The Pura Vida Mommy

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2012-01-01T17:42:00.003-06:00

It is 2012! can you believe it. The year of fear and scary catastrophic movies has finally arrived (LOL).

Well, I will live each day (again) like it is my last. I had a great start to the new year.... hint: nursing my very FIRST hangover :)

I look forward to a great and amazing new year....I hope it's even better than last year. 2012, you ready for me?

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011

2011-12-18T17:55:00.001-06:00

Create your own free digital greeting

The Countdown Has Begun!

2011-12-18T10:58:00.003-06:00

Children's Museum

Christmas decorations

Yes, the Christmas countdown has OFFICIALLY begun. Not just for me, but for my kids as well. And as far as my kids are concerned, mommy has yet to buy them one. single. gift! hehehehehe!

I do this every year. I make my list, research, pay attention (close attention) to what the little ones want and what the older one asks for. I make sure what they ask for and what they want pretty much stay the same for a few months before I just go out and buy it. It's not easy narrowing down my list to just 3 gifts but that is why I have in-laws. LOL. Whatever does not make my list, is passed on to mother in law and father in law, who are more than happy to get the kids what they want. Once I buy, I stash....and the kids are none the wiser. :)

I have to say, I am pretty proud of myself this year with the gift selection. I think my kids will be VERY happy come Christmas morning (and Eve when they get to to open the in-laws gifts).

Now this year was slow going for me. It took me longer than usual to wrap up all my shopping. I literally just finished yesterday. And now there is a week left until the big day and I can just sit back and relax. The only things I have to do: pick up 2 gifts on lay a way (but I have until the 24th to do that and I want to wait until the last minute because these 2 gifts are pretty HUGE and I have no place to hide them). Then when that's done, I have to wrap (I wrap the kids stuff on Christmas Eve).

It has been a decidedly more laid back Christmas for me, somehow. I didn't do as many activities with the kids this year. However, we made it to our first ever Children's Musuem Lighting Spectacular, which was way cool. I did missed the Nutcracker, though, because by the time I went to get tickets, they were ALL gone. That put a damper in my mood... it was the ONE thing I wanted to do with dd, starting our tradition. I guess there is always next year. Plus she'll be older and maybe more willing to sit still for how many minutes a ballet takes.

I could not be happier with what I got accomplished. Just cannot wait to see my kids faces on the big day.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-24T10:35:00.002-06:00

The day I have been anticipating for months is finally here: T-day. YAY! I could not be any more excited. Just like last year, and the year prior to that, I decided to be host to Thanksgiving this year again.

I invited the same familiar faces, although decidedly less people than last year, but the food remains a focus. Although my Thanksgiving is a potluck affair, I do most of the cooking: the bird, a few sides AND desserts.

This year I did not disappoint. Along with my Turkey (brined to perfection I hope), I am also making:
Apple Chipotle carrots
Green beans with slivered almonds
Potatoes au Gratin
Mac and cheese (from the box)
Coleslaw
Arroz con Palmito
Parmesan broccoli
Corn bread (from the box...so excited about this!!!)

Desserts include:
7 Layer Magic Bars (not right without them)
2 Apple pies (made from scratch)
Almond clusters
"Oreo' truffle Balls

I know that hubby's cousin is bringing the stuffing and gravy. Another cousin is making carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and cheesecake and brownies (YUM!). And a beets salad.

It should be a a day of thanks indeed.... and a feast for the eyes! Happy Turkey Day! Gobble, Gobble.

Our Dog Cliff

2011-10-12T10:07:00.005-06:00

I know how I have said (maybe not on here) time and again,that we are pretty bad pet owners. I was so not wanting to get another dog, after all we'd been through. We've lived in Costa Rica 5 years and have owned about 7 dogs. Yep, you read that right; SEVEN! Lets see, we've had about 2 Scooby's, A Snoopy, A Sheba, A Macha, Another Snoopy and then a Clifford.

While I grew up with dogs, and tend to love them, I hate owning them as pets. The work it takes to properly care for a dog is just too much effort for me that I don't want to put in. Cleaning poop, feeding, bathing, most of which I don't do anyway, is just not my fortay. But once I get those lovable little creatures home, they become like family.

My favorite of all the dogs we owned was our dog Clifford (I called him Cliff). I LOVED that dog something fierce. And this is why I say we are bad pet owners: Of all our 7 dogs, 2 of them died horrible deaths and 2 ran away. Sheba was re-gifted, so were the Snoopy's.

I had the hardest time with our first dog's death, seeing as it was a horrible ending to such a precocious little life. Scooby, a pincher, came to us as a small pup. He was supposed to be Boobie's dog, but Hubby took such a liking to him that he eventually became Hubby's dog. Hubby took Scooby everywhere with him. But Scooby took a liking to the streets so much, he would leave the whole day and only come back home to eat. One day he never came home and as I went out to meet Boobie after school I saw him sprawled on the side of the road, run over by a car. I was about 7 months pregnant with Princess. I cried so hard that day and into that night, I could not sleep. Though I didn't love the dog as much as Hubby did, he was family and it hurt me to see him die like that. We told Boobie after the burial and father in law quickly went out and bought another dog that looked eerily similar. We named him Scooby #2. That dog ran away. The next dog was Clifford, my doll. He was beautiful. He came about when Princess was just a tiny baby and just learning to speak; he was a pup of 6 months. Cliff (well, KIFF,) was her very first real word.

With Cliff, I helped with his daily care and even allowed him to sleep in our house some nights, when I felt it was too cold for him outside. Cliff was so protective of us that one night when someone broke unto our property, Cliff chased them away. The next day Hubby found Cliff dead, stiff as a rock. Hubby took that death the hardest, as Cliff was a dog we had hoped would be with us until his old age. He as not even 2.

After Cliff, the dogs that came to us were mainly dogs father in law bought that weren't really ours, but that he had bought for the kids. Father in law hates dogs, so after a time he re-gifted the dogs.

The one dog that Hubby bought all by himself, Macha, was a beautiful full bred Boxer female. Hubby loved her to pieces. Macha came to live with the family when she was around 6 or so months old. But Macha was a pain to take care of for me. With Hubby being gone all day for work, the care of Macha fell to me and I didn't like it. She never felt like OUR dog, she was Hubby's dog. And she knew it. One day after Hubby left for work, someone left our big gate open and Macha went out looking for her master. She never came home.

Now, as Hubby was looking for a replacement dog, since he just loves dogs so much, I was hoping we would just settle into life without pets for a while and forget the whole dog owning business. After all, we didn't really NEED a dog, did we?

Hubby had scoured the net looking for free dogs needing good homes. He told me of this and so I decided that maybe the time had come for us to own a dog again. This time, I vowed I would be more involved. I went to Mas x Menos one Saturday afternoon and by chance, they were hosting a pet event: Adopt a Stray Animal for free: only donations were accepted, of any amount you could give. I went over to take a look at the offerings and fell instantly in love with this beautiful 4 month old puppy; a German Shepard and Husky mix. I felt like I had to have him, he was mixed with 2 of my all time favorite breeds. When I inquired about the dog, I was informed that his name was ................................. CLIFFORD! What a coincidence! Or was it? Cliff, the dog I had loved had come back to me. Even though our old Clifford was a Lab mix (lab's being Hubby's favorite kind of breed), the new Cliff was the dog we were meant to have.

Were we ready for another dog. I didn't know and I didn't care. I wanted Cliff. I called Hubby and we adopted Clifford that very same day. His first few days with us were rough going, as he scratched and then bit Princess. The kids were terrified of him. AT 4 months, he is pretty big and intimidating but oh so cute. He needs a LOT of discipline, A LOT, but he is so playful and fun. I know it is still early yet and he is still pretty young but we're hoping he is the dog we have been waiting for.

No More Work

2011-08-25T15:50:00.003-06:00

So Tuesday August 23 was my last day of work, YIPPEEE!!!!!

Don't get me wrong, I really liked my job (loved it actually). I was happy with my work load, happy with my hours, happy with the pay, just plain happy. I did not like my boss and I did not like the restrictions, but I did genuinely like my job. However, I knew I would not be at the job forever. I had bigger dreams to fulfill so it was a 'just for the meantime' kind of job. I initially wanted to put in 6 months then move on, but I changed my mind. I decided I would stick it out for however long until either I found something a million times better or my boss fired me. Whichever came first!

The job in itself was pretty decent. I had set hours but I had flexibility. I was working but I was also home with my kids. I liked how laid back my supervisor was about me taking the time to attend school events, run errands and take my kids to their appointments. Hours missed could easily be made up and my position was so laid back, I was able to take a few breaks here and there to get household chores done. I would work 2 weeks straight at a time without a peep from my boss, which was definitly a plus.

But my boss is an interesting person, to say the least. He was just plain rude and downright lacked business etiquette. He was so hard to deal with when he was upset and would get impatient about small mistakes. He hardly checked my work and would ask me the same questions or ask me to do the same tasks more than once. He got so rude with me a few times, I was thisclose to quitting; but I figured the benefits of the job far outweighed his ugly attitude, so I stayed. Besides I could deal with him on occasion... if I had to deal with him daily, I think it would have been a different story. I might have quit months ago!

Anyway, not sure what transpired, but after not being able to get in touch with him for a week (phone calls to his phone went unanswered and messages on his voicemail went unreturned), he finally called me. The call lasted maybe 5 minutes, if that. He informed me that my position was going to be 'suspended' until further notice. He decided to put the content writing for the website (essentially what I do) on hold for now and if I was OK with that. I was more than OK with that, albeit a little shocked as it came out of left field, but OK nontheless. Seven and a half months in, and I feel good leaving my job on a positive note.

This "lay off" could not have come at a better time. I felt I was good with the job but I started to struggle daily about my decision to work. I wanted my stay at home mom life back: I hated having to ask someone for permission to go anywhere. I hated that I had to request time off. I longed for my time back, when I could come and go as I pleased and do what I felt like doing on any given day. I hated checking the clock every time I was away from my computer, making sure to rush home in time to get back to work. I hated not having the time to go grocery shopping during the early daytime hours or running errands without time limits. I guess in short, I was not ready for the working world.

