Bye Bye Baby

One of Eric's best friends just had a baby girl and I had the wonderful opportunity to care for her in the 1st couple of months of life.  Due to the 10 miles of communte, her mommy thought it to be more convenient to place her in day care, to save  herself  on time and milage.  We will miss your happy smiles little baby. 

Recipes b4 Trick or Treating

Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect.  Check out these cool recipes.

HALLOWEEN BURGERS

1-1/2 lb ground Beef
6 slices cheese, cut into desired shapes
Red or green bell peppers, cut into desired shapes
Pitted olives, cut into desired shapes
6 lettuce leaves
6 hamburger buns, split


Lightly shape ground beef into six 1/2"-thick patties. Choose a cooking method.
To broil, place patties on rack in broiler pan so surface of beef is 3 to 4" from heat. Broil 10 to 12 minutes or until centers are no longer pink, turning once. To panbroil, place patties in preheated nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook 10 to 12 minutes or until centers are no longer pink, turning once.

Season with salt and pepper, if desired, after turning. During last few minutes of cooking, top with cheese, bell peppers and olives to make faces. Serve in lettuce-lined buns. 6 servings.



STEW IN A PUMPKIN SHELL

1 large pumpkin
Melted butter
Sugar
2 large onions, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
Olive oil
3 pounds chuck steak, cubed
1 pound tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 1/2 pints beef stock
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 pounds white potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 pounds raw pumpkin, cut in chunks
2 cans sweet corn
12 canned yellow peach halves, sliced
Syrup from canned peaches
Bouquet garni
1 heaping teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper

To prepare the pumpkin, cut the top to form a lid, angle cutting so the lid will sit on and not fall in. Leave the stem for a handle. Remove the the "guts", the fibers and seeds and discard. Scoop away most of the solid flesh, leaving a sturdy wall of pumpkin, being careful not to cut through it. Measure out 2 pounds of the pumpkin flesh for the stew.

Brush the inside of the cleaned pumpkin with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Replace the lid and set the pumpkin aside on a baking sheet.

Cook the onion and garlic in a little oil until soft but not browned. Transfer to a large saucepan. Brown the beef in the oil and add it to the onion mixture in the saucepan. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, half the stock, the bouquet garni, a little salt and plenty of pepper to the meat and onions. Cover and simmer until the meat is almost cooked. This should take about 1 hour.

At this time, put the pumpkin shell in the oven at 375 degrees. Leave it for 30 minutes, or longer if the walls are thick. But be careful not to collapse the walls. You can use a large casserole as a support for the walls.

Add the sweet potato, potato and pumpkin to the saucepan and cover with more stock. Return to a boil and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender, the potatoes are cooked, and the liquid is thickened with the dissolved pumpkin.

Stir in the sweet corn and peaches and simmer for another 15 minutes. Taste, correcting the seasoning and adding a little of the peach syrup. Remover the bouquet garni and discard. Ladle the stew into the pumpkin and put back into the oven for 10 to 15 minutes and serve. Makes 6 to 8 servings.



VEGETABLE & RICE STUFFED PUMPKIN- (Vegetarian)

1 Pumpkin (14 or 15 inches in Diameter) or 2 smaller ones
4 TB Sugar
2 TB Tamari sauce
1 c Water
1/2 LB Fresh shelled chestnuts
1/4 c raisins
1/4 c apricots, Chopped
1 Granny Smith apple, chopped or any tart apple
1/2 c Walnuts, broken but not too Small
1 Stalk celery, chopped
1 medium White onion, chopped
1 medium Red onion, chopped
1 can Corn, drained
1 medium Sweet green pepper, chopped
1 medium Sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium Zucchini squash, chopped
1 medium Yellow squash, chopped
2 medium Fresh jalapeno peppers, Seeded and minced
2 c Cooked brown basmati rice
1/4 Ts Mace
1/4 Ts Tumeric
Black pepper
1/2 Ts Cinnamon
4 TB Tamari sauce

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Wash pumpkin and cut off the top, angle the cut so that the top will fit back on more easily, use a big spoon to scoop out strings and seeds. Mix sugar and 2 tbs. tamari sauce (you can warm them in the microwave so they will mix more easily ) and spread evenly over insides of pumpkin. Line the bottom of a large pan with single piece of aluminum foil folded over itself 3 or 4 times, pour 1 cup water in pan, place top back on pumpkin and place in baking pan, cover the pumpkin and the pan with foil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until pumpkin is just starting to become tender, the thicker the pumpkin the longer it will take.

2. Steam the nuts for about 15 minutes. Rinse them in cool water and slip off the brown skins. Chop chestnuts coarsely.

3. Combine chestnuts with raisins, apricots, apple, walnuts, celery, white and red onions, corn, green and red pepper, jalapeno peppers, mace, tumeric and rice, mix well. Add the 4 tbs. tamari and mix again.

4. Dust the inside of the pumpkin with the cinnamon. Pack the pumpkin with the filling and replace the pumpkin top. Return pan to oven, add water to cover the bottom of the pan and bake for 45 to 55 minutes.

