Calling all Superheros!

It only took me 2 months to post. BUT, I'm finally uploading the pictures of Gaby's 7th birthday party! Beware this is a picture overload post!!! Don't say I didn't warn you.....


The famous cake I made from scratch!


Whoopie Pies!? Yes, please!!!

My fabulous cousin, Emi showing off her mask and fangs!!!

All the kids signing 'Happy birthday' to Gaby

A hero needs to disguise their identity....

The favor pails I got at Taget filled with candy, books and glow sticks I bought at the Dollar Store....

The kiddies showing off their capes made by my mother in-law

The Aleman's <3

My little spiderman

You might be wondering why is there Lady Liberty on the cake? Well, Gaby loves, LOVES New York so I thought this would be a great touch to her fabulous cake!

the big 7

He 'powed' me so I 'ZAPPED' him ;)

The city skyline made by poppa smurf

Ps. Did Imention I was on an hour of sleep the day of the party? Um...yeah!

Seven Amazing Years

I can't believe it’s been 7 years since Gaby was born!

I still have panic attacks that our little girl is becoming a little, sassy chic. I can only hope and pray that everything Mario and I are doing is to have her become a successful, independent woman. Seeing her mature and change each year baffles me. In my mind she’s still a baby but I know it’s time to face reality. Why does reality have to suck so bad!?

I usually plan the kid’s party on a Sundays, since my mom and uncle work on Saturday. But this year Gaby’s birthday landed on a Saturday and I'm so glad it did! We kept going back and forth with themes, locations and ideas for her party. We checked our local roller skating arena, the ice arena, and nothing. Then the birthday girl’s light bulb went off and a "Super Hero" party was born. I thought it was FA-BU-LOUS! And it screamed her personality to the T; a girly, superhero party.

I started to Google ideas, pictures, games, craft projects, etc. I loved everything I saw and started to save pictures like crazy! Then my light bulb went off and I searched “how to make a cake using fondant”. Hey, why not right? We were making everything else, why not the cake too; the ingredients are cheap, it looked easy and affordable. If our plan didn't work, we would execute Plan B: pick up a cake at Publix and call it a day :)

My DIY ideas were: cake, city skyline, superhero cake, masks, whoopee pies, and expression signs.

Holy. Smokes. MacGyver…what did I get myself into!?!?

The one thing I knew I wanted was superhero capes! What is a superhero with no cape?! We bought 3 different colors of fabric: Purple, Blue and Pink. Each cape was going to have the kids initial with black sparkle felt. My mother in-law made the capes and they turned out so awesome! The kids loved running around in the yard with their cape flowing in the wind.

The next project was the city skyline. I started collecting boxes at work and broke them down. Mario then spray painted them black and painted little yellow windows on them. I then had Gaby cut out preprinted clouds and a moon to put on the wall. She loved helping out, so this was a great project for her and Alex to do together. We also had “Ker-plop”, “POW”, “ZOOM”, etc. signs cutouts for the wall. These turned out great for the cake table and for the kids too.

My final and crazy projects were the desserts! This was the end of me….but I MADE them ALL! And I will say, they turned out amazingly delicious! The cake was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever baked and it literally took 3 ½ days to make. I was literally down to the wire finishing the cake. I made a two tiers chocolate and funfetti cake with marshmallow fondant. I’ve never made any sort of cake- but I was so happy with the way it turned out. Will I do it again? HELL YEAH! I loved every second of it- I cried, I laughed, I got upset but the finish product was my greatest accomplishment. That was just the cake; I also made whoopee pies with cream cheese frosting and individual fruit shortcake dessert for the adults.

I have to say the party was a success- the kids, adults and especially Gaby had a fantastic time. Would I change something about the party? Yes, I would have taken Friday & Monday off! PS. Did I mention I had lost my voice the day before the party!? Yes, I was voiceless and unable to chat away with the guests. It was not cute and everyone took full advantage of it! ;)

Where's the pause button??

Anyone….anyone…..Bueller…..

I can’t believe in a couple of weeks our first born will be 7. Where has the time gone, it was just yesterday we were changing her diapers and here we are about to celebrate her 7th birthday party.

Gaby is turning into such a young, crazy, boy-ish young lady. She loves to search for insects; lady bugs, butterflies, lizards, centipedes just to name a few! I think I’ve mentioned this before but Gaby is a girly tomboy, if that makes any sense at ALL. She loves her makeup and nail polish but give her a baseball, basketball, or bugs and she’ll love it just the same.

I love to plan birthday parties for the kids, I love the searching online for ideas, the do it yourself projects, and finally seeing it all come together. Well this year is nothing less than a huge DIY project and I’m super nervous- freaking out actually about how everything is going to turn out. I have to confess that this is by far the hardest one we’ve had to plan. I guess the older they get the more creative they want their parties to be….”Um hello when did you get a mind of your own?” But nonetheless we/ I’m super excited to bake, cut, snip, glue, paint, etc.

