Dear Santa

Hi Santa,
I figured before things get too crazy I would send you a quick email. I want to say I'm sorry for using your omnipotent powers starting in November to keep my kids in line. I'm also sorry my kids switch their wishlists through out the holiday making any pre-planning impossible! Santa, I know I set very high expectations for you expecting you to come in my house undetected on Christmas eve when my children don't end up falling asleep until close to 1am. Thank you for staying up so late and always wrapping the gifts in special wrapping paper which can only be found on the north pole. Santa we are entering into a tough time with Lena and I know soon she will not believe in you. But don't worry, I've explained that your gift giving will end for her the minute she verbalizes her doubt so she should stay on the believer list atleast for a few more years. Ok, you hang in there! Your cookies and pumpkin squares will be waiting for you!
Your humble servant,

L


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Top Ten Items which Make Parenting a Little Easier

Happy rainy day! As a share some quality time with my kids today, I couldn't help but think of the top ten items in my life which help make being a mommy a little easier. So, for those new parents or seasoned parents out there, hope it helps and feel free to add to my list!!
1. Washable/Magic crayola markers - These did not exist with Lena so I actually have experienced life without them. I know how difficult it is to remove markers from walls, bed frames, table tops, car seats. Thank you crayola!! The magic markers are a god send on those long road trips and airplane rides!!
2. Trader Joes BBQ teriyaki chicken - Haven't tried it?? You need to! Even my partially vegetarian son eats this chicken. That's right, I have a son that doesn't like meat! Benefits: It cooks in 5 minutes, turns into a complete meal with some fresh broccoli and steamed rice, you can always keep an extra one in the freezer, and its only 150 calories per serving!!
3. Amazon.com - Again, I have experienced life without it. Driving around town looking for a little mermaid bicycle. And yes, they do have an app for that. (;
4. Parent online - How many times have your kids had to eat the dreaded cheese sandwhich because they ran out of money on their school food account and keep forgetting to tell you? Now I get email notifications and can add $$ online! Now if only the junior high schools will get onboard!!
5. Meltaway Tylenol bubblegum flavored - I have never met a kid who doesn't like these!! The best for head aches, pre-shot prepping, and pre-orthodontist appointments
6. Neosporin spray keychain - something about this spray makes the scrapes feel better almost instantly. Is it magic? or Placebo? I don't care! With my accident prone kids, I never go anywhere without it!
7. A Homework Table - Ok, this is a new one for the Rodriguez household. Do you struggle with distracted kids during homework time? I think this works best. I have set up a table in the living room with every possible school supply and It's free from the tv and other distractions. It's just been a week, but homework is getting done quicker!
8. Books on CD - Sound old school?? Don't knock it until you try it!! David has been listening to these for a few years now, it makes bedtime so much more pleasant. We read David 1 story every night, then put on a book on CD and he stays in his room, following along quietly, until he falls asleep.
9. Sponge Bob - Once you have kids, your tv time seems to be overwhelmed with cartoons and disney movies. Sponge bob is the only show which does not make me cringe, I can count on Sponge bob to always be entertaining and appropriate.
10. Good Friends and Family - It does take a village to raise a child. Honestly, if it wasn't for my friends and family I would be one stressed out mother! I've got my list of people that I can call for emergency child care, venting, car pooling, and parenting advice. Also atleast for me, once I had kids, I stopped making time for my friends and grown up conversation. Everyone needs friends!! My friends make me happy! And a Happy Mommy = a Happy Family!

Bonus Item
11. A Happy, Healthy Spouse - This requires a separate blog altogether. Short version. There is power in numbers.

Hugs and Raspberries,

L

Natural Talents

I don't think a parent ever forgets the first time they look into their child's eyes. I remember wondering "what kind of person would they turn out to be?" I think we all hope our kids will accomplish greatness. As they start to grow we start to notice their strengths and skills and fill with pride when they succeed and feel their pain when they fail. But what is never discussed is how we feel when our kids are just well, mediocre. So here it goes...my kids are mediocre at sports! There I said it! It doesn't mean I love them any less, it just means my kids will probably never play professional sports in the future and I am ok with that. So what do I mean by mediocre? Well both my kids still do the Phoebe run (best Friends episode ever!!) You Don't have a visual yet? It's that run kids have when they haven't yet mastered the whole arm leg moving at the same time thing yet...As both my kids start getting into their own sports David in tball and Lena with her Colorguard I couldn't help but notice how I'm reacting to their mediocre abilities. The first year of tball I became so embarrassed when they would have to bring out the tee in tball! Yup, seems a little ironic eh?? And last night during my daughter's 2 hour practice I caught myself debating if I should ask the coach if I could purchase an extra flag so I could go over the routines with her to make her better, ok the best!! So here is my question.. is there a time when mediocre is enough?? Or should I be brushing up on my songleader moves and buying myself a baseball glove??!!