While working at home is the best of both worlds, I think for now, I'll take the financial hit and just spend these precious moments with my kids, instead of in front of a computer working the hours away.

I am looking forward to going back to work when all 3 kids are in school though and I thank this job for getting my feet wet. Hey, I may even go back to this job one day. If and when my boss decides to get back to the content writing for his website and re-hires me, I just might accept. I guess I am on an indefinite 'sabbatical' from work. And I am going to enjoy it. : )

July Vacation Pics

2011-08-10T09:46:00.020-06:00

Tambor

Ferry ride

Our journey

Tennis anyone?

horseback riding on the beach

Los Lagos, Arenal

Puerto Viejo, Limon

July Events

2011-08-10T09:22:00.002-06:00

So July came and went, with no new blog posts. Why? Well, the first half of July was spent at the beach with my MOMMY!!!!!!!! And the second half, well, the 2nd half was spent recovering from all the events that happened from the first half of the month.

I was so excited to welcome my mom to Costa Rica for the very first time ever. She was able to meet 2 of her grandkids for the first time: Fatty and Princess. It had been 5 years since I had seen my mother and I planned a spectacular vacation for us to enjoy.

With just 2 weeks to spare, I wanted to make sure my mom had the time of her life. I wanted her to not just come to Costa Rica but to experience it as well. I wanted her to see the sights and I wanted her to feel relaxed. It was her first real vacation in heaven knows how long and with all the stress of living in Boston, lord knows she needed it.

We took her to Playa Tambor Beach Resort and stayed for 2 nights. After Tambor, we headed to Santa Teresa for a night. From Santa Teresa we headed out to Los Lagos Hotel and Resorts, a 4 hour ride but well worth it to soak in the volcanic thermal pools. The Arenal volcano and La Fortuna was a must see spot and Los Lagos hotel was a luxury that was well worth the price tag. Two nights at Los Lagos and my mom felt as if she was in heaven.

A brief stop at home for a few days to catch up on laundry, a quick trip to downtown and we were off again, this time to Puerto Viejo. The food, the people, the atmosphere: no wonder this beach town is my favorite vacation destination. We spent 2 nights in Puerto Viejo and it seemed too short.

As we wrapped up our vacation, we also got ready to bid my mom farewell, as her 2 weeks had come to an end. BUT I am happy to announce that she is more than ready to come back for another visit and I look forward to seeing my mommy again.

Fatty's "New" Room and Boobie's New Room

2011-08-10T08:31:00.003-06:00

After:

Boobie's new room

Fatty's 'new' room: this used to be Boobie's room

Princess gets her room back

The construction process

A back door for emergency exit FINALLY!

The new closets

Back door: not to worry... door is double locked and I have the key :)

The new room addition is finally complete (well 95% complete). All 3 kids have their own rooms and I could not be happier. It was by chance that the room was mostly under construction while we were away on vacation, which made it so much more bearable for us. It was even better coming back home from vacation to a slightly bigger house.

Initially we wanted to build the extra bedroom for Fatty, but seeing as the room is the last room on the house and has a back entry for emergency exits, we thought it fitting to have Boobie move into the room and give Fatty his old room.

Construction took about 2 weeks. The guy filled in the floor with cement to even it out, then he cut a doorway into Boobie's room. He added the back door (using an existing door we already had at the front of the house that was unused... that wall got filled in with blocks and cement and awaits a fresh coat of paint) and a window. The room is so nice and fitting for a pre-teen boy. As he gets older, Boobie may want the key to the back door for discreet entries (and exits) LOL.

For now, Boobie enters his room through Fatty's room, but Fatty is a toddler and really could care less... the fact is he has his own room. His own private space, finally. No more sharing with big sis. Princess gets her princess room as well. I cannot wait to decorate and put the finishing touches on each room.

New Room

2011-06-28T09:06:00.002-06:00

When this house was built, I had one child, Boobie. Three bedrooms was more than enough for our family at the time. Soon after we moved in, Princess joined the mix and then not long after that, Fatty came along. We very quickly outgrew our 3 bedroom home.

Ever since the impending birth of Fatty, we had tossed around the idea of building a room for him. My mother in law had build a little storage area at the back of our house in hopes that one day we would finish it out into a room.

As time passed, I longed even more for Fatty to have his own room; space in Princess's room was becoming limited, especially in the closet, which they both also share. I couldn't wait for them to have separate rooms.

Well, the time has come for Fatty to get his own room and I could not be more excited. By the time he is 3 (well before that actually), Fatty will have his very own room and his very own closet.

Now when I go into Princess's room to get her ready for the mornings, I won't disturb Fatty. He can sleep soundly in his won room. Also, with his own closet, he can actually fit all his clothes. More importantly, there will be more space for all 3 kids.

Construction has started and I cannot wait for the room to be done. I am so blessed! I'll keep you updated and of course post pictures of of the finished product.

VICTORY IS MINE!

2011-06-28T09:00:00.002-06:00

Excuse me while I do a victory dance for a moment: *dance, turn, spin, jump, booty shake, slide, slide and stop*!!!!

Why am I doing a victory dance? Because Fatty has finally mastered the art of the potty. : )

He is now *knock on wood, don't wanna jinx it* fully daytime potty trained. He finally pooped in the potty for the very first time last Friday and has been pooping in the potty ever since. He has also not had a peepee incident in a few days either. AND most importantly, he is more inclined to let me know when he has to go.

I could do a cartwheel right now. It took longer than I thought but the end result is always fulfulling. We can go on vacation rest assured that he is 90% potty trained.

Next step is night time potty training. I hope that takes less time since we've made it past the huge hump already.

Father's Day

2011-06-20T08:14:00.002-06:00

To all the daddies, I hope you guys had a wonderful day!

Now, we're not big on celebrating Father's Day in this house. We don't go all out or make a big deal about it, generally speaking. But it is the ONE day (besides his birthday) that Hubby gets all to himself, to celebrate him. And he is a great dad, so why not make him feel special on his day?

We stayed in all day (minus a quick trip to the grocery store). I made him breakfast in bed (soup, since he was feeling a little under the weather). He was able to just lay in bed most of the day and watch TV. Kids bestowed their gifts upon him one by one.

Boobie got him a key holder that says 'I love Papi' (I'll hang it in the office and hang spare keys on it) and a card he made. The card was so cute, with a drawing of him on his dad's shoulders and a nice note saying how great a dad his dad is.

Princess also made a card with a drawing of her and her dad. Her pre-school also took a picture of her dressed in men's pants, shoes, shirt and tie. It is the cutest picture ever. Her pose, the smile on her face, the oversized clothing... priceless.

Fatty's playgroup class made cards with a nice peom about dad with Fatty's hand print inside. Simple gifts but worth so much because of the personalized touches.

The day ended on a high note as well, even after the kids had gone to bed, with Hubby and me snuggled in bed, watching a movie. When I asked him how his day was, if he felt special, his response was: "you make me feel like this all the time"! *awwwwwwwwwwww*

Potty Training Part Deux

2011-06-17T16:55:00.002-06:00

So I had to bite the damn bullet and start seriously potty training Fatty. He is well over 2, knows the ins and outs of a toilet and can speak. Plus he would always hide when he went to do his business. Potty time, 'nuff said.

For a while now, I'd been wanting to potty train him but no one looks forward to this task. It's the dreaded must do chore that no parent wants to actually do. But after a few failed attempts, I knew I had to get to it. I tried before a few months back, with no success and gave up after 2 days of no progress. I choked it up to him not being ready but really, it was just me being lazy.

This time around, I am sticking it out. We're on day 7 and so far, he does pee pee just fine. He's even gotten to the point of letting me know when he has to go. I ask him about, oh, every 5 minutes or so if he has to go potty.

He's had his accidents (most memorable: peeing in the corner of the shoe store his first day of training while mommy shopped for new kicks, LOL).

I have come thisclose to giving up, after his 5th day of pooping in his underwear. No matter what, he seems hell bent on not doing number 2 in the potty. I don't get it though. Pee pee in the potty? Fine. Poo poo, no way! I want him trained (at least day time trained) by tomorrow. Yeah, I don't know if that will happen. A girl can dream *sigh*

I thought he would get the potty thing down and on lock in 3 days like Boobie and Princess. But not Fatty. He's a stubborn one. I am still waiting for the big poo to hit the pan... literally.

I am proud of him though; he's making progress and for now, that's good enough. I know eventually he'll do the big DOO in the potty and that will be cause for celebration.

Princess's Party

2011-05-24T05:54:00.009-06:00

Well I am kind of done with parties, at least for now. With Boobie and Princess having back to back birthdays, less than a month apart, lets just say March and April can get a little hectic for me. Don't get me wrong, I love a party. I love planning parties and I love to cook for and eat at parties. I love having that day to enjoy with good friends and close family. Plus my kids get a day just for them; a special day where everyone is there to celebrate their birth. They get their own celebration and I think that is wonderful!

But no matter how much I love parties, I am glad I don't have to think about another birthday or party for a few months. Once August rolls around, I'll get back into party planning mode for Fatty's birthday.

Now for Princess's party, I got the idea to do a Hawaiian theme. She wanted a Princess party (again), so I sorta compromised with her and got her a Little Mermaid pinata (that goes with the Hawaiian, under the sea theme, right?)

I was busy as a bee, planning the menu, getting cake ideas from the internet, buying decorations and favors and prizes for games. And of course, I needed the perfect party spot. I mean, can you have a Hawaiian themed/Little Mermaid Princess party without a pool?

I found the perfect place: Parque del Este in Sabanilla, a suburb nearby. It's actually the next suburb over and the park is about a 10 minute drive from the house. Perfect!!! The best part was the price. For roughly around $50, I could rent the hall in the park for the whole day from 8am until 4 pm. I also paid for each adult to attend the party (park entrance was not included in the hall price). All in all, for the hall and all the adults, I got away with spending less than $100! How cool is that?

