• 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

What Mom Taught Me

May 13, 2012 By Marta Darby 14 Comments

In case you missed last year's surprise Mother's Day post, here is the link.

Also: Mom. You really should change your password once in awhile…

_MG_0269

– – –

 Mami taught me how to have great adventures.

We have driven to Vegas together more times than I can count.
Today, I love driving and am always ready to take a road trip.

We saw the GoGo's at Mandalay Bay (outside on "the beach" – aka The Pool) and we got drenched. Afterwards, we were sitting, still dripping, and having a cafecito while watching the people who had just come from an Il Divo concert head into the casino. We couldn't stop laughing about the people being dressed to the nines while we were dripping.
I wish I could remember what was so funny about the guy we met in the elevator, but at the time it was the funniest thing we'd ever heard.
When a friend invited me to the symphony, I knew how to dress because of that dripping in Vegas moment… and I still make friends with people in elevators.

She took me to New York with her right after 9/11. We FLEW. The two towers were still burning, but we went.
When she mentioned a trip to San Antonio to cook Cuban food for our troops, I bought my ticket right away.

We have gone to Miami plenty of times for Cuba Nostalgia because she had taught me to be proud of my heritage and my culture.
When abuela asked if I would take her to Cuba to be reunited with her siblings (for the first time since fidel took over) I did not hesitate; I went to Cuba.

We have met totally famous people and been total dorks about it.
People have treated us like we're famous and we have been total dorks about it.

We saw (presidential hopeful) Mike Huckabee at the airport, but I was convinced it wasn't him. She went up and shook his hand. She was right.
We were in L.A. and I said "Mami, that's Pitbull," but she wasn't convinced it was him. We eventually shook his hand. I was right.

Mami taught me to be fearless. And to be right. 😉

15028_1404031413549_1015268897_3009792_7920481_n

Love,

Kiki Amy

– – –

My mom taught me to appreciate comfort.

I can remember sitting on mom's lap at Luza's old house, in the living room in the dark when she was trying to put me to sleep.  I remember sucking on her finger while she tried to rock me to sleep.  She always played with my hair to calm me down and I still run my fingers through my hair to relax now when I'm all wound up.  She would always say, "Who loves you more then anyone else in the whole wide world?"

She asked because she already knew the answer. And so do I.

_MG_0169

Love,

Adam

– – –

Mom taught me to be fearless.

I remember the first time I had auditioned for my first musical. I was an extremely nervous, shy and quiet person. (Hard to believe now, I know.) Before I left, my Mom told me: "Be fearless. If you are fearless… they will respect you."

Every audition I’ve had since then, I have chosen to be fearless.  All because my Mom, I am now outgoing, well-spoken, respected and trusted by my friends. Thank you Mom, for teaching me to be fearless.

I love you, Mom! And thank you for letting me live. 😉

IMG_3077
Love,

Jon

– – –

My wife taught me the importance of telling stories.

When we are out at some family gathering or just out doing something fun together, she will stop and take photos or little video clips. I have to admit it used to drive me crazy.

But later when she writes about our time together or glues down the pictures in her scrapbook or tells these stories to our friends, I am grateful. She helps me slow down and see myself as part of a great story. Happy Mother's Day, honey. I love you.

_MG_0238
Love,

Eric

– – –

My mom taught me how to learn… and learn quickly.

Imitation was a skill I developed at a young age. And I had always believed that if mom could do it, I could do it too. My mom taught me how to bake a perfect cake (from scratch), how to do laundry (don’t mix whites with dark colors), how to sew (keep your finger away from the needle), how to clean the bathtub (it’s not a fun job, but someone’s gotta do it)…

My favorite compliment was to be called “mommy’s little helper.”

Later, she encouraged me to pursue my own interests. If I wanted to know how to do something, I had more than enough resources to learn how to do it myself.

My mom is an intensely curious, playful, thoughtful, and opinionated woman with the greatest sense of humor. She’s brave and honest and deeply connected to her culture. She had an excellent fashion sense, she makes the greatest pastelitos de guayaba, and she loves a good story.

Thanks to mom, I learned how to be a good listener, how to take care of myself, how to apologize, how to be creative, how to write, how to take a beautiful photograph and, most importantly, how to say “I love you.” and mean it.

