Category: Daily

Sun., Apr. 19th – I stayed up till 1:30am updating my iPod and music. I finally got brave enough to download music again and deleted tons of other music that didn’t belong to me. I still have to go through my external hard drive and sort through a whole other folder I found, that was mostly a duplicate of my main music folder.

We chilled out in the shade in the afternoon while Mario and Big Mario mixed the cement to level the floors in the new living room.

I can’t wait to see how the floors are going to turn out. I’m curious to see what happens to that tree stump and I have no idea what we’re going to do about that weird incline and funky step of cement. We’re probably going to end up using ceramic tile in that area for sure.

It was quite traumatizing for Alaethia when Mario had shoveled up some sand, mixed it with the cement and water and started chopping it up to break down the big chunks…and unearthed a floppy little mangled frog. Mario tossed it aside after saying, “Oops,” and she’s been terrified of them ever since. I know we shouldn’t because she’s going to end up scared of them forever, but we use it as a way to keep her from going where she shouldn’t. For example, if she’s trying to go outside when no one’s out there we’ll say, “Don’t go out there! There’s a frog out there!” We’re bad, I know.

Adan, Aide and Belle came over and we decided to bar-b-q for dinner, their treat this time. They went to the meat market with Belle and Alaethia and I had the opportunity to clean up a bit. Then Mario made me a Michelada that was SO GOOD. He even diced up pickles and sprinkled Tajin over them, just like at that drive-thru place where we buy the $5 Micheladas. We sat out there with my dad-in-law and Mom and Mary. Mary got home from shopping and we all went in to eat some chili enchiladas she’d made.

Adan, Aide and the girls got here and we sat outside almost all day just chatting. Jorge, Jose and Elda came over later. I had an intermission of about an hour or 2 because Eenan and I really needed to start his Castle in the Attic project. It really annoys me when they make the kids do those projects, because it’s really not the kids doing it. How do they expect them to handle hot glue and dangerous stuff like that?

I was annoyed trying to figure out the “floor plan” of the castle and only got to draw out the top and bottom floors and cut the cardboard (from a pack of Alaethia’s diapers LOL) for the top floor. I could tell the rest of the castle was going to be a huge headache.

I went back outside to chill with everyone and Mario was on his way in; it was 7pm and he was going to bed. WHAT? That’s what happens when he drinks since noon.

The boys were in bed for school the next day so it was just the girls and me. They were wired at 11pm and I was exhausted and had an awful sinus headache. I tried busying myself by taking pictures of Emily:

And watching Step Up 2, which is pretty darn cheesy but I love watching dance movies like that because I wish I had that type of coordination O_o. I have two left feet.

Mario woke up around that time and watched some of the movie with me. Alaethia played in her room:

…and watched some Care Bear DVDs until she finally showed signs of sleep (yawning) so we came to bed. There’s so much I want to do decoration-wise with their bedroom. But again, it’ll have to wait till we finish our current home improvement project.

Mon., Apr. 20th – It was Mario’s first day back at his (old) job LOL. I got up like a good wifey and made him breakfast. I feel guilty when I don’t make him breakfast. Once he left I went back to bed with Emily and she actually let me sleep! I woke up around 10:30 and had my coffee. John came over shortly after and asked if I wanted to go to Kumori. Um, when don’t I? So I got showered and dressed, got Emily ready and we were off. Mom and Alaethia stayed home watching Noggin.

They were taking forever and we were in a hurry. We were already cutting it close leaving at 1pm because I had to pick up the boys. But the food came and we ate in a hurry and got here just in time.

I had the biggest headache at home, but it wasn’t caused by the kids. My darn sinuses were acting up really bad again, and I’m not even pregnant! I hate taking medication but I felt so awful I gave in and took some sinus medicine. I felt better in about a half hour and started getting housework done while Emily slept. I snuggled with the girlies on the sofa afterward and waited for Mario to get home.

Tues., Apr. 21st – I stayed up after Mario left to work and cleaned. It seems like no matter how much time I spend cleaning it’s just not enough.

My wrist started really bothering me that day so I gave in and went to the doctor’s office. I was hoping it was just still swollen from getting drained a few weeks before, but I knew that wasn’t true. The darn cyst had come back and was the exact same size as it was before the drainage. I had to go all the way to Mission and felt uneasy leaving Emily behind with Mom because Mom couldn’t get her to stop screaming. I kept calling to check on them and when Mary got home from work she took over.

