Stories that hug

I love storytelling, which is why I'm such an avid reader of books, blogs, magazines, and online news sites. There are some really good storytellers out there. I'd like to think my kids think I'm pretty good at it too. I know Mr. Fliz always praises my storytelling. 

My Dad told me some great stories as a kid. My favorite is of a character he invented, called Mekekekwek (pronounced Meh-keh-kek-wek) and he told us stories of his adventures. I devoured those stories about this old man. I still remember the stories of him going to eat at Sizzlers (this was a favorite of mine), and I'd correct my father if he didn't repeat the story word for word. Imagine having to recite a story three or four times a week that you made up to a young child, for years to come. It's a lot of pressure to get each detail right, just as you had the first time you told it. My Dad, however, always repeated the Mekekekwek stories to me as much as I liked. I'm sure he tired of it, but he always came through. I never forgot that time spent with him as he laid next to my bed. Who knew that years later, even as an adult, I'd yearn to hear them all over again. I wonder if my father could remember?

Since becoming a mother, I try and instill into my children, a love for books and reading. I would read aloud to Micro even when he was in my tummy. We began reading to Micro when he was only days old, and to this day, that hasn't stopped. He's developed a love for books. He is that kid, the one who will patiently sit on your lap as you read countless books to him. Micro never tires of it. He loves storytelling so much that I've come up with my own "character," named "Madro." He is about the same age as Micro and has similar interests. Every now and then, Micro will request a "Madro" story from me and I do my very best to repeat those beloved stories I've told him. Mr. Fliz even enjoys hearing them. 

I hope Micro will continue to have an appreciation for stories and books. In fact, he sometimes rewards me with his own "Madro" stories. 

It's almost March!!

I don't know how you all feel, but I am just getting used to it being February, then all of sudden, March is creeping in. Geez, where has the time gone? Well, my babes and I (sans Mr. Fliz) enjoyed some quality time with some of our favorite people in the world this past holiday weekend, and you can read about our adventures here. 

Today, I volunteered at Micro's preschool. It's always such a joy to get a sneak peek at what goes on in my son's life at school. I get a better sense of who he is outside my jurisdiction. I must say, he's becoming more and more physical each day. Something I'm not quite accustomed to. I grew up with a sister and most of my friends all had daughters for their first pregnancies. Playing with dolls and coloring are what I'm used to. Seeing Micro behave like a total four year old Boy was eye-opening. I definitely see a tremendous emotional, physical, and mental development since I last volunteered (last year during his first time in preschool). He was the youngest in his class then, and this year, because he didn't meet the age requirement to move him along with his previous classmates, we opted for him to do another full year with the same teacher, and now he's the oldest in his class. 

Because I am a sahm, I knew all the kids pretty well and it was a joy to see how they all behaved and acted in class. I'm more aware of who Micro's "crew" is and how he plays with them. I'm looking forward to experiencing this with Micron too, and it won't be long before she'll be in preschool too. Then, I can breathe, just a little.

Mwah! Mwah!

Micro's preschool Valentine treats: brownies and yogurt flavored raisins

I hope you all had a nice Valentine's Day (if you didn't celebrate, I hope you had a good day, regardless). Ours started with a playdate for Micro in the morning, and then an evening of time well spent with my beloveds. Mr. Fliz and I usually celebrate Vday days beforehand (we celebrated last weekend) because we just don't believe in dining out when restaurants jack up the prices for one day. And since having kids, I'd much rather cuddle with my wee ones in the evening. BUT, this year, Mr. Fliz did want to eat out for a simple meal with the kids. Hustling our butts out the door to a nearby Mexican restaurant for a quick meal complete with a margarita and michelada.  Have you ever tried a michelada? It's delicious, and very similar to a bloody mary, except there's beer in it. 

By the time we were done with dinner and headed home, poor Micron came down with a high fever that lasted 27 hours. Lucky for us, some special Vday packages from my sweet in-laws waited in our mailbox. That cheered US ALL UP. Who doesn't love personal mail, right?

