Summer Hot Spot

July 1, 2009

It’s been one crazy summer, all in good fun of course! I don’t think we have had one weekend alone since the heat started. We love our family’s company. We have had bar-b-q’s, pool gatherings, and lots of wonderful conversations. I really thought I was going to have to find activities for the boys to stay occuppied, but I don’t think they have been bored at all. They love seeing all their cousins & splashing in the pool. Isaac has been super-busy these past couple of days…meetings almost everyday for new work. He looked so nice walking out of the house today. I am so proud of him. There are more plans in the works that will be taking place very soon, I can’t wait.

Well 4th of July is three days away…hmmm…b-b-q? LOL! Our neighborhood is going to have a block party/parade with lots of food, so thats what we will be doing. And yes you guessed it, more family will be in town.

To change the subject, I am going to get ahead of the game &  start buying Solomon all his school clothes. You know how those crazy shoppers can get as the time gets closer! I do not want to see empty racks or shelves..no no! I know the sales are going to start appearing real soon so I better take advantage.

I am going to have to sign out now, its close to lunch and I have to get to the laundry…ugh! It’s just sitting there staring at me..great! Alrighty then may everyone have a great day & Happy 4th of July :)

Posted in: Family – 1 Comment

The move & Solomon’s 6th Birthday party

June 3, 2009

We finally moved to a home again & I am loving it. Space space & more space…yeah!!! I am one happy mama! Packing & unpacking is such a pain, but I am glad the hard part is over with. We had a lot of help thanks to family & friends. My aunt from California was visiting because her youngest son graduated from the Air Force boot camp…yeah Ulysses! Then my other aunt from Corpus was here…I sure did have some fun. My mother-in-law was also here to help, thank you soooo much! A couple of days moving into our home, I hosted Solomon’s birthday party. It was sort of last minute, but he & Benji had such a blast with their friends. I still can’t believe that he is 6 years old already..wow how time flies! I sometimes wish time would stand still long enough to where there were no distractions & I could just hold him…oh yes & even if he dare let me hold him for longer than 5 seconds! Crazy boy! Oh before I forget my father-in-law is here, he & Solomon share a birthday so double the fun. He & Isaac have been painting the town…LOL! They just back from a movie..no fair! JK, the other night we all went to the movies to see Wolverine…woo-hoo…loved it!!! Can’t wait to buy the DVD.

Life is sure good. I love my husband so much, we just celebrated our 8th anniversary on May 26th. Well we were moving that day..LOL. I believe we will do some celebrating this weekend, can’t wait. I love my boys, my wittle Benji & Solomon, they bring me great joy :) I heart my dog, Foxxy. I am grateful for wonderful family, friends & co-workers. And I lovvvve our new home. Thank you God :)

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Easter

April 16, 2009

For the Easter weekend we went to Corpus Christi and spent it with lots of family. It was so much fun! On Friday we had some adult fun and hung out with family & friends @ a cantina. I saw my Uncle Aaron, who I hadn’t seen in quite a few years. My cousin Rebecca, my aunt Diana, my mom, Denise (my sister-n-law) and her husband Mike, and my brother John and his wife Bijanka also joined us. There was so much laughing, we sure did have a blast. It was nice to see everyone and chill for a change.

I love him :)

I love him :)

Denise & Mike

Denise & Mike

My aunt Diana and Simon

My aunt Diana and Simon

Denise, me, and Robert

Denise, me, and Robert

Denise and I

Denise and I

Showing off the dancing skills...LOL!

Showing off the dancing skills...LOL!