5. If you are going to serve the pumpkin on something other then the pan it was cooked in BE CAREFUL. The bottom of the pumpkin may be VERY soft. Wrap the foil from the bottom of the pan up around the pumpkin as you pick it up, this will keep the bottom intact.

When serving this recipe, scrap the inside of the pumpkin with the serving spoon and mix the pumpkin into the stuffing.

If you have leftovers do not leave it in the pumpkin. Remove the filling and scrape out the pumpkin and store in your refrigerator.



PUMPKIN DUMPLINGS

1/2 cup canned solid pack pumpkin
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (generous) baking powder
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Whisk pumpkin, egg, salt, nutmeg and baking powder in large bowl to blend. Mix in flour (dough will be soft). Dip 1/2-teaspoon measuring spoon into boiling water to moisten. Scoop up generous 1/2 teaspoon of dough and return spoon to water, allowing dough to drop. Working in 2 batches, repeat dropping 1/2 teaspoonfuls of dough into water, first dipping spoon into water to moisten each time. Boil dumpling until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to colander and drain. Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add dumplings. Sauté until beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer dumplings to bowl. Sprinkle with cheese and serve. Makes 4 Side-Dish Servings.



PUMPKIN & POTATOES

Pumpkin (Red Hubbard Squash Preferred)
White Eastern Potatoes Bacon

Cut up a pumpkin into manageable pieces. Remove skin off of the pumpkin with a potato peeler. Run pumpkin slices over a grater to shred the pumpkin. Shred enough to fill half of a 9" x 13" pan. Pile the shredded pumpkin higher than the sides of the pan as it will shrink as it cooks. Mix 1\2 to 1 cup of granulated sugar into the pumpkin to suite your taste.

Peel and slice enough white potatoes to fill the other half of the pan. Add salt to the potatoes and mix thoroughly.

Place pan in oven at 350 degrees for 1-1\2 to 2 hours. During the first 1\2 hour, stir the potatoes.

Also stir the pumpkin. After 1\2 hour, cover the top of the entire pan with slices of bacon. Turn bacon over halfway through the baking process.

Enjoy a great one pan meal. I personally like to use Hubbard Squash (red in color pumpkins). They are a sweeter pumpkin for use in cooking and especially for pumpkin pie.



PUMPKIN RAVIOLIS

Pumpkin Filling:
2/3 c. canned pumpkin
1/2 c. fresh grated
or shredded Parmesan cheese
(preferably parmigiano-reggiano)
2 Tbsp. dry bread crumbs
3 Tbsp. ground amaretti cookies or almond biscotti
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
Dash nutmeg
Dash salt

For sauce:
1/4 c. butter, melted with dash fresh chopped sage, poured over hot pasta, or to above melted butter and sage, stir in 1/2 C cream and heat to hot but not boiling, pour over hot pasta

Make ravioli dough and press or buy pre-made.

Combine all filling ingredients. Use to fill ravioli dough by putting 1 tsp. of filling onto one square of dough; moisten edges (use egg wash or egg beaten with a little water), then top with another square of dough, pressing edges to seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cook in boiling water for 6 - 8 minutes or till pasta is cooked, but firm. Drain ravioli and keep warm while preparing sauce.



SPICY PUMPKIN BISQUE

1-1/2 teaspoons dried ground small red chilies such as Piquins
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 16 ounce can pumpkin puree
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup half-and-half or light cream
1/4 cup dry sherry
grated nutmeg

Sauté the onion and garlic in the butter until they are soft and transparent. Add the pumpkin, stock, Chile pepper, ground pepper, allspice, sugar, and sherry. Bring to a boil and cover. Simmer the soup for 30 minutes. Place the mixture in a blender and puree until smooth. Return the soup to the pot, add the half-and-half, and simmer until heated. Garnish with the nutmeg and serve.

This soup can be served either hot or cold. Serve it hot with grilled fish and seasoned green beans or cold as a luncheon entree with a crisp salad.

PUMPKIN SAUCE for PASTA

3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 LB pumpkin flesh, peeled seeded and diced (use one pumpkin about 1 3/4 LB)
8 fl oz strong vegetable stock
2 tbsp. parsley, or 1 tsp. dried parsley
4 fl oz single cream
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
pinch of salt
pinch of ground black pepper
pasta, freshly cooked, to serve

Gently fry the garlic and onion in the oil for 3 or 4 minutes. Do not allow them to burn. Add the pumpkin and vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer over a medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin is tender.

Break up the pumpkin by beating it with a wooden spoon, and stir in the parsley, cream, nutmeg and seasoning. Cook for a further minute and add a little of the pasta cooking water if the sauce is too thick. Pour over the pasta and serve immediately. Serves 3

Tyler's 14th Birthday

We spent Sunday afternoon at Dave & Buster's for our nephew Tyler's 14th Birthday.  Of course, Eric forgot to tell me about the party until Saturday, 1 day before the party.  So, there we go circling the entire mall with a bunch of "maybe" gifts but, no gift which totally read "the one".  Until finally, almost the very last store we visited we found these slippers, and they were in his fav "Charger" blue and gold.  Nedless to say, he was very happy with them. 

