Happy New Year

Just wanted to stop by and wish everyone a very Happy New Year. I hope 2009 brings you lots of love and happiness. I will post a holiday update soon...Until....Cheers!!

Happy Birthday Twinnies...Christmas Shopping

Monday was Jenn & Michelle's 26th birthday...I can't believe they are 26!! Wow..time flies. We met them, Auntie Laurie, and Sammy at Red Robin for a yummy lunch. We had a great time just spending time together and celebrating their birthday!! Happy Birthday Twinnies!!

After our lunch, Greg and I were determined to finish our christmas shopping. Yeah I know it was 3 days before Christmas and it wasn't done. Here I am thinking that people are still working so it shouldn't be too bad. Oh no...everyone and their brother were out shopping. Determined to "seek and conquer," we hit Ontario Mills, Babies R Us, JoAnn's, and Target. Luckily, Alison slept the whole time! She woke up while we were at Target..no wait..I am not done..hummmm..I did what any good mother does.. give her umlimited snacks just to keep her quiet! Finished...we checked out and headed to the car. Greg is pushing the cart and I am pushing the stroller (of course no paying attention). What...why won't this stroller move...Um...here's why...

Runaway....



Crazy girl...

Tamales

On Sunday, Auntie Laurie invited Michelle, Jenn, and me to come make tamales with her. It was Jenn & Michelle's very first time so we were so excited and over zealous at the beginning...

Alison sitting in a tamale pot...crazy girl!



Auntie Laurie washing the husks


Michelle eager and waiting patiently to start..


Her first tamale...(crazy girl doesn't even like to eat them!)


Jen getting a lesson on how to properly make the perfect tamale...


Yeah...she did it!!


Half way done!!


8 hours later....29 dozen tamales...WE ARE DONE!!


We had a great time carrying on our family tradition!!

He ain't so jolly....

We took Alison to see Santa this evening..The pictures say it all!!

Before the visit



Get me off of him!!


He still wasn't ok when mommy was holding her...SHE EVEN DECLINED THE TWO CANDY CANES FROM HIM!!


Maybe next year....

Addiction

OK..So I have to admit....I think I need to start attending WA. WA?? What is that you say..WICKED ANONYMOUS!! I am so addicted to that play and am so sad that it is in its last weeks of playing here in LA. A friend of mine introduced me to the Wicked Lottery. 2 hours before the show they draw 13 names (26 tickets) for the front row for only $25.00. I have tried to win those tickets like 5 times, and do you think I have won just once???? NO!! ugh...so sad.. Auntie Laurie and I went on Wednesday to try to win front row. Here was my thinking..it is pouring..people will stay home...better chance...Oh no!! I think everyone and their sister was there. We still were able to get half off tickets in the Orchestra so we stayed and watched.. Gosh I just love it!! oh and yep..I have a ticket for its very last performance in LA. Who hoo.. Thanks Auntie Laurie for a great night!!

6 years ago today...

was the last time in my human life that I ever will get to kiss my mother's sweet face, hear her take her last sweet breath, hear her whisper in my ear, watch her fight the toughest battle, yet faithfully release her back to where she belonged. I miss her with each passing day and can't believe it has been 6 years already. The years have been long, some tough and others more joyous. I tend to dream of all the "would have" and "should have" beens. I seems to miss her and yearn to talk to her more now that Alison is getting older. She was a great mom, and I wish I could just pick up the phone and call her for some great parenting advice. (most of you know..Missy is getting a big attitude already!) I believe that if my mom was still here my family would be alot closer and people wouldn't give me the crap that they do. I would always have someplace to go without ever feeling like I am intruding, an honest ear to listen as I vent my frustrations out about life and infertility, she would include me in whatever she was doing always, and most importantly I would make her proud because I am trying to be such a good mom. I cringe when I hear and see people taking advantage or not appreciating having their moms around. I would travel to the ends of the earth just to have one last hug..



Christmases just aren't the same anymore. Dad never decorates the house and the traditions have just seemed to disappear. I am trying to keep old traditions alive while starting new ones but it just isn't easy. Decorating the house for Christmas with her was one of my favorite things to do. She would make my dad put up millions of lights, Santa and Frosty on the roof, decorated the windows, and most importantly every inch of the house had a some sort of decoration. Greg insists on having a fake which I totally dispise! As an "compromise," I am still supposed to get a real christmas tree...well that isn't happened in the last three years!! Anyways..done venting about that..so I decided that since I was back down to a 4 foot and 5 foot trees..I would dedicate them to her. Here are a pictures of them....











Mom,
You will always be an inspiration in my life. You have taught me life lessson that I will never forget. You instilled the importance of God in your life, the importance of family, and most importantly the drive to be a good person! And as we celebrate the holiday spirit, I can't help but wonder what kind of celebrations have at the happiest place beyond the earth. I love you more with each ticking minute...one day we will be together again..

