morning laughs

This morning laugh post is mostly about Sophie.

I am always amazed that as parents we tell our kids over and over about things and they don't listen but once they hear it from someone else or find out some other way then they pay attention.I don't know if you are familiar with takis, they're this rolled corn tortilla chips hot and spicy and very addictive.  Very popular on this side of the states specially among kids and young people they're sort of like hot Cheetos.  Well Sophia read and I am so glad she did that they cause cancer and ulcers because all of the things added to them and the spiciness.  Well after reading that she has stopped eating them. She said a friend offer some to her in school and she said "Please don't I am a recovering addict!"  that did get a chuckle out of me!!

Sophia coming home from school looks in the mirror and says "OMG I have a bugger and nobody tells me anything!! Those are not true friends!!

She tells me:  "you guys are not spontaneous...like if I ask to go to 7-11 on a weekday you say NO! It's 4 O'clock! I would not take them on a weekday to 7-11 after school that's true.   In reality I would not take them to 7-11 period because what do you buy there? only junk food right?? That's what their dad would do. About the spontaneity she did get another chuckle out of me and it got me thinking she always complains about bed time too early, cleaning her room and taking trash out of her bathroom when it's full  and little things like that. Do I have too many rules?  I started questioning myself.  No I don't think so!  Just enough to make them clean and responsible adults. But one day just randomly  I will take them to 7-11 on a school day I guess it will be ok to bend the rules a little once in a while...

She asked last week to do her own laundry and I agreed.  I told her I would guide her how to sort the laundry and work the washer and dryer.  So she did a couple of loads and it all went well.  I specifically told her that I would hate for her to leave the clothes in either the washer or dryer for half a day (here I go with the rules again right?) Monday after school she came home saying "guess what mom I forgot to wash my PE clothes I guess I am not a responsible woman yet!"

Ha ha!! no my dear Sophie you're not a responsible adult yet, slowly but surely you will get there one day...
but I am proud of you already!!

For one last morning laugh today here's Emma eating avocado or is it an avocado mask?  but it's a good thing that she thinks of moisturizing her face at a young age! lol!!

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the boss

When Emma was born Xavi was promoted to big brother.  Yup "he the boss", that's how young people would say it.  The boss of the back seat that is.  When he is riding alone with Emma anyways.  He is in charge of little things like opening the back window, supplying Emma's pacifier, making sure the sun is not in her eyes, entertaining her, making her laugh, trying to stop her from crying, holding the bottle for her (that specific responsibility has diminish a bit as she is holding it by herself now), pat her when she coughs, putting socks on her...well he still needs to perfect that task as you can see it in the picture from my instagram feed oh yeah follow me if you'd like ;) Those two have some good times now and then shss I told Xavi I will have to put cameras and maybe hire a security to find out what goes on back there.

That is a lot of responsibilities for a nine year old boy wouldn't you say?  but he is doing a good job and has come a long way with a whole lot of improvement since the first days of Emma being with us  Now that she is a bit older she is much more fun to be around the kids say.  

Truth is he is enjoying his big brother role so much that here is the latest morning laugh:  Emma is fuzzing in the back seat probably ready to fall asleep I am sure she needs her binky to soothe herself.  I tell Xavi to check on her and give her the binky and this is his answer:  "No worries I can tame the mythical beast down!"  umm no Xavi she is not a beast she is your baby sister and no she is not mythical she is for reals!!

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heavy machinery

Skin to skin contact is very important I am sure we all know that.  It has so many benefits.  It can be relaxing, reassuring, soothing, stimulating you name it!  Gosh it feels great doesn't it??  just a touch or a hug.  I remember right after Emma was born I held her skin to skin. Babies go through a shock after being born so skin to skin  helps them stay calm, breathe better, maintain body temperature and regulate blood sugar levels.  Talking about sugar levels I don't know how many times my newborn was pricked to make sure her levels were fine...thanks gestational diabetes :/ Back to skin to skin stay with me all right.  How could I forget that moment when she was staring at me with her eyes wide open!  Oh I felt on cloud nine holding my new baby!

Sometimes at the end of the day we get a bit of extra time after soccer practice, make sure homework is done, kitchen clean and showers have been taken we get to unwind with a little Netflix.  The kids like to watch Cupcake wars.   Habanero cupcakes really? Last week we were watching an episode and we took turns giving massages to each other while we watched the episode.

