Hectic Holidays

Finally…a chance to update. Well, actually…I put off mopping all darn day (I’ve had the water with nicely scented Mr. Clean in a bucket in the kitchen since around 5 this afternoon ) and I still haven’t washed dishes. And it’s 11:41. But I’m dead tired. The past few nights I’ve only slept 4-5 hours…and I cannot function on that little sleep.

The last time I updated, I mentioned we were picking Eenan up from school. There was a huge line so we parked at some apartments. We cross the street and while I’m zipping up Jaylen’s sweater I hear Noelia saying, “What?!” I turn and this man is howling from across the street, “Is this your car?!” I nod my head and he says, “Do you live here?” I yell ‘no’ and he says, “You have to move your car!” I tell him I’ll be right back and I hear him yelling his head off. We rush to get Eenan, then rush back to the car. Took us less than 5 minutes. When we get back, we’re putting the boys in the car and there comes the buffalo-sized man. I roll my eyes at Noelia and think, ‘Oh great…another run-in with a douchebag’. He says, “Do you rent here?” I reply, “Nope, are you the owner?” and continue buckling Eenan in his seat belt. He says, “No, but I’m the landlord. You can’t be parking here.” I say, “I know, Sir. We just needed to get my son. We took less than 5 minutes.” He says, “Well, I’ve been getting calls that people have been leaving their cars here all week.”

I feel my face get hot. “Well, this is the first time we do it, and it’s not like we’re going to do it again. It’s not like we’re taking up the parking spaces,” I said, as I glide my hand in the air, Vanna White style, showing him the empty parking lot. He gets all pissy and says, “Well, I already got your license plate number and I’ll call the cops.” I roll my eyes, begin to walk to the passenger side of the car and say, “Um. Okay. Go ahead. What’s that going to do?” He just stares at me for a while and I say, “I’ll be sure to let everyone I know, know about you and your apartments.” He chuckles and says, “Oh, that don’t scare us.” (Us? Was he skitzo?) I open the door to the passenger side, get up in his face and say, “Well, you don’t scare me.” I closed the door on him (while he continued to talk out his ass), which pissed him off more and I just smiled all sarcastic-like as we drove off. Idiot. Some people just LOVE to be assholes. And I usually have the pleasure of running into assholes. They think, because of my appearance I bet (I look like I’m 16 and helpless–a doctor told me a few months ago that I look like I’m 12!), that I’ll just let myself be talked down to. Boy do they ever get a surprise. I may end up getting my ass kicked one of these days, but hell, I’m not one to keep my mouth shut.

Thursday was spent baking. I woke up, got the boys ready and dropped Eenan off at school. Then I started baking. And making lunch for Mario and Jose. All the while, panicking over Eenan’s lost white polo shirt that he needed that night for his performance. I was a wreck that day–I surely thought I’d have a breakdown. Mario finally had a day off, and I didn’t want to bother him since he was spending time with Jose…but there were a few times I was on the brink of a system meltdown and I just had to ask him to help me out. I know I shouldn’t have felt guilty (I even got all pissy once when he left “without telling me”). It is partly the whole monthly, almost-bleeding-to-death thing’s fault .

I helped Eenan with his homework after Mario picked him up, then I took a shower and then got him ready. I was a bit disappointed that his shirt didn’t fit him as well as I wanted it to (Mary bought it the night before and matched it with another polo of his that fits him). He still looked adorable though :).

It was starting to drizzle by the time we left the house. Eenan’s performance started at 6:30 and Yazmin’s started at 6. So, we planned to go see Yazmin for a bit, then rush to Eenan’s school to get our plates ($15 for 3) and take Eenan with his class to practice or whatever they were going to do to get ready. We were going to leave around 6:20…but they didn’t start the concert till 6:15 so we didn’t even get to see her sing (she had a solo!). We took Angela with us when we left and halfway to their school I realize we forgot the camcorder. It’d stayed with Noelia. I called and asked if Noelia and Mary and Jaylen could come a little earlier to bring the camcorder. I was getting really upset about not recording him on his first program ever, but they got there on time. It was crazy–it was SO packed. I hope they never have their programs at that place again. There were no seats by the time we got there. We bought our plates in advance, and still didn’t even get to get seats. So Mario asked for our money back. There were also people getting in the way while I was recording. They very well saw that I was recording and would still insist on passing right in front of me. Other than that, their little programs were great . I almost cried watching Eenan sing his little song and wave the tissue paper pom-poms around they gave them to perfom with. I’m so proud of my lil’ guy *sniff*.

