Dulce's Crazy Life

Update on the Tickets

2012-01-28T11:43:00.000-06:00

Well, the great news is that the week before Sebas' birthday, I found the tickets!! The show was great. Sebas liked the concert, Jackson was mesmerized by the concert.

Where were the tickets? In my closet, in a bag, in a book. Naturally!

Help! I lose things!

2012-01-02T18:39:00.001-06:00

I lose things.

This isn't a new problem. Rather, it's been a trend for as long as I can remember. I don't know that there was a single year through school when I didn't lose my class schedule before my first day of class. We would have the little red. black and white slip mailed during the summer time and we'd eagerly call friends and see what classes we had with friends. Based off of those conversations, more often then not I'd piece together through process of elimination what my days would look like. How I ever made it through school that way, I don't know.

Once upon a time Bryan got me a ring that I loved so much I named it...Ka-Chow. I lovingly wore Ka-Chow all of 2 days before I lost it. For weeks I relived the lost-schedule nightmare and looked all over the place for it. Days passed. Weeks passed. MONTHS passed and I finally admitted to Bryan that Ka-Chow was gone. This wouldn't have been so bad had I not lost our digital camera just weeks before. Yep. Not my best moment. Later Bryan bought a replacement ring that I named Ka-Chugga and shortly after, Ka-Chow resurfaced.

When my mother was released from the hospital last year the physician tried to hand me the dismissal papers. Luckily, Mom saw through her post-op, drug-induced fog to mutter the words. "No, not Dulce. She loses things." Yep. I lose things.

All that to say, I have managed to lose not one but BOTH of the boys birthday presents. I am scouring the house, looking through boxes and stacks of paper. Looking at our "go-to" spots for important things. No luck. In an attempt to reduce clutter a few years back, I started buying tickets to shows for birthdays. Jackson has gone to Blue Man Group, Cirque Illumination, Cirque Montage and others as a birthday present. Somewhere hidden in the house are 4 tickets to Cirque Dreams: Pop Goes the Rock. This should be the first year that we start this with Sebastian and I have secured 4 tickets to see STOMP.

I'm hoping to foster a love of the theater like I have. So far it's been working pretty well. I'm thinking we may have to put a new twist on things, though, and say they have to find their curiously hidden present first.

Boohoo Woohoo

2011-08-18T18:59:00.000-05:00

Jackson's has started the 3rd grade, if you can believe it! Clothes were set out, lunch was packed, forms were signed and we were shockingly early for Stevens'.

I was able to help the PTO by setting up for our Boohoo Woohoo breakfast for Kindergarten students. It's a new event that our new principal brought. Behold, the flyer of this fun event:

Palestine: Peace not Apartheid

2011-06-27T12:15:00.000-05:00

Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I actually listened to this while traveling over the weekend. Very insightful. Plus, nothing beats the reading being done by the actual author. Excellent.

View all my reviews

Weighing In

2011-04-28T19:30:00.000-05:00

So, until today I was pretty much uneffected by the "Birther" movement and whether our president was a citizen or not. I viewed it as just another thing for people to complain about instead of working to better the country instead of trying to be divisive. Then, I came across an opinion letter in the local paper. See for yourself.

Here's the thing, by this persons logic, my own citizenship would be called into question. Ummm, I hate to burst his bubble but I'm very proud of the fact that my father immigrated here from El Salvador. I claim my heritage with great pride. I also know that people like my father are what makes this country great in my opinion. On the other side of the spectrum, my mother's family can be traced to native americans. That's right, before the 'ol Mayflower docked. I am equally proud of that heritage.

Good gracious, people. Suck it up, put on your big boy pants and support the man.

Support the March of Dimes!

2011-04-02T19:51:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time I met this girl named Shonda. I was 17ish and she was 18ish. So yeah, that had to have been just a couple years ago. :) We got to spend the summer together at Windermere where we worked and played. We had no idea then the directions our lives would take us. We weren't thinking about marriage or babies, we were thinking about our tans and friends. We were sharing a community bathroom, not thinking about mortgage payments. We couldn't have known then what kind of wives or mothers we would turn into. Well, you know about my 2 blessings. Shonda is the mother of 4 blessings.

Here are a couple of video montages that give you an introduction to her March of Dimes Team: 2 Here, 2 In Heaven. It also gives you an idea as to why I am so blessed to have known her and call her my friend.

Please, if you can, please support the March of Dimes and this team.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

So Glad They Love Each Other

2011-03-28T09:56:00.000-05:00

I've been watching and I think it's evident, these boys have grown to love each other.

In the Beginning

Sebastian's first smile

They are content to dress alike.

And they can be goofy together

And sometimes they bear hug in beautiful moments like this.

It's been 4 years

2011-01-18T12:16:00.000-06:00

Four years ago our doctor whispered "Happy Birthday" to our child then handed him to Bryan. Actually, there was probably a nurse or two in there somewhere but I was laying back and feeling real good.

I knew Sebastian before he ever made eye contact with me. I knew when he did and didn't want to be messed with. I knew that he would only kick when he wanted to and when he did, look out. I knew that he would want to snuggle with me and tune out the outside world from time to time. And I knew that I would love him more than the sun and the moon. I still do.

What I didn't know is the shades of color he would bring into my world. I didn't know that he would be so hilariously funny. I didn't know that he would be his brother's best friend and also his bully. I didn't know that he would be able to eat 8 clementines in a given day and follow them with some hellacious gas. I didn't know that when he turned 4, he would still snuggle with me and let me rock him for a little while longer.

I love my son, Sebastian. More and more every day he stretches my heart greater than he ever did my stomach (and I have the marks to prove it). I can't wait to see what our next year holds.

Would You Be My Friend?