Mi familia, my brother can never take a nice pic..LOL! (John, Rebecca (my cousin), Aaron, my uncle, me, & Bijanka (my sis-n-law)

Mi familia, my brother can never take a nice pic..LOL! (John, Rebecca (my cousin), Aaron, my uncle, me, & Bijanka (my sis-n-law)

On Sunday, Easter day, Isaac made the barbecue at his parents house, while Denise, Michael and I made the sides. Oh the food was so good. Michael made his famous cross cake, oh so delish. I wish I had a picture of it. We did the Easter egg hunt for the kiddos. They had so much fun. Solomon enjoyed finding the eggs with money while Benji cared for nothing else but the chocolate. They had been looking forward to Easter for 2 weeks. Now to limit their candy intake…well that was something else!  Nonetheless I’m glad they had a good time finding all those goodies. Later on that day, we headed over to my aunt Liz’s house for more family fun. The kids ran around and played with their cousins while I stuffed my face with more barbecue…ugh! It was terribly good. Why is it that I can never refuse a good plate of food when I’m already stuffed! Hello diet! Well at least that’s how I felt at the time! Well I’ve always believed what makes a good gathering is family, friends, food and fun..oh and laughs you can’t forget the laughs! Life would be so boring without laughter. Here are some pics from our fun day.

Well 2 more days until Fiesta time is here in SA…I so can’t wait!! We have it all planned out. We are going to Oyster Bake, a day that everyone brags about here. Check it for yourself. I will definitely post my reviews after wards. I hear that the chicken on a stick is the best…can’t wait to try it! Well that’s all for now.

-eLaiNe :)

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To My Valentine

February 9, 2009

 

 

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, hence I’d like to take the time and tribute this post to my amazing, wonderful husband, Isaac Castillo. He is everything and more that I could have asked and prayed for. Isaac you are my true love and you make my heart melt every time I take the time to think about us. You make a wonderful father and that means so much to me. I see how our boys look up to you and I know that they want to grow up and be just like their Daddy. You definitely light up a room with your humorous presence, that’s what stole my heart, and lets not forget all that Latin charm..haha :) We’ve endured some hard times, but the love that we share for each other has only made us stronger as best friends, wife/husband and parents. It will only get better, I know it. Although I don’t say it as often as I’d like to or should, honey know that you are respected, looked up to, admired and so so so appreciated. I love you, Happy Valentine’s Day.

Posted in: Friends, Frustrations, Inspirational – 2 Comments

Heavy Laden yet a Pivotal Point

January 31, 2009

This week has been extremely overwhelming,  I don’t know any other way to put it. I put my trust in God and pray for those involved. My eyes have been open but most importantly I do continue to open my heart. I’ve taken on these revelations and now my heart just hurts. These past couple of hours have been an emotional roller coaster. One minute I am angry, then sad, then here come the tears, then happy.  I have struggled with these emotions since I was a little girl and I thought they were gone but I think the “curiosity killed the cat”, so the saying goes. That phrase brings new meaning. Why as a grown woman, have these feelings revisited me? I guess its just a bump in my life that God wants to open up the communication between the family because you know what, that is the way it should be. I guess everyone, including myself, get so wrapped up in our own lives, that we forget there are others in the family that may be hurting. Theres so much hurt to go around. My Jesus has a plan, a grand plan to make all this go away and ending it with love. I know I am being vague but at the same time I must respect the feelings and names of those involved. Please join me in prayer that God will bring peace and resolution soon in my life as well as to my extended family.

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A Woman’s Work is Never Done

January 26, 2009

running-woman

You know that feeling of exhaustion at the end of the day, that feeling that then turns into frustration the next day…a vicious cycle? Then you start crying because you feel like your work is never done, only to have others come and mess it all up, those dear family members we love? A woman can definitely beat herself up over that. It’s pretty exhausting, its called stress!! What happened to those days where you’d wake up in satin sheets, the light of day slowly creeping in through the curtains, birds chirping and the smell of a new refreshing day? LOL! Oh only to have those days back. Instead its my alarm beckoning me to jump out of bed and race it…you know what I’m talking about, you get out of bed still shaking, step on a toy soldier and frown as you pass the mirror, maybe get a little spooked too! How pathetic, how horribly depressing! I’m laughing hysterically now…maybe to keep the sanity..LOL!

