Never Too Early For Christmas

Today is Nov. 23, and while most people are looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner with family – not to say I’m not – I’m on Christmas mode.


Yup, I’m one of those happy, peppy people. The ones who count the days until Christmas. The ones who bump Christmas music weeks before Dec. 25. In fact, this morning, one of the first questions, I asked my husband was, “When are we getting our tree?” In typical Scrooge fashion, he said, “Can you wait for Thanksgiving to pass?” Geez, what a grouch.

I think it’s just who I am. Those who know me will attest: I’m a happy, go lucky gal, who is almost always in good spirits, and tries to find the positive side of things. I’m a dreamer. Someone who believes in miracles. I have a lot of love to give and believe in the kindness of strangers. Don’t get that confused with being naïve because I’m not. But I do like to give people the benefit of the doubt. We all deserve a break every once in a while.

Back to my main point: Christmas. So why do I love Christmas so much? Because it’s a time for giving, being thankful, forgiving, a time for spreading joy and peace, and most of all – LOVE.

I got into the Holiday spirit this weekend by scouting the stores I plan to hit on Friday (BTW, my local Disney Store opens at 4 a.m. and I already know what I’m getting for Frank). I also decided to spread my cheer at the Valencia-Martinez household by watching what will likely be a Holiday Classic from here on out: SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS.

In SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS, the lovable “Buddies,” B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha, Mudbud, and Rosebud embark on a thrilling journey to the magical world of Santa’s Workshop. When Puppy Paws, the fun-loving son of Santa Paws, gets tired of the North Pole, he checks out Santa’s “naughty” list and finds Budderball’s name right on top.

Puppy Paws heads south to meet the Buddies and find out how “ordinary” pups spend their days. But when the world begins to forget the true meaning of the holidays and the magic of the season begins to literally melt away, it’s up to Puppy Paws and his newfound Buddies to save the day in another epic adventure. Their extraordinary exploits highlight the importance of collaboration, courage and tradition in a joyous celebration of life and friendship.

The movie is out tomorrow, and I absolutely loved it. It combines two of my greatest loves: Christmas and dogs. Long before Franky was born I had three pups in my family: Brutus, Cuddles and Canela. Our “chuchitos” are part of our family. Their love is unconditional. They lick you when you’re down. They remind us to be playful at any age.

If you know me and my family you’ve seen our dogs. Brutus is our beloved Boxer. He’s a male and takes his role seriously. He watches over our house to make sure we’re all taken care of. He’s fierce, but lovable at the same time. Cuddles is a mixed-German Shepherd. She thinks she’s tougher than she really is. Will scrap with the best of them if need be. Still, she’s a softy with mommy. Hence the name: Cuddles. Then there’s Canela. Let me tell you about Canela. She’s super mellow, very laid back, just hangs out. She’s a dog who never causes any trouble. And brings balance to the other two wild pups. Thank God for Canela.

I know it’s early for some of you to spread the cheer … and I can’t really begin saying Happy Holidays. But as you get ready to celebrate the Holidays with family remember all the things you have to be grateful for. Love one another, respect one another, and be there for each other. Every day is a gift.

Perfectly timed for Holiday gift giving, consider purchasing SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS as you begin to spread your very own Holiday cheer. This movie is a great stocking stuffer if you’re like me and have a Scrooge in your life … Hi, Fernando!

"Balloons, Balloons"

A while back, I read a story that moved me to the core. As a human being, woman, and mamasita.

The story was featured in the Orange County Register and it was about a 10-year-old girl – who was dying of cancer – and her wish to see Disney Pixar’s “Up,”

Here’s an excerpt from the story written by staffer Annie Burris:
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HUNTINGTON BEACH – Colby Curtin, a 10-year-old with a rare form of cancer, was staying alive for one thing – a movie.

From the minute Colby saw the previews to the Disney-Pixar movie “Up,” she was desperate to see it. Colby had been diagnosed with vascular cancer about three years ago, said her mother, Lisa Curtin, and at the beginning of this month it became apparent that she would die soon and was too ill to be moved to a theater to see the film.

After a family friend made frantic calls to Pixar to help grant Colby her dying wish, Pixar came to the rescue.

