Nieve is gone! Fingerprints and flowers

So Saturday morning when I went outside to walk Yuyu I notice one of the doves had died, yes Nieve was gone.  I felt so bad specially seeing Siwa so lonely in the cage it broke my heart.  Baba had left to work already so I called him and he mention to buy a new cage and bring Siwa inside the house.  On our way to the pet store the girls were so sad that Nieve was gone and specially Gamila kept on mentioning we needed a friend for lonely Siwa.  

I had though of getting Siwa a companion but is not that easy to find doves like her, and since they are such a mellow birds you can not put them with parakeets, so I figure if I found some Diamond doves I could buy them and they would be perfect.  Well to the girls luck they had two only so we got them and the girls named them Elvin and Pretty.

Nenes like you already know mami is a frustrated artist, I would have loved to draw and enjoy it and be good at it.  Now that I see Samia getting bigger I figure she could see some of those books that teach you how to draw, I first came across them a few years back how to draw Fairies, when I went to google it I notice it was a bit complicated however I came across Ed Emberly's books and now we all are hook in them even baba, those books are great, they arrived Saturday and I had promised the girls to take them to a fair they prefer to stay home with their book.  Yesterday I will venture to say they were drawing a large part of the day...and today morning when they woke up to go to school they first thing they ask me was if they could draw...I am in love with them.

When they were not drawing we were fixing our plants we got a few plants to decorate outside we spend so much time outside in the back I figure is better to put the plants out there than in the front. 

Amir while your crazy sisters run, plant, play princess and all their crazy games you are just so happy in your blanket enjoying the balls and seeing them.

I love those last pictures of my little man he look so so so cute, or like he is called at home by the girls Lover Boy!

Since my kitchen is so close to the back I get to cook while they are playing outside and I can still see them all the time.  So I decided to make some Sesame Noodles from here.

We all like them, however I will use less Tahina the next time, they were a bit strong for me.  I made a few changes to the recipe I did not add cucumber.

And here is lover boy before going night night, baba loves to bath him he is just so calm for everything.

You guys look so much alike!

Reading update 10

The Girl Who Played with Fire - this is the continuation of the girl with the dragoon tattoo.  Great book, great writer so upset he would not be writing anymore.

Rage of Angels  - A book by Sydney Sheldon, that is the reason I got it I have read all of his books and every time something new comes out I make sure I get it.  Is a good book but nothing like his books from early on.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - Once again a continuation to The girls who played with fire.  This is his last book...is so worth it reading it.  Is one of those books you don't want to put down.

Elizabeth Street - This is a story about the Italian immigrants coming to New York City in the early 1900's, it was great and the fact that I could relate to the name of the streets and landmarks made it more fun.  It has a little bit of everything, mystery, love, thrill.  Fast and very easy to read.

Sh*t My Dad Says - Funny funny.  Fast to read...lots of bad words but just awesome to read.

Heart of the Matter - A book by Emely Griffin I have always read her books, this one was not so good...it lack flavor.  Although is very realistic in many matters but it was not very juicy like her prior ones.

The Sari Shop Widow - This was one of the free ones from Kindle it was good a nice love story, fast read and entertaining.

Vida - This is by a Colombian writer born here in the USA the truth is that I got it because she was Colombian, but I was not impress with it.  I wanted to finish it fast so I could start my new book.     

Dr. Seuss que mamera

Let's start by what has been coming coming out of your mouths lately is not the best the school or the TV or maybe even us adults...example what I have hear the last couple of days.

STUPID  out of Samia's mouth --- she got a sermon from mami

STUPID out of Gamila's mouth a couple of days after - mami took the same action 

FUCK out of Gamila's mouth --- she first said it in Miami and as expected mami told her NO well a couple of days later I catch her very softly telling her Hello Kitty that Samia has said FUCK but by her tone of voice I know she knew is not right to say those words.

This past Friday was our second time of letting them sleep in the room with us in a mattress ... a couple of fridays ago while baba put them to sleep had the great idea of showing them Michael Jackson videos and that was a complete disaster they cry we are scared and by no means I was able to calm them down and make them sleep in their room.  So baba and I decided to let them sleep in our room in their own mattress so we promise them we would do that every Friday.  I am hoping they are going to want to do this till they are 25 so they don't go out on Friday night....hopefully although realistically I don't think los nenes are going to prefer a mattress in the floor with their old folks hearing baba and mami snore.  While they can be clubbing or in a date.  Well wishfully thinking it never hurts to try. Hint hint Samia, Gamila and Amir.

Since las nenas started school and bringing the books home everyday my night reading to them has improve I confess this mami does not read to them every night..hard to believe that every parent does, but like we all know people only tells us what they want us to hear nenes don't ever forget that one.  So when I asked around they all profess they read every night  to their children.  Well what really matters is what this mami and baba do.  That is another one nenes don't worry what others do...just worry about what you are doing and how it is going to affect you.

Now that we are talking about books they being bringing allot of Dr. Seuss books home...the truth nenes mami hates them with a passion they bring back so many memories...

