absolutely me

...But we'll get to that when I tell you the end of the weekend. Yesterday we went to the mall, which is probably Coco's favorite place "in the whole wide world". She thinks that the mall is Build a Bear, so she assumes that every time we go to the mall, we WILL make a bear or other stuffed animal (which is the reason why we only go once every two years. Last Christmas we went, but we were able to NOT pay attention to BB thanks to Santa) She ended up making a monkey, whom she named CURIOUS GEORGE (is there ANY OTHER monkeys???). We are convinced that Connor does NOT like rides yet like his older siblings. Maybe in a few more years, but this day we had to take him off (not before mom took pictures, of course. Poor little thing) This morning, we were trying to come up with something fun to do with the kids, and Brian mouthed THE ZOO . And so, the zoo it was. We haven't been there in AGES, so we wanted to surprise Nicole. She asked for clues to the place we were goi

Last week, Nicole and I went to Hobby Lobby. It's so nice ditching the boys so that we can get into these crafty stores without the humming and yawning and sarcastic comments when we see something cute!!! And so, Coco found these crosses for my cross collection (on clearance, no less!!) Just in case you've never seen it, this is my cross wall... Then, she sees this rooster, and she tells me, "mom, I really, really need this chicken in my bedroom!" I asked her, "why?". Her reply? "Mom, I've ALWAYS had A THING for chickens, you know that! I just really, really NEED to have it!" Now the "chicken" was on clearance for 3 dollars, so she now has her very own art piece in her bedroom. (Note to the reader: Nicole has NEVER even mentioned the words chicken, rooster, hen or any other bird related to the aforementioned, just in case you were wondering what her "thing for chickens" is. Beats me) (Second note: after passing by and seei

Each year, I can't wait for summer to come. It's such a nice time of the year! We get to actually SEE our neighbors, talk to them, and play around with our kids. This year, some of them organized a block party, and although it wasn't exactly OUR block, they just know half the subdivision so they went around and invited everyone they found. And so, we went. We had such a blast! Coco and Connor had such a great time visiting friends and playing around on the water and on the jumpy thingy! A HUGE thank you goes to Maria and Mike for putting it together, it was such a success. Cesar went to Great America with a group of friends, and also had a blast, although we missed him. This time, I did get my friends' permission to post the pictures online, so here we go... And today, I went to a purse and jewelry party at my good friend Tracie's home... I LOVE this woman! She is such an awesome lady! Of course, I had to take Coco so that she could play with Tommy and Nick, Tracie

There is a certain kind of magic in a place like this. Fauns. Fairy creatures. Brian and I used to go every year when we were single, as we trully enjoy the artisan and craft shops; you can lose yourself looking at all their creations. But then, after Coco was born, we hadn't had a chance to go. I knew she would really love the place, so this past weekend we headed out that way, about an hour's drive north on the border with Wisconsin. I LOVE IT! There is a certain... purity? cleanliness? I don't know what word is that I would use to explain the way I feel about this place that tries to re-enact and reproduce those days. I love that formal English that I cannot even try to emulate. I find it fascinating. I love that there are no electric/mechanical rides, just man-powered ones. I just love the way I feel when I go to this place. A more simple way of life, I guess. A more innocent time. I don't know. Just makes me feel good inside. And I love the make believe quality of

I have been gone for soooo long... There's always the ballet classes, and the movie nights for Cesar, and the playing on the ground with Connor, and the walking around the neighborhood and finding everybody out and about... it makes it so dofficult to find time to come and sit in my computer when I'm not working. It's been a placid, beautiful summer, this time to sit back and enjoy the sun on my face and the laughter of the children in the backyard. Lots has been happening. My good friend Jacquie was blogging last month about weight issues that were not making her happy. At that time, I remember saying it really doesn't bother me, and all was fine, but Jacquie made me think. Now, here's the story: all of my adult life, up until my last pregnancy with Connor, I've been a size 4-6. Even after Cesar and Coco were born, three months later I would go back to my regular size. I even kept a party dress that I used to wear in my college years, and it would always fit.

My sister in law, Cindy, is a fantastic artist. She makes just about every kind of craft you known to humankind, and she is just totally talented with everything she does, from quilting, cross stitching, to bear making and polymer clay sculpting. Her work is really detailed and unique. I LOVE her creations! If you'd like to see more of what she does, visit her website at Etsy CLB Creations by Cindy Riordan, or visit her blog at http://clbcreations.blogspot.com/ . She does all kinds of commissioned pieces, so feel free to contact her if you'd like to ask for a special piece for a necklace, or anything else! I know you'll love it! Here are some of her creations... (this is probably my favorite!) She's soooo CUTE! I LOVE this pendant, too! I just LOVE the details on this red dragon... those teeth are sooo CUTE!