The Jungle Book With Mi Familia #LoMasVital

Disclosure:  This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Latina Mom Bloggers and Disney Studios.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

One of our favorite family activities is watching movies, especially when we're at home.  My chulos actually sit down and we get to enjoy quality time with them.  I happily participated in a fun photo-a-day challenge that highlights how we're enjoying life and it led to finally watching The Jungle Book Diamond Edition, which is now available for the first time on Blue Ray™ and Digital.  The Jungle Book is a new one to us, I vaguely remember watching it as a kid but the Bare Necessities song always stood out to me... not only is it catchy but relates to life!  A topic we always talk about is the importance of our familia!  We're currently plotting our next fun adventure - to visit our families in Texas this Summer and the movie set everything in motion.  

Omie loves movies he can dance to!  Duke couldn't believe Disney made movies "way back then".  I don't know anyone that can hold back when The Jungle Book is on - we were a singing and dancing party over here!  The conversation was also deep with a question like, "why is that kid living with animals?" and celebrated with the realization that animals do care for humans.  I explained that it's a two way street and we have to take care of each other.  I guarantee we'll watch this movie again and again!        

The Jungle Book inspired me to create a fun trail mix for everyone.  It will be perfect for our travels or hanging out at home when you crave something different!  All you need are apple chips, banana chips and chocolate chips!

Put all the chips in a cup or bag and you are good to go!

My favorite #PiroposTraducidos

Almost 9 years later, Chris and I still flirt with each other.  We say sweet things, we write love notes, we flirt over text messages, I slap his butt... And I have been told that we are cheesier than ever.  I just can't picture being with him if he didn't flirt with me!   One of the factors of our successful relationship is the ability to laugh with each other and laugh at each other.  Most of the time we do it with piropos - silly flirtatious compliments.  Shhh... thats our secret!

The first time he teased me with this phrase, "Go brush your throat" - I laughed and laughed because I knew it was true.  My breath was less than desirable.  I didn't get mad, I went to brush my teeth, made sure my mouth was smelling real nice, grabbed his face and gave him the biggest sloppy kiss.  If you want to get like me - feeling confident and keep the romance alive - I highly recommend Crest Complete +Scope Outlast Toothpaste.  It provides a fresh feeling that lasts up to 5 times longer.  Crest Complete offers an array of oral care products to leave you feeling fresh and ready for every moment of your day.  Keep your mouth fresher than your pick up lines!

Take it from me, you have to laugh at yourselves and at life.  Feel free to print my two favorite piropos and put it in his wallet.  Or save a tree and text it to your man!

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Disclosure:  This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and P&G Crest. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Por Vida.

"Fall in love when you're ready, not when you're lonely"... Chris came into my life at the perfect time.    It was during my "eat love pray" chapter of my life.  There is no doubt in my mind that he is my soulmate.  Number one and most important, he makes me laugh. And he draws me stuff, he keeps me grounded, he backs me up, he is a great father and step-father... But the best thing he does is keep it real with me. I adore him!  (Its kinda cool he puts up with attending blogger events cause you know... that's real love.)

And every Valentine's Day he brings me gorgeous flowers with a sweet card and delicious chocolates.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY MY KING!  I LOVE YOU POR VIDA, HOLMES.

Thank you for being you.  And all you do.  #cheesy

(I was pregnant with Omar)

I Have A 16 Year Old

I have been referring to Omar as my littlest, Duke as my little, Damien as my big and Ty as my biggest for a few months.  My biggest officially turns 16 tomorrow.  SIXTEEN.  I didn't think I was going to be as emotional as I have been all day but when it hit me, it hit me.  My Tyler will be sixteen years old, only two years from the big eighteen.  Last month alone, he took Driver's Ed, got a car and is ready to get his permit.  He's been counting down the days till his 16th birthday so he can start applying for jobs.  I keep telling him to wait till he graduates from high school, to enjoy his teen years.  I remind him that I started working at 14 and he doesn't need to follow in my footsteps.   But he is exactly like me.  Ready to make money and not have to depend on anyone to give him money.  I can't believe what a responsible kid we've raised.  I can't tell you how proud I am of him - I have seen him tell his friends that drugs are dumb.  I thought standing up to my peers was hard in the 90s but these days, I know its rough.

