• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
My Big Fat Cuban Family

My Big Fat Cuban Family

Cuban recipes, family, heritage, and culture.

  • Meet Marta
    • Media Mentions
  • Lifestyle
    • Cuban-American Life
    • My Big, Fat, Cuban Family
  • Entertainment
    • Disney
    • Marvel
    • Television
    • Concerts
    • Books
    • Theatre
  • Celebrate
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Cuban Christmas
    • Mother’s Day
    • Movie Nights
    • Summer Nights
  • Recipes
    • Cuban Recipes With Pictures
    • Family Favorites
    • My Cook Book
  • Shop
    • Cuban Foods Poster
    • Cuban T-Shirts
    • Costa Rican Foods Poster
    • Honduran Foods Poster
    • Puerto Rican Foods Poster
    • Salvadoran Foods Poster
    • Scottish Foods Poster
    • Customize Your Own
    • Cuban Goodies In Your Mailbox
  • Contact
    • Advertise
  • Archives

The view from the cheap seats

February 4, 2009 By Marta Darby 7 Comments

While he's on stage rehearsing, I'm still painting and touching-up sets and helping to transform a rented hall into a "world of pure imagination."

Candy cart 
I am completely content to sit back here and do what I do to make all of them look good. 

To pull off this (or any) production it takes an amazing group of people. 

And if you were to look up "amazing group of people" in the dictionary, surely you would find our particular group of Homeschooling Parents right up there on the first page.

Set painters and seamstresses. Lighting directors and song coaches. Stage managers and prop masters.

In between these jobs we also do times tables drills, check spelling, review geography facts and instill a love of learning into our young actors.

Wonka gate

I am so lucky to call them friends and co-workers in this extreme labor of love.

And now we get to sit back and enjoy the fruit of our long labors.

We'll continue to work tirelessly until the curtain goes up.  We'll be the ones with the tears of pride (and relief) streaming down our cheeks and the ones who applaud the loudest.

Because putting on a production like this is a bit like giving birth. It's quite a miracle to see these self-conscious (and frankly, quite goofy) junior highers become unforgettably delightful characters.

Which, when you stop and think about it, is also the payoff we're looking forward to by educating them at home. =D

Willy Wonka Jon

My mother said to me, "If you are a soldier, you
will become a general.
If you are a monk, you will become the Pope."

Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso."

                                                                  ~ Pablo Picasso

ADDENDUM by way of explanation (added 2/5/09):
Yes we homeschool.

We belong to what is called the Community Home Education Program (CHEP for short). It would be considered the public school for homeschoolers.  We have access to books, libraries, and any other educational resources available to the average kid in public school.

They have optional classes available at each one of their four Orange County sites.  Each homeschooling family reports to a credentialed teacher who helps keep us on track. 

The Drama program is just one of the many activities available to our kids.  They begin in September with auditions and casting and rehearse once a week at the site (which happens to be minutes from us) in a large classroom. 

All the kids in the production are homeschooled and their parents pitch in to make it happen. We have two moms who are trained voice coaches, a dad who is a contractor, and of course, the rest of us parents who just know how to "do stuff."  =D

You might also like:

We’re all in this together Back-to-(Home)School Pomp and Circumstance L’chaim (“to life!”)

Filed Under: Homeschooling Tagged With: creative stuff

Previous Post: « I might not have minded if George Clooney was involved*
Next Post: Pure Imagination »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ody from Miami Lakeso says

    February 5, 2009 at 7:17 am

    Excellent post Marti!!!! There’s nothing quite as rewarding as to teach your own children. I am very grateful for this privilege as well.I have to confess though, I wish I had half of your creativity and energy. You are quite an example to me. Thank you!!!

    Reply
  2. Adriana says

    February 5, 2009 at 8:38 am

    I’m sort of lost. Since you homeschool who are you putting up the play with, other homeschooled children?This is more than a labor of love Marty!

    Reply
  3. Kikita says

    February 5, 2009 at 10:08 am

    I’m bummed I’m going to miss it. Break a leg, Jon!

    Reply
  4. Mica says

    February 5, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    I think the coolest thing about homeschooling is you are there WITH them, it’s an experience not just for the child but the whole family. How lovely, if I had a chance to go back, I would have done it that way myself.

    Reply
  5. jana says

    February 5, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    We can’t wait until Saturday! I just know it’s going to be amazing with Jonathan front and center.

