scribble daily and have random thoughts!

merry christmas and happy new year!

2008-12-24T15:38:00.001-08:00

twilight and trees

2008-12-07T12:17:00.000-08:00

just finished twilight! i loved it! of course i knew i would--who can resist a good vampire story? i sure can--of course, i also long for a new story of those vampires i love... ahhh anne, can't you get to work!?! i'm planing to go see the movie over winter break. i want some time before i go see it since i'm always dissapointed in the movie versions of books. that worked for narnia-loved the movie but only since i forced myself not to read the book until later. i hope santa brings me the other 3 twilight books for christmas!

work... well we have the house lights up, the tree in and there are lights on it--tonight will be the actual trimming of the tree. diego really thinks the tree is his. he has been loving on the tree since it came in the house. he's trying to add things to it, loves to look at the lights and sits with it. it's cute really.

last night i made real mexican hot chocolate--omg... i don't know why we ever bother with poweder cocoa! the chocolate was so yummy and spicy! i even had whipped cream. diego did not enjoy the steaming milk--funny--

christmas shopping is going well. the big debate is train table or not? i already found a nice train set but we still need a table. i notice one in the target ad today. i might have to give the good ol' Godmother and father a call and see what they're planning to get diego. i think he might want a train table!

mexico in pictures...

2008-11-29T16:06:00.001-08:00

oh joy!

2008-11-16T21:10:00.000-08:00

i had FREE TIME this weekend and i finished up some projects i have "hanging around" for quiet awhile! my lovely friend dawn sent me this house book awhile ago-and i even had a poppyink kit to do it with but i never added pictures... funny enough... but i ran across it this weekend and just finished it. i'm sorry i'm missing certain pics i would have liked to put in there but whatever--i have it done now! and i'm quiet happy with it!

the little apple town of julian has also made it into my scrap pages! it was such a cute little place to visit-i really want to go back when it's really snowing! and that pie... wow... pumpkin apple crumb... i have photos of it--can't wait to scrap that!

oh yes! my christmas cards are now done!!! yah! and even scrapped! yah! it's a year long battle of which photo wil make it onto the card-but this year costco upgraded and now you can use up to FOUR pictures! omg! so i'm there! lol-the 4 pic cards were too traditional for me but the three pics were great! i love this one! they're already to go--now if it would just stop being HOT outside i could turn on the xmas tunes and make some hot cocoa and address these bad boys!

the trip to mexico is now NEXT WEEK!!! we leave on monday and i can't wait! it seems like forever just waiting for thanksgiving and the cruise! i can't wait to go!

scrappiness!

2008-11-15T12:44:00.000-08:00

finally done! yes! and it feels great!

julian the apple town--its beginning to look a lot like christmas

2008-11-11T12:22:00.001-08:00

had a lovely weekend...

we went to the little town of julian! it was so cold and i saw SNOW!!! i love snow (maybe because i've lived in california all my life and really never see snow). we had pie-apple pie and vanilla ice cream, and a nice hot cup of cider! what a cute little place to pop into!

i have to say i had the BEST pumpkin cookies there too! i meant to go back and pick up some for the house/drive home but i forgot! ughhh! but we did bring home a pumpkin apple crumb pie-omg... that is just heaven!!!

christmas music going on the ipod today--i'm ready to holiday season. my christmas time is now here!

it's all gone...

2008-11-06T21:30:00.001-08:00

so... i had to open a new email account.

everything is gone-
still can't fix anything with paypal or ebay-

i have no one's email
if you want me to have it,
leave me a comment.

yahoo.

2008-11-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

my email is broken. bummer...

13 days of halloween (cont)

2008-10-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

whew! it's been a fun but busy weekend!

8. harvest party at diego's school! the kids danced, played ball, chased each other and the parents finally met each other. here's diego and his teacher!

7. decorated our house (finally!) and we went to trick or treat street in TO! so cold and fun! there were pony rides, petting zoo, animal shows, carving contest, the haunted train! and of course, hot cider for everyone! it was so cute--i love going there every year!
6. boo at the LA zoo--omg... not cool that it was freaking 95 outside! can you say HOT! lucklily, i knew it would be hot so i did not dress diego up in his bat suit. he would have roasted! but he did have nice time checking out the gorillas. they had cool stuff set up around the zoo-i loved the carving stations!
5. tomorrow i plan on passing out halloween pencils to my kids--just for fun! diego had a great time playing with them.

only bummer of the weekend--found out ces has to go to canada... AGAIN!!! grrrr! oh well, what can i do? nothing. we'll be fine without him.

13 days of halloween...(part one)

2008-10-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

13. (sunday) pumpkin patch!

silly diego was afraid of the pumpkins! he's a riot!

12. (monday) got boo'ed!

ooooh! candy and i don't know who from!

11. (tuesday) gave boo'ed & put out the pumpkins!

ah! i boo'ed one of the other SPED teachers!

10. (wed.) painted toe nails orange!

will photo later!

omg... i haven't had a mani in awhile! and she got me done in time for class--yeah baby!

9. (thurs) baking cupcakes for harvest party tomorrow night!

can you say red velvet? oh wait... they'll be so cute!

happy haunting!

oh so random...

2008-10-21T20:58:00.001-07:00

tired.
sleepy.
cranky.
ahhh... it must be bed time.

maverick?

2008-10-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

then use people first language. it's PEOPLE with special needs. not special needs people.

period.

paper!

2008-10-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

the wedding, the witch and the wardrobe...

2008-10-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

it's OCTOBER!!!

it's been a busy week!!! last week we had a party on friday, a wedding in fresno on sat, drive back home on sun, cesar left to canada on mon--he's still gone. ugh... and the monkey boy learned how to climb out of his crib!!! ugh! overall i've had very little sleep and feel like a single parent... ugh!!!

the party on friday was fun! lots of silly people! they were all of cesar's coworkers-his people. diego had a great time running and just watching everything go on around him. he loves people. he tried to eat everyone's food--ah... my boy loves to eat! oh yeah, there was a dancing scull too... scary!

fresno-gosh it's so darn far! omg... too many crazy drives and too many "close calls." i really hate making that trek! but really, the wedding was beautiful!!! my cousin tina has finally married her prince. that is a whole long drama but know that hector is a great man. i'm so happy she made a match. i'm so happy for her!

gosh... seeing people i grew up with was pretty crazy. they're adults now! lol! how did that happen? kids i've known since wow... since we lived on grant street in fresno--since my parents were married... yeah, that long ago! they're all still around and hanging out with my brothers--still! it was so nice to see them. i've got to find old pictures at my mom's and compare them to now. that would be a great scrap layout!

i have to tell ya... my dress... the pretty cream and black dress here (i'm on the far right) was a whole 99 cents! LOL!!! for real! i love to power shop!

my goodness... these cousin's of mine are growing up sooo fast! i can't believe how old they're getting--- aren't they cute!?! i should clarify--they're the children of cousins... diego's cousins.

spent some quality time with the nephews on sunday. i got them all matching t shirts for halloween. none of the 50 pictures of them came out clearly--i guess with 5 boys, someone would always be moving. they had a blast hanging out together! here's eddie, joey, isaac, miah and diego... wow... say that 5 times fast!

ces won't be home until friday now so i'm hoping to get some scrappin' time in. i can't find my mojo--maybe tomorrow i need to look at some challenges and see what i can come up with. limited time to really enjoy my blogs really affects me. oh well... we'll see what i can come up with! happy witching hour!

so diego had a birthday...

2008-09-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

and i'm still tired... hee hee hee... it's been non stop since the week BEFORE his birthday. his Bday was really nice... but A LOT of kids showed up. it was really nice and LOUD! just the way it should be. lots of nice new toys and only one big fall!

diego's passport thingy came in too. you need a picture ID to travel out of the country now so we had to get the two year old a passport. it's such a cute photo! i can't wait for our trip. i need to diet. hee hee hee...

work has been going great--except when they sent me to the wrong meeting on friday. i hate being late anywhere but i was. oh well.

this weekend was fun too. ces's dad came down from AZ and spent some time with us. we went to LA and acted like tourist. visited olveria street and saw real sugar sculls! so cool! can't wait to upload those pictures but i'm updating my ipod right now. i'm still using my old mini and it's slow. i'm going to get a new one just haven't yet. i'm debating getting a shuffle just for the gym. i don't need the big one there--speaking of gym! i forgot to mention my belly dance class! it's a BLAST in there!

it's late... i'm sleepy... i need rest! happy 1st week of october everyone! time to break out the halloween music!!!

my bones are rattling...

2008-09-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

so i found out about this cool train ride http://www.fwry.com/pumpkinliners_2008/pumpkinliners_2008.html
they take you to the pumpkin patch and everything! i am so there! sign us up. picked up my pictures from costco today... can't wait to scrap! i need some ME time.

scrappin' to the math?

2008-09-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

my desk looks great doesn't it!

so i got this bright idea--we're making a ABC book of geometry terms (which they're required to make the terms understandable for a 5th grader). i have tons of "beginner" scrap stuff i'm always passing off to people--why not use it for my students? so tomorrow we're going to start scrapping our terms! i can't wait! i'll post once we get started...

OOOOHHHH!!! i almost forgot! we're going to MEXICO!!! we're booked on a cruise for the week of thanksgiving and going to mexico! i can't wait! 4 days at sea.... ahhhh....

whoosh went the wind...

2008-09-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

a big thanks to lefa for the GREAT mini alpha's for this project! i couldn't have done it without them! i had an idea--didn't quiet turn out the way i planned it but it's okay. i like what i ended up creating. it's just a little something before i really have a chance to "get into halloween."

mrs. aleman, mrs. aleman, i don't get it.

2008-09-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

hee hee hee--that's line i image when i took the "teacher look" photo. i've been busy but finally finding my way. scrapped this a week or so ago but just got to posting it. i just made a cute halloween sign i plan to post tomorrow but it needs to dry right now.

i'm finally better--nasty bug in the house. diego still has a day care cold. poor thing. he's almost off the sippy right now. almost there. still needs one at home for his nap (but not at school) and for bed time. i wanted to start getting him in his bed but he woke up at 6 this am. and then fell asleep in the stroller while shopping for his birthday stuff. ugh! so no big boy bed nap today. bed time will still be in the crib for awhile. i'm hoping by dec we'll be in the big bed for good.

shesh... i've been up since 6. it's now 11. i'm tired.

i had so much to say...

2008-09-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

but then caught a 24 hr bug. we have been sick all weekend... eww...

happy labor day!

first day of school

2008-08-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

met my students today! i want to post pics but since it's SPED--i can't. it's confidential information. it's just so hard... so the state of cali decided that all 8th graders have to take alg. 1 in the 8th grade now--including SPED students. yeah... i met my students today. they're a sweet bunch but there is no way they can handle algebra one. are you kidding me? i would guess them to be at about a 6th grade level--if i'm lucky. there were a lot of fingers out doing simple math today. and it's NOT their fault. they have medically documented delays. they're in special ed for a reason! why would we want to send them over their fustration level? i don't know... i don't make policy.

and... that leads to my 1st day of university classes too! wow... it just occured to me, when the Dr. I said, "welcome to graduate school" that YES, i am in grad school now! omg... i've taken many classes in the past but they're all credentialing classes so technically they're 5th year classes and not grad school. they do not lead to a degree--a credential is not a degree. even if you have two like i do; they're still not a degree. lol! but now, yes, now, i am in grad school.

diego--doing great in daycare! he likes going. he seems to enjoy the kids. he's eating well, LOL-like there would be any question. i'm happy for him!

on the eve of my first day back...

