Stay Tuned...

Working on my photography blog. Hoping to have it set up by January 1, 2009! Wish me lots of time and patience!

Happy Birthday BFF (Emily)

Today is my dearest best friends birthday, Emily! She is my favoritest gal ever. She and I just click and I consider myself so privileged to have her in my life. We've known each other forever but we became very close during some difficult times in each others lives and well, the rest is history. Going on close to 10 years of being besties, I must say she makes my life brighter, funnier, emotional, funnier, better, funnier, and did I mention funnier? She really is a funny girl (can I get an amen from those who know her)? There's never a dull moment when we are together (especially now that we're moms). We finish each others sentences, cry together, laugh together, act like we're fighting in the supermarket (or anywhere else for that matter lol), tap people we don't know on the shoulders and act like we never did (okay, so that's more her and Irving who get a kick out of that, and they're pretty good at it too lol), and so many other special, fun, and immature things that we do that make our friendship over the top and just plain wonderful! We should grow up but...why? She even married my husband's cousin just so that our kids could be related! JUST KIDDING! (She really married you for love Lex)! Anyway Emmi, I love you more than this silly little blog can ever express to you. Hope you have a wonderful birthday and may this 28th year of life bring you more beautiful and special moments. God Bless you today and always mi amiga...MUAH!

As promised...

Well, I would've had a post sooner however, our household is fighting a combination of stomach viruses and ear infections. Not to fun for mom (who got sick first) nor dad (who is trying to stay healthy while taking care of us all).

Okay, back to fun stuff. As promised here are some pics of "Cinderella's Party". We really had so much fun. Alyssa loved it! Til this day (almost one week later) she keeps saying "I loved my party Mami". That alone made it worth everything. Well, for those who weren't there, this is how it went down. First of all, she got the most fantabulous Cinderella dress ever (thanks to a mutual effort between her aunties and some coupons). She hung out in her regular hang out clothes at the beginning of the party until she had a big enough crowd. Then, we snuck her to a room where all her fabulous cousins dressed her up. It was so much fun! Then, we snuck her out thru the window for her grand entrance. Guess what her daddy did for her? He built her the cutest carriage (using our bike stroller as the base). It turned out soo nice! I was very impressed. He hand sewed most of it, my man has skills thank you very much! Anyways, he attached our rocking horse to the front of it and then a rope to that. Alyssa's little brother Caleb sat on the horse while dad pulled them both in. It was really special. Her face was priceless. I remember her telling me "mom I'm nervous". It was so funny. After her grand entrance, she got off her carriage and welcomed her guest to her ball! It was perfect. We then ate great food, and that carriage Irving made turned out to be a hit at the party. Every little princess (and prince) wanted a ride on the thing. They pushed each other all over that yard and had a blast...and it even stayed in tact! Who needs a bounce house when you have a hand made carriage? The kids had so much fun! My BFF Emily took care of the games for me. They played musical chairs, pin the slipper on cinderella, and tug-o-war. It was really cool. While running around here and there, I could hear all the kids screaming and cheering, it was really a nice feeling. We sang happy birthday, cut the cake, and at the very end Alyssa insisted on opening her gifts before EVERYONE left. There was a small group left so we were good. That was funny, I was actually hoping to do that when we got home but she had other plans. To sum it all up...it was wonderful feeling celebrating the big FIVE for our princess. Thanks again to everyone who helped in making it possible!

Here's a slide show of the pics...there were so many pics. I barely held my camera that day. Thanks to all those who took pics and sorry if we didn't catch everyone who went. The slide is soo out of order but it took an eternity to download and would've taken another chunk of time that I don't have to rearrange. If you click on the slide show you can see it bigger. Enjoy!

It was Perfect!

