Campbell Soup Stories

This Christmas included the usual suspects. Picking up something at the store last minute. Preparing some traditional dishes for entertaining. Trying to dress cute and get a family picture to post. And lots of Christmas Music. Lots. My faves this season were Silver Bells, Karen Carpenter's Merry Christmas Darling, and Santa Claus is coming to town. We have had a winter wonderful month together. 

A snapshot of an unrecorded event but deserves an honorable mention was on Christmas Eve. We were on the patio and our neighborhood firefighters pulled up and waved our boys over. They invited our little guys into the truck and let them pick out a toy. The hubs and I thanked them and we all hugged and wished each other a Merry Christmas. High 5's and kind words were shared. It was this beautiful moment of connection. My one little elf picked a mechanical t-rex and the other picked a dancing minion. The tiny dancer was a big hit and made my little guy smile. They both were extremely excited over their pre-christmas gift from the FireFighter Heroes!

Towards the end of Christmas night my sister and brother-in-law came over with their adorable baby boy. We all were visiting and playing with the boys and then the dancing minion came out. My nephew was tickled. He had major belly laughs and was fascinated by the dancing, singing toy. We all enjoyed watching the baby have so much fun. Before they left, my son wanted his little cousin to have the minion. My sister-in-law was so thankful and even suggested she leave it at our house so the baby could play with it when he comes to visit. My son insisted that his cousin have it. Proudest moment of the whole holiday. I think my little ones got in that moment the real Joy of giving. 

Giving Joy is receiving Joy. Take Joy. Joy to the World. All the hashtag Joys. Wishing joy to multiply exponentially and infinitely. Love In Joy and Joy in Love. 

Celebrating having each other. Merry Christmas. xo 

Christmas Traditions

Olvera Street Nativity originally El pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument 

What do you do?

What do you do?

I never thought of that question as rude or obnoxious because I never felt a pressure to fill in the blank. Yes, I have been on a hiatus from working outside of my family since I had the twins. As women we all have that dilemma of how to find work/life balance with small children. Even when I filled out my boys registration for the boys and girls club, the occupation box was staring me in the face. I proudly shared my self-given title of MamaBoss. It got some laughs at the front desk but also some kind acknowledgment. Running the day to day operations of a family takes some skill. 

We all do something different. Its laughable that individuals in high power positions get so much credit. How can they achieve anything without the help of others. No one does anything alone. Our life of modern conveniences and instant gratification make it easy to look over the people who help make life more manageable. 

Wouldn't it be nice to value every role or position in the world as one of importance instead of ranking people by their title and salary. What we do in the context of work is of no greater value compared to what we do for our families and communities. 

Culture of Support

I'm taking this time to thank all the men who are creating a culture of support. I want to focus on the men who are implementing change when it comes to attitudes of power and position. 

Men who believe in equality and fairness are the men we need to shine a light on. Let's hear it for the guys who treat everyone with respect and kindness.  The men who value women and respect women for their insight and knowledge. For all the men who are taking steps to make women feel valued and respected in the  workplace and at home, I thank you. 

To our Heartbeat Daddy, we love you. 

https://youtu.be/j2NfvZFxzp4

Family 4Ever

This holiday has been calm. We, as a family of four, cooked and ate together. We started the day with outdoor physical play! The hubs was in football mode, me and another mama walked and ran some stairs and the kiddos ran like wild turkeys. I couldn't believe how many people were out starting a holiday morning with some good old fashioned playtime. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for new opportunities to make new traditions with my family. 

I am reminded of past holiday rituals I experienced as a child and all the family I was surrounded by. My heart and prayers are with a special woman, My Aunt Lucy, who played a major role in my life and the countless members of my larger family. This woman has the most generous heart and for all of my life I knew her door was always open for me. The memories of her and my mom together with our families has more life in them than I have the courage to write. You see, My aunt Lucy is in that phase between worlds. Her body is tired and for a lot of us we see the end as being closer than we all wanted to accept. Right now she is resting peacefully in her home with her loved ones. The door is open, as it always has been, with people coming by to lend their support and share their love and respect for this woman who created a sense of togetherness with everyone she knew. Everyone was always welcome on Market Street. My aunts house was the corner stop hangout for generations of families, the 2Trees gang, latchkey kids in the neighborhood, and anyone who needed a good laugh or a a bite to eat. I've seen my own kids running though the hallways with same enthusiasm as we did over two decades ago. I can imagine that all my aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews are flooding the house and overflowing onto the patio and porch and my Aunt Lucy is loving every minute of this presence of Love. 

