Latina Country

The death of Procrastination, the birth of Sleep and the resuscitation of Memory!

2014-10-29T19:25:00.000-04:00

Guilty of Procrastinating? Don't think sleep is that important? Want to continue memorizing information regardless of age? There is a class from Coursera.org called Learning how to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to help you master tougher subjects by Prof. Barbara Oakley from the University of California in San Diego, that teaches people how the brain works when it comes to learning.

Procrastination is one of the main things that put a stop on the activity that was in mind. A lot of people develop a feeling of discontent when we focus on the product instead of the process. Realizing that there are 20 math equations to do instead of just doing math problems for a certain time is where the mistake is made. The Pomodoro Technique which consist of focusing for 25 minutes on a certain activity helps us built a positive habit in which we are training the brain to focus on the process of sitting down and doing the math problems. Set a timer for 25 minutes with no distractions and give it all you got. When we look at the 20 math problems that need to be completed we start developing a negative feeling, then we distract ourselves with something else that causes a temporarily happiness but the work itself is still there. After the 25 minutes, taking a break is encourage in order to allow the diffused memory do the work. Go for a walk or take a nap. Washing dishes is my to go relaxing thing to do. After you have allowed to relax the brain you can choose to do more in the afternoon or write it on daily planner for the next day and check off the process of sitting down and focusing on the process. When we do it one day at a time its easier for the brain to create the memory.

I only sleep 6 hours a night and feel fantastic! Why do i need sleep? Coffee is my solution to the problem. This way of thinking sets us up for not learning, memorizing nor understanding the concept of what we are trying to learn. Sleep allows for the toxins in the brain to flush out.Brains sweep themselves clean of toxins during sleep. is an interesting article that explains how a waste product (beta amyloid) is flushed out during sleep. Its a sticky plaque associated with Alzheimer's disease. The following article: Sleep on it: Sleep consolidates memory of new motor task, according to Dr. Mahowald sleep deprivation impairs performance and learning. The brain does not rest during sleep, it consolidates memories and performs memory related functions. Getting a good night sleep is essential to creating memories and learning.

I graduated from college back in 2003. It has been 11 years since I stepped into a classroom. I mentioned to my sister that i am debating about going back to college to pursue a masters degree. She informs me of Coursera, a website that provides free online classes.The fear of being too old and lack of confidence hold me back from entering the college field. Being a stay at home mom for the past 5 years had also disconnected the bridges of professional contact i once had. So now I am "old", not tech savvy and I want to get a masters!? What am i thinking?

Well, guess what! According to Prof. Oakley, age has no imitations when creating new memories. Memory has two main systems: Long term memory which is like a storage warehouse. It takes practice and repetition for it to be formed. Then there is working memory which is like a blackboard that fades. Only four new things can be learned at a time. When we memorize, internalization of materials occur. Visual Memory learning involves the use of flash cards. Handwriting outlines, not typing, allows for the encoding at the neuromemory structure for learning to occur. Creating a visual image representing what you want to learn allows for the images to connect to the right hemisphere of the brain in which the concept will be retained much easier.

So guess what I will be doing to in the next couple of days to prepare myself for the GRE? I will write in my daily planner and set a time to focus on math. Then after the 25 minutes I will play games with my daughter or go rake some leaves. I have been going to sleep around 9:30 vs 11:00 pm and it has helped my energy levels in the morning already. I will create flash cards to aid in memorizing of formulas. Practicing everyday with no interruptions is the main thing i need to work on. I have a 3 and 5 year old and avoiding no distractions is nearly impossible. For now am really excited and motivate to continue learning.

References:
Sleep on it: Sleep consolidates Memory of New Motor task.
Brains sweep themselves clean of toxins during sleep.
Learning How to learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects.

Day 5 of Positive things in my life

2014-10-02T21:03:00.002-04:00

Here is day 5. I can't believe tomorrow is Friday already!