I'm soo tired yet so very happy with our little-big girl's 5th bday party. We all had such a great time, starting with her and ending with mom and dad. I promise to make the next post all about the party but I just wanted to send out some "Thank You's" to all those who helped us roll this party out. Here we go (hope I don't forget anyone):

Titi Mary and Tio Richard: Thank you for opening the doors to your home and for all your enthusiasm during the planning, during the party, clean up, and after party! Titi Mary, your goodie bags are just the GOODIEST and your pork...FORGET ABOUT IT! Off the chain!
Titi Bethsy: For that last minute request to the super that totally saved my day and after party clean up...you rock!
Titi Emmi: For all the decorations, help with the games, pictures, and clean up. (Hope you're feeling better...you're the best!)
Tio Richie: Bro, you're the bomb! Thanks for bringing me those chairs,and transporting my hubby and the princess' wonderful "Chariot"!
Abuela Margo: You're arroz con gandules is the best! Gracias por TODO!
Abuela Lela: You're chicken was a hit! Thanks for always willing to help.
Titi Laly: You're the best DJ and videographer ever! Can't wait to see the video.
Purita: You missed out on the coffee, and it was good! Thanks for sticking around and cleaning up. I love you!
Jacqueline: Thanks for getting the kids ready for me. HUGE help! Love you!
Elijah: Thanks for helping me with the chairs and set up! Love you!
Jazmyne: Thanks for helping the bday girl get purty! Loved the pictures! Love you!
Eveliny: You looked adorable! Thanks for putting the final touch on Ms. Alyssa! (Her crown)I love you!
Noemi: Thanks for coming early to help! That was unexpected and very sweet! Love you (OMG! that dress!)
Titi Jackie and Tio Jon: Thanks for the drinks! Can't tell you how much that helped! Love you!
And last but most definetly not least, My wonderful and adorable husband for all your help, and for building that totally funtastic wagon-majiggy that turned out to be the life of the party. You are so creative and so loved by us all! Muah!

Also, thank you for all those who made a sacrifice to "squeeze in" some time and join us for the party. That really meant a lot to us. I love you (you know who you are).

Okay, I so hope I'm not forgetting anyone and if so, please forgive me...I'm beyond exhausted!

And I leave you with the last sighting of the Birthday girl...

I think she enjoyed herself!

My 5 Year Old Princess

Today our beautiful little girl turns five! Very exciting day for everyone here in the Bonilla residence. Ms. Alyssa woke up calling me "Mami, come here!" I ran to her room, jumped into bed with her, and gave her a million kisses while saying happy birthday to her. She had the most beautiful (and smelly) smile ever! Then, she happily asks "Mami, am I five yet?" How cute is that? She was so anxious to turn 5! I Wonder why kids are so anxious to grow up? There must be something they see in our grown up lives that they like. It seems like just yesterday that I had a similar conversation with my daddy. I was about 15 and I was talking to him about how anxious I was to be of age to get a job. I remember him asking me why i wanted a job. I was like "duh dad! To have my own money so I can buy my own stuff!" He then told me not to be in such a rush to grow up, "One day you're going to wish you didn't have to work nor buy your own stuff" he said. How true those words! (Love ya dad).

So yes, we'll be taking it easy today with Ms. Alyssa and then we'll party hardy on Saturday. She wanted a Cinderella theme party and I loved the idea...because she is our little princess! Was originally going to do something small and simple however, we have wonderful family and friends that "just don't do simple nor small" (their words). I promise to post on the party and will post lots of pics.

I've had many wonderful blessings in my life and my Alyssa is definitely one of them. She has taught me more than I ever expected to learn from a child and I'm so grateful. Wish I could keep her a little girl forever but I know someday we'll have a conversation that will end up something like this "Baby girl, don't be in such a rush to grow up because one day you will be wishing you were still in bed with mommy breathing your beautiful smelly smiles at me asking me "am I five yet?"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSSA BONILLA...(OUR JOY).
(New Born)

(3 Months)

(6 Months)

(1 Year)

(2 Years)

(3 Years)

(4 Years)

Top of the morning to ya!

(That was for you Emmi). Well, so far I've had a wonderful morning. I walked my baby girl to school and stopped by the park for my little man. The weather is soo beautiful. Nice and cool. At the park I ran into an older couple with their granddaughter. They were the cutest thing. They were Asian and I just totally fell in love with them. They didn't speak any english but they were so sweet. The gentleman saw Caleb and I walking towards the park and he walked all the way from the opposite side of the park to come open the gate for us. Who does that? That was just really nice. Their granddaughter was not even a year old and they were just letting her be a little girl. She was playing with sand, and they were sitting down in the sand with her. I tell you, I just wanted to pick them all up and bring them home with me. Very nice way to start the morning.