2008-08-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

first i should report: diego did wonderfully at daycare! when i walked in to pick him up--there were no tears, no big rush to greet me, just a smile--of course, it was SNACK TIME!!! he just sat in his little chair and waited for me to come over to him and sit while he helped himself to his snack. my boy LOVES to eat! it did my heart good to see him happy. i'm sure he's happy! yeah, sure, he's not with me all day but he's with KIDS! he loves to play with kids! and i'm excited for him--he's ready for this.

as for my classroom... it's empty alright. of course, no one really knows what i'm "supposed" to be teaching. the principal said math and science. i hate math and science--but i'm better now. i had a moment but then my best friend kathy talked some sense into me--i'm married to a scientist and i've been trained extensively in math. i'm excited about it now. i went to lakeshore today (the teacher store) and bought a few things. i feel better.

today was cesar's b day. it was nice. he went bike riding with friends in the AM. we then went to dinner at claim jumper. ooooh yummy! we have mini bundt cake made already but are waiting until the little one falls asleep--he's almost there.

good night-sweet dreams!

i'm so sick...

2008-08-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

cesar was sick, my neighbor was sick... i don't know who got me sick but i'm sure it was one of the two! eeeek! i'm dying... i'm just dying... LOL!

well, the week has been so crazy! and it's only tuesday. i made a final choice on daycare. diego and i have been visiting daily so he gets used to the place. i like it. he seems happy to be with the other kids. of course, you know, diego will be full time but full time for us is not that full. i'll be home by 4 everyday but wed--i have classes that night.

transcrips, the thorn in my side... i went to too many colleges! LOL! no, not really but it seems there are transcrips for thousands of places. i'm down to my final last two requests. i've spent a good pretty penny on them too. the prices vary so much from school to school. rat bastards!

enrolled in school. i'm so excited about that! i miss being and feeling "smart." of course the whole application process is so silly. it's just a formality really. i submitted my paperwork yesterday and now, yes, a whole 24 hours later, i'm enrolled. yeah... lol!

i need to head over to see dr. saul and get some paperwork filled out for diego's daycare. i also still need to get a TB test. i'm so sick of doing those!

i am so tired... maybe i'll try to take a nap.

back to school... oh yeah! (did you ever watch grease 2?)

2008-08-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

i've got to go back, back to school... again!

so i got a job! i'm thrilled! it's been a journey really... 1st one i was offered but turned it down--something about the fit (money...LOL!) didn't feel right. the 2nd, i didn't get the job but this certain district never hires from the school i went too. and the 3rd... took forever! i mean, forever! but, the offer was a great fit and i'm thrilled! i'll be teaching middle school SDC/RSP--what does all that mean? Special Ed.

i'm hanging out with my neigbors cricut--ugh! i am so in love with this stupid thing! hee hee hee... i borrowed it to make the invites for diego's b day but now i want one. of course, you know she has two so this is the "extra" one. she just got the cricut expressions--it's HUGE! and she is selling this one but is waiting for a friend to say yes or no. i'm next on the waiting list. lol! i have the indie art cartrige right now and i love it! i'm making a mini out of some of the die cuts.

the things you find when cleaning out the stash...

2008-08-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

i've been on a cleaning kick... days and days of slowly sorting through the scrap stuff i own. luckily for me i have two great gals to grace with STUFF! they're both new to scrapping so they love everything i hand over. of course, the second i make new room, i'm off to buy more! i haven't been to joann's in FOREVER and since i'm making the invites for diego's b day, i popped over there and was impressed with the clerance! love, elsie, stamps, and those shinny KI memories paper sets, all 1.97. i got the camera mini i've been wanting forever! ended up spending 30 bucks on a TON of clearnce items.

but, while cleaning... i found three sets of chipboard monograms and made a quick mini for myself. i can't wait for FALL. i did all four letters but didn't feel like getting them all uploaded.

i know somewhere there are three mini's started of diego's baptism that i misplaced. i'm sure they'll turn up soon.

we lost a pair of shoes...

2008-08-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

today was interesting... LOL!

so i took diego to kid's club. he goes there a few times a week while i work out at the gym. when i got back after aqua class the lady (she's about 22) asks, "oh diego's mommy, i'm so sorry." of course my heart drops--"what?"

she points to a lone shoe on the stand, "there is his shoe. we can't find the other one."

in the meantime i spy my little monkey crawling around playing-he's running and laughing--BREATHING--so at least nothing has happened to him.

then she goes on, "its wet."

humm... wet?

then the story spill out. another baby, his diaper leaked, poop on the floor, diego's shoe covered in poo... YUCK!!! i start laughing which didn't help. she started laughing and describing the poop. LOL! the more she talks, the more we're both laughing. i had to ask, who cleaned up the poop? i mean, we're paying 2 bucks for kids club-not enough to be cleaning up poop. she said they paged the mom and she came and cleaned up with them. but the faces the girl was making--totally disgusted! so the other woman comes up to the front, again, no more that 22 years old. she figures out who i am and then she goes on, "it was everywhere! it was so gross!"

none of us can stop laughing--i take diego's wet shoe (a flip flop from children's place-i think they cost a whole 3 bucks) and aske them to toss it for me--they can't find the other one anyway--so glad i left his shoes on! don't want to even imagine if i had removed them... ewww....

finally diego notices i'm there and comes running. i get his stuff and sign him out... right as i hit the door, the first girl screams out: "I FOUND THE OTHER SHOE!!! IT HAS POOP TOO!!!" which sends us all giggling all over again.

yeah... poop... it's hella funny!

side note... last night we went to see a movie--it was out 8 year anniversary!

the problem with old stuff..

2008-08-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

is that it just feels old too. oh well, it's not for me. and leewitt will certainly love it.

so my neighbor scraps too

2008-07-31T15:25:00.000-07:00

and we took a class together! for me, it was more of a chance to leave diego with a sitter--he needs to be "left" more often and i still don't do that too much. but anyway... it was so much fun! only a few girls took the class and they all knew my neighbor. lots of chatting!

job update... ugh... lol... i interview for two. one i declined... not for me. and the other they went with another teacher-it's okay, i'm cool. lol! i really want K-5 not middle/high right now and that seems to be the only openings. part of me thinks, oh well, i have plan B. very true... i have a plan B. but then, i would love to be able to go to work too. there are things i need to do for myself. is that selfish? no. i think each person needs to decide what he or she needs to do. we all have our own life paths.

oh well... what is meant to be will be.

word.

2008-07-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Rules: Answer the questions using only one word. Then tag four others.

1. Where is your cell phone? dunno
2. Your significant other? ces
3. Your hair? wet
4. Your mother? shopping?
5. Your father? heaven
6. Your favorite thing? diego
7. Your dream last night? none
8 Your favorite drink? coffee
9. Your dream/goal? book
10. The room you’re in? office
11. Your hobby? scrapping
12. Your fear? pain
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? home
14. What you’re not? mean
15. Muffins? scones?
16. One of your wish list items? floors
17. Where you grew up? california
18. The last thing you did? email
19. What are you wearing? shorts
20. Favorite gadget? ipod
21. Your pets? swim
22. Your computer? slow
23. Your mood? ehhh
24. Missing someone? kathy
25. Your car? SUV
26. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
27. Favorite store? costco
28. Like someone? yup
29. Your favorite color? black
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? awhile

I tag: marie, my newest sister lefa, dawn, and lizzy

a camping we will go... or went...

2008-07-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

pismo was a blast! we always have a blast in pismo. we went camping--whew! camping with a toddler is WORK!!! there were a lot of boys there, my brother and his wife and their 4 boys all came along as well as the kids of my cousins. everywhere you looked, there was a little boy! hee hee hee.

diego was thrilled with the ocean. he spotted it and never stopped running. if you have ever had the chance to run in sand--well, it's not that easy. but he ran the whole way! and when he hit the water, he KEPT GOING!!! LOL! i expected the water to hit and for diego to just spin around and take off running away from the water. ooooohhh noooo, i had to run in after but he was so happy splashing around, we stayed for at least 30 minutes (it was FREEZING!!!)

cesar was such a boy... LOL! he had a great time as well...

we did stop at the emu farm and fed the birds. diego was impressed with the feeding pans and the way the birds just came over and pecked the food. they're very sweet. we even tried out ostrich jerky... ehhh... not so much...

i was glad to be home after the trip--whew! it was nice but i'm looking forward to some quiet time with diego before we send him to preschool (yeah, that means i'm looking for a job). i think it's time. he's an only child and he needs KIDS!!! i'm okay with it now--at first i was freaked out but there are things a mom knows--this is know--he's ready.

staycation con't...

2008-07-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

we had a blast at sea world--just haven't scrapped the pics yet... here's my favorite of the day:

oh yes... that's a whale! the trip was fab! and it was soooo good to see kathy! i love her! the following day we went to old town SD and i LOVED it! i loved it last time but i LOVED it again this time!

we watched the fireworks in TO--made it home in time. but of course... there was a fire! it wouldn't be california without a fire! it's a bad photo but you can see where the fire is burning... the right, that fire is the FIRE. the fireworks were great! diego loved them!
i did a few layouts this weekend. not so happy with this first... one of those "love the paper, love the photo but something just didn't go right types of moments."

i love this one with sterling and diego in the ten dollar tug boat!

awwwww... that bear! diego thought the bear on the chair was the funniest thing ever! his sense of humor is soooo developing! he's so funny--now that he knows what is right and wrong, bears sitting in chairs or taking a ride on the fan just cracks him up!

we also got a new pool for the kid...

overall it was a nice week of just having time off!

oh yes, i must add--twins are leaving us this week! yah! it's been nice but i'm ready to have just some mommy and diego time again!

old mac donald had a farm... {staycation}

2008-07-02T13:27:00.001-07:00

so the staycation is going well. cesar is off work for the week and we are doing stuff around town that we never stopped to do before. lots of cool parks here in 1000 oaks! yesterday we almost drove over to the LA zoo but then we decided to head over to underwood farms. very cool little place even if it's a tourist trap! hee hee hee... diego loved it! he was so excited to see all the animals and feed them.

it was a first pony ride for diego! look at that smile... awww... i love that kid! he was totally brave and just pet the pony while riding. he's getting sooo tall! stop growing diego! LOL!

since i'm on vacation too--i have done a little scrapping. i finally called my arizona book done and moved it into the mini book pile. for a mini, it's not that little. it was a stressful really. i thought the size would be fun but it really wasn't. it's too big to be quick and dirty but too small to really embellish it overboard! oh well, lesson learned... nothing bigger than 8 inches for a mini book--at least for me---at least for now.

did a quick and dirty layout of billie joe. ahhh... i can dream of him all night! he's so cute. i just love him. ya know, i love joaquin too and i've never done a layout of him! oooh that's a bad girlfriend--never never made a JP layout! and he's soooo hot in walk the line--even if i don't like country. oh wait, this is about billie joe isn't it... LOL!

have a blessed 4th! we're leaving for sea world in the morning and we won't be back until the 5th. so excited to see best friend/godmother kathy in sea world! she's flying down from oakland to spend the holiday with us! yeah, friends like her ROCK hard!

got it form another blogger...