This long weekend, I'm traveling with my babies and a few friends up to the snow. Mr. Fliz will stay behind and do some work while we sled the day away up in Tahoe. By next season, we're looking forward to having Micro start on ski/snowboard lessons. I can't believe it's mid February! I feel like the month just started. Hope you readers enjoy your weekend!

Michelada--Yummy!! 

street tacos

Rise for all those you love

Happy hearts day to you all. Love takes many forms, but nothing is more important than to love oneself and our neighbors. Today, apart from hugging and loving my dear sweet family and good friends, please take time to pray for those that don't have a voice to be heard and that need love. For all the women and girls that are abused physically, emotionally, and mentally, they need our hearts to open and stand up for them.

As a woman, a mother, a wife, a sister, and a daughter, let our everyday actions speak volumes about the people we want to become. We are a sisterhood that needs to help and love one another. We must be examples to our daughters. Let us stand up against all human injustices. 

The trouble with aging

Lately, Micron has had a miniature obsession with all things makeup. Of course, naturally, she's a girl. I guess. I don't think I ever went through that phase. Growing up, I owned a skateboard, and the most girly thing I remember having was my yellow-huffy bike, complete with a white and yellow wicker basket with flowers. I owned 3 Barbie's growing up, and I broke roller skate Barbie's legs because I thought it would be fun to see how well she does the splits, and after that happened, I could've cared less for Barbie. It's my lovely sister who inherited a love of all things girly. I'm not saying I'm a total tomboy, but I've had very little interest in makeup. Maybe I should. Ahem. Especially, since I'm aging. Ugh. 

I remember my Dad asking me if I was wearing any makeup at all on Junior Prom, right as my date was picking me up . . . "Uh, yeah Dad, I'm wearing some." He proceeded to tell me that he couldn't tell and that I should wear some lipstick. I was wearing lipstick. It was just a tad shade darker than the color of my normal lips. I had stopped my mom from putting on too much makeup on me because I couldn't stand the fact that my face was covered in foundation and I felt my skin couldn't breathe. My feelings have not changed much since. How I survived my wedding day baffles me. I remember wanting to scratch my face with the amount of makeup I had on. Never Again. Until my sister's wedding, of which I'm sure I have no choice but to don heavy painter's face again. Any of my family members and friends will tell you that they can probably count on both hands the number of times they've seen me wear makeup. And, how old am I? Sad, but true.

However, as I'm getting older, I feel the need to look a bit more put together. Perhaps I should wear more than just lipstick/lip gloss. Should I add a touch of blush and simple shadow everyday? Possibly bring some color to my face compared to my rather lackluster winter momiform of leggings and oversized sweaters. I'll always appreciate the au natural look. I admit that I am utterly clueless when it comes to makeup. If my sister and best friend were to chime in on this post, there would be plenty of funny and horrible stories about me and makeup. Somehow, I never managed to create a friendship with a makeup palette (that's assuming I own one, and I don't!). 

Imagine my horror when I see my little girl getting into makeup and thinking to myself, "You have the wrong mommy, honey." In her tiny little hands she carries chapstick and one of two, Hello Kitty lip glosses. (Is anyone else kind of grossed out by "kid makeup?) 
I accept this is just part of her curiosity and growing up. I'm not looking forward to her getting into the princess phase and I know most little girls go through it. There's nothing wrong with little girls loving princesses and makeup. I am not judging. But, how am I supposed to finesse my way through these stages when I didn't? I never dressed as a princess for Halloween (at least in my recollection and as evidenced from past photos). Maybe Micron will teach me a thing or two about applying shadow and "blending." Then, maybe then, I'll grow up a little bit more.

Micron playing "makeup"

Checking In

It's been a busy start to our February. I've been taking the kids out a lot, at least last week, when the weather seemed like Spring had sprung on us. But I've posted a great recipe for you mamas out there looking for a little something different to serve other than chicken noodle soup (which is one of my favorite comfort foods) over here. We had a lovely weekend spent with family and friends. My lovely sis and Lola took my kids out to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where everyone had a blast. Micron enjoyed it so much she keeps asking when's the next time. Superbowl Sunday was spent catching up with good friends who are Niner Faithfuls. YOU HAD AN AMAZING SEASON 49ERS, get 'em next year!