My Caleb is so adorable. We get to bond a little more while Alyssa is in school. Today at the park, he went on the slide, and then on the swing...this time for just a few minutes. Then he ran off to a little horse that's there. I sat on a swing and swung myself while I watched him on the horse. (Side note, felt like a kid on the swing and loved it. I'm trying to do more things with and like the kids. Irv's usually the one that acts like a kid with them...athletic wise. It really is fun and it helps me feel younger and alive). Anyways, back to Caleb. He was having so much fun on the horse. While moving back and forth on it he turned around and tells me "look at me mami". When he saw me on the swing, he suddenly stopped what he was doing, climbed off his horse, and ran to me. I asked him "what happened papi?" and he tells me "nothing, I need to push you on your swing". AWWW! How cute is he? I let him "TRY" to push his momma. He felt so important! Que chulo mi nene! Well, then we came home, I came to the office and he grabbed a Cars puzzle to work on in the living room. He put half the puzzle together then left the "sally" part of the puzzle for me to "play with" as it so cutely put it. I can just eat that little boy up!

Random...

Ran into this old pic of Irving and I (taken on our 5th year anniversay in '05). Started messing around with it and thought I'd post it...just because I love this man! He's my cheerleader in all I do. Que lindo mi macho!

Yup, that's it...randomness or what?

Oh yeah...I voted today. Hope everyone who qualified did the same. Took me a whole 20 minutes-Woohoo! Thanks to all those early voters!

Christmas Card Samples (Continued)

Wow! I have had a great response with these mini sessions! I've been super busy and I'm super excited with it all. Now, don't have many time slots left however there's still time! Now, a little something for those who have already booked or planning to book a session...if you refer someone for a Christmas mini session, I will give you an 8x10 collage using some pics from your session. Hurry though...time is running out!

Remember, deadline for these sessions is November 15.

Christmas Card Mini Sessions

I'm very excited to announce my first Christmas Card Mini sessions. For the price of $125.00 you get:
30 minute outdoor session (location to be determined)
25 Christmas Cards (folded 5x7 or 5x5 cards with envelopes)
CD with 15-20 high resolution images

If you need more cards you can always order more. All sessions must me done by November 15 to assure delivery of cards by December 1st.

Sessions are for immediate family only...other relatives will have to schedule a session separately...sorry:( Contact me for further detail.

****The 1st 2 people to leave a comment and book their session will receive a free
8x10 from their next session!!!****

To book a session or for more information please email me at
"Itsme-margie@hotmail.com"




Will be posting more samples of cards soon...

Her First Day in VPK!

Well, for those of you who don't know, I started homeschooling my baby girl last year. I worked on the Pre-k curriculum and she did very well! (Thanks Emmi for all your help and guidance). This year we're working on Kindergarten curriculum and that's going very well also. A couple of mom's however suggested I take advantage of the 3 hours the government provides with the VPK program. She was born after September so I couldn't put her in last year. I decided to do it because honestly, Miss Alyssa has many cousins and friends...but not her age. So finally, she started on Monday (10/19/08). It's more for her social life than anything...hee hee.

The school is less than a mile from my house so I walk while I push them on the sport stroller that we have (it's really cool, you can connect it to the bike as well). So, on my way I ran into one of my "mom" neighbors and after telling her where we were going she asked me "how are you holding up"? I thought to my self "this is no big deal" and I responded "oh, I'm fine and she's super excited". So we went along our merry little way. As I walked, I started thinking about the days my mom use to walk my brother and I to school. That school was quite a walk away, but I remember liking it. It was my mom, my bro, myself, and of course...a thick long branch in case a dog tried to attack. Awww, those were the days! So yes, the kids and I got to the school.

(Check out Mr. Caleb opening the door for his sis)

I walked her in and the Asst. Director takes her to the morning circle and introduces her to the class. It was really cool. Caleb in the mean while is playing with the Lego table not to far away. She joins the circle and immediately the boy next to her taps her shoulder and says "Hi, are you my friend"?

(Check out Mr. S tapping Alyssa, he's super cute and very polite).

It was just too cute. Well, although they encouraged me to stay for as long as I wanted, I decided to give Alyssa her space so she can do her thang. I reached for Caleb and told him we had to go. I guess that's when he realized Alyssa wasn't coming with us (his partner in crime). He wanted to cry so bad but he held it back. He tightened his mouth but his eyes got watery. I quickly said, "Hey, lets go to the park"! He immediately changed his face with a smile and said "okay"!