I was referred to an orthopedic specialist but I didn’t want to go. They’d have to surgically remove the cyst and after everything I went through with the only other surgery I’ve ever had in my life–the Tubal Ligation–I said no way. Recovery time would be 5-6 weeks of not using the wrist and I have an infant so there’s no way that was going to happen.

I weighed myself and was horrified to find I’d gained 3 pounds! I weigh 130 now…the most I’ve ever weighed while NOT pregnant. I don’t even know where to start. I know I eat junk food, but not excessively, and I don’t eat excessively, either. It’s just that I’m sedentary most of the time now, because I sit around with Emily when I’m not trying to clean the house. I really want a treadmill!

I went to Mario’s work to drop off his belt. And then came home and chilled out at Mary’s with the kids. Mario was going to pick up burgers (like I needed that but it was late and I didn’t have time to make dinner), so I made an oath to myself that it would be the last night I had an unhealthy meal. Yeah, right.

Wed., Apr. 22nd -I had to wake up early to get myself and the girls ready to go to Alaethia’s cardiologist appointment. I was praying that I’d be okay with both girls. My biggest fear is that the office was far and that Emily would wake up during the trip and cry all the way there if she got hungry.

Mario helped me get the girls in the car before he left to work. He set the address on his Garmin and suctioned it to my windshield. I kept telling him not to bother, but I’m glad he insisted. As I was driving and following the GPS’s directions I realized I was going to go the completely opposite side of town!

I called to let them know I was going to get there late. Her appointment was for 9am. They allowed me 15 minutes to be late, but no more. I wasn’t worried; Garmin was helping me get there just fine. Until I look up and see the little racing flags declaring that I’m at my destination. But I so wasn’t. I was supposed to be at 5600 and I was at 48. It took me an additional 8 minutes to call and locate the actual plaza the office was at. I flung my bag and diaper bag on my shoulder and ran with Alaethia holding one hand and the super heavy car seat with sleeping Emily in it in the other. I felt so stupid for forgetting my sling that day; I would have had much less stuff to carry and my hands free for Alaethia. By the time I got to reception it was 9:13. I made it with two minutes to spare!

I was so bored. We were there for 2 1/2 hours or more…and I’d forgotten my book. I had to keep an eye on Alaethia, though, so maybe it was a good thing I did forget it. She did very well for the most part. She became a little antsy but what 2-year-old wouldn’t having to wait for 2 hours straight?

She was very cooperative during the vitals check. Didn’t even move an inch when they put all those sticky plugs on her to check her heart. The nurse commented on how articulate she is and asked when she started talking because her own 2-year-old wasn’t speaking very well yet. I told her about 7 months, and she hasn’t stopped LOL.

Emily slept most of the time and only woke up to get fed and for a diaper change. And then Alaethia needed a diaper change, too, at the same time LOL. So there I am, in the tiny bathroom that thankfully had a changing table with both girls and a huge car seat. I had to make sure that Alaethia wasn’t touching anything (she has a thing for toilets) while I was changing Emily.

When the specialist finally saw her he was amazed by how cooperative she was. She did everything he told her to do without fussing. He also commented on how well she speaks. We got the great news that her heart murmur is fine; she doesn’t have another appointment for 3 years, just to follow-up :).

I called Mario since it was 12:30; a half hour before he went to lunch. I texted and asked if he wanted us to pick him up and he said yes, of course. So we had a little lunch at Taco Bell. That’s one thing I love about him being back at his old job: I’ll get to have lunch with him on Saturdays again!

The girls were great again. Alaethia ate a little; I’d packed cantaloupe and a sippy of milk for her for breakfast on the way to the appointment and she’d eaten almost the whole ziploc of it.

I got home and tidied up a bit, then laughed at John and his craziness when he came over. Now that he gets our wireless signal at his house again he finds no reason to just come over and visit his sister. Rude. He’s also planning to move out. Who the heck else is going to make me laugh when Mario’s not home?!

I took a nap with the girls after I picked the boys up from school and they did their homework. The boys were excellent; they tip-toed and whispered the whole time so we got to nap for an hour. I have never woken up that refreshed from a nap, ever!

I stuck Emily in her sling when I got up and got dinner on the table and dishes washed with no problem. That sling really is a lifesaver!

Mario got home and ate and we went to Jorge and Maggie’s right after. Us girls mostly chilled out inside surfing Myspace, watching trailers, and watching videos on YouTube. Javi and Mario came in at one point and watched some strange video with us when Javi brought me some Hot Cheetoes with cheese. I still have no idea what it was about LOL. We came home right after that and went straight to bed.

