience very very much.

Número Tres:
I love Flamenco dancers and the Gypsy Kings. Love them!!!

Número Cuatro:
I'm sure to some of you know this already but I "LOVE" anything and everything Harry Potter. I have a bag of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. I just don't want to open it, I feel it's special.

Número Cinco:
I was born in Puerto Rico, lived there until I was 12, then moved to Arizona. I'm the fairest Puerto Rican you'll ever know! ;) I've been in AZ every since.

Número Seis:
I don't like seafood. Ewwwwww! I know, me being the tropical girl and all, but I just don't.

Número Siete:
One of my biggest phobias is fire. I don't like the possibility of death in one.

Número Ocho:
I loved being pregnant! I have felt the prettiest then, each time the event took place.

Now I don't think I have 8 people to tag! Haha!

{ 208 }

2007-06-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

Days since my last post! I know it's been ages since I've posted. I'm sure by now my reader's percentage has gone from .1% to .01%, haha! However I plan to post more often now. Life got a hold of my time and I really had a very hard time sitting still to post on my blog. Every single time I thought of doing this, I found a million other things to complete, accomplish or do.

In my neck of the woods it's HOT! I think it was like 110 yesterday. The summer has officially kicked in! It's funny how I always forget how hot summers are here, until the end of June, beginning of July, so apparently they must not be that hot or I'm just used to them.

My crafts have been on hold for a while. Really, work and commute left me very little time. However due to some recent events I am unemployed from the '9-5' world, but freelancing. I'm very thrilled about it, yet nervous about the path I'm about to take. I'm sure I'll be posting here, venting, rejoicing, and posting away my current adventure.

~ Missed you blog! :)

As usual...

2006-11-14T21:33:00.000-08:00

I fall behind on my blogging. So much has taken place the last couple of weeks. Great things indeed! Work has been moving forward. I have been at my new job for about 3 months now, which give me VIP access to benefits! Haha!

We celebrated Halloween somewhat quietly this year. Normally I find my way to dress up and go somewhere where I can get away with my "costume". This year I had a lot going on and ended up staying home the Saturday before Halloween (which I wanted to go out badly just a big plate of to do things)... I did however take the little ones trick-or-treating. Isabelle and Olivia ended up being 2 characters. Isabelle was a character based on a book they had in class, and she picked the Venus Fly Trap as her character to dress up as. In the evening she was none other than Harmonie (or her own version of a Gryffindor student from Harry Potter). She looked so studious, intelligent and powerful all at the same time. Grown up too... she's growing too fast.

Venus Fly Trap, close-up shot.

Venus Fly Trap costume, full shot!

Isabelle as Harmonie from Harry Potter.

Isabelle casts a spell!

Olivia's doll costume. Can you see her freckles?

This is one of my favorite Kodak moments of Olivia...
a real tantrum caught on camera. Haha!

Olivia is much happier now that she is having a piece of candy.

As far as out little Olivia, she was a doll in the AM and a cute little cheerleader that HAD to have candy on the PM. When the moon came out she threw a tantrum as in "I'm not going to smile unless I can eat a piece of candy from our hand-out basket. The photo above proves that!

Random photo of Pirate hat my good friend Patti made for me!

I figured it be good to post it along with the costumes! Arg!!

October quickly rolled into November delivering to our west side of the world, my lovely friend Melissa and Roberto to visit AZ. I miss them terribly now that they have departed. I loved having them and my other friend Amy over! My house was filled with all my favorite people... I had the best time ever hosting them and having them over! I only wish they could've stayed longer and I could've taken more time off and we could've done a lot more. Somehow we ended up exhausting ourselves by Saturday afternoon.

Isa tries to catch a fish at Fall Festival.

Mel gets her face painted!

A pretty flower!

I feel the need to emphasize that friends are rainbows in our skies. Having these girls in my life has meant so much to me. We are each different in our own way and when we meet up we become energized individuals that bring out the best in each other!

Amy and Mel, rainbows in my sky!

I thank you girls and Roberto for giving me the opportunity to share these sweet moments with you and for opening your arms to my children the way you did! All of you! :) I thank my lovely hubby for helping me get the house together for our guests! What an amazing week!!!