My favorite story of hers is when she and my Uncle Eddie rode a Harley across country. I loved listening to Celine Dion with her and sharing our our mild obsession about her show in Vegas. The women in my family have had a profound impact on my life. They all supported me and believed in me. Their confidence has pulled me through times I didn't believe in myself. It was my aunts that taught me how to be a supportive sister, aunt, niece and daughter. It was these women that shared with all of us the love of family.

In this fragile moment I know that life ends and begins. In letting go there will be new ways to connect and carry my loved ones with me. I will be leaving in a few days to make the trip across the desert and my first stop will be my Aunt Lucy's house. No matter what, I know her door will be open and I will feel her presence. For me and everyone, I love Lucy. 

The youngest generation of family to make memories on Aunt Lucy's carport. 

A polaroid from her Motorcycle Diary

Pictured from left Eddie, Lucy, Lily and Mike who all share the same wedding anniversary. My parents best friends. 

A Fierce Tale

A twist on the classic fairy tale is now my modern fierce tale.

Once upon a time.....a very tired mama was running errands and preparing for the weekend at home with the family. She finished her chores of laundry, bathroom scrubbing and changing bed sheets. All of sudden there was a notification on her phone. She had been chosen by the fierce godmother to spend the night in a heavenly resort and attend the baddest live concert of all....Janet 'MotherFing" Jackson.

The tired mama could barely contain her excitement and opted to call for confirmation rather than text. It was all so unbelievable, a spontaneous day and night of leisure and relaxation followed by a thrilling display of choreography and unlimited playlist of top hits. She made the childrens dinner and kissed them goodnight and prepared for her journey. Soon she would be off to a very happy place where nothing would be asked of her other than to savor and enjoy.

The next morning the family dropped mama off at the fierce godmothers house. With a swift wave of hugs and kisses they were off to meet up the other lucky chosen mamas to journey to the ocean. After some laughs and a couple of lattes they all arrived at what can only be described as paradise. The blue water stretched out far beyond their vision and the paved walkways with a herringbone design were lined with potted olive trees. The pool was sparkling and covered lounge chairs sat along the perimeter all facing a breathtaking view. There in that moment, the  four mamas breathed a sigh of relief, they were off duty and ready to party.

Sunbathing, cocktails, and delicious food followed and then, as the sun set, the ladies were off to "The Pond" to share in their love of the fiercest female performer of all....Ms. Jackson! The anticipation of her concert had grown for over a year since she had to postpone to create a little magic of her own. After becoming a mama herself, she was back on stage! The mamas were beyond excited to see their pop icon. When the tickets didn't scan and grant access into the concert, the fierce godmother bossed up at the box office and with a wave of her magic wand there were four re-issued tickets.

From one good song to the next the mamas watched in awe of the ageless beauty hold down a crowd and bring everyone in the arena together through her music. With the static of the world today there were familiar lyrics that ignited new energy in the crowd.

With music by our side

To break the color lines

Let's work together

To improve our way of life

Join voices in protest

To social injustice

A generation full of courage

Come forth with me

People of the world today

Are we looking for a better way of life

We are a part of the rhythm nation

People of the world unite

Strength in numbers we can get it right

One time

We are a part of the rhythm nation

As part of the rhythm nation the mamas set off, back to the sea, where their beds with down comforters were waiting. As they dove into bed and slipped into a deep sleep they all felt a rush of gratitude for this moment of friendship and fierce bonding between them. Soon it would be time to return home and tend to their families and responsibilities, but just for this moment, life was but a dream. 

The End. 