The funniest part of the story was when Tyler and his friends said, "Oh wow, you got Michael Jacksons!"  LOL!  The adults could not help but giggle at the fact that these Nike shoes are Michael Jordans.  Wow, this made me feel really old.

After lunch, we went to the gaming area and Deric had a blast.  He ran around and just took everything in. 

We had a great day but, unfortunately ended in tears.  Those terrible (pre) 2's kicked in and Deric did not want to leave.  He got over it pretty quickly as we walked around Tempe Market Place and he was asleep within the hour.

Anniversary of Life

As a child, or young adult, we all could not wait for birthdays.  One year older, one step closer to independence, drivers licence, gradjuation, etc.  Then one day we ask, where has the time gone? 

My mother does not celebrate birthdays.  In fact, I think she has been 35 for about 35 years LOL.  So we decided to meet up for a nice meal and enjoy one anothers company and celebrate my mothers "Aniversary of Life".  I figured, if she no longer has birthday but she does celebrate aniversaries, why not celebrate her Aniversary of Life.  I'm thinking I may just start celebrating my own "Aniversary of Life" myself here in a few years.  Here are some photos.

Oh and I could not resist snapping a shot of this.  The monkey never did have a shot against this dinner roll.

Sorry I've been away... Update

Wow, we've been really busy these past few weeks.  Deric's 1st visit to Peter Piper Pizza as a toddler.

Play Dates w/cousins Breanna & Viney

My niece Breanna's 5th Birthday Tink Party.

Eric's Karaoke Birthday Bash

And last but not least, caring for my son and babysitting little baby girl.

Life has been wisping by filled with not one boring minute.  I am going to try my hardest to continue to document our lives but in a more timely mannor.

Declutter me beautiful

A decluttered worktop gives the implication of a tidy kitchen so get to decluttering. Remove all items that are not used regularly such as juicers, rice cookers etc. The amount of space this creates gives the illusion of a bigger kitchen and creates more space for food prep.

When is the last time you decluttered your kitchen?

After I decluttered, I grouped several items which were scattered through out the kitchen counters, and placed them on a platter. Our kitchen is so much more functional and still has a decorative flaire.
Be creative! These everyday cooking utensiles stored in a big drawer. I found myself scurring around to find exactly what I needed. I found it more efficient to my cooking lifestyle to have them visible. I worked with what I had, and placed them in this vase. It gives a touch of eligance to the kitchen.

Before:

I wish I had taken a before picture so i had to zoom in on another picture taken in the kitchen lol but you get the drift.
After:

A new baby in the house

She is the 1st baby girl to very good family friend and they have chosen to make me her care giver. I must admit, it is nice to have a brand new baby in the house. She is 4 weeks old, and just a doll. She has the most beautiful blue eyes.

I was a bit worried to see how Deric would react with a new baby in the home but he actually was not bothered at all. Never the less I like to be prepared and weigh on the side of caution so, I invited my Parents over today, after their morning run to assist with entertaining Deric. I really don't think it will be necessary but Deric always enjoys time with Grandpa.

Day 1 of our diet

Breakfast:Yesterday was day #1 of our diet. Our family is enjoying scrambled Eggs (with milk mixed in) on a bed of Spinach, with Low Fat Cottage Cheese, and washing it all down with coffee.

Snack:

We enjoyed a health snack consisting of 1/2 an apple and 1 table spoon of Peanut Butter with good ol' H20.

Lunch:

Spinach salad with a tea spoon of lean turkey bacon, low fat cottage cheese is used to replace salad dressing and a dash of spicy Cayenne Pepper, for a little kick.

Snack:
I had the other 1/2 of the apple with Peanut butter.

Dinner:
Bone less skinless chicken breast topped with sauteed garlic, onions, and roasted green chili and a side of steamed broccoli.

We are shooting for 3 dairy, 3 fruit, & 3 veggies per day. Last time we did this diet, after Deric was born, we lost about 30 pounds. Oh and that was without exercise. This time I'm throwing in Zumba Fitness. I'm excited to see the results this time.

Cart Caddy

Becca made this , in her own words, out of absolute frustration and insanity prevention ! Last week while shopping, I was so fed up with losing my coupons, having to pry the slobbery remains of a coupon out of my babies mouth and simply not having enough hands while I shop! My shopping excursions are a mess!!!! If you were ever to see me shopping with three kids in tow you'd most likely find two out of three of 'em crying and the other covered in chocolate chip bribery!Well...Problem solved!!!! (at least the coupon part of my problem! Let me know if you have a wondersolution for the kid melt downs!)I came home to create this Coupon Catch all for my Shopping cart!It has two pockets! One to hold my Coupon Organizer and one to store the coupons I will be redeeming! And if you're not a coupon shopper it's the perfect little helper to hold your bottled water, emergency candy bar you opened 15 min. into your visit and cell phone while you graze aisle after aisle! Visit Becca's page at a chance to win this awesome giveaway.