2010-12-26T21:28:00.000-06:00

So, a little something people may not realize about me is that I really suck at making friends. I take that back, I can make friends and acquaintances but I've rarely had a Central Perk-Friends relationship. You see, I often feel like I'm back in elementary school with a bad perm and glasses who was told that she was invited to a birthday party because the other girl's mother made her. I have always wanted a Ya-Ya Sisterhood kind of bond with people but instead I come up short. Here's the thing, I always feel like I'm not worthy of the friendship people give me. I am terrible at correspondence. I don't typically pick up the phone and dish about current events. I'm more likely to be fashionably late than dutifully on time. So, I'm don't fit the "best friend" criteria others may have. Here's the thing, though. I have a list of people that I consider my best friends. Not because I deserve them, I don't. It's because that in their awesomeness, they have accepted me. Not as their best friend, they could do far better. Honestly, the insecure frizzy haired bespeckled girl inside of me is delighted they talk to me at all. So, here is a laundry list of some people.

I have a best friend named Bryan. He loves me without my makeup and when I'm in sweats. He tells me he loves me every day. He thinks I'm beautiful or, at least, convinces me that he does. He gets my quirkiness and moodiness. He holds me when I fall apart and gives me space to move when I get antsy. It's a delicate balance to live with me and he does it very well. I love that guy.

I have this best friend named Jessica. When they wrote the fruits of the spirit, it was actually a description of Jess. You know how there are some people who seem to be near perfect. Well, I met this perfect friend when we were 15. We had to bunk together at Windermere for a whole summer. Amazingly, she looked through my faults and obnoxious Goofy shirts and befriended me. We have stood up in each others weddings, held each others newborns and watched our children play together. In our 19+ year friendship her kindness has never wavered. I have never once had a bad thought about her. In her grace and kindness, she calls me her friends still.

I have this best friend named Heather. She has a life about her that is incredible. She proudly wears the necklaces to church that her children make her and isn't scared to dance with them in the middle of a Baptist wedding reception. She sends cards just because. I don't know what on earth I have done to deserve her as a friend. I often wonder how she does it. How does she radiate God's love to others just by breathing? Does she make others feel the same way she makes me feel? Loved, accepted, special, hopeful? I would have loved to know her in high school. I would have loved to have known her as a person on her wedding day. I cherish that friendship like a precious treasure.

I have these best friends known as the "Clique." A group of misfits landed in Roach Missouri from all corners of Missouri, a Kansan and an Iowan. Magic was made. I can still to this day call that the happiest time of my life. Sitting around talking about nothing and everything. Crammed in the back of a Mustang to buy sunglasses or play ski-ball. Doing a lip sync routine to a Gilda Radner SNL sketch. How did I get the cool kids to like me? I would sit there and wonder, do they really like me? Am I contributing anything to their enjoyment? Am I the one they took pity on and let me hang out? I still don't know 100% percent but we still contact each other and I know that I would drop anything to be by their sides if they needed me. I am like a fish without water being in a city without these friends sometimes.

I have other best friends:

Kim who shows me that faith lived out is a beautiful thing. Time with family is precious and fleeting and should be a priority.
Elaine who isn't afraid to show her feelings and can spot when I'm having a tough day in 30 seconds or less.
Kari, who actually accepted my sister's little sister as her friend. She has more talent in her little finger than I do in my whole body.
Katherine who amazes me weekly. Despite being harassed by me, her Bible Study leader, she excels in life. She is a phenomenal mother. She is so comfortable in her own skin it's ridiculous. She goes to class and gets honors. I am amazed that she likes me at all!

See, I am not worthy of any of them. In most cases this is the first I have said that I call them my best friends when they aren't listening. I dare not speak it out loud because they may take that title away. They may confess that they are forced to be my friend by their mothers. Here's the thing, I wouldn't be the person I am without them. I wouldn't be proud of my inner nerd. I wouldn't dance just because. All I know is that my love and admiration only grows. Thank you friends.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T20:40:00.000-06:00

Steve Harvey Introduces Jesus

2010-11-12T09:02:00.000-06:00

People Let Me Tell You 'Bout My Best Friend

2010-08-05T09:07:00.000-05:00

When the boys returned one day from Grammie and Grampy's, they had a new friend with them. They have named him Steve. Well, Steve has turned out to be the most docile passive aggressive toad in the Animal Planet. Steve loves to swim, perch on the rock mountain we made for him and swim some more. What he does not seem to love is eating the grasshopper we lovingly caught for him. Now, in his defense, this hopper's a bully. When in a staring contest, the hopper wins. If in a jumping contest, yep, the hopper wins. In fact, last evening the hopper actually jumped off Steve's back to then claim his rightful title of King of the Mountain. Steve watched from a lower perch as the whole thing.

Oh the trials of trying to keep a little toad alive so your little ones can have a pet. If only we can keep him properly fed so he doesn't hop off to his greater reward.

Happy Wednesday!!

2010-07-28T08:51:00.000-05:00

In honor of World Cup - a Vargas Family holiday

2010-06-15T09:26:00.000-05:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Looking for a Few Good Teammates

2010-05-12T08:37:00.000-05:00

I was at the Y bright & early this morning when I came across a flyer for a new challenge. Now, I may be partially delirious with the early hour I was at the Y, but this seemed like a challenge I could get excited about. It's called Thinner Winner. Here is the description:

May 24 - July 2
Get your team together or join as an individual for your chance to win some great prizes and become a Thinner Winner. Teams will have 4-6 members and the winner will be the team with the greatest percentage of weight loss at the end of 6 weeks. The program includes:

1 session with a personal trainer and workout guidelines
1 session with a nutrition counselor and nutrition guidelines
2 group fitness classes
free entry to the YMCA's Father's Day 5K
access to all 3 YMCA facilities for non-members for the 6 weeks
Thinner Winner t-shirt
$1,000 cash prize to winning team
more prizes

Cost: $100/member with team, $150 non-member with team

So, Who's in?? I think I'd be much more motivated to get with it if I had a team depending on me. The competitive spirit in me is running wild. I'm looking for a few good losers...or winners.

