100 Days of School

The girls celebrated "100 Days of School" today and it was such fun for them. 

They spent the day having fun with their classmates doing all sorts of crafts and activities. 

Gaby had to decorate a t-shirt and she did a gum ball machine, which looked so adorable. 

Olivia had to decorate a cap with a religious motive, and she came up with the idea of writing Bible passages on it, which I thought was so cute. 

Every time these milestones happen, it always hits me... MY KIDS ARE GROWING UP! Wow.. Time flies and I can't seem to make it stop.  As much as I try to capture every moment and freeze it in time, so many things happen so fast that I'm sure I'm failing at keeping all the memories alive. 

I love to see how my kids are thriving in school and in every aspect of their lives... even when the days seem to go wrong and when I feel I am doing a horrible job as a mother, my kids always remind me that there isn't a right or wrong, as long as things are done with love. 

Kids don't get hung up on our mistakes and they certainly don't need to know what feeling like a "failure" is like, but God knows there are days that are harder than others and us in our human capacity cannot possibly control it all as much as we try. I've had a lot of "those days" lately, but somehow my girls always love me through everything..even the not so good days!

I am thankful that my kids remind me of how precious life is and how grateful they are to be living it with me in it!

Happy 100 Days, kids! ;)

Movie Review: "American Sniper"

Most of my movie reviews usually involve a children's film so I almost feel strange to the world of R-rated movies and the complexity of the commentaries they demand, but America Sniper made such an impact on me that I have decided to venture out and review it to the best of my capacity.
First of all, I am a naturalized American City, so some people may argue that I will never experience the love for this country that many natives may come to know; of course, I beg to differ since I LOVE America just as much (and sometimes unequivocally even more!) than anyone who had the privilege of being born here. This movie really showed how much passion is behind someone dedicating their life to service and the inspiration to protect a country you love innately.
American Sniper is based on the life of Navy Seal Chris Kyle, famously dubbed as the "most lethal" sniper in U.S. history.  Credited with more than 160 kills, Christ Kyle made a career with the military and completed 4 tours abroad putting it all on the line to protect America.
Because the movie is a real life story it awakens more passion from the viewer since its start and Bradley Cooper does at incredible job in bringing this character to life.
The movie flows very easily and the story is developed in such a way that the viewer is engaged at all times.  We see both sides of Chris Kyle and get to experience the same passion and anguish he felt when out there in combat as well as the effects that war can have on a soldier.  We also see Chris' wife, portrayed amazingly by Sienna Miller, who supports her husband throughout the hardest period of his life and suffers through his absence and dangerous life choices and feels overjoyed whenever he returns home safely.
During the movie, the viewers get to experience the camaraderie among members of the military and the pain that comes with losing  partners and friends that experience war together.
The movie is not short of some incredibly realistic war scenes, cruel killings and ruthless battles with the enemy which provide a complete perspective on the war and the motives of such bellicose behavior from American soldiers.
I personally enjoyed this story very much and believe it is well executed by all involved. This one gets 4 out 4 stars from me and I recommend it to anyone interested in a part of American history.
Great movie!