Kids had a blast. Adults had fun. And the food was delicious (thanks in part to Hubby's aunt, who cooked up the best Arroz con Pollo you have ever tasted). There was also tuna pasta salad, macaroni and cheese, lettuce salad with dressing, chips, and cole slaw.

The location was amazing, a perfect party spot! The rain finally stopped just in time for the party and the kids were able to enjoy the entire park (well, except for the pool... so much for that, oh well).

As for my Princess, she had a WONDERGUL time... and that was all that mattered!

Princess's birthday, Abril 26

The Little Mermaid Princess Hawaiian Theme Party

Appetizers: cheese cubes with marshmallows, fruit skewers, chips and dip

Mozzarella stick and 'oreo' truffles

Mommy and the birthday princess

The cake and cupcakes...and yes, I made them : )

Parque del Este

The hall

Playing 'hot potato' but with a beach ball

The park

Princess and her preschool friends

Hula girl cake and cupcakes with parasols

A birthday celebration at school

Easter Weekend

2011-04-29T09:32:00.014-06:00

Over the Easter weekend, we headed to Doubletree Resort in Puntarenas for some family fun and R&R before the kids headed back to school, rested from their Semana Santa week off.

Princess all by herself in the kiddie pool

Princess and fatty

Beach shots

These waves are 'gnarly dude!"

Having fun at the kids club

The kids show

The live band

Fun in the tub

Our room... which is actually like a master bedroom suite with a small living area that came equipped with a sofa bed, TV, small table with 2 chairs and coffee maker with coffee.

Enjoying a daquairi : )

The casino... WE WON!

The all you can eat buffet (fresh fruit side)

Dessert side

After we got back from the resort, I made up a scavenger hunt for the kids to enjoy, long with their Easter baskets filled with goodies. They hunted for clues to eggs, which led them to a surprise.

Huevo numero UNO! Let the hunt begin.

Even though the kids had a blast hunting for their 'treasure', the highlight of the weekend was the time we spent at the resort, swimming, eating, lounging, relaxing and drinking! Princess didn't even want to leave: she asked if she could live in the room. Oh Princess, if only...

Next time we'll go for TWO nights!

It was a great and awesome Easter weekend.. and even if I had planned it, it could not have been any better.

Hip Hip Hooray!!!! Some Good News

2011-04-22T11:42:00.003-06:00

So remember last year, all the posts about Boobie not doing so 'hot' in school. He got so many negative notes home from his teachers about his lack of attentiveness, his horsing around in class and just not doing his work. He barely passed the year, which left me on the edge. All year, it was a constant battle with him, an ongoing struggle to get him to 'buckle down' and get his act together.

Well, guess what? He finally got his act together. I guess he's "done gone and grown up on me" (in my most proud voice). So far this school year, he has been doing awesome, I can hardly believe it. No negative notes home, no more complaints from his teachers. He is actually paying attention in class, doing his work, listening and participating in class and get this: PASSING ALL HIS EXAMS!

I bumped into his 4th grade teacher from last year, who happens to be his English teacher this year. She is so amazed with Boobie's transformation. In her words, Boobie has 'matured'. She doesn't know what happened over the summer break, but Boobie is a changed man and she likes the new improved Boobie. He's actually 'present' in class now, not off doodling in his Mario fairyland.

And of course I let Boobie know just how proud I am of his accomplishments and remind him every day to keep up the good work. After all, it is only just 3 months into the school year. But I am hoping he can keep this up. And with all his good grades, I dare say, he might end up being able to buy the Nintendo 3ds before Christmas. : )

Now if only I could get him to change that pre-teen angst attitude at home, I would be in mommy heaven!!!

This Blog

2011-04-05T09:33:00.002-06:00

This blog is acting really wierd. No wonder I don't post as much anymore. Not only do pics take forever to upload, now I have no control over my posts. Case in point: Boobie's birthday celebration post? How odd is it... it would not let me copy and paste pics or content where I wanted and then it wouldn't let me set the post up the way I wanted either. Pictures are scattered and spaces between paragraphs disappear once I hit the post button. What the hell is up? I have a ton of postings I would love to add to this blog but until it is fixed I am just done. UGH!

Boobie's Birthday Celebration

2011-03-30T10:27:00.013-06:00

Here are pictures of Boobie's Birthday celebration.... from finish to start (sorry, blog won't let me
put them in order after the fact, so enjoy).

His birthday gift from me.... he loved it!

Enjoying birthday cake

A few of the party 'goers' and well wishers : )

Party time!

"Make a wish Boobie!"

The cake I baked...not only was it cheaper, it was super easy too (boxed cakes ROCK!)

A little celebration at Boobie's school with his classmates

Enjoying cupcakes and ice-cream

The Happy Birthday Song

Cupcakes I baked... they were delicious as always

My Fatty...

Boobie

Princess

Applebees Costa Rica

How cute are the Applebees balloons, shape like apples

The monster truck outside of the restaurant

Mini golfing

Mini-golf time

Well, it was bound to happen. We all get older. And with age, comes cake. LOL! On March 28, my first born son celebrated his 11th birthday. Seeing that I am the kind of mom that I am, I could not let this day go by without some sort of celebration. First off, we decided to forgo a big party celebration and instead had a few smaller celebrations to mark this special day.

On Sunday, the 27th, we took Mr. Boobie to play minigolf as a family (and invited Hubby's cousin and his family along as well). After a round of golf (18 mini-golf holes) in the steaming hot sun, we headed over to the air-conditioned premises of AppleBees Costa Rica for lunch. It was a delight. Applesbees is Boobies favorite restaurant and we had not been since we moved to Costa Rica. It was a special treat for him to be able to go. Boobie got his birthday song and free 'cake'. And we all had a wonderful time.

Also, I felt his actual birthdate needed to be celebrated as well, so I got to work. I made 36 cupcakes, 24 of which I brought to his class on Monday the 28th, along with bubble gum flavored ice-cream. It was a nice treat for the kids. They sang Boobie a boisterous round of happy birthday and enjoyed chocolate cupcakes with ice-cream.

That night, I invited a few cousins and Boobies best pal to celebrate for a third time at home. I baked a cake, hung a birthday banner and even made up a few goody bags for each kid. I had my 3 (including the birthday boy) plus 8 others. Add in 3 more adults, plus me and we had a party!!! Not a party by my standards but a party just the same. After the birthday song (again), everyone enjoyed my rainbow cake with cream cheese frosting and (more) bubble gum flavored ice-cream, this time with cones. Then each kid attacked their goody bag, devouring the candy (they brought the little trinkets that I put in each bag home).

It was a great family 'party', lasting over 2 hours. And the proof that it was a success: lots of smiling faces, squeals of delight and rambunctious play. It was a night to remember for Boobie (and a night he didn't want to end). He was happy and so was I. I was all too willing to make his day special. No matter how hectic my day was that day, his smiling face made it all worth it. And, afterall, what are birthdays for if not to make the birthday boy feel special; and where there is a birthday, I will be there, celebrating the day for my kids, no matter how big or small the celebration.

February 20, 2011

2011-03-01T08:23:00.002-06:00

Sunday, February 20th, I ran my second race: 11.5 K UNED Race in Sabanilla, San Jose. My time was 1 hour and 18 minutes, 35 seconds.

This time around I was with Hubby and a 'friend' (A's mom).

It was such a rush and so exciting. My adrenaline was pumping hard. I was so nervous and filled with emotions. I honestly didn't know if I would be able to run the whole race, after all, there were so many actual runners there. I thought I would have a much harder time than I did.

After the race, I wasn't even tired. As a matter of fact, near the end, when everyone else was slowing down I was speeding up, getting ready for my second wind.

I was not only able to keep a steady pace throughout the entire race, but I was also able to maintain my energy. In the end, I was so proud of myself for accomplishing such a feat.

There are a few more races Hubby and I would love to do: one this month and a couple more in May. I look forward to each one.

My goal was to do another race this year, now that I have done that, lets see if I can do a couple more.

Valentines Day

2011-02-16T10:50:00.003-06:00

This Valentines Day, with Princess in preschool for the first time, I took the opportunity (when don't I ever) to make a few simple crafts for her to share with her little 'friends". As usual I did it up, just a little. It was a wonderful Valentines Day, enjoyed by all.

Valentines hearts

Butter Cookies I made

Boobie's class asked for stickers and 3 chocolates: the kids made 3 cards and stuck a chocolate in each with stickers. Boobie gave one to me and Hubby (awwww), one to his classmate and one to his best friend. Hubby went out and brought me back a slice of chocolate cake...yum!

And Princess made out like a bandit with some chocolates from her classmates.

Princess's First Days Of Preschool

2011-02-16T09:53:00.007-06:00

Monday Feb 14th

2nd day of school

1st day of Preschool: Wednesday Feb. 9

Getting ready: 1st day

3rd day of school

A successful 1st week!

It's official, my Princess is growing up *sniff, sniff*!

She is now a member of the colegiate set...hahaha!

So I think I mentioned before that Princess has always wanted to go to school. Playgroup classes quenched that thirst last year but it was not really the same. Princess is shy. And she is not the most friendly. She gets intimidated when strangers try and talk to her and she lacks the friendly attitude most little kids have at her age, which prevents her sometimes from making friends. I figure school could help her socially. She's already smart: she colors very well (within the lines thankyouverymuch)!, she knows most of her colors and she can count from 1-10 in English and Spanish (since the time she was 2). OOOOhhh KAY!

So in short, I wasn't trying to send her to school just for the learnin' aspects... it's preschool, not college.