~D

Unique Ring Pillows

2010-04-10T09:08:00.000-05:00

Gotta love Martha Stewart Weddings. Check out these lovelies:

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/creative-ring-pillows?xsc=eml_dwd_2010_04_10#slide_9

If I could do it over again...

2010-04-06T13:43:00.000-05:00

I would wear a feather in my hair like this...
Lo Boheme Wedding Hairpieces Wedding Hairpieces Lo Boheme New Sponsor Blog Once Wed

or this...
A Modern Ranch Wedding II

I'd wear blue shoes...

Brianna + Matt

Or maybe red ones...

A Countryside Wedding II

Lovely

Same wedding...different pics

2010-04-06T13:30:00.001-05:00

Okay, here you can find the oversized balloons I was referencing earlier. The closet actually serves as the photo booth.

in reference to: A Smog Shoppe Wedding | Real Weddings Blog | Once Wed (view on Google Sidewiki)

Another Lovely event from Martha Stewart weddings

2010-04-06T13:24:00.001-05:00

I think the pictures from this wedding are precious. My favorites from this wedding:

The oversized balloon picture and the photo booth. Great idea!

in reference to: Real Wedding: Joo and Jacob, Los Angeles, California (view on Google Sidewiki)

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T10:36:00.000-05:00

Woody Allen Interviews Billy Graham

2010-04-05T08:26:00.000-05:00

I think it's beautiful when a believer can enter into an intelligent conversation about faith and God without looking silly or super emotional. Too often people get overwhelmed in dialog with another person who does not share the same belief and they resort to name calling or accusatory statements. When your faith is as second nature to you as that of Billy in this interview, no question or statement catches you so off guard that you are backed against the ropes.

I love to study and observe people in interviews and public speeches. This was a great interview:

It's that time of the year...

2010-03-30T10:08:00.002-05:00

Okay, ladies, here's the Sandal Oath for those who have not read it and sworn to it yet:

"Please raise your big toes and repeat after me: As a member of the Faux Paux Sisterhood, I pledge to follow The Rules when I wear sandals and other open-toe shoes: I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not bulge out between the straps. I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free. I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe. I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow. I will shave the hairs off my big toe. I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there. If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it. I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr.Scholl's if my feet need him. I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' si zes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle. I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages. I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes look like they've been dragged behind her car on the way to work and no sandal in the world is going to make her feet look good. I will promise if I wear flip flops, that I will ensure they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them. I also promise not to scoot across the floor. I will promise to go my local beauty school at least once per season and have a real pedicure (they are about $15 and worth EVERY penny). I say spend another $15.00 and get an even better one. I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show of wear... nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals... For all our sakes, please don't keep this to yourself - pass it on to other Sisters."

KU and Hitler

2010-03-29T13:26:00.003-05:00

Bryan and I love March Madness. Even though I typically forget to fill out a bracket and Bryan's is pretty much shot this year, we both enjoyed this video. Anytime you can link KU and Hilter together, it's a good thing.

5 Tips from David Tutera

2010-03-26T10:51:00.003-05:00

I have recently been tuning in to My Fair Wedding on WeTV. David Tutera has done amazing work. Of course, we can't all afford some of the events that he creates. I like this little tip list he came up with. Love the idea of using 1 color in abundance and also the water idea. Love that he brings up the appropriate height for a centerpiece. How often do we sit at a table and feel like we're talking to a flower where a face should be?

Watch this:

Cute Wedding stuff

2010-03-23T13:02:00.002-05:00

Some people may not know that I have been coordinating weddings at FBC for just under 10 years. I've also done several outside of JC. I LOVE weddings. Partly because it's almost always a joyful occasion. Mostly because I adore my husband and the day we were married was the first day of the rest of our lives.

Often I come across different blogs that have awesome wedding ideas that are affordable. I love affordable and unique! So, with that in mind, check out this red balloon idea. Awesome alternative to rice seeds and bubbles.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OnceWed/~3/FwuYy_Hl1lA/

Snow Day!!

2010-02-19T15:35:00.002-06:00

Jackson~ Builder of snow forts

I love this smile!

Hank the Hillbilly Snowman

Playing the "Compiano"

2010-01-18T11:33:00.001-06:00

Jackson's Spiritual Gift

2010-01-18T11:17:00.002-06:00

I cracked up last week when Jackson came home from church and they were talking about talents they have and how God gave them these gifts. Behold...Jackson's spiritual gift is...drumroll please...playing the Wii!!

Something I Never Do

2010-01-18T11:12:00.002-06:00

So, I never leave the house without make-up unless it's summertime and I have a tan. That being said, I am postings some pictures from this morning when Sebas was giving me some loving and willing to take a picture or two. Gasp...I have no make up on and I'm posting it on the web for the world to see. What has happened to me??

I love being a mommy.

Sebastian's Super Party

2010-01-18T10:27:00.003-06:00

Today marks the 3rd year we have had Sebastian in our lives. I can't really remember what life was like without him. We had a birthday party over the weekend with some of his friends at Leap Frog. We went with a Superhero Theme which included little monogrammed capes for his Super Friends. I found a great tutorial for a no-sew cape pattern at Craft & Fabric Links. I think they were a big hit. So, without further ado: here are some pics of my little man's Super Party...

Can you find the birthday boy in the picture below?

There he is!

Of course, Big Brother Jackson had some fun of his own!

Fall Fun at Church

2009-12-10T21:48:00.000-06:00

At our church there is a Halloween event called Fall Fun for Families. This year the boys and their cousin, Lily, dressed up as Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell. It's ridiculous how beautiful these kiddos are!!

Captain Hook refused to get into the picture with the "good guys" so this left Tink a little sad.

Fortunately, that was only short-lived and we came away with this great picture.

The villanous Captain Hook

We finally got a semi-smile out of him. He's a method actor apparently.

Fall at the Stevens House

2009-12-10T21:26:00.003-06:00

Just a couple of Superheroes, leaving the house.