Our Son's Winnie the Pooh Bathroom

I wanted to create a fun, playful bathroom wonderland. Something functional but more importantly, something that my child enjoy and spark imagination. I also wanted something unisex, and I think that is what I was able to capture with the assistance of our ol' pal Pooh.

Deric has a "Jack & Jill" bathroom, and this is the view as your coming in from the main entrance.

Before:

I wanted to mix classic "adult" pieces with fun plastic ones. This shelf was purple. At 1st I thought, perfect! Then once I saw it up, it just wasn't right. So I decided to pull the Espresso color from all the fixtures, on to this shelves and Pooh Picture frames by the toilet so a little spray paint did the trick. Did you notice the pictures by the toilet are at child eye level. Yes, we did that purposely.

Wash cloth holder.

I normally would never opted for a plastic shower curtain however, this one is so colorful and vibrant, it just works perfectly. After all, I am going for a fun room.
We wanted to place the towel/robe hook at child level, it works perfectly.

This laundry basket, I've had for yeeeears. I actually thought of donating it due to the color. Really, Hunter green does nothing for me... until this project. I wouldn't have any other way.
How perfect is this Dixie Cup dispenser? And the best part was $1.00 price tag at a neighbor's yard sale.
This is the faucet. Tigger is hot water and Eeyore is cold. Their little bodies swivel in circles to turn the water on and off. Pooh is taking a honey break under a big shady tree. Piglet is at the top of the tree holding a water pail in the downwards position. This is where the water dispenses from.

The original vanity top was a boring white so, we took a little trip to Restore, and found this vanity top for $50 bucks. What a bargain!

Before:

After:

Personalized Frame for my mother

I wanted to make something personal for my Mother so I took a little trip to my fav store, Hobby Lobby.

$2.00 Picture Frame

$ .50 Scrapbook Paper

$1.00 Letter F

I already had: Red & Black Sprey Paint, hot glue.

1.) The frame was natural cardboard-like, as was the letter F. The F was sprey painted Red,

& the frame was painted black.

2.) Cut the scrapbook paper to fit in the desired photo frame and instert.

2.) Take your hot glue gun and glue the letter onto the top of the exterior glass. Kind of a 3D effect but looks fab!

And wah-la... ur done! This also works with any old frame without a glass.

A Clean Bill of Health

Yesterday we took Deric to see a growth Specialist at Children's Hospital. This is a follow up to the results of his blood work taken a couple of weeks ago.

The Specialist took one look at us and said, "Why are you here, again?"

I said, "To check his Thyroid and to verify there was no abnormalities in form of a cancerous tumor causing rapid growth spurts."

Specialist said, "Did your Pediatrician see both you and dad?"

I said, "Yes."

Specialist said, "If I would have seen you 1st, I would have canceled the blood work request. I do not see any indication of abnormalities in his growth chart. Yes, he is in the top 99% for height, weight, and head circumference, but its growing on track as far as the growth chart goes, just at a higher rate. The problem lies when there is a substantial spike in growth, which by the way is very rare. And the most important fact of the matter is that Mom is 5'10 and Dad is 6'4. After a $40.00 co-pay, much frustration, and I must admit, a few tears from this overly protective 1st time mother. Case closed. Ahhhhhh... a sigh of relief.

My Parent's 47th Wedding Anniversary

We hosted a Surprise Anniversary party for my parents this Sat to celebrate their 47 years together. After dinner I asked my mother, "What is the secret to a long lasting marriage?" My friend Cyndi said, "Yes, please tell." My mother answered, "Love but the biggest secret of them all is as simple as it is challenging. It is respect. Without respect, can lead into verbal warfare, and even the strongest of hearts can be challenged, and eventually broken down." So there you have it folks... Love & R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Their Anniversary was Thursday. No one mentioned it, sent a card, phoned, or verbally wished them a Happy Anniversary. This day is very special to my Mother, actually it is her favorite "holiday". So needless to say Dad & especially Mom, were very hurt that no one acknowledged. Little did they know that this was all part of our master plan. Little did she know that her children were planning a Surprise Party with dinner and gifts.

Mom called me Sat morning & said my brother had asked to borrow her car Sat at 3PM while his car was in the shop. Everyone who knows my Mother knows that Saturday's are her days so I'm thinking she may have been a little perturbed however, she would never admit that.

I asked, "So, what are you going to do today?"

"Nothing. Stay home. Pat has the car."

I said, "Have him drop you two off over here."

She said, "Okay."

Perfect!!! She had no idea what was in store for her.
She walked in and started weeping. She said, "I thought you forgot!" She was sooo touched.

Even the kids got in the action. I love that they understand that it is not the cost of the gift but the thought behind it. This was the best gift of the night. Two cans of Cashews.

My Daddy loves geography so, how perfect was this gift of a glob. It sits on a dark wood base. Very modern with an elegant flare.Kirkland's never fails with their beautiful picture frame with an iron tree in the center. Both Mom and Dad loved it.

Family photo time.