We've got a couple of wooden massagers, a battery operated one, I have a deck of cards with some techniques, I even bought a cheap kit for a hot stone massage that I still haven't used but hey the intentions are there right?  So here is a morning laugh for you guys Xavi got all the things out for the massage and he was going to do it on me first he said: "I will do it manually first, then I will use heavy machinery!" oh this boy!  Laugh therapy helps too right?

So there you have let's hug a little tighter and longer from now on to get all the full benefits.  Let's embrace touch and closeness as they comfort and heal even if heavy machinery needs to be used :/

Here's a bonus morning laugh today:  Xavi comes up to me and asks "Mom I will do a urine test on you"  of course I looked at him puzzled.  "What part of the house are you in?" he asks...I am in the kitchen I answered "you passed"

I hope you have an amazing week my friends and thanks for stopping!

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What She Wore

Let me start this week with a quick background story:  I hate hate hate being late so every morning I wake up the kids with enough time so that we don't have to rush.  Most days we manage without major issues even since Emma joined our family.  You know the usual routine, on Mondays Xavi's trumpet, on Tuesdays and Thursdays Xavi's soccer equipment for after school practice has to be ready.  Feed the dogs, the fishes and the turtle, why yes of course I haven't told you that Xavi has a turtle now :/ Please let's not forget the things we need before we go out the door like Emma's well stocked diaper bag, my cell, water bottles, a light jacket now that mornings are crispy, my grocery lists, etsy packages...keys of course.  Oh and breakfast! yes breakfast. That is a challenge in itself most days since Emma is awake at the time.  Some days she is ok with some you tube baby songs others Sophia has to step up and help me with her.  Here is a morning laugh: One day last week I made blueberry pancakes, the kids love them. Sophia is always very polite and thankful and is my greatest motivator she told me "Mom thank you for the pancakes that was the most delicious breakfast I've ever had!  boy that feels good amidst all the morning chaos!!...then I heard a little voice in the background said "I am just here for the blueberries!" ha ha that just cracked me up. Yes Xavi we need a little clown in the family! (not to say that he is not thankful,  he is but sometimes he just prefers to be the entertainer).

For this What She Wore session I thought of going to a housing community very close to the kids schools.  It's called Stoney Mountain Ranch.  It has a nice park that was built around some small hills right in the middle of the community is that cool or what?? I found this youtube video of a home tour where you can see the park at the end of the tour.  The last two pictures are behind the scenes Sophia wanted to climb the hills while Emma had her first morning nap in the truck.

Dress thrifted

Cardigan Target on Clearance

Tights Walmart clearance

This post was linked to the pleated poppy:

Thanks for stopping by!

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Sophia

When did it happen? overnight, no not really, it's a process...a transformation this puberty thing.  I don't know when it started nor when it will end.  It's a matter of maturing and growing into a new body while getting wiser and trying to figure out your future and who you will become as an adult. Sophia is going through it right now she is trying to find out who she is.  She is thirteen now. She is a tireless defender of rights even though she might not be right all the time.  Sometimes she does not agree with mama or papi and voices her opinions. She also knows how to stay quiet you know foolish words deaf ears. She hates injustices and Disney princesses as well.  Oh she used to love them but somewhere along she realized that women are stronger than that; she is all for equality.  Long gone are the princesses, the pinks and the sparkles. She is very open minded and says she would have loved to be born in the 70's. She proclaims herself as a democrat and when she asks her friends about political parties or issues she forgets she has to play dumb while interacting with them or so she says. She often says she hates being around teenagers because they are so dumb. She is a lover of art and has a passion for music, drawing and reading.  She complains about "old people" reminiscing about the past "technology" she says "technology". She has accepted her curls and the gap between her teeth.  She is not very thrilled about her height but has hopes of a growth spurt. She loves herself that is what matters.  She is a happy girl and has a great sense of humor.  Not all the times though she can be very impatient and explodes when her buttons are pressed.  Also, she can be cruel to Xavi at times...very cruel.

Sophia's self portrait

Somewhere in there I still see the little silly and careless girl that needs her mama when she can't breath and needs her inhaler.  She, at times demands her mama to rub her back and her head while watching a movie.  I love seeing how she loves on Emma with dear love while also trying to be tough on her "none of that princess stuff".

She has a new obsession for dresses and I am secretly loving that.  Dresses, cardigans and leggings are filling her closet and drawers lately.  We love thrifthing for dresses. I asked her if she would be willing to start a new section on my blog called "What She Wore" so I can showcase her looks. She agreed :) I am excited.  She has a great sense of fashion very unique and confident she does not care what people think, I still wish I was like her.  Here is an example of one of the latest morning laughs:

While using the  bathroom in the master bedroom Javier tells her "Sophie next time use your own bathroom!"  She comes out loud and proud yelling "Is this not America!? is this not the land of the free!?"  There's my little politician.

