14th doctor appointment

 I can't believe I am taking Giovanna for her 14th annual check up! She is growing up so fast...

She is growing beautifully and I am proud of her efforts at school, at home, and as a person in this world. There are a few things we will have to check further beginning of next year, but nothing to be too concerned about.

Christmas Concert

 Last year Bianca asked to participate in her school's choir. I promised her I would enroll her this year. For the past several weeks, she has been staying late at school to practice for the much anticipated Christmas concert. 

Tonight she sang for us along with other students from several different grades. It was so cute! I love kids and I love elementary school with all its fun parties and presentations. It is such a fun time for children and for us as parents. 

I made sure to call in sick at work so I could be there to watch her. My family will ALWAYS come first!

The best Christmas Pageant ever

 I’ve been wanting to watch The best Christmas Pageant ever since they announced it a while back. Who knows me also knows I love Christmas and a good Christmas movie. I will say the rest of the family was not as excited as me to watch it but agreed on going to the movies with me anyways.

Bianca was restless and found the movie very boring while Ale probably slept through most of it. Giovanna really enjoyed it and even laughed at some funny scenes. She thought it was a cute movie and so did I.

I can’t wait to watch it again on the TV in December. 

Halloween 2024

 One more Trick-or-treating with the Matutes for the books. I was supposed to work Halloween this year but I was able to swap my shift so I could trick-or-treat with the girls, specially because I knew Ale would be working late and probably not able to take them before the kids had already left.

I confess this year costumes were all last minute arrangements. This last semester of school has been stressful, and I didn’t have the time or energy required to pick Halloween costumes. So off we went with a Dia de Los Muertos mask from Giovi’s 10th birthday and Bianca’s costume from two years ago. 

The girls didn’t really mind. They got tons of candies and played with their friends so they were happy. We also had delicious food after the candy marathon which made them even happier. It was a cold night, so nice and hot taco soup sounded perfect!

Giovi is 4TEEN

I can't believe Giovi is FOURTEEN! Just yesterday she was my baby. But I am so proud how beautifully she's been blooming. She is kind, loving, and a good friend. I am so proud of the young adult she is becoming!

We celebrated her with good food and a movie night with her friends. I decorated the clubhouse with all my Halloween decoration and I prepared a “concession stand” with popcorn, pizza, and chocolate bars. Mindy surprised Giovi with a Swig station. The kids had SO MUCH fun! 

And of course we had our traditional Halloween dinner.

We love you Giovi. Forever and ever.