1. We are seeing a marriage counselor and it has been the most amazing experience. We were currently going through a rough patch and now we are growing stronger each day. I am happier and in a better mood then what i was 3 months ago. Its the third best thing that has happened in my life.

2. It was a playing games and just enjoying the time with my 3 yr old. we colored, cut, used stickers, played candy land, play dou, stamps, Lincoln logs and painted. Before i would fret about feeling like i was wasting my time and what not because i was home. I don't feel like that anymore. I appreciate the time and the special one on one bond that i have with my daughter. I am started to enjoy the now more so then anything.

3. We donated some candy to the school pto. They are having a parade on Saturday so it was nice to feel like we were doing something good for an organization. Gringomex is now in kindergarten and teaching him to help out the school is a great learning experience.

God Bless,
Jeanette

Day 4 of Positive Things in my life

2014-10-02T20:53:00.000-04:00

Due to time I totally forgot to log in my day 4. Here it goes:

1. We cleaned the house. The bathroom smells nice and clean thanks to Mr. Clean. All trash was emptied, swept, mopped and toys were picked up. It was nice to see the house in order for a change.

2. I tried a new recipe from Betty Crocker that involved peanut butter on ribs instead of the typical bbq sauce. It was different and it was really good. Placing the ribs in the crock pot made them nice and soft and then i grilled them once they were done to get that nice grilling flavor. I also made apple crips for dessert. I enjoy spending quality time with my 3 yr old daughter.

3. I got on the scale and am happy to have lost 2 pounds. I started doing P90X3 and have seem some muscle toning already. Will keep you posted on that later on.

Overall it was a good day! There were some moments when my 3 yr old had a tantrum and what not but we overcame it.

God Bless,
Jeanette

Day 3 of positive things

2014-09-30T21:34:00.000-04:00

I was sitting during lunch thinking about the positive things that had already happened in my day.

1. I got a chance to go to gringomex's kindergarten class and volunteer for an hour. There is the social connection of the day. I thrive on social communication and having a sense of accomplishment. It was nice to see all the learning centers and help out the teacher. I also had a chance to see my son during the day.

2. I took gringamex to her nursery school orientation. Did more social connecting with the teacher and met new parents. It was nice to see that she goes with the flow and loves to have that connection with other children.

3. I didn't have to make dinner. My husband made dinner tonight so that was really good. I was glad to get a break from the stove.

And tomorrow is Wednesday! The first of October. So far Sept 2014 was great. Adjusting to school wasnt as bad as i thought it would be. Gringomex is in boy scouts. We did apple picking and decorated the house for fall. And yes there have been some arguments between me and my husband along with tears however its a live and learn experience.

God Bless,
Jeanette

Three Good things that Happened. Day2

2014-09-29T19:32:00.004-04:00

I am having a bit of a hard time finding three good things that happened. Here they go:

1. It was nice and sunny outside. I love it when its 70 degrees outdoors. I get to open the windows and let some fresh air in the house.

2. I did some indoor Halloween decorating. I placed bats and ghost on the wall. I put pumkins and leaves falling on the door. I did some leave rubbing on paper with gringamex. We also did some apple activities with the stamps. I enjoyed the time with her.

3. I put a wash on the laundry and my husbands grandmother was soo kind to fold my clothes. I really appreciate the time she took on folding my clothes. I didn't have to worry about folding the clothes which allowed me to enjoy some time to myself tonite. Its the little things that make me happy.

I guess overall it was a good day!

Jeanette

Three Positive Things

2014-09-28T22:28:00.001-04:00

Am taking a course on The Science of happiness on EdX.com and one of the assignments is to write three positive things that happened in my day and reflect on it. I will be doing it for 7 days so here it goes!

Day One
1. We went apple picking and made apple sauce. The best part is that we only paid $2.00 for a bag load of them. They also were selling little pumpkins for the kids to paint for .50c. The weather was beautiful. We also made apple fritters with the leftover apples!

2. We did grocery shopping for two weeks. I dont have to worry about going into town to grocery shop. The best deal was buying big, i mean huge pumpkins for $2.49. Can't beat that price! We also found some ghost and pumpkin decorations for out doors.

