Christmas

What a wonderful holiday Christmas is. I love Christmas music playing on the radio and everywhere you go, the decorations at the mall, buying presents for everyone on our list, keeping the suspense about Santa at midnight for the little kids, being with family, decorating the christmas tree, the smell of pine, baking cookies, eating too much, driving by houses lit up with lights (even rush hour traffic lights turn into christmas lights if you just turn on the music).

This year we spent the early part of New Years Eve at my Tio Bob and Tia Marta's house. Jeanine drove down from Hollywood to join us for a dinner with all the trimmings. Tia cooked a wonderful dinner. Kids were running around everywhere. 17 of them to be exact. It was crazy. Just the way I like it.

Then we made it to dinner at my grandmother's house (on my mom's side) for the latter part of the evening. Once again a house full. I have 24 cousins... some with babies now. So it's extra fun for us. I know it was extra fun for me. Evan actually stayed awake until midnight to open his presents. He just liked tearing the paper and afterward, playing with the boxes. He wasn't too concerned about what was inside.

On Christmas day we slept in and then spent the day at Matt's parents house, where his side of the family meets. It's a much smaller gathering but it's still a lot of fun. This year, Hailey (5months) celebrated her first Christmas. Playing Dirty Santa was fun.

Jeanine stayed with me the rest of the week and it was nice having her here to hang out with. We tried out a new restaurant which is now on my fav list called, Cafe Chloe.

My Lunch Date

We didn't do much this week afterall. Evan wasn't feeling well and we ended up staying home. He's never really gotten sick on me before with the exception of a minor cold last winter. This time, he got a pretty bad cough. I really didn't know what to do so I called my cousin with 8 kids and checked the Internet and ended up sticking with natural remedies and he was fine in no time.

I really recommend garlic in some fresh squeezed lemon with raw honey. A humidifer also made a huge difference.

I don't have much to post about but I thought it was funny that Evan knows what to do with headphones. I was thinking about it and I don't think I've worn any since I've had him. Matt hasn't worn them either. The only reason I took them out was for our trip to Oklahoma but we didn't end up using them. I left them in a backpack, which he got into and he was so busy trying to put them on.

He also got into pretty much everything.

He's hiding in the bathroom cabinet

Then the toilet (I never let him do this) Then into the kitchen cabinets

Back to Reality

Cassie, Susy, Sandra & Me

I just got back from my 10 year high school reunion. To say "I had such a good time" would be an understatement. I guess I just don't get out much. I was so excited to go and was equally excited to be there.

There were a few friends I had kept in touch with, Cassie, Susy, Karla and Sandra, but there were so many I hadn't seen for 10 years and it was so nice to see them again. Honestly, almost everyone looked really good and not very different. The food and the music weren't great but I ate and danced anyway. And thankfully, Matt put on his happy face for me and ended up having a really great time (I think you all remember him dreading it).

But now, I'm sitting in front of my computer and feeling a bit down, more than I care to admit. It is because I started anticipating my reunion the day I graduated in the summer '97 and just like that, in one night, in a few hours it was over. And now I have to wait another 10 years before I see some of these people again. It's a long time to wait. So much has happend in my life these last 10 years and I'm sure so much has happend in thier lives; a few hours doesn't really catch you up. Add to that another 10 years and we may as well be strangers.

Anyway, we pretty much kept it short and sweet. You know... how are you? you look good (or I skipped this line altogether if it was insincere). are you married? do you have any kids? so glad to see you. And we moved on. Several people later, a few dances in between, by 2:30 am I was back home. I still had the next day to look forward to. It was family day at a local park and I got to meet some of my classmates kids, which was cool.

So it was a quick walk down memory lane. Although I love life now I also have really fond memories of my high school days. Actually, just being in Caleixico makes me very reminiscnet. It's like being back home goes hand in hand with my life as it was back then. Just before I left home I leafed through my yearbook, which I don't think I had done since I graduated so it feels a little strange to fast forward to 2007 especially when it involves laundry and cleaning.

I'm sure I'll get over it soon. I caught up on some emails and we've got so many events planned this month. This week there's a Spanish and Art class at the library for the kids and the Hotel Del is hosting a holiday festival on Wednesday. Of course I'll be back at Stroller Strides this week. I've also got to start working on our Christmas cards. I do love Christmas. I'm feeling better already.

Well, we're off to meet some friends for dinner. Hopefully that will cheer me up a bit too.

Alissa, Me, Karla & Cassie

Me & TovarEven my lil brother was there

We had fun

"Mute It, Johnny!"