I love being a stay-at-home-mom again. Mario and I are much happier again…because we get to spend time together! I never want to get back to where we were last February.

Sun., Apr. 12th – Woo, Easter Sunday!

I actually woke up early for once and took a shower right away. Dad visited for a while–a very little while. He got nervous–I guess–when everyone started arriving and was gone after 5 whole minutes of seeing us. Kind of isn’t worth the gas all the way over here if you ask me. Granted, I don’t know how much time he was alone with Mom *cough*.

I sat outside with everyone and let my hair air-dry for a bit and then came in to flat-iron my hair. It was so hot outside it felt as though I hadn’t showered. I’m so not looking forward to summer *cries*. It was so hot that poor Emily had 2 bottles of water and she usually doesn’t like it.

Jose was the bar-b-q cook and Mary, as usual, made all the sides. The food was delicious. Immediately following, we took the little ones inside while some of the adults hid the eggs for the egg hunt. Then they stampeded like a heard of buffalo and looked for eggs. Mary got golden ones and if you found one, you won $5. That was a new addition to the egg hunt this year. Alaethia found one and Jaylen became really upset because he didn’t win a prize during the egg hunt when he has every other year. Eenan was indifferent; he was just having fun. Jaylen felt better when they played the ring toss game and he won some water grenades LOL.

We proceeded to the carport next for the games. The adults played first LOL. We had a Pass the Orange game, where you can only use your neck and chin to pass the orange to the next person. Whoever had the orange when Mary yelled, “Stop!” (she wasn’t watching) was out of the game. It looked hilarious…and quite inappropriate LOL. Andy was the only male who played, and I think he won!

We played the Egg & Spoon race and then the Egg Toss where Mario and Jorge became over confident and were one of the first groups to drop their egg LOL.

Next the kids hit the 4-year-old Spongebob piñata next LOL. Elda had bought that thing 4 years ago for one of Brandon’s birthday parties and they didn’t get to use it. So we finally did.

After that the kids got to open their Easter baskets. Alaethia had a blast opening her stuff with her Nina Noelia and Nino Andy. Andy and Noelia are Emily’s Godparents, too, and I got a few pictures of her with her stuff and in the dress Mary got her. She was naked the rest of the time except for a diaper because it was so hot. The boys got DVDs and lots of cool fun stuff in their baskets so they were thrilled. So was I–I haven’t watched Bolt yet LOL.

The kids (and some adults) cracked eggs and then played with the shit-ton of water guns Jaylen received in his basket from Cat and Annie. Alaethia, Matthew and Belle spent most of their time at the refill bucket playing with the water. Everyone had a blast.

When almost everyone had left we went inside to have dessert at Mary’s. She made her famous Banana Cream Pie. Yum.

Aide, Mom, Sonia and I chilled out inside and then went outside with the few men that were left. And they were drunk LOL. They were sharing stories and being weird. Grandpa was even hitting on Mom. Then he asked to adopt Emily. Mario had to escort him to the car because he didn’t want to leave when Sonia was ready to!

When all the women left and the boys were playing at Mary’s and the girls were asleep I read some of my book, Eclipse. Yes, I’m still on it. When Mario finally came in we watched Bedtime Stories with the kids. We had pickles and popcorn; Alaethia loves movie nights. And the movie was so cute! I love Adam Sandler :).

Mon., Apr. 13th – He boys had another day off of school and Mario was off work. My dad-in-law and Mom stayed with the boys while I caught up on sleep. Emily’s doing much better; although she does wake up every 3 hours on the dot, I’m so glad that she’s stopped having those strange 2-hour spans of awakeness like she used to.

While I was asleep Mario had gone to get his old job back. Everything went smoothly, thank goodness. He tried calling his current boss to let him know but he didn’t get ahold of him.

It was Sally’s birthday so I called her but got her voicemail. I feel so distant now. I know life (work, marriage and kids) is a constant, but I wish we could hang out at least one a month or something. I feel the way I imagine she did when it was the opposite: when I was working at she was at home with Quentin.

John came over and asked if I wanted Kumori for an early b-day lunch. But of course! We waited for Mario to get here, loaded Emily in the car and went. Mom and the in-laws stayed with the other kiddos (nobody else likes sushi LOL). I had my regular Fiesta Roll and an Ebi-shitake thing, which sounded like they were stuffed mushrooms but they ended up being little fried mushroom patties. It was ok, but I probably won’t order it again. I should have just gotten the expensive Maui-wowie roll but I didn’t want John to spend too much. I’d feel guilty.

