My Little Man!

Oh boy! Meet MY mini me! This is my extremely strong willed, stubborn and persistant almost 12 year old.  He's all about Lacrosse and Football and only wishes we could add Hockey to the mix... not at all the aggressive little thing huh? ;) He loves music (EMINEM????) and dancing... if you can catch him.   He loves the color green, shoes and cars... a white corvette or camero is his dream or should I say an expectation!  He has a passion for fishing and riding anything that is fast such as his four-wheeler.  He's the king of one liners and always has to have the last word.  He makes us laugh and lose our hair all at the same time.  However if you did not know his precious little boy you would NEVER know it as he appears shy and reserved to those he does not know.  Life in this house would definitely not be same without him.  I can't imagine how bored we would be without this little one's wit and amazing sense of humor.  He is in awe of his father and feels the need to always be at his side... they are definitely best buddies.  If only his dad would blog you would hear stories about this child of ours that would bring tears of laughter to your eyes. 

This coming school year he will begin 6th grade then he will be off to Middle School.  Luckily for me this little man loves school and excel's in all he does.  A perfectionist nonetheless.  Recently we traveled to the University of Notre Dame for a Lacrosse Tournament and he very clearly said "Mom... This is where I'm gonna go to school!"  Hmmmm...... We shall see my little man!  I have all the confidence in the world that all that we truly aspire comes to be with hard work and dedication.  I've said it before but I am amazed at how fast time has gone by so my only hope is that we continue to build memories that last a lifetime. 

My baby boy!  You are my sunshine... my only sunshine... you make me happy when skies are grey... you'll never know just how much I love you... please don't take my sunshine away!  (Remember that little boy?... You made dad sing this to you every night before bed)  I love you to the moon and back... DREAM HIGHER THAN THE SKY AND DEEPER THAN THE OCEAN! All my love... Mom xoxoxo

My Ladybug!

Meet my ladybug!  She's the recently turned teenager of the house and by all means the one and only princess...Snow White of course! She's the apple of my eye and together with her brother make up the center of my universe... you will meet my little man soon.  She's a gem and in my eyes perfect.  Her kindness and charm just make my heart melt! Not to say that her teenage melt downs don't get under my skin too!  She's my cheerleader, my dancer and my gymnast.... my lil social butterfly.  She reminds me a lot of her father... as she's a bundle of energy and never wants to miss a beat.  She's funny and extremely intelligent. I just hope she truly believes that about herself and never doubts her capabilities.  She's also my nervous Nelly... always worried about "what if" and "please don't turn off the lights!"  We're working on that right ladybug? ;)

She is about to enter her 8th grade year then she's off to high school.  I really wish I knew where time went and if I was truly always there.  It all happens so fast and we as parents or perhaps I should say I am always busy worrying and planning what's ahead that at times I think I forgot to just stop and look around and what TODAY is all about.  That's something I need to work on.... Anyways now that we are on the topic of looking ahead we as a family are discussing her "Quinceanera" or "Cotillion" which is a enormous celebration of a girls fifteenth birthday marking her passage for childhood to adulthood.  It is both a religious and social event that emphasizes the importance of family.  Needless to say this celebration is a huge undertaking so we first need to determine if this is really important to the "festejada"  (the one being celebrated).  More to come on that topic.

I will close this post by saying the following to my ladybug, my snow white.... I love you to the moon and back and I will be here behind you every step of the way. As you already know... Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain! SO DANCE LADYBUG DANCE!  All my love, Mom xoxoxo

Arroz con Leche!

A thick and creamy rice pudding dessert with the added texture and flavor of raisins and cinnamon.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup rice, short or medium grain
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup raisins, soaked in warm water to soften
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• butter for topping *optional

Preparation:

Bring whole milk and water to a slow simmer in a large pot, over medium/low heat. Stir in rice, add in cinnamon sticks and barely simmer, uncovered, until rice is softened which should be about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally. When rice is soft, remove cinnamon sticks and stir in condensed milk, vanilla, salt and raisins. Return to a slight simmer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and rice has a pudding-like consistency. Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or butter.

About Me...

I am a wife, mommy of two amazing children and a precious little puggle named Nikko.  I am a high school educator who loves the challenges and rewards that the position brings.   I am a lover or dolphins, pearls, angels and all things Disney.  Lavender is my flower of choice for I love the peace and tranquility that it's scent delivers.  I embrace life as well as solitude... a bit of a an introvert I would admit but that's certainly not to say that I don't enjoy the company of those I love.  Photography and crafting is in my nature but finding the time to do it outside of summer is quite the challenge.  The same goes for reading... if only there was more time!   I am a person of faith although at times challenged by life's lessons.... I guess that makes me human.  I am a self admitted Pinterest Addict!  Thanks to my fabulous Godmother... my nina Noey!

Why the blog and what's with the title?  I've decided to blog for three reasons.  The first is for myself... you know just one of those things on the bucket list of life.  The other is for my family as I hope this serves as a reminder of who I am and how much I love each and everyone of them.  I plan to share those simple things in life that bring a smile to my face in the hopes that it will bring a smile to their face as well.  Lastly, as an educator and founder of a girls group that focuses on dreams, goal setting and independence I sadly have found that all too many young women fail to believe in themselves and hence do not dare to dream.  I hope in some ways I am able to inspire and spark something in those who read to challenge themselves and always strive for personal sucess.... Im talking to you lady bug! (That's my thirteen year old daughter) Arroz con Leche is a sweet Mexican dessert that brings cherished memories of my childhood. Cinnamon was just that little something added that made it just that perfect treat especially on those oh so chilly nights. 

I hope you enjoy and remember to always shoot for the moon for even if you miss you will land among the stars!  Hasta pronto! xoxox