Dr. Sebastian

Matinee

HER: I am a truly movie fan and as common as this may sound, I must confess I truly enjoy animation movies so much, for its sci-fi action, the crude humor, the hidden jokes, mild language, the artistry, the fantastic and the imaginable characters, among many reasons.

We have started a small collection of the "old time faves" and it is just a wonderful to sit and watch them whenever we feel like it.

Recently Dreamworks showed us Monsters versus Aliens. Having a 5 year old son, it just sounded like a must watch at the teather since it was a 3D show. It is loud, rushed, silly, colorful Nintendo game like movie. We had a diverting time.

When a California girl is unexpectedly clobbered by a meteor full of outer space gunk on her wedding day, she mysteriously grows to many feet tall and is instantly labeled as a "monster". The military jumps into action, and she is captured and held in a secret government compound. The world learns that the military has been quietly rounding up other monsters over the years. As a last resort, a crew of monsters is called into action to combat the aliens and save the world from destruction.

Today, Sebastian and one of his buddies Zach got together to enjoy the movie "UP" as a treat for the end of the school year. As a Pixar fan, it is a "MUST WATCH". - The story line, the animation features, the artistry truly fascinating, the warmth and the extra dimensions

Emotions were definitely running high, so I suggest for you to bring a box of tissues. It may make you tear up but it will make you laugh the whole time.

Zach and Sebastian enjoying some play time at Mc Donald's.

Let's PICNIC!

Nuggets are YUMMIE!

Serenading mom with a cardboard microphone

Looking over

Our view

(Saint John's River)

SUMMER IS HERE!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

HER: Today, I took the day off. As parents, we had the mission to attend Sebastian's end of the year program. The Kids delighted us with some songs sang in Hebrew and some art work that was decorating the well lighted auditorium.

The sun finally came out today. Frank and I decided to enjoy some well deserved Hot tub time followed by a few minutes of pool time. After chatting, laughing and relaxing the muscles, we quickly got ready just in time for the ceremony.

It was still early in the day, so we decided to take advantage of our free time and go out to catch a movie. We decided on Star Trek since we haven't had the chance to see it and I had been wanting to see it. I was a fan of the show back when I moved to the states so the fact that there was a movie it definitely intrigued me.

After the movie, we met with our dear friend Scott and his girlfriend for lunch at Olive Garden.

What a nice, relaxing and beautiful day this was.
Thanks love for the wonderful day =). Your smiley face is preciously printed in my mind and you always dearly to my heart.

EVERYDAY SMILES.. ;)

Rainy days..

HER: Florida is known for its sunny beaches and beautiful weather, but when rain falls, it pours, I literally mean it.

It started raining Saturday afternoon, a little sun on Sunday and then NON STOP RAIN, I can't believe it. It is Thursday and it is still raining!


I must admit I have really enjoyed it. It is so relaxing and so peaceful. - No need of relaxation music while reading, or background noise to sooth the evenings.

We have been taking late afternoon naps, watching shows, computerizing beside each other, a little house work, spending some quality time together and with the family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmCpOKtN8ME

Squirt guns..

Sebastian, Age 5

HER: Posing for the camera with his combat face, Sebastian, getting ready to try his newest water gun: "A battle against zombies and I am ready to go find them".

The years go by,

Time can certainly fly.

Once, just a thought in far away dreams,

now into my arms and in my eyes gleam.

The presence of you, your laughter and smiles,

your sweet gentle kisses and your big bear hugs,

endless time that goes on for miles.

Happiness is what my heart feels,

when you wrap your arms all around me.

I wish each moment with you to last forever,

My little boy will someday be a man,

and right by your side I will forever stand.

No matter how near or far apart,

I am always right there in your heart.

I LOVE YOU!

HER: The term Internet meme is a neologism used to describe a catchphrase or concept that spreads quickly from person to person via the Internet. (anyone else notice how many things goes around World Wide Web?)

It also explains the chain mail-like nature of the 25 things meme, and the variety of "notes" that swept through Facebook. Not to mention each quiz I have sat down to do and published.

Recently the new "how well do you know.. ???".

To make this more interesting.. Sebastian and I spent few minutes by the pool answering the "how well do you know your mom quiz"...

SEBASTIAN: Age 5.

Something mom always say to you? I LOVE YOU.

What makes mom happy? Lots of hugs and kisses.

What makes her sad? When I don't clean up all my toys.

How does she make you laugh? When she makes funny faces, acts all silly and tells me jokes.

What was mom like as a child? Like me but with long hair..

Her favorite thing to do? Play with me, Hang out, play, hang out...

What does she do when you are not around? She worries "A LOT".

If your mom becomes famous what will it be for? Making a food that hasn't been created.

What is she really good at? Cooking

What is she not very good at? "saying words" sometimes you mix them up. (With that being said, he sometimes laughs reminding me I speak like Yoda!!??!!)

What makes you proud of mom? When we do a pillow fight.

She looks more beautiful when her hair is hanging down on the back.

