School Days 2014

First days of school are always pretty interesting. Parents are usually scrambling around trying to get everything off the school supply list, buy new sneakers, pick out the perfect backpack and so on. I try really hard to get most things done between 3 to 4 weeks in advance just because I dislike  feeling pressured or cornered. My oldest daughter always tells me she's going to have a hard time sleeping the night before because of the excitement. The night before I gave the little ones a bath, put their pajamas and read to them, "First Day Jitters". This year was Elijah's first day at preschool which meant I got to be home with only one of my little monkeys!! Yay!! The last time that happened was when I only have two girls and Denyce was going to school and I stayed home with only Briana. We also try to make it a tradition to pick up some donuts for breakfast. Here are some pictures I was able to capture right before heading out :)

Jared's 35th Birthday

We started celebrating Jared's 35th Birthday with a donute cake which the kid's LOVED more than the birthday boy. Then we celebrated at Spring Creek BBQ with family and friends. For some reason I couldn't find any pictures but I'm sure I used my MIL's phone to capture the moment. I'll have to update the blog as soon as I get them back. Afterwards we went for some drinks at a local bar- we ordered some appetizers and watched some sports on the big screens. We poured lots of love on him that day  <3

Happy Birthday America!

This year we decided to see the fireworks right in back of our own yard- literally. It was a shopping center were many people gather year after year and being only 1 minute away and having sleepy babies that normally crash by 7:30pm- it just made sense. I left the mantel pretty much the same after Elijah's birthday party since it went with the 4th of July theme. As you can see the youngest member of the house was already super sleepy so pictures were a no go lol :)

Captain Elijah's Nautical Birthday

Catching up to our family blog since this summer! The last place I left off was my little captain's 3rd birthday. Don't remember too many details, that's the number one reason I like to blog after each event since I have a horrible short term memory but somehow a fantastic long term memory...go figure right?!?! But seeing these pictures again filled in some missing puzzle pieces. I remember his actual birthday fell on a Sunday but since my husband was going to be off that Saturday, we decided it would work for most of our family. We rented a deluxe bounce house with a water slide attached on one side. His colors were red, white and blue and the theme was nautical. The decor wasn't hard to find since Independence day was right around the corner. He had a two layer cake- chocolate and white. Daddy helped open his gifts and he was blessed with many fun toys and handsome outfits. I think his favorite toy was his red motorcycle his Nana bought him and his tablet Mama Chela got him. For the goody bags I used an anchor sponge dipped in white to make an impression on some red and blue bags for the kids. And for the party favors for the adults, I added some goldfish snacks and printed a cute labeled titled "Captain Elijah's Catch of the Day" Overall he had a fun day with lots of wonder friends and family along his side. Here are some quick highlights:

"Cloudy'

Meet our newest member of our home...Cloudy, well the name is still in the works but that's what my 5 year old keeps calling him since we picked him up. We've only had him for a couple of days. We were able to get him at the garland animal shelter for only 5 bucks. My oldest daughter Denyce was the one who picked him from the lineup. He is a two year old Lahasa Apso. We took him to Petco to get the full royal treatment. What a difference!!

Evening Summer Swim

Let me start off by saying my kids are fishes! Especially my 5 year old little mermaid Bri <3. Somehow late night swims with the fam are just a little bit more funner. We picked up some Sonic for dinner before we swam and since we went in the middle of the week, if felt really quiet and relaxing :) This mama was happy not to mention the kids didn't wake up till 9am the next day! #WinWin

School Treats 2014

Every year for as long as I can remember I have been making end of school treats or either halloween, treats, christmas treats or valentine's day treats. I started making them for my first born and felt it wouldn't be fair if I didn't continue with my next 3. I think I get it from my mom, when I was a kid I remember my mom would bring caramel apples to our class  halloween party. Or she would bring mini painted halloween pumpkins to school. It's fun to give a little bit back, especially to our hardworking teachers.

Good bye Pre K! It's been fun

As most parents on the last day of school - I could not believe my little 4 year old was saying goodbye to pre- K! :'( so when the teacher asked if I could volunteer I delightfully said yes!! It was really insightful to see how the day unfolded. I was always curious to see the order of things. Took lots of pictures and videos so when she grows up she can smile and remember. :) This is probably why I love being a stay at home mom so much- I don't miss a thing! Thank you my Lord <3 I have everything I've ever wanted! <3

Sleepover..

This is typically what happens the next morning when my daughter's friends spend the night...

The Fault in Our Stars

These friends are some serious book worms! Nothing makes me happier than to chaperone my daughter and her friends. I know my plate is always full and I'm a busy bee but if we as parents don't take an interest in our kids lives the "world" will. Taking to other mom's with preteen girls, I hear a lot the word "embarrassment" I'm thankful for now my oldest still loves hanging out with her old lady! Lol

These girls celebrated the last day of school by going to see their favorite book told thru a movie. I love being a part of each one of my kids day in and day out events-big or small. :)

Galveston 2014

I don't know why but I just love this picture! My sister went to Galveston with all of her husband's side of the family- she tells me the kids all had a great time by the looks of this picture I can totally see why :) 

...and yes that little monkey hanging would be my adorable nephew Ammar whom tia Tani loves so very much!

Six Flags

Destiny would have it this year was Denyce's first time at Six Flags with her school - ironically I was also in 6th grade when our school went to Six Flags for a field trip. These are some of the fun pictures she sent me. I love that my little girl had such a great time with her choir class :)

29 1/2 AGAIN! Shhhh ;)

So lucky to have a man that will celebrate my birthday all week long! And blessed he was off Monday-Thursday :) On Monday he cleaned the house top to bottom and had dinner and drinks at Applebees. On Tuesday I was able to sleep in while my husband took the girls to school, this gave me time to get dressed and enjoy breakfast at IHOP with the guys in my life. Later that day my main squeeze baked me a cake and the kids all took turns decorating the cake.  My husband thought it would be funny to buy me all 32 candles versus a big 3 & 2 candle. I guess he just wanted it to marinate in my mind that I was getting old! Lol we then headed out for dinner at our favorite local seafood hang out- Flying Fish. He ordered the salmon  and I ordered the tilapia tacos Mmmm. We had every intention to go bowling afterwards but cruised around Firewheel mall and bumped into a brand new bar that just opened a month ago-Bar Louie. The place was packed and it was so chic! Felt like I was somewhere in LA ;) even though we were 3 minutes from the house Lol. I told the bartender to recommend something very light (truth be told last time I caught a "buzz" was 9 years ago at my honeymoon)... I know I know lame! And today Wednesday my mom and sister plan on taking the entire family out to dinner. I swear I think I'm going to need a detox after all this celebration! My hubby gave me a spa package and a couples massage so there's that for the rest of the week. I have been feeling super spoiled and pampered, it feels so nice. I really enjoyed waking up yesterday and reading all the wonderful birthday wishes on my facebook wall and text messages <3
My Lord continues to be so good to me; every year I praying for only two things: my health and my children's happiness. I am so in debt to him :)

Day 1 at Applebee's - first time I've ever been.

Went on the right day- burgers were only $5 bucks! 

Bahama Mama - Mommy's Sippy Cup! lol

Day 2 Breakfast at IHOP

My guys <3

I don't deserve him, he is too good to me <3

After Breakfast

Someone call the firefighters!

You know your old when the cost of candles is higher than the darn cake! #truth

~*~*~Make A Wish~*~*~

Flying Fish

Talapia Tacos are my favorite thing on the menu! Reminds me of our trip to Jacksonville Florida where I first tried them.

Effen Good @ Bar Louie tasted like a refreshing summer night

His & Hers