Filling Spaces

Our house has HUGE wall space to cover. We originally had a large (electric) Fire Place w/a Plasma sitting on top. The wall is sooo huge it made the TV look like a little 19". Ugh, this was NOT working! We needed something to fill the empty space and along came thee. Its perfect for this space. I haven't finished decorating it but, this is what I've done so far. The side mirror panel is perfect for displaying my Mikasa and Princess House crystal.

Before:

After:

Spray Paint til u love it

Rustic, unfinished, and has a yuk appeal to it, I know. It sat there all alone and unwanted on the clearance rack for a steal at $4.00 but I see the potential. Nothing a little spray paint can't handle.

Before:After:

I love it! I used Espresso Brown and retouched the center with Black and what a transformation. Oh and when I say "I", I really mean "Eric" but, its my vision. There for what is mine is his and what he does I take credit for lol. I love wrought iron for the inside and outside of the home.

This piece really helped with the high vaulted ceilings we have. This is the view coming out of the lavatory. It really brings your eye upward and helps fill the empty wall which you really can't put just anything up there. Another clearance find at $3.00 each. It was previously a very dated brass color and oh so "fugly" (yes, that's a word in my book =) Again, I (aka Eric) spray painted it that same Espresso Brown and now, it is a classy modern piece. I think I am going to add these to our Guest Room which we named the Chocolate Room.

Wordless Wednesday

Date Night: Groovin Addition

Saturday was our Date Night, couples addition. Nothing too snazzy, just a little Karaoke at our neighborhood Native New Yorker. We were joined by Kristina/Jason, MaryJane/Jay, Dana/Ed and we all had a blast.

This is a picture of Eric bringing down the house... again! He had complete strangers approaching him, shaking his hand, and actually friend request. There was a really nice couple who both also have an 18month old boy. They live in the neighborhood behind us and gave us an open invitation to their home for Football Sunday's. I am not sure why but we always seem to get such random friendliness by strangers. My mother says we have friendly faces and our easy going attitudes along with a little comedic flair makes people feel like they've known us for years.

Eric has such a nice voice, I really hope Deric inherits his talents.

MaryJane & Jay

Kristina & Jason

After reviewing the photos, I realized that I did not get a photo w/Eric & I, nor of Ed & Dana =(

Photo Contes: Vote 4 my Baby please

Please vote for my little guy! Voting is open from now until July 27th to vote for your favorite entry (The Arizona Parkmans). The entry with the most votes will win $25 to Marshalls & $25 to TJ Maxx! Voting is super fast, easy, and u don't even have 2b a Blogger to vote, just click below. Thank you!

CLICK HERE

Like Father, Like Daughter

My brother-in-law is a real outdoors man and is teaching my niece LiAnna to be a real outdoors-wo-man. Surprisingly she is really taking a liking to it but don't get me wrong, she is no tomboy. In fact she is so girly all her outdoor gear is in her favorite color pink. She is not fearful or squeamish of creepy crawlies (like her Mother & me lol). He has taught her how to fish, bait her own line, and now they have moved onto Archery. When she grows older, she is going to give meaning to the song, "What ever you can do, I can do better."

Leopard Lollipop

I just received a ca-ute Baby-T from Leopard Lollipop Boutique's which was featured on Kristen's blog. It was even packaged with the cutest leopard print tissue paper! Great presintation. You have to go visit the Leopard Lollipop's Myspace page for the complete line of new, trendy chic products which also including closeouts.

Thank you soo much ladies for the Giveaway, it is much appreciated!

Frustrated w/the Medical Assistant

At 1 1/2 Deric is 3feet tall already. Apparently this can happen when a brain tumor is pushing down on the growth hormone so the Pediatrician phoned a Specialist at Children's Hospital. He said if Mom and Dad are tall, more than likely, baby is going 2b tall. You see, I am 5'10 and Dad is 6'4.

The Pediatrician still would like to lean on the side of precaution and sent us to get blood work just to make sure there was not an over active Thyroid gland.

This ____ bleep of an MA had no idea what she was doing. I knew something was up when she read the referral and said, "Hmmm... what's this? I never seen this one before." Ugh!
She poked the left arm and couldn't get a vein, then poked again in the vein and couldn't get blood. While the tube was in his little vein she was maneuvering it around trying to extract blood w/no luck. I was pretty strong until this point... when her efforts were unsuccessful she had to start on the other arm. My poor baby was screaming, looking at me, as to say "Mommy help!" Ugh, I tear up just to think of it. His cry was so much that ALL the nurses came into the room and the head Nurse actually took over. Ugh, what-a-day!

Can Terrible 2's start at 1_1/2?

This is the scene of a wild child at the bank, running a muck b4 heading off 2 get his blood drawn. He ran in and out of cubicles and gave me quite a work out. I thought "Terrible 2's" start @ 2. Is it possible they can start @ 18months? He is a very sweet boy but, the energy, the curiosity is outrageous. At 3feet, he is so tall and strong, he can get into places that most kids his age can't. He can reach, turn on and off the light switches. He can get on top of the chairs in the eat in kitchen and use them to get on top of the table. He has even tried to use the chair as a stepping stool to get on top of the kitchen island. A couple of weeks ago, he jumped out of his crib but, I'll blog about that later.