Hugs and Raspberries

L


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Proud mama or stalker?

This is my question of the day..before I had kids I swore I was going to be a cool parent, one my kids could be proud of, the kind of parent that all my kid's friends would go to because I was just that cool! Well today, I crossed the line between being cool and well, just plan embarrassing!!!
Today was Lena's first parade marching with her color guard. Lena was so excited! So we loaded up the van and found a good place on the sidewalk and waited. As I waited for her I watched the other kids and could feel my eyes swell, they all looked so young and excited to be there! Finally it was Lena's turn and as she marched by me this feeling of pride and excitement overwhelmed me and it became my duty to get this on camera. But, they were so fast! Before I knew it after only 3 shots she had marched away!! I kind of blacked out at this point when I came to I was running down the street with my phone snapping picture after picture of my girl. At this point I truly stopped in my tracks and asked myself, "what the hell am I doing??!!". I very calmly got off the street and joined the crowd completely mortified by my behavior. When did I become this kind of parent?! So bottom line, I am a proud mother who stalks and I have the pictures to prove it!!

Hugs and Raspberries,
L


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Hey, It's my Birthday!

Do you remember when you were a kid and you would count down to the big event? Your birthday was the one day a year which was Your Day! I have carried that tradition to my own kids and spend months planning out their special days make sure they feel really special on that day. But what I noticed is once I entered adulthood, there is this preconceived notion that birthdays just aren't important anymore. It's almost a little embarrassing to share with coworkers and outsiders that you are excited for your day. I know for some its the issue of getting older. But honestly, I HATED childhood and couldn't wait to be a grown up!! I wear my 39 years with pride! As an adult I can go where I want to, do what I want to, and be who I want to be. Today I give myself a hug and say ...Lisa you are pretty damn awesome so let's celebrate cuz it's my birthday!!!

Hugs and Raspberries!

L


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To Facebook or not to facebook

Yes, that is the question. I was a strong anti-Facebook supporter since it's inception. Why? Just cuz. But as time goes by it seems that it has become harder and harder not to jump on the bandwagon. Now my Sis's wedding pics are on it and I just learned that I can get daily updates from an assessment I use with my students. So I am revisiting the question...so you facebookers let me have it! Should I??


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What happened to childhood?

Hello everyone,
Sorry for the delay. This back to school stuff in August is a lot more difficult then I thought!
Which leads me to the topic of the day..what happened to childhood??!!
Last night while I was attending back to school night for Lena I kept asking myself this question. As I met with her 6 different teachers and found out that yes, 2 hours every night of homework is what is expected. With 4 honors classes its about College prep and high test scores! And yes, the Spanish class she is currently taking DOES count for college credit!! I sat in awe. College in 7th grade? Part of me wanted to just roll myself in a ball and rock myself to sleep. How does Lena do it? Have I gone too far?

See when I was in 7th grade, the only thing I was worried about is how to get my hands on another pair of ESPRIT pants and who liked who. Back then college wasn't even a discussion! Junior high was a time to just start getting use to the teenage body and hormones which seemed to change every day.
When I had my kids I knew I wanted to stress the importance of education but by putting such a stress on it, has the innocence and joy of just being a kid been lost??

I know there HAS to be some sort of middle ground, right?

For this blog, I don't have the answer or a happy ending..just me going home and having a piña colada on the rocks hoping I'm doing the right thing.

Love and raspberries,

L



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A Month of Change

Ok, Ok I know it's been awhile! But its been a little crazy lately. This month, yes, in July, my kids started at their new schools. First let's start with my new junior higher Miss Lena...

Yes, that is my baby!! All grown up! I want my readers to stop for a minute and think back to YOUR first day in Junior High. Remember the fear? the excitement? I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked her up. So, I played it cool. Hanging back, letting her come to me. So I waited...the kids began to pour out of the classrooms. Overhearing the excited parents asking, "How was your first day?" and only getting back a dismissive "Fine" from their junior higher. Wondering if that little girl I had seen this morning would be gone forever. FINALLY out comes Lena with an ambivalent smile, struggling not to smile too much. Then she sees me and she does something she hasn't done in years, as we begin to walk to the car... she grabs my hand!! She then begins to share her day, every minute of the day, with the same excitement and fervor that she has for everything in her life. The fervor I hope she will ALWAYS have for everything in her life. I let out a sign of relief. Lena is going to be just fine!!!