We went to Game Stop to get Jaylen’s present from us and his present from mom. He wanted Gears of War from us, which I wouldn’t have allowed him to get at all had I actually researched what it was! Bad parent!

From Mom we got him a Worms game for the PSP, the Sims Kingdom for DS and another game I can’t remember at the moment. He was going to be thrilled.

I received my Hugamonkey sling that afternoon! It worked like a charm! Emily curled right up and slipped into slumber.

We went to Jorge and Maggie’s for a little bit. 3 of 4 kiddos went with us; Eenan, of course, didn’t go. We stopped for food first at Star’s. Maggie and Jorge were cleaning up and boxing up stuff so we felt kind of like we were in the way and Jaylen had to get bathed and in bed for school the next day so we came home. We watched a movie with Jason and Adan and Alaethia couldn’t be more thrilled since she got to eat more popcorn LOL. We went through 4 bags of popcorn and like, 4 huge movie pickles. I came to the realization that one day I will have two huge teenage sons and they will eat me out of house and home.

Tues., Apr. 14th – My birthday!! 27 years old already. I actually don’t feel old, even though I’ve been married 10 years and have 4 kids. I feel really good and I seriously have a feeling this year will bring tons of great things!

I had a good day. Everyone wished me a good day. I didn’t think we were going to do much since we were broke and I was okay with that. Mary called in the afternoon and told me to get ready because she was taking us out to dinner to celebrate. She said I could pick any place, so I picked Cheddar’s because I’d really been craving one of those Maui Margaritas!

Mom, our kids, Mary, Mario, Andy and Noelia were all there to celebrate with me.

I ordered my Maui Margarita and the Beer Battered Shrimp plate. We had some laughs with our waiter, Dwight. He was hilarious and so good with the kids. I was a little upset that the boys were seated at a table that was near but still separate from us because there was no other table that would accommodate all of us. They enjoyed the extra space, though, and I imagine they felt pretty grown up sitting on their own.

Emily was fed and changed right before we arrived so she slept the entire time we were there. Alaethia had fun eating her ketchup (she could eat it all day if we let her) and fries and then, since the kids’ food came first and she finished early, began playing with a little boy who wandered to our table.

Before we left they sang “Happy Birthday” to me and then we had the most sinful chocolate cake. It wasn’t really cake, it was more like fudge smothered in caramel and a glob of vanilla ice cream. It was sooo good. I felt super full afterward.

Andy and Noelia gave me a gift card to Old Navy, yay! And from the boys (or Mary LOL) I got a beautiful silver cross necklace and a gorgeous little silver bracelet that has “Love” engraved all around it. So cute!

Mary, Mom and the boys went home and so did Andy and Noelia after we finished eating. Mario, the girls and I went to Jason and Adan’s to have some drinks. Mirella bought some Parrot Bay rum to drink with pineapple juice and it was really good. I chilled out with Aide and the girls for a little bit but she had to go to sleep to get up early for work the next day. The rest of us watched Beowulf while we had some drinks. Emily slept through the entire movie and Alaethia ended up falling asleep, too. Mario and I got home and put the girls in their beds and had some long-awaited alone time :).

Wed., Apr. 15th – I woke up and made Mario breakfast. I went back to bed when he left to work and had lunch when I woke up. Yup, lunch LOL. John came over and told me about all the things he was going to get me for my birthday but didn’t. Dork LOL. It would have been wonderful LOL.

I picked the boys up from school and, along with Emily, went straight to Eenan’s optometrist appointment. Jaylen did his homework while we waited and Eenan kind of just slothed around, literally. He kept throwing himself on the floor and laying there every time we moved somewhere else. Emily was a doll. Eenan most definitely needed his glasses. I can’t believe how bad his vision is. He’s going to have to wear them all the time.

I expected to spend about $20…but spent $77! Supposedly polycarbonate lenses are mandatory for kids under 18; some kind of law the lady said. That was $60 right there alone.

I was going to go to Old Navy right after the appointment since it’s right across the street and shop with the card Andy and Noelia gave me, but I already felt awful for spending so much money. Emily was also about to wake up at any minute, so I decided to go straight home.

When we got home my dad-in-law helped me get Emily and her car seat off the car and surprised me with $50! I felt bad taking it but he crunched it in my hand and made me keep it LOL. I will save for treadmill, I hope. Or use it wisely for something else should I need to.