I think that many women fit so much into their schedules for everyone else that it is no wonder we gulp unhealthy foods like no business which actually leads to bloating because your not actually enjoying and taking the time to eat your food so you wind up getting air in your system. Whoa was that a run-on sentence or what!!! Then there’s the never ending piles of laundry and dishes, sanitizing the bathrooms, potty training the little one still at home, cooking, keeping up with my home business, checking emails, picking up the older one from school, homework, bathing the kiddos….ugh..I could go on and on! It is no wonder I have been brought to tears at times. You just loose yourself along the way. I know I do not stand alone on this, can I get a “what what” from all you ladies out there?? LOL!

Well in an effort to put an end to this self pity party, I put on the jogging shoes and worked out right after I dropped off my son at school. Gotta say, “I’m back”, and ready to face another day, this time with a sense of self-worth. Running just does wonders for me emotionally, physically and mentally. Running was everything to me when I was in high school. It was my stress reliever, my conquered ambitions, and my high. So why can’t it be that way today? If you’re having one of those days, or weeks or perhaps months, go for a walk or run daily. I hope that it will be helpful to you as much as it is to me. To all, have a fabulous week.

Posted in: Inspirational – No Comments

Tips on being frugal this New Year

January 5, 2009

So its a new year, a new beginning, a fresh start. It’s exciting! A few posts back I had blogged about a new interest of mine that I have now become so passionate about. That is becoming coupon savy on everything and anything you spend hard-earned money. I am happy to report that out of the past three months I began this mission, I have totaled a savings of $400, yes you read correct. The first month was about $60, seeing this only motivated me to keep it up. Here are some tips that can help with your grocery bill.

-Buy your Sunday paper and plan your meals according to the coupons provided.

-Take advantage of the in-store coupons (coupons at my grocery store are available as you enter the store).

-surf the web for the most used products and print those coupons.

-At the time of purchase kindly inquire if there are coupons available that may be applied (6 times out of 10 there will be). A simple question could possibly save you a couple of dollars, very worth-it!

-compare, compare, and compare to all grocery stores (you will be amazed how much you can save like this)

If you think coupons end at the grocery store, guess again my friend. Everywhere I shop, whether it be for clothes, hair products, hygiene products, portraits, shoes, restaurants, etc., you better believe I’ve done my research and printed out a coupon or received it in the mail. I already had my boys Christmas outfits in the month of November because I received a coupon for an exclusive childrens clothing store and took advantage of the newly stocked holiday attire. I saved a total of $20 at the end of my purchase. For our recent family portrait, I only paid $23 because of a coupon that was emailed to me. I could go on and on, but I’m sure you get my point. My rule of thumb goes as follows, “NEVER AGAIN WILL I EVER SHOP FOR ANYTHING WITHOUT A COUPON OR SALE OF SOME SORT!” It is truly exciting and rewarding to see your hard-earned dollar stretched.

Wishing you and yours a prosperous and frugal year :)

Posted in: Friends, Inspirational – 2 Comments

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 1, 2009

Can you believe it we are now in 2009! I”m still trying to get over the fact that the holidays came and went just like that. Well we had a really good time bringing in the New Year…here are a few pics but that’s all I’m saying..LOL!

isaac-and-i.jpg  Yeah we had a good time!

denise-and-mike.jpg And so did they!!! Mike and Denise being silly..hehe!

So now is a time for reflection, being thankful and a time to list goals for the new year. This year will be very fruitful and enriching, I know I can feel it. Refelecting on the past, I have to be thankful, its been pretty good. I cannot complain. God has been good. Of course its not by my works or Isaac’s works it is because of Him we are where we are today.  God’s timing is perfect. Well looking ahead, here are my goals for 2009.