She likes it when I make funny faces.

How do you know mom loves you? Because she created me.

I love her because She looks so nice.

What's for dinner?

HER: Bistro Aix, opens its doors for Sunday Brunch every year for Mother's day "only".

Today's service went really well. We had a steady crowd that kept us busy until 2pm. This was my second year working the busy sautee station for the event. I remember, last year my poached eggs were very acclaimed. I am still glad I payed attention to my egg class at Le cordon bleu...who knew 8 years later I would be poaching eggs to perfection to order while working a busy line. "My babies wrapped in their blankies", were so pretty. Eggs benedict, cheeseapeake, scrambled. Steak and shrimp, grits, crepes, french toast, shrimp and grits, were a few of our brunch dishes.

I brought a few mini muffins and crepes for the family to enjoy.

After my nap, decided to grill some steaks for dinner. I let them rest in butter and fresh thyme right after I pulled them out the grill, so that the juices could set and then cut them in thin bias, setting the meat over broiled garlic scented asparagus, (Sebastian was able to help with those). On top we drizzle some Béarnaise blue cheese Sauce. Opened a Moët & Chandon bottle for mimosas and Voila! We were ready to enjoy dinner. (He, of course, took plain O.J.)
We watch Bedtime stories while enjoying our Crêpes.
What a nice evening!

I am glad Sebastian is always excited at the dinner table, lucky to have a good tasting palate and is able to appreciate food.

To all the Mammas!

HER: Congratulations, It is mother's day!
If you are a mom, I hope your day was TRULY AMAZING!

Perhaps you started celebrating yesterday or even Friday. I know I did! - Sebastian couldn't wait to give me a "Hand-crafted" mother's day card he did at school...

It was such a beautiful day here in Jacksonville. I had the chance to witness the sunrise on my way to work this morning. What a great treat, in fact, I remembered where all the nice spots on my way to work were. I was very surprise there were people gathered at one of my favorite spots so early in the morning. Sebastian and I had just been there a couple of weeks ago, picnicking while the sun was setting. What a great way to start your day! The view is magnificent.. imagine yourself standing under the palm trees, in front of the river, downtown buildings farther back.. the sun rising above , clear skies, everything is quiet still, the smell of fresh baked cookies scenting the air.. (there is a European cafe right at the corner, their specialty... homemade cookies..)

If you are my mom.. "Mami, te quiero mucho!" Feliz dia! Ya estaremos juntas pronto y celebraremos todos los dias. Gracias por acordarte y llamarme todas las veces que puedes.

If you are Frank's mom.. Denise, you are wonderful! =) Thank you for keeping up with us, we appreciate everything you do for us all of us. We love you!

If you are a mom with young children.. I wish you had a nice and quiet relaxing day.
If you are a pet owner.. you are a mom too! I am sure your pet loves you everyday!

Duke and Dexter forgot their manners as soon as I woke into the house. And Sebastian joined in.. 3 seconds later, I was being kiss-attacked by my 3 boys.. Sebastian kept saying: "All this love mommy"... as I was laughing non-stop.. it tickles...
So.. If you are a mom, isn't it wonderful? It truly is... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Blooming Onion.. Extra Crispy Please!!

HER: Blessed with beautiful weather and a wonderful family.

What a great way to treat myself but to enjoy the day laying out by the pool.
Got some sun while reading "Marley and Me" (I have had the book for months but haven't gotten around to it.. after watching the movie 3 times, finally decided it was about time to flip through the pages).
Sebastian accompanied me but decided it was more fun in the water.. watching him play and laugh gives me so much joy and inner peace. I have been truly blessed with such a wonderful son. - I not only get to spend wonderful times with him but watch him grow. Today, while interacting with the older kids made me realize how fast time flies, I have always wondered how he would do when he grows up, I am confident to say he would do just fine...

Frank was able to take a break from a hectic weekend and took us out for dinner. =)

We were able to enjoy some delicious warm bread, munch on some Blooming onion and enjoy a salad before their dinner rush for Mother's day weekend started.

Stuffed bellies... joyous hearts.... and Happy Nappy.

Photo session..

HER: Lately, we have been out and about quite a bit.

It is Finals week for Frank. -He has been super busy, studying out at the library, changing the scenario to a Starbucks near by or coming home after Sebastian and the pups have settled at nightfall to do some more studying.

Sebastian and I have been keeping pretty busy. - Spending some "Mommy and Son" quality time together and taking D&D to the beach, the island and the dog park. (I have got to mention it has been a LOT of fun).

The more we do, the more photos I take. Recently, Sebastian has gotten the purpose of snapshots and doesn't seem to mind them anymore... so now it just seems like everything deserves a picture...

Being Mother's Day tomorrow, he had the great idea of having a photo session of all my boys together, and I think he literally meant that..

Little Talbot Island

HER: Today, I had the pleasure to accompany Sebastian on a Field trip off to Little Talbot Island.