The company flew an employee with a DVD of Up, which is only in theaters, to the Curtins’ Huntington Beach home on June 10 for a private viewing of the movie.

The animated movie begins with scenes showing the evolution of a relationship between a husband and wife. After losing his wife in old age, the now grumpy man deals with his loss by attaching thousands of balloons to his house, flying into the sky, and going on an adventure with a little boy.

Colby died about seven hours after seeing the film.
_______________________________________

When I read this story, I cried. I couldn’t help it. I was overtaken with emotion. I was at my desk eating lunch like any other day. This is when I usually catch up on reading articles because I love the art of storytelling. It’s in me!

Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to see the movie “Up” when it first came out. It’s kind of difficult with a super active toddler who can’t stand still for more than 10 minutes. But this story was so powerful that it made me want to watch the movie to see why such a sweet angel like Colby – may she rest in peace – would want to see it so bad.

Just last night, I received a nice little gift. I was given the opportunity to watch the movie before it is sold in stores starting next Tuesday. I was super thrilled.

So I gathered my Franky (dad was playing soccer) for some mommy-baby quality time. Immediately, Franky kept saying “balloons, balloons.” That’s when I knew we might just be able to watch the movie in its entirety. Well, we did. And boy am I glad.

The movie is funny. And sad. It sends a strong message about the power of love between a couple even after death. And it’s super uplifting.

The main character Carl reminded me of my abuelito. Ellie is his sweet heart, long-time partner, whom he meets as a young boy. Their love is so strong that Carl is incomplete when he loses her.

As kids, Carl had promised Ellie that one day he would move their clubhouse to Paradise Falls in South America. So when she dies, he sets out to make her dream come true.

He’s oblivious to the fact that a young boy, Russell, would turn his mission into a whole new adventure.

The reason why Carl and Ellie remind me of my abuelitos is because grandpa and grandma have grown old together. In all, they have been together more than 50 years. Together, they raised 6 children, and dozens of grandkids and great-grandkids. I admire them because it hasn’t been easy.

They tell us stories of grandpa having to walk miles to get to work – getting up at the crack of dawn. We hear of the times when they had no food to give to their young kids so they would give them tortillas with salt. Still, they persevered and rolled with the punches and look at them now. All of us living that great American Dream. We’ve come a long way abuelitos.

They weathered the storm. They’ve had the ride of a lifetime – filled with ups and downs. Today, they’re helping me raise my child, Frank, and I am so happy that my baby is getting to know two such wonderful human beings. Every day, the three of them go on their very own adventure. Yup, we're lucky.

Thanks Disney for making such a sweet movie that reminded me about the power of love and friendship.

Material Girl in the House

One of the first tapes I ever bought was by Madonna. Have been a Material Girl since 1987, will always be a Material Girl ... to some extent.

Unfortunately, in this picture you can't see my cool, pink leggings. I'll post others later.  This was me participating at some pre-Halloween activities at work.

As for Frank, he's going to be a Jedi.

The Day I Grew Wings

I grew up in a very strict household. Super strict. As in I was lucky to go to prom with my then-boyfriend, turned hubby Fernando.

On that day, I was like Cinderella. At the strike of midnight, I had to be home. No ifs, ands or buts. This was the only way I got to participate in my senior prom.

Back then, I didn't quite understand why my mom was so strict. Nowadays, I get it. It's because she was scared that I was going to be a wild girl. Maybe it's because she got pregnant at 19. She figured that if she gave me too much freedom, I would probably drop out of school, get pregnant, and my life would be ruined.

During your teens when your peers are planning sleepovers, parties, and other outings, it's hard to understand those "type" of parents.  The sad truth is that at one point or another kids rebel. I was no exception.

One day my mom and I had a huge argument; funny thing is I don't quite remember exactly what we fought over. I was at my breaking point so I left home. I declared my independence.  I grew wings ... I stood up for myself. I was 21 and in college. Yes, it took a while.

I went home eventually. After all, I was staying at a relative's house not too far away. The time away from each other allowed both my  mom and myself to understand each other a little more and better communicate. Today we're able to joke about it. They were growing pains.