1. To read more to my boys in English and in Spanish (so important).

2. To organize our home…hello Container Store!

3. To prepare meals that are more healthy for my family and I (yes we need to shed some of those Holiday pounds off).

4. To be frugal, to always live below our means. (coupons coupons and more coupons)

5. To not go more than two weeks without a date with the hubby.

6. To be the bigger person and stay away from drama! (Big Personal One when it comes to family)

7. Be ready at the drop of a hat to switch gears from a maid to a mommy and wife.

8. To not allow distractions to interfere with the more important little things in life.

9. To finally get my business off the ground.

10. To sell our home in CC and finally buy a house here in SA.

I think that about wraps it up for me. If you have a list that you have made for the New Year, word of advise, print it out and place it somewhere you will always look at. I am, that’s for sure. Well that’s it for now, the hubby and I are going to set up the boys’ computer desk with all the whistles and horns…of course their daddy is a graphic artist, we have to hook the little ones up too!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

Posted in: Inspirational – No Comments

Christmas RiverWalk

December 20, 2008

After all the hustle and bustle of Friday…Christmas parties, baking cookies, rushing around town fighting traffic jams, and making sure all work was completed was pretty exhausting to say the least! Solomon had his Christmas party. Isaac was the one to attend it, I was having my own Christmas party for work at the same time. Here are some pics from little Solomon’s party.

ms-garza-and-solomon.jpg

Solomon and his teacher. He was handing her the present he made….yes yummy Cookies!

solomon-and-his-friends.jpeg

Benji, Solomon and his buddies from school

solomon-hang-ten.jpeg

Solomon chillin at his party…cutie pie!

Thank you honey for sending me those pics…gotta love his iphone! As I said before I was unable to attend.

Sooo…we all arrived home from different destinations and took a power nap…much needed! Then Isaac had an idea and said, “Let’s go out somewhere!” It’s not hard to find that somewhere pretty quick! So after picking up my nephew from a friend’s house we decided to go to the Riverwalk where there are tons of Christmas lights. Not to mention we had free parking because my nephew works at a hotel on the Riverwalk…yeah James! We strolled on down to the River and yes it was a beautiful sight. The boys were so happy..you could tell on their little faces. So much to see and hear. We ate a restuarant there on the River and ran into someone on the way back. Can you guess who? Let me give you a couple of hints. He’s big, he wears red and has a long beard. Yes you guessed it, Santa Claus. The boys were so excited and wanted a picture. So here you go.  santa-and-the-boys.jpg

Here are some more pics from our night out.

a.jpeg  All lit up…how pretty

the-family.jpg Cheese!

solomon-and-me-chilis.jpg Solomon and mommy

james-and-solomon.jpg Big Cousin James teaching lil Solomon math

benji-and-me-sleeping.jpg Mommy and Benji

james-and-the-boys.jpg The Boys

We had a good time. Well its Saturday morning, gonna make breakfast for my boys, balance the budget and go Christmas shopping for a few more family members that are left. It should be an interesting day…with lots of chaos I imagine…but the sales…yippee! Alright then, have a good day and may you be blessed today.

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Sea World Winter Wonderland!

December 17, 2008

Before I forget, here is our Christmas pic.

2008christmas.jpg

 

Wow, there has been so much going on, its been pretty crazy! My workload has been doubled because of the upcoming holidays so I’m hustling out there trying to get everything done in a feasible amount of time. Solomon has a lot going on at school…not to mention I am one of the room-moms…so lucky me, I am in charge of the goody bags for the Christmas party this Friday. Well I enjoy doing things like that so not complaining! I’ve got all kinds of yummies planned…I know the kids are gonna love it. I have a Christmas party for work that will take place on Friday as well…so getting ready for the gift exchange….its gonna be fun. I am so thankful for my job, I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. I have awesome supervisors and the best supportive co-workers. Hey and i also got another raise…so YES I love my job! God you’re the best! I love the flexibility of my job and I love that my youngest does not have to be in daycare…BIG PLUS! Well we are definately excited about Christmas coming up…we are counting down the days. We will be heading to Corpus to be with family, the kids are excited about that. Can’t wait!

So the other day we decided to get in the car and head to Sea World…because its so far away…hehe! Denise, Mike and the girls went also. The boys had so much fun. We got to see the Polar Express in 4D….it was snowing!!! Yea! Then we got to see a couple of shows and the kids enjoyed some rides and played in the park area. It was really nice. And of course here are some pics. Alright then until next post…MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR :)

Posted in: Family – 2 Comments
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