Let's go back on time September 1985 --- 5th Grade Miami Beach, FL that is the first time Dr. Seuss and mami met each other....when we first arrive in this country they did not have ESOL classes so the teachers figure that by me reading Dr. Seuss books I will learn English.  It was pathetic I had that book in front of me from the moment I arrive to school to the moment I left...little did they know I hated it and I did not know how to read in English so a red dog meant Crap to me....I live the Dr. Seuss journey for 2 years till they finally figure out that there were many children that did not speak English and a book was not going to do it, we needed someone to teach us. What comes after that I will tell you guys another time.

Reading update 9

I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced - Just finish reading this book and is hard to believe that these kind of things happen, scary in so many ways.  Very fast reading worth reading and simple


Lies I Told My Children - Very funny book it takes you back to the way we were raised years before not with so much crap that goes on now days.  Fast reading, funny and simple


Daring Chloe - This was actually one of those free books you can get thru your kindle ~ I would had not purchase it.   


Una Mujer Como Tu - Another freebie from Kindle another book that was not that good. Is the story of the lives of several woman the end came to fast and it had not closure left you thinking


The Girl With the Dragoon Tattoo - Great book long but just kept you interested at all times. First time I read his books and I am definitely going to read his other two books, a great story.  One of those writers that give you just the info you need and the perfect time to make you keep on wanting more and more.


My Father's Paradise A Son's Search for his Jewish past in Kurdish Iraq
Great book has great information but along he was able to incorporate his true story making it more appealing I learn so many new things specially about the oldest language Aramaic , is a great book


Still Alice - This was was recommended by a friend.  Is an eye opener to know a little more about Alzheimer's  and to know that is not only a disease for the old it can strike at a very young age.  Very touching book

Reading update 8

I know nenas I have being a lazy mami when it comes to update my reading...and I being reading allot specially after I got the kindle which I love love love.

Out of captivity Great book I guess because I am Colombian and I know how sad and difficult life is there because of the FARC. This is the story of 3 Americans that their plane went down in the middle of the jungle and then they were keep hostage in the jungles of Colombia. Great read it shows you how the desire of living can keep you going.

After hearing so much about the vampire craziness going on around my friends I decided to read the series or better off I had my best intentions.

Twilight - I have to admit it, is a good book she does have a way to keep you interested in the story a bit childish and dreamy but entertaining.

The New Moon - Boring boring started reading it drop it for a couple of weeks then the movie was coming out a friend of mine keep on telling me to read it so I push myself to do it...no comments about this book

Eclipse - Better than number 2 not as good as number 1 but I was able to do it...although I have to admit I push myself at times..

Midnight in Madrid - I like this book very fast pace and makes you want more and more. I actually got it for free download to my kindle and it was so worth it.

Say You're One of them - I listen to Oprah once again and once again I made the mistake I did not like the book very boring it was missing something is a collection of short stories but it is lacking something not sure what but defiantly not my style.

Friendly Fire - This is an Egyptian writer I had read a couple of his books before and had really liked his writing style but with this book I had to change my mind about him. As well this is a collection of his stories I think they were all written early in his career.

Reading update 7

Wow I can not believe is over 3 months since my last update.


I read some girly books and this last couple of months


Something Borrow - I actually came across this book while having a nice walk with my friend Stacy.  What can I say is a girly book fun to read and you don't want to put it down.


Something Blue - Also a very nice book, very basic reading but entertaining.


Baby Proof - Fun reading fast and easy. 

Unaccustomed Earth -  Great book is several stories but they are so enchanting is mainly talking about the life of different families in these country.  Great writer.


White Tiger - I highly recommend this book, I even got baba to get it in audiobook.  Is a story that captivates you so much, that you even end up sympathizing with the killer, is hard to believe but you get to know so well the character that you feel for them.

Reading Update 6

Lately I being reading allot I have tried to go to bed around 10 and read till midnight. Here are my last reads:

Sold - Great book fast reading simple, is just one of those books that you finish and you wonder wow it went fast. Is the story of the children that are kidnap or sold by their parents to become sexual slaves, it was heartbreaking how they take the innocence away from this children.

My Life as a Traitor: An Iranian Memoir - A recent story of a girl that became a strong woman in the hands of the Iranian government. Also a nice book to read, hard to believe that there are prisons like this in these world.

Those Who Save Us - There is only one things I dislike the end came too fast. Is a story related to the Holocaust, the writer did a great job describing it, is one of those stories that you feel you are back in Germany living the horror stories of this time.

La pasion segun Carmela - This books talks about the Cuban Revolution even though it has a love story it describes how Fidel deceived the Cuban People, also it explains the desperation of people wanting to leave the country...great writer would definitely read more books from him.

Whatever Happened to the Egyptians? Changes in Egyptian Society from 1950 to the Present - I had being wanting to get this book, but the price was still too high when I saw the price went down I bought it right away. It was an interesting book although talked allot about Sadat and all of his changes, some blaming him and some talking highly of him. I loved the chapter about the Egyptian woman. Definitely would keep it for las nenas to read in years to come.