I cleaned while Mario watched Emmy. When all the kiddos were asleep I spent some time with Mario :). That’s what I like about not working: I don’t have to be on a time limit all the time like I used to be. I can spend time with Mario whenever I want instead of going to sleep at 10pm like I used to in order to be up on time for work the next morning.

Thurs., Apr. 16th – I had Emily in her sling most of the morning. She cooed and smiled the whole time before she took her noon nap. I passed her on to Mom so I could clean what I couldn’t while I was lugging her around. I got ready to go to town again. I picked up the boys and took Mom to the pharmacy. First stop was paying John’s car and then visited Gramma.

I get to the parking lot and Mom goes off on her merry way and leaves me with all the kids to herd together. I’m usually ok, but when I have to get the stroller down like I did that day, it makes me nervous because Alaethia tries to run off after her.

Gramma’s doing pretty good. We sat with her and we talked about the kids and just chit-chatted.

We went to Walmart afterward and it wasn’t as bad a trip and I thought it would be. It was a little confusing since they’re remodeling or something and it was a little difficult finding a few things because they were moving sections of the store around. The whole store has a less crowded feel but I guess that could be attributed to them removing the fabric section from the crafts department. Darn. And I never bought the Strawberry Shortcake fabric for the girls, nor did I buy any extra Transformers fabric for the boys :(.

We did find little square pieces of fabric for Eenan’s Castle in the Attic project. We’d use the fabric as wallpaper for inside the castle. We were going to construct it out of cardboard and hot glue. Let’s see how it goes.

We got home and I put Emily in her sling. Mario was already here. I got to make dinner with her in her sling and washed dishes. I ate and then cleaned. I gave her to Mom for a bit so I could finish cleaning. I tackled the pile of junk on my desk. I didn’t get it all done, but I threw out tons of stuff. I felt quite accomplished.

I put her to sleep in her sling again once I got her back from Mom and began uploading pics to Flickr. I wanted to have the blog updated by that night, but alas, it didn’t happen. As I was sitting at the kitchen table with Emily on my lap and typing away on the laptop, Alaethia walks up to me and asks for her “Toshieh” which means “slippers” in Chinese, or Mandarin actually. She’s too darn smart! I love those Ni-Hao Kai-Lan cartoons! She’s learned so much from them. She even knows Yeh-Yeh means “Grandpa” in Mandarin and calls her Bimpa that sometimes :D.

Fri., Apr. 17th – I had an early appointment but it was fast, thank goodness. I was really tired from only sleeping for about 4 1/2 hours of broken sleep. I got the mail and to my horror realized Mario and I both went over our texting limit–$100 extra on the bill! Just wonderful!

I spent the free time I had that day sorting through my external hard drive that has all my music on it and deleted tons of stuff that didn’t even belong to me. When I used to upload for everyone for their MP3 players or iPods their music would somehow end up in my folder.

I got a call right after I’d picked the boys up from school that his glasses had come in and were ready for pick up. I took the opportunity to pick out my frames so I wouldn’t have to make another trip all the way over there. It was nice spending some time with just Eenan. He’s such a hilarious kid! Takes after his father.

We went to Old Navy this time since I didn’t have Emily with me and Eenan walked around with me while I tried finding some nice blouses. I still have some pounds to lose so I was being really picky. Eenan was being really helpful, even giving me some fashion advice like not picking out this one blouse because it looked too “old lady” LOL. He’s so cute.

I ended up with two blouses (exactly the same but one in plum and one in teal), black flip-flops, white flip-flops and I only had to pay $5 extra after using my gift card. Too awesome!

I got home and Mom, Mary, Elda and the little ones were chilling out on the deck. Big Mario had been working on leveling the cement for when the floors would go in and Mario was helping him out. We had a bar-b-q and just chilled out talking and eating outside. Elda gave me a really cute Fossil wallet for my birthday :). It’s such pretty colors.

Eventually everyone went in and it was just Elda, Mom, Jose, Mario, me and the girls. We talked about a lot of stuff, including the incident with Adan, Buddy’s passing, and other stuff. Adan joined us later and Jose lectured him LOL.

Sat., Apr. 18th – It was Jaylen’s 7th birthday!! Mario had to work for half the day. We spent all afternoon getting ready for Jaylen’s celebration (does every other Mom with 1+ daughters take 2-3 hours getting ready, or is it just me?). I made sure I had all the essentials (packed diaper bags, camera) and we were off.