Next is my son...
So why am I calling him that??? Well you see, my son has decided he will follow in the footsteps of his favorite superheroes and have different identities!!! At home with family he is my titi, at baseball he is David but in school he is...CARLOS! So who is this Carlos? I think Carlos was born the minute he saw his new teacher. His teacher, who the minute she saw him, came straight to him and gave him a huge hug and called him by his previous name David. Why? Because she was Lena's 6th grade teacher. I think at that moment is when he decided he was no longer David, the brother of Lena but Carlos his own kid making his OWN way in this crazy school we call Sunnyside!!! As the orientation kept going and going, I called in for reinforcement, (VERO you rock!!) but she was quickly called off when my son asked me, "Can I start school now??!!" I was actually the first parent to leave, why? Because Carlos had no use for me!
So we ended our first week of school with both kids riding their new buses home. This was the first time I actually saw fear in my Lena's eyes. But, I pushed her to give it a shot, and told her to text me the minute she was on the bus. Both me and Juan Carlos got her through that first ride with rapid texting and a lot of smiley face emoticons!! And David? Well, he reported making a new friend! And when I asked his new friend's name he responded.."It was a girl mommy! I asked her to be my friend and she said Yes!!" God! I wish I could have heard that conversation!!!(:
Love and raspberries,

L

Graduation time

I know, I know, it's been months since I blogged. But, It's been a very busy few months. David and Lena are both starting new chapters in their lives. David has graduated from preschool and will start Kindergarten and Lena will also be graduating from 6th grade next week and moving on to Junior High both start their new lives in July. They really are growing right before my eyes! Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday both of them were just babies who needed their mommy every minute of the day. I know I have a tendency to get caught up in the day to day stuff. The daily chores and work seem to take up my days. This past month I have tried to slow down and take a few minutes just to apreciate my kiddos. I am trying to listen to Lena's stories and ideas without interupting her with my perspective.

 I am trying to give little 5 minute nonjudemental talks about puberty and what to expect and what I went through at her age. For David, tee ball was a gift! Thanks Vero!!! He now knows kids in his kinder class and is ok with the change. We also are fortunate that he has scheduled play dates with his old friends so he doesn't feel too sad about not seeing them everyday. So, at the end of my blog to sum up...my kids are fine! and I AM A MESS!!! Growing up sucks!

Hugs and Raspberries!

L

Time to Go Umbrella Shopping

With both of my kids, the car seems to be the time when we truly bond. I don't know if its less intimidating because my back is to them or maybe there is something soothing about car rides. But the car is where we have discussed issues such as love, the future, religion, bad guys, relationships, peer pressure, and most recently with Lena the birds and the bees. I really try and arm myself now whenever I get into the car with my cup of coffee and an open mind. (:
As Lena gets closer and closer to junior high school the morning car ride has also become a reminder of where she is headed. During the morning car ride, we see the junior high school kids walking to their bus and in 3 months, Lena will be joining them!!

So, as we made our morning drive in the pouring rain, Lena observes how those kids were still walking alone to their bus and follows it with, "They are so dumb!" I then ask her "Why?" She then explains to me these kids are braving the weather just to avoid the embarrassment of having their parents drop them off at school. Yes, I fell into that trap, and responded, "Wow, you would never be THAT embarrassed by me, right?" Lena quickly responds, "Oh no mom, I would just make sure I had a bigger umbrella!"

Yup, think she's ready for Junior High!

Hugs and Raspberries,
L

BONUS BLOG

Thought you all may want to see this! Below is a link to David's T-ball blog. I know, I know how times have changed!(: No, I did not create it, but I am SO glad somebody did! Enjoy!

http://web.me.com/lailanisanford

Just hanging in there...

