absolutely me

After spending an AWSOME Christmas eve and Christmas day with our family, we decided to surprise the kids with a little getaway. Nothing fancy, it's just that this year we couldn't take a real vacation, so we wanted to take them to an indoor waterpark for a couple of days. Brian took off the week, so we really were excited to keep it a secret for the kids. I was very happy when I found out that the Sheraton in Arlington Heights was opening a new water resort called Coco Key . Perfect! No traveling, so we can go for three days, maybe even four! And so, on Wednesday off we went. Brian woke up with an upset stomach, but then again, he gets that about once a month with his allergies, so he said he would get better, and we left. On our way up there, Brian had to pull over, because his tummy was just too upset still... nothing unusual, really. We arrived around 12, and after unpacking, the kids and I took to the pool. Awsome! The place was really, really cool. Brian decided to stay...

One year ago today, Connor was being born, just about now, a bit after 10, as I remember, although I don't remember much! Connor Patrick, such a sweet, serene, passionate, hectic, temperamental presence in our lives, all at the same time. I tell Brian that I fell in love with this younger, toothless version of him. I can only thank the Lord Almighty for honoring and blessing our family by giving Connor to us. But I also thank Abuelito Luis somehow... One year ago, abuelito Luis, my dearest grandparent, went to Heaven one week before Connor was born, on December 10th. I couldn't go say good bye, since the pregnancy with Connor was so advanced and difficult, but I can't help to think that Abuelito Luis watched after him from Heaven above, when he was born five weeks early and stayed behind at the hospital. For some reason, I also feel my Abuelito's spirit in this child. And then again, I've always said that Brian reminds me of that happy, silly, compassionate, fabulou...

Today was such a nice, NICE day!!! It's the first time in a very, very long time, that the five of us are together hanging out all by ourselves, and I really enjoyed the experience, albeit there were some of those moments when I felt like running away to a remote island. It's funny, usually on the weekends Dad and brother (Cesar) go to rent a game, and they play a great part of the day while Coco and I do crafts and Connor bounces around the house. Then, Cesar brings a friend over, or someone comes to visit dad or me, or we have a play date for Coco. But today, we had absolutely nothing to do, but hang out with each other. We all compromised with the shows we watched, and it really was fantastic to get to be just with my family. In the afternoon, we went to see Noni at the hospital, since she underwent her knee surgery and is having a few complications, thankfully nothing serious, but she's staying a little longer than we all thought she would. That's when the kids wer...

This was a nice, quiet weekend. I had a chance to finish all my hand-made cards, but I still have to send some more, since I came up short. Brian was invited to make a little extra money by being the Santa at this year's Christmas shop. He has such a charisma and is so much fun, that he was a HUGE success. HOWEVER, because of those precise qualities, I had to stay home with Coco! We just knew that she would immediately know that underneath that suit was daddy, and we couldn't take the chance to blow this magical persona... So, this is the only picture that I got of him (my friend Amy sent it to me), and you can't really see him!!! :( Now, our weekend would've been peaceful and quiet, just watching Christmas movies and drinking hot cocoa. But of course, since Coco didn't get to see Santa, Daddy and I were thinking of something fun for her to do. And where can we see Santa on a nice Sunday afternoon? THE MALL, of course!!! Ok, this is our new NON-TRADITION. What a bad...

BEFORE I hit my pillow, which I am really missing today, I have to let you know about the newest challenge by our monthly kit company, Creative Hearts Studio . Click on the link to go visit our Blog and see the challenge going on have for December. The deadline is the 20th, so go and check it SOON! I can't show my January kit yet, but if you go there, you'll find a little peak-a-roo into it... it's SOOOO DARN-STINKIN' CUTE!!!! I love it!!!! I truly feel blessed, being part of such a nice group of ladies! They truly strive to give us the best kits available, for the bestest price... And their hearts are truly, truly BIG and {cretive} I am a lucky woman, God reminds me EVERY DAY of all my blessings!

I spent most of the weekend with Coco, doing all sorts of girly things, from playing Ms. Jane and Ms. Maria, to goin to the Polar Express and visiting Santa, to her Spring recital measuring session and finally, a craft show where Kathy , Carrie and Traci were exhibitors. What a fun, fun weekend! Saturday we went to Blakberry Farm, for the Polar Express Experience. We did take the Polar Express train, but it was soooooo cold, it took me hours to feel warm again. Coco was so extremely shy with Santa, that she wouldn't pose with him by herself, but she did make sure that she asked for My Little Pony. We came back home to hot soup and hot coffee {for mommy}, and Coco watched A Christmas Carol for the first time (It's my favorite!). She was oh-so-delighted! Today, we had to go to get her measured for her custome for her Ballet Spring recital (How EXCITING!) All she wanted to do was dance her little happy heart out! I cannot wait to see her at her recital. I remember when I had my ...

I love the holidays! I loved seeing all our old friends for Thanksgiving. I was glad I was able to sit at Marsha's table and say grace with Auntie Cathy. I was glad to see Rachel and Casie, and have my sister Hilda and nephew Gus with us! It was wonderful to see Coco all dressed up... and, like every time he spends this date elsewhere, we missed our Big Brother Cesar. Yesterday was my anniversary, and Brian sent beautiful roses, and five calla lillies, my favorite flowers, one for each year of marriage. I love calla lillies, probably because they remind me of my beautiful Abuelita Paula, and how wonderful her hands were, and her soft voice. I loved having coffee and bread with her. It was also my parents' anniversary, and the first anniversary my Abuelita Tere has to spend without Abuelito Luis. All day long I thought of them and the 59 awsome years they spent together as husband and wife... What a testimony of love and faith. I love these days, when the cold weather makes us ...