The problem with school was, I would have to let my baby girl GO! Or so I thought. It actually was not as hard as I initially thought it would be (I mean Fatty is still at home with me : ) But I worried for her; what if she dealt with separation anxiety? What if she hated it? What if she fell and got hurt? What if the other kids are mean? WHat if she doesn't like her teacher? I let my imagination run a little wild.... just a little! But I knew in the long run, she would be fine... I had to tell myself that, after all preschool is a whole new concept for me as Boobie never went. So treading uncharted waters always brings on unwarranted fears.

Ok, so why did I decide to put her in school? It was not an easy decision. I'd been looking for a school for Princess since she turned 3. I had called a couple, visited a few and was not too impressed by many. The ones that were affordable left much to be disired.

The ones I LOVED were either too far or too much (moohlah, cha-ching, dinero, $$$$$). I LOVE Boobies's school but she can wait until 1st grade to start there since it is a little more than I want to spend for preschool. I mean I'm in Costa Rica, I do not want to pay Boston prices!

The other school I love is about, oh, not even sure how much but it is too far for me right now.

The last school I visited that I really liked was almost just right. Except, well, except it was lacking something that I couldn't quite put my finger on. It's not as close but it's not far either. It's not expensive but it's not on the cheaper side either. The hours are perfect but at the same time the days are too long. See, couldn't really pinpoint a problem. But I had a problem, which is why I never signed Princess up. Preschool is not a right of passage, I could wait.

On chance, I saw a 'billoard' advertising for a preschool while I was out running one evening (yes I still run). It seemd to be pretty close to the house, so I jotted the number down. I called and set up an appointment just days before the school season was to begin (mad? Maybe). I had decided I would wait a year to put Princess in school but what the heck, I wanted to check out this school and see if it could be a contender.

Well I went on the school's site (they have a website and a Facebook page, which impressed me) and I fell in love. The school building looks like a playhouse; perfect for kids. I mean it is a human sized version of a doll house; the colors are shocking and bright and wonderful.

The meeting with the director was awesome. The school was 100% English YAY! And class sizes are small.

The price was right AND the hours were super perfect: 7:40 to 12. My princess would only be gone for a little over 4 hours a day, that is it. On a tour of the school, Princess and Hubby fell in love... and that was it!

I signed Princess up and the rest is history. And update: she loves her new school.

On a side note: Boobie started school as well, 5th grade. Lord help us. LOL.

My New Job

2011-02-02T09:01:00.003-06:00

So I mentioned last month that I had a new job. Well let me tell you just a bit about it.

On chance, hubby saw a job posting on Craigslist Costa Rica and asked me if I would be interested in applying. Now I was not interested in working, really, but the job sounded too perfect for me to pass up (and all that extra money!!!). I applied and got the job the very same day.

I applied for a number of reasons:
1) It was a work from home position, so I would still be home with the kids, essentially still a stay at home mom. No need for a babysitter or daycare; no need to leave my house and my kids.
2) The pay was decent... just the amount of extra money I needed (as I am saving up for my mom to come and visit in May.)
3) If the job didn't work out, I could always quit!

The position I applied for was as a virtual assisitant, basically an office manager position. However, due to my writing background, my boss asked if I would like to take on the position as in house editor for the company's website: writing content for the webpage and doing keyword research. Well, it's not my dream job, but it allows me to write so of course, I said yes.

I have been with the company now a month and so far, so good. I like the job and I like the flexibility. And most of all, I love the fact that I am still home. I get the best of both worlds: I get to be home and I get paid on top of that.

Hours are fulltime, from 7am CR time to 4 pm. I get an hour lunch and as many breaks as I can justify, without taking advantage. I have good days and lazy days. But for the most part, I am pretty productive in the job. I hope it works out for me, as I plan on being with the job for at least 6 months. From there I'll decide where to go and what to do.

So look at me, working. After being a full time stay at home mom for over 4 years in Costa Rica, I am now stretching my work muscles again. It feels nice!

Happy New Year

2011-01-04T15:17:00.002-06:00

Yep, you read the title post right. It is a new year! Can you believe it? Like, can you really believe that 2011 is here. Four days in and it stills feels like 2010 but we all know better.

I have so much to look forward to in this new year. Lots of positives for sure. Not that 2010 wasn't a good year, it was. We are blessed. But looking forward to an even better year this year.

Things I am looking forward to:
getting back to a more modified exercise routine
Boobie starting the 5th grade
My NEW JOB! Yes sir I got me a job (more about that later).
The kids birthdays (as always)
My mom coming to visit in May (I am so psyhed about this)
getting back to blogging regularly (I miss this place)

And so many more.

I just am ready for a new start. A new year full of wonderous things. Hoping everyone started this new year out on a high note!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-21T16:33:00.000-06:00

Greeting generated with Smilebox

Thanksgiving

2010-12-07T20:57:00.002-06:00

Could this blog BE any later (channeling Chandler Bing here). I mean come on, one of THE best Thanksgivings ever and I post about it now? I'm still on a high from that day.

I need to post pictures of course but let me just tell you a bit about my holiday first.

No holiday is perfect, but this past Thanksgiving was as close to perfect as anyone will get. Thanksgiving is not even an officially celebrated holiday here in Costa Rica. But CR stores have caught on to the fact that they have a large American expat community so they have offerings to make anyone's T-day complete: you can find various sized turkeys and the trimmings at Pricemart warehouse club, Pali, Mas x Menos, Hipermas and Mega Super supermarkets.

I made up a menu and asked each of my 30 plus guests to bring a dish to share and a drink.

I made:
*Turkey (brined in a salt and sugar solution with herbs like onions, garlic and peppers, oregano, etc for the juiciest, moistest turkey you have ever eaten, falling off the bone and just succulant.)
*herb roasted chicken (figured the almost 20 lb turkey would not be enough).
*Stuffing (from the box but oh so yummy).
*gravy
*garlic and herb mashed potatoes
*Canned beans simmered on the stove with herbs and spices

*ginger teryaki carrots
*green beans in a cream of asparagus sauce
*tuna pasta salad
*cole slaw ( I make the best cole slaw ever)
*store bought rolls
*garlic butter and sour cream spread for the rolls (I made that thank you)
*boxed mac and cheese baked in the oven with bread crumbs and extra cheese (cheesy goodness).

*2 apple pies made from scratch (yes, even the dough)
*7 layer magic bars (always a hit)
*chocolate cupcakes
*chocolate coconut raisin bread pudding

People also brought: mashed green banana puree, Pineapple cake and pudding cups, veggie salad, ice cream, veggie rice, sparkling cider, eggnog, various juices.

It was quiet simply the best Thanksgiving. And I have to say it's nice to start a tradition that I hope will carry on for years to come. Last year was wonderful and this year was even better: more food, more people, more fun.

I honestly cannot wait to do it all again. People are already anticipating next years celebration.
And as far as party planning went, it was simple and not that hard. I cooked for about 8 hours but it was fun. Most everything was so simple it was almost like I was cheating really. With the oven and stove going, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on in the background, it was a day filled with fun.

It was also an emotional day for me to start off. Seeing all the faces that showed up (over 40 friends and family to share the special day with) and missing my own family and wishing they were here to share that day with me, I have to say, it brought tears to my eyes. Making my thankful speech actually left me speechless when I teared up and couldn't continue.

BUT it was all 'gravy' (pun intented). The tears I shed were really tears of joy. Just the excitement and the emotion of it all; holidays always do that to me.

In the past, Thanksgiving was always a give or take holiday for me; now it's fast becoming one of my absolute favorite holidays. I mean, why not, right? I love to cook, I love to eat and I LOVE to entertain; Thanksgiving is my kind of holiday. Plus it is one of the only BIG holidays that you don't have to buy gifts for (no stressing about the perfect present for Jimmy, Bobby and Auntie Sue). I love that!

To me Thanksgiving is all about family and friends and food, which makes the holiday so much more meaningful and special. Because all the materialism has been banned from the holiday, it's less stressful (well, for some). Food and family take center stage and just time together with friends is what the holiday is all about (or should be about). Like I said, my kind of holiday for sure.

Jahel's 2nd Birthday Party

2010-11-07T11:10:00.003-06:00

Costa Rica Day

2010-11-07T11:08:00.003-06:00

Late but I just had to post my little campesinos for Costa Rica's Independence Day September 15

Upcoming Holidays

2010-11-07T09:50:00.002-06:00

I've seriously been neglecting this place. It's not like I don't have the time: I'm on the net almost everyday, just never stopping here long enough to post anything. Well it's time I caught up, seriously. Halloween has come and gone. We're now full force in the Holiday season with Thanksgiving around the corner and Christmas just over a month away.

Am I excited? You bet your ass I am ! I cannot wait. Though I want to savor every moment. I mean, we just began 2010, no? It feels like it. Now it's almost over and we're staring right into the face of a new year. Man, time flies. Literally.

So what's up? Well, besides having been busy decorating my 'nest', I've also been busy with other things, like playgroup and holiday prep. I made my Thanksgiving menu and guest list (over 20 people... I'm crazy, I know). And believe it or not, I am just about done with my Christmas shopping. Crazy, right? I know. It feels good though. Damn good.

But this year has been easy. No more long wish lists to contend with. Although my kids want everything they see on TV, I learned my lesson from last year and made a rule for myself: no more than 3 gifts per child. Done and yeah, done.

Each of my kids will have 3 gifts under the tree this year to open (plus stocking stuffers of course, which I refuse to stock with meaningless toys this year).

I am done with the over-excess. Every time I look at last years Christmas pics, I get a weird feeling in the pit my belly. I know I went overboard and I feel badly for it. So this year will be much better. I rather like the simplicity anyway.

So what did I get the kidlets this year? This year proved harder to come up with great gifts that everyone would love and seeing that they were getting only 3 from us, they had to be great 'wow 'em' gifts.

Princess: doll house, easel, scooter.

The doll house I wanted to get her last year but didn't and the easel is a no brainer. It's like an essential toy for any kid who loves to draw. As for the scooter, well I'd been meaning to replace the one a cousin broke (note to self: said cousin will NOT be allowed to use this new scooter).

Boobie: scooter, Ben 10 watch, cell phone.