The day after Christmas my kid wrote something on Facebook about being blessed that he has everything and that gifts are just a bonus and some kid told him he could lose some weight.  I was about to go off on the kid but my kid handled it well.  (I think he knew his Mama would've hurt the kid)

Thank you for being comfortable in your own skin and loving yourself.  Thank you for being strong, funny, smart, respectful, sweet, responsible, proud and kind.  I always wish for health and happiness for you my beautiful son.  I love you so much!  I am so proud that you are my kid!

My sister uploaded a picture of me at the hospital about 12 hours before I delivered on Instagram and then Ty uploaded it on his Instagram with the sweetest words.  No I'm not 16 in the picture, I was 21.  Excuse my ombre' hair - I refused to dye my hair when I was pregnant.   

A couple days old!

Almost 16 - towering over everyone at 6'2" (His height is a big deal to me, yes!)  Besides getting a job and his license, he's going for his Eagle Scout Badge!  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TY!  WE LOVE YOU XOXO

Shutterfly Valentine's Day Cards Giveaway!

Valentine's Day is our 3rd favorite Holiday.  I wasn't a fan till I met my husband.  Chris makes it special for me every year by bringing me beautiful roses and the best card.  Sometimes he makes the card and sometimes he buys it, all that matters to me are his words.  Our Valentine's Day is complete when we go out to lunch or dinner.  Last year was sweet because I was pregnant and Duke was in school so we enjoyed a precious hour of alone time.  But we're funny and rushed over to Duke's school after lunch to surprise him at his Valentine's party.  What can I say... we love our kids and Valentine's Day is a family tradition for us.

With four sons, we hope we're teaching them how to share the love on February 14th and it starts with cards.  I live for choosing the right card.  Yes, I'm a dork like that.  I checked out Shutterfly's Valentine's Day Cards and so excited to order our first personalized cards for family and #culturefanclub!  There are over 50 new styles, fresh color stories, artistic typography and 5 different card sizes!

I couldn't help but check out Shutterfly Photo Gifts and would love a Woven Photo Blanket!  I know my mom would love one with a picture of the boys.  Other fun photo gifts are iPhone cases that can be personalized with photos or monogram - this would be perfect for my sister!  The photo mugs are perfect for my parents - my mom drinks tea and my dad drinks coffee so I was thinking of making a gift basket with teas and coffees with photo mugs of funny pictures of my sons!    

Check out Shutterfly Photo Gifts and tell me your favorite for a chance to win 50 4x5 Cards and 5x5 Desktop Plaque!  
 

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Disclosure:  Shutterfly is providing products in exchange for this post and giveaway.  All thoughts are my own.

A Christmas (Eve) Story 2012

We celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve with the bigs and it was the best gift ever.  It was a treat because this was my first Christmas Eve and Christmas off in years.  My husband Chris planned our day - lunch at Stonefire Grill and opening presents.  Somehow we got in some shopping and thrifting.    The bigs loved their presents: a pair of shoes and clothes - they got A LOT of t-shirts, some new and some thrifted.  They aren't picky, goodness how are they so good?!

My night ended listening to Ghostface Killah, playing Basketball Mania on my Droid and watching Bob's Burgers Christmas Special and A Christmas Story with Chris.

From our family to yours - Have a very Merry Christmas XOXO

I Had Low Self-Esteem #DoveInspired

This is one of those posts that is incredibly hard for me to write but I want to share my story.  I knew my parents loved me but I never heard it growing up.  I think they didn't know any better, I could blame it on our culture and how they were raised.  But being a parent myself, I wanted to be better than my parents.  I often wonder how were they raised.

My parents kept my siblings and I safe and fed.  They didn't drink, they didn't do drugs.  They both worked full-time Monday through Friday and on the weekends, they took us places.  They did things with us. They thought that by providing a home, food and clothes on our back - we would be okay.  But... I suffered from low self-esteem.  I was shy, I couldn't look anyone in the eye.  I did not know how to take a compliment.  I had tons of friends.  How could I be shy?  How could I have low self-esteem, right?  I just didn't feel beautiful.  I felt ugly and fat.  Friends would tell me I had nice handwriting and I felt like I was on top of the World!    In High School, I would tell my friends that dances were dumb and I was too cool for the prom.  Truth was, I wanted to go.  I just didn't want to find a dress, learn how to apply makeup and even scarier, find a date.               