5.5 & 7.5

 Yesterday Gaby turned 5.5 years old and during the past 6 months I have seen the most changes in her personality since she was born.  I could sit here and write exclusively about how wonderful and sassy my daughter is (and she totally is all that!) but OMG is she a complicated little girl! And I promise I say that in the most loving way possible... She has turned out to be the most stubborn and bossy little person and as much as I like to think those are "good" traits that could turn into even better things in her adult life, I have such a hard time dealing with her sometimes. She has a mind of her own and there's just no changing that.  Gaby is the most loving little girl I know, but she can be whiny and demanding when we least expect it and that is the hardest part about having a "5 going on 15" girl for a daughter.
She enjoys movies, music, coloring and pretend play.  She also LOVES fashion and accessories and is super girly..and cats..she LOVES cats. She is reading above grade level and definitely enjoys all kinds of books; I really love it when she reads to me (or the cats!) and she is very proud of her accomplishments in that area.
Gaby loves little dolls, My Little Pony and the Ninja Turtles.  She also claims to be "IN LOVE" with a little boy from her class; she is so infatuated by him and I think *it* could qualify as her "first" love.  It's cute and funny... but mostly cute since I know there will be a time where I know longer think it's funny...she really hates it when I trivialize her "love" for Daniel.. wow!  Gaby also loves singing and dancing and knows pretty much all the lyrics to every Taylor Swift song or anything that plays on the radio, honestly...I've got quite the performer here!
Gaby, I know that one day you will read all this, so please know that we love you so much but you need to get a handle on your "moodiness" and learn to enjoy life for what it is.  You are one amazing little girl and we are so proud of everything you do.  I love how creative and spontaneous you are and you make us laugh every day! Happy "half" birthday, little one! Stay sweet... and bossy! ha

My other little lady turns 7.5 today and of course I have to write about her too!  Let's start with the fact that the "pre-teen" stage came way too early with Olivia, and again, I say that in the most loving way possible.  Boy can girls be complicated!  Olivia is funny and most of the time she's in a good mood, but if her mind is "short fused", please run in the other direction! Olivia can go from happy-go-lucky to cranky pants in a matter of seconds and she sheds tears like there's no tomorrow.  I definitely think she could have a career in acting and could probably audition (and get) any drama role she aspires to! Ha!
She loves singing and playing the piano and her musical abilities are undeniable.  She is also a great dancer, tennis player and writer.  She always asks me to post her stories on my blog and I really should get around to doing so, they are very impressive!
Olivia is the most amazing big sister there is and as much as she bickers with her little sister, she protects her and cares for her about twice the times she bickers so I guess that cancels out the negatives. She is such a faithful little girls and LOVES going to mass; of course that makes me very happy, especially since she will be getting her First Communion soon so her excitement about God and prayer makes me think that we're doing "something" right as far as faith foundation goes.
Olivia, whenever you read this, please know that you are so loved and so admired by us. You have grown into such a special little person and our family is better with you in it.  We love your personality and life can never be dull with your wonderful sense of humor.
Happy "half" birthday, little lady! Stay funny...and whiny! ha!

Welcome 2015

It has taken me over a week to kick off my blog this year and talk about plans, resolutions and all that good stuff. 

As much as I hate to say it, this year started off on an "unhealthy" note for us, with Iggy getting a bad stomach virus on January 1st and then BOTH girls getting Strep within the same week. Then, as much as I tried to remain healthy for the well-being of our family, I ALSO got sick with bronchitis and I'm still getting over it. So needless to say, even with my disposition to blog ever present, it has been a very rough few days!

We spent New Year's Eve/Day in Tampa with some of my in-laws who were visiting from different parts of the world. We stuck to our Venezuelan tradition and had some delicious food and ate 12 grapes at midnight..it's always fun to see how to girls take to our roots and follow our holiday traditions. 

The girls spent some time with their cousin Isabella who lives in Ohio. It was great to see them playing and having so much fun together! 

Our typical Christmas dish (includes Hallacas, ham bread, roast pork and a salad)...it was very delicious!

So, because I'm not one to make huge resolutions (I rarely stick to those!),  I will write down my intentions for the year instead.  To me, 2015 will be the year of healthy eating, money saving, spiritual growth and appreciation.  I intend to take better care of my body by eating less sugar/fat; I also plan on learning (and teaching my kids) to appreciate everything I have and everything I am capable of doing. 

I hope this is also a year of traveling (when is it not!? LOL!), family adventures and self improvement.  As cliche as all of these "intentions" sound, they are really all I need to focus on.  I want to be more patient, more caring and definitely more understanding. 

Cheers to a wonderful 2015! 

Happy Blogging!