3. We cleaned the garage. I finally got rid of bags to be donated to Clusters 13 which is a non profit donation center in town. I couldnt believe the space after cleaning up. My son is 5 and i had bags of clothes that he wore when he was only 18 months old!

God Bless,
Jeanette

Believing in myself with The Pampered Chef.

2013-03-19T21:29:00.001-04:00

I was signed up to sell The Pampered Chef cooking items and I didn’t think I was going to last. My husband signed me up because I wanted half of the products that came in the kit. I was nervous, scared and panicky at first. I was in deep shock to know that my husband had signed me up to do this. Its been four years since I left the house all by myself. I don’t like to drive. I haven’t spoken in in front of people in years. I cant..I cant..I cant…All the negatives was bombarding my head. When I had my first person sign up to do a show I was nervous. I remember crying that night because I was mortified of getting in the car and standing in front of people. They were family relatives and all I could think of was that people where going to think that what I did was a joke. I didn’t believe in it..yet

I did my first show and I survived. then came second and third and so on. I am starting to feel a bit more comfortable and still learning new things every single day. I am thankful to be part of a wonderful team. I can count on my Director and Advance Director to guide me. I am a scary cat when doing new things. Always afraid of asking and the “what if I fail”. I am not alone. Everyone has their moments in life and when we let those fears control us we will never move forward. I, for one am learning to overcome my fear of driving to an unknown place. The more I do it the more comfortable I will be.

The best way to overcome any fear is to just do it! You never know where it will take you. For now I earn free products, flexible schedule and of course I get paid which means its my fun money. How cool is that!

Jeanette

For the love of Paint…

2013-01-23T20:22:00.001-05:00

Ooops..momma caught me! I love the reaction on her face. Priceless! I asked her what is she doing and my son responds by saying “ Mom, she’s a dinosaur.roar.” Once she saw me snapping pictures she decides to approach me and attempt to roar on the camera. She still had the brush on her hand and I was “running” away from her. Luckily she didn’t get it on the camera which was my main concern.

My son loves to paint on paper and my daughter on her body. She has painted her arms with markers and pens. She will chase big brother around with the paint brush thinking its funny while big brother yells saying “oh no! dinosaur is coming to get me!”

I see the two of them and all I can say is appreciate and cherish moments like these. It only happens once and next thing you know they will be teens and all the fun moments will be gone. I remember one of my moms sayings..LOS NINOS SON DULCES PERO CUANDO SON JOVENES SE VUELVEN AMARGOS. If that’s the case then I guess I should enjoy moments like these.

Jeanette

Some easy Valentines Day’s craft. Toddler to preschooler.

2013-01-19T21:53:00.001-05:00

Once we took our Christmas decorations off the house looked empty. I decided to decorate the house for Valentines day because I couldn’t stand looking at my empty walls. We made rainbow hearts with watercolor paint and some foam stickers.

For this craft we painted cardboard boxes red and traced hearts with a cookie cutter. We then printed pictures of loved ones and brushed glued on it. We then placed some stickers on them and hung them on the wall. This was a two day activity. the first day we painted the cardboards and the second day we cut and trace.

This craft was bought at the Dollar store. Its an easy activity for 3 yr olds and up. My daughter kept putting the foam in her mouth and putting the pieces apart. It took about 15 minutes to do this craft. It was a set of three picture frames but my daughter ripped the cupcake one apart.

We went cardboard painting crazy. There was a lot leftover from Christmas that I decided to keep some. we painted the cardboard red and trace hearts with cookie cutters. We cut the heart shapes and place random bear stickers. These were also purchased at the dollar store.

These are a few homemade Valentines day craft perfect for a toddler to preschooler to do. They paint, learn to trace and cut at the same time. Cutting cardboard can be hard on little ones so please be patient when they ask for help more then once.

Happy crafting,

Jeanette

Using my Cricut Expression 2 Electronic Cutting Machine.