Be Water

Five years ago my water broke at 27 weeks. I remember thinking this wasn't how it was supposed to go, but that's life. Things don't always happen the way you plan them. Prior to pre-term labor I had started to have the conversation with my husband about making plans and he was certain that  he would be right next to me when the time came to deliver.

What a surprise it was when I had to be taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital and the hubs was stuck on the east bound metro train. When we finally did meet in the hospital room, we realized that our lives had changed. We didn't have the time we thought we did to plan and prepare. This was it, and we had to adapt to our new normal.

The hubs always refers to a Bruce Lee teaching, "Be Water".  Water can flow or it can crash.

We decided to flow and have been in motion ever since.

This Luv

It feels like we hit fast forward from the moment we brought the boys home to now.

Everyone will emphasize how "time flies" when you have kids. I feel like we teleported to this milestone. I wanted kids so badly and by surprise on St. Patty's day I found out I was pregnant. By the time I was seven months, the boys were anxious to make their debut and they were born at 29 weeks and 1 day. They both weighed only 3 pounds. My instinct to protect them and love them washed over me as I looked at their tiny bodies in the incubator.

I have to praise God for keeping my husband I strong through this journey. Parenthood is a wild ride, and I'm so proud of us for hanging on.

LOVE it up

"BEING ONE WITH LIFE IS ONE WITH NOW. YOU REALIZE THAT YOU DON'T LIVE LIFE, BUT LIFE LIVES YOU. LIFE IS THE DANCER, AND YOU ARE THE DANCE." -Eckhart Tolle

Now our world needs more LOVE. We need to recognize the sameness we all possess. We need to eliminate separation and as a result put and end to suffering. 

"Love and do what you will." - St. Augustine

I left my heart in Cabo

Spring is here and I'm feeling the love. Just got back from a trip of firsts!!!

My first girls bachlorette trip to Mexico.

It was amazing! Despite what reality t.v. depicts, Women can travel together without drama. From beginning to end, I felt so blessed to be with a group that was supportive of each other.

During my time in Cabo san Paradise, I imagined myself living there. Watching watercolor sunsets and eating street tacos everyday!

The people were warm and generous. Flora Farms moved me to tears with the buratta and hibiscus martini!

The most magical thing we witnessed was stingrays jumping out of the water while we sat on the beach. Forever I will affectionately refer to this boss group of women as the Sting Reinas!

xoxo

Disney Birthday Wishes

For our boys 5th birthday we decided to go all in and take them to Disneyland for the first time. Their excitement throughout the day made me so extremely thankful. We decided not to spring for mickey swag and opted to stay at the hotel to reap the benefit of early entrance to the park the day of their birthday. The front desk gave us an invitation to have complimentary desserts the night before our journey into the magical kingdom. California Adventure was our first choice because it is more relevant to our kids. Without hesitation we were belted in the Guardians of the Galaxy and free falling to born to be wild. The pure magic of the trip was that we waited no longer than 15 minutes for every ride. I could not have asked for a better day with my family. 

To the loves of my life J and L, Thank you for bringing out the playfulness in me. I love our park dates and cooking together. Cuddles and kisses. You both are bright lights and give our world a warm glow. You made the love between daddy and I stronger. Thank you for choosing me to be your mama. You both are my greatest joy. Mama loves you. 

My Hero Flea

I shared some thoughts on gun violence in the last post. 

After reading up on my favorite band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea's position is one that I proudly stand with. 

Flea, you are one brave brother. 

Twitter, Flea 2013

"why anyone would ever want to own an automatic weapon I will never ever understand. it's a pathetic useless concept for sick people. Automatic, semi automatic, I don't care. I'm against em........ Melt em all down turn em into sculptures there is no need for them on earth. in many countries the cops have no guns and they do perfectly fine. No civilians should be allowed to have guns. none. and i dont think the cops should have guns either. change the constitution." 

CHANGE THE CONSTITUTION.

100% AGREE

Violent Times

There are strong convictions about guns. 