Here’s to the best teacher I ever had. Happy mother’s day, mom! I love you so much I could spit.

_MG_0427
Love,

Lucy

– – –

Also, bonus picture of mom singing karaoke to Neil Diamond at the top of her lungs… on Christmas Day.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

IMG_0131

 

You might also like:

Who should be thanking whom? The Things He’s Taught Me You can’t stop the beat… This guy.

Filed Under: Concerts, Lifestyle, My Big, Fat, Cuban Family, My Kids Tagged With: concerts, meet the family, My Big, Fat, Cuban Family

Previous Post: « Where in the world is Marta today?
Next Post: On the stage of the Hollywood Bowl (Pinch me.) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michele Caridad says

    May 14, 2012 at 4:44 am

    Marta…. You are an amazing woman and a amazing mother and thank you letting us ride along with you as rollercoaster thru life (the fun way!) yet have great principles and pause for the important stuff …. And thank you as you’ve also taught me a thing or two (more like 200)… Happy mothers day! Xoxoxo

    Reply
  2. Bohemian Babushka says

    May 14, 2012 at 7:20 am

    As Babushka was reading this, eyes tearing after each letter, I couldn’t help wonder if there was really this much talent in one family or if y’all were using “ghost” writers? Then I saw the last picture. Ok, si, only family could get away with that. ; )Te felicito on your talented and loving family, and I know you had a wonderful Madre’s Day.
    BB2U

    Reply
  3. lisa (evans) barker says

    May 14, 2012 at 10:36 am

    well done, my friend Marta- your kids are such a reflection of you and Eric- a good one, and I am taken back in time to hear their comments. 😉 ~lisa

    Reply
  4. Amanda says

    May 14, 2012 at 10:37 am

    Happy Mother’s Day!!!Pretty sneaky, these Darby kids! 😉

    Reply
  5. BFF says

    May 14, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    What an awesome gift! I live you all! MORE!

    Reply
  6. Marta M. Darby says

    May 15, 2012 at 10:15 am

    Thanks, Michele!It means a lot to know I’ve made even a little dent in someone life.
    Happy Mother’s Day to you!

    Reply
  7. Marta M. Darby says

    May 15, 2012 at 10:16 am

    BB,Homeschooled! LOL
    Thanks.
    Marta

    Reply
  8. Marta M. Darby says

    May 15, 2012 at 10:17 am

    Thanks for standing by me the day I made the commitment to this man. It’s all been good.xoxo,
    M

    Reply
  9. Marta M. Darby says

    May 15, 2012 at 10:18 am

    They ARE sneaky! In the best way possible. 😉

    Reply
  10. Marta M. Darby says

    May 15, 2012 at 10:19 am

    Best. Gift. Ever.I’m still speechless.
    Love you!

    Reply
  11. Monique says

    May 15, 2012 at 5:41 pm

    Wow!! You are so very blessed…and so are they!! xoxo

    Reply
  12. RubyDW says

    May 15, 2012 at 6:30 pm

    loved it! Happy mama’s day to you. You’ve raised amazing kids 🙂

    Reply
  13. Marta M. Darby says

    May 17, 2012 at 11:07 am

    Thank you, Monique.I feel like I’m the luckiest one.
    xoxo.

    Reply
  14. Marta M. Darby says

    May 17, 2012 at 11:08 am

    Thanks, Ruby.I think they’re really good people. 😉

    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

  • Hispanic Heritage Coffee Basket Giveaway
    October 24, 2023
  • Cafe La Llave Espresso Ice Cream
    September 12, 2023
  • Summer Café La Llave Basket Giveaway
    June 26, 2023
  • Cafe La Llave Espresso Coffee Coffee Cake
    June 9, 2023
  • Espresso Cupcakes with Espresso Frosting
    April 29, 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'm passionate about sharing stories, my family, food & recipes. I'm Marta. 💋🎉 @martadarby