2013-01-07T20:43:00.001-05:00

It has been a long time since I wrote something. The holidays were rough on me and my family. Gringo is in the grieving process and staying strong for the family seemed like an arduous task for me. During December I was looking forward for January to come. One of the gifts Gringo bought me was a Cricut Expression 2 machine. I love to scrapbook and designing my own pages is therapeutic for me. There's no right or wrong way and I have no one telling me how to do it.

Here are a couple of things we made. Valentine’s Day is around the corner and after taking all the Christmas decorations off the house seemed empty. We have made other projects too at home which am looking forward to write about it.

The love bug on the top was made by Gringo. I decided to take a shower and when I came out he handed me a love bug…I thought it was really cute! Little things like that make me feel special.

Cricut machine is really easy to use. It took us a couple minutes to figure it out but once you start using it, you don’t want to stop..it can be addicting!!!!

Have a great day!

Jeanette

A Memorable Visit To Santa!

2012-12-09T21:21:00.001-05:00

One of our favorite places to go visit Santa is at Macy’s Herald Square in NYC. We have gone there in the past three years to take our family picture. We usually go on Thanksgiving weekend but this year my family came over to visit us. We didn’t have a chance to see Santa until this weekend. This year was different..actually memorable! You might be asking yourself..Well, if it was a family picture then where is Gringo and Gringomex?..right? Well, here’s the story…

Gringomex was super excited that he woke up at 5:00 am ready to go visit Santa. I on the other hand woke up at 8:00 am which by the time the kids were done eating breakfast we left the house at 9:30. We arrived at Santa Land and the line was so long that it had a two hour wait on line. I was not feeling up for it however Gringo was adamant that he wanted the buttons that they give every single year. He collects them and couldn’t go home without one. Sometimes my husband is more of a kid then the children.

So two hours later we are getting closer to enter the train that takes us to Santa Land. As we are getting ready to take our picture by the train, Gringo decides to pick up Gringomex and all of a sudden he starts throwing up. I place my camera inside my pocket to rescue my North Face jacket. Yes…I was more worried about my jacket then my son. I grab my jacket and start looking for tissues. Of course I wasn’t prepared for this. So we stand him there to the side to do his thing. A lady hands me a couple of tissues and as people try to skip over us we asked our son if he was feeling better. His response was “Momma, I feel better now. I think I can go see Santa.” What a tough cookie!

We continue our journey to see Santa Land. We take a couple of pictures even thought I had a bunch of them from the previous years. I made it a point to take pictures of the two children. Didn’t want Gringamex to feel left out. Finally we are closer to Santa. They place us next in line to take a picture with Santa. Gringomex is anxious, tired…overwhelmed child. So we walk towards Santa. I and Gringamex sit next to Santa and Gringo tries to pick up Gringomex so he could sit next to him. Santa decides to ask Gringomex “What would you like for Christmas?” My sons response “Dad, I think I want to throw up” and out it goes.

You cant see my son but he’s throwing up on the side by Santa’s boot and Gringo is standing next to him. My daughter is looking at him wondering what’s going on and the elf is trying to take a picture of us. I am trying to make my daughter look up towards the camera.

To my surprise Santa remained calm. He had a deep voice that for a moment I thought that he was for real. He told my son that it was ok and to feel better.

Also, while we were waiting on line Gringamex decided to grab my sons finger and bit him.

Memorable and Unforgettable indeed!

Jeanette

Making our First snowman in 2012.

2012-11-27T22:03:00.001-05:00

It s that time of the year again..Winter is around the corner and snow has arrived. I was pretty excited for it. One of the first things Gringomex said was “mom lets go built a snowman, I want frosty to talk to me” It’s a really cute age of innocence. He thinks the snowman is going to come alive like in the cartoons. Gringamex is also excited about the snow. They were having a blast making a snowmen.

Days are going really fast and it amazes me how much they have both grown. Last year Gringamex wasn’t walking and now she’s on her feet building a snowman. I went to Walmart and bought squirt bottles to mix with some food color and water so they can paint in the snow. That will be a fun activity for some other time.