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progress

yes indeed a bit of progress on my 45 by 45 list!  and blogging twice in a week BIG WOW!  right??

First thing, I am in love with the idea of handmade soap.  I first fell in love when I saw this video on the etsy blog.  Have you ever browsed etsy handmade soap section  It's filled with infinite exquisite, delicious, beautiful, charming and pleasing soapy goodies!  I mean isn't it amazing that you can mix herbs, oils and other ingredients cook 'em together and that whole gooey mess turns into an emollient bar of soap. To me is sounds very gratifying!

I have a pin board of soap making DIY recipes There are many ways of making soap cold or hot process made from scratch or melt and pour bases.

Now that the kids are on vacation we choose a homemade Oatmeal soap recipe.  Melt and pour is actually one of the easiest ways to make soap  using lye sounds a bit intimidating...I mean you need goggles and gloves :/  but one day I would like to try it as well.

Pretty easy to find ingredients, 8 cubes of Goat's milk suspension formula, oatmeal and almond oil soap extract.

I like to get the kids to participate on these things.  Xavi is always in when it comes to do handmade things.  Sophia on the other hand not so much.  It wouldn't come out of her but if I ask her to she will do it.  They liked helping out and could not wait for the end result.  I like seeing them work together.

 Well somebody was certainly bored! the littlest helper or at least spectator.

Basically only  a few steps, melt the soap, add the oil and the oatmeal then cool.  Pretty nifty huh??  full recipe and instructions here.

This is the end result  looks yummy to eat ah?  So there you have it oatmeal from breakfast till shower time! and at the same time one more item crossed off my list.

I'd like to share a morning laugh now:  So, Sophia was frantically looking for something in the refrigerator the other day "What are you looking for?" I asked her "the ketchup's sister" she told me.  Ok so I was puzzled "is it the mustard?"  I asked..."no that's the weird brother nobody likes" she told me.  I see.  "Is it the barbecue?" I asked..."yes that's the one!!"  Oh Sophie! left door at the top...

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morning laughs

Hello guys happy Friday to you all! here I am again  with a couple of morning laughs.  I try to humor myself to make things easier :)

We were driving to the mall and Emma starts fuzzing she's probably sleepy I am thinking...the rest of the family asks for the binky.  I don't think I brought it I told them.  What??  everybody freaks out and they voice their concerns, but I mean everybody at the same time...how could you forget it?  baby basics Javier says never forget the binky never!  Oh my! they must think the pacifier is a mute button or something!  I don't blame them I used to be that way when I was a newbie and Sophie was newborn.
Things are different this time :)
I take things more calmly.

It was pajama day last Tuesday at Xavi's school and he was very but very hesitant  about it.  Should he take pajamas or not. May be maybe not , yes or no!?  Sophia gives him some advice:

Xavi when I was a kid It was fun to be mature, but now that I am mature it is fun to be a kid!  
so just enjoy it! 
 
He did take his pajamas after all :)

Xavi was telling me jokes and he first apologized before telling me this mama joke.  He was so cute when he was telling me "I don't really mean you mom or your mama, or any mom".  So here is the joke:

Your mama is so stupid she made an appointment with Dr Pepper. 

So I said who's Dr Pepper...the soda he answers.  

Duh well maybe I am stupid *sight 

Today is the last day of school  and summer vacation is starting.  Sophia is officially an 8th grader and Xavi goes on to 4th grade!  I made my math and Baby Emma will start kindergarten when Xavi starts High School and Sophia starts College.  Wow what a challenge for me ah!  There has been so much excitement here in the house this week. I am really looking forward to doing so many things and nothing at the same time if you know what I mean.  I have plans to tackle some items on my 45 by 45 bucket list Sophie is ready to hibernate and not getting out of her room but that's not gonna happen ah!

Are you excited for Summer any plans?? This household is!!

Have a nice weekend!