After High School, it got better.  I made myself better.  I worked on my insides.  I have struggled my whole life with weight but finally reached a place where I truly love myself.  My parents and I are in a great place too.  My mom always tells me she loves me and each & every time I get giddy.  I call it my own personal eat, pray, love journey and I have no problem sharing this part of my life.  I have been blessed with four beautiful sons who I compliment without holding back.  I want them to know they are loved and never wonder if we love them.  I tell them to be nice to girls if they value and respect me, their grandmas, aunts and cousins.  

I will never know what it's like to raise a daughter and I'm finally okay with that.  I volunteered in my son Duke's Kindergarten class last year and most of the girls followed me around.  I thought it was so cute.  I loved it.  I paid attention to them and made time to tell them they are beautiful, smart, funny and talented.  All it took was a few seconds to create small smiles.  Hopefully those little seeds I planted will grow and they turn out to be confident young women.   

According to Dove global research:

• 72 percent of girls (ages 10-17) feel tremendous pressure to be beautiful
• Only 11 percent of girls (ages 10-17) are comfortable using the word beautiful to describe themselves
• When girls feel bad about their looks more than 60 percent globally (age 15 to 17) avoid normal daily activities such as attending school, going to the doctor, or even giving their opinion

Dove is committed to inspiring all women and girls to reach their full potential.

Everyone has the opportunity to make a difference in a girl’s self-esteem

• More than half of girls globally say their mother is their number one female role model (66 percent U.S., 59 percent Canada)
• A simple act, such as starting a conversation about beauty, can make a world of difference 
• The Dove Movement for Self-Esteem opens up a world of opportunities for women to make a difference

Visit Vivemejor.com to access free tools to motivate and inspire a girl in your life

• Download the “Let’s Talk” Toolkit
• Visit Dove.com to learn more about our partners Girl Scouts, Girls Inc, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America 

Disclosure:  This is a compensated post in collaboration with Dove and Latina Bloggers Connect.  All opinions are my own.

Mother's Day

I love Mother's Day! Because I love being a Mom (who wouldn't with 4 handsome, smart and funny boys) & of course this Mother's Day is extra special to me because of the recent birth of our last child.

My husband Chris always, always makes it special for me.  It's not about how much he spends, it's about the thought he puts into planning.  I've told him for years I would rather have paintings, drawings, love notes...

One year I wanted to be at the beach at sunrise and he made it happen.  A couple years were spent gallery hopping and eating delicious food.  Last year we flew into Atlanta, spent the night and then drove to Alabama for my cousin's Wedding.  That trip was super special because my family also flew in and my Grandpa finally got to meet my husband and Duke.

Mother's Day 2008 - Sunrise at Huntington Beach

Mother's Day 2009 - Gallery hopping & Dinner at Park Ave.

Mother's Day 2010 - Gallery hopping & Blue Velvet Cake from MILK

Mother's Day 2011 - Family Trip to Atlanta/Alabama for my cousin Irene's Wedding.
Me & My Men - My life!


This Mother's Day is going to be low-key.  Omar is still too little to take out on our usual adventures.  Chris & Duke kicked off the weekend by surprising me with cards, cake, flowers and gifts on Friday.  Tonight we watched The Avengers and had In N Out.  It's been the perfect weekend.  Who knows what we'll get into tomorrow!

But the BEST GIFT OF ALL... A painting my Husband did of one of Duke's drawings.
SO AMAZING! I am so in love with it. I can't wait to find a frame for it!




I was honored to be asked by my amiga Ruby of Growing up Blackxican to be part of her #CelebrateMama post!  What is your favorite part of being a Mother?

We wish all of you a very Happy Mother's Day! 

Love, The G's!

Currently.

Loving:  My life.  I finally feel I'm where I need to be.  I can't explain it in this post so I'll save it for another one.

Thinking About: Shopping! When I was a teenager I used to hit thrift stores and yard sales like crazy. I didn't get back into it till last year and it's been so good to us. Still haven't made it out to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena and it makes me sad. I can't stop thinking about the stuff I might find.  It is addicting.

Anticipating: Still anticipating the birth of our baby. I will be induced tomorrow at 9am.  I was induced with my oldest two.  I had a checkup on Ty's due date and the Dr. said I was leaking amniotic fluid for a couple days.  I wasn't having contractions so we needed to get him out.  I got the pitocin drip and it was a long process, I wasn't a fan.  With Dame, he was 10 days overdue and again, I had to be induced.  Because the Dr. waited so long to induce him, they kept him for 5 days for observation, I was devastated that I couldn't go home with my baby.  Again, I wasn't a fan.  Now Duke, I went into labor on his due date.  I don't know how I did it but I made spaghetti for dinner that night, was feeling fine and then my contractions came on strong.  I still took the time to take a shower and then we rushed to the Hospital.  I think I was only in labor for 6 hours, Duke wanted out!  I kept hoping this little would change his mind but it's looking like his date with destiny is set tomorrow.  I can't wait.  We are all so excited!  
Sidenote* This will be the first time I've ever been away from Duke and for at least 2 days!   