He was a tad bit harder to shop for as he's more techie than toys. He likes game systems. But this year I will keep it simple for him. The scooter he'd been wanting ever since the one I got him 2 Christmases ago came defective. The Ben 10 watch is a given, a coveted item he's been asking for for like 2 years. And the cell phone? Well I deem that a necessity for next year when he might possible need to call us for emergencies from school (like he had to a few times this year and had to use his classmates phones). Oh and he wants one too. LOL

Fatty: Scooter, basketball hoop, Little tikes (like) car

He's easy. He likes anything. But I noticed how much he loves scooters. So each kid gets a scooter this year, no need to share. The basketball hoop because he's a 2 year old boy and loves balls, 'nuff said'. The car, well, again, he's a 2 yer old boy!

It cannot be a simpler Christmas. With time saved and money too, I even went out and got a few extra gifts for people: Boobie's 2 main teachers. The playgroup teachers and a few of the library staff. And I have an angel child to shop for.

I can't wait. Let the holidays begin!!!

Avon 10K

2010-10-25T19:28:00.003-06:00

Did my very first race yesterday: the Avon 10 K Race Against Cancer. The walk was 3K.

For my very first race, I have to brag and say I did damn good. Ran the whole thing, without stopping once. It was harder than I thought it would be but all in all, not that bad.

I did feel like I was about to die at the 6 K mark until I got my second wind and sped through the last lap to the finish line, breezing past people.

My time: 1 hour and 3 minutes. Not bad. I thought I would have gotten a faster time but I had to pace myself and so ran a little slower than I normally do. After all, I never ran 10 K before. I had to make sure I would have energy and stamina left over to finish the race.

I will post pictures later.

It's Been Way Too Long...

2010-10-15T18:13:00.002-06:00

Since my last blog. I have tons of pictures and lots of updating to do, starting with actually posting pictures of Fatty's party. BUT alas, those pics are on my laptop, which does not work at the moment : /

I know it is a used laptop but for it to not be working, especially since I've only had it for like 3 months????? Craziness!!! I am a little upset but seeing as I have not paid for it as yet, I am going to swallow my disappointment and try and get it fixed.

Lots have happened in my blog absence; I did my first walk (the Cancer race/run) last weekend (what a blast!).

I have been busy as a bee decorating the house and getting it in order for the upcoming year and holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.)

Father in law bought me a new set of living room couches and it just spiraled from there: I then went on to buy a new dining room table and chairs (long overdue), new curtains for the living room (again long overdue), new comforter and pillows for the bedroom, new bamboo shades for the window in my bedroom, new bathroom shelves, new plates, a bookcase for Boobie's room and few decorative odds and ends.

I am still exercising: running and going to the gym.

I am enjoying my 30th year so far, which reminds me that I need to post a few pics from my infamous birthday bash (the BEST PARTY EVAH!!!!)

It's not like I don't have time to blog... I just hadn't the energy... with the laptop conking out and all. But I will be back with photos in hand soon enough.

Stay tuned.

Fatty's Birthday

2010-09-24T16:41:00.007-06:00

Fatty is 2! Thursday night, September 16, we sang happy birthday, ate cake and opened presents.

And of course, Princess got a small gift too; a little Dora doll

Boobie and Princess showing off their gifts. Although it was not their special day, it's nice to have your other kids not feel excluded when celebrating the birthday of one child.

The 'life size' Mickey Mouse that he just LOVED. It's almost as big as he is.

Yup, he loves Mickey!

A gift from father in law.

A family pic.

Trying to blow out the candle.

My Fatty Is TWO!

2010-09-17T23:40:00.004-06:00

I should have posted this yesterday on his actual birthday but alas!

Check out my 2 year old (pics taken yesterday). Birthday pics to follow.

September 16, 2010

As soon as he woke up

My GQ model. All dressed up and ready to go

And I am planning a party to celebrate. Can't wait!

Happy Independence Day Costa Rica

2010-09-15T18:09:00.002-06:00

September 15th marks Dia del la Independencia for Costa Ricans everywhere. A time to take pride in a country long known for it's beauty and tranquility. To have a look back at their great country and be thankful for all she has done for them.

As per tradition, there were several Acto Civico activities around the country.

Last night Fatty and Princess took part in their playgroup's activity. Dressed in 'tipico' style dress, carrying all types of Faroles (traditional style lantern), the kids (and parents) did a short parade around the neighborhood surrounding the library: what is called a "Desfile de Faroles" or Lantern Parade, loosely translated, a long time tradition in Costa Rica. I am not sure of the meaning of this act, but I guess I can Wikipedia it in a minute.

Today was a little more calm. Most everyone staying home to celebrate in private with family. There was an activity at Boobie's school but we decided to pass and spend the day doing 'fun' errands instead, but I still dressed Princess in her campesina dress.

As for the day, about all the ruckus we heard were fireworks, starting at 6 am this morning. It wasn't over done though and now we look forward to a month of patriotic events and activities.

Happy Kids Day

2010-09-09T18:29:00.011-06:00

Kids Day (Dia Del Nino) is a pretty big deal in Costa Rica. I honestly don't even remember ever celebrating Kid's Day in the states. It's almost as a big a day here as Father's Day, with the same ideas: Kids get a special day of recognition, with treats and gifts to celebrate the day. This year, we had three different celebrations for Kid's Day.

First celebration was for Princess's playgroup class on Tuesday.

Dressed in her Dora dress.

Enjoying pizza and juice.

After a yummy lunch, the kids squeeze in some playtime.

Gift time.

Wow!

Cool gifts. Each kid got an ABC puzzle and a toy: boys got trucks, girls got jump ropes.

Princess opening her gift.

The second celebration was for Fatty's playgroup class on Wednesday.

As organizer of the event, I suggested that the kids come dressed in costumes. Makes the event that much more fun, I think.

Princess was Cinderella (of course, my Princess had to dress as a 'Princess').

Fatty was a clown, the natural choice. I mean look at his hair; no wig needed. LOL!

Minnie Mouse and a campesino.

Check out the class.

Another Minnie Mouse and is that Tigger?

Time for lunch... pizza again.

Gift time!

For Fatty's class, each kid got a coloring book with stories in English, Spanish and French, a pack of crayons and a 3 pack of bubbles. And they also received a goody box (Mickey or Dora and Diego) filled with treats.

The third celebration was today at the library for all the Thursday playgroup classes, which included Princess's class.

A kid admiring Fatty's costume.

Boy was it hot today but a fun day all the same. A Princess and the clown. : )

There were a lot of people.

A few kids from Princess's class. Check out the cowboy to the left.

This kid proved to be the entertainment when he danced his butt off to Micheal Jackson and Justin Beiber songs to an admiring crowd. He was really good too. Put him in show biz, quick!

All kids received a goody bag and a book of stories!

No Plans

2010-09-09T08:20:00.002-06:00

Only one week to Fatty's birthday and I still have nothing planned. Can that be right? The planner, who usually starts planning parties months, even a year in advance, has absolutely nothing planned for her little boy's upcoming second birthday? Yeah, shocking I know.

I had grand plans, I truly did. But now I am not so sure about those plans. Money is a bit tight right now and I just don't know how the next week will go. Plus I really want to have a party for my birthday as well and two parties will have to take some careful budgeting on my part.

However, I still will do something. Just not sure what as I am now undecided.

In the beginning, I had planned on having Fatty's party at Inbio Parque, the botanical gardens in Heredia, San Jose. I still figure I can swing that but not sure when as his birthday is fast approaching and reserving party spots usually need to be done a month in advance.

I am also thinking of having a simple party at home... simple as in, well, as simple as an at home party can be. And if I do the Mikey theme, I already have ideas of what I can do to save money. Plus aren't home parties fun? On a smaller scale, I could get away with saving a TON of money.

Another idea is having it at the park... although it would have to be early due to rain. That idea I am tossing around in my head.

Of course there is the issue of a small celebration on his actual birthday. I'm thinking cupcakes, a few small gifts, pizza. Similar to Princess's little celebration back in April.

But I need to get on the ball and start planning something quick. Off to start planning...

Not Kidding

2010-09-07T19:44:00.002-06:00

So Boobie got in trouble AGAIN!

What did he do this time, Oh lets see:

The other day I re-organized and rearranged Princess and Fatty's room. After seeing what I had done, Boobie decided it was time for a change in his room too and asked it I could help him re organize and rearrange his bedroom as well. I love a house project, when it comes to decorating and organizing so of course I said 'yes'.

Almost through with our endeavor, I start tackling his closet (the one with shelves). I see there are a bunch of folded up papers in one of the boxes so I asked him what they are. He responds with an "I don't know". I know I'd see the papers before but somehow they seemed to have multiplied since seeing them last and I know they weren't there when we organized his room back in January, so I decided to sort through them.

You would not guess what those papers turned out to be? Exams and homework papers!!! Yes missing homework that he neglected, no purposely, did not do and all his exams from the second trimester that he told me he hadn't gotten back yet.

I thought the teacher was being cheeky when she kept saying how Boobie failed to do yet another homework, yet he didn't bring home any. How can he do homework if he doesn't have the information required to do it? When I asked Boobie, he said she didn't give him the paper or he lost the paper or he didn't know what homework we were talking about.

Also all his exams were horrible. He failed every single one. From 60's all the way down to 40's. When I asked him why he didn't show me, he said "I was afraid to get in trouble". Well, by hiding them and lying about it, he got himself in even more trouble than if he had just come to me and told me the truth. Plus there is no reason for him failing those exams. He knows the subject matter or should by now... it's the 3rd trimester for heavens sakes! But guess it didn't help that he was not doing the homework or utilizing the study guides the teachers sent home, all of which he also hid in his closet. As if I would not find out eventually. Kids!