Sentences Spoken over Dinner This Week

2009-12-10T21:15:00.002-06:00

1. Put the Baby Jesus down and eat dinner!

2. No dodgeball in the Dining Room

3. I'm Naked Boy!! (spoken by Sebastian)

Sebas Sings Yeah, Jesus Loves Me

2009-11-03T10:36:00.001-06:00

The funny thing is this video is Jackson pacing in the background. He was a little unhappy that Sebastian took his guitar for this mini-concert. We were proud none-the-less.

Reflections

2009-10-27T13:02:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I have to go back and look at the pictures of my little guys and reevaluate. Like this one of Sebastian.

Here he is, this new member of the family. Only breathing air for a week at this point. He wasn't a fan of the picture taking and we had been up day and night for days. I was tired, wondering how I was going to get to know this little guy and settle him down for a picture. Those were my worries.

Today, I worry about how to get markings off the walls, Vick's Vapor Rub out of his hair, if the child safely lock in working on the car door and how to keep him and his ukulele out of our room at 4 AM. Yep, things sure are different.

Then there's Jackson.

This picture was taken when he was three. I knew that we were a couple months away from going from a house of three to a house of four. Would I be able to nurture him in the same way. Would I get to spend my "Mommy Day" with him in the same way? Would he resent the new family member? How would stay the stellar potty trainer he turned out to be?

Today I worry about his sensitive heart. Will today be the day he's made fun of at school? Will he ever grasp the concept of remorse for cutting holes in our new couch or his new sweatpants. Will I ever see the bottom of his bedroom floor without a rake? Will he make good friends at school. We're officially less than 10 years from him being of age to drive. Yep, things have changed.

It's nice to look back and see these pictures and know that we're doing okay. The things that were at the front of my mind seem silly now. Hopefully in a few years, my current fears will amount to nothing. The bad part is I know I'll probably be exchanging these small fears for others. Until then, I have pictures of these times my kisses could make things better.

Here, Ducky Duckies!

2009-10-12T11:45:00.002-05:00

Last weekend the boys, my mother and I went to see Cito & Abby in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. On our way home, we stretched our legs at Mammoth Springs State Park. They boys loved it! They were able to feed the ducks. Sebastian kept yelling, "Here, Ducky Duckies!" The funny thing is that they didn't run away from the yelling 2-year-old. So fun!

The duck food was about $1.00 a bag and it was so worth it!

Tia Abby's Birthday Party

2009-10-12T11:08:00.002-05:00

For Abby's 21st birthday the Vargas family had a surprise birthday party. I think the big surprise was how into it Jackson was. He drew pictures on the back of 12 scrapbook pages and folded each of them with lots of care. He presented them to Abby. Then he created lots of art on the back patio with sidewalk chalk. He's pretty fond of his new Tia!

Mmmmm...

2009-10-12T10:40:00.002-05:00

A visit to Aunt Carrie's office means M&M's and lots of smiles.

Jackson the Bandito

2009-10-12T10:23:00.002-05:00

This pic was too funny!

Cousins

2009-10-12T10:08:00.003-05:00

Wow! Has it already been a month since our last post? Well, thanks to Columbus day, I'll be playing catch-up!

Poor cousin Felipe thought he'd have a relaxing nap in the hammock. The boys had other plans!

Our Bi-Partisan View

2009-09-08T12:07:00.006-05:00

So, in the Stevens house we are a true democracy...or is that democrazy? As proof that we the people can get along just fine, Bryan and I represent two sides of the political spectrum. While we differ on our political affiliation, we often have the same core values and desires. So, when the hub-bub about President Obama's address to schoolchildren came up, it stirred up some nice dialog in our home.

We the people of the Stevens home believe that it's pretty cool that our very busy president would dedicate part of his schedule to address the ones we value so highly, our children. We believe that while we did not unanimously vote him into office, we have a responsibility to our country that we love to support his position as president and strive to not diminish that role by bashing him before hearing him, especially in front our future generations. We believe that being a responsible parent is to discuss with our children the pros or cons of ideas that may be brought about by this speech and respect the fact that our young one wants to hear what his president has to say to him. We, Bryan and Dulce both, support this speech made today and will watch it this evening with our children.

So, not that you asked, that's our opinion.

First Grade Already?

2009-08-19T09:37:00.002-05:00

Today, August 19th, I officially have a 1st grader on my hands. I'm hoping that this isn't the year that I won't be able to help him with his homework because it's over my head! Doesn't it seem like kiddos are covering some subject matter that I discovered in middle school?? Either way, he's one excited little boy....err...young man.

I was beaming with pride this morning as we got to his room. Let me back up, we were running late. (What a shock!) Molasses moves quicker than Little Man this morning. We finally get to his school and enter his classroom. Behold, there was no one in there which caused him to look at me smartly and said "I guess we were early after all." After a mental picture of a headlock and noogie, we went looking for some sign of children. We ran into both his teacher and another little girl. We found out where they gather in the morning and as we headed that direction I got to hear the little gentleman say. "Hi! I'm Jackson, what's your name?" When she responded he said, "It's very nice to meet you. Let's go together to the hall." The poor girl was taken aback and the teacher didn't believe her ears. After mouthing the words to me "He's so polite" I beamed with pride and followed at a distance behind them. I also said a little prayer that this wouldn't be the year that his wonderful quality of chivalry doesn't disappear.

Here are the pictures of my little learner:

His favorite pose

Apparently Sebastian has a pose he'd like to strike, too.

Same stance, different background.

Love this new backpack we got from Initially Yours in Jeff City.

Jackson with his super-sweet teacher, Mrs. Keith.
Here's to a great year ahead of you!

My Zumbalicious Workout Playlist

2009-08-18T14:06:00.006-05:00

So, some of my friends know that I get up at the crack of dawn once a week and start my day with a Zumba workout. Zumba is a workout that is desguised as latin dancing. I love it because once I'm finished, I'm sweating and look like I'm seconds from a heart attack. It's a great workout. Well, after talking with the instructor, I've decided to certify to teach Zumba. I'm planning on going in November (the next time the Zumba people are training in MO) and take the certification course. This is going to be a big challenge for me but I'm so very excited about it.