The countless acts of violence should be enough to make change in our legislation to better protect our world. Today it is perfectly normal to have discussions with your children's school about active shooter education. I feel strongly that more guns are not making us any safer. 

As a woman I have been encouraged to carry a gun for "my protection." My sister-in-law, who is a corrections officer, took me target shooting. I was immediately turned off by the noise, but when I pulled the trigger I was burdened by the destruction these weapons cause outside of the range.

Even with my strong view for stronger laws regarding guns, my personal circle of family and friends are gun holders. 

Violence is prevalent in our lives. As citizens we have to take ACTION to create safer conditions for people worldwide. When one is at risk, we all are at risk.  

CONTINUOUS PRAYERS FOR ALL THE FAMILIES AFFECTED BY ACTS OF VIOLENCE. 

WE CAN CHANGE. 

L.A. Love

Oh Los Angeles you still have a hold on me. My LOVE/hate relationship with the city of angels has been ongoing for over a decade. My first place was in Koreatown. Vermont and 3rd was the ground floor for me, learning life lessons about the hustle of the city. Next move, over the hill to Burbank. An internship taught me about the demands of the entertainment industry and thrill of live audiences. After adopting our dog, our landlord was not feeling it, so we moved to the east side. Atwater Village was a good fit. Funky town with the best dance studio, Heartbeat House. Our time was up in 2009 and we moved to midtown. Crenshaw and Venice was our full circle journey of being in L.A. It was all about working, catching the 720 bus to Santa Monica, and late weekends at the bowling alley or skating rink. 

Yesterday, I got to go into the city to photograph a friend. Rolling through the neighborhoods that taught us so much and sharing stories with my boys was wild. It's hard to believe so much life has happened in the last ten years. 

Los Angeles I still love you. Your originality, landscape and people are the pulse of California. 

Mo & Mo

Let me give you a little bit of backstory.

Mo&Mo 2001

Timeline

Pre-Wedding

2001- first kiss in the I.E.

-shacking up status

2003- moved to Los Angeles as college transfers

-worked a variety of jobs interned at the Ellen Show (best gig)

2004- one college graduate and one dropout

2005- avoided a flying car on the 10. DD jumped a divider wall. No injuries.

-went on our first vacation together, Aloha!

-adopted Blue, the most lovable pit bull

2007- Recession Wrecking ball

2008- He put a ring on it at the Griffith Observatory under the stars.

2009- July 19th we got married at a park in San Clemente.

Post Wedding

2010- moved to Midtown/ Crenshaw and Venice

2011-The world didn't end in Armageddon

2012- found out we were expecting twins 

-my water broke 13 weeks early. Healthy 3lb baby boys. Our new heartbeat as a family.

2013-2015- learning to balance mind, body, and soul

present day 2016- building a new foundation that will take us through the next couple decades 

Present

Celebrating our wedding anniversary is secondary to recognizing the full 15 years that we have been a couple. In this moment I am thankful for my husband and every good and bad experience that has made our love stronger. 

take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can't help falling in love with you. - Elvis Presley

In da Club

After a full week of family time and kid centered activities, me and my sexy love jetted off to Las Vegas.....and it did not disappoint.

I have had a handful of boozy experiences in sin city, but this one still has me smiling.

We caught a 9am flight and landed at the Bellagio. Next stop, the pool at Encore with friends to toast with pina colada's and floating Meyers rum shots. A power nap, then drinks at the Mandarin hotel to catch a glimpse of the digital marquee that had our names and pictures on it. It was quite the surprise to literally see our names in lights!

A decadent dinner with sashimi and wok tossed filet mignon was followed by inappropriate "tossed" innuendoes, then some lively craps....and around 3am off to sleep in a king size bed.

The next day another couple of friends joined us and we spent the day laughing and gearing up for a night in da club!!!

We all danced and drank the night away. I had so much fun my feet didn't even bother me. In a haze singing DMX and Tupac songs transported me to high school carpools. Being in that setting ignited an old confidence of being a badass... loud music has that effect on me.

A little decadence and luxury has me feeling inspired. The club was the best classroom to remind me that you never forget how to get your freak on!