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spaghetti squash

As a typical mom I am always telling the kids to eat their veggies.  I am so proud to say that Sophia has improved so much, she now eats avocado, cucumber, spinach, mushrooms among other new to her veggies.  On the other hand, Xavi is a different story, he still refuses to try new veggies.  I hope that with age he gives them a try.  Sadly I am guilty of sticking to the same veggies you know the typical lettuce, tomato, onion, zucchini, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms etc etc.  There are a lot of veggies out there that I have never tried before.  Just a couple of years ago I tried asparagus for the first time.  I loved them by the way :)

I came across this supper easy spaghetti squash recipe online. Since we must teach our children by example I decided to give it a try and introduce it to the family.  I've heard and read good reviews about this veggie.  It is low in calories, fat, sodium and carbohydrates.  In addition it's high in fiber loaded with potassium, Vitamins C and A and antioxidants.  Sounds good right?

The recipe calls for a spaghetti squash. Wash it and make cuts all over with a paring knife.  Bake it for 1 hour at 350 degrees.  Cut it in half scoop out the seeds, then scrape off the flesh.  Mix it with 1/4 cup of butter and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.  Done.

My father in law was visiting and he had the pleasure of trying it out with the family.  He said he had never tried it before either.  We all tried it except Xavi and we liked it. I think it has kind of a sweet taste and heard that it makes a great substitute for pasta!  Next time I will try it with a sauce.  

Well I've broaden my horizon, added a new veggie to my repertoire and completed one more item on my bucket list!  

Here is a morning laugh:  

Javier wanted to buy a couple of shirts, so we went to Kohl's per my request since I had a couple of coupons.  So it takes a little longer now to get to places with Emma, you know the car seat, the stroller, the diaper bag,  etc.  So we enter the store and the men's department is right at the entrance. Javier starts looking and in two minutes he's done.  He finds a shirt and picks three different colors.  What the heck??  I didn't even have time to get my phone out of my purse to look for the coupons! 

I knew this was going to be a quick trip but come on!!

Just one more laugh, lately I have been covered in all kinds of bodily fluids that a baby can produce.
I really mean all kinds!!

Hope your week is going great my friends!

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morning laughs

 I am pretty sure know that a new born is very demanding, they depend on you for E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G and yes I meant capital letters there.  We've all have to made adjustments in mi casa lately.  Without a doubt I have resorted to tricks, shortcuts and cheats to make life easier and enjoy the early days with Emma.  During these past 5 weeks I have become best friends with my crock pot and leftovers have been a lifesaver, pizza nights and takeout on the weekends have been very much appreciated by truly yours!  I've left the house to drop off the kids to school in the mornings while plates have been piling up in the sink and trash cans full of well...trash.  I've mastered the fine art of doing things with one hand. Showers have been so quick that I hardly wet the back of my knees :/ and sleep hours have been cut short... too short.  I am surely talking for myself on the sleep topic, as everybody else seems to enjoy their down time).  I've also opted to let some things slip by only to keep my sanity.  I've recruited help from the kids to help around the house and settled with the way they help around.  

I was so glad when I realized Sophia is such a good mamma to Emma even though she says she does not want any kids of her own.  As soon as she hears her squealing she runs to her rescue holds her, tries the binky, tries to calm her down.  She will try everything except change diapers which is very understandable.  On the other hand while I'm in the bathroom and Emma screaming her lungs out! Xavi can be watching TV, playing yoyo very relaxed paying not much attention to her new sister I guess he does not have that maternal instinct.  He is improving little by little though :)

To keep my a sound mind I try looking for the bright side of things.  For today's morning laugh I will tell you what happened last week while in the kitchen. Sophia and Xavi were looking for a before bed snack. The kitchen was clean and I was holding Emma I asked Sophia if she could fix me a slice of bread with peanut butter.  I saw her grabbing a plate and instantly told her no plate I didn't want any more dirty dishes so I told her to use a napkin.  I then asked her if she could serve me some milk 'sure' she said 'would you like it in a napkin as well' she said in a sarcastic way.  I burst out laughing like I haven't done in a long time. 

That's my smarty pants kid.

Excuse me, I was just trying to save some water, time and effort all so that I can enjoy more time with my newborn.
Because holding Emma and doing absolutely nothing means absolutely everything to me.

Hope you week started of good!

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morning laughs

Being honest here lately Sophia has not contributed much to my morning laughs segment on this little blog of mine...No she hasn't!  In a way I get it she is growing up, her interests are changing, hormones fluctuating, sometimes she is happy and all of a sudden she flips out, her patience is very little specially with her little brother. Yes she does, she takes it out on him... he is her scape goat.  Truth is he can get on people's nerves at times. Most of the time I catch it and of course talk to her about but at times I am sure I don't.  Last week I learned a new word berate, I've never heard it before but with this picture that Xavi drew it made it totally easy to understand the meaning.  I was saddened by looking at it.  