2008-06-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

i'm sooo bad at keeping up with these things so here goes!

The Assignment: Think back on the last 15 years of your life. What would you tell someone that you hadn't seen or talked to for 15 years? How would you sum up your life? You get 10 bullet points. A list of 10 things to summarize you. At the end of your list, tag 5 more people and send on the love.

Someone I haven't seen since June 1993... When I was 21.

The ten big things...
1) i'm married!!! yes-2000 was a great year. he's a scientist... yeah! LOL! sounds fancier than it really is.
2) have a beautiful son named diego-he's 21 months now and super tall!
4) lived in the bay area for awhile, about 10 years. really miss it there!
5) moved to so cal 5 years ago.--ehh... it's okay
6) i teach, yes, for real. i taught 3rd for 5 years and now teach special ed.
7) yeah, that means a LOT of college. my BA is from CSUeastbay (ghetto name if you ask me!) english lit with an art minor. my first credential is from patten university in oakland. my sped one is from CSUCI.
8) i'm not teaching now--staying home with baby 1 while keeping fingers crossed for baby2.
9) i refuse to worry about gas-i love my SUV--just drive less. it's just what is--europe has been paying these prices for years.
10) i'm really into scrapbooking--yes, scary... lol!

as for the tagging... well, here it is, take it or leave it... cut and paste if you wanna--leave me a comment that you did and i'll check out yours! i can't add more pressure to your lives. LOL!

cesar is back from canada!

2008-06-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

whew! he's back!!! i hate when he goes---what do you do when the baby is crying "dada" for an hour in the middle of the night? there are no words to soothe him. he just doesn't understand. but this morning diego was just the happiest little boy ever when dad when to get him out of his crib. lot's of happy noise came from his room.

today the twins stayed home. it's a blessing... lol... i needed a day. i took diego to gymboree and he didn't love it like i hoped he would. whatever, no biggie... gymboree is more than i really want to spend on baby and me classes.

cesar picked up our sea world tickets today! i'm sooo excited! i can't wait to go!

doing the scrappy dance!

2008-06-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

i did it! today i found time to scrap! i've been a little... blah! about the stuff i own. and i really don't want to buy anthing new--i'm trying to "conserve" and be earth friendly... LOL! no really, i'm trying to clean out my stash... things are in the works for this room and one day it will need to be cleaned out. so i'm doing my part by not buying more and using up the stuff i do want. the stuff i need to let go, i'm giving away to my neighbors. too much of a good thing sometimes makes the mind stall. i'm on a mission to CLEAN UP MY ACT! so here is some sharing:

one of my most favorite pictures.... wow... these boys are all of 20 months and 15 months but they already have the boy gene. look at that... they're checking out the bike! sterling and diego seem to really enjoy playing together!

i made a layout of cesar and me! it's not my most favorite picture but it's a decent one. i feel like i've lost weight since that pic but i don't think i really have.

diego... awww.... my baby. i somehow "forgot" that i can print pics in black and white. there is something so nice about black and white.

my first really girly layout in a longgggg time! it's maya's foot! she's one of two. they should be heading to daycare soon... i hope! LOL!!!

gosh... i love this picture... i just LOVE it!

ohhh... FYI: my ipod is dead. still dead. the computer does not "recognize the device" and the ipod is asking me to reload using itunes. i have to accept it's dead. cesar promised me a new one. funny enough... the one i broke is really his... my mom is most right--she called it an overuse injury. yeah... that would be the ticket. i have an ihome, an ipod radio... i live off mine like some do TV. contacted apple--the device is too old for it to be their problem. yeah... i knew that! LOL!

my ipod...

2008-06-18T21:19:00.001-07:00

it's dead. really dead. i'm so bummed... i can't even talk.

my son is a star!

2008-06-13T22:17:00.000-07:00

happy father's day bug!

it's not everyday i get to say happy father's day! so happy days to the man i love! what a blessing to have you to share this journey with. it's been interesting to say the least!

diego is a superstar! (at least in MY book) he was published at the ripe age of 1 1/2. yup... he drew his daddy! his is in the middle of the top row.

i feel pretty...

2008-06-07T21:28:00.001-07:00

i'm not one to be "i'm sooo cute" all the time. but i love this picture. i feel pretty when i look at it. i like that i'm so tan these days because of my addiction to aqua class. i've made a commitment to the gym and today cesar bought me new shoes and gym stuff. i love that i've made it to my dance class two times already and yes! it's begininig to make sense! yes!!! and... i've given up any food with high frutcos corn suryp. yeah... i think i spelled that wrong... lol... oh well! that's a hard one since my FAVORITE yogurt has it!!! ugh...oh well...

so i've lost a total of two pounds all year... yeah... thrilling but i'm sure i gained sooo much more. and i'm not talking about weight.

so busy i don't have time to scrap!

2008-05-23T21:47:00.001-07:00

oh soooo busy! so i was being nice and i said i would sit a set of twins until their daycare spot opened up---ugh... lol... no... really, it's not that bad! i still get to sleep all night, they're 4 months so all they do is sleep and eat... sleep and eat... but i just don't have anytime for me anymore! i know as a stay home mom it sometimes seems like i never have time but now i NEVER have time! lol... but it's been great for all of us! they're so cute!

by the way, i cut my hair... it's all gone! i LOVE IT!!!! now, diego won't believe this when he gets older but this week has been filled with a bunch of 1st! so, on tues, he used the spoon and ACTUALLY got food into his mouth for the first time. he also carried his "baby" around and rocked it! wow... that is actually the cutest thing ever! then on wen. he learned to pull up his shirt when i say "where is your belly?" so cute huh? (and so critical for a future havard student!) thurs, wow... thurs was his first escape from the house into the FRONT yard. yeah, my heart stopped when in saw his little head bob by the front window. the back door has been an issue for awhile but the front... omg... i caught him right at the sidewalk. but! wait, thurs he also had a "conversation" on the phone with his grandpa! wow! it was baby talk of course but it was the listen, say something back, listen again, say something again conversation! wow... he's getting sooo mature! last picture is of diego and sterling-which seems to be becoming the new "hot" name in my mommy circle. we now know 2 of them! funny! great name!

happy mother's day and there was a week in arizona...

2008-05-11T21:07:00.001-07:00

today was special... lol... but again, every weekend feels special to me. so i slept in and made pancakes... i love pancakes! then we went for a nice long walk and then later lunch at enriques. i love enriques! off to the beach and lots of hand holding... awww... i got some MAC make up--and if you know how i am about my COACH bags, then you know the wonder of MAC make up! lots of special wishes from people... that is always nice.

took some cute pictures of my little diego--dude... he's sooo big! it's not even funny anymore! but everyday he does something cute and i just love him even more.

we spent a week in arizona too. we were then the last week of april/first of may. there is a measles outbreak going on there... can you imagine? i was not a happy girl when i found that out! but then i looked around again at the hotel... nice. we stayed at the westin la paloma resort/spa and baked by the pool everyday! diego was a little fish and CRIED each time we had to leave the pool. here's my artistic picture of the cacti on the way into the hotel... like it?

while there we were able to fit in a trip to tombstone-diego loved it until the "real" gunfight took place and scared him into crying. lol-poor thing! he doesn't have words to say, mom, that sound is scary, can we leave now? nope, he just cried!

we also drove to brisbe or something like that--TOTALLY OVERRATED!!! so not worth the drive there. it was fake san francisco for people who have never been to or lived there... nope... i believe we were there all of an hour. very snobby people who smelled... yeah, they thought it was supposed to be berkeley. no, i lived there, you are not the bay area. LOL!

OOOOH! we finally made it the catci place--the national park for the cowboy cacti! it was beautiful! omg... i loved that place and they had a trail paved which was a great hike for us since we travel with the little boy! it was beautiful--i think that was my most favorite place.

what i didn't like was the driving part. it seems like the WHOLE state of AZ is under construction. ugh... it took 3 hrs to drive from tucson to phoenix. it was a LONG drive. we even stopped at the grandpa's house on the way back just to get off the road for a little bit. oh, i have to share! finally, after years of being married, after years of eating out weekly, we went to dennys and "KIDS EAT FREE!!!" dude... diego never gets his own meal but he did then! lol-and dude... he ate it all!!! lol-grilled cheese and fruit salad never go to waste when my boy is around!

a little birdie told me...

2008-04-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

i didn't plan on blogging today---but then i was playing with paper and made something i was struggling with for several days now! i saw someone make these super cute bottle cap scrapbooks and i wanted to do one too but didn't want to do something that small... it's just not me to be that small. so then, i was playing/cleaning out my stash when all of a sudden, the maya road chipboard birds fell out! wow! it hit me--there is my mini scrapbook! its for my mom who broke her arm bowling the other day--ouch! in two places no less--double ouch! and has a trip planned to texas that she can't back out of--triple OUCH! so hopefully this will at least get her there with a smile! it's all her grandsons.

i just had to share my new love with you all too... isn't it cute? you won't believe that it's a real COACH bag i bought for only 15 dollars off of craigslist! isn't it fab? just what i need on a hot summer day!

happy scrapping!

oh so green!

2008-04-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

so it turned out to be earth day weekend over here. we had planned to go to the zoo and when we got there--WOW! they had vendors every where! cesar got a free tree! nice size too. we of course had his car-the WRX isn't that big really. so it was a tight fit. hee hee hee. but of course, the highlight was the bags--the LA zoo was handing out PLASTIC bags to people to collect their goodies! LOL!!! something about that just doesn't seem right... LOL!

gotta share this picture--lol--check out how cesar has the boy! lol-this was the "we are done at the park" moment of the day! he has no idea how hard it is to chase that boy and finally got a nice dose of reality! hee hee hee--is it wrong for me to think this is funny?

a note to my scrappy friends--never know what to do with those "beginner" scrap things? well, just for the record--i've made a little bundle of cash selling my old crap on craigslist! yes!

speaking of scrapping: here's some new work!

ouch... sometimes sand can hurt!