    Reply
  6. Adriana says

    February 7, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    Thanks Marta, and sorry to make you post an entire addendum!

    Reply
  7. The skyprincess says

    February 9, 2009 at 3:08 am

    Were the lucky ones to work with you, Marti! It was a pleasure an delightful, as always! What a team! You completed my stone walls, with details to bring them to life! I completed the kids faces to add the finishing touch to the your costumes. Still begging for email or posting Pics of Mr. Salt! Wish I could have kicked during the show-like last year! So busy, All I have are 2 very blurry pics of Mr. Salt. Desperate for ANYTHING with Mr. Salt IN IT-with makeup, that is not blurry (sign) would make this Makeup Mom so delightfully OVER THE EDGE…HAPPY! Happy! HAPPY! Hugs- Leesa

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

TRY SUPER SMOOTH CAFE LA LLAVE ESPRESSO

Cafe La Llave espresso coffee pods

My Cuban T-Shirt Designs

“Cuban T-Shirts

Subscribe to MBFCF Newsletter!

Never miss a post! Sign up with your email address to receive recipes, news and updates right in your inbox!

Cuban Foods Poster

“Cuba

Cuban Coffee Poster

“Cuba

Cuban Desserts Poster

“Cuba poster - Cuban desserts subway art print

Most Recent Posts

  • Santayana loves Celia
    August 29, 2024
  • Post Solar Eclipse – Café La Llave Giveaway
    April 16, 2024
  • REAL Snow: A Darby Family Adventure
    March 19, 2024
  • Dulce De Leche Cheesecake with Maria Cookie Crust
    January 29, 2024
  • Hispanic Heritage Coffee Basket Giveaway
    October 24, 2023

Cuban Recipes Cookbook

Cuban recipes with pictures cookbook from My Big Fat Cuban Family

Follow Me on Instagram

mybigfatcubanfamily

I love all things Cuban. I love to share stories, my family, food & recipes. I'm Marta. 💋🎉 @martadarby
Marta Darby Designs:
https://etsy.me/3ZWbWIS