His facial and body expressions says it all and Sophia's tone of voice just kills me.  

They used to play together, and hold hands together while walking.  Good thing he is very forgiving and always telling her how much he loves her and hugs her.  I hope this phase passes soon,  I remind Sophia the first words that came out of her mouth when Xavi was born "Yay I have someone to play with".  

Anyways if you grew up with brothers and sisters you know what this is all about.

But there is hope or so I think a few days ago I was in the kitchen and I overheard Sophia telling Xavi "I love you" What?? I couldn't help it but be surprised!  She noticed my amazement and said  "what?  

I haven't said it in a long time and I felt like saying it"  that's my girl! 

one more thing...on Friday she was trying very hard to open a childproof bottle  "YES, YES!! I'VE PROVED MYSELF...I AM NOT A CHILD ANYMORE!  she yelled frantically once she opened it...

 what was that bottle? ironically her gummie bear vitamins! She is trying so hard to grow up, my dear child.

Should I consider this a contribution to the segment of morning laughs?

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morning laughs

Every day as I pick up Xavi after school he greets me lovingly with the words "mom I missed you so much, I thought of you all day long!" how sweet and caring of him.  He has always been like that a lovable and caring boy.  Last week he added one more line to his greeting, he told me...

"I bet if I tested all the moms in the world you would be the bestest one, you would be the one for me".

That warmed my heart and almost made me teary eyed.  These are moments truly to be cherished...

 This past Mother's Day he had a little surprise for me...breakfast in bed! 

Of course I thanked him we hugged I also told him
"Xavi I love your picture you came out great!"  Mom that's you he replied...
oh yeah I see the short hair and the red lips. :/

On the other hand last week I asked Sophia to give me a kiss as I dropped her off to school and she said eww!! no mom let's not do this.  I'll give you a kiss at home.

I guess it's not cool to kiss your parents in front of your peers when you are 12 years old.

Anyways I'll just keep the happy memories on this post. sigh*

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Morning Laughs and...# loverboy?

So Xavi has made me nervous talking about girls before and he 

also has stated to us his rules to relationships

During the summer he asked me "mom what if Taylor is not in my class next year?  How am I going to find her when I want to ask her to marry me?"   Taylor ended up in another class and Xavi and her are still friends and play together at lunch time and during P.E.

He put together some notes for Taylor and I made a slide show,
 he never gave her the notes... I kept all of these, these are too precious and I will get them out in the future to embarrass him.

This video is 29 seconds when you click on it another window opens and it says not found, ignore it the slide show plays on this same page.  ugghh!  I hate that I need to fix it but I don't know how

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

But he has a new crush (I wonder if Taylor knows and how she feels about this), this time is Diana she is Sophia's friend from Middle School, so he's known her for a at least four years now and she is 11 :/  This is a note he wrote to Diana:

At least he's learned to write a proper letter date, greeting, body, closing and signature!  That should make me happy. 

I think I will start tagging Xavi as #loverboy 
and also work a little bit harder on his spelling.

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Morning Laughs...Life is not fair

As the beginning of a new school year approaches fear and excitement have possessed my Sophie.  It's funny she reminds me of me because I felt the same way at the beginning of each new year "I do not want to go to school" were the words I repeated over and over.  Sophie has been a little drama queen lately. 

 These are only some of the funniest phrases she mumbles non stop. 

...I don't wanna die in Middle School

...Life is so unfair

...On top of that I have to get a shot? (vacc)

...I have to go survival school to met new friends? learn about the school?

...I have to go the dentist ( that specific day she had a dentist appointment)

...I have to eat a salad (that specific day I made her eat a salad)

...Before I was at the top of the food chain now I am at the bottom, 
6th graders are fresh meat for 7th and 8th graders

...I want to stay home watch TV eat popcorn and gummies 
...will you walk me to school the first day?  because I want to look cool 
(meaning please don't walk me!)

Today she is off to 6th grade survival camp.  I am hoping that will help her ease her worries and fears and reunite with old friends to ease the transition.

We also got a new puppy at home.  Her name is Diamond Lola, we couldn't decide on just one name so we we gave her a middle name.  It's been so long since I've taken care of a puppy that I feel a bit nervous.  I really don't want her to be an inside dog but I already fell in love with her.   The kids are very excited and are taking very seriously the responsibility of a new puppy (walking, cleaning, feeding etc) which is a good thing that takes their minds off TV and computer. 