I have decided to start building my Zumbalicious workout playlist. It's a work in progress but I was to make sure that the Latin flare that I love is front & center in the music selections. Comments are welcome.

** Oh! To turn off the music that automatically plays on my blog, scroll the the bottom of the page!

Happy Birthday to Us!

2009-08-17T11:35:00.013-05:00

Darling Bryan and I were able to spend a weekend together in St. Louis. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!) Since my birthday is August 17th and his is the 22nd, we could go all out and enjoy them together. I was able to share in one of Bryan's great loves...baseball. Saturday night was Sports Crusader's night a the ballpark. We enjoyed getting together with some friends we hadn't seen in 10 years. It seems crazy that a sentence like that even exists, to not see someone in that long a time. The great thing is you would have thought it was last week. It goes to show that some friendships are as natural as breathing. Thanks Stevie & Jill!

Here are some pictures from the weekend:

While my choice of words may not be correct...the rain tarp was by far the prettiest thing I saw all day. It was like a giant metallic parachute. We all were about to play slip 'n slide while we waited.

Somewhere there is a lesson about littering in this picture.
Litter Bug, Litter Bug, Shame on YOU!

While I never professed to being the biggest of baseball fans, anywhere that gives you a free accessory is okay in my book!

Darling Bryan!

Really? They get paid MILLIONS of $$ to do this. I could do batting practice! Shoot!
They aren't even holding a bat!

Look at the weiner in the picture! (I meant the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile!)

Grandma Pavey

2009-08-02T21:42:00.002-05:00

As we were praying tonight, Jackson prayed for Grandma Pavey as he does every night. It dawned on me that I have neglected to post pictures of her with the boys. We had an extended visit from Grandma this summer. Days before Cito's wedding, my uncle purchased a day of beauty for her. Unfortunately, the steep steps at the spa made for an unbeautiful experience. She fell down the majority of the steps and shattered her femur. So, she was in the hospital and rehab for a while. She went from there to Mom & Dad's house for about a month. Grandma boarded a plane home to Florida a few weeks ago with my sister, Carrie, there to help. It was a selfish treat for us that the boys could spend more time with her than originally planned. They are missing her right now and I need to be more sensitive to that. We need to plan a visit sometime soon. Until then, enjoy these pics.

Bryan and Cito "helping" grandma.

I thought this picture was sweet. She was in the van on the way to St. Louis and the boys climbed into the van for this picture.

"Captain Underpants" & "Stinky Feet"

2009-07-31T17:09:00.020-05:00

We went to our local Sears and got some sweet pictures done of the boys. We found that the most natural smiles came when saying silly things like "Captain Underpants" or "My brother has stinky feet." The girls at Sears, Mary and Michelle, have done another great job. Enjoy!

A Day at the Stevens Car Wash

2009-07-30T08:51:00.016-05:00

The weather has been so beautiful this summer. Not too hot, not too cold. We decided last Sunday to wash the cars. After a little bit of child labor, they boys broke out the Double Wide Slip 'n Slide. And there was much rejoicing!

4th of July Fun

2009-07-17T12:45:00.015-05:00

We celebrated the 4th at Windermere during their Freedom Celebration. We all had a great time at one of my favorite places on Earth.

The Stevens Family Invade Branson, MO

2009-07-17T12:38:00.007-05:00

The look on Jackson's face cracks me up! He's a little tentative at the beginning of Dolly's Dixie Stampede. He ended up completely ignoring the food because the show was so great.

All Because Two People Fell In Love

2009-07-17T11:58:00.017-05:00

On June 19, 2009 Bryan and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary. So, here is a look at the dynamic duo through the years. (aka, Dulce's many hairstyles)

Our Engagement Picture

One of my favorite pictures of our wedding

Yep, lots of hairspray went into achieving this look.

The Hillbilly Ball - We won 1st place

Staff Appreciate Event for my office

Y2K

Ahhh. Hawaii

May 31, 2009

A Beautiful Night at the Ballfields

2009-07-17T11:48:00.008-05:00

Jackson decided to try his hand a Coach Pitch Baseball this summer. He's doing great with it. These pictures were taken on a beautiful night while waiting for the game to begin.

The Newest Vargas

2009-06-01T20:03:00.007-05:00

Here are a few pictures from Cito & Abby's wedding this past weekend.

Sebastian's Passion for Soccer

2009-06-01T19:38:00.004-05:00

Some kids like soccer, some love soccer and some just have a passion for the game. That's Sebas. He can't just go and observe Jackson's game, he has to dress up. He walks around the house asking if we can have soccer ball practice. He's got the fever for the game, just not the years. Alas, soccer doesnt' start in Jeff City until age 4.

An afternoon with Jackson

2009-06-01T18:53:00.008-05:00

A couple weeks ago I went on a picnic with Jackson. How wonderful it was to spend some time with him just playing and observing the young man he's becoming. He is still the one who will approach the shy child on the playground and ask to play. He has such a tender heart and genuine caring nature it makes me so proud to just sit back and watch. Here are some of the pictures of our good time together.

Take Us Out to the Ballgame!

2009-05-17T07:41:00.011-05:00

We recently went to a Carninal game in St. Louis. It was a fundraiser to support Sports Crusaders ministry. Cito was a super-crusader for many years. We had a great time despite the unusually cold temperatures. The wind was biting. It apparently didn't matter to Sebastian because he was not going to cover up his Fredbird t-shirt. Enjoy the pics.

Jackson weathered the cold temperatures in his little comfy hut with his Leapster.

Sebastian literally fell asleep on his feet!

Bryan was delighted to have Sebastian's small size as an excuse to accompany him during the "running of the bases" time for kids.

Even though the Cards lost, we treated ourselves to some fresh hot doughnuts from Krispy Kreme. Diabetic note: if you ask, they will give you doughnuts before it's dipped into the glaze.