2008-04-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

so we took the boy over to the beach this weekend (it was 90 something). sad really, we live so close to the beach and never go. but we did this weekend and boy did he have a blast! at first he wasn't so sure he liked the water but once he got used to it--diego was a water loving fool! he was thrilled to watch the waves and jumped when they got close to him.

finally finished my easter egg project. not quiet what i pictured but its cute. i didn't load every picture since you get the idea after a few pages.

memo from mommy

2008-04-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

finally! whew! over at one of my most favorite sites, http://www.scrapmojo.blogspot.com/ they've got up the greatest challenge--office stuff! well, it was a struggle to get the office word for me--i've never, never worked in an office! hee hee hee! but the layout came out for me! i'm thrilled with it!

as for the second... i realize i almost skipped diego's big 18 month old layout! with the trip to the ER being the same week we turned 18 months, i almost forgot to scrap his important details. well, we're up to 32 pounds (we now stand on the scale on our own!!!) and we're at 34 inches tall--meaning, we're just as big as most 3 year olds! LOL! (if you want a big one--feed him soy!) today i bought a shirt--4t people! yes! i kid you not! but i have a feeling that shirt line just ran small. most of the time we're in 2 or 3t's still. and feet, a big ole size 7. wow... he's so big!

real this one bites and some REAL scrapbooking

2008-04-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

ouch... it was a nice lunch... first diego is in this mood of trying to share his lunch... so cute really but the thought of eating the pre-chewed food is just YUCK! but then, when lifted to sit in his chair-HE BIT ME!!! omg... totally HURT!!! ouchy!

anyway, there is a new challenge blog on the block! check it out at http://sayitinscrap.blogspot.com/ the challenge is to be real. welll, i think i'm real everyday. hee hee hee... i gave a try and did it my way. it's my boy, my real hard crush... wow... is he hot or what? omg... boys in eyeliner are just YUMMY!!! it's for my oh so lovely art journal which is pieced together with those great boxes you get at the PO.

scrap a play date

2008-04-09T16:43:00.000-07:00

hosted a scrap play date at our house today! was nice to hang out with mom's and get some work done while the kids played! diego made a new friend--so nice since this kid usually picks on him when they see each other. of course, last time that happend there was a fight... lol... diego tackled the kid when he had enough. but funny enough, today they were best friends! so nice to be a kid and all problems are solved with a wrestling match!

anywho... totally scraplifted this from marie (my scrap idol!) i copied down to the fake rubon sticking in the corner... LOL... anywho... i love the final product--even with the yellow cardstock!

i did a whole page on my own but it's not what i planned... so i can't use it for my submission for the mojo challenge... (you haven't seen the latest challenge, i say click on button above to check it out... great prizes!) i'm missing the important "office space word" so i'm not going to enter that LO.

my last layout are two of my most favorite pictures this week... gosh... look how the sun is hitting my little diego. and the simple smile of being a boy and having a nice cool sippy... wow... if only life were only this perfect all the time... ah... to be young...

oh so slow...

2008-04-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

so we went to the dermatologist today (dude... he looked just like richard greco sp? from 21 jump street!)... lovely news of course--perhaps diego is still allergic to milk. ugh... so back to square one. oh well. it's going to work itself out won't it? i sure pray it will. he suggested to give diego a bath every other day from now on. yeah, right. have you met my boy? he's the one covering in dirt from head to toe. he's the one who is playing in the mud. cut back on a bath? not likely... he's a smelly kid sometimes... hahaha!

so i've been scrapping! ah, it makes me happy to scrap! too many poppyink kits are here at the house and lately, i can't find that one sheet of paper i need. actually, i've got to list all my primas on craigslist. i hope i can find a buyer--what was i thinking? stupid little flowers are all over the place and i'm sooo over them! lol!

the bunny came to visit and some other random thoughts...

2008-03-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

easter... lovely holiday really but i'm so glad that all the candy holidays are OVER!!! hello-i'm trying to be good over here. yeah, yeah, yeah... i DID buy one pack of those carmel eggs over at vons this am. 62 cents was just tooo low to pass on. but! i will save them for later...

anywho... we went to fresno for easter. ya know, it's just not the same waking up in a hotel room every holiday. i'm so over it. but diego had a great time! he loved playing with his boy cousins. they ran from one end of my mom's house to the other, over and over again. nothing but screaming, stomping feet and an occasional laid out kid. they loved it!

now, the adults were funny. no, let's just name names, joey & diana were funny. i swear they were addicted to the karaoke machine all day long! we thought we were live on american idol.

speaking of idol, omg! was david cook just the most amazing??? omg!!! he was fab! i heard on the news that the cover he did was a cover already done... so who done did that? i like MJ but he's so tainted now i can't really listen to his music without thinking molester. i'd rather listen to a great cover.

cover... cover... that reminds me... today i took diego out in the yard and he ended up in the pool with no covers on... LOL! but, the funny thing is when i went to upload the pictures (you know how i am with my camera...) i realized that one year ago today, yes, TODAY was his first time in the pool. isn't that a hoot!

the drs in the ER are never as cute as on TV

2008-03-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

first things first... diego is FINE!!! thank God! but he did visit the ER for the very first time on friday night. seemed like a calm night, cesar and i were watching jeopardy on TV and diego was running from one end of the living room to the kitchen like always. it was then when ces noticed that diego’s breathing sounded "labored." we caught him and made him sit down. that’s when i noticed he was scratching a lot. he’s got excema so there is a lot of scratching often--another no big deal. once jeopardy was over, i went to give diego a bath--again totally normal. there, in the light and the water, i could see he was turning a little red--again, i thought it was another excema flare up. so i called to cesar to bring me some benadryl. he did, i gave it to diego and finished giving him a bath. when dressing him, i noticed "chicken pox" looking dots all over his belly and arms. i got him into his jammies and called cesar over again. we decided to call the dr. while i was dialing and waiting for the service to pick up (it was already 8ish at night so the office was clearly closed) i noticed diego’s mouth was swelling up--mouth... mouth? i’m thinking, labored breath, swollen mouth, his throat might be swelling and he might not be able to breath. i hang up, tell cesar we’re going to the ER. in 5 minutes we have diego, the diaper bag and all our stuff in the car and we’re on the road to the ER.

there, i don’t even finish filling out the paperwork before they take him back. and dress him in a hospital gown... ahhh... my poor baby! then, the hook him up to make sure he’s breathing (on his toe of all places!) as the nurses are checking him out, we’re all watching as the hives become blisters and bigger. by this time i would say a good 80% of his body is covered with hives. luckily the benadryl is keeping him from scratching at them. his little eyes were swelling shut and everything. so hard to see your baby, my little baby, all swollen and just a mess.

the dr comes in later and does a check and gives him a much stronger dose of medication but we have to stay (until 11:30) just to monitor him and be sure his airway is not constricted and that the meds are working. we leave at 11:30 with a baby who is okay!

of course, on sat we had sooo many plans! we were supposed to go to the farm with renee and her little boy. and we were going to try to make it to the easter egg hunt over at the soccer fields but we ended up just going over to topangan mall and doing some shopping. talking diego out into the cold windy air just didn't feel like the right thing to do (even if he was fine by this time).

today we have an appt with his regular ped. i don’t know what is causing all this but i have a feeling it was some shrimp in MY lunch on friday. diego did not eat it but he did grab a few noodles off my plate. that is the only thing i can think of at this point. we’ll see what the ped says. we’re going to an allergists too. we need to get this solved now. prayers, we need a lot of prayers!

rats...

2008-03-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

had a great blog typed out... then blogger LOST it... damn it!

oh well...

B12 is not working... so i'll listen to the b-52's

2008-03-06T12:59:00.000-08:00

i've been so tired lately! wow! dr. suggested taking b12 to help but it doesn't feel like it's working... LOL!

i've just got to share this picture--diego at the park and turning into a little boy. he loves the park and running... yup, he's already running like a fool all over the place. i watch him and know he is a blessing. ahh... the good times are here!

so my birthday is coming up... yah for me! LOL! i can't believe another year has gone by again... wow! i'm so okay with it--i'm not one who really cares. life is in the details and one of those is the amount of years. and, of course, i LOVE birthday cake! not really sure what we're going to do yet. i feel like snow... i love snow... maybe? naw... i don't know if i feel like driving that far right now. any suggestions?

just another {PROUD MOMMY}

2008-02-12T13:21:00.001-08:00

wow... it was worth the two week wait for these pictures! omg... i am so in love with my son! he's just a little ham! now i just need to get all the little packages up and out of here! aunts, uncles, nana and grandpa all need a little dose of diego about now! and i have to just brag... ya know, it's feb. 12th and it's 86 outside! yup, we had to go to four-i kid you not-four different stores yesterday looking for cute boy sandals. i'm not even looking for something uber cute-just cute cute... and finally at koals we found some cute carters shoes with lights. actually, this one lady and i were talking about that today in baby class--why is there 4 rows of toddler girl shoes and mayber 4 pairs of boys total? hum... i guess they forget that the mommy is the one shopping... we want our boys cute too. oh... speaking of cute, i need a new diaper bag... lol... i know, i know... another one? LOL... yes--i need a new one. i want a new one.

bucket list (2 of 2)

2008-02-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

so here is 2 of 2 and my second tag blog...

Five things you want to do before you die, based on the movie The Bucket List. So... let's see.

1. visit alaska
2. get my Ph D in education and be called dr. dori
3. know what it's like to have a grandchild.
4. be published... anyone what to publish my novel?
5. have a better relationship with God. not that it's not good but it can be better.

i'm sticking to my same list... those girls... pick the one you want to do and let me know so i can comment and read!

i've been tagged! (one of two)

2008-02-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

happy chinesse new years! yah! we went to a CNY party today and now i'm beat! but here is my tag post--got tagged by lovely amanda ann... isn't that a cute name! i love it!

Here's how you play:
Once you've Tag your it! , you have to write a blog with 10 weird or random facts, habits, things or goals about yourself. At the end choose 10 people to be tagged; listing thier names and why you chose them. Dont forget to leave them a comment (You're It!) to read your blog. You can NOT tag the person who tagged you. Since you can't tag me back, let me know when you've posted your blog so i can see your answers....

1. i can't nap. i wish i could but i can't even if i'm dead tired and suffering from a migrane
2. i like junk mail. it's pretty to look at.
3. i look under the sink at most homes when i visit the bathroom... LOL
4. i hoard my good scrapbook stuff... like i'm waiting for something better... hello, NOW is better
5. i won't pay full price for most things (clearance sales are best)
6. i just found out TWO friends are PG and close to delivery... everyone thought i already knew.
7. i always vote.... always.
8. i always get called for jury duty but never served.
9. i don't like beans... for a latino... that's weird i'm told.
10. i love to sing and dance in my car. (and i can usually pick a song to suit the mood)

i'll tag:
1. marie
2. lizzy
3. leah
4. dawn
5. robin

my camera's home!

2008-02-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

and so is cesar! he was in maryland for the week and took my camera. so now i can update with PUDY pictures instead of the scanner. not so nice when things are scanned... lol... so i've been playing with paper. i made a sign for the house, a mailbox to ship off to kathy (SHHHHH) and a canvas for my living room that isn't quiet what i expected... let's see where i end up hanging it if at all--i've got this thing about having my art work in the living room sit on the floor and rest against the walls. very arty if you ask me--lazy if you ask my mom. lol... but the problem is that we have these high valted ceilings and a double chair rail on the wall. if i hang anything, it's going to be higher than eye level and that bugs me.

i voted for my man today! go vote! took the boy with me.

they gave him a sticker and he ate it... lol... life with a 16 month old! oh the joy!

mojo!!!