So what did I do? Well, for starters I have to say I am proud of how I handled the situation. A potential situation for explosion of tempers, I remained calm, cool and collected. I did not yell or shout. I did not get angry (even though I was, I was more disappointed). I did not hit. And in part, due to my very cool demeanor, Boobie started crying as I laid out his punishment, all in a very controlled and calm voice. I know he felt bad, that he let me down once again.

I informed him of his extra duties; added chores that he must perform within the household from now on until I deem it OK for him to be excused from such chores. For example, he must dust the whole house (furniture, walls, doors, etc), clean his bathroom (toilets, sinks, shower), and anything else I need help with.

He is also forbidden from playing outdoors (no bike riding, no hanging with friends, etc), no TV, computer or video game time. No parties. No play dates. No fun. For a month or until I see his behavior and school work improve.

Bad behavior must be nipped in the bud and I am sick of this behavior from Boobie. It calls for tough love and tougher discipline measures. I know it seems harsh, especially to Hubby, but how else will he learn. Hopefully next time, he'll think twice before being sneaky and lying about it. I hope he remembers this punishment and thinks before he acts (negatively)!

Costa Rican Mother's Day

2010-09-06T15:13:00.007-06:00

Lucky me: I get to celebrate TWO Mother's Days. The one I grew up celebrating in May and Costa Rica's Mother's Day in August.

Although in CR my mother's day celebration in May is pretty subdued and only acknowledged by my kids and Hubby, the Costa Rican mother's day is a HUGE event.

So I followed suit. For Mother's Day August 15, I was able to have THREE celebrations. Two thrown by Princess and Fatty's playgroup class and then a nice little lunch I made for my friend D and I to celebrate our day with our kids.

The gifts from Princess's playgroup. A nice poem, chocolate bugs, personalized refrigerator magnets and a surprise: a nice sewing pin cushion made by a mom.

Enjoying our feast: fruit salad, ice cream, mini sandwiches and sweet appetizer 'empanadas'.

Yummy!

My gift from Fatty's playgroup class.

A simple brunch style feast of 4 decent sized 'bocadillos': appetizer sized pastries filled with sweet and savory fillings.

Mother's Day!

Me and my 3 little gremlins!

Hubby joins the fun

My first baby! Cuddled up with his mommy.

Me and more gifts. Boobie's gift: a nice stylish 'green' shopping bag (use less plastic). The card that was made by a mom in Princess's playgroup class. And the nicest surprise of all: the wooden pencil holder given to me by father in law. Well, he gave it to the kids to give to me on Mother's Day. It was a great celebration over all. I had a blast!

Something to try... food wise!

2010-09-06T14:56:00.005-06:00

Apple strudel (using puff pastry).

Rice pilaf with spicy Cajun style fish

Stir fry shrimp fried rice... or as I call it Middle eastern style fiesta rice. Why?

The fried falafel and chickpeas make it oh so exotic!

Adding veggies (frozen) to the shrimp mixture

The falafel and chickpeas and corn

The broccoli

And then the rice. And of course the seasonings and herbs brings it all together. Yum!

118

2010-08-28T16:30:00.002-06:00

I'm actually afraid to post this blog as having it in writing might make it all too real and all too difficult to maintain. But that number at the top there, the 118, that's how much I weigh right now, at this very minute as of yesterday when I stepped on the scale at the gym after my aero fitness class.

Now 118 is not a number I would have aspired to; Not a number I thought I could reach and not a number I think I can maintain. But it is my current weight and I am giddy in the head with excitement, yet terrified about how to maintain it.

After I hit my goal weight of 125, I thought "why not try for 120." 120 is my ideal weight. And a weight I have not been (barring morning sickness from pregnancy) since a freshman in high school. I always aspired to get back to that weight but just thought it impossible. Now I know it's not. I figured at 120, it would give me more leeway with my weight as I could go up and down without too much worry.

Well, I've been working hard, exercising and eating right and I figured I should try and hit 120 lbs for my birthday in a month. I figured 4 weeks is enough time to lose 5 pounds.

Well one shocking morning as I stepped on the scale, I saw that I was at 123 pounds (surprise, surprise! In all that celebration of dropping 2 more lbs, I lost self control. In one very disappointing week, I was back to 125 again. That gave me the rude wake up call I needed to get back on track. It is VERY easy for me to gain weight, so I have to be careful or I'll be right back where I started: overweight and miserable.

Well, in one week, due to a little bit of detoxing and exercise, I lost almost 7 pounds. That's right. I had no intention to lose that much, but I am happy. I have done a bit of research in trying to figure out how to maintain, so I will give you an update on how I'm doing. I want to remain at 118 (no more than 120) for my birthday and beyond. I hope I can do it.

I have never felt better. NEVER!

Sweet Memories

2010-08-19T16:54:00.002-06:00

Me with my Hubby

Trying on his sister's shoes (again).

My 2 little angels and their sweet cousin

My how my Princess can draw; this is her image of her brother Fatty.

And the dog she drew... she is an amazing artist already and you can attest for yourself as you look at these pictures. She also colors very well, within the lines (I'll post a pic later) and she's 3!

Museo La Salle

2010-08-19T15:59:00.007-06:00

On a recent (last month) family outing, we went to the the La Salle Museum of Natural Sciences in Sabana, San Jose. I'd never been before but Boobie and Hubby had previously and loved it.

I couldn't wait to see what the museum had in store for us and it did not disappoint.

Outside the entrance is a huge whale skeleton

And this is a shark's jaw (a real prehistoric shark's jaw).

Silly Hubby.

Hundreds of natural rocks, gems, stones, etc...

The Jurassic 'garden'

A bear skeleton

Fossilized animals

Real fetuses and such....

The butterfly room (they had HUNDREDS of species of butterflies from all over the world).

Ostriches (these pics are blurry since I was not able to use my flash)

Peacock

Tigers and lions (all real and taxidermy).

More 'bones'

It was a fun day all in all.

Guanacaste Day

2010-08-19T15:34:00.005-06:00

In Princess's and Fatty's playgroup classes, we celebrated the Annexion of Guanacaste from Nicaragua to Costa Rica, a very famous holiday celebrated by Costa Ricans with typical food (tortillas, picadillo, Horchata, chimichurri, etc), typical music and typical dress (girls in their campesino dresses and boys dressed in jeans, white shirts, hats, and bandannas).

New Meal Ideas

2010-08-19T15:07:00.006-06:00

Middle eastern style fiesta rice (rice, corn, seasonings and felafel)

Condiments for my tacquitos and fish tacos (diced tomatoes, mustard and sour cream garlic sauce, sauteed onions and bell peppers).

Fish strips breaded and fried (I cut up the fish myself)

All ready to be made into tacquitos and crispy fish tacos

One tacquito please (looks an awful lot like a spring or Chinese egg roll)

Here's what I call heaven on a plate: homemade gnocchi (or spaedel) with broccoli, fried chicken with tomato salsa, rice and fried diced potatoes (similar to a hash brown).

Yum!

Beef and potatoes strudel

It was so so goooooooood!!!

Fish burger with sour cream mustard herb sauce, sauteed carrot and cabbage slaw

Our Guanacaste Vacation

2010-08-14T18:51:00.035-06:00

This trip was taken back in July, and I've already posted about it so enjoy the pictures.

In San Ramone at our first pit stop to have breakfast.

Wearing sweaters as the day started out cold and we were on the road by 6 am.

Buffet style breakfast

It was an enjoyable first meal (that is until Princess spilled her whole plate of food on the floor)

Outside the restaurant and 'gift' shop

On our way to Guanacaste

Africa Mia

Africa Mia gift shop

The tour begins

Camel

Ostrich

Antelope

It was a scorching HOT!!! day

Princess was afraid of the animals...

Fatty was not

Boar

'Chickens'

Our tour group

Bongo

A warthog? maybe

More ostriches

He was so in awe of all the exotic animals

Princess enjoyed the animals too

These geese or ducks, whatever, kept following us on our tour

Zebras

Vaca watusi

Antelope

Giraffe

Check out that snake like tongue

Time for lunch. After a LONG day (or what seemed like it) in the sun walking around Africa Mia, we headed to our destination, Termo Mania, Miravalles for lunch and to check in.

Buffet style lunch

Lunch was "muy rico".

One of the many pool areas... this one has the slide

The Mickey Mouse pool

See Mickey? ^

The scenery

The volcano at Miravalles

The cabins

Our cabin, second from the left

Our room

So we checked in, changed our clothes and headed out for a self guided tour of the farm... "La Granja".

On our way...

On our way...

This way to 'La Granja'

Mr. Toucan (not Sam)!

A strange looking horse

What's there, Princess?

That's a big bull

The bunnies

"Hey it's Donkey, from Shrek". Or so the kids thought, LOL

A pregnant sheep

That's not real... looks like it though

On our way back from visiting the farm, we stopped by the museum

That evening before dinner... pool time fun

The bar area

The next day at breakfast

Getting ready to head out to our next pit stop

This place had it all... sulfur fumes (that rotten egg smell), a sauna, volcanic rocks and mud (good for the skin), mineral baths, thermal pools, wild animals (not really).

This 'wild animal' was not afraid to fly up to someone and perch right there on their arm.

The place looks down right spooky in pictures, but it was really beautiful.

Up we go

And down we go

Poor Princess, she burned her foot on one of the rocks. It was downright boiling in some places, watch your step!

Someone's idea of the ideal body, maybe?

Dream on guys!!!

Enjoying the mineral pools

Getting a mud bath

Fatty HATED getting that muddy. I guess all that mud made him feel icky all over. I thought kids loved getting sticky, icky and dirty?

All clean now

Booby made some friends

Heading back to Termo Mania for lunch and then to check out

On our way back to San Jose, the bus got a flat tire so we made an unexpected pit stop, at guess where: this place (you might remember this humongous bull from another post).

It was a wonderful trip. Immensely enjoyed by all. We had our ups (swimming at dusk, THE FOOD, etc) and downs (mainly Princess crying and behaving badly) but it was so well worth it.

Dance Moves

2010-08-11T19:58:00.002-06:00

Learning a new dance move is hard, especially when you're trying to teach yourself.