My Sweet Cowboys

2009-05-11T14:13:00.009-05:00

Our niece Lily celebrated her 4th birthday with a party at Horsin "O" Round Stables. The boys had a great time. Sebas keeps talking about the big horse and he quickly follows that point by talking about the big horse poop. Yep, we had a land mine or two but successfully dodged them. I attempted to lead a horse and managed to walk us into a wall. So, Bryan quickly took the reigned and I just assisted.

Mama's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys

It almost looks like he's singing in this pic!

Note: Sebas is the size of this horse's head!

This has got to be one of my favorite pictures. He loved this!

My Trip of a Lifetime

2009-05-07T12:04:00.015-05:00

In case some do not know, my father immigrated from El Salvador when he was in his early 20's. As a Christmas gift, Mom and Dad took my sisters and I on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to my dad's homeland. It was incredible. Well if a picture's worth a thousand words, have I got a novel for you! Here are just a couple of pics my oldest sister took with her high-tec camera. More will be coming soon. Enjoy!

Easter 2009

2009-04-30T10:37:00.006-05:00

The weather this Easter was rainy and yucky. As a result, we looked inside the church for some nice picture spots. The tulips and lilies were so pretty this year in the sanctuary so I decided to make the boys sit still. That only lasted for 1 picture, then they spotted the microphones and the merriment started.

We were blessed this Easter with Bryan and Grampy both playing the drums for an awesome song during worship service. After church, we hosted lunch for the family that remained in town.

A Tribute to Grandma Adkins

2009-03-06T17:16:00.002-06:00

Here is the video that played for Grandma's funeral.

A Day at the Nature Center

2009-02-17T16:47:00.007-06:00

We took advantage of some unseasonably warm weather a couple weeks ago and went to the Nature Center. Had a blast and some good outdoor exercise!

Video done for work

2008-12-16T14:46:00.000-06:00

The Stevens Christmas Boogie

2008-12-15T12:24:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

It's Potty Time

2008-12-01T16:15:00.003-06:00

I want to first state for the record that we didn't ask for the stage we find ourselves currently in. Our sweet, sweet Sebastian has decided he's ready for potty training...like it or not.

Two weeks ago I was reading with Jackson in the Living Room. Just then, the mom in me noticed that #2 has been unusually quiet for a couple seconds too long. I high tailed it into the bathroom where I found him standing between the wall and the toilet with a look of anguish on his face. I then noticed that his size 12 pants were pulled down and he was trying to get his boy parts out of his diaper. Just my luck, Bryan is at work and it's all me on this one. So, we spend quality time in the bathroom.

While hanging out in the bathroom, we parents do the goofiest things. Our current music repertoir consists of the following:

ABC song with the last line being "Next time I think I will pee."

The Pee in the Potty goes Swish Swish Swish - Sung to the Wheels on the Bus

Tinkle Tinkle little 'Bastian

Yep, we've lost our minds this time! Our other dilema is that Sebastian is a tiny one. He is 22 months old and is just now wearing size 18 months. Those 18 months hang on his little waist. Lucky dog! The big boy undie people begin their garments at size 2T. We're quite a ways from that size. So, if you happen to find some itty bitty teeny weeny whitey tidies, send them our way!

Blessed are the Peacemakers

2008-11-07T19:17:00.008-06:00

So, for the most part Jackson and Sebastian get along great. They are playing together from the time they get up to the time they crash at bedtime. There is, however, a little territorial problem when it comes to the art supplies. They both LOVE to play with markers, the unwashable ones, of course! Bryan and I thought we had tossed every one of them away, low and behold 4 magically appeared this morning. THAT'S why they call them Magic Markers!!! So, while I was laying down I could hear them fussing and wrestling over what I was sure would be a manageable mess. Well, the carpet is embellished with green and pink now and no about of Shout will be getting the colors off of Sebastian's white shirt. So, I took them both, messy hands, messy faces and bedazzled shirts to some retail therapy.

So, at Target I bought 2 notebooks, 2 boxes (separate brands) of 64 crayons, 2 boxes of WASHABLE markers. Then we hoofed it to Hobby Lobby where I got 2 white photo boxes and whatever stickers the boys chose. We went home and they crafted their own art boxes. Behold their new custom-made treasures:

Bryan...the Dad

2008-11-03T10:17:00.005-06:00

Any man can be a father,
but it takes a special person to be a dad.

It was a Spooktacular Halloween!

2008-11-03T09:35:00.013-06:00

Well, Halloween has come and gone. It's been a crazy, busy weekend and it's been memorable. I think it's a little nuts that Halloween seems more fun with the kids than I can remember. Here are some pictures to sum up our weekend.

We visited Bryan's grandparents after Trick or Treating. I thought this was such a sweet picture of Great Grandma Adkins with two of the great-grandkids.

Yep. This is a huge pumkin. It's called the Great Pumpkin, in fact. Bryan's bosses, the Hubers, had this giant pumpkin custom made by a hot air balloon company. They loan it to the governor's mansion every year for the downtown halloween event. Then, on Halloween night, the Great Pumpkin inflates and glows in their front yard. They have a speaker inside and everything so they can greet the children by name. It's a hoot every year to visit.

The next few pictures are from the Huber & Associates party they had for their employees and their families. They went all out this year with a bounce house, pumpkin painting, hay mazes, treasure hunts and, of course, the Great Pumpkin.

I love this "Are you serious?" face he's giving me here!

The next couple of pics are from the Kindergarten class party. It's a sickness, really, but I LOVED throwing this party! We had a photo spot area, a funny book read by another mother, bead your own candy necklace station and a pumpkin toss. I made ghosts from helium balloons and tulle that floated around the room during the party. What a blast!

Lastly, Jackson and Sebastian were dancing up a storm on Friday morning. They wanted me to witness their "Awesome Dancing Moves."