Hello out there!
I apologize for the delay. The Rodriguez household has been dealing with the flu for the past month, which you all know, has left me with no freetime and in dire need of a grown up vacation!!! What's a grown up vacation? Well, I have actually never had one but I do have a dream. Yes, I have a dream! I dream of a vacation where disney channel and nickelodeon do not exist and only non-animated shows with people over the age of 20 are on TV!! A world where "I'm hungry" are not the first words out of my children's mouths in the morning! Oh heck, it's MY world! A World where for just 1 day (ok maybe 7 days) I am not asked to serve, clean, parent, chaffeur, cook, plan, or supervise ANYONE!!! A World where I just sit in the sun drinking pina coladas by day and watching 80's movies by night. Oh, and I want my girl Ina to make all my meals for me and then sit and in her calm Ina voice tell me all about her life and adventures over a nice bottle of wine. Yes, Juan Carlos can come too! But only if he promises not to mention kids or the bills! That's it! That's my dream grown up vacation. Someday...

The 6th Grade Camp Adventure

Day 1- Departure
It is true, everyone goes through stress differently and saying goodbye to their 6th grader is definitely stressful. Some expressed their stress by showing up late, and you can tell by their faces just a few minutes before they were scrambling to find one more pair of clean warm socks for their kid to pack!(: Others expressed their stress by overly preparing. Some of those suitcases were so big they could have been carrying a younger sibling!(: Others were expressing the old fashion way, crying and getting just one more hug in before the bus drove away. And me? A little numb, mixed with excitement, mixed with complete facination. You see, I don't remember much of my elementary school except MY experiences with 6th grade camp. It really was my first step into independance and guided me into becoming the person I am today..I was a counselor for that camp, I saw many kids when given a little more independance really blossom and begin to make that transition from kids to teens. So as I watch Lena talking and laughing with her best friend, I wish I had a way to explain this her. I am so proud of the person she has become and so excited to see what awaits her.

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Gratitude

Sorry for the delay in my post. As most of you know, I haven't been getting very much sleep lately. David has been pretty sick and is not sleeping through the night. He's doing better now, although just when I thought we were out of the woods, last night he again was up ALL night!!
This past week my uncle also passed away and I am getting ready to send Lena off to camp alone for a week. I am drained emotionally and physically but somehow all I can think of is...What would my life be like if I had made different choices or didn't have this life I have created for myself and my family? What if I had put my career first and not had my kiddos? What if I didn't fall for the guy who brought me soft serve?? Yup, he had me at the soft serve... I am not saying that I have been the easiest to get along with or that I haven't raised my voice at the kids, or that I haven't shed a few tears. I'm just saying I am grateful for the choices I made. I am grateful for these darn kids, and I am glad I was won over with soft serve. And right now that is what keeps me kicking and not locked up in a padded room somewhere rocking in a corner!!

Love and Raspberries,
L

I Heart INA

So Today I will be checking in regarding my New Year Resolutions...
1. Try a New Recipe for February? Yup

This is Ina Garten's Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with an Warm Cider Vinaigrette

It was Yummy!! Even Lena enjoyed it!!

2. More Date Nights - Yup

Me and Juan Carlos enjoyed a fancy night on the town attending his belated Work Christmas Party..

3. More Me Time - Kind of..

I was out alone until 9 pm last night looking for blanket sleepers for David. Not the most exciting way to spend some me time, but hey I was alone..

4. Blog every week - yup!

5. Laugh More - I'll keep it real! I am worn out and exhausted and not too much fun to be around right now..so I'm gonna have to say No!):

Ok, so not too bad. Once again I really do need to stop taking life so seriously, baby steps...

Give me Valium!

Ok, bonus blog time..
So, while I was planning my hubby's 40th surprise party and helping him to welcome in his 40's, I too started to take a look around. Last week, Lena brought home the paperwork for Junior High School! Yes, in 5 months my baby will be in Junior High School!! Also last week I put David on the list for preschool graduation, yes David will be graduating from preschool in 3 months!!! Oh, and by the way, I was also notified my 20 year high school reunion will be in 6 months!!
When did this happen? For the last few years in order to keep my head above water I have been living day by day. Juggling kids, work, chores, and family the best I know how. Setting achievable goals everyday. I am not complaining, I am very proud of everything in my life, my kids are sane, my work is gratifying, my house is comfy and I have surrounded myself with people I love who make me a better person! But, I feel like I really should have enjoyed those little moments more! As Chris Allen (American Idol rocks!!) sings "Live like we're dying". I need to stop spinning my wheels all the time and enjoy the life I have created!!
So, how do I do that? Yup, this is where the Valium comes in!! hehehe
No, this is the question of the day..Any suggestions??

Love and Raspberries

L

Happy Birthday Babe!