I am a dancer. Not professionally or anything. It's just in my blood. I danced in high school, took classes, did performances and such, but never really pursued it much after I graduated. Except for the occasional party, I really didn't have much time or energy or motivation to work on my dancing.

But I LOVE to dance. I hear a song and in my head I am making up dance moves to go with that song. I hear a song and my body automatically starts moving with the beat. I am a rhythm machine. Any chance I get to dance I take it. But I've never actually performed in public, like a well put together dance routine.

Until now. I plan, if I can muster the strength and get the moves down, to perform a well put together dance routine at my big 30th birthday party bash.

Today I started seriously practicing and trying to put together a few moves. My 2 songs of choice so far are by Beyonce, Crazy In Love and Single Ladies. If and when I get these two songs down with the right moves (some copied, some my own), I might throw in a reggae tune in there to show case my uh, hmmm, Caribbean roots. LOL.

It is tough let me tell. Not having the right dance space to practice is hard. Dancing on tile floor is not ideal at all. And using the laptop to copy moves is not easy either. But I will get it done. I've been slacking as I wanted to at least be halfway though my routine by now, instead of just starting. But things are looking up. I learn pretty quickly and being in shape helps a ton.

I hope it all goes as planned. Wish me luck.

My Kids Are Heathens!!!

2010-08-11T19:04:00.003-06:00

Once upon a time, one of the only times I could expect my two little (former) angels to be on their best behavior was when I took them out someplace.

Once we were out and about, my kids were so well behaved, I dreaded going back home. They loved being out and I loved taking them out and as my reward, they were good in public.

That's all changed now. Wanna hear a 'funny' story to prove my point? The other day I had a mountain of errands to run. Instead of dropping them off at home first, I had to drag them along. Back in the day, that would have been a good idea. Not that day. At the supermarket, they really put me to shame.

They ran all over the store. They wanted in and out of the cart. Fatty was biting everything I placed in the cart... the bag of salt, the bag of tortillas, the bag of cleaning liquid. *Ugh*!

He actually stuck his finger in one of the eggs through the plastic wrapper and BROKE it! I still had to buy the package of 15 eggs with one broken egg just because it would have been wrong to put it back after the fact.

Princess cried for EVERYTHING. She wanted everything.

Her and Fatty were crawling on the floor all over the supermarket. And while I was busy getting groceries, they both hijacked the shopping cart and ran it into a shelf piled high with chocolates. Chocolates went everywhere. I spent a good 10 minutes cleaning that mess up. And of course Princess comes running to me to tell me that Fatty did it! It's always Fatty's fault.

They left my side 3 times. I had to abandon my cart each time to run after them, once outside where they decided to go just so they could ride one of those little electronic buggy's. OMG! It was the single most stressful supermarket trip I have ever had.

And that is just how they've been recently. I can't expect good behavior in public anymore.

I could feel the eyes boring into me and on my heathen children. But I refused to hang my head in shame. As part of motherhood, you learn to adapt and deal.

One day, Princess slapped me in my face in front of one of Boobie's teachers, all because the teacher was trying to talk to her. And she did not like the attention or the fact that I was talking to the teacher, so she lashed out.

She clings to my leg in public when people try to talk to her. She gets super feisty and just uncontrollable when attention is on her and then she takes it out on me.

Fatty, my always tranquil, always super friendly child has become a wild one. I had no idea he had it in him.

I don't remember Boobie being this uncontrollable at this age. Then again, I only had one kid then. Not 2 little ones... 2 toddlers at that. One kid is manageable. Two kids are just plain tiring.

I have a long couple of years ahead of me.

What to do. What to do?

Everyone Notices

2010-07-27T17:40:00.002-06:00

It can be a good thing when people notice your weigh loss and compliment you on your hard work. But all that attention can turn sour when people start to comment on just how much weight you've lost in the negative.

You've seen my pictures. I am far from anorexic looking. Far from it. Yet at a recent family party, the attention I got, and the comments, made me uncomfortable and self conscious about all the wonderful weight I'd lost.

I have lost about 20 lbs through hard work: exercise and eating right (not dieting). I finally feel great in my skin, love my new body and get excited each day picking out my outfit to wear. My clothes fit great, I have so much more confidence and I finally feel like my old self again. I'm happy about the way I look for the first time in 4 years.

I have to say at first, having people gush over how skinny I am now was super flattering. Now though, it's just old. People actually say I am TOO skinny (so not true) and that I should not lose any more weight (don't worry, I am not trying to lose any more, just maintain).

I feel like people just don't get it. I was over weight before. Maybe not 'fat' by society's standards, but definitely overweight (and unhappy). And since I have to live in this body, I did something about it.

Am I thrilled to be thin once again? Hell YES! Am I happy with the compliments and attention? Yes, sometimes (it does get old real fast). Do I wish people would stop commenting on the negative about my weight loss? Please, yes.

At the forefront of that is my mother in law... quick to comment and agree with anyone who notices my weight loss as too much. I am "too thin" now, they say. Oh please. When did 125 lbs on a 5 ft' 4 in" woman become borderline anorexic (which is what Hubby's cousin called me).

I don't care. I will keep doing what I am doing. After all, it is my body. I know how I look. I know how I want to look. Trust me, I get the concern. But seriously, I am fine. I know my history, and it's not something I want to repeat. I am happy I lost the extra weight the 'right' way (the right way for me anyway). So to everyone who thinks I am too skinny, don't fret... I am just fine. Thanks.

125

2010-07-21T18:56:00.001-06:00

That's right baby. I hit my goal weight of 125 pounds. According to the scale at the gym last night, I am currently 57 kilos, which is roughly 125.4 pounds. Whipppeeeeee!

My goal was to be 125 by September... I made it!!!

What do I do now? Celebrate. And try to maintain that weight while also working on toning.

Tae Bo

2010-07-21T18:13:00.002-06:00

Unless you've been living under a HUGE rock for the last 10 years, I know you've heard of Tae Bo. Well, last night I tried out my first Tae Bo class at the gym. Verdict: DAMN!!!

It was HARD. I have to say the instructor was great, she knew how to kick butt, but she was way too fast in switching out the movements and she was just like a little energizer bunny on crack. She maybe thought everyone in the class was or should be on her level. Seriously.

I think I prefer the aerobics class... but I guess Tae Bo is not so bad. I liked the class but since I was still sore from aerobics the day before, I could only give the class 80% effort. And my sore muscles only made it that much harder... I had to give up on some of the arm movements.

I think I'll give Tae Bo a rest for now and try again some other time.

Aerobics Class

2010-07-20T13:38:00.003-06:00

I went with my friend D yesterday to my first ever 'live' aerobics class in a gym. Boy let me tell you... whoooooooo!

When D asked me if I wanted to go, of course I said yes. I have been running and doing other exercises for months now... what's a little aerobics class. Yeah I can do an aerobics class easy, I thought. I used to do aerobics at home years ago. Not a big deal. Right? WRONG!

She told me how sore her arms were from using the 2.5 pound dumbbells and I actually laughed. I lift a 15 a pound dumbbell for my weight lifting at home... 2.5 is NOTHING. Or so I thought (again).

OH MY GOODNESS! The aerobic instructor is EVIL! He worked us so good! My arms are STILL sore. I am still sore. How can that be: I've been running and toning and doing yoga for months now, an aerobics class should have been a breeze. Not so. I got such a workout... I can't wait to go back this Friday... and yet I dread it as well. Who knew how easy my workouts were at home (when you can go at your own pace and do what feels comfortable to you, it's not the same as keeping pace with a class with an instructor that thinks you should be able to do anything he throws at you).

I think I sweated out about 5 pounds (hopefully LOL). Man, I will never laugh at a 'simple' aerobics class again.

Never say Never

2010-07-18T19:29:00.003-06:00

This is my new motto. Things I said I would never do, but have done:

Eat sushi.

Wear heels with shorts.

Drink (I used to think I would drink only Sparkling apple juice at my wedding... now I know I'll have that glass of champagne).

Run for exercise.

Go au naturale in public.

Have more kids without a marriage certificate (yeah this one went out the window).

Swear... oh you bet your ass I swear now... the F bombs drop like, well bombs from my lips now (not really, mostly I swear when I am really really angry).

Yell at my kids (LOL, I have to Laugh Out Loud at this one).

Eat mushrooms... ewwww, aren't they are fungus : )

Go to Catholic church.

Weigh more than 135 pounds (this was the wake up call to get in shape).

Leave Boston (meeting Hubby changed that).

Let my kids watch more than 3 hours of TV a day (having 3 kids changed that LOL).

And a few things I'm not brave enough to admit to on the world wide web... but definitely fit in the category of things I said I would NEVER do but have done.

Africa Mia

2010-07-18T18:57:00.003-06:00

The latest vacation we took just a few days ago was to Africa Mia and Thermo Mania, Miravalles in Guanacaste. It was with a tour group, so it was an all inclusive trip; Transportation, lodging and food included.

Now, of course I will have to post pictures of this amazing trip (later)... it was our first time to Africa Mia and our second time to Thermo Mania, Miravalles. Picture post to follow.

What I want to blog about is Africa Mia. Ever since I saw the signs for Africa Mia, Ive wanted to go. It advertises itself as an Africa style safari type zoo... well, don't believe the hype.

While Africa Mia was 'fun' and the kids LOVED it, it wasn't at all what I expected. First off, the whole Africa Mia experience was less than 1 hour... the tour itself was so short if I had paid for the entrance itself I would have wanted my money back. LOL!

Second, they have like 6 or 7 types of animals, maybe 8 different species altogether. For a place that calls itself AFRICA Mia (with a strong reference to AFRICA), I thought it would be as close to an African Safari as one could get here in Costa Rica.

If you call yourself AFRICA MIA (which is My Africa), then you should have at least a few famous African animals on hand to wow the crowd. In this, Africa Mia did not disappoint totally, but I would not compare it to an African style safari at all.