2008-01-30T21:36:00.001-08:00

recycled box, scraps from stickers, left over ribbons, and ugly brads left in the stash! all while watching LOST!!!

it's crystal clear baby...

2008-01-25T15:28:00.000-08:00

so finally, after a chat with marie, i was "inspired" to do my christmas album. she said it..."why do we hoard the good stuff?" or something to that effect. and ya know, i'm thinking, why am i waiting for something "good" to do with my kits. i have at least 4 poppyink kits and one from tally. so, i did my tally kit-finally making our family christmas album AND low and behold, i have a "HOME" theme poppy kit that will go perfectly with my new loved maya road book from none other than DAWN!!! (thanks SS!!!)

i've started that but chipboard books are so long in the prep! it's okay, i enjoy it! oh yeah, check out my helper in the background... isn't he too cute? lol, i'm sure he's thinking: "crazy!" b

oh yeah, my LSS is having a huge sale today too. i said f it to my scrap diet--too much restriction in life isn't great. besides, 50-75% off clearance! what? it would have been wrong to pass on it... LOL! bought 23 dollars worth-not much but i like what i got. lot's of MME journaling cards and paper-wow... TM is finally buying/ordering boy things... how many times have i had to complain? LOL! but, i must tell ya! they white felt thickers for 1.99! wtf! but of course, the chic who orders at TM doesn't have great taste... so i only got one set. they never got orange or any other "cool" colors. i was telling carrie i should open a store around here since i consider both TM and SBB "beginner" stores. oh well... lol! i don't really want that type of responsibility! never! anywho... i spent 23 dollars on all this stuff! wow! there is a lot more ribbon than what shows in the pic as well as a thingy of chipboard. i mean, some of the crap they were selling-i seriously wonder who they were buying stuff for but some of the stuff was great!

i'm sooo loved!

2008-01-24T15:11:00.000-08:00

i got my tally SS valentines stuff today! omg... just what i asked for! a maya road chipbook shapped like a house!!! i CAN"T wait to start it off! of course, my SS did not tell me who she was and i think i've got a clue... SC postmark, loves owls, and packed chocolate... hum... i emailed one person who i think it might be... stay tuned to find out!

best life ever...

2008-01-22T21:27:00.000-08:00

i'm redoing bob green's best life ever diet. i didn't manage much last year but it's okay. anywho... it's more of a "profound, think about your life" type of diet rather than "don't drink soda" type. and i'm glad for it. i mean, i've had my bitter, i should have never lost weight in the first place moments (i used to be a good 60 lbs more in the past but lost that but never moved down from where i am now). if i never did, i would be the right size for bypass. and then, of course, i could be bitter about bypass--not to say if you got it or will i'll hate you--lol! of course not, i just know in my heart, it's not for me. besides, i have other blessings. and i'm cool with that!

there are three questions i need to answer... i'm toying with my answer for the first one.

question one: why are you overweight?
well... what is the answer? i am because i am. it's easier to be heavy. it's easy to make the argument, oh well, it's just a cupcake and dude, i'm already overweight... lol! cupcakes are good and yummy! actually, that remindes me, i'm also an emotional eater. i eat when i'm stressed--ask heather--lol, i called her today for "no cupcake" support. she was great! thanks heather! i'm over wieght because i hate going to the gym and i like to eat. i'm over weight because i grew up poor and poor people CAN afford fast food. if your mom is a single parent, the last thing she wants to do when she gets home is cook. she stops at jack in the box and for 7 dollars (4 jumbo jacks and two fries) she's got dinner! i don't blame her--i just know where it started.

why still? hum... why still... because i get board with food. i don't cook all that fab but i'm trying and it's a process. i've learned how to read labels lately but it takes time to replace all those habits. in special ed, we call it replacement behaviors and there is a long process. i think i rush into that process when i'm not ready and WHAM... crash and burn... lol.

there are sooo many reasons. i'll think more later... right now, i need some tea.

us in AZ!!!

2008-01-21T15:15:00.000-08:00

well, we finally made it to AZ!!! the last time we were going, i got so sick, we had to cancel the trip. it was diego's first venture out of state! one to write in the baby book! we left TO at 10ish and arrived in el mirage at 6 ish. there were many rest stops on the way! luckily, cesar noticed that diego was in love with his push toy before we left and packed it in the car. mind you, this is a toy the boy never touches anymore--however, that toy brought him much joy at each rest stop. he was a pushing fool!

here's diego in his first AZ appearance. i find that the rest stops in AZ are much nicer than the ones in CA but i'm thinking that's 'cause they're newer in AZ. and while i'm on rest stops, why hasn't anyone added changing tables to the layout? i'm going to write my congress person about that one.

walking the streets of el mirage, diego wasn't sure what the rocks were about. it's funny, no one, or really, very few people have grass. diego wanted to play in the back yard but since grandpa has a pool and NO fence, he was ushered off to the front yard once mom saw diego make a quick rush to the pool. (side note for amanda who lives nearby-we were in the sundial HOA on cherry hills drive right around the corner from dysart high school). actually, diego really enjoyed walking up and down the street with his daddy. the air was clear, the sun was out, the temp was perfect! later we went to the flea market and stripped down to t shirts. funny thing, the natives were all in thick coats. i guess it was really COLD to them. we were hot. i had to get diego a hat since it was so darn sunny and we took the small umbrella stroller and that doesn't have that much shade. once we were done there, we went by the stadium in glendale where the superbowl is going to be and stopped at ross. diego picked up a few outfits courtesy of grandpa!

right before we left, we snapped a few pictures of grandpa, daddy, and diego-our 1st three generation picture. diego was toast by this time and ready for a long nap. we got into my car and headed for a drive through starbucks i had already noticed. steamed cider, grande carmel latte and we were on the road!!! we stayed a whole 24 hours in AZ! lol! i'm bummed we didn't get to stay longer so i could go meet the lovely amanda ann (even if she thinks starbucks is overrated...LOL!) but there will be a next time as long as crazy, opps, i mean sweet grandpa stays there!

sexy mama... (9 of 50)

2008-01-15T20:58:00.001-08:00

sometimes i think we think about weight too much at this time of the year. i was feeling sorta down about it but then... LOL... can you believe, it's the pussycat dolls... buttons came on the ipod and yes, that line "i'm a sexy mama..." got me thinking. i am sexy! you're damn right you're lucky to have me! lol... here's my ego layout...

diego is silly... each day i spend with him he reminds me that silly time is important... we went to playsource with nikki and nathan yesterday and when i uploaded the pictures, i always crack up at these boys. we were talking about how they both have lawn mowers at home but yet NEVER touch them. what did they do the 2 hrs we were there? LOVED those lawn mowers!!! maybe we need some fake grass too... i dunno... maybe it's just a boy thing.

the darios' increased by 100%

2008-01-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

michelle and dominic had their twins! wow... wow... they're almost out numbered. congrats!!! one girl, one boy! and they are going be fine in the end... right now the need a little help.

now, i was talking to cesar about this last night but to parents of twins feel cheated? i mean, i know it's rough the first few months but there are moments where you get to bond and just be together. with twins, are you always on survival mode? do you have time with two to sit back and say, "yes, this is special?" or are you so over worked that you miss that? and the bonding... the twins were rushed to the NICU as soon as they were born. they missed that bonding time. sure, i missed a little 'cause of the c-section but after they brought diego back to me and i could hold him all i wanted too. hum... just thinking... just wondering...

so i made a mailbox for them. cesar is taking it to them today. it's a baby theme with some baby socks inside!

the hardest day of the year... (1/13/09)

2008-01-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

it's been 10 years today. ten years ago my dad passed. ten years. he wasn't perhaps the greatest dad but he was the only one we had. we loved him with all his faults. actually, his faults made us stonger, better people. he loved us and we knew it. everyday of his life, we knew we were loved. in ten years he's missed all 5 of his grandson's births, his son's wedding, his daughter's wedding... he's missed watching all the wonderful things we can now celebrate. of course, everything happens for a reason but what is the reason? i pray to learn the lesson everyday... what was the lesson? what it our lesson to learn? what i do know is that i miss him. i know he's in a better place; i know he is able to see us but it's not the same.

a phone call in the middle of the night, my brother's birthday spent planning a funeral, confusion of where, why, how... children who do not have a father anymore, children who will never know their grandfather. he's gone. he's always going to be gone.

lulu, the 60's pop singer, it's a joke... my dad always claimed to have dated her. i can't remember how many times we all watched "to sir, with love" with him. when the song came on the radio... lol, again, "i dated her." i don't think it's true. it doesn't even matter that it isn't. it was a story i'm sticking with...

Those schoolgirl days, of telling tales and biting nails are gone,
But in my mind,I know they will still live on and on,
But how do you thank someone, who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
It isn't easy, but I'll try,
If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters,
That would soar a thousand feet high,
To Sir, with Love
The time has come,
For closing books and long last looks must end,
And as I leave,I know that I am leaving my best friend,
A friend who taught me right from wrong,
And weak from strong,That's a lot to learn,
What, what can I give you in return?
If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start,
But I, would rather you let me give my heart,
To Sir, with Love

happy birthday robert... tomorrow... you'll be as old as dirt! i love ya!

so ready for valentine's day...