Confessions of a Shopaholic - I wanted to read a girly book so I had heard others talk highly about this book so I figure let me give it a chance....Really there is nothing I can say about this book is just not my taste ridiculous dumb.

Love Affair

First I of all this post was intended for earlier today but I spend my whole day trying to build my own blog design and I did it, after many many hours of trial an error...Mission Accomplish.

So yesterday was the Dia Internacional del Libro what a better day to tell you nenas my love story with books. I recall being a little girl and always seeing Abuelo with a book. I don't think that when I was growing up we had access to all of the books las nenas have now days. I do remember that when I turn 15 I had already started working and my love for buying books and reading them started to develop.

I remember also being in high school and reading many books some of them great books others I have to admit I just read them because I was force to read.

Reading is a great love affair it has is ups and downs...there are times I have stop reading for a couple of weeks but then I grab a book and is just like an addiction.

Book taste varies in my personal view, sometimes I like to read biographies, love stories, true crime, or history it just varies...and then there are those books that you just live the story I have seeing myself wearing helmets and fighting a battle or crying my heart out when that love one leaves.

I have never read a book twice that is something I will do when I get older..that is why I always leave inside the book a paper so many years from now when I open that book I could find a paper that would bring back great memories....So what do I put inside a book a bill showing my address, a little note from Samia, a birthday card, a picture etc.

I don't usually let others borrow my books...that is something Abuelo always teach books are personal items..and if you do let someone borrow it you run the chance of never getting it back.

I thank God the fact that I am able to read in two languages that has help me allot, nenas I really hope one of you would love to read ~ but I guess only time would tell.

Reading Update 5

So I just finish another book I have read 3 books in the past month I am so happy about that, I love reading.

The fact that I am stay home mom I don't want to stunt my brain from growing only with only mami stuff -- as when did the baby eat, when did he burp, did he sleep, how much sugar did he have, where did I get her shoes, the dress is in sale at Gap, Gerber is coming out with a new food, she is saying 2 more phrases.

I know is all because of Abuelo I like to read he is always reading till this day...I love calling him in Colombia and have our 5 minute talk about books and what he has read and what I have read. Inshallah one of my girls would be like that. (no presure nenas about reading is just good for you mind) we will see!

Three Cup of Teas - I have no words to describe this book is more than great is inspiring, easy reading and it can teach you so so many things, about love, courage, geography is something I will love for one of my girls to read one day.

The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit: A Jewish Family's Exodus from Old Cairo to the New World - This was an interesting book, I learned a little bit about Jews, Egyptians and the history of Egypt. It has a very nice story about the love of a daughter for a father, and very smooth book to read what I call a fast read.

7 años secuestrado por las FARC - A good book in Spanish, about kidnap is hard to believe that there are people that can do that to another human beings an inspiring story for survival. Also learned about Colombian politics and also shows you how us as human are animals of habit.. and we can do anything we set our minds to do.

Combination Shish kebab oatmeal, books, friends!

The girls had fun with their buddies Samia and Alexandra played while Samantha and Gamila played, although Miss Samantha entertain Siwa, maybe she could train that crazy dog.

Nenas today I made a discovery here it goes: As baba and mami were talking about the activities we want to enroll Samia in the spring. Is comical a kid turns 3 and there is a wide range of activities she can become part of, and since her 3rd birthday is fast approaching mami wants to plan ahead.

So we spoke about T ball, Soccer and then mami brought Ballet into the picture..oh gosh if I could had taken a picture of baba's face he could had advertise for a super SOUR SOUR sour sauce...right away he was like but soccer is fun lots of exercise and then mami was but Tutu's are awesome. So at this point I told him she is a girl and she might like ballet and not soccer and then he was like OKEY you are right - It was obvious deep inside him he misses not having a boy. So nenas Inshallah we can please him in the sport department later on.

Gamila and Samia you two have become inseparable yes your duo activities range from fighting non stop, to crying if I spank Samia, to crying if Gamila is awake in her crib with the door close, to Gamila staying by Samia's side while is a nature call, Milo I don't know how you do it you stay there and even cheer her up saying "Popo, popo" (sorry for the graphical picture I just wrote), Samia if I don't serve Gamila the same food you get, there is a drama.

Gamila your rash has not gotten worst and there are some parts that are getting better, however now it has turn out to be eczema and I just hate seeing you like this, although you are not in any kind of pain it bothers me. So today at bath time we went all natural I grind the oatmeal and then made balls of it to wash the two of you. Samia you have always had the eczema in your torso but is not as bad as Gamila's or maybe because your skin is darker they are not so obvious...sorry princesa no te estoy llamando negrita.

Samia now as you are getting older you love to climb in the bed with mami and baba and read usually we like to read and every time you sees us do that you go and find your book and start reading and then telling us what you are reading..oh and you make a difference now if a book is in spanish, arabic or english you know because you will tell us I am reading in arabi, spani, englizi...(when you do this kind of stuff I feel like eating you)