 Welcome home Diamond Lola!  You will probably see her around here often :)

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Morning laughs...on spikes and unconditional love

An entry from Xavi's journal

This conversation happened between Xavi and I one day soon after I shaved:

"Nice legs mom!"

"Oh really?" I replied with a big smile on my face.

"Yeah they're not spiky anymore!"...was his answer 

This reminded me how eager I was to shave my legs when I was in 7th grade and how troublesome, tedious and annoying it is to shave now, I neglect it now and then and yet a girl is gotta do what a girl is gotta do!

Unconditional love  is just priceless. 

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Morning Laughs...on tying shoes and life

Just recently Xavi finally learned how to tie shoes.  After many many frustrated attempts he finally did it.  So, now he wants to tie every shoe he sees!  He goes into my walk in closet and ties all of my husband's shoes.  Of course, he won't let me help him any more even when we are rushing for school :/

The other morning while getting ready for school he was tying his shoes he said:

'Mom, now that I know how to tie shoes the only thing I need to learn so that my life is complete is how to whistle...of course I will still grow up and go on with life...'

I only wish life would stay easy for my boy, without complications, without his heart ever be broken. But unfortunately and without a doubt that won't happen.  Life is complicated.  I am confident he will make the right choices in life and he will know how to face trials successfully.  I am sure he will do great in life because, he is such a wonderful boy and he has great potential

I can't wait to see the amazing young man he will become 

in the years ahead!

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Morning laughs...On rules and licking and butterflies

I don't know but kids always come up with the weirdest and funniest things.  They have such imagination. I just love their innocence and pureness of heart.  Xavi for example comes with these funny  ideas and stories while we're having conversations. He told me the other day:

"Licking somebody is totally against the rules.  Except for babies because they lick everything and have a small brain.  An ant's brain!"

I am sure glad that at his age he knows there are rules and that he is sticking to them.

Because I believe every post needs to have a picture,
this is Xavi's reality today!
He really needs to straighten up his room.

For another morning laugh:

Sophia has been wondering lately if "Butterflies feel humans in their stomach when they are nervous" She's got me thinking now!

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Morning Laughs...spelling

Spelling is not that important when you are having fun!

So what if you forget how to spell 'ticket'? or what if you forget the 
'g' in 'sign in"  

I must confess it took me a few moments to 
figure out his writings
 

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Morning Laughs...are back

I really don't know why I stopped posting the little posts morning laughs.  I thought of that yesterday when Xavi made me laugh and again this morning when he said something funny again.  I really love it when my kids come up with the funniest weirdest things and put a smile on my face. 

Yesterday Xavi told me "mom do you know my papi is very hairy and if he lets his hair grow he will become a monster in four year?"

Hairy eye pin on etsy

...and this morning he was talking about clothes and said "  Mom do you know girls in my class wear pink and purple always, ALWAYS!"

You know kids always have things to say.  So I will do my best to keep a record of these here in this blog of mine.  

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Morning Laughs...Child's creativity

Last week was parent-teacher conferences and I am proud to say that  my kids are doing very good in school.  

I  really cannot complain.  

I help Xavi with his homework daily and can tell that he has no problem grasping math concepts easily. He is also doing well in writing.  He probably does not enjoy it very much because his pencil always breaks, or falls or has no eraser.  
Now Xavi is starting to read and improve on his fluency. His cousin gave him a book about Ninjas just last week. He is all ninja, ninja, ninja, and more ninja.  The book is a higher reading level for him 

 but of course he thinks he can read it,  

he is on page five he said.

Sophia is very responsible and does her work in a timely manner.  I am always on top of her on the issue of no TV, no radio, no ipod while working on homework.  No distractions period.  
She is a tween now therefore tough job :/   
Homework  assignments for her include reading 30 minutes daily.  She is a book worm.   I can often tell when she likes a book 

because she can't put it down.  

At this very moment she is reading two books at the same time.

Now for the morning laugh: 

Why would they use a Lego piece and the plastic wrap from a straw from a caprisun juice when they have lots and lots bookmarks around the house?

Only a child's creativity I suppose. 

Or 'Necessity the mother of all inventions' when you can't find a bookmark.  I just cracked when I saw this, both of my kids.

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Morning laughs...Noise pollution

Have you ever felt like blocking all noise out?  Like you just can't stand any more noise.  Fake that you are listening but you are not!  I have.  Don't get me wrong I know there is a time for and place for everything but I love quietness most of all. 

I always thought that Librarian was the coolest job.

I snapped this picture over the Summer vacation some weeks ago and could not help but laugh! My kids were talking with their bellybuttons!

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