Jeanette

Buying A Fresh Cut Tree at Critz’s Farm.

2012-11-26T21:34:00.001-05:00

This year we decided to go visit Critz’s farm to purchase our Christmas tree. It’s about 10 1/2 feet long, Balsam Fir and we ended up paying $40.00 for it. Gringo forgot to bring his measuring tape, we wanted a 14 foot tree. It took us a while to fine the perfect tree. The kids had a blast walking around the tree farm.

I was exhausted and didn’t really feel like doing any decorating. I decided to grab my camera and take some quick pictures. The kids had fun decorating the tree. I felt like the tree needed more ornaments. One year I would like to make a Disney themed tree. I think the kids would love it.

Jeanette

My new job...Pampered Chef Consultant.

2012-11-12T22:01:00.001-05:00

My sister in law is a Pampered Chef Consultant and she did a show for me. All I wanted was the kit because of all the products in it. Gringo decides to give it a try and join the team. I don’t know if this is something for me. The last time I stood up in front of people was six years ago. I have been in my bubble for quite a while. I worked three years ago but it didn’t involve me doing any sorts of presentations. So I started doing the online training and all these consultant do it because they have goals. I listen and think to myself ..hmmm..do I have goals? What are my goals? What am I going to do when the kids start going to school full time?

Gringo has been asking me if I have decided what I want to do with my future. I end up with the same response..No I don’t..leave me alone..stop bothering me..jeez! Why are you on top of me? I feel like a teenager whose parents are constantly asking what are you going to do after highschool?

Hopefully being a consultant can help me jump start my future. I don’t know if its something for me or not because I do not have any goals..well long term ones anyways. I know what I would like to do in the next month or so but in three years..I don’t know.

Wish me good luck!

Jeanette

The Great New York State Train Fair 2012

2012-11-06T19:57:00.001-05:00

This weekend we went to the Great New York State Train Fair..again! We have been attending this big event ever since Gringomex was a baby. He is soon to be four in a couple of months and I cant not believe that we have been coming to it for this long. Gringo and the children love the trains. I go with them because it’s a family event. This year I felt that I had been starring at an exhibit for so long. It must have been like 30 minutes standing in front of an exhibitor loading and unloading his trains and Gringomex seemed fascinated by it. Gringamex was sleeping so I figured I would stand there and watch the trains go round and round.

I a not a fanatic of trains however I choose to spent the day with my family then to stay at home cleaning and doing laundry or what not. Below are a couple of pictures and I must say that this year Gringomex decided he wanted to ride the train. The past couple of years he would stand and watch and not be bother by it. This year he seemed really contend and happy to ride the train with lil sister.

Can you tell how excited he was at the train show? He has a love for trains and has been telling everyone that he would like Santa Clause to bring him Lego Train set. We will see what Santa can do.

Have a great day!

Jeanette

Where does the time go?

2012-10-31T20:18:00.001-04:00

I have been wanting to write about a lot of things that I do thru out the day. It seems that I can not find time to sit down and write. I have been busy doing cheesecakes or just cleaning around the house. With Gringomex gone to school you would figure that I would have time to sit down and write more. At least that is what I thought. I didn’t get a chance to write about my fantastic canned spaghetti sauce, reasons I love fall in CNY, our visit to the pumpkin patch and the list can go on.

Above is a picture of how the kids dressed up last year in 2011 for Halloween. She was a chicken and he was a cowboy. I took pictures of them this year but I haven’t had the time to upload them. We are getting ready to have our first Pampered Chef party this weekend and was going to surf the web to find some recipes. Sometimes I don not know why I put a lot of chores or stuff to do. I am trying to finish reading a couple of books and I feel like I speed read thru them just to check them off my list.

