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Showing Appreciation

Posted by on March 5, 2012 Leave a Comment


We are finally done with celebrating Diego’s birthday! It seemed like I have had space theme on my mind for over two months! We received our custom made thank you cards from Tiny Prints and Diego and I took the time to show a little appreciation to everyone that made his day extra special.

Our kids are very blessed and really have a lot of toys, books, clothes…you name it! I have been thinking lately that we need to continue to send a message of gratitude. I decided to write out the thank you cards, but Diego read them, signed each one and decorated the envelopes on his own. It was a fun little activity that reminded him of the friends he doesn’t get to see often. We talked about what happened two weeks ago and it was all a littler reminder for him to take the time to appreciate all the things he has…lucky boy.
xoxo

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Hello! Please, Why Don’t You Stay for a Bit?

Posted by on March 2, 2012 Leave a Comment


I did it! I just went to my Facebook page and notified everyone that I am launching my new blog by updating my status. “What’s on your mind?” Well Facebook, I am hoping that at least half of my friends will click on my link and love my blog and keep coming back because they can’t get enough! I am also scared dear Facebook. Terrified! My stomach is in knots and I’ll drive myself crazy as I continue to refresh this page and check for new comments!! But it was time.
In the past five years, we will call it a.c. (after children), I have acquired a bit of knowledge on a lot of things. I’m not an expert on one thing, but I know a little about a lot of things. Friends who are teaching (from my b.c. life) still ask me for recommendations for their classrooms, old students now in college ask me for advice, people send me private emails on Facebook wanting to know “as a parent, what would you do”? It is all so flattering. Especially on days that I feel completely lost in New Jersey, without family, homesick, and desperate to get back to work outside our home. Your questions and conversations with me are truly inspiring. Helping others helps me become a better mom, a better wife, a better student and a better teacher. I hope you enjoy my views, my advice and remember, I don’t think I know everything…it’s just what your friend Betty says.
Please click on my Subscribe button and comment, comment, comment!!!
xoxo

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Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Posted by on March 2, 2012 Leave a Comment

Our favorite Dr. Seuss books and others inspired by him!

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Se Habla Español

Posted by on March 1, 2012 Leave a Comment


I love when blog ideas just flutter from the universe into my lap! Last week my friend commented on a blog post in Spanglish. She then went on a tanget about how she needed to stop speaking and writing in both languages (at the same time). She noticed her little four year-old Daniela was speaking Spanglish as well. Hence, the conversation on bilingualism began…again. I have had this conversation with myself and have reviewed my own teaching of Spanish at home about a hundred times in the past five years. It is always on my mind. Ironically enough, CNN ran an editorial, “Mama, Would You Please Speak English?” written by Rose Arce this week! I found it super interesting. A bilingual mother battling an outspoken little 6 year-old who states, “This is America. Gente should be speaking English”. Ouch. Well, ok then. The question of where she learned that is an interesting topic for another post. If you are first generation Hispanic or Latino-American and your kids speak Spanish and English beautifully, then you are exceptional (give us your secret)! For those of us who are struggling every day, here are some ideas that are working for Jose and I. [Read more…]

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Photobook Idea

Posted by on March 1, 2012 Leave a Comment




I’m thinking that sometime this summer, I have to do one-on-one pics with my little Santiago, my middle child. Diego and I took these pictures back in 2009 with a dear friend and photographer Nancy Huayek. Nancy is based out of Chicago and great with children and families. [Read more…]

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Betty’s Whine

Posted by on February 29, 2012 Leave a Comment


I’ve been eating a lot of chocolate lately to make up for the lack of alcohol. I’m not going to lie: I miss drinking. I’m 28 weeks pregnant at the moment and I feel so silly trying to sneak sips from Jose’s wine glass that I just pour myself a small portion and watch my friend’s faces for judgement. I turn to everyone and state my disclaimer, “It’s my third baby”, which translates to “cut me some slack”! Before you worry, I’m being dramatic again. I wouldn’t be so irresponsible. I know the effects of alcohol and pregnancies, etc. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I caused harm to my baby. I’ll just drink non-alcoholic beer (or just wet my lips with the freshly-opened bottle of Shiraz) and pretend that my muscles are being relaxed on their own-magic! But, for you mommies who are NOT pregnant or trying to get pregnant, here are some fun wines on the market that make you feel oh-so-special (as if drinking the wine isn’t enough). [Read more…]

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Dreams

Posted by on February 28, 2012 Leave a Comment


This was Diego’s art work that came from school last week. I usually go through his bag the minute it comes home on Friday afternoons. Last week, Diego’s godparents came to visit from Kansas City, we had his birthday celebration on Saturday and I never looked in the bag until yesterday, Monday morning, a week later because his school broke for President’s/Winter break. As I discovered the presidential project, there was a shooting taking place in an Ohio school and this morning a second student died. All children are born with such innocence and huge dreams…I wanted to share Diego’s vision with you.
xoxo

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Bellezas

Posted by on February 27, 2012 Leave a Comment


Whether or not JLo’s almost wardrobe malfunction last night was intentional, (Jose: “I see nipple!!!!”), the Latinas rocked it last night. JLo looked stunning in her Zuhair Murad gown and Cameron Diaz was not to be left behind. They were both gorgeous presenting at the 2012 Academy Awards but I’m not so sure how I felt about them showing of their other assets. What was up with this pose? I felt uncomfortable watching and then the giggling bit? Hmmm…no. [Read more…]

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Book Review #2

Posted by on February 25, 2012 Leave a Comment


I read a review somewhere (my baby brain will not allow me to remember the source) and Would It Kill You To Stop Doing That? by Henry Alford sounded like I would be learning…modern manners. Like, what should I do if someone is nasty on an email or on Facebook? You know, modern problems. Well this book wasn’t the typical “dos” and “don’ts” of proper etiquette. Alford’s meaty part of the book is advice to 23 different “commonly overlooked unpleasantries” that a group of people submitted to him. He then answered them in 14 pages. The book is 231 pages long. I wanted MORE. Like a list or something. So, it got me thinking and I do want to point out my personal pet peeves and make my own list because I consider myself the Queen of Manners (I kid! But I was once told that I apologize too much…well, I’m sorry for that). Here is my list of what I think are “unpleasantries”. [Read more…]

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I’m Losing My Sanity Today

Posted by on February 24, 2012 Leave a Comment


I can be a little dramatic and I said I would try to avoid these types of posts but I can’t help it. I’m losing my beloved babysitter today. Which means I will lose my mind today. My sanity. I’d rather lose my foot today! I told you I could be dramatic. But doesn’t this call for a little drama? I’ve been sad all day. Extra tired.
The story of how I met Isabella is quite nice really. [Read more…]

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