Rollin on the River

We are home!! It was a week filled with family and fun on the river. A nostalgic place with endless memories and a kind of freedom that no longer exists. The colorado river is the freshest, coolest place to be when your in triple digit weather. My family is from Needles, a tiny town off route 66. As the grown ups of the family, now with kids of our own, we planned this desert getaway to bring our families together. In total, we had 4 moms, 14 children, and 10 of them being 4 years old. As crazy as it seems to have that many children in the group, it was a beautiful experience. Watching the kids learn and relate to each other was amazing.

I grew up hearing stories of Needles in the 50's. In my mind I imagine a real Sandlot. Holiday parades on Broadway, fishing at sunset, baseball games in the park, dances at the VW. It's the setting for my award winning movie I plan to direct one day. A diverse mix of Americans combined with the native Mohave Tribe, Needles had a prosperous economy, solid school district, and visitor appeal with the Colorado River. In 1973, the freeway was built and took the life right out of the town. Now this California community is discouraged from growth due to lower tax incentives in Arizona, which is a short ride over the bridge.

I have a passion for the river and preserving this precious life source is vital!

My deep connection to the desert and the Colorado River is something I hope to pass on to my children. Diving into that beautiful body of water gives me life, and I want to make sure it stays here for future generations to enjoy.

Hear me Roar

I have so much love for women. It was a great privilege to be loved by incredible women. My great grandmother, Mable Amelia, raised ten children and then converted her house into a nursing home.

My grandmother invested in her mothers business with money from her job as an inspector in the factories during WWII.

My mother is hardworking and generous beyond measure.

My sister is passionate and creative.

There are so many conflicting messages about what women should be. Heroines, damsels, leaders, mothers, sex sirens, homemakers, breadwinners, the rib of a man, three quarters on every dollar.

Our anatomy does not define us, nor should it confine us.

My goals are to write and get paid, work in a sound booth, and be BRAVE everyday.

This blog is my first step in putting myself out there and changing my attitude.  

I believe it.... I CAN do anything.

School's Out

It's here.....vacation from school. What to do with twin boy toddlers? I'll take suggestions. The volume in my house is so loud at times, that I want to bury my head in the ground. I started to really enjoy those afternoons alone. I'm a better mama when I get to recharge my battery. There is so much controversy about parenting and how much time you spend with your children. 

I recently seen some negative backlash against a new parent for leaving her newborn daughter to .......grab a meal with her husband. 

As long as the baby didn't stay home alone, I see no problem. 

Why do people have opinions about matters that do not concern them? Every person has the right to live in the context of their own lives. 

What works for me may not work for you. 

I know I am a good mother. But there are days that get the best of me, and I feel like the wicked witch of the west. 

Every parent needs some down time to get their mojo back. Less opinions and more support would make us all better parents. 

Being Gene

There are so many labels with names. My name is a combination of my grandmothers and great grandmother. As a namesake there were pressures to be just what my family wanted me to be. Letting go of those images in my head was harder than I realized. A life lesson taught me that self acceptance is more important than acceptance from others. 

My grandmother Imogene decided to let go and make her journey to heaven in 2015. She was ninety years old and had grown tired of the world.  She taught me a variety of things including her famous recipes...(pineapple cheese pie). I spent a large amount of time listening to the stories about WWII and big band radio. Daily she lived her mantra, “You make your life”.  She would say “you cant just talk about it , you gotta do it!” She loved me unconditionally and was always there for me. I miss her so much and it gives me comfort to say it aloud hoping her spirit hears me.  

We're all designing our lives in our vision. Choices and actions create our destiny. 

My vision for my family is to be surrounded by people we love. Feeling comforted when things seem tough and having faith that it too shall pass. Sharing joy and love together through new experiences. I want to create a space for learning and growing, so I better plant those good seeds. 

I have passion and purpose and l listen to my own gut and trust my instincts. I set no limits to what I can do. My bliss is music and movement. Both give me LIFE! 

Thankful for this creative outlet.

Nothing will work unless you do. - Maya Angelou