My Big Fat Cuban Family Blog
You know what goes great with Christmas? 🎅🏻 You know what goes great with Christmas? 🎅🏻
This delicious Café Bombón.Easy to make and sooo delicious.❤️☕️INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz @cafelallave espresso
• 1oz sweetened condensed milk
•milk froth (optional)Brew your shot of espresso.
Pour condensed milk over the espresso until it settles at the bottom of your glass.
Add a few scoops of milk froth (optional).Salud! ☕️
Thanks for always being delicious, @cafelallave ! 🇨🇺☕️💚🗝️#cafebombonrecipe
#cafebombon
#cafelallave
#mybigfatcubanfamily
#thedrinkofmypeople🇨🇺☕️
I promised you my easy Cuban Crema de Vie recipe. I promised you my easy Cuban Crema de Vie recipe. Here it is! 🎉
I hope you’ll give me some love and share it. 🙏🏼❤️
Make a batch to accompany your Christmas tree 🎄 decorating.
Feliz Navidad, mi gente! 🎁Full recipe on my blog.
https://bit.ly/3nKgVpG#cubaneggnog
#cubancremadevierecipe
#mybigfatcubanfamily
“So, Marta , how was your day?”Me: “It was “So, Marta , how was your day?”Me: “It was fine, but I’d have to say the highlight was that mention in the NEW YORK TIMES today." 😱🇨🇺“Oye, Chiqui! Get the sandpaper! Pa’ darme lija.”
🖖🏼😎We’re talking Caribbean egg nog drinks. Crema de Vie is my fave. 🥰❤️Crema de Vie Recipe and downloadable tags on the first page of my blog. 🎄Full story link in profile:https://nyti.ms/40Zktct#cremadevie
#Cubaneggnog
#newyorktimes
It‘s time to start making Crema de Vie for all t It‘s time to start making Crema de Vie for all the people who are on The Nice List. 🇨🇺🎅🏻🎁🤩🎄❤️I’ve included printable tags because I’m a giver that way.😉
You’re welcome. ❤️https://bit.ly/3nKgVpG#BeLikeMarta 🖖🏼😎#cubanchristmas #cremadevie #nochebuena #ohthecubanity #mybigfatcubanfamily
It’s that time of the year. 🎉 Before the Holi It’s that time of the year. 🎉 Before the Holiday Comelatas begin, we have to get our homes clean, people!
Not just “clean” - but Cuban Clean® - ahora sí!
🚰🧽🧹bit.ly/CubanCleanIf you need to review the “8 Rules for Getting Your House Cuban Clean®” tap the link in my profile for all the details.
Get the trapeadores ready!#ohthecubanity #cubanclean
#thecleanofmypeople
#mybigfatcubanfamily
Con un poquito de azúcar, por favor. 🇨🇺☕️Come check out my Etsy shop for all the delicious digital downloads.You can take to your local printer and have it done immediately. Que cosa más rica! 🎉Oye, pero Christmas is coming! 🎁🎄🎅🏻Visit Marta Darby Designs on Etsy. Link in profile.☝🏼https://www.etsy.com/shop/MartaDarbyDesigns#cubanfood
#cubanfoodposters
#martadarbydesigns
I’m giving away a box of delicious @cafelallave I’m giving away a box of delicious @cafelallave coffee goodies to celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. 🎉
Please visit my site and leave a message on that blog post to enter. Thank you. 🇨🇺☕️https://bit.ly/46OJcm0Link is in bio☝🏼Salud! ☕️#ohthecubanity
#cubancoffee☕️
#cafecubano
#mybigfatcubanfamily
@cafelallaveThanks 🙏🏼
It’s time to play my favorite game: “Maduros o It’s time to play my favorite game:
“Maduros o Tostones?”What do you have with each? I’m a picadillo xo tostones type girl.You? 🍌“It’s a Cuban thing.” 🇨🇺😉#mybigfatcubanfamily
#itsacubanthing
#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
My “merienda.” 😊And that’s how you do M My “merienda.” 😊And that’s how you do Mondays. 🙌🏼🇨🇺🏆You’re welcome. 😉#croquetas
#galletas
#cubanfood
#portosbakery
Some Mondays require more than others. Am I right? Some Mondays require more than others.
Am I right?? 🇨🇺☕️
Alaba’o sea santísima!🤩#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎#thedrinkofmypeople☕️