When we got home, I got comfortable and back to baking I went. After finishing the snickerdoodles, I started on the sugar cookies. I’d never made them before and well, they didn’t come out as good as I’d hoped. They taste great…they’re just kinda hard . I think I almost made Grandpa’s dentures fall out . Next time I know: roll the damn dough out thicker.

I let the boys decorate a few before they went to bed. I bought them these edible markers to paint the cookies with, since I don’t trust them too much with the squeezable gels LOL.

Here’s the cookie Eenan made his teacher:

And the ones I decorated and would put in a star-shaped box with some snickerdoodles:

There were dozens of snickerdoodles (which would quickly disappear within the next few days) and a whole bunch of (hard) sugar cookies. I even burned a batch and there were still a whole lot left:

Snickerdoodles & cupcakes

Sugar cookies

You can see the teeny cupcakes behind the snickerdoodles. Since they were mini cupcakes…1 box of batter made 72 cupcakes . I was up till 1:30am that night.

I don’t remember much from Friday, except taking Eenan’s goodies to school. All the kids were gathered around us admiring the cupcakes LOL. Eenan gave his gift to Ms. Ortiz, which was a little apple-shaped ceramic plaque that says, “Teachers plant a seed that never stops growing”, or something like that. She also gave him a “reader” to practice over the holidays. She said he’s her top student and she wants him to read it first. Yay . I hope he can pick up soon. He’s learning to read pretty quickly.

When we picked Eenan up, he was really happy. His friend gave him some Yugioh cards and he got a car in the gift exchange and his other friend gave him some little cars. Ms. Ortiz hugged him and said, “Santa’s gonna bring you lots of toys since you were such a good boy this year,” and we winked in agreement.

Mario picked John up that night. He’ll be staying with us the whole 3 weeks of Christmas vacation.

On Saturday I got up early, got Mario ready for work (ironed clothes, made breakfast), gave the kids breakfast and took off to go do Mom’s Christmas shopping with Mary. Not only did we make good time, but I found stuff that everyone would like, and for good prices. I even got myself Polite Panda from Hot Topic from Mom. Last one they had. Tonight though, after showing Mary the bear, she brings a Hot Topic bag out and says, “I didn’t want to say anything because I wanted it to be a surprise, but I already got you that one” LOL. So, I’ll be returning the other one. Not sure what I’ll get in it’s place…they don’t have Perfect Panda, Treat Heart Pig or anything else (for that price, $8.99) that I want there. Stupid store. I hope they have some more in by the time we go back Friday . We left the mall at around 3:30, got home and got the boys ready and left to Gorilla George’s for a birthday party. We got there really late, but they were happy we showed up. The boys played till around 5:30 and then we left. To ANOTHER birthday party at ANOTHER pizza place. They had fun. They were quickly becoming moody at the 2nd party since they hadn’t had their naps, but we stayed since they wanted us to have cake. Tres Leches cake. One of my favorites. It tasted so good, but of course I’ve been nauseous the past few days so I didn’t get to enjoy it. No, I’m not pregnant LOL. Here’s a pic I took of the boys in the Santa corner:

They’re actually not trying to kill eachother for once LOL.

We went home and left the boys with John. We were going back to the mall for the “sale” and to Target for a few things. We were meeting Mario at the mall after he got out of work. It wasn’t as crowded as I thought it would be, but for being almost midnight it was still busy. I got the last of the stuff I needed for Mom, which felt awesome. I still need Mario’s, but he wants shirts so that’ll be easy. We got home around 12:15, and again I didn’t go to sleep till really late since the toilet tank overflowed and John left wet towels and my fish mat soaked on the floor and I had to wash them. Then I was just talking to Mario, who stayed up even later than I did.

We got up early to go to the big flea market/ garage sale. I took a shower and then we were off. John gave me $20 as my Xmas gift to spend there . I went back to that same lady I bought the sleeping bags from last month and she had the Jurassic Park comforter and complete set of Care Bear sheets (for $6…$2 less than what she was asking last time)! All I got next was a new release Twink Sprite for my Hot Topic Rainbow Brite Doll, two Care Bear poseables (which I thought were vintage but aren’t! Should’ve paid attention!), and yet another Putter Popple, which I bought only because the lady wouldn’t sell the pocket Puzzle Popple seperately. She said it was Putter’s baby and that’s the way they came, which is not true . She sold it to me for a dollar more than she was asking last time, too. Dammit. They had a Yum Yum…a cat, but it was really dirty and she wanted $5. I would have bought her, but I was a bit annoyed that she didn’t want to sell me a Twink mini sprite because she was only selling it with a really beat-up looking Rainbow Brite doll, so I said, ‘nah’. I have enough ugly Rainbow Brite dolls LOL. Plus, I was bitchy because I’m menstrual . I’ve been quite unpleasant this month.

