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!!

Islands of Adventure

Friday, March 4th we went to Islands of Adventure! Mario and I were SOOO excited to finally see The Harry Potter section that had opened last year. In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday we started our day in Seuss Landing! Alejandro went on his first ride, The Cat in the Hat! and loved every minute of it and I couldn't stop taking pictures. Well I actually had to stop since they made an announcement over the loud speaker to stop!! (oops!) For some rides Alex was too small so we waited for Gaby and Mario... No worries! After enjoying all of Seuss Landing we headed to......HARRY POTTER!!!! The section itself is breathtaking! The amount of detail there is in this one section is just a-freaking-mazing! We spent as much time here remembering all the things from the movies! The town where Harry buys his owl, his wand and the candy store, the replica of Hogsworth Express again, breathtaking! Gaby rode the Hagrid ride with Mario and boy is she going to love roller coaster or anything that involves adrenaline! And then ladies and gents.....we made the line to ride the Potter Adventure!! Gaby was too short to ride this...so Mario and I did the child swap (again best invention EVER!) we were in line for our good 45 minutes to an hour with both kids! They did great in the line.... they jumped, they climbed, they ate snacks, Gaby complained because she couldn't ride the ride. So what I say to her..... "That's because you don't eat enough vegetables!!!" The cool thing about making the line is while your in the actual line you get to see different parts of the movie! For the most part of the line we were in the Green House, but once you got inside the actual castle the picture crazy began! Of course the picture I posted didn't do justice to the actual details and little nick knacks you found along the way- but you get the idea of why Potter fans or just anyone who has heard about the Harry franchise go a little..... Coo coo! So here comes the part I have to confess.... I rode the ride first while Mario was in the child swap room. Well I got scared shitless (I know its all fake, but everything looks so real and so clear I got scared). I actually rode the ride covering my eyes! I know, I know...call me wuss but I felt so bad and stupid! I actually sighed relief when the ride was actually over and the characters where clapping for me "completing" the mission! HAHA- only if they knew.... Well I told Mario right away when we switched places.... It was then his turn to ride the ride and of course he loved every minute of it- all the while I was still hanging my head in shame..... Let's move on shall we??? Yes. Well before we said goodbye to the most fabulous part of the whole park we had to enjoy a cup of "Butter Beer"... now for those who haven't tried is I want to say it's a mixture of: butterscotch, coke and sprite, topped with a very delish foam (which the kids and I devoured). Another confession....I wasn't a fan of the actual beer (only the foam) I know I know... all the Harry Potter fans are throwing rocks at me- but I have to be honest! Moving along.... we had lunch in what looked like a scene from Aladdin where Jasmine and Aladdin meet for the first time in the market! It was really yummy, budget friendly and satisfying. We strolled to Jurassic Park and Gaby and I rode on Pteranodon Flyers. This ride had my name written all over it. You sit down, you relax and take in the cool breeze. Gaby then saw another water ride (Jurassic Park River Adventure) and of course she and Mario wasted no time to get in line! Alex and I stayed behind on the DRY land! There was no way in hell I was going to get wet with the breeze going on- nope, not me, no way! Mario then realized that the ride they were on was the one where T-Rex comes out of the ceiling and you then DROP- God knows how steep the drop is. My poor bebe was crying- but she LOVED it after the initial shock! We wasted no time and entered...TOON LAGOON! Such a cute little area this is. There are so many little places to take pictures (but my camera was running out of battery and I was NOT going to pay $30 for 20 minutes for my camera to charge!) So what does this mom do... send Mario and Gaby on yet ANOTHER water ride...well actually 2 more for the day! Dudley Do-Rights; Ripsaw Falls; Popeye & Bluto's Bilge- Rat Barges I was truly impressed by how brave Gaby is and her brother is not far behind! They look at all these rides and have no terror. Meanwhile, I'm left behind reciting prayers that nothing happens during the ride and everything goes well. The best part of this section- Gaby and I taking a picture with none other than Popeye and Olive Oil!! Gaby was really nice by keeping her "who are they, mom??" questions until AFTER we took the picture! Ahhh cartoons aren't what they use to be ladies and gents..... Finally, we entered into what I call a little boys dream come true...without the porno ;) MARVEL SUPERHERO ISLAND. We explored, we watched and we rode one ride... Spider-man. This one Gaby and I rode first, did the child swap (Alex was sleeping) and Gaby and I hated it. Yes, yes.....me no likey. I have to say I was a little scared someone would come on either my side or Gaby's and scare the shit out of us. Which didn't happen but I tried my best to not act scared.... The amazing thing about these rides is how they trick your brain! You really think Spider-man is saving you with his web- but in reality it's just the mechanics of the ride. We finally finished Islands of Adventure....... NOPE- no we didn't. I felt soooo stupid leaving the park and riding the Harry Potter ride with my eyes closed. So I told Mario to go back before the park closes. So we all ran to the Harry Potter area and guess what..... YUP- I rode the ride again...but this time..... with my eyes OPEN! Was I scared....YUP... Did I hate that Mario wasn't next to me....YUP! I'm so pathetic that I had to keep on telling myself "It's only a ride, Gaby rode the T-Rex ride and she's 6, so you have to be brave!" YUP... that was me the entire ride. I'm such a fool I know... but hey give me credit. I rode it again! Right???? And of course.... PICTURES!!!! Alex eating breakfast at our hotels restaurant Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss The kids with The Cat in the Hat Gaby and Alex riding The Cat in the Hat *Alex's first ride- age 2* Catching some waves early in the morning...

Long over due.....

Vacation that is!

It's been over 2 years since the Aleman's have gone any sort of vacation. Well technically we've never been on any vacation as a family of 4, so this get- away was long over due!

Here's a little back story on our tickets! When Mario worked at Interval International he received two free tickets to Islands of Adventure and Universal- the tickets were about to expire and we couldn't let these bad boys go to waste! So we decided to gather up the troops and head to O-town (Orlando)!!

I rented my first car ever and on Thursday, March 3rd The Aleman's took off and explored Islands of Adventure, Downtown Disney and Universal Studios!

We stayed at the Rosen Inn which was perfectly located right by the parks. It wasn't an upscale hotel but it was clean, decent and nice. We ate breakfast at the hotel's restaurant which was very YUMMY and cheap (both kids ate for free!). Had dinner at the Ponderosa (kids ate free) right across the street from the hotel and lunch at the parks.

Let the countdown begin!

It's been quite a while... Okay a long time since we've gone on any sort of vacation (4 years to be exact)... But who's counting right!? Well Daddy and I wanted to finally get away..... So where does this crazy family go you ask? None other than Orlando! This will be the first time we go on any sort of vacation or get away for the weekend as a family of four! We are so excited to pack our bags and GO! We told Gaby today about our little mini vacation and she was so excited! Did I tell you we can't wait?? I can do a back flip if I could... But let's not hold our breaths here.... We leave Friday night and come back Sunday. The plan is to go to Island of Adventure and Universal Studios, with a break in between for Down Town Disney. I hope The kids enjoy all the rides and cool things to see in the parks! Our main thing is to just enjoy, relax and of course take gazillions of pictures! I hope the kids are ready because Mario and I are counting down the days! ORLANDO HERE WE COME!!