For a place called AFRICA Mia, there was not even ONE lion or even an elephant, not even a single monkey. They did have African Zebras and Giraffes though, which was fun to see. Feeding the giraffes the bag of carrots we had previously bought was one of the highlights of the trip, with their long snake-like tongues slipping out of their mouth to grab a carrot and lick your hand.

Fatty and Boobie quite enjoyed feeding the animals (at least the ones we could feed). Aat our first stop we entered a petting style like area where we got up close and too personal to animals that looked a lot like deer). Fatty, so young and unafraid fed these animals like he would feed Foxy, our family dog. Princess was a bit afraid, but I could tell she still enjoyed the experience.

For me, I was in awe for the first part of the tour (just the fact that I finally made it to Africa Mia after all those years of wanting to go). But as the time flew by and we gazed upon more empty grassland than there were animals, my interest waned just a bit. I mean, it was like going to a small zoo. But even the zoos in the states have more animals than the selection offered at Africa Mia (which is big on space, but small on selection).

I loved that I got to see Africa Mia, and I get that they are still in the beginning phases... maybe 2 or 3 years down the road, Africa Mia will truly be able to live up to it's name. But if you are a Gringo used to zoos with tons of exotic animals, maybe Africa Mia will seem almost like a joke to you. Maybe not though. After all, I am still glad I went and will hopefully go again when the selection gets more varied and plentiful.

Stop Beeping At Me

2010-07-16T09:25:00.002-06:00

UGH! Why do cars, trucks, even buses, beep at me while I'm running? I know I don't know ALL those people.

It's not like they've never seen a girl running before... I see lots of females running, so I am not the only one. Geez! Leave me alone and let me exercise in peace.

On a positive note, I am getting faster and my runs are not that tiring anymore. My routes used to take me 45 minutes, now I am clocking in at around 35. I shaved off a good 10 minutes. I am trying to work harder so as not to get too used to my jog... I don't want my body to stop working hard. I still sweat and my routes vary each day... I have 2 running routes that I alternate on different days and a different walking route that I take, all with hills and inclines for a bit of difficulty. I'm hoping this keeps my body feeling like it's working hard so as to keep off those pesky pounds.

On another positive note, EVERYONE has noticed my weight loss. They say I look great but they also say I am too skinny and shouldn't lose anymore weight. (I guess they are trying to say I'm at a perfect weight now and don't need to loose anymore) But, PLEASE! I am NOT too skinny. I have hit my goal weight (YAY!!!!!!!).... but I want stay that way and it takes work. If I lose a pound or 2 in the process of trying to maintain, I won't complain. I just wish people wouldn't say how skinny I've gotten. I am not THAT skinny, trust. I am skinnier than before, true, but I still have lots of fat on me. LOL.

So for now I will keep doing what I'm doing. I just wish that those damn drivers would stop beeping at me... I don't know you. And if I do know you and you see me running and beep at me, sorry but I won't respond to your beep: I am too busy exercising.

Why Is It

2010-07-15T22:59:00.002-06:00

Why is it that whenever people here ask me where I'm from, I automatically say "Estados Unidos" (United States)?

I am Jamaican, proud to be, born and raised. BUT I was also raised in Boston (USA) as well. Do I identify more with Americans? Many people would say yes, since I hardly speak 'patois' (The Jamaican dialect), I have VERY few Jamaican friends and I am so far removed from my Jamaican culture and heritage it's like I am a joke, a poser. The fact is, I know more about the USA, it's history and culture than I remember about my own native motherland.

Yes, like most everyone, I love almost everything Jamaican. I love reggae and roots music. I love spicy Jerk chicken and just about all typical Jamaican cuisine (how can you not, Jamaicans can cook). I love the dance hall nightlife (at least watching it anyway). I love the country itself... it's beautiful. And I love the people. (I won't get into all the things I DON'T like or what's wrong with the country where I was born.... that's for another post).

Yes, I love being 'Jamaiquina", but I don't usually tell strangers that I am Jamaican when they ask me where I'm from. It's just so much simpler to tell them that I am American, which is technically true. It is my second home and I have considered it home for many years, something I haven't considered Jamaica to be for a long time.

My older son is American, born in Boston. Most of my closest family live in the States. And the fact is I AM AN AMERICAN CITIZEN. Which, in essence, makes me an American.

So when people ask me where I am from, I tell the simpler of 2 truths: The United States. After all, it's where I came from when I moved here, right?

I mean, how do I explain to people that I have never met before and will most likely NEVER meet again, that "I am Jamaican born and raised but also raised in the States, where I am also an American citizen, which makes me an American and so it's where my home is?" How do I say all of that in Spanish?

I'm better off just telling them that I am from Boston, which is the truth. But then, why do I feel slightly guilty afterwards, like I'm shunning my Jamaican heritage by not telling them the full truth. I mean, I don't owe these people any explanations, but how much better would it be if they knew the true me? I guess they already have their own assumptions about where I'm from until they hear me speak, then their curiosity peaks. It's just easier telling the half of the truth: I am American: I celebrate the 4th of July and Thanksgiving. My kids are all, or will one day be, American citizens, and it is the country I spent my tween and most of adult life. It's my second home but more like my real home than Jamaica. And so when you ask me where I am from, if I don't know you, you'll get my automated answer. I am from The States and damn proud baby.

My Accent

2010-07-15T22:48:00.002-06:00

A few times now people have mentioned to me how well I speak Spanish... so well in fact that they (these native Costa Ricans) thought I was a fellow Tica. How cool is that.

I am happy I blend in because I would hate to be treated differently, like a Gringa, which can be both good and bad.

The fact that I am barely fluent (maybe 50%) makes this compliment all the more sweeter. I have a looooooong way to go with my Spanish, but in the last 4 years I have also come a loooooooong way. Ticos praise the fact that I actually make an effort with my pronunciation of Spanish words, trying my bestest to get the accent right. I learned this by living with Ticos for so many years, but I also learned it in school too. My teachers would compliment me on my 'skills' on speaking the Spanish language, not being a native speaker myself.

I feel great. Now I know that as long as I don't open my mouth, I will be looked upon as just another Costa Rica. On a recent trip, the bus driver who chauffeured our tour group mentioned that when he saw me, he initially thought I was Tica but as soon as he heard me speaking to my kids he knew I wasn't. According to him, my English was too perfect to be a native Costa Rican (I know what he meant, or what he was trying to say... not like there aren't any native Ticos out there who don't speak flawless English... I've met a few). But him saying that to me made me beam from ear to ear. And like I said, he was not the first to comment on my accent. I had heard that comment before.

I guess the effort pays off. I just need to work on my fluency. I am getting there though, one year at a time.

Did I Forget To Mention

2010-07-15T22:44:00.003-06:00

Princess had her 3 year check last Monday and I couldn't be happier that things turned out fine. She had the usual checkup, on top of having a stool and pee sample taken and some blood work done.

After the results came back, the doctor gave her thumbs up and Princess is in tip top health. Things are A-OK. Did I say just how blessed my life is? Thank GOD.

Summer Time Fun

2010-07-13T21:14:00.007-06:00

Or should I say "winter time fun", since technically it's not summer here in Costa Rica. But it was a small break and since it coincides with summer break in the states, it felt like summer (minus all the rain).

Taking advantage of our short time off, while on vacation, I did a few activities with the kids to keep them a little busy, out of the house and entertained.

On top of vacation getaways, we hit up the library (I know), the mall and the movies!

At the mall arcade

Movie day at the library. First day was Ratatouille, second day was Tarzan. After each showing, kids were able to go into the kids room and do an arts and craft activity.

Princess with her Tarzan movie mobile.

Princess Made It In Tico Times

2010-07-13T20:55:00.003-06:00

Well, not in the actual newspaper, but on their web site.

She had her picture taken by a Tico Times (The English language newspaper here in Costa Rica) photographer at the 4th of July picnic and I crossed my fingers she would make it in print. Well I bought the paper today and was disappointed that her photo wasn't in it: She's cute, who wouldn't want to put her photo in their 'periodico'.

However I noticed just how small the photo section was for the 4th of July coverage and saw that they had a whole video and photo section on their website, so I headed to the site to see if Princess was there.. and sure enough she was. Here's my 'famous' Princess in print (on the web).

Go to: ticotimes.net
Scroll down to: Multimedia Report: 4th of July
Search through the pictures until you get to my Princess

Sorry, I couldn't figure out how to get the actual photo on here :(
If you have a clue, let me know.

I NEED A Bigger ...

2010-07-12T22:35:00.005-06:00

Trying to find space... anywhere

I just loved a stocked fridge and pantry... just wish I didn't have to work so hard to find the space.

Well, the list goes on for ages of things I need 'bigger' of, like a bigger house, a bigger car, a bigger chest... you get my drift.

But what I could use 'a bigger' of right now are a refrigerator and pantry.

I have a standard sized fridge. Good enough on most days. But when I go grocery shopping, and then calculate in left overs, its like my fridge is busting out at the seems, literally. Especially the freezer. I cannot stock that bad boy full or else I have trouble closing the door.

As for the pantry, I had to actually re-organize things, throw a few unused items away and de-clutter so everything would fit. I would love a double sided refrigerator and a walk in pantry. I guess a girl can dream, right.

It's funny because, back in Boston, I actually had a walk in pantry in my APARTMENT! I kid you not. It was so big, I had trouble filling it each month. And the extra space actually allowed us to set up our computer desk in there, so it also doubled as an office space. And we still had space leftover. I want that pantry in this house.

And while I am dreaming, I would love a new stove. As of right now, for the third time, the oven is busted and does not work. Stove top works fine, but all my baking is done next door at mother in law's (while mother in law enjoys her new nice stove with working oven, I piddle away with her old hand me down). I don't want to fix the oven for the 4th time... I want a brand new stove. I guess things could be worse, right. Oh woe is me... but at least I can cook. So for now, I will put up and just shut up. *sigh*