You may be asking yourself what are they going to bake, cut, snip, glue and paint!? Well, this year Gaby’s theme will be “Girly Superhero”. Yes, our girly tomboy loved the idea of battling those villains pink & purple style! So I started looking for ideas and spent a whole weekend saving pictures and watch tutorials on Youtube. I became (in my eyes) an expert in planning this party from scratch! (literally) I want to spending as little money as possible and so doing every detail which help the bank and the personal touches!

So far these have been the ideas I have gathered from my one too many Google searches:


A double tier cake with the bottom layer having the city skyline



Mario and I are making signs and a city skyline that will work for our "photo wall"




To set the mood of the party the invites:



Cupcakes


Color Scheme

Every Superhero needs a cape!

I've been taking pictures of all the things we've done so far. Can't wait to see the final product!

Easter Part II

A friend of ours started her own photography company (SeLaRom Photography) and back in April she asked us to help her build her portfolio by taking Spring/ Easter pictures of the kids.

How could we decline!? We headed back to Matheson Hammocks Park (where we took our maternity pictures for Alex) and I couldn't believe how much time has passed!

The pictures turned out great, not only is Zulaima a great photographer but the kids were such great models! Here are a few...











I want to enlarge the first picture- where Alex is giving Gaby a kiss! It's so tender and it shows the true love they both have for each other. Enjoy and remember to check out SeLaRom Photography when you can!!

Bunnies, eggs and chocolate OH MY!!!

Easter has been welcomed in our home once again! This year I decided to host an egg hunt/ egg decorating get together at our house.

Before we got to the festivities- we went to church! The last time we went was literally a year ago (last Easter- to be exact). I hang my head in shame with the thought alone! Since Mario works on weekends he can't join us. So I gathered up the troops and to Easter service we went. There was no stopping us now- well....except the traffic!

Last week all the statues in the church were covered in purple draping, which Gaby then asked why.... and since I didn't want to give her no answer, I said "ummmm...". It's the best I could do!

Well this weekend they were uncovered and the Holy Cross was bordered with beautiful flowers. All white Roses, Lily's, Orchids, Baby Breaths. It was gorgeous! Apparently, I wasn't the only one who thought it because everyone was taking pictures of the cross. I semi heard the word of Christ, but I was able to catch the priests jokes ;) He was saying how he wrote a letter to us all saying "I'll see you in Christmas and New Year!"

He was right, we were THAT family. That family who went to church LAST Easter and didn't go back until this Easter. We skipped Christmas and New Year- which makes it even worse. Although this was my second time taking both kids alone- overall they did a decent job. All Alex wanted to do was take out the offering envelopes and putting them back into the book holder. At the end he was just tired- but we made it! Gaby was great though, she kept asking if the service was done...I said to her "Gaby, we JUST sat down. The service hasn't even started!" All I can think about was me at her age asking my mother the same exact thing. Only difference is I would get the "EYES" from my mother- while Gaby actually gets an answer.

After the service, I wanted the kids to take a picture in front of Cross and so we did!

Easter 2011

We left church and headed home to get ready for our guests. I cleaned the floors one last time and got the festivities started! (I won’t mention that I cleaned the house for 4 hours on Saturday and another 30 minutes on Sunday!) This year I wanted to do the Rice Krispy Eggs and have the kids decorate them. And can I say they turned out so freaking cute! Everyone had such a great time decorating their eggs with chocolate, Gummy Bears, Marsh mellows, M&M’s, crushed Oreos and peanuts! It was truly a big hit with the little ones and the adults. It was super easy to make too. Here’s the recipe I used, the only thing I changed was using an entire bag of mini marsh mellows! Apparently, 6 cups wasn’t enough in my Betty Crocker book ;)

Here are some pictures of our decorating party and everyone’s Easter Eggs:

Gummy Bears, Oreos and Marshmellows OH MY!

Gaby, Genesis and Alex decorating

Alex decorating his delish egg!

Our very own Picasso's

from top center (clockwise): Clau, Sofia, Misha, Sandra, Jorge, Gaby, Genesis, Alex and Emi
The finished products!

I sneaked out of the house while everyone was decorating their eggs- this Easter Bunny had to set up the hunt!! One would think “Oh its just spreading out eggs, how hard can that be!?” Its tough- you don’t want to have all the eggs close to each other or too spread out then there are areas with dog shit! It’s some seriously major planning! Finally, the bunny was ready!

Just as the hunt started, someone who shall remind nameless (OREO) dashed out the door and I was left taking 2 pictures before I had to chase his ass down! I was SO upset- but I couldn’t let that ruin the egg hunt. I was able to take pictures AFTER the fact….booo Oreo!

I think I spent so much time setting up that in a blink of an eye and a chase of a dog- all the eggs were GONE! Geese people- enjoyyyyyyyy the hunt, soak it all in, right? Who am I kidding….

The boys grabbing the eggs!
Emi & Mischa grabbing the ones I put on the stairs

Clau enjoying the hunt too!

Gaby & Genesis

After the very quick egg hunt we all headed back inside and enjoyed the Wii for the rest of the afternoon.