Today is Halloween and I was ready to tell Gringo that we needed to go grocery shopping tonight. The it hit me…its October 31st already! I am all over the place,don’t know where to start or finish. I cant seem to ever get done doing the dishes or putting the laundry away. I find myself cleaning up after Gringamex’s spills. She is independent and wants to do it all by herself. She tries spoon feeding herself and when she gets frustrated food gets splattered at me. She literally chucks food at me while we are eating. Gringo finds it amusing. I just sit there not knowing what to do. Should I get mad? scream? yell? cry? or ignore it and pretend that it never happened? Its just my imagination. I am dreaming. Its not real. Somebody pinch me so I can wake up.

I guess this is my life..its reality.

Hasta Luego,

Jeanette

Should I go back to college after ten years?

2012-10-22T19:44:00.001-04:00

A couple weeks ago I was told by Gringo that I needed to figure out what I wanted to do once Gringamex goes to school. It will be in 2 years however time seems to be flying by lately. Here is how our conversation went:

Me: “I don’t want to go back to work. I want to stay home and do scrapbooking, cook, clean and read my books. I want to be my own boss. Plus the last time I went to work was almost 4 years ago. Who is going to want me anyways. Plus I don’t see myself working at a retail place nor going back in the restaurant industry. Its too many work hours and no one is going to accommodate me a schedule where I can be home by three. ”

Gringo: True however what are you going to live off by when you get old. My retirement money is not going to be enough. Plus, the lifestyle that you like to live were never going to vacation anywhere.

Me: The lifestyle I like to live! You make it sound like I buy brand name clothes and expensive stuff. I freaking buy clothes from salvation army and go garage selling in the the summer time. Plus your cousin just gave me all that clothes that fits gringamex perfectly. If I wanted to be a mean %^^& I would be like I don’t want used clothes. That’s such a stupid excuse.

Gringo: Well it doesn’t matter what you do. Find a job doing something. I just don’t want you staying home cooking, cleaning and watching novelas while I go to work.

Me: Oh please. Give me a break. We don’t even have the Spanish channels up here. Their in freaking English. We don’t even have cable to begin with. Your just jealous that I can stay at home, sleep in late and do whatever I want to.

Gringo: No, as a matter of fact I love my job.

Me: Well good for you. I love my job too.

Gringo: Find something to do. I don’t care what it is. Just do it.

He turns around to finish his work. I stare at the computer trying to figure out what to do with my life. Yes I have a blog however I don’t think I can make a lot of money to live off it. I don’t want to go back into the restaurant industry because the work is hectic. Plus I don’t really need to work. We have been living decently with Gringo’s salary. I would like to work with children. When I was in high school I was thinking about becoming a Speech and Language Pathologist. I don’t know why I didn’t go into that field.

I have been searching for colleges around the area that offer that degree. Me and my luck have found colleges that are way too expensive. They require test and certain scores to even be admitted. It has been ten years since I last stepped into a classroom. I don’t think I would be able to do it. I don’t feel as smart as I did ten years ago. Plus I am old and have children. I am scared, confused and disappointed with myself. My fear is of stepping into a classroom to find out that its harder then what I thought. Maybe my children took all of my smart brain cells. Yes I graduated with a 3.82 gpa in college however I don’t think I can do it again. I am just too old for college.

Here is what I have figured out so far:

I can be a Speech and Language Pathologist. College is expensive. An hour to drive to it. Need certain scores on GRE and SLP test. Must apply to scholarship.

Occupational Therapist. College is expensive. An hour drive. GRE test-scores indifferent. Must apply for scholarships.

Mental Health Counselor with certificate in Play Therapy. College is cheap! An hour drive. GRE test scores. Not a high demanding job in the area.

Work at my father in laws Greenhouse and pray to make enough money to file taxes and get social security credits.

Continue blogging and focus on marketing. Open an Etsy shop where I can sell specialty cards. Try Ebay and selling at local craft festivals.

Has anyone gone back to school after soo many years? How was it? Did you have any fears and if so how did you conquer them?

Pondering on what to do

Jeanette

When life doesn’t get easier as the holidays approach.