Living under such "dictatorship" and "extreme governing regime" has shaped me into the mom that I plan on being to Frank. I will be there for my son when he needs me. I will give him his space when it's due. He will have wings to explore the world around him. His father and I will never be too far away. When he falls, we will be there to pick him up. But he won't be in a bubble. He will make mistakes, and that's OK.  We will learn together.

There'll be one day when he'll leave the nest and will be on his own. He will need his wings; who am I to clip them? For now, I'll cherish the little moments: singing Jay Sean's "Down" during the drive home, explaining to him that he needs to play nice with our dogs, teaching him to say polar bear correctly - he says "pola be," which is close.  One day he won't need me ... he'll take flight!

When did you spread your wings? I was inspired to write this post when I received a copy of "Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure" on DVD. If you're not familiar with the movie here it goes:

Tinker Bell has been selected to create the prestigious autumn scepter for Queen Clarion. Her friend Terence offers to help, but a series of events are set into motion that culminate with Tink accidentally destroying the magical moonstone that gives the scepter its power. Tink must now embark on a journey to restore the ruined gem and, more importantly, mend her friendship with Terrence.

To go on your own magical adventure, visit http://pixiehollow.go.com/

Latina con Sabor y Orgullo

I'm too exhausted to repost ... read my story here!

http://tiny.cc/CFrUq

Aww, I guess I can give you the cliff notes. I love being bilingual and multicultural. Expect Frank to be the same ... here's to platanos con crema para el desayuno y sushi en la cena.

Parties & Playdates

October has been a busy month for the Valencia-Martinez family. We have not spent a full day at home during the weekends, and I can honestly say I'm starting to miss our home. On the flip side, we've had lots of fun out and about - creating memories.

During the past three weeks, we've had children's parties, baby showers and play dates galore!

I've learned that Frank loves cake (surprise, surprise), gets impatient waiting to get on rides, and can get in a jam at the blink of an eye.

Exhibit 1 CAKES: In back-to-back children's parties he ate chocolate cake, and red velvet cupcakes ... emphasis on the cupcakes, as in plural. Se chupo los dedos.

Exhibit 2 RIDES: At a day at Pierce College Halloween Harvest Festival with little friend Valencio, Frank threw multiple tantrums while waiting in line to get on the bumper boats, train ride, and giant slide. Yes, indeed, patience is a virtue. And I was about to lose it; then I remembered, he's in his terrible 2s.

Exhibit 3 TROUBLE: My worst nightmare come true. I lost Frank for about 30 seconds last Saturday. They were the longest 30 seconds of my life and I was seriously about to pass out. We were at one of the kids parties and I happened to turn my attention away from Frank for about 5 seconds. When I called for him, he was gone. I started running around frantically searching for him, screaming his name ... I then heard his cries, but couldn't quite tell where it was coming from. Then one party goer said, he's upstairs. Yup, he had climbed to the second floor and didn't know how to get back down so he cried for me. Never again ... never again. Ese si fue un buen susto!!!

I just realized next week is Halloween. There's definitely no stopping now. We know what he's dressing up as - Obi-Wan Kenobi. FYI, my kid started getting into Star Wars after the Jedi Training at Disneyland. That's when we bought him his first Lightsaber and magic was created.

So there, I'm exhausted just thinking about the whirlwind of a month we've had. A month that isn't even over. Oh wait, November is next. Does it ever end?

No ... it doesn't, and I wouldn't have it any other way. After all, we're creating memories.

"Wild Thing" meets "Sid"

Frank, a.k.a. King of the "Wild Things" got to meet Sid the Science Kid at a First 5 California event at Kidspace Children's Museum.

As you can see, he's wearing his crown! And looking totally adorable as he colors.

This was him before he met Sid.

And this was mommy and baby, meeting Sid ... super contento!

During the program, Frank took part in some children's activities, yummy treats, and best of all -meeting Sid.

We also watched a sneak preview of an upcoming episode that teaches children about germs and the need for vaccinations ... Frank listened intently as Sid and friends washed their hands while reciting the ABCs. Great trick!

With all the talk of the flu, I'm hopeful that my kid will stay healthy.

The vaccination episode premiers on Monday, Oct. 26 on PBS.