I am glad I was able to take the day off and enjoy the beautiful day with Sebastian and his energetic classmates.

We rode the school bus with most of the children, the teachers and a few parents. I was very impressed with the punctuality of the event. - We were on the road at 9:00 sharp!

The bus started off on San Jose Blvd. With my arm around Sebastian, we sat back and enjoyed the ride. We looked out the window and I was surprise it was the same road I take to work everyday. For a second, I wouldn't believe what my eyes were seeing. Have I been in that much of a rush to get to work and back home everyday for the last year and a half? Was it the morning traffic that have made me take what was around me for granted?

If you read this, I suggest you try to drive the same way you always do for work and check what is around you. I have made myself knowledgeable of these breath taking spots all around Jacksonville, most of them involve beautiful views to the St. John River, and interesting architecture. Now that I have seen, I wonder if next time I am on my way to the job site I will take my time to enjoy the drive.

An hour and some later, we finally arrived. We were welcomed by a park ranger that was thoughtful enough to do a small stretching activity with the kids before she started talking about Sea turtles and turtles in general. (Sebastian didn't hesitate for a second before he raised his hand and commented that what she was referring as turtle were actually called "Tortoise".)

As she explained the beach protected sea turtles and making her point clearly to the children, "If anyone steps on one of the nest, you go to jail". Everyone had a stunned look; the tone of voice this middle aged lady had used had left all the kids silent and speechless. - All I could think about then as I was wearing a gigantic smile was nothing but to wished I had a surf board with me.

Lunch went nice and smoothly. All the kids sharing what was inside their lunch boxes and carrying on conversation about what the park ranger had said. It was cute. 15 minutes later, off to the beach we were.

It was so nice to meet the parents of some of Sebastian's classmates. Exchanging phones, talking about play dates and Kindergarten options.

Distracted, almost immediately by an instance of visual perception.. "I caught sight of the ocean" Ah... the beautiful ocean.. The sun shining strong above it. Reflecting on the water as if there were millions of sparkling jewels allowed me to daydream of what this summer may bring, where would Frank and I go, what adventures we would get into; would we go snorkeling?, would I have the time to take a scuba class?...

It was such a gorgeous day, almost perfect. Very sunny but a very enjoyable sea breeze was rising over. I stood up and decided to help dig a whole in the sand. Sebastian and 4 other kids had been digging successfully but needed some help.

A group picture followed by snack time and we were on our way back to the JCA.

"5 de Mayo"

Her: After a 22 hour bed rest, recovering from countless nights of bad sleep, several cups of black coffee, learning Peruvian "law", reading all sorts of documents and translated material, several hours of brainstorming. Frank turned in his ALWR and joined us for dinner. Looking for an excuse to celebrate the occasion a couple of his classmates, Leo and C. Keller decided to join us as well.
The location, "STONEWOOD", a nice little restaurant close to our place.
Mussels and oak- fired shrimp for appetizers. Laughs, conversations of non- law school related business and a diversity of summer plans distracted us at the table. Main dishes arrived and the tranquility of a nice and joyful dinner took over as the sun set.

7 more days of hard work love...
4 more finals..
and a very well deserved rest.. and we will be enjoying the summer together! =)

Hope this little break keeps you inspired and motivated.

WAY cooler than him...

HER: Sometime around March, Frank and I, decided to take a "Personality test" Based on 100 questions and these were our results:

VANESSA 'S

Full MyPersonality.org Profile

0 50 100	%
Openness	90%
Conscientiousness	93%
Extraversion	98%
Agreeableness	94%
Neuroticism	24%

FRANK 'S

Full MyPersonality.org Profile

0 50 100	%
Openness	83%
Conscientiousness	61%
Extraversion	81%
Agreeableness	79%
Neuroticism	25%

As you can see, I am WAY "COOLER" than him.

As soon as we were done taking this test, we decided to compare our scores and the first thing I said was.. "Honey LOOK! I score better than you", his immediate response was.. - I am sure you didn't, there must be a mistake or perhaps you just didn't understand a question.. (notice the jealousy of the results assuming the existence of a language barrier).

As we all know, there is no good or bad personalities, it just shows how different people could be. There is not really THAT much difference, but I still like to rub it on him..

Can you believe it?

HER: Sebastian big phrase for quite some time now has been: "Can you believe it?" Whether if he maneuver a physical move of any kind (his famous super jumps), or he read something amazing of a science book, or there was something incredible going on the television; it is always.. Wow... Can you believe it???

While Frank was busy for finals, we decided to check the Ripley's Believe it or not museum in Saint Augustine, and see what it had to offer; a two headed goat, a cow with 6 legs, a beaheaded chicken, the tallest man, the heaviest man, from unsual customs that people practiced all around the world centuries ago to risky tasks men challenged themselves for personal reasons.

Sebastian fascinated by most stories and surprised by the things he was reading we decided to head out and enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a little shopping.

Note: No photographs of San Augustine yet has been posted on our blog, but hopefully soon to come :).