Are you paying attention?

Cairo sqare chaos intensifies, violence spreads...

Tuesday Mash-up

Well, I had fully intended to write this post yesterday; with the cute title "Monday Mash-up." But... my day got away from me, and it just didn't happen. It would've sounded a lot cuter with the alliteration and all. And, yes, we are watching the first season of Glee, which is why the word mash-up is now in my vocabulary.

So, in one BIG giant recap post - this is what we've been up to:

Bobby and I traveled to my brother's house two weekends ago. My niece Ashley celebrated her 11th birthday, so we headed on over for a visit. The weekend was cut short though, because Bobby had gotten sick with a cold. I had doubts of going, but I went anyhow. His disposition was fine during the day, but it made for a rough night. He doesn't sleep too well in the pack n play anyhow, so it was a "fun", double-whammy for me!

Look at this silly guy in the car on the way over! He kept putting his blanket on his head. Too cute...

Winston also joined us for the trip over.

Every time we head to my brother's house, Bobby loves to play on their piano. I see lessons in his future!

While we were in Atlanta, Bob was in Gainesville at the University of Florida. He attended the Gator Club Leaders Weekend. The event was described as an opportunity for all current and future Gator Club officers from across the country to come together to sharpen their skills, hear updates from the university, and be recognized for their volunteer accomplishments. Bob is on the board of the Gator Club here in Birmingham.

He had the opportunity to hear Jim Foley speak. He is the athletic director at UF.

There was also an awards ceremony the first night. The Birmingham Gator Club was nominated for four awards, but did not nab a win. Better luck next year!

Bob did enjoy himself over the weekend. He came home pumped up for football season! Too bad we've got awhile to go before it starts again. We are shooting to go to at least two games next season.

Other than these travels, things have been pretty low-key. Bobby was sick all last week, and Bob was as well. We were able to jump back into all of our normal activities towards the end of the week - including a trip to the zoo (post soon to follow.)

Bobby's been reverting back to being an infant, and doing a lot of this! I can't help but laugh when I walk into a bathroom to find his little masterpieces.

We've also been doing some upgrades around the house, like a new kitchen faucet:

It's horrendous outside right now with lots of rain and wind. I hope everyone stays safe, as this massive snow storm pounds the midwest. I think we are just expected to get rain. It sounds like a good night to snuggle on the couch and watch more Glee! Ha!

M.I.A. Part Deux

I've had my hands full lately with a sick little munchkin. What started out as a little congestion, has turned into a full-blown, snot running, coughing cold. We've missed a lot of fun activities and outings this week, and I'm hoping Bobby will be back to 100% soon, or close to it. Our fourth semester of Kindermusik starts tomorrow, and I'd hate for him to miss it!

I do feel like I totally jinxed myself though with him getting sick. Last week, at a friend's birthday gathering, I was talking with my friend Ginger. We were both impressed with the fact that our kids had only been sick a couple of times since school started last August! Well, Bobby had been sick just twice; her little girl, once. And, of course, he wakes up sick the next morning. Do you feel like you jinx yourself with your kids ever? Ha!

Bob and I did manage to go out of town this weekend though. I'll fill everyone in on a little trip recap, as soon as I have some free time (hopefully today during nap time). As of right now, we're just hanging out upstairs in our "man cave"/media/play room {This room is yet to be defined.}

I hope to catch up with everyone very soon!

The Good... the bad... THE UGLY...

The Good: I absolutely love my new blog design.

the bad: I haven't had much time to update it.

THE UGLY: Who am I kidding? I have no motivation.

The Good: We don't pay for anything on credit.

the bad: My house is utterly bare, and undecorated.

THE UGLY: We've lived in it for 2 years.

The Good: We bought a used (one time) P90x for $50.00!!!

the bad: My whole body is sore.

THE UGLY: The pull-up bar damaged our door jamb.

The Good: Going for a run later today.

the bad: With the stroller.

THE UGLY: I am more likely to walk hills, because of said stroller.

The Good: Our 'hood was just awarded "America's Best Community."

the bad: Our HOA fees increased this year.

THE UGLY: Having to pay the fee in January... right after Christmas. Sheesh.

Want to play along with The Good...the bad...THE UGLY?

Head on over to I.M.T.L.Y and {analyze this} to grab their button!

The Matriarch turns 90

During the holidays, one of our destinations was Miami. My grandmother {Abuela} celebrated her 90th birthday over the New Year's holiday. For those of you that do not know me on a personal level, let me give you a little background information:

I am half-Cuban. My mother is a Cuban exile. She fled Cuba during Fidel Castro's revolution, leaving behind family, and most importantly her own father. Eventually, my mother, her two sisters, and grandmother settled into a completely new life in the States. My grandfather was not so fortunate, and died in Cuba, as a political prisoner.

My grandmother by definition is truly a matriarch. She has managed to hold together a family that was ripped apart due to politics, and oppression. I am amazed at how close knit the family has remained - spanning out through several generations, and distance.

While I feel like my grandmother's life story is not only worthy of a separate post completely, but a book; I will say that she is truly a hero in my eyes. As my brother stated at her party during a toast, our generation has no idea what sacrifice is. Abuela has endured a life full of blessings, but also sacrifice and hurt. Imagine leaving your home behind, without your spouse, and having to start over with your children in a new country? I could not fathom.

However, today; she stands 90 years young, as a woman that many admire. So, I hope and pray that we will all be together again soon, for another milestone birthday. But, most importantly, I pray that we continue to learn from her, stay close to our loved ones; as she has worked so hard for us to do just that.

Abuela - 3 years old

Abuelas as the Bride - 22 years old

Abuela - 24 years old

Family Vacation - 1956

Trip to Spain - 1957 {my mom is girl in the middle}

Abuela with her three daughters - 1975 {my mom is seated in the front}

All of the following photos are courtesy of Enrique Colls.

An attempted photo of Abuela with her 16 great-granchildren.

Abuela with her 9 grandchildren (in birth order, from left to right.)

My sister and her boyfriend, with Bob and me.

My siblings and Abuela.

Abuela's three granddaughters.

Lorraine (SIL), Me, Bob, Stephen (cousin), Ricky (cousin), Ryan (sister's bf), and Kathy (sister).

Abuela and her offspring!

My immediate family.

Abuela with her three daughters. From left to right: Marilu, Sylvia (my mom), and Gloria.

The birthday girl.

The party was held at the Big Five Country Club in Miami. The club represents Cuban tradition, as it is a place in Miami where members of the five original yacht and golf clubs in Havana, Cuba can be a member there too. The party had well over 100 guests which simply gave Abuela or "Lela," the gift of love, happiness, and blessings.