Listening To:  The hum of the air conditioner in the living room, the rattle of blinds in our room and Curious George on TV.

Eating: My husband and I had, what probably is going to be our last dates for awhile, lunch out yesterday and today.  Yesterday he wanted Sam Woo and today I wanted Tacos San Pedro. I don't know if it's because I am pregnant but the food at both places were exceptionally good.  Nothing worse than feeding a very anxious pregnant woman some awful food!  


We order a la carte at Sam Woo - Yesterday was Chicken Fried Rice, Sweet & Sour Pork and Beef and Broccoli.  

At Tacos San Pedro, I got a Carne Asada Plate.


Wishing: BlogHer was in San Diego this year instead of New York.  I love New York but the expenses and dates away from my newborn are just impossible.  I really love connecting with fellow bloggers and hoped that I would get to meet more this year.  Last year I barely got my feet wet and this year I feel like I'm really ready to take it on.      

Peek-A-Boo Baby Where Are You?

The waiting game.

Today is my due date. Still no sign of baby. My husband Chris made last night a little special for me. He went grocery shopping, cooked dinner, washed dishes, we snuggled on the couch and he told me cute things. And now I'm finally ready for this baby.

I should check my Hospital bag again.

I need to write a post-it with other stuff I need to grab: My cellphone, charger, camera, camera charger, wallet... that 2 liter of Cherry Coke my husband bought last night. Mmm... I can't wait till I can drink Cherry Coke. And have some sushi. A couple sunny side up eggs. All things pregnant women shouldn't have.

There's four weeks left in the Spring Semester. I think I'm crazy for taking on as many classes as I did this semester. Especially since I was sick with morning sickness my first trimester and had to drop 2 classes last semester. I need to take another post-it and write the remaining assignments and due dates. After the semester I'll be enjoying my little family - FOR THE WHOLE SUMMER. We're planning on taking advantage of California's Paid Family Leave together and extending my Post-Natal Maternity Leave an extra 6 weeks.

I saw my Dr. on Wednesday and he said if nothing happens, I'll be induced next Friday or Saturday so until then, we're keeping it low-key and waiting around here at home. Wish us luck!

A week till my due date...

7 days. I can't believe it's already here. 39 weeks of being pregnant flew by.

This pregnancy has been full of emotions, I thought my first 2 would be it and then Duke came along and we wanted more. We still want more kids but sadly, I'm knocking on 40's door (in another 3 years) and financially, we can't do it. I always wonder how my Grandparents did it, in another time, in another place - they were able to raise 6 kids. That's not the case these days and it's sad.

Because I was 36 when I got pregnant with this one, I had to go through Genetics Counseling and additional screenings. I was advised to have an Amnio done. We declined. There was no way we were going to put ourselves through a potential miscarriage, especially since this one would be our last one. Whatever God had planned for us, we would deal with.

I had morning sickness with this pregnancy and with my other 3 boys I didn't so I thought there was a possibility this would be our girl. All we cared about was that our baby would be healthy but I couldn't resist shopping the baby girls section, there were so much cute stuff! When I had to see a Specialist in my 6th month, he confirmed that we were very much having another boy. All the super cute girls clothes and shoes had to be returned and we started shopping for a boy.

I've been active and busy with this pregnancy, in the beginning because of the morning sickness, I actually lost weight but I went on early Maternity leave at the end of January because of drama at work and started to gain weight. I've gained about 20 pounds and it is all in my belly. This baby has been so busy and I can feel everything he does. He loves hearing Duke's voice and usually reacts when Daddy is around.

We're so grateful to our friends that have sent the baby gifts - We're so happy to have you in our lives.

We took a tour of the Hospital on Wednesday and it really kicked up my emotions. He's going to be here. Any day now. I need my rest. Chris needs his rest. I can't wait till I can look into his eyes, hear that beautiful first cry, smell his toes, kiss his feet, hope he grabs my finger... I can't wait for you baby. We are so excited for your arrival. You can't imagine how much we love you.