All in all it was by far a fabulous Easter for us and for our family! We did miss Mario- but Gaby made him a Rice Krispy Egg and hopefully he enjoyed eating it! If not- I will enjoy it for him! ;)

So from us to yours, we hope you all enjoyed your Easter weekend as much as we enjoyed ours!

Thank you, sweet baby Jesus

It's been a rough couple of months for us. Something that I had told a certain few, but never shared on here. Mario lost his job at Interval International back in December. Although, we have made the best of it (with gracious support from our family and my Catholic Spice) it's been a blessing in disguise. Or at least that's how I take it. Mario on the other hand didn't see it that way.... but can you blame him, I don't. He got to spend time with both kids. Which that alone is amazing seeing our goofy kids grow up before you very eyes.

With many prayers and connections, Mario finally started working again. This time a little far, 50+ hours work weeks, no more weekends for us, but we do have him for 3 days straight at home. But most of all it's a great company he can move up in. Through our friends Joselyn & Pedro, Mario is now working in the Marriot Hotel. I'm so proud of him- he stuck it through for so long and we both made the best of it.

I know there were times where I wanted find a genie lamp and make a wish, but what good would that do??? I saw it as being challenged again by God. I know Mario would think it's a fucked up challenge from him- but it needs to be done. It's to open your eyes and see that we can make it through and we can make the best out of it. I know our God wasn't going to allow us to loose our home- or give us something we couldn't handle. I won't lie and say it was a breeze, because it wasn't. We now look back and say..."that was some shit uh!?"

After Mario getting the job at The Marriot, I wanted to give thanks, not only for him- but for our family. So I said to myself- to church we go! And so to church we have gone! I want the kids to know about Jesus, God, and all the beauties we have around us. I want them to learn about being grateful, giving thanks and to live our lives through the paths that were created for us. I know my faith lacks (in terms of truly believing some aspects of the Catholic religion) but my faith has always been there, and now it's time for it to come out and share it with the my family.

We have been granted two parents working (again), a roof over our heads, health, love and most of all FAITH!

and you shall be Peanut....

Mario and I have been wanting to adopt dog for a while but we were always hesitant because of what happened with Cookie, the American Bulldog we had adopted over 3 years ago. Cookie was such a great dog, she was smart and so lovable. I know I can say that Mario and I kick ourselves in the ass everyday as we think what a horrible mistake we did when we gave her back to the shelter. A huge lesson and part in our lives we don't wish to ever relive again. We know we can never get her back but only hope that her new family loves her as much as we loved her. No matter your view on this topic and how we handled it, we know and regret the whole thing.

Mario started looking at different shelters and adoption agencies for a couple of weeks. He looked and searched and no dog caught his eye. We knew we didn't want a small dog or a large dog. We live in a condo and with 2 kids and a dog already running around we wanted to pick a dog that suited our life and home.

On Wednesday (March 30th) Mario had me call the shelter and get information on a 3 year old Labrador Retriever mixed with American Bulldog. Jezabel was turned in by her family who originally adopted her when she was 3 months because of the place they were moving into didn't allow dogs. Mario then went on Thursday to see her and have her meet Oreo. Well they were turned down because he didn't provide Oreo's proof of shots. So we immediately starting calling Miami- Dade Animal Services for his shots and had him go Friday first thing in the morning with Alex.

Friday, April 1st came and off to get Oreo's rabies shot they went. After there the men went to the Humane Society of Broward County to finally meet Jezabel. I have to confess, I was really scared since Oreo is a bit of a anti- social dog! But they both did so well at the meet and greet. Alex even got to play with her and she was great with him! Mario then filled out the paperwork for her and off home they all went! Mario sent me a picture of Jezabel on her first car ride home with Oreo & Alex.

Gaby got home and was really surprised about our new addition- but she welcomed her with open arms! Jezabel loved her as well and showered her with licks and kisses!!! (BTW- she gives the best kisses in the world! Next to Oreo of course ;)

I got home a little (okay a lot) later, since I had prior plans with some girlfriends of mine! But when I finally got to meet Jezabel she was sooo excited and super happy. Mario and I didn't like her given name....kinda reminded me of....well....lets not go there! So we searched tons of websites but with no intention of naming her after FOOD!!!! I jokingly said to him "How about Peanut?" we laughed and Mario liked it- it had a ring to it. So Jezabel then became PEANUT! You wouldn't think she was a peanut...since a peanut is well... TINY- and she is NOT tiny at all!

It's been 3 weeks since our family welcomed Peanut and we couldn't be happier! She is such a great dog, She tells you when she needs to go out, she lets the kids play with her, she gets on our bed with such ease, her #1 priority is comfort! Peanut is truly an amazing dog and we are so blessed to have her in our lives!

Peanut's first ride home 4.1.11

Enjoying the view

The went to the dog park and she was a little out of breath..

Peanut, Gaby, Alex, Oreo and I after our walk in the Grove
Oreo & Peanut

You see what I mean her #1 priority is comfort!!