Every other year we spend Thanksgiving in Oklahoma with Steve's side of the family, the Oakie Lees. Unlce Johnny is Steve's oldest brother and he has a bad ear so he has to turn the TV volume up really high. When people call the house and Aunt Garlena answers she yells, "Mute it, Johnny!!!" (imagine it said with an accent). People don't realized she is referring to the television volume and think that this is the way she speaks to her husband. So now her kids all make fun and it has spread into thier circle of friends as just a saying and Matt and I loved it and can't wait to use it out here for no reason other than to just say it (with an accent, of course).

We love visiting them. They are so much fun. I really can't describe them but they all have an incredible sense of humor and very dynamic personalities. Steven Ross is so silly. He is such a comedian. And when he and Matt get together... oh my gosh. Where do I even begin? Somehow they just play off each other very well. Shelly is also hilarious. She is a hip, stay-at-home mom with a small side cleaning business and is super busy between baking and picking up the kids and keeping up with all the high school drama that goes along with a teenage daughter. Jeff, her husband works a lot and we can't really tell the difference between his excited face and his serious face. hahaha. But he is so totally cool and also very funny. He has more of a dry sense of humor and oftentimes I can't tell if he is joking or not.

Lisa cracks me up too. She is a beaver to a "T". And it's funny to watch her. We all went over for chili one night and after we were all done eating she washed those dishes quicker than anyone I had ever seen. So fast, the water just couldn't run fast enough. And just as her mom was telling me about how she broke every single appliance she ever had, she broke the coffee pot. I'm telling you, there was never a dull moment.

Liegh, her husband is not serious but just compared to everyone else is more mellow. Both he and Lisa are teachers and he happens to be a photography teacher so we talked about that at bit. And I noticed his great pictures throughout the house. Everywhere I go, I always notice pictures.

And of course there is Heather, Steven Ross' wife. I just love Heather. Ever since we met, we just hit it off. Maybe it was because we were both married to the King of Queens. I keep up with her blog and so whenever I see her it doesn't feel like it's been that long. Oh yes, and let's not forget what happend last time after leaving Oklahoma... both Heather and I got pregnant. Our due dates were 2 days apart.

So we started planning for this trip back in February or March and as soon as tickets were made available (6 months prior) to the date of departure we were the first to book our flights. Not only did we get to see Olivia again, but we got to meet Audrey, who is Evan's age.

We stayed with Jeff and Shelly and thier two kids Macy and Garett. Oh yes, and thier dog, Gabe and somewhat adopted son, Pete. We stayed up late every single night talking mostly about disgusting things, which I will not retell and just being completely silly. We were bummed that Steven Ross and Heather couldn't stay with us like they did last time but we didn't all fit anymore. It worked out... no fire hazards (this is the first time I had heard and seen a blue flamer) and hopefully nothing funny in the water.

This is a long blog and I haven't even talked about what we actually did while we were there.

We went out to Johnny and Garlenas ranch out in Norman and we rode the horses. We also went out to the lake in thier new motorhome. At the lake we all took turns riding thier new motorcycle and the guys also played catch with the football.

We also went to visit the Oklahoma City bombing site and museum. It happend in 1995 and I was still in high school at the time and didn't realized how bad it really was. 169 people were killed including children who were at the building's daycare. It was so depressing. I had a knot in my throat the entire time and by the time I got to the people's memorial, I couldn't walk through it. After we left we were all in a pretty somber mood.

One of the days we rode the RV out to Sterling, OK where Steve (Matt's dad) had spent a part of his childhood. It was out of a movie, or more like out of a country song. A small country town in the middle of nowhere with a red dirt road. Pastures and bails of hay, grazing cows for miles on end, a tree swing and a pond, a small corner store, one church and steeple and a sign that read, "Welcome to Sterling".

On our way back we stopped at Jake's BBQ and then went to see the most amazing lights. I know you can't picture them and I'm getting tired of writing but when they said we were going to see the lights I really didn't have this in mind. Before heading home we stopped for ice cream at Braums.

For Thanksgiving we were back at the Ranch and we just hung out. Talked and laughed and ate too much, of course. I ate too much the entire week. I will tell you about the deserts alone: Pumpkin cheesecake, Lemon Cheesecake, Butterfinger cheesecake, Rum cake, Pecan & Sweet Potato Pie, Plain Pecan Pie and Pumpkin Pie. Oh yes, and frozen chocolate custard one night after eating at Cracker Barrel and a double scoop of ice cream at Braums on another night. One night I got really sick and had a bad stomach ache. So much for organic.

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Halloween

We had a busy little halloween yesterday. Evan was a little lion, I was an 80's workout girl and Matt was no fun. To go along with my theme I walked to Qualcomm Stadium where one of the churches was having a Halloween Festival. Matt didn't want to walk and said I was just a rebel. How silly. I just thought it would be fun and easy enough since it's right down the street from our house. Not only was I the only person walking down Friars Road, but I was the only person walking down Friars in costume. Matt drove by us and thought I looked like a dork. So anyway, he met us at the entrance. We also met up with his parents there.