Halloween Playlist

2008-10-28T10:09:00.004-05:00

So, I'm trying to come up with a Kindergarten Friendly playlist for the party on Thursday. Here's what I have so far:

Purple People Eater
Werewolves of London-Warren Zevon
Monster Mash
I Want Candy-Bow Wow Wow
This Is Halloween-from Nightmare Before Christmas
I Put A Spell On You- Screamin' Jay Hawkins
Weird Science-Oingo Boingo
Munsters Theme
Addams Family Theme
Ghostbusters
Love Potion No. 9
Little Red Riding Hood---Sam the Sham & the Pharoahs
Witch Doctor

Also, the activity list at this point is as follows:

Stations:
Party Picture Taking

Frame Decorating
Snacks
Pumpkin Toss
Halloween Ring Toss or Pumpkin Bowling - 35 minutes total

Group Game: Mummy Race – Dulce
For this game you divide the class up in to teams. Then you choose one child from every team to be the mummy. Each team has to wrap up their mummy in a set amount of time, making sure to leave the nose and eye area open. After each team has finished wrapping their mummy then the mummy has to hop (with out braking any of the wrapping) down to the finish line. Then winning team gets a prize. Make sure to have plenty of paper and to play some devilish music like monster mash while the game is being played.
10 minutes

Book: Halloween by Jerry Seinfeld
10 minutes

Hand out Goodie Bags

5 minutes

Okay, so what are your thoughts?? Will it work? Are there other songs you can think of??

It's almost Halloween!!!

2008-10-23T09:47:00.002-05:00

So, we finally bought Jackson's costume last night. I decided to drag my feet a little more than usual since he has changed his mind an average of twice a day. We have gone from Lego Batman to Ironman to Optimus Prime and (my favorite) a Native American. That's right, a blonde hair, blue eyed, creamy white skinned Native American. I really think it was just the appeal of a mohawk that did it for him. So, I let him wear a mohawk to school a couple of days and got rid of that little urge. All that to say, Jackson is going to be...drumroll please....a Ninja. Yep, he never mentioned a desire to be a Ninja at all but fell in love with the costume at the store last night.

Sebastian will be dressed up as a soccer player. I know, it's a stretch. The boy sleeps with two soccer balls every night and wakes up to dribble a ball out of his room and through the house every morning. I wore a necklace yesterday that had a silver circle and he kept chanting "ball, ball, ball." This boy loves soccer so it's a safe bet that he'll love his costume.

So, stay posted because I'll have pics of them in their costumes this weekend from our Fall Fun for Families at our church. Also, I am room mom for Jackson's Kindgergarten class. HOORAY!!! I am getting things ready for their Halloween party. I'll keep you posted.

We're Getting a New Member in the Vargas Family!

2008-09-22T09:34:00.009-05:00

Little Cito is growing up! He proposed to his girlfriend, now fiancée, Abby Fulton on Friday evening. Cito's roommate, Seth and Abby's brother, Caleb served as accomplices and faked a radiator problem in the pouring rain along the side of the highway. Cito had flowers and their new family Bible, to be used in the wedding, hidden in the front seat.

Abby is an Early Childhood Education major. She comes from a large family of brothers and sisters and her father serves as a multi-lingual church planter in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She lived in Guatemala for 8 years while her parents worked in the mission field and is she is very fluent in Spanish. She has a very sweet and beautiful spirit about her and our family loves her already. She and Cito met at Williams Baptist College, which happens to be where Mom & Dad Vargas met 41 years ago. I think the Lord definitely placed them together at just the right time.

No word yet on the date of the wedding.

No Rest for the Weary

2008-09-13T17:06:00.009-05:00

Poor Bryan had hoped to take a late Saturday afternoon nap...the boys had other plans.

Sweet Sebastian

2008-08-24T16:42:00.005-05:00

Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.
~James Baldwin

I've posted a lot about the busy life of Jackson lately. The quiet side of the dynamic duo is our Sebastian. He's silent but powerful! During Jackson's soccer game on Saturday, Sebas was practicing his first love...Soccer. He's got a mean left foot that can really score some goals someday!

You never know what he's in to. Today I came out of the computer room to find him doing this...

Reading one of my books and chowing down on an apple. Such a grown up boy in a teeny tiny frame!

Oh Brother!

2008-08-18T12:57:00.003-05:00

The highlight of my childhood was making my brother laugh so hard that food came out his nose. ~Garrison Keillor

Jackson's First Day of School

2008-08-18T08:09:00.007-05:00

I am so proud...I didn't cry! I'm thinking the summer camp experience helped us all! Jackson and I walked to school this morning. This is something I have dreamed about since literally the day he was born. I remember my first day of school with Mom walking me and Julia with my Mork & Mindy lunchbox. We are blessed to live close enough to the school that we can walk. I don't think I could bear putting him on a bus yet.

Along the walk he talked with Cito on the phone. He kept saying how he has to see Jackson's new school shoes. He also said that Cito has to hurry with school or he's going to miss it. Last night he talked about how in 13 years he'll be finished and can be Felipe's roomate in college. (For those who don't know, Felipe's my 19-year-old nephew!)

And now...for some pictures:

Look, he's already learned something!! There was a 2nd grader in line before us to take a picture by the marque. Jackson was inspired by the sour look on the child's face and decided to do the same.

Of course, that didn't last long with Mom behind the camera!

Here he is in the hallway outside his room. They were all lined up ready to get inside! Luckily, he already knows 3 or 4 children in his class through church, Y Soccer and YMCA Summer camp. He's off to a great start.

Cool Christian Camper of the Week

2008-08-12T19:00:00.005-05:00

Last Friday was very eventful in the Stevens House. Jackson has been asking questions randomly for a few months about Jesus, Baptism, the Lord's Supper, etc. We have just simply answered the questions and gone on. On Friday we casually were talking about God and I came across a tract I had picked up some time ago. It was called Simple Steps to God and it was written by Billy Graham. He was very receptive to all of the information and then simply said, how do I accept Jesus? Awesome! We prayed we hugged and everything made him "feel so good."