2008-01-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

ahhh... can you feel the love? i heart valentine's day. it's one of my favoritest holidays. i think it comes from the fact (and you can look this up but trust me) teachers get the very most valentine's each year. yup... lol... at least teachers get SOMEthing! for all their unpaid work! LOL. i think i miss working the most on valentine's day.

so today i figured it was time to give these little babies a try. i am so in love with my own work! LOL-i just love how the mailbox turned out. i bought 5 of these so i will be posting more later... i know i want my second one to be hella funky... like pink and green but because of the scrap diet, i can't go buy what i have in mind but i'm sure there is something along the lines of what i'm thinking in my own stash. orange, pink, green, i'm feeling so lisa lobe today--maybe because i watched benny & joon the other day? wait--it's reality bites... oh, whatever! my inner diva is so lisa lobe-nerdy yet uber cute school teacher... oh wait... i was talking about my mailbox--ahhh, to be so ADD... whatever...

random side note=walked 3 miles today (i have a goal of 5 per day) and i joined the other girls in tally on walking to iraq and back! click on the link to learn more.

you know i'm no good... (8 of 50)

2008-01-08T15:06:00.000-08:00

gosh... i love me some amy winehouse! is she not fab? dude... someone get her some help...

so today i did some work! i'm so proud! lol... here is my first art journal entry. http://www.tallyscrapper.com/blog_view.php?blog_id=111 we were to take a word and create a layout. well, lately, i've been thinking too much and not enjoying the ride. so here's mine... {play} attention. the journaling reads" this time is too important to worry about later..."

the other is a quick... just wanted to get that scrapped type of thing. it's our 1st picture of the year!

omg! robin! (and 6 of 50)

2008-01-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

soooo ms robin from tally has taken the time to highlight little 'ole me! check out her blog, http://tqmnurse.blogspot.com/ and see what she's has done! thanks robin, you have made my year!

and i'm sticking to my scrap diet... as hard as it it. i look over all my stuff and think... yuck... i can't even stand to look at it anymore. nothing seems "fun" but oh well, i will make my 50 layouts! oh lookie----> i sewed that little button on! i know, silly but i never even bothered before! i know it's a total rip off (imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery! wink, wink--thanks lizzy) but i like it!

i also made my ever so slow art journal. i wanted to join in on the challenge but it took awhile to figure out what i wanted to do for the "book" part... life is grand when confused... ugh! so here it is... i'm oh so happy with it!

side note, lovely friend jamie sent me some of the most beautiful journals in the mail today... ah yes, they are inspirational! i love the quote on one, "we are the hero of our life story..." isn't that just fab? i so wish i said that! oh yes, i almost forgot... hot obama won iowa! wow... i am in heaven! and for those who are republican... what's the deal with ron paul? i heart him! i'm not so fond of mitt-ewww... something about him seems so darn cocky! if i were republican my

vote would be for ron paul or the guy from AZ-amanda... what's his name? john mccain! yup, him. but i'm not... lol... so my vote so far is for obama but as long as it's one of my top three... you know who they are, i'm peachy keen!

happy new year and 4 of 50

2008-01-05T16:01:00.000-08:00

happy new year everyone... here's my oh so late holiday letter!

Wow… 2007 is now almost history. A year has passed and amazing things have happened. We have been blessed this year. We started the year with a little pat of butter we called Diego. It’s amazing to reflect back and know at the beginning of the year he was so small and helpless stuck to a bottle. Now, look at him. He runs, he babbles nonstop, and he’s a big boy on sippy cups. Wow! Just amazing! He has really enjoyed being a part of Baby & Me classes as well as the mommy’s group we belong too. He’s working on his running skills right now, always climbing things and finding new corners to explore.

As for Cesar, he has managed to complete his MBA program this year. I am just so proud of him! He makes my heart soar! He is still working as a formulation scientist. He is also very active at the gym and has slimmed down a little-looking mighty hot!

I also returned to classes this year. I only had two more SPED classes to take and now they are both over. I just need to apply to the state for my new credential which I will do as soon as grades are posted. I’ve also been keeping up on all my paper crafting which seems to have taken over the office now that most of the textbooks that we needed are now retired to the closet.

We did a little traveling this year-somewhat harder now that it used to be (SMILE). Early Spring we drove to Sequoia National Park where we saw snow fall from the sky for the first time! It was amazing until Diego woke up in the middle of the night with the flu. It’s never nice to have a sick child so far from your regular pediatrician. Later in the year, we made it over to the Bay Area for a week during the summer and finally, so embarrassed to admit it; we finally went to Alcatraz Island. Wow, what a neat place to visit! In late Fall, we drove down to San Diego and took in the sites. We also took several trips over to Fresno to visit family and friends.

This year has brought new friends as other friendships have drifted… It’s okay, its life! We’re blessed to have met the new ones! The new mom’s I’ve met all seem to understand that a last minute coffee break is always more than a 5 minute jot over to the Coffee Bean and that conversations center on how long the little one will stand to be in his stroller-crying means we must move! I’m really glad to have met the awesome women I have this year! They are certainly a blessing!

2008 is filled with promise… A possible return to work for me; It’s still up in the air. A challenge of using up scrap supplies, a child who is always growing and learning new things, and still more new friends to meet! We have been blessed this year but we look forward to a new year filled with new adventure!

Happy 2008!

two more layout on my scrap diet...

sugar rush! {and 2of 50}

2007-12-19T19:31:00.000-08:00

today i hosted my first cookie swap and gingerbread man decorating play date! whew... that's a mouthful! it was grand fun to see my neighbors and friends meet and chat while having coffee and sharing cookies! cookies do sooo much for women! yah! lol...

so nikki brought these amazing peanut butter dainties (peanut butter fudge!)

try it, you'll like it!

peanut butter dainties

1 stick of butter

1 package of butterscotch chips (11 oz)

1 cup creamy peanut butter

2 cups flavored/colored marshmellows

melt butter, butterscotch and peanut butter together on low heat until smooth. put whole pot in the fridge for approx 8-10 minutes. mix in marshmallows. line pan with wax paper and pour mixture in. put in fridge to cool.

omg... devine!

did two scrap pages... i'm going to give TS a run for the DT. who knows...

marie is my scrap idol!

2007-12-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

i'm still having issues with the little clicky link and a certain boy i won't name is refusing to nap so i'm just here really quick like!
you must look at these amazing owls that miss married marie has created! http://www.absosweetmarie.blogspot.com/ i swear, when i grow up, i want to be just like her! i can't believe she can come up with this stuff! wow... i am amazed again by her!

oh yeah, i forgot to share... my gift to self!!! isn't it fab???

scrap diet

2007-12-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

so i was wandering around in blog land and found this idea posted on cathy's blog... http://scrapalicious2007.blogspot.com/
this is just the ticket... can i admit that i have at least 4 poppyink kits all still in the bags they arrived in and yet... i felt the need to purchase the latest kit from tally? omg... rachel has put together the tastiest kit ever! omg... yes, sheers! yah! but, i need to stop... a girl can only own so many sheets of paper! speaking of owning stuff... so, when is a party dress "done?" i've got several dresses i can't wear anywhere but a party (i love to totally dress up!). when is it time to recycle them? i can't really wear them like, more than twice right? i mean, it's like the same group of people at most of the parties we go to and they're not black-hot pink, red... blah! i love color! so what's a girl to do? lol...
oh wait... wasn't this about scrapping? lol...

here are the rules:
1. Create 50 layouts using only products, tools, and supplies we have on hand.
2. Cardstock and adhesive can be purchased when needed.
3. Gift certificates, RAK's, DT kits are not included -those can be used.
4. Larger altered projects count as 1 layout.

erasure of culture? i think not...

2007-12-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

so this weekend we were privy to an armenian baptism (seems to be baptism season in our world-that or we all had kids at the same time so...). wow, again, i'm struck by the simple beauty of culture. everything was in armenian; the invitations, the music, the food (and man oh man was that food YUMMY!) everything was so centered around some themes we did not know. it was so fun! watching the families partake in the dancing... it sure looked like fun and it was most fitting to watch the youngest children who already seemed to know the dances. ah... yes, this is what makes america beautiful. it's not that we are a "melting pot" but a place to mix and recreate, redefine what it is to be AMERICAN. not to mention that we were the latino family seated with the chinese family and the indian family who each brought a touch of their culture to the table as well.

shaker's daughter was so lovely dressed in a traditional indian dress. she was a little beauty! when other's rant and rave of assimilation, do they not see that there is beauty in difference? i'm not talking about people who refuse to learn the american culture-that's a whole different blog... ah yes, to celebrate culture... that's what is fundamentally american...

i bought diego a hat. actually, he's got the PJ's that match but those are for christmas eve. i even found him a pair of UGGS. yes... i bought them... they're worth the 50 bucks they cost. i'm not one to spend lots of money on stuff like that normally but they're the cutest things and he's such a little ham! and you know what? i like my son to be the "cute kid" at the party!

made this for one of my fellow tallyscrappers! it's for myra... she's a sweety so i'm glad she's getting it... actually, they're all so sweet i would have been happy to make any of them something. never again will i try to alter something so small... man my fingers hurt! and, i think i've been making the mistake of trying paper that is just too "safe." f it, i've got too much "good paper" to save! i'm ready to give away all my beginner paper but just don't want to spend money shipping it to someone... oh well, treasured memories will be holding their annual "paper drive" in feb so then i can donate it to them.

on a side note... i finally finished my last SPED class and feel a little anti climatic. yup, i'm now the proud owner of two teaching credentials but i wonder if i should have just done my masters instead? oh well, i know i will, i know i will but it just doesn't have that "whew!" feeling i was hoping for.

another christmas survey! (from heather... ironic que no?)

2007-12-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

*Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!!Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to awhole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it toyou...'Tis the Season to be NICE*

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both-i start off with fancy wrapping and then end up stuffing stuff into bags!

2. Real tree or artificial? up until this year i would have said artificial but this year we bought a real tree and man oh man does my house smell good or what?!?

3. When do you put up the tree? before is was thanksgiving weekend but this time is was last weekend.

4. When do you take the tree down? as soon as xmas is over. i never have it up past the 30th. new years gets it own stuff.

5. Do you like eggnog? nope

6. Favorite gift received as a child? fashion plates... lol

7. Do you have a Nativity Scene? yup

8. Hardest person to buy for ? my mom... she's crazy, she wants a table set. um, hello, i don't even have a new table and chairs! silly lady. i'm almost ready to get her a set of chairs like mine so when i do get a new table, she can have my old ones too... LOL!

9. Easiest person to buy for? diego. lol! toys are just so fun to buy!

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? ummm... hum... i can't say worst to any.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail! i love them! it's like a mini reminder of old friends!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? nightmare...

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? um... i dunno... whenever?

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? sure... and wedding too lol!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? pecan pie!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? mine are all green and i've got the old school bubble lights... which i need a few replacements for and can't find... doesn't anyone sell the replacement bubble lights anymore? ugh!

17. Favorite Christmas song? it used to be "do they know it's christmas time at all..." but i like them all pretty much!

18. Travel for Christmas or stay at home? we travel but that bird is going to land soon. i want to be home and hear diego screaming in the living room that santa came... aww... it's not fair we wake up in a hotel room and the rest of the family is all cool at their houses.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? lol, yes

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? we have a dollar tree santa... we broke our star last year (the old tree fell over... lol, and we need a new one but haven't fell in love with anything yet)

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? eve-totally

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? some people forget the spirit and just become angry... it's not about who spent the most people!

23. What I love most about Christmas? cookies and scrap pages to make!

i need to buy ribbon

2007-12-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

i made a little treat for one of the girls in my EDSS class. heather has become a blessing to know. she's just one of those people you feel you've known your whole life... she gave me a COACH wristlet--she noticed mine and asked if i was a fan and of course, you know i am! so we talked COACH and MAC and then she told me she was going to list her white COACH wristlet on ebay? i forget now but then later she gave it to me for helping her with her work in the class.... awww... that is so sweet! so i decided to make her this little treat! i need some more ribbon of course but i love this line of paper which is so unlike me... anna griffin? oh lordy... she's like so old school but the hot pink and lime green--that is so me!

side note: how does one photograph ornaments in a "dark" house? i've tried and all i get is reflection... ugh!!!

baby it's cold outside... right now it's 47. tomorrow i'm staying in... a day of scrappin' is in order!

the tree is up!