Evan with Grandpa Steve

We were there for about an hour and then we headed down to my aunt's church, which was a lot of fun. More adults were dressed up there, so the ambience was funner for me and I didn't look as silly.

My cousin moriah's costume was the best. She was Pippy Long Stocking to a "T". She even sprayed her hair red and put a metal hanger inside her pig tales to make them turn up. Wish I had gotten her picture.

We stopped at my grandma's before heading back home so she could get a kick out of our little lion guy.

Anyway, these church things are really very cool. They set up all sorts of games and huge blow-up slides and obstacle courses. Of course there's always plenty of food. We had hawaiian BBQ and kettle corn. Lots of treats too!

Evan & Daddy

Evan & Mommy

Disneyland

We had such a great time at Disneyland this weekend with our friends. If only we didn't have to come back. We drove up Saturday with Lenny, Amy and thier daughter Abby. We checked into our hotel and just hung out for awhile. You know, checked out the pool and the workout room. Then we went and walked around Downtown Disney and had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. Evan really thought the gorillas were real and he was completely turned around looking and pointing at them. He was actually a bit scared. Awe, he's just a little guy.

Anyway (one of my fav words), on Sunday we met up with Jason and Rachel and their 4-month old baby, Taylor. They were in OC for a wedding and only had Sunday to hang out before flying back to Seatle early Monday morning. It was good to see them but way too short a visit.

I know Evan won't remember it but he really did like it. And that made it so much funner for us. He pointed at everything and it's so funny because I really think he thinks everything is real. Like animals and cartoon characters. He was also very intrigued by the firework show. As was I. It seemed like Taylor was interested in all the people and the lights. And Abby, who is 5, had the best time of all. She's familiar with all the Disney characters and has all of thier autographs in her autograph book she brings with her. She's so funny.

Sweet Taylor

About the Fires

Well, it turned out to be worse than I imagined. Sunday night there was talk about fires on the news but I didn't think it would be a big deal. The next day, Matt called and said, "Dude! I don't think you should go to Stroller Strides today... there's fires and all the roads are closed and I don't think you should be breathing in the air." I happend not to be motivated to workout anyway and so that was just the excuse I needed but Matt tends to be overprotective and so I just thought he was exagerating.

But sure enough, I turned on the TV an it was pretty bad. Homes in Rancho Bernardo were burning and it was getting worse. Friends were evacuating all over the place. Fortunately, no one I know lost thier homes but so many others did. I imagined that so many were like me. I always downplay serious things and I would have left so many valuable things behind.

Some people had to evacuate at like 4 in the morning and barely had time to escape.

We spent the rest of the week indoors. We did go out briefly to buy water and food to drop off at the evacuation centers. We live in Mission Valley, far from the fires, but my eyes got watery and Matt got the worst headache.

It seems like most of the damage has past. Last I heard, there were over 1400 homes destroyed in San Diego. I'm not sure how many people died.

At our church (one of the Evacuation Sites)

Our church Drop Off Table

Someone Seriously Laoded Up at Costco

He Did it... He Walked!!!

Evan totally walked today. He's been taking a few steps here and there for awhile now. It seemed like he didn't even notice when he was taking a few unattended steps and when he did, he would immediately drop down to crawl. I'm so glad Matt was home to see it too.

I was in the kitchen cooking and he just started walking. I yelled for Matt and we both made a big fuss over it and he kept walking. He's so cute.

Too bad we have all those fires though. It's so crazy. So many people have been evacuated and it just seems to be getting worse. Please remember to pray.

Anyway, here are some pics... i grabbed my camera so fast I didn't adjust the settings (shutter speed) and they are tottally blurry.

It's Holiday Time... and Stroller Strides

I can't even remember what we've been up to this month. All I know is that it was just October and suddenly its almost Halloween. Which basically means it's November and when it's November, it means Thanksgiving, which means it's Christmas and then New Years.

I'm really super excited about all of the holidays!!! We just bought Evan's Halloween costume this past week. A few day's before halloween we're going to Disneyland with Lenny and Amy and Jay and Rachel. Then in November we're going to Oklahoma to visit family for Thanksgiving. We'll fly back home just in time for my 10-year high school reunion on Saturday. Then Roxy and her entire clan of 10 will be here in mid-December to stay for a month! I always love Christmas. And Finally, on New Years Eve we're having a huge family reunion on my Dad's side of the family. We've got skits and singing and dancing planned out. It's going to be sooo much fun!

Anyway, Evan and I joined Stroller Strides this week. It's really great and I'm just bummed I didn't come up with the idea. Yeah, another one of those simple yet brilliant ideas. They're all over the country now. In fact, my good friend Stephanie bought a franchise for one in Knoxville a few months ago. I wrote about thier trip out here a few blogs back. So she was here for a training, I picked her up after it was over and I was so lucky to have her stay with us before going back home. I miss them and can't wait to see them again.