2012-10-18T12:48:00.001-04:00

I suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As soon as fall begins I start feeling down. September went by and it was such a breeze. October is here and I have my ups and downs. I keep myself busy with the two children and then I take charge of other things just to have my mind occupy. The past couple of days I have been thinking a lot about my sister in law that passed away in June. In October its her wedding anniversary and birthday. I would buy her something as part of her wedding anniversary. For her birthday we would all go out and have a nice dinner. Last year we went and got our nails done. I enjoyed the pedicure and gossiping about other people’s life. I miss that part a lot. I cant seem to find someone that I can vent without feeling that I am bothering them. I don’t want to make them uncomfortable nor have them posting what I say on Facebook.

Her birthday will be in a couple of days and I have dreamt her twice already. I don’t know what she is trying to tell me. Maybe I am putting too much thought into it. Four months have passed by and it still feels like it was yesterday. I scan through my pictures or see videos just to catch a glimpse of her. I cry in the middle of the night while everyone sleeps. I called her old phone number knowing that its disconnected. To my surprise someone picked it up but it wasn’t her. It wasn’t Courtney on the phone because she’s not here anymore. No one knows how much I miss her because I have to keep strong for my children and for the world.
I don’t like to drive and this morning I decided to get in the car. Last time I was behind the wheel was 3 years ago. I was nervous about it. I took Gringamex, put her in the car seat and took off. I plug in the address on the GPS for the cemetery. I was going to drop off the painted pumpkins on her tombstone but got lost. I look at the time and realized it was time to go pick up Gringomex from school.
I still have to see that person and pretend.
I still have to deal with special occasions without her.
I still have no one to vent with.
I still have to deal with S.A.D.
Have a good day…I am trying to!
Jeanette

What do dreams mean?

2012-10-16T06:33:00.000-04:00

pic from: ortegareyes.wordpress.com

Lately I have been having scary dreams. The type of dreams where I see the “calaca” (dead) or people trying to hurt me. They are not as bad as they were before. There have been times when I find myself crying in my sleep running away from people that are hurting me. These bad dreams have been more consistent in the past couple days. I don’t know what they could mean. I have heard that dreams are a representation of the unknown.

I am not a believer of Celebrating the day of the Dead. I decorate the house with pumpkins and follow the American culture of dressing up the kids to go trick or treat. They get free candy however I end up throwing it to the garbage. I don’t want my children consuming all that sugary stuff. Am very conscious of it since my dad has Diabetes.

I have been doing my prayers every night but have not gone to church for quite a while. There is not a church like the one I used to go to in this area. My soul is worried and preoccupied. I don’t know what it could mean. I have searched it on google but haven’t found the real meaning of my dream. This is what I dreamed:

I was on the front lawn of a persons house walking with the kids. The house was big with a huge maple tree in the front lawn and beautiful green grass. I turn around and there was the dead lady with black dress and long black hair. She was all bones on her face. It was “la calaca”. She was trying to reach for me like she wanted to tell me something or get me. I started running with the kids and all of a sudden my husbands Uncle B. comes in a red truck trying to save me. In the truck was Gringo’s grandmother, my mother in law and his Uncle B. I was running trying to get into the car and somehow had managed to get the kids inside. The “calaca” was still chasing me. Uncle B. is driving up the bridge and I am hanging on the door. All of a sudden am awaken by Gringo.

Disturbed and Perturbed

Jeanette

Leave stamping with toddler

2012-10-15T21:37:00.001-04:00

Usually its Gringamex and Gringomex doing an activity together. Now that he is off to school I spent more one on one time with her. It is weird not having big brother around. I am used to setting up the area for two children vs just one. She is only 17 months and am amazed that she learns very quick. When she was younger we would paint with yogurt. She did attempt to taste the paint however she realized that it didn’t taste good.

Taa-daa…Here is her creation!

Have a blessed day!

Jeanette

Making a Ghost with Toilet Paper

2012-10-14T21:44:00.001-04:00

This was a fun activity to do. It is quite simple and takes about 15 minutes not counting the time it has to dry.