Our Future American Idol

Saturday, we attended Cyndi and Emilio's Karaoke Party. Deric sat on my lap, (oddly) very still and quite, just observing. After an hour, he jumped off my lap and ran streight to his Daddy, stole the mic, and was a-singing and a-dancin... all night long. There was no seperating him from the mic. Oh and there is no decieving him. I turned off the volume to his mic and he knew there was no volume so he took over the 2nd mic. Emilio went upstairs and got the mic to his Rock Band and did the ol switch-a-roo but he rejected it. Dad was so proud that we're going next weekend to the Karaoke store to purchase our own unit =)

Spicy Orange Chicken

Have u ever had those days that u have NO IDEA what to make for dinner?! That was me yesterday and this is what I came up with.

Its funny that 9months ago, I had no idea how to cook. We've been fortunate to have dined in the finest restaurant across the states so, we know what we like, just didn't know how to execute. Little did I know, its as easy as spices! Once I learned how to use spices in relation to different types of cuisine, it was as easy as 1-2-3.

Serves: 4

3 - Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

1 - Egg

1/2 c - Orange Juice

1/2 c - Soy Sauce (Low Sodium)

1/5 c - Sriracha HOT Chili Sauce (aka Asian Rooster Sauce)

1/2 c - Butter, melted (I can't Believe Its Not Butter)

1 c - Flour

2 - Storage Bags, Large

1/2 c - Chicken Bouillon

1 c - Water

pinch- Salt

pinch- Pepper

pinch- Garlic

pinch - Chili Flakes, Red

pinch - Parsley Flakes, Dried

pinch - Sesame Seed

2c - Rice, white long grain

1- Rice Cooker

1- Pan, Large/Wide

1- Sauce Pan

1- Mixing Bowl

Step 1: Place chicken breast to a large-wide pan, fill w/water.

Add EVOO, Salt, Pepper, Galic, Parsley, 1/5 c Chicken Bouillon then boil at high heat.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl add 1 egg, orange juice, soy sauce, "rooser" chili sauce, melted butter, and get to mixing. Pour mix into a large storage bag and place in the fridge. Get your 2nd storage bag and add flour, then put aside.

Step 3: Once chicken is poached/cooked, drain water, cut chicken into cubes, then grab the storage bag mix from the regridgerator and dump chicken in. Shake the bas so that it mixes well, and all the flavors marry with the chicken.... Then, pour the chicken mix into the storage bag w/flour. This dust a light coat of flower onto the marinated chicken.

Step 4: Re-use the same pan in which you poached the chicken and heat EVOO on high heat. Once pan is hot, add chicken & sear. *Remember chicken is already cooked* so we just want to brown the flower and marinade. Once chicken is browned, it'll need to rest, long enough to make your sauce and start the rice.

Step 5: Add rice to rice cooker along with 2 cups of water - and that's it 4 the rice! Now, get a small sauce pan heat EVOO, melt 1 spoon of butter (ICBINB), wisk in 1/2 cup of flower, 1 cup of water, chicken boullion, orange juice, soy sauce, 1 "squirt" of "Rooster" chili sauce, 3 shakes of red chili flakes, salt, pepper, parsley. Once you have gotten all the lumps out, your sauce is ready.

Plating: Presintation is everything, so make it pretty!

1st layer will be your rice.

2nd layer is the chicken

3rd layer is the spicy orange sauce

4th layer is seasame seed & parsley and your done!

Tip: If your sauce is too spicy, just add more orange juice, and/or water, and/or soy sauce.

Rice- If you don't have a rice cooker, you must run out and purchase one, like now =). Its the greatest invention, next to sliced bread.

Teething???... Again???...

Tuesday (the closet day) Deric was scratching his gums and kind of fussy (and here I am, snapping photos lol). He has had 16-teeth since his 1st BDay, 8 top and 8 bottom.

I went on line and pulled this developmental growth chart for children. Pretty interesting that from 8-13 months, the average is 6 baby teeth. Deric doubled that at that age. No wonder why he loves water... he may be turning into a little shark (he he).

Play Date w/Jesse & Jenelle

Yesterday my parents picked up my neice and nephew and brought them over for a play date w/Deric. The were sooo happy 2c one another. This is the boys gave each other a (manly) hello hug then immediately went to the toy bins and dumped everything out. Their 1st choice has always been the big retractable Fire Truck or School Bus (2day was the Fire Truck).

I thought it was so cute that where ever the boys went, Jenelle was right behind. She may only be 6months but she can keep up.
Jen brought her 4th of July Tutu w/her so I had to snap a few photos. She looked Tutu Sheek!

Deric refused his own bowl of cerial and insisted on sharing w/Baby Jesse. Good thing he didnt mind and actually was feeding him - too cute!

Uh-oh... who's there? Here comes Jenelle ready to break bread w/the boys. After lunch, the boys returned to their toys. This was actually the calmest they were all day. I believe it to be fatigue setting in. Neither of the kiddos could/would relax enough to actually fall asleep for their nap, and believe me they were fighting it.