Anyway, back to Stroller Strides, I get to work out while Evan is in his stroller and I get to meet new people too. And moms happen to be my favorite kind of poeple to meet right now. After our workout, which by the way is pretty tough, we let the kids just roam free and play, so it's good for both of us.

My Absolute Favorite Picture

We've also been taking Evan to the beach quite often to get dirty and play around

Our New Car

Here is our new car...

Lot's of September Birthdays

Wow, we had a busy birthday month. Matt's was on the 16th followed by my brother on the 18th and then my tia Nieves on the 20th. On the 25th was my aunt Nancy's birthday and then my cousin Cassie had her birthday party on the 29th. Whew!!!

Here's what else is going on...

I started a photography class last week and I'm really excited about that. I just love taking pictures. I've also been working a bit part time trying to get back on track with our real estate investments. We've had such a crazy year with all of that with the market being the way it is. So many times it felt like we were holding on for dear life and we still are. But we've embraced the challenges and we've sort of regrouped knowing that at the same time there are lots of opportunities out there. I'm just thankful for all that God has done and is doing in our lives. He always provides and He is always faithful.

Which reminds me, that I'm thankful for our new car. We got a family SUV in which, Evan's jogging stroller now fits in the back, along with a lot of other things. It's so exciting when you get a new car. I actually couldn't wait to go run errands. I'll even admit that I sat in the car for over an hour while it was parked in the garage reading the manual. Yes, I read the manuals... I don't know if many of you know this but I wrote user manuals for a short time in my life.

A Little Girl at the Party, Holding on to her Mommy

Photography Class Assignment

Cassie (far right) & her Friends

Naunt's Cake (I made)

Aa.

I don't know how to phonetically spell Evan's favorite word, "Aa." He lifts his hand up high and says, "Aa".

Here are more pics of Evan at the park in Del Mar:

Matt turns...

Should I even say how old? Technically he is still 35 until tomorrow but we celebrated a little early because one of his favorite bands was in town yesterday. A few months ago he had talked about going but I tried to convince him that it wouldn't be a good idea. Then he forgot all about it. But I didn't. I secretly bought tickets and surprised him.

What a blast! We had good seats and they put on an awesome show. The thing about Rascal Flatts is that they're the kind of band that you like 13 of 15 tracks on their album. Usually, its the other way around. You know... they'll have one or two big hits, some mediocre and some you just skip.

Sorry, no pics to show because I forgot my camera.

My Baby is One!!!

When we were driving home from the hospital a year ago, this song was playing by Rascal Flatts and both Matt and I said, "This is our song for Evan." We had tears in our eyes.

My Wish
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you’re faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin’ ‘til you find the window
If it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything, more than anything

My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you’re out there gettin’ where you’re gettin’ to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish

I hope you never look back but you never forget
All the ones who love you And the place you left
I hope you always forgive and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you find God’s grace in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah more than anything

This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big

A Too Much Fun Summer Part Two

So the day Jay, Rachel and Taylor left, Stephanie and Santiago flew in from Knoxville with thier little baby, Saigen Kai. It was our first time meeting Saigen too and he was such a little cutie and a good baby too. Steph and Santiago are always a blast and they're also very entreprenurial and full of vision and ideas. A lot like Matt and I, so we spent hours everyday just talking about businesses and investments. I know Matt and I were really encouraged by them. Stephanie was actually out here in part because she bought a Stroller Strides franchise, which is headquarted here in San Diego and so she had to go through training before her grand opeing on September 5th. They went ahead and made a vacation out of it and stayed for 10 days.

When they first got here, we talked about all the things we were gonna do and it seemed then like we would have plenty of time but the week went by so quickly. And we did do a lot. We hung out with friends, went to the beach several times and definitely got a surf session in at the shores. As I'm writing this I'm remembering how much fun we had and I wish they were still here. Actually, I shouldn't say that or they'll want to move back here again and they've got some stuff to do over there. God's blessings on Stroller Strides, Knoxville. Go, VOLS!!!

A Too Much Fun Summer - Part One

This has been a busy month for us. Jason and Rachel flew in from Seatle to stay with us at the beginning of the month. We got to meet little baby Taylor for the first time. He was only three weeks old and he was sooo cute. It felt strange to hold a little newborn again. They grow so fast. Evan looked so big next to him. In about a year or two they will be little buddies. Anyway, Rachel's sister was getting married so they were busy going to wedding events, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, etc. But after that was all over we just hung out. We went to the beach and the bay and out to eat, of course. We were sad to say good-bye but they'll be back for her other sister's wedding in October. It will be nice to see them again. Especially Taylor, who Matt calls Taylor made.

Taylor

The gang at Extraordinary Desserts