Here is what you will need:

Toilet paper

glue

wiggly eyes and a piece of black pipe cleaner.

Unfortunately I didn’t take any pictures of the children doing this activity. I find myself constantly watching Gringamex (17 months). She was tearing the toilet paper and trying to put it in her mouth. Gringmex (3Yr) had quite squeezing the glue out of the bottle.

Here is what we did:

In a container we tore some toilet paper and poured some glue. We waited until it was “doughy” consistency. Then we smashed it with out fingers on black construction paper. Placed the eyes and black pipe cleaner as a mouth. Let it air dry and placed it on our mantel.

Have fun!

Jeanette

Gringomex first day of school.

2012-10-08T21:34:00.001-04:00

A couple days ago Gringomex started nursery school. At first I was skeptical of how he was going to act. I thought he was going to cry and scream. Unfortunately for me he didn’t. Yes, I wasn’t feeling happy that he didn’t display any signs of separation anxiety. I wanted him to scream and cry. I wanted to feel like he needed me! He doesn’t have separation issues, quite the contrary. I am feeling lost without him. I miss our regular schedule and activities. You might think..hmm doesn’t she have another child? Yes I do. I have a beautiful daughter however it doesn’t replace him.

Yes there are days that I want to run away from all the meltdowns and whining he does. Its not always bad thou. He has his good and not so good days. I think it depends on what side of the bed he wakes up

I have been with him for almost four years. When he was about 4 months old, I started feeling like he was a tumor that was growing and growing…stuck on me. It was quite an adjustment period that took me a while to get used to. Now he is off into the world ready to explore. I am happy that it has been a smooth transition for him however I feel sad that my little helper is gone.

Then again I have another child to focus on and give some one on one attention. I just wonder how its going to be when she goes to school.

Jeanette

Calabazas (Pumpkins) made with milk jugs and little huggies juice container.

2012-10-03T03:37:00.000-04:00

One of the things that I love about fall is that we decorate the house. I had leftover supplies from last year. The stickers and foam piece sets are from Oriental Trading. I have also seen them at Wal Mart and the Dollar Store. It’s a fun activity that takes about 15 minutes.

Here is what you will need:

Milk jugs and little huggies juice containers.

Orange acrylic paint

paint brushes

foam stickers.

Paint the plastic containers. Let them dry. Place stickers on the containers once they are dry.

Simple, easy and makes the house look cute!

Enjoy!

Jeanette

Calabaza (Pumpkin) Cutouts made from Cereal Boxes.

2012-10-02T11:54:00.001-04:00

Gringomex has started nursery school and one of the main things for him to start learning is his name. We made these pumpkin cutouts and hanged them on the pantry door. We repeat the letters so that he can start learning how to spell his name.

Here is what you will need:

Cereal box

Orange paint

pumpkin cookie cutter

acorns- we picked them out on the backyard.

container to place the materials

green marker

scissors

Place the cereal box in the plastic container. Pour orange paint. Dump acorns and shake it!

Let it dry. Stencil the pumpkin on the back side where there is no paint. Cut and paint the green stem. Write the childs name and place it somewhere where the child can see it.

Enjoy!

Jeanette

October is here and so is the Letter C for Calabaza (Pumpkin).

2012-10-01T21:58:00.001-04:00

We have been working on making our Halloween decorations slowly but surely. I find it hard to take pictures of how the children are involved along with the step by step process. Gringamex (soon to be 17 months) needs some guidance where as Gringomex knows what to do. I find myself having to take the tissue paper away from her mouth often times or taking her down from the table since she insist on climbing on it while “trying” to focus on the activity of the day.

Calabaza Sun Catchers.

Here’s what you need:

contact paper

orange tissue paper

scissors

green and red sharpie markers

calabaza cookie cutter as stencil.

Place contact paper on table, fill half of it with orange tissue paper cut out into squares. Fold the other half on top of the tissue paper. Stencil the calabaza shape, cut and decorate with markers. Place on window.

Enjoy!

Jeanette