The kids left at 4:00 pm. I placed Deric in his high chair AKA "Papa Chair" for a light snack before taking him down for a nap but the poor little guy did not make it. He fell asleep in chair after just one bite. What a great day. I feel it is very important that these kids stay close and develope an ever lasting blond filled of childhood memories.

Wordless Wednesday

Just a Closet or a Hidden Fortress?

I purposely avoid Deric's bedroom closet so that he would not get into it and disorganize. Well 2day, he figured it out! Oh yes, there he goes w/the doors: open-close-open-close. Then he got in the closet and closed the door, then starts all over again. This child is not afraid of the dark. I guess his curiosity over powers any fear. I really hope he out grows this stage... quickly =)

Not so, cool cuts

These were the good ol' days... when there were no tears during hair cuts. Now that he is older, he does not like the fact that he to be restraint. The triple digit heat here in AZ does not make wearing an apron any more comfortable. And his curiosity of the noise coming from the clippers make it challenging to all who dare to cut his hair. The worse part is that Deric has inherited both Mom & Dad's hair. It grows thick sooo fast that he is seriously in need of a haircut about every 2 weeks.

After the haircut, we went next door to the dollar store when he decided he did not want to wear his shirt. Apparently all the little hairs manage to work their way through the little holes of his jersey. Note to self- never dress your son in a jersey on hair cut day lol. We went down the snack isle when he decided his was hungry. He refused to wait till we got in home, or in the car for that matter so, there he goes, eating in the store b4 the purchase, shirtless.... Oh what a day =)

Destination: Texas

My parents are driving to their homeland of Texas "ya'll". They made the move to AZ some 40 years ago but they still have siblings, nieces, and nephews who still reside. They will be stopping in Tucson to pick up my Tia Carmen, who thank goodness will be helping my father w/the 12hour drive, since my mother doesnt drive, even though she does carry a drivers license lol. They will be staying with my mother's sister, Tia Landa, and her daughter Yvette.

I hate that they insist on driving every where so I pray for their safe departure and arrival.

I Love Summer Photo Contest entry for Island Life

This is my entry picture for the "I love Summer" photo contest by Island Life. Living in AZ, we don't have beautiful beaches so we love to spend our summer days at Water Parks. I took this photo at Big Surf in the kiddy section. I absolutely LOVE this photo! I just want 2 kiss his fat cheeks 2 pieces.

VOTE HERE!

Wordless Wednesday

GIVEAWAY by Tutu Sheek.................. Hosted by Kid Friendly- Mommy Approves

I have donated one of my Tutu Sheek, hand crafted Chic le Fairy Tutu's as a Giveaway. Plz visit Kid Friendly... Mommy Approves for details and entry to win. Not only is she hosting a Tutu Sheek Giveaway, but she also has excellent reviews on children's related products and services. Good Luck!

This tutu is valued at $20.00
and comes with matching Fairy/Butterfly wings!
It is made of red and Yellow (gold) tulle.
Size is small-fitting waist line of 20-24 inches which generally and approximately converts to size 3T-6 Girls

Zumba Fitness, approved by this Latina

After having my son, its not as easy to pick up and go dancing like before so I ordered Zumba Fitness. These CD's are soo much fun, u don't really realize that your excersizing. It combines aerobic moves w/Latin dance steps such as Salsa, Merengue, and Cumbia- I highly recommend.

Another great blog to follow: Kid Friendly... Mommy Approves!

Our Mommy lives can get hectic at times juggling cleaning, cooking, kids hungry, babies crying- so who has time to review every product 1st hand. This Mommy of 2 has an excellent point system which rates products from 0-5 and reviews cover kiddy products to vacation spots.

Log onto Kid Friendly... Mommy Approves and link on as a follower. I did!

What celebrity couple are we?

I took the quiz, and the answer is: John & Jackie. Oh, goodness... those are some big shoes to fill.

"I'm blowing this joint!"

We gave away Deric's crib at 10 months, when we moved into the new house, and moved him into his twin size Race Car Bed. The side of the car worked as side rails so he was unable to fall off, or get out for that matter, until about 13months when he grew brave enough to figure out he could very easily get out. He found it challenging to get back in so, we bought him this little step stool and it did the trick.

Now the problem is keeping him in bed at night. So we had to bring in his play pin into his room. We inserted an egg crate mattress and lots of blankets under that so it was nice and cushiony. Oh and lets not forget the satin sheets. He loved the ones in our bed room soooo much that I had to get him his own. This worked beautifully until a he actually jumped out of his play pin! I know, I could not believe it. Oh geez, what are we going to do now?! We're going to have to get a video monitoring unit for his room so we can keep a visual while having the door closed. One of the draw backs of having a 3 foot tall 1 year old.

Wordless Wednesday

He seems so grown up to me =(

Deric (18monthes) seemed like such a big boy to me Saturday when we had dinner at Garcia's. His highchair was placed right next to me in place of a chair instead of the walk way. I don't know, I was just missing my baby but still very proud to see him look so grown up, in a child-like way.

He is so well behaved and just sat there coloring and drinking his juice.

Ah, sooo full. This is Deric with Barney sing & play book, on our way home.