2007-12-08T21:45:00.001-08:00

it was grand fun! we finally got our house lights up and the tree trimmed. so it sat in the house for a few days but hey, we knew we had a plan! with warm cookies-i baked peanut butter blossoms, you know, the ones with the "kiss" in the center--YUMMY! it's the tallest tree we've ever had! it's about 9 feet tall? it's huge!

we took tuns watching the boy. he was confused, amused that a tree was now in the house-he laughs at it as if to say, there is something not right but hey, that's just the way my parents are. it's almost not right: he's so young but already, his 1st christmas ornaments are so nostalgic... awww... my baby!

and of course, there is a little nightmare... it wouldn't be MY house without a little nightmare!

feeling blessed...

2007-12-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

look... isn't this cute? lol!

i love this man!

ahhh, yes, marie is my hero! LOL!

2007-12-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas survey

Colored lights or white lights on your house or not at all? well, mine are those "snow"-ish ones but they're blue.

Hot chocolate or Egg Nog? coffee...lol... actually, gingerbread lattes

What's your favorite holiday dish? omg, cookies! (if your in the area, email me about my cookie swap on the 19th!)

Does Santa wrap the presents or just sit them under the tree? oh, we haven't thought that out yet...

Do you hang mistletoe? nope... i used to but now i lost it

When do you put up your decorations? usually on thanksgiving weekend but this year we're getting a real tree so this weekend it's on!

What's your favorite holiday tradition? so far, it's the "annual" santa visit

What's on the top of your tree? lol-we broke the star last year and we need to get something but i want us all to be there to pick it out so this weekend we're shopping!

Do you have a nativity displayed through the holidays? yes a few of them.

Candy Canes, traditional or flavored? Or Chocolate Covered Cherries? flavored candy canes!

What's your favorite holiday goodie to make and share? pecan pie

What's your favorite Christmas song? i'm in a total "baby its cold outside" mood even if it's 75 and we were wearing shorts today!

When did you learn the truth about the "magic" of Christmas? hmm not sure.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? always, all of them

Is there a special ornament or Christmas decoration that you wouldn't feel like Christmas without? well, all my nightmare stuff is really important!

Do you take neighbor gifts/treats to anyone, everyone, a select few? gawd... yeah... the gardener, the neighbors, the co-workers... yup, cookies for all!

Is your big meal on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning or Christmas afternoon? yes please

How do you decorate your tree? oooh... carefully! lol

Snow? Love it? Dread it? Tolerate it? omg... love! but it doesn't snow where i live

Do you remember a favorite gift? my hella cool fashion plates!

Do you have a family get-together during the holidays with extended family? just close family

What's the most important thing that you must do each Christmas season? celebrate God

Do you bake Christmas cookies? yes!

Do you leave cookies and milk for Santa? i will in a few years, when diego is old enough

Share a favorite Christmas memory: well, i would have to say last. it was our first with diego, and of course everything went wrong... lol... my hella old 4 ft fake tree decided to die with my priceless nightmare ornaments on it... ugh! ugh! UGH!!! at least the glass door did not break! and i think only two nightmare ornaments died too... not to bad! LOL!

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas...

2007-12-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

wow... already another christmas? wow. time just flies by. today i did a quick scrap page, diego was being needy and has a cold so i didn't get to take as much time for me as i would have liked but i did get into my new paper. it's called snow globe but i forgot who makes it.

i love this picture. yup, he's wearing capri's for boys... LOL! i can't believe how little he is there. my mom and i took him together to the mall to get his picture taken with santa. she was visiting dec. 5th for cesar's last eye surgery. i wanted to do something special with her here and diego since we live so far.

already, i have the pictures for this year hanging on my mirror where i have all my christmas cards. maybe i'll scrap that one soon too-but for now, i'm just going to look at it. i can't believe we now can say, this is a tradition. it's too soon, it's all too fast!

on another note, i got this from carrie today-lol... i find it amusing...

i want to be an elf (they make everything)

2007-11-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

so, i tally i needed to misquote and mojo, i had to "be the holiday!" oh fun! lol, here's what i came up with-ta da!

i took the bumper sticker "i wanna be barbie, that bitch has everything!" i changed it to "i wanna be an elf, they make everything!"

dead phone...

2007-11-13T17:29:00.000-08:00

if you have a chance, would you email me your phone number again (assuming you want me to have it... LOL) diego took mine and BROKE it. turns out all the numbers i thought i had saved to my SIM card were not saved. oh well... so, ET can't phone home anymore!

not the 100 crash but the car is totaled...

2007-11-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

so it's this never ending drama in my brother's life. he just turned 30 and yet, he luck is still the same. this morning he totaled his car, with his wife and 2 of the 4 boys in it. THANK GOD none of them are hurt... the baby is 8 months old and isaac is 3 so they were both in their car seats. joey (my brother) said he breaked too fast and the wet freeway didn't mix. he lost control and the car ended up on the side of the freeway upside down. (of course they live in fresno-home of the 100 car pile up this weekend...) luckily lots of people stopped to help them get out. the kids had to be freed from their car seats but they were just fine. (they already saw the dr this am-turns out isaac has a double ear infection but aside from that, they're just fine).

i don't know how to help them. i don't think its even my place to figure out the lesson for them. i believe sometimes we are destine to repeat certain things until we learn the lesson. i don't know what the lesson is for them... they have to figure that out for themselves. all i can do is support them in their journey.

like santa claus said, you're a ho, ho, ho...

2007-11-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

LOL_just teasing... saw this list on another site and i thought i would share!

GIVE CELEBRATION:advent calendar
nativity dress up
birthday cake for Jesus (cake mix, frosting, baby Jesus, candle)
"a caroling we go" (song sheets, jingle bells, candles, hot chocolate)
christmas books (unwrap one a day/week for December)
something Christ centered (music, art, books)
neighbor basket with Christmas DVD
new years eve party suppliesnew years day party supplies
doorknob sachet (a cinch to make out of burlap, potpourri, ribbon)
something green (flowers, bulbs, wheat grass) ---an example she had, take a ceramic pot, put in a clear bag of tulip bulbs, tie a pretty ribbon around the bag, put it in the pot, put a ceramic lid/plate on top of the pot, tie a ribbon around the pot. GREAT GIFT!)
wreath

GIVE FLAVOR:homemade hot fudge
cookie dough (formed in refridgerated logs, great for a busy teacher)
mulled cider mixrecipe box (of family favorites)
bowl by the door (ups man, home teachers, unexpected visitor) ---an example she had, she took some pretzel rods that she covered half way with chocolate, put 3 to a bag, tied the bag with ribbon, and put them in a bowl by the door. So when the ups man, or whoever came by, they'd have an unexpected gift, but know that they were appreciated!
homemade spaghetti sauce
something savory
bird feeder and seed (for someone who loves birds)

GIVE FUN:childrens artwork for dads office
memberships to local museum/theatre
snow globes (distilled water, glycerin, glitter)
hide and seek jar or pillow
"table topics" game
art supplies
disposable camera, coupon for developing, album
felt tic-tac-toe or checkers with bean bags
something educational (globe, chalkboard, reference book)

GIVE HOMEMADE:homemade candlesfleece or wool throw
magnetic frame or chalkboard, magnets---an idea she had, she had some tin roofing, then painted on some chalkboard paint, and then punched some holes in it, tied some really pretty 1 1/2 inch pink ribbon to hang it up. Then she included some magnets she made. She took those big clear rocks, some people use them in fish tanks for the rocks, but these were about an inch wide, then she cut circles out of patterened paper, mod podged those on the backs, so the pattern showed thru, then glued magnet strips on the back, and wa-LAH, youve got magnets!stitchings, wall hangingspicture frame (mosaic, wood easel, altered)
microwavable neck wrap or eye mask (buckwheat or rice with essential oils)
fireplace basket, sachets (citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, pinecones)
lip gloss
bath salts or soap
hand embroidery (bag, album cover)
pajamas

GIVE KINDNESS:babysitting for neighbors, friends while they shop
detail appliances
trade favors for hospital patients
neighborhood open
houseclean, clean car
take family photos(those who seldom get remembered)

GIVE LEISURE:reading corner (big pillows and basket of books)
magazing subscriptions (order now, cheap on ebay
)netflix
ribbon/photo bookmark
luggage tags, travel accesoriespersonal mix CD
camping equipment

GIVE MEMORIES:christmas family album
family history information, photos
childhood favorites (toys, books, candy)
tribute album
family heirlooms
hometown memorabilia

GIVE SMART:encourage a hobby/sport, new supplies
storage boxes
grab and go binder (important documents)
shoe shine kit
etched pyrex (great for potlucks)
something practical (paper cutter, sharpies)
stationary, cards, wrapping, tags
apron with pockets
january organization
items for upcoming events (travel, baby announcements)
souveniers from vacation
holiday binder (notes, music, activities, recipes, ideas, calendar)
winter car kit

GIVE THE UNEXPECTED:something girly for him (bath and body, candle)
toys for grown ups (trashcan basketball, remote control car)
learn to play a favorite song (shhh practice in secret)
try something new
tools for her
something you've procrastinated
someting out of print

GIVE STYLE:canvas tote bag (embroidered, iron on, stenciled)
tote bag insert (always needed for extra pockets)
embroiedered linens
hairclips and head bands
fringed wool scarf
handmade jewelry
ribbon key ring

GIVE TALENT:supplies-time-talent
teach how to knit or scrapbook together
what they really want: you, your time, your talent

GIVE YOUNG:homemade playdough and kitchen utensils
felt mat for cars or trains (make it big!)
wooden blocks (for play or display name)
puppet show supplies (tension rod for doorway)
snowflake kit (ream of paper and scissors)
"snow day" (pie wieght hand warmers too)
bath toys (craft foam shapes, funnels, etc)
snuggle square (soft and little to travel with)
junior cooking suppliesdress up/costume box
burp clothes (use cloth diapers as base)
"dad's tools"
bath towels
something that stays at grandma's

whew!

2007-11-03T14:23:00.001-07:00

wow... it feels like it's been forever since i logged on... and maybe it has. between school, baby issues, husband... wow... it's taken a toll! but, now, i feel like i just finished a marathon and I FEEL GREAT!!! school is over next month, christmas is coming, teeth are breaking skin and babies are sleeping better! yah for me!

i plan to catch up later! hope all is blessed in your life!

rant!!!

2007-10-25T15:37:00.001-07:00

so, diego has been having some issues sleeping. for the past month he won't go to sleep for a long time. we were rocking him to sleep but it stopped working. same thing with the naps. so, i looked online, talked to other moms, talked to the dr and they all suggested letting him cry it out. well... after 3 days of it... i don't know if i'm hardwired to let him cry it out. last night was a whole hour. i go check on him every few minutes so it's not like i'm just leaving him there. i forced myself to go take a shower so i wouldn't hear him. i totally wish he took a pacifier since i hear that helps... he hates them! LOL. right now, blessings, it only took 20 minutes of crying for him to nap. i'm trying to stick to it... he's been sooo easy with everything else, no bottles anymore, no stranger anxiety, he acts fine in the store, i guess this is our "burden."
i guess i need to know i'm a good mom even if i'm letting him cry it out. it just breaks my heart but he needs to sleep and we honestly need private adult time too.

fire

2007-10-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

oooh yeah, that's MY house!