About 30 minutes later I took him to summer camp and stuck around for the weekly assembly where they do a song, make announcements and say who the Cool Camper of the Week was. As you can probably guess, Jackson was announced the Cool Camper. He was absolutely over the moon!

Staycation Day 5 - The Mutha of All Tents

2008-08-02T09:26:00.001-05:00

Imagine Bryan's surprise when he got home from work and found the living room covered in blankets and fabric. We decided to build a tent from the top of the 8 ft. entertainment center down. All Bryan could say was, "Wow, you had a very productive day, huh?" Our tent was so fancy it had the flat panel TV incorporated in the design.

Our staycation was very nice. I wish every week was like this one. Spending time with the boys is awesome and I love every bit of it. Last night Jackson let me rock and sing him to sleep. I haven't been able to do that in years and I don't think he realized how much that meant to me. I was able to tell him different times in his first year that I sang different songs to him. From singing Great is Thy Faithfulness after immunizations, to Sweet Baby James and St. Jude's Comet when he was 6 weeks old to Lida Rose every day of his first year, I was able to relive those songs again. It was great because after I finished one he would ask me for another. Finally he didn't ask anymore and I realized it was because he was asleep. Sweet Jackson fell asleep to my singing instead of Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber, thank God for the little things!

Chipotle Update

2008-07-31T22:06:00.001-05:00

Totally got the t-shirt!

My Handsome Boys...well, two of them anyway

2008-07-31T12:54:00.013-05:00

For Staycation Day 4 I took the boys to Sears to get some portraits done. These are Sebastian's 18-month shots and Jackson's-a-big-bad-kindergartener shots. You'd never know it but the photog and I were sweating trying to get Sebas on the set, much less smile! Man that photog is good!

We're going to the pool in a little while but not before I push myself into line to be one of the first 100 customers after 3p.m. who gets a free T-shirt at Chipotle. It doesn't take much to excite me!!

Be blessed & peaceful,
~D~

Staycation Day 3 - Movie Time!

2008-07-30T22:11:00.006-05:00

Entertaining the boys on $3 and a can of Spaghettio's

So, since it was raining I decided to take the boys to the movies. The theater here in town has a $1 each morning for families to see. Today was Spiderwick Chronicles. I was thrilled that Jackson was doing so well. He was really into it. Unfortunately, not amount of Goldfish Crackers could keep young Sebastian in his seat. He wanted to run in the aisles, he wanted to jump in the seats, he wanted to crawl onto Jackson's lap. Anything but sit in my lap for more than 20 minutes. I know that's a lot to ask but, he's the one who stares down complete strangers for fun. He's usually pretty good at playing on his own. But, when he starts to take flight, there's no keeping that one down.

After our quick escape from the movies, we went home and dined on Spaghettios. Needless to say, the noodles served as a moisturizer for the little guy. He konked out and so a bath would have to wait until after naptime. Here's a post-nap shot:

So, after the hose-down (a.k.a. bathtime) we went to the mall for a couple of hours. So, the grand total for today's events: $3. Not bad! Tomorrow's forecast: sunshine!

Staycation Day 2 - Fun at the Pool

2008-07-29T15:46:00.005-05:00

Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I love that I was able to take this picture! I have a sleeve that my camera can sit into and take pictures underwater. Most the camera was underwater for this, just the lens was out.

Fathers Day 2008

2008-07-28T13:27:00.001-05:00

Father's Day - 2008

If the relationship of father to son could really be reduced to biology, the whole earth would blaze with the glory of fathers and sons. James A. Baldwin

Okay, so we're back-tracking a bit. I thought this was such a sweet morning. We woke up early and made breakfast for Bryan. Jackson was so excited to give him the gift he picked out. A tent. He has been itching to go camping with Bryan and so we got them a tent and picked up a fishing license.

More awesome is what a great father Bryan really is. It's evident in the way the boys look at him that he's their role model and what an awesome role model he is! He's a strong example both physically and emotionally. He's not afraid to tell the boys how much he loves them, how proud he is of them and as a result, we have confident and exceptional boys.

The Queen Mother is pleased!

Visiting Tia Julia

2008-07-28T10:53:00.000-05:00

The instant we arrived at Julia's, the suitcases were unpacked and the boys were presenting her with their new shoes and new toys. It was like the ultimate Show and Tell.

A Day at the Zoo!

2008-07-28T10:39:00.000-05:00

On Saturday we spent some time at the zoo. It was a blast! At the beginning of the trip I made a joke that didn't settle well with Jackson. I told him that we were there to pick his new family so he needed to pay attention to which exhibit he liked best. He got over it by the time we saw the first exhibit, he got over it!

I've Cyber-Arrived!

2008-04-04T14:24:00.001-05:00

I've Cyber-Arrived! So, I'm going to try to do some blogging. We'll where this adventure takes us. First is was Myspace, then Facebook and now the mysterious blog. It's amazing how we find ways to update people on the goings-on in life without picking up the phone. I really think it's so that we 30-Somethings can live out our fantasies of being Doogie Houser, MD. Sadly, I don't think I'll be that guy.

So, I got the news that I have tendenitis in my rotator cuff and a slippery little knee cap that has no cartiledge around it. So this little kneecap that shifts from side to side can cause my leg to give out or cause me to drive with my left foot instead of the right(not easy to do). I reasoned, its' all downhill from here! I thought Bryan's grandfather was kidding when he said that at age 30, your body starts protesting. Wow, I'm so there. So, in reading the Message this afternoon I came across the passage that in 2nd Corinthians 12 says "My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become." While I'm far from handicap, I'm not so far gone that I'm not salvagable. And while I'm weak, His grace is strong enough to pull me up. So, with my brace on my knee, my prescription in hand and a grimace on my face, I'll march to my physical therapy appointments knowing that Christ is able to take over and I'll just come along for the ride.

Be Blessed and Peaceful~
D