So, off we went to the park but...guess what happened to me as I walked away towards the park. I STARTED TO CRY! It just hit me, my baby girl is growing up! I think the beautiful memories I have of my mother and all the sacrifices she made and still makes for us had a lot to do with with emotional outburst. Whatever, I'm a girl! I was done by the time we got to the park and I had a great time with my little man, as I pushed him on the swing for A HALF HOUR STRAIGHT! Yes, half an hour, but...those are the sacrifices we make to make our children happy, didn't matter that my arms wanted to fall off.

Well, I was anxiously waiting for the 3 hours to go by so I can pick up my baby girl and she could tell me all her fun stories and the names of all her new friends. Finally, time was up and we picked her up. She was very happy to see us which was a very good feeling for us all. As we're strolling back to our humble abode I begin asking her questions.

Me: So baby how was it?
Her: Good.
Me: Do you like your teacher?
Her: Yup.
Me: Did you make new friends?
Her: Yup.
Me: What are their names?
Her: I forgot.
Me: Mami, tell me about your day.
Her: I wish I were in kindergarten.
Me: Oh yeah? Why mama?
Her: Cause their playground is a lot better.

And here I was thinking she would feel unchallenged because most the kids would probably be younger than her! It was like pulling teeth getting her to talk. I found it rather amusing. At any rate, she totally loves it and I must say she barely had to adjust. She just dove right in. She even went on her first field trip yesterday and loved that too.

My little superstar!

This was a long post, I know. Thanks for taking the time to read about our lives!

Stay tuned, will be posting about the Christmas Card Mini Session special next!

I should soo be sleeping...

But I'm not. I'm up doing things that I didn't have a chance to do during the day. My heart is broken people! My baby has been hurt. No not Irving. No not Alyssa. No not Caleb. It's my third child. Do you guys know who I'm talking about? It's my camera! For all those who REALLY know me know that I treat my camera like a third child. Every where I go I count, 1,2, and 3 (Alyssa, Caleb, Camera). I Never leave home without it (okay, almost never but when I do leave it, I hide it incase someone breaks in...I'm serious). I barely carry a purse anymore, I carry a camera bag. She's a big part of my life (yes...it's a she, someday I'll name her). Anyways, what had happened was...I went to the park yesterday with all 3 kids (ha!) to fly their kites. I couldn't really take pictures of that because I was kinda busy keeping the kites up in the air. (Side note, I hadn't messed with a kite in forever...more than 20 years, and I have to say...it was fun! Kids kept saying "mom, let ME fly the kite". Sorry kids, mom got a little carried away). Okay yes, back to the camera, so...after we finished with the kites I took them to the playground. Now was the time for me to bond with the third child, HOWEVER, something wasn't quite right. Camera was on, button was being pressed but nothing was happening. I messed around with it and still nothing. My happy mood was so gone by then I just wanted to go home. Once I got home, I switched the lens and came to the conclusion it was the lens I had on it (my favorite lens) and not the camera which I guess is somewhat good news. I bought the lens a little over a month ago so I took it back to the store. It's under Canon warranty, which is good, but guess who won't have her baby for the next 3-6 weeks? ME! Whaaaaaaaa!!!!! Seriously this hurts in so many ways. I had soo many shoots scheduled for the next 2 weeks which will have to be postponed. The lens my camera came with is not a great one. Okay for everyday pics but not photo shoots. This is really not cute. I have a pending shoot of 3 week old twin girls (really cute little girls by the way) which will be 6-9 weeks by the time I get it back! They'll be walking by then! I'm totally having a tantrum right now...I know. Okay, let me calm down and focus on the positive. I'm okay. My hubby's okay. My OTHER two children are okay (ha,ha).

(Oldy but a goody. Photo taken in March of this year, cousin's wedding)

Sorry I was gone for so long. I'll try and be better.

Pic overload...but all very necessary!

A couple weeks back I had the privilege of doing a photo shoot with two very adorable little boys. People, meet Jacob (my godson), and Luis David (his little cousin). These cuties are one month apart (Jacob is the oldest...ehem). My Best friend in the whole wide world (I'm going to post just on her one day...Love you Emily) and her cousin asked me to take photos of their kids. Emily is originally from Venezuela. She is very close to all her aunts, uncles, and cousins, however they ALL live in Venezuela. Whenever family comes down, it's like a holiday for them. I share their joy because I see, hear, and feel the love they all have for each other. So anyways, these proud mommies wanted some pics so the family could drool over their cuteness (here and in Venezuela). I had so much fun taking their pictures, they're naturals.