Oh, the Cubanity!! 🇨🇺❤️#mybigfatcubanf Oh, the Cubanity!! 🇨🇺❤️#mybigfatcubanfamily
O’ Hi! 👋🏼 ☘️🇨🇺Always represent O’ Hi! 👋🏼 ☘️🇨🇺Always representing. 😉#mybigfatcubanfamily
#stpatricksday
Believe it. ☕️🥰❤️Happy Sunday, my fri Believe it. ☕️🥰❤️Happy Sunday, my friends. 🎉#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
#thedrinkofmypeople🇨🇺☕️
I’m super crazy in love with my Christmas tree.🥰
And @gloriaestefan singing about it makes it that much more beautiful. Am I right? 🤩I’m over here waiting (rather impatiently) for Noche Buena to arrive. ⏱️
Who’s with me? 👀☺️🎄🙌🏼❤️#arbolitodenavidad
#feliznavidad
#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
I have a gift for you today on the blog. 🎁 Thes I have a gift for you today on the blog. 🎁 These Classic Cuban Crema de Vie printable labels designed by the lovely and talented @lucyruthdarby // I also share the recipe for our amazing Cuban egg nog. // 🇨🇺❤️ Merry Christmas, my friends.🎄 #itsacubanthing
bit.ly/2QJV2Ka
Best way to get from here to Noche Buena. Bring on Best way to get from here to Noche Buena. Bring on the @cafelallave
💚🗝️☕️🎄💃🏻🎶Feliz Navidad!!🎶🪅#cafelallave
#thedrinkofmypeople🇨🇺☕️
Felicidades, @anaqooks !!! I can’t wait to dig i Felicidades, @anaqooks !!!
I can’t wait to dig in! So proud of you, my friend. 😘❤️🥰
Bacon Guava Cream Cheese Bites. You should totally Bacon Guava Cream Cheese Bites. You should totally make these for Thanksgiving. Also, practice taking bows and saying, “it was nothing.” 🇨🇺🎉🏆 Here’s the link -  bit.ly/GuavaBites #thefoodofmypeople #guavabites
A big a Thank You shoutout to @santayanajwlrs in M A big a Thank You shoutout to @santayanajwlrs in Miami for this gorgeous Celia Cruz quarter which they made into a FINE piece of jewelry. 🤩🇨🇺💃🏻🎶
I’ll be wearing it with great pride.
“Abre que voy! Cuida’o con Los callos!” 🎶
AZUCAR!!!#santayanajewelers
#celiacruzquarter
#mybigfatcubanfamily
Our favorite sound…🙌🏼☕️💚🗝️“Mas cafecito, por favor.” ☕️❤️#cafelallave☕️
#thedrinkofmypeople🇨🇺☕️
#mybigfatcubanfamily
I want to recommend this beautiful story to you. 📕
1) Because the author @titaramirezwriter writes with such an appreciation for Cubanity. 🇨🇺🙌🏼
2) Also, is this the BEST quintessentially Cuban book title ever?? yes. Yes it is. 🇨🇺❤️🌴Felicidades, Tita on such a delicious read. ❤️🏆#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
#dimelocantando
#tellittomesinging
I’m excited and proud to share that my shop, Mar I’m excited and proud to share that my shop, Marta Darby Designs on Etsy is back open for business! 🎉
I have food posters from many countries available in multiple colors. ⭐️
Choose from digital uploads, printed posters, or framed posters. (Link in bio)
Que pachanga! 💃🏻
Come take a look and shop around. You’re bound some to find something you love.❤️https://etsy.me/3ZWbWIS#cubanfoodposter
#martadarbydesigns
Croquetas > Pumpkin Spice
This is the truth. Don’t @ me. 🇨🇺
.
.
.
.
.#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
#mybigfatcubanfamily
#croquetas
#pumpkinspice
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m pretty easy to catch.
🤭#pastelitodeguayaba
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
AHORA SI!! 🚨 My friends at @santayanajwlrs le p AHORA SI!! 🚨
My friends at @santayanajwlrs le pusieron la tapa al pomo!
Have you seen the new Celia Cruz quarters?? 🇨🇺💰
Well, Santayana has designed this gorgeous piece of jewelry. Seriously. 🤩
I’ll tell you all about it over on my blog. 🗣️ Porque I have all the chisme on this gorgeous piece. ❤️I know. Im a little crazy about it because we Cuban Queens have to stick together. 😉Link in profile! ☝🏼 ¡AZÚCAR! 💃🏻https://www.mybigfatcubanfamily.com/2024/08/santayana-loves-celia/
My good friends at @albisacandles are celebrating My good friends at @albisacandles are celebrating that 5 Years ago they introduced the amazing Cuban Bread Candle into the world.🌎
Those of us who have difficulty finding Cuban Bread are so grateful for this very Cuban scent. 🇨🇺🥖
Congratulations, my friends! 🎉Try it. I promise you’ll never be the same. 🇨🇺🥖❤️Oh, the Cubanity! 🤯#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
#belikemarta. 🖖🏼😎
#cubanbread
#cubanbreadcandle
#albisacandles
This was my breakfast. ☕️
And my lunch. ☕️
And my afternoon snack. ☕️
Because CUBAN. 🇨🇺☕️Who’s with me? 🙋🏼‍♀️
Gracias, @cafelallave#cafelallave
#ohthecubanity
#cafecubano
It goes without saying. Because CUBAN! 🇨🇺🍮#cubanfood
#cubanflan🍮
#thefoodofmypeople🇨🇺
This is so real. 🇨🇺🥖🙈Thanks to my fr This is so real. 🇨🇺🥖🙈Thanks to my friend, @theyumyumfoodie ❤️🙏🏼#thefoodofourpeople
#ohthecubanity
We have known this our whole lives! “Oye, Chiqu We have known this our whole lives!
“Oye, Chiqui! Traéme el VIBAPORU!! 🎯💃🏻❤️🎉#mybigfatcubanfamily
#futbol
Follow on Instagram

Follow Marta On Social

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

FEATURED POSTS

  • My Big Fat Cuban Cooking Playlist
    November 21, 2016
  • Bacon Guava Cream Cheese Bites RecipeBacon Guava Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
    October 3, 2016
  • Chicken Soup Recipe - Cuban-styleChicken Soup Recipe: Cuban-style
    July 27, 2016
  • Picadillo Pies Recipe
    July 27, 2016
  • El Flan de La Reina Recipe
    July 27, 2016

Blog Archives

Recommended Services

Orange County Private Investigator
Enterprise SEO

Footer

Meet Marta

Marta Verdes Darby is a Cuban-American food blogger in South Orange County.

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Sign Up For My Newsletter

February 2009
MTWTFSS
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
232425262728 
« Jan   Mar »

Copyright © 2025 my big fat cuban family