We stopped by Game Stop to get a Castlevania game we saw cheap for Eenan, just so he wouldn’t feel left out. Then we all met at Cracker Barrel, where Jaylen chose to celebrate. He especially wanted to go because you can play checkers while you wait LOL. The food and conversations was great, and it was just really nice to spend time with the family. It never gets old.

We ate and then sang Happy Birthday and had some yummy ice cream cake from Dairy Queen, courtesy of Mom. Our waitress was really nice and helped us out a lot. We stayed a really long time, just chatting, playing checkers and talking. Annie gave me a cute planner when we were leaving and Mom got me a huge box of chocolates from the shop for my birthday. We walked around the shop and I saw so many cute things I wanted! I’m hoping to go back for this frame that inspired me to paint the bathroom baby blue. But that’ll be another project to do after the living room’s complete.

I’m not sure what we did afterwards…we might have gone to Jorge and Maggie’s but I’m not sure. I’ve gotta ask Mario about that one. My brain’s turning to mush now that it’s 1:33am (on May 6th now). One day I’ll be able to catch up with all these entries!!

Mon., Apr. 6th – It was Mario’s 1st Monday off since his boss had decided the week before that they’d be working on Saturdays from 10-5. We woke up late–correction, he woke up late. I’d already woken up a couple of times with Emmy. We needed to exchange the cement Mario had gotten (it was he wrong texture or something) and exchange the ceiling fan we’d bought. It was black and pewter and the more I looked at it, the more I didn’t like it.

Mom watched the girls while we went. We did the returns and went straight to the ceiling fan section. I wanted the blades to be a nice shade to match the floors when they’re eventually installed and varnished and to have a dome light instead of 4 separate lights. Everything was so expensive. The one I really liked was almost $200!

We decided to try Walmart before we made a decision on a fan. I liked one a lot, but it looked really similar to one back at Home Depot so we were going to get it there since we were going back for the cement anyway. We were both starving since we hadn’t had breakfast or lunch, so we stopped by Quiznos first for lunch. I hadn’t been there in forever (since I’d had my short bout of diabetes last May, I believe).

We noticed the boys would be out of school soon and would have to be picked up, so we went back to Home Depot and tried hurrying. The fan I liked that was similar to the one at Walmart ended up being one that was on sale that week, so it came out to $65. We got the cement and some more joint compound and paid. We got home and Mario parked the truck and I got in the Equinox and rushed to the school to get the boys.

We got home with the boys and Mario’s dad sent us back to Home Depot to get the supplies they’d need for the central air in the new rooms. That was the first day I spent almost all day away from Emily :(. I don’t know what it is about Mom–it’s like she can feel that Mom panics with newborns–but every time Emily’s with her, she just cries and cries. Mom had thankfully calmed her down by the time we took off again. Thank God too, since we took forever trying to locate the register boxes and ducts since everything was all over the place. We finally found some that seemed like they were the right ones.

Mario asked me to text Jorge to come over to help him with a project. Something about flush-mounting the speakers we already have for the surround sound, but using the register covers we’d just bought. Maggie didn’t come over :(. It was just Adan, Mario and Jorge outside, and his dad, of course. For the first time I ever, Mario politely kicked me (and Mom) out of the party porch. I guess they had “man things” to discuss *rolls eyes*.

I took the opportunity to order my Hugamonkey sling. Kristen let me know about Hugamonkey on Twitter and it seemed like the perfect sling! I love that you can use it as baby grows :).

Tues., Apr. 7th – I woke up feeling like shizz. I still had leftover congestion from the last cold I had 3 weeks ago and now I felt like I had Strep and an ear infection. I was really hoping I didn’t catch it from Mary. I clearly remember using her cell to make a call for her the day she’d gone to the doctor and was diagnosed with Strep and Laryngitis.

I’d only slept 6 broken hours during the night and I tried going back to sleep after Mario’d left to work but everyone kept calling. I hate the house phone, especially because Mom doesn’t have one and gives out my number and everyone decides to call before 9am. I only keep it for when someone’s watching my kids at home and I have to call to check up on everyone. It’s not like the boys don’t know to call my cell if there’s an emergency, so I’m taking Mario’s advice from now on and disconnecting it while I’m asleep.

The house got really loud and noisy after I picked the boys up from school. Every little noise made my ears and head rattle.

I decided to be brave and connect my external hard drive and download music again. I really, really hope I don’t catch that stupid media virus again. John got it too recently.