Ok, so let me first apologize for my lack of blogging over the past few weeks. As most of you know, I was knee deep in party planning. Juan Carlos turned 40 and I decided to welcome in his 40's with a big bang. So, with some help from my cousin Jen (Thank You!!) I planned a French inspired surprise party. JC was surprised with a 4 course meal prepared by a personal chef (Chef Megan was AWESOME!) surrounded by his brothers, mom and of course me. We ate, we drank, we talked and laughed all night long while all of our 11 kids were entertained by the older nieces in another home. Check out the pics. Yes, two of the courses are missing. Why? Cuz I was having so much fun, I forgot to take pictures!! (:

Happy birthday my love!

Mommies Unite!!

Today while I was waiting to see Lena give a presentation at school, I started to talk to one of the mothers. She saw David and asked if he was in preschool, when I said yes, she then followed up with an indignant, "Fulltime?" I ignored her judgemental response and explained he would be going to Kinder in the fall and how excited I was that it was a full day program. She replied by saying she didn't like the full day because that meant 6 full hours without her child, and she couldn't let her fragile kindergartener experience so much time away from her mother...
So here is my question for today...Why must mommies be such haters to other mothers???!!! Why do some find it so important to bring other mothers down to prove their worth?? Here are some truths. ALL moms experience atleast 1 grocery or public meltdown!  ALL moms have bad parenting days! ALL moms experience anxiety that they have somehow permanently scared their kids! ALL moms worry their kids may not be accepted by their friends! ALL moms are scared their kids will end up losers when they grow up. So why can't we just bond over our insecurities???!!
Back to the lovely woman at school...in mommy language she was telling me that somehow I was a BAD mom by having my kid in preschool fulltime! And as a double zinger I was a BAD mom because I was excited for him to be away from me. A few years ago, I would have zinged her back or just thought maybe she was right! But, you know what? I am not a mommy hater! Instead I say MOMMIES Unite! Cut the crap! My kids are just fine!! Your kids are fine! And we can BOTH be good Mommies!!
Now excuse me while I go enjoy some alone time! (:

Hugs and Raspberries

L

Success!!

Well, at the end of Week #1 of the New Year and I am staying on track.
  1. Went on a Date Night - Yup
1/5 - Me and the hubby enjoyed some yummy french food. But to be honest, any food would have been a treat. It just felt REALLY good to enjoy a warm meal without interuptions or kids complaining about eating their veggies!
  2. Tried a new recipe - Yup
Actually I have tried 2 new recipes. Ina Garten is my new food crush. I tried her scallops in pernod sauce which was awesome!! For the 2nd recipe I actually went out and bought myself a belated x-mas present...A dutch oven! Ever since I became a foodie I have dreamt of having one. To celebrate my purchase I made Ina's short ribs which are baked in an ENTIRE bottle of wine and lots of veggies and spices. I now know what fresh fennel looks like. Who knew? Of course all of these ingredients were baked and simmered in my dutch oven. (: This recipe was not as good as the scallops, but still good enough for my family of 4 to eat all 6 servings!!(:
  3. Stayed up late and enjoyed some "me time" - Yup
My new addiction..Words with Friends on my IPhone. I have been staying up until 2 or 3am playing this game..LOVE IT!
  4. Watched the biggest loser premiere while snacking on vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and   whip cream - Oh Yeah!!
I seriously did! Crying over my ice cream, loving every minute of it.
  5. Laughed more - Yup!
Amazing what good food and quality time does for me.

This whole resolution thing is a snap!(:

Hugs and Raspberries!

L

Happy New Year!

So, the question of the day...What are my New Years Resolutions??
Every year I say I will lose 10 lbs, sleep more, and be more creative. But none of those ever come true. Why? Because I need to get REAL with myself. It's not that I am not capable of achieving these goals, it's just that none of them are important enough for me to rearrange my life in order to achieve them. I LOVE eating while watching biggest loser! I also LOVE watching my shows late at night while the kids are sleeping and you know what? I may not have a true hobby like ceramics, poetry, or sewing but I'm pretty creative when it comes to my classes!! (: So, here is my list of things I truly do think are important.
1. Laugh More!! I really do take myself too seriously.
2. Have Quality Time with those who are important to me! That means it's time to reinstate Date Night, Girl's Night, Me Time, and of course Family Dinners!!
3. Blog every week. It truly has been therapeutic!(:
4. Try 1 new recipe every month. Also VERY therapeutic!
and last but not least...
5. Make sure to tell those in my life how important they are to me!
My dear family and friends, you ALL truly mean the world to me. You keep me sane, make me laugh, and keep me real.

I love you all!

L