Love Always,
Me

Christmas Photo Cards

Just wanted to let you know that G and M Images are offering personalized christmas photo cards. Our samples and prices are on our website G and M Images. Let me know if we create something for your liking!!

13 months

I am such a horrible mom!! I did a huge long update post, but I left out how Miss Alison is doing. Of course she is wonderful, but let me tell you she has hit toodlerhood in full force! She gives such attitude, but we still love her. Her sense of humor is quite hilarious! You can tell her to make a crybaby face and she scrunches up her face.

Her language is developing very nicely. She is doing extremely well with her sign language. She can now say "bunny" "baby" "hold me" "shoes" "dog" "refrigerator" and "help" in sign language, and her other words have been more clear and correct. She is also talking up a storm...in her own words that is. She mumbles on and on like we can totally understand her (especially when she is on the phone..yes she likes to talk to My My (Mikee)on the cell phone). She is really good at calling out for daddy when he is at work, and she yells at Belle to get outside "Be be..No no no!" People tell me I am going to be in trouble because she is going to be a talker like me, but you know what I am ok with that. There is nothing better then having a clear line of communication with your child. I love talking to her!

Her favorite book is Good Night Seattle. I think we have read it seriously a 1,000 times! Thanks Nina Lisa! But seriously reading continues to be her favorite thing to do. We have to try to divert her attention to toys because she just likes to go from book to book.

Her dancing skills..um let's say they are like her dads! Ouch! She bends at the knees and moves down. Quite hilariously..I have tried to get it on video but have been unsuccessful. Let's hope her Mexican genes kick in!

She continues to eat and sleep well. She is growing like a weed. Alison definitely doesn't look a baby anymore. She has perfected her walking and has now started to run. Running now equals more falls and head bonks!

We continue to be amazed by her daily. We thank God numerous times for sending her and her crazy personality to us. Being her Mama and DAAA DA is the greatest gift of all!!

Here are some newest pictures of her...(Grandma Cindy would have loved these pictures because she is wearing her favorite accessory..a hat!)

November Update..Finally

I am not getting up until this post is done...I have started this like a 100 times...

Geeesh....I have been slacking on my blogging! I have been so busy trying get the business that I just don't have any free time anymore!! So I will do a brief update (I know you are grateful that I won't be long winded! ha~)

El Capitan
Over Veterans weekend we went camping up in Santa Barabara at El Capitan State Beach with our very good friends. We had a blast! It was Alison's first camping trip, and she did quite well! She was so funny because she was look at the campfire and say "hot...hot..HOT!" We had such a great time and loved the campground so much that we are going to be spending some of Greg's spring break there! Here are a few pictures that I got...


El Capitan State Beach



Our campsite

Dolphins playing in the water




G-Pa's Birthay
On November 15th, we celebrated my dad's big 6-0. We had yummy food and had a great time! Happy Birthday Daddy!




10 Year Class Reunion
On November 21st, Greg and I attended my 10 yr class reunion...um...let's just leave it at that. All I can say is that I hope class of 98 can get themselves together and put a better one for 20. Sadly, anything will be better than 10!

Sea World
We had another day pass to Sea World that needed to be used before the end of 2008, so during Thanksgiving week break we decided to head on down to Sea World. Nana Jan joined Greg, Alison, Uncle Kevin, Aunt Dana, Braeden, Kelsea, and myself for a what turned out to be a WONDERFUL day at the park. Although the forecast called for rain, it was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect. This was Alison's 3rd trip to see Shamu and it was the best yet. I say this because her reaction to Shamu and all the other animals was just hilariously. She literally clapped and cheered during the entire shows. Life's perspective truly changes when you see things through the eyes of a child. Braeden and Uncle Kevin were also lucky enough to be able to be participants in the dolphin show. They were fabulous and got to meet Dolly the dolphin and Bubbles the pilot whale up close and personal. Lucky them!! Check out some pictures...

Thanksgiving
We had a very nice Thanksgiving (and for once we didn't have to drive all over So. Cal!) Dana and Kevin opened their new home up and we all enjoyed a FABULOUS MEAL! Dana did a great job cooking the turkey (which anyone who knows her..knows that she hates any kind of meat on a bone!) We had a great time! Thanks Kevin & Dana!

Things to be thankful
I was going to join the band wagon and make a post about all the things that I am thankful for; however, after Pastor's Dave sermom on Sunday, I am doing a self reevluation as what I am truly thankful. I will share that with you once we are done.

G and M Images
Our photo business has taken off (hence my lack of posting!) which we are so excited about. We have captured some great moments and are looking forward to capturing so many more!

Phew...I am done...Let the shopping continue..the decorating continue..sicknesses stay away...and may everyone enjoy the this holiday season!!