Stay tuned...my photography blog will be coming soon ;)

Niña de tus ojos

Okay, for all you non-spanish speaking people out there, the title for todays post means "Apple of your Eyes" in spanish. This is the title of the song that my baby girl danced to this past sunday in our church. In our church we have a girls ministry that's called Missionette's (actually, the name has recently changed to National Girls Ministries). Its a discipleship program for preschool through high school girls. I love this program. It makes learning biblical principles fun and motivating for the girls. It truly is awesome. So anyways, starting this past Sunday we've been celebrating "Girls Ministries week". The service was great! We started off with praise and worship (which I'm very proud to say that my DH leads) and then the word was presented in form of a play which also involved some songs and dances. One of those dances was done by my beautiful princess and her cousin Evelyn. They did such a great job. I was so proud of them (Great job Princess Evelyn). Miss Evelyn and Alyssa love to dance! My baby girl is only 4, and she had me a little worried. She was suppose to be practicing at home but everytime it was time to practice with me she was tired, hungry, and/or sleepy. It was so frustrating. But when it was time to practice with Jessica (choreographer)...forget it! She was all for it. So, I must say...I was so touched by their dance. The song is one of our (Irv, Alyssa, and mine) favorites so it made it even more special. I'm also very proud of my sis Bethsy. She is the coordinator of this ministry and she actually wrote the play the girls did which was also great. She's the bomb! I'm proud of you girl! So...here you have it. My first VLOG! How cool! Its not the play, just the dance. Make sure you scroll all the way down to pause the song on my playlist. Enjoy...and be blessed!

Oh! Anyone already familiar with the former MISSIONETTES program? Anyone a former MISSIONETTE? Comment if so...let me know!

Its been way too long...

I won't go on and on about how busy life is and how I wish I could blog more...yadda yadda yadda. Let me just start. A lot has happened since I last posted and I just want to thank God for the allowing me to be here right now typing this post. Each day of life that we are given is a blessing and I just want to recognize that right now.

Well, today was a cool day. Had lots to do and didn't accomplish much of it BUT...it was still a cool day. I managed to make myself a cup of coffee and my daughter loves my coffee (I add whipped cream to my delish coffee). Well, I left a little bit for her (hey, don't judge me) and she tells me "Mom, I have a great idea. Lets share!" So, she walks to the kitchen, climbs the counter, inserts 2 straws, and voila! A work of art! I just had to take this shot! (Thank God for self timers!)

Good to be back! Will post again soon! God Bless you all!

No more kiddie bed...

Well, today was a constructive and busy day for me. I was pretty much on my feet all day (which explains the throbbing). Just yesterday, I walked into my kids room and thought to myself "man, Caleb is getting kinda big for his bed". So, today I walked in again to put something away and I don't know what got into me. I had a quick little chat with my little man. I explained how he's such a big boy now, and how his long legs were growing so fast that pretty soon they were going to hang off his bed. He laughed, and to my surprise...he agreed. We actually bought bunk beds a while back so his big boy bed was already waiting for him. I thought he was going to give me a hard time when bed time came around but nope, he was too tired. Alyssa moved to the top bunk and he cuddled into his new bed. What a big boy. The room looks soo spacious now. I rearranged some stuff here and there and I love it! After doing a little homeschooling in the morning with the kids, I pretty much just spent the day fixing up the room. I'm exhausted, but happy!




Ok, so I know I've been a horrible blogger but hey...my spirit was willing but my flesh was weak. I had such a busy couple of weeks but I had a great time. I took lots of photos and I hope to back track a little and post some of them soon. Here are some of my happenings in the past 2 weeks:

Got a nasty stomach virus
Made caps with my Sunday School Kids
Gave my Godson a stomach virus
Enjoyed a wonderful week with my hubby and kids (vacation: pool, metro zoo, movies)
Bonded with my nieces and nephew (did a little back to school polishing up)
Father/Son Day
Mother/Daughter Day
and I'm sure there's more but...we'll just try to get to those!

Here I leave you with some pics I took in the past couple of days.





God bless and I'll be back soon...I HOPE!