2007-10-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

WOW! so, i bought these on sale a few years ago and never opened them. i was planning to use them last year but because of the baby, i didn't do anything... just a few pumpkins and candy. this year, we're doing halloween! so today, i pulled these out and WOW... to my surprise, they were much bigger than i planned on. actually, these are HUGE! of course, what's my house without a nightmare? hee hee hee...

visit to the pumpkin patch

2007-10-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

ah yes, the pumpkin patch. first, i have to say that they are a rip off... come on now, 7 dollars for a freaking pumpkin? whatever! and you know you MUST take the kids... dude, i have one, how do those with 4 do it?

but wait, yes, it was fun! i made sure we had some spooky music on the ipod so i had already created a playlist of scary stuff! and it was nice a cool so we all had jeans on. so diego doesn't get what we're doing as much as we do-yeah, i know it's more for us than for him but it's really so much fun! we wandered, saying we were going to get him the pumpkin HE picked out. but the first 8 of them, they were UGLY. i was not about to buy an ugly pumpkin. we had a great time taking pictures, wandering around, watching the other kids running and yelling... all so excited about a holiday that is still more far than near...

overall, it was a wonderful day!

apothescaries

2007-10-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

it's a long time in coming but i've decided that my halloween must go. ah yes, all those orange and green, they're so nice... but i feel halloween "adult." so this year, we are moving on. i've scraplifted a million ideas, created a folder of all my goodies--have you watched witch craft on DIY--wonderful ideas! and then tonight... it was the final straw, i had pumpkin pie... so tomorrow, right after i'm done with my stupid paper i need to write (YES, another one...) i'm going apothescaries crazy!

i adore it really, it's so perfect! the wonderful mixture of black & white... shades of gray mixed in for good measure, this is what MY halloween should look like.

pottery barn has this look in their latest catty but these images are from better homes & gardens. i don't have those exact types of glass jars but i have something similar that will work wonderful too! ah yes, fall is truly in the air!

(SHE)

2007-10-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

for the tally, we were supposed to do a layout with this quote, "she just had a way of brightening the day." i really wanted to do my best friend kathy.... she always brightens my day... she is who i call for everything. the problem is she lives in oakland and i'm in thousand oaks. we're a good 300 miles apart. the last time i saw her was in july for diego's baptism (she is his godmother). none of the pictures from that really fit since the pics are of her, my brother joey, and his wife rosie since they'll all his godparents (we made sure he was covered! LOL)

so today i was thinking of taking the by-i think we can miss 3 challenges in all, but then, i found this picture and thought... wasn't he crying? didn't i pick him up and he just stopped? don't i brighten his day?

so this is the end result... i like it.

just one year

2007-09-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

for a challenge, i had to take the layout a person made and scraplift what i liked. now, the girl in front of me, as sweet as she is, is more beginner than i am. so i struggled... and struggled... i'm happy with the overall look. i was going to add more journaling but when i looked at it, i thought no-- a picture says a thousand words... leave it be...

Halloween. What was it like when you were a kid? Do you allow your own kids to go out on this night? Do you attend Halloween parties or do you HAVE th

2007-09-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

wow... what a question... in the past, it was always a night of pizza, beer, and handing out candy. i'm huge on the holiday... nightmare before christmas is my favorite movie ever! decorate the whole house... everything, down to towels in the bathroom.

then we moved to TO. then cesar & i went back to school, suddently, only one of use has been home the past 3 years. last year, diego was just born so only a few pumpkins graced out doorway.

this year... wow... we're already planning! we're both going to be home, we've decided to get a set of pumpkin bowls from costplus with the matching pumpkin tureen and we'll make chili. this weekend, we're looking for diego's first costume! yah! we've already hit up the halloween super store for ideas. yes, this will be a spooky one!

we met the mouse!

2007-09-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

so for diego's very first b day, we wanted to do something special, something dramatic--we took him to disneyland!!! now, this wasn't a "let's drive to disneyland and spend the day" type of trip. this was a invite all the cousins (there are 4 boys) over to the house, make a huge breakfast, pile up into two, TWO cars and drive down to disneyland. we hit traffic, suprise, but we ended up making good time. we got there at noon and walked right in since cesar bought all the tickets at work. wow... people, you wouldn't believe it but that park was just empty!!! there were no huge crowds, no lines, no jumbles of people walking all over us! we walked right up to pluto and all the kids took pictures with him. then we went on the train around the whole park, took the fire engin to the middle, and hit up all the fantasyland rides... all of them! all before 2 ish... at 2/3, we stopped for lunch and let the kids just run around, chase ducks, all the fun stuff they wanted to do. then we went to see nemo, a 20 minute wait... longest wait of the day. we watched the jedi training show, and that's when diego decided to nap. my nephews kept on taking rides. but cesar and i took diego for a nice long walk over to the nightmare store. then, when diego woke up, we took a ride on the honeypots! so fun! after meeting back up, the big kids, ces, joey, rosie, and eddie all went on spooky rides. diego, joey jr. and me went on the tea cups, twice. after a stop at the mad hatter (where everyone got a hat) we watched the parade, rode it's a small world, and called it a day! it was already 8 and the park closed at 8 that night which was perfect since we all were tired. at home, it was a round of pizza and conversations of "i can't believe how empty the park was." it was a great b day!!!

struggling to create "depth"

2007-09-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

so i want to create depth in my scrap pages. i think mine are alway too static, flat... not what i really aimed for... so here's a try. hum....

reflection starts so eary...

2007-09-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

i can't believe my baby will be one. it's been a wonderful and beautiful year of growth for us both. we are so much stronger today that we were a year ago. now, we have you. we have watched you grow from helpless little baby who only cried and slept to the young toddler you are now. then, when we brought you home, we didn't know what to feed you let alone how much! holding you was like holding a loaf of bread. you simply didn't weigh much. over the months you grew and grew until now i see people take a second look when i say, "oh, he's only 11 months old." at 29, almost 30 pounds you out weigh your 3 year old cousin. with eyes wide open, you have opinions-i see you grab the cheese puff over the pumpkin bread. and already the temper tantrums are starting; crying because dad is washing your hair and you want to play with the little floating fish. ahhh diego, what will become of you?

this year of firsts, wow, what a blessing to be home and watch you grow. your first words, "dayeeee!!!" crawling, laughing, smiles, it's only days now when that first step will be taken. oh sure, you cruise around the house but you haven't quite let go yet. you know what? it's okay to grow up and walk, we are always going to be here for you...

happy birthday baby!

6 facts because of marie

2007-09-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

1. i'm uber interested in the private lives of NFL players. i hate watching football so getting all into their business keeps me watching the games (go 49'ers!)

2. i have long hair but i hate it. i want to cut it short but someone who means the world to me, likes it long...

3. my nails don't grow.

4. i wear glasses because i like them. i could afford to have the lasik but why?

5. teaching is a profession i love but i didn't really know what else to do with an english degree.

6. i am a writer!!!

OMG...

2007-09-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

omg!!!! my dream has been a simple one yet out of reach for sooo long. on all those silly surveys we all like to do, the question appears over and over... "who would you like to meet?" well, my answer is always the same... SANDRA CISNEROS! she is simply my favorite author of all time. it sounds like a simple thing really, she's a writer, people don't stalk writers like they do celebs. but, then again, how does one go about meeting such people? whatever... i digress from my point. the point is... I MET HER!!! last night, yes, she had a reading at CSUCI and i went. i stood, i was late because of classes, and there she was! she read a new essay she's working on and then read from her last novel (all of which i already own). and yes, i had to buy another book (i wasn't planning on seeing her... who knew?) but it was worth the 12 bucks to have her signature on MY book... it's like her magic can spread on my book shelve... i was sooo excited...

yes, i have can now say i met sandra cisneros...

who cares if johnny can't read?

2007-09-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

wow... what an eye opener! i just read this article for class and i just have to say, there are some points the author is making that i've discussed with friends. so, if you have a chance, read the article at www.slate.com/id/3128/. it's Who Cares If Johnny Can't Read? by Larissa Mac Farquhar. the whole TV thing... yes! have we not discussed that? of course, i have the spin of "small child" hitched on my thinking.... what is life to a small child? is the mear act of going outside no more, no less that what he could see on TV? diego, his young 11 month old mind, does he know we are at the zoo? is there a difference from the zoo to target? or is it all the same to him? which will lead us to TV. the american ped... blah, blah, blah, recommends that no child under 2 watch TV. well, i've tried to stick to that, i don't buy the whole baby einstein thing anyway, but how is watching something on TV, something educational like blue planet any different that going outside and walking to the park? come now, diego doesn't walk. he rides in a stroller. most of the time, he interested in the toys he takes with him, not the lovely flowers or the birds somewhere off in the distance where he can't even focus on. and the same goes for TV. we watch a lot of discovery channel and things like that (we're nerds) and yes, i will point out, duck, bird, or whatever and diego might watch for a few seconds (his attention span is very age approprate!) then go back to playing with his toys. he just doesn't care yet.

now, the whole idea of passive TV watching versus the idea of active reading makes me think too. the argument is who makes images in their head while reading? hum... i never thought of it like that but yes, i don't make pictures, i have feelings, i have connections but images? no... and when watching TV, we're passive since we're not thinking, we're watching... but then again, i'm a LOST fan and watch general hospital daily. i have to admit, i'm always thinking... why, why, why... and i discuss these things with others (i have other LOST fans/friends and belong to several GH groups). we come up with theories, ideas, suggestions, and always wonder what will happen next... how much more active can TV become?

makes me think... does it matter to be WELL read?

something to make me happy

2007-08-29T12:34:00.001-07:00

i feel better now...

real life dork moment

2007-08-28T19:09:00.001-07:00

so i thought school started tonight. DH came home early to watch our 11 month old and i left. i was so excited! i am taking my last class for my special ed credential (no big deal, i'm the proud owner of many credentials in the state of California) and i haven't attended class since last June since fall 2006 i had the baby and took leave and spring 2007 i took a class independent studies. sooo, i'm so excited to see people (even if my cohort all started level 2 without me) and get to thinking again. i get there, pay for my parking pass (the semester, not the daily) and then... i can't find my class! i go and there is something about math theory being taught... not my class! so i look it up and wham! dude... i'm a day late! the class was LAST night not tonight! so i missed the 1st class! so, nothing i could do about it--go to the bookstore, get the book (at 109.00) and come home. i emailed the instructor and downloaded all the stuff she has posted on blackboard but now i can't figure out what she expects in the papers that are due at the next class. i emailed her a few questions but it's not her responsibility to "reteach" a class she already gave a lecture for. none of the other students are people i know or even have a phone number for! ugh... now i have to figure out this on my own...
i am just soooo bummed!

classes, classes...

2007-08-28T11:13:00.001-07:00

tonight is the big night! school starts and i'm excited about it. it's always a new challenge and it's nice to remember that yes, i have a brain!