I watched Girl, Interrupted with Mario at night. I hadn’t watched it in forever. We really need to get it. Alaethia and Emily were up with us but I kept Alaethia from watching the bad parts. She’d fallen asleep early but woke up and saw the familiar lime green popcorn bowl and refused to go back to sleep.

Wed., Apr. 8th – I really want my sling to come in. Emily doesn’t let me do anything around the house. As soon as I pass her on to Mom, she starts screaming. I really don’t know why she doesn’t like her!

Anyway, I went to JC Penny to shop for bras with John after I picked the boys up. I took Emily with me, of course, and left Alaethia with Mom. I actually, finally found some bras in my actual size! Not an alternate size because they never have mine–the RIGHT SIZE. I was so happy! Of course, I only found 2 and 1 on clearance, but that’s 3 bras in the right size I didn’t have before.

I got some news from John as we were walking around. He was really worried, I’d never seen him like that before. I’m glad he can count on me and tell me everything, though.

I got us some Caramel Avalanches from Gloria Jean’s since he was feeling down. I’d been trying not to spend anymore than I should since I was trying to be on a budget, but I figured it was okay to splurge $9 for 2 drinks for us.

We got home a few minutes after Mario got home from work. My dad-in-law and his friend Ricky were working on our new living room putting up the rest of the drywall and installing the duct-work for the central air. Mario helped until Jorge, Maggie, their boys, Jose and Adan came over for another impromptu bar-b-q. All the boys played together (Halo Wars, mine being the loudest of all 4) until it was time for Eenan and Jaylen to go to bed and later we had Maggie’s boys fall asleep on the sofas. Alaethia was still up and running about, but calmed down when she saw that Wubzy and Ni-Hao Kai-Lan were on Noggin LOL.

When we were sitting outside under the porch and I had Emily in my arms and the boys had gone to bed, I remembered that they needed 2 dozen Easter eggs and a basket each! Mario kept telling me he’d buy some from Chris, who was selling some but he apparently never told him we needed them Wednesday night. When he called him up that night Chris told him he’d just sold out!

Then began the frantic phone calls to every store in the Valley. Everyone was sold out. I once again found myself cursing the new Walmart for not being open yet. I finally called to H-E-B, where I didn’t even think they were selling eggs, and they had some. Chris was already there and got us some (including 4 dozen for Maggie ’cause her boys needed them, too!) and Mario paid him back when he picked them up.

I don’t know what or why I decided at some point that Mario, Jorge, Maggie and I had to have a talk about something that had been bothering us girls, but we did. The guys joke around A LOT and sometimes they–especially my husband–can go a little overboard. It was stupid discussing this after all the guys had been drinking because Mario was being hardheaded, Jorge wasn’t giving much input (which was really smart of him LOL) and Adan was trying to diffuse the situation when it got a little heated by making jokes. I kept trying to get through to Mario, who insisted that he wasn’t going to stop joking around like that and it made me upset. Everyone who knows me well knows that once I start getting really angry and frustrated, I can’t help but cry. I tried my hardest to hold it in, but when Adan made a certain comment I got even more pissed off and cried in front of everyone. I felt like a damn fool. I managed to calm myself down but he repeated it a while later and I started all over again. I just decided to come inside after that. Maggie followed me in a while later and gave me a hug and told me they were all stupid LOL. In a fit of childish anger I decided I was never going to forgive Adan, or even hang out outside when the guys were drinking. I kept trying to stop but would just start bawling when I’d remember later. I felt even worse when Mario snapped at me when he’d come in to get the 5 gallon jug to buy water. I don’t know why I was so sentimental that night. I tried my hardest to go to sleep, but it took a while. I’d locked the door to the bedroom because Alaethia doesn’t like when it’s open because the hallway looks “scary”, but I really mainly locked it to keep Mario out. He got the point when he turned the door and found it locked. He was asleep on the couch when I woke up the next morning LOL.

Thurs., Apr. 9th – I woke up having coughing fits, which in turn woke Emily up earlier than she should have been for her bottle. My epidural site was aching, and I was starting to wonder if it was because I’d been coughing so much or if it was almost that time of the month, hence the crazy hormones?

It was so hot outside and it made me feel worse; feverish even. I had a headache from crying all darn night to boot. I just felt awful. It was the boys last day of school before Easter holidays. Eenan called around 10am, which I found odd, but all he wanted was for me to drop off a toy. What? Why in the world would I do that?

Remember when I mentioned John was worried about something and had bad news? Well, everything’s fine now. I’m so glad!