#cafecubano #cubancoffee
#ohthecubanity
#mybigfatcubanfamily
There’s nothing sexier. 🇨🇺☕️❤️ I K There’s nothing sexier. 🇨🇺☕️❤️
I KNOW I’m right. 😉💋Happy National Coffee Day! 🇨🇺☕️#nationalcoffeeday #cafecubano☕️ #cubancoffee #mybigfatcubanfamily
I made some amazing espresso ice cream with the he I made some amazing espresso ice cream with the help of @cafelallave // smooth, creamy, and.it tastes like your first cafecito of the day. // Best thing you’ll taste all day. ☕️💚🗝️Buen Provecho! 🤩Please visit my blog for the whole delicious recipe. (Link in profile☝🏼)You’re welcome! 😉🇨🇺https://bit.ly/45QhRPN#espressoicecream #cafelallave #mybigfatcubanfamily
It goes without saying, because CUBAN.
🇨🇺🍮😉❤️#BeLikeMarta 🖖🏼😎#flanislife #itsacubanthing🇨🇺
Cafe La llave Espresso ice Cream Check my site for Cafe La llave Espresso ice Cream
Check my site for full recipe 🍨
(Link in profile ☝🏼)https://bit.ly/45QhRPN
My grandson Max will be 2 next week. I figured it My grandson Max will be 2 next week. I figured it was time. 🇨🇺☕️
Don’t judge me. It’s a Cuban thing. 😉(For those of you freaking out right now, it’s only milk. I know. Shut up.🥛😆)Full disclosure: my mom would give all of us kids espresso from time to time. The most explanation I ever got from her was, “Asi se usaba en Cuba.” 🤷🏼‍♀️Oh the Cubanity. 🙌🏼🇨🇺#cafelallave #cubancoffee
This chapel, called “La Ermita,” is dedicated This chapel, called “La Ermita,” is dedicated to La Virgen de La Caridad Del Cobre, and is located in Miami.
Part of the @peroletmetellyou Miami Tour, 😉
I was there to show my respects, but as I sat there praying, I was not prepared for the intense burden I felt over the suffering of our people.Today, September 8th, is her feast day.
Today, like every day, we pray for a free Cuba. 🇨🇺We familiarly and with great love call her Cachita. ❤️Please read my story on how she is honored in Cuban homes everywhere. 🙏🏼https://bit.ly/15bs9I4(☝🏼link in profile)Photo 📸: @peroletmetellyou“Nuestro día ya viene llegando.” ~ @willychirino#itsacubanthing🇨🇺 #cachita #laermitadelacaridad
Today’s PSA, some words to live by: “Toma choc Today’s PSA, some words to live by:
“Toma chocolate.
Paga lo que debes.”And this is where I randomly start to cha-cha around my kitchen.🎶💃🏻🕺🏼
Who is with me?!Oh, the Cubanity. 🇨🇺😉#itsacubanthing #elbodeguero
The world looks brighter and much more fun after I The world looks brighter and much more fun after I’ve had my cafecito. ☕️ @cafelallave 💚🗝️🇨🇺🎨 by @ericdarby88#cafelallave #cafecubano
National Cuban Sandwich Day - from the archives - National Cuban Sandwich Day - from the archives - How to Make the Perfect Cuban Sandwich. 🇨🇺🥖This is a day I’m happy to celebrate. 🙌🏼🥳❤️https://bit.ly/1J31P2yStory and recipe link in profile☝🏼
#cubansandwichday
#mybigfatcubanfamily
I’m willing to die on this hill. 🤭 Oh, the Cu I’m willing to die on this hill. 🤭
Oh, the Cubanity. 🇨🇺#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Marta On Social

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

FEATURED POSTS

  • Crema de Vie – A Cuban Family Tradition
    December 10, 2018
  • My Big Fat Cuban Cooking Playlist
    November 21, 2016
  • Pastelitos de guayaba recipe with picturesPastelitos de Guayaba Recipe (Guava Pastry)
    July 27, 2016
  • 8 Rules to Getting Your House Cuban Clean®
    April 5, 2016
  • 10 Cuban Superstitions That Helped You Survive
    November 16, 2015

Blog Archives

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

May 2012
MTWTFSS
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031 
« Apr   Jul »

Copyright © 2023 my big fat cuban family