While Isabelle is in tutoring, I am reading the DC Family magazines, Washington Parent and Washington Family. They are both discussing the spring and summer activities iin the area. One thing you quickly realize is that there is no reason to be bored in DC when spring comes around.

There are tons of kid festivals, family day in various museums, and summer camps are right around the corner. It helps that the weather is absolutely perfect. While I flip the pages, I am taking mental notes on the things I want to do this spring.

The opening of flea markets, farmer’s markets, camping, biking, running, hiking, and eating ice cream. Yes, you can do this in the winter, but you don’t need to bundle up.

Spring, I love you.

I decided that the kids (and the adults) in my family have way too many things. They all seem to have iPods, gaming systems, TVs, and anything imaginable. My kids are definitely in the mix (excluding the iPods). Back in the day, I could manage to buy everyone Christmas presents. It was just my immediate family (i.e. parents and sisters) and one aunt. We have now grown to:

1. Kids
2. Parents
3. Sisters
4. Two nephews
5. Niece
6. Three cousins
7. Two aunts

One of my nephews and niece are my godchildren, so imagine how much I have to spend. Last year, I finally put my foot down and said that I was going to buy for the kids, but the adults had to do a Secret Santa. It helped to alleviate some of the financial burden that Christmas brings.

This year I tried doing the same, except adding the kids in the mix. I proposed that instead of all the adults individually buying the kids presents, we pitch our money to buy them one, big gift that they will use more than once. My older sister agreed, and we made plans on how to carry out the plan. However, there was one person who was dead set against it: my mom. Without her being part of the plans, it fell apart.

Her excuse is that this is her last Christmas before she goes to Panama, so she wants to go all out. My question to her was, “So does that mean that we all have to resort to doing the same?”

I decided that for my children, I am going to get them one, big gift (Playstation 3 Bundle I got on Black Friday), a book each, clothes (my kids love clothes), and one toy. For the rest of the family, I decided to take advantage of Cyber Mondays and got great deals on their stuff.

I am mad at myself cause I didn’t stick to my guns. I should have said no, but it seemed like there was no point cause my sister caved as well. These kids are now going to get a bunch of stuff on Christmas that they are not going to appreciate. They will use it once and then leave it lying around. I am the one that has to drag all that unwanted stuff to charity.

Definitely for next year, I have to come up with a better approach.  I remember being happy with two or three presents.  Months later, you will still see me using my Christmas presents.  I need to start teaching my children that Christmas is for being with your loved ones, and not what presents you get.

Thanksgiving is upon us, and it’s the time that you are reminded about what you are thankful for. This year has been marvelous for me. For the past three years (2006-2009), I dealt with the worst things ever: depression, drama, losing love…twice, and family issues. I thought that I would never be happy again, and I’m glad that I was wrong. I am so thankful that I am finally happy and having a wonderful year.

This year I am thankful for having a wonderful family and friends who are always there for me when I’m in need. My children are getting bigger, cuter, and better companions each day that passes. I still watch them when they are sleeping in amazement that I had them. Having children is definitely one of my greatest achievements, and the one I am most proud of. I’m not going to lie that there are times that they drive me insane. However, when they cuddle next to me, and look up at me, I melt and forget about the rest.

My sister finally returned from Afghanistan, and I am so happy that I got to spend a few hours with her before she headed back to Okinawa. I also met Jeff, her boyfriend, who is a wonderful guy, and I know that he will make my sister happy, now and forever. This is the last year that my parents are here before they head back to Panama. We have definitely become closer, and I am glad that we have.

My older sister, niece, and nephews are near me. I am so happy that I did the Maryland Breast Cancer Race with my sister this year. I know that her weight was something that she was struggling with, so I am glad to have been with her while she achieved a great feat, and I saw how proud she was that she was finally got rid of the excess weight.

The rest of my family who I don’t see as much, but I still love like crazy. You are all amazing, especially my cousin Ana Cristina. I love you all.

I am glad for my wonderful friend. Bridget, ,who heard me cry every day in LA, and she didn’t mind. I am so glad that she is back in DC cause now I can see her more often. Ruma is great. I met wonderful people through her, and she has made me do things that I never thought I would ever do before: a ten-miler race, century ride, camping, hiking, rock climbing, etc. Shauna and Tish, who have been with me since I was in high school. We definitely have changed. My friends Amani, Pea, Derrick, and many others who I met on FriendFeed, met in real life, and now I consider them true friends. I hope my friends know how much I adore them.

I am thankful for me. I overcame losing people I loved more than anything. It’s something that I never though I would ever get over. I also overcame depression, which is the worst feeling in the world. You feel like you are in a cage, and unable to get out. But I did it.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, and has some thing to be thankful for.