I can’t remember much from that night, but I know for a fact we just chilled out at home after the incident the night before.

Fri., Apr. 10th – I woke up feeling a bit better from my nasty cold. My throat wasn’t aching as much anymore but I still had a headache.

The day was a usual one, except that I had the boys at home all day. They were surprisingly well behaved, and by that I mean there was minimal beating up on each other.

I helped Noelia file some of her student’s work with Elda that evening while Mom watched Emily and the boys kept Alaethia busy. When Mario got home and I finished helping we went over to Jorge and Maggie’s. We left Alaethia with Mom since she was already falling asleep, the boys didn’t want to go and stayed with Mary so we only took Emily this time.

Mario and I’d had a little tiff before we’d left the house but tried getting over it when we got to Jorge and Maggie’s. Apparently they’d had a little squabble as well so that made the night interesting for all of us, heh. Does that only happen to us, or to everyone: don’t you just love when you’ve had a squabble and your partner does every little thing to make you happy to make up for it? LOL

Anyway, the guys left to get dinner and us girls stayed behind with the kids (who were asleep). We all realized we’d forgotten our blender and Margarita stuff, so the guys came back to our house to get everything. Jorge and Maggie had bought tons of cocktail mixes so we spent the night laughing and making messes of some of the cocktails LOL.

Sat., Apr. 11th – Mario had to work again so I slept in after he left to work. When I got up I got myself and the girls ready and we went over to Mary’s to chill. We watched everyone assembling the Easter baskets. We still weren’t able to find Easter eggs for the kids on Easter day, so we were thrilled to find out Yazmin’s friend’s mom was still selling eggs.

Adan and Aide came over with Belle. I felt awkward but carried on with Aide like nothing happened although she probably knew what did happen. Adan came in and patted me on the shoulder. I kind of jumped, not expecting it. I’d mostly gotten over the whole thing since the incident, so I accepted his apology when he said he was sorry. Supposedly I’d promised myself I was going to stand my ground and continue being mad, but it would be completely immature and pathetic of me. We’re family anyway. I’m glad we were on good terms again since it would have been awkward during Easter for everyone if we weren’t.

I gathered all the kids (as if they were cows LOL) and got in the truck to visit Gramma and then the groceries. The boys were already fighting before we even left so Mary said watch them when she got back from her trip to Walmart. I decided going all the way to Gramma’s wouldn’t be a good thing to do since Alaethia was already moody. I didn’t want to feel overwhelmed like I did the week before.

The girls behaved amazingly well…until we got to the registers. Alaethia started throwing a fit because she wanted all the junk food in sight and Emily woke up–starving–just when I was putting everything on the conveyor. I’m not sure if it was because I felt stressed and overwhelmed but the store became ridiculously quiet and everyone was staring at us. I fumbled with my wallet and the formula dispenser simultaneously until I popped the bottle in her mouth and she stopped crying, as if nothing ever happened. A woman had the audacity to walk up to me and make a comment, asking WHAT I was doing to the poor child because she couldn’t believe she was the same baby who’d been screaming her lungs out seconds before. I wanted to shout at her, but kept my mouth shut and walked away.

Add to my stress the fact that I’d gone over my grocery budget. We’d been doing so well and I had no idea what happened. I felt awful. I immediately started feeling like I usually do when I feel like we might not make the bills and cried my eyes out. I put everything away while I discussed my worries with Mario. I bawled even more when I told Mario I was just going to have to go back to work. See, the job he was currently at was supposed to only be temporary, till he was called in to Border Patrol. We never expected him to work there till I quit, much less till April. Mario told me to calm down; he’d go back to his old workplace, where he made much more cash and never had to worry about money. The only bad thing was the amount of time he spent at work, which sometimes caused arguments between us, and the time he lacked at home with the kids. But we realized it was only while I was working that we were stressed from not seeing each other and not going out with the kids. We were fine before when I was a SAHM and he was working there. So he made the appropriate calls and they welcomed him back with open arms.

Mary’d come in while I was having my nervous breakdown and she told us not to worry; they’d help us get through everything. I don’t know what I’d do, literally, without our wonderful family. I’m so blessed.

Noelia came over again that night and everyone (Yadira, Aide, Elda and myself, while Yazmin, Mom and Angela watched all the babies) chipped in to help her file like we’d done the night before. I really can’t remember what else we did that night. I know we did a few boxes of filing and then the rest of the night’s a blur LOL.