A Non-Traditional Play Date

My husband and I have been recently contemplating moving closer to our jobs. This would mean leaving our cozy community of Camarillo and relocating to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. A difficult transition for the kids, new community, new schools, new friends. So, to make the prospect of this difficult transition more bearable, I come up with a suggestion of a playdate for babygirl. This would give her an opportunity to make a more personal connection with some of her choice classmates with hopes that their friendships would withstand a relocation. Once my daughter caught wind of this idea, there was no turning back. With Papi's help, by morning, an invitation was hot off the printer and a playdate was scheduled. Due to our lengthy daily work commute and busy weekend schedule, this would have to be a non-traditional playdate: 7:00-8:00p.m. on a school night. On our commute home from work, my husband and I discuss that we are certain that no one will show. Afterall, what parent in their right mind takes their child to an evening play date on a school night, especially on such short notice. We anticipate that baby girl will be disappointed if no one shows but we are prepared to explain to her that it's tough with parents having to work, etc. Now, as for the play date planning, I wish I could say that I prepared a variety of healthy snacks, yummy baked goods, and the perfect play date atmosphere, but I'm no Martha Stewart, . . . . .I am more of a Paula Deen. So we swing by little ceasars on our way home from work and pick up some hot and ready pizzas and buffalo wings. These kids can stomach that, I mean, let's be real, they eat hot cheetos and takis all day. Fortunately, my husband had just recently purchased a bootleg copy of Happy Feet 2 in 3D so both the menu and the entertainment are set for the evening. As we finally arrive home and begin walking toward the front door, I realize, it's mid January and we haven't even taken down our Christmas Tree or decorations. I comment to my husband, how embarassing, what are these parents gonna think that we still have our Christmas Tree and decorations up in Mid January? Baby girl quickly reassures me in her best 'chola' voice, don't worry mom, I will just tell them "We're Mexicanos, ese, That's how we do it!" (Note to self: We really need to stop letting these kids listen to music by Cheech & Chong!) Before we know it, the doorbell rings, time and time again, with gitty 3rd graders arriving in their pjs, robe and slippers ready to "play date". They all eat pizza and then we are ready to start the movie. With the start of the movie, I make an attempt at making microwave popcorn which I burn and have to walk a steaming bag of palomitas quemadas outside to keep it from smelling up the kitchen. (My excuse, every microwave is different, it even says so right on the package!) But, no worries, my hubby comes to the rescue, teaching me how to make microwave popcorn and 2nd time is a charm. Unfortunatley, the movie turns out to be a bad bootleg copy; blurry and apparently we forgot the 3D glasses so that keeps the girls' attention for about 5 minutes. On the up side, our dog, Guero, seems to be a big hit and the family computer in the living room provides plenty of youtube videos for the girls to dance to. Before we know it, it's 8:00p.m. and parents begin arriving to pick up the girls. The girls end the evening showing us all how to shuffle and a fun and exhausting, non-traditional play date comes to an end. ♥

My Shero

When it comes to people I admire, rarely does it include an A list celebrity. My idea of a hero/shero are everyday people: family, friends, mentors, pastors, authors, artists, activist,advocates, your everyday blue collar worker and even children. I look up to genuinely righteous people who are human and flawed yet, accomplish great things, have character, people who keep their word, honor their families, mentor their children, work hard, overcome adversity, keep the faith, blaze a trail, make a difference, speak out when it's unpopular, or stand up for what is right. But recently, my admiration goes out to someone who represents all of these things and also happens to be a celebrity. Guiliana Rancic is currently battling breast cancer publicly with more grace and courage than I ever thought possible. Having recently undergone a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, she is quoted as saying, "My breasts have never defined me and now they never will". Guiliana has not shied away from the media attention surrounding this very private matter but rather she was back on the set of E! News two weeks after her surgery and she can be found on her fabfitfun page on facebook or on twitter sharing her characteristicly positive outlook and gratitude to all of her fans and the public for their support of her courageous battle. I consider Guiliana to be the ultimate feminist! Long before she faced a public battle with breast cancer, she has publicly taken on other women's issues such as fertility, balancing a career and marriage and allowing us a glimpse inside of her world with her reality show Guiliana & Bill. Guiliana is my definition of courage and she will be in my prayers for a speedy recovery!

I'm interested to know, Who is your hero or shero and why?

Quinceañera

. . . .and the planning begins.

Guest Blogger: Julia (8 years old)

Dear Dora the Explora (and Boots),
Who do you like more: Boots or your Mom? And do you like cats and dogs or teachers? I've been wanting to be a teacher all my life and Ive been wanting to be on tv with my friend Jacinda. Jacinda likes to write alot and she's a good writer. I hope I can be on tv. Can me and Jacinda be on Dora the Explora with you?

P.S. I'm Julia

The End ♥

From Julia

About the author:

Julia is 8 years old. She is in 3rd grade at University Preparation School. She would like to be a teacher one day and she enjoys reading, baile folklorico, and going to the dollar store.

Curandera

My Great Grandmother, Salome Serrato was a curandera (faith healer). She had a remedio for everything that ailed you. . . . . Growing up, this was my family's comprehensive health care plan. ♥




Salome Serrato 1906-2000 RIP

. . . . That Embarrassing Moment

. . . . That embarrassing moment when you're getting a pedi and half way through, you suddenly realize that your legs feel like nopales. . . ♥

As a mother, I have always seen my role as making sure my children know that they are the center of my life, to provide them with love, warmth, comfort and guidance. To offer them support to shape their confidence, give them consejos, and yes, sometimes make unreasonable demands and believe that I can control their destiny.

Now there is a delicate balance between mama bear and mama beast. Like many of the mother figures in my life, I have a hard time with this delicate balance.

In fact, I come from a long line of strong-willed, controlling, overbearing mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers and tias who, having all the best intentions, raised their young men to be, well, lets just say the term "mamas boys" would be an understatement. I often recall how my grandmother waited on my tios hand and foot. They were her life and her purpose far beyond the days of their youth, beyond the days of their marriages, and beyond the days of their divorces. And she, being true to the family name, "Reyes", treated her sons like kings.

I must say, in all fairness, I didn't become all dis-functional, overbearing, and controlling overnight; these skill sets take years to build up and use expertly.
. . . . And so, I am convinced that it will be a life long challenge for me to learn how to cut the apron strings and allow my children the healthy space they need to fulfill their own destiny. To step back and allow them to fall, fail, learn to dust themselves off and get back up, but I will always be here, admiring from afar, and will try my hardest not to think out loud. ♥