After the garage sale we went to the movies to watch Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. Don’t know if I spelled that correctly. I thought it was cute, but Mario and Sonia didn’t like it LOL. Not sure who else didn’t. I want to read the books now. And they look pretty short, so I’d be able to finish them quickly, without many interruptions from the boys.

Ok, going to bed now.

on Friday, December 24th, Bex said:

The pics of your boys are so lovely! I thought they looked sweet before, but now I have a baby of my own it’s like ‘wow, Lydia will be that big soon!’

You should post the recipes for your snickerdoodles (love that word…no idea what the hell they are though! ha!) as I’m on a big baking kick at the moment. I need inspiration!

Hope you have a great Christmas and get loadsa prezzies! xxx

on Thursday, December 23rd, Rachel said:

Happy Christmas!

I got your stuff in the mail yesterday=) THANKS!! =) My sister was jealous of the card lol – she loves Pooh stuff. Your envelope is like actually a little more ready to go….it won’t get there for Christmas unless I can sneak up to the roof and pitch it into Santa’s sleigh…:)…..so it’ll be sent maybe the 27th, after Christmas crazyness is over….night (falls over practically asleep). Will think of you guys on Christmas!! =)

on Wednesday, December 22nd, Johanna said:

Hey I have another blog just for Frederick! I would have been so proud of Freddy in a childen’s program! i can’t wait! I went to the mall too but earlier, but I am not sure if I would’ve known who you were! There are TONS of people there! Hope you have a great holiday season!

PS: I know what u mean about people saying you look young. I will be teaching H.S next year and I am serioulsy freaking and out worried that they will treat me like shit cuz I look younger than them.

on Wednesday, December 22nd, rockerchickrulz@aol.com“>Gonzo said:

Get some sleep Yaya. And buy some garlic to make that dinner πŸ˜› Teehee. Those cookies look yummy btw.

on Tuesday, December 21st, Jessica said:

Weird. I just know I commented yesterday… ? *shrugs* Anyway, yes long entry! The boys are precious! I always think kids’ school programs are so cute to watch. I hate those anal retentive people that think they’re better than you, esp. at Christmas time. Grr. πŸ™ I’m so envious that you do all of this cooking. We do like ziltch in our kitchen (usually). Hope you have a very merry Christmas and have gotten all of your shopping done! Take care, and thanks for the gift too. πŸ™‚

on Tuesday, December 21st, jody said:

πŸ˜€ That was the longest blog i have ever READ! πŸ™‚ hehe awhh your boys are looking cuter everytime i visit. And make me some cupcakes, send them airmail to Joanne.. hehe πŸ™‚ Have a merry christmas and a happy new year hun xx

on Tuesday, December 21st, Aneesah said:

Yep, that’s another long blog entry. And guess what? I read it all this time! Yay! *feels proud*

Hehe, thanks for coming over to my site too, first of all. πŸ™‚

Those cookies look so yummy! Me wanna eat them! I’ve never made sugar cookies either…In fact all my mother bakes is apple pie and cheese cake. And occasionally some odd cookie recipe from cereal boxes. πŸ˜›

Garage sales are cool! My mother says we used to get a lot of stuff from yard sales and such, when we lived in the US. There aren’t any garage sales here… (Or even garages! lol!)

Happy holidays to you and your cute boys! Have a great 2-0-0-5!

on Tuesday, December 21st, Lauren said:

hehe awww such cute pictures. the other day i was looking at those edible markers.. i was like whoa wtf?! πŸ˜› and i’m always hearing things called snickerdoodles but i have noooo freaking idea what they are.. so fill me in! :blush:

on Monday, December 20th, tara said:

awww… jaylen and eenan look sooo cute! you guys have been sooo busy, hopefully after the holidays you’ll be able to relax a bit more.

on Monday, December 20th, laurie said:

yay! I got your christmas card today! thank you so very much! And thanks for the little surprise in it too! sooo cute! Hope you have a merry christmas and god bless you and your family darling! hugs

on Monday, December 20th, Diana said:

Sounds like you’ve been really busy! hehe. Glad you were able to get most presents by now, it’s a pain leaving that for the last minute, as it usually happens :/ Hmm oh those cookies look yummy! I feel like eating them now, lol and tres leches, love that as well.

Hope you have happy holidays Yaya!