Keep cool w/a yummy Peach Margarita

3/4 cup Tequila (Optional)

1 1/2 cup Margarita mix

2 oz Peach Schnapps

2 cups frozen peaches

1 cup crushed ice

1 table spoon of Splenda

Lime(s) for rimming of glass

Kosher Salt & Splenda

Add tequila, margarita mix, peach schnapps, peaches,
Splenda, & ice into blender and blend until smooth.
Pour Kosher Salt & Splenda onto a plate and mix together well.
Run lime around the rim of the glass then dip into Salt/Splenda mix.

18 month check up

Height: 36 inches...... >99%

Weight: 39 lbs....... >99%

Developmental... Above average

Develop. Score.... 35/60

Develop. Average.... 26/60

Deric had his 18month child check up yesterday and his growth pattern for height and weight continues to be off the charts. The percentile is over 99%. His Pediatrician is not concerned with his weight as he is growing proportionally. She did fill out a refferal to Childrens Hospital for so they could review his growth hormone, just as a precaution.

He also scored above average on his developmental quiz. This quiz charts the progress of children between the age of 18monthes - 3 years of age. This consist of 60 questions, and Average is 26/60. Deric answered 35/60. Needless to say, he did very well.

4th of July Tutu... Tutu Sheek

$2.00

$15- $25

What is your daughter wearing for the 4th of July Holiday? This super cute tutu is a must have. I hand craft several style tutu's that are so chic, that they are Tutu Sheek.

Away We Go

Have u seen the pre-views for the movie, Away We Go?

My Father-in-law looks JUST LIKE John Krasinski in this movie, in his younger days. I mean seriously, this actor could play him if they ever made a movie of his life story. The similarities are amazing but, I'll let u be the judge of that.

Wordless Wednesday

Crooked House

Do you watch Jon n Kate +8? Ok, ok, I am ashamed to admit that this whole media frenzy has wickedly lured me into last nights big reveal. Yes, me who had previously not even watched 1 episode watched last night. OMG, huge waist of time! However, the best part of the whole experience was these freakin cute little playhouses made by Kids Crooked House . I could never see myself paying this much for a playhouse, n 2b honest with you, I wouldn't be surprise if Eric could replicate. Any who, I had to share this with all of you that did not fall victim to last nights show.

How much are the playhouses?
Prices start at $1249 for the Original Playhouse.
$2,549 for a Deluxe (dormer and porch) and
$4,449 for a Double Deluxe extending a whopping 15 feet.

How much does setup cost?
Setup is provided by White Glover Service for $299.

Product Description:
Kids Crooked House Owning a Kids Crooked Playhouse in your own backyard will inspire your children's imagination and allow them to create magic memories. This standard painted house with dormer and porch is no typical outdoor playhouse, it's design comes straight out of a cartoon. It's made with all natural materials and assembles in less than 30 minutes! There is no straight cut, all pieces are angled and crooked to enhance the look and appeal to children everywhere. It is available in several colors and your children are guaranteed to love it!

1st Drawing

I gave Deric a pen and he loved writting on this note pad. I was soo proud I had to display on the fridge door, just like a 1st time mommy would. Yes me, who does not care for clutter on the appliances, made an exception for this masterpiece. When Dad got home from work and saw the display, he was very excited and shared my pride.

Faithbook

This is awesome!!!

My friend Karina snapped a photo of this poster & I had to share. The poster is displaied in the youth center auditorium of The Vineyard Christian Fellowship.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Ask and you shall receive....

My friend Cheryl asked for my recipe, and I believe sharing is caring. Enjoy!! =)

4- Tomato's, Large
1- Onion, Large
4- Green Onions
2- Jalapenos, Large
4- Avocado, cubed
1- Cilantro, Large bunch minced

A Pinch of: Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic, Cumin

1/2 a cup- Lemon or Lime Juice

1- Tomato sauce 8 oz

Water 16 oz
2 bags- Pre cooked, peeled, deveined, LG frozen shrimp- 28 Oz

2 LG bottles- Clamato or V8 Juice, 4 Qt (spicey or regular)

Tapatio or Tabasco, to taste

Optional: 1/2 or full bottle of beer (I like Bud Light Lime)

I made an enormous batch in a 16" W x 6" T party bowl. So my portions are totally off of what you would need, unless you are hosting a pachanga aka party.

Get your nife, cutting board, bowl & all ingredients ready.
Take the shrimp out of the freezer & cut open the top of the bags.
Fill the bag with very hot water (tap is fine) n set aside.
Let the chopping begin. Mince all veggies & place into bowl.
Add tomato sauce.
Add dry spices.
Add limon or lime juice.
-Now get the shrimp n drain water in sink.
-Walk the shrimp bags to your bowl,
-pinch the hard center, upside down A, part of the tail
-the shrim will slide right out then toss each into the bowl.
Add Water
Add Clamato or V8.
Add beer... if the kids wont be eating (totally optional).
Stir and taste.
Add Tapatio or Tabasco.
Stir and taste.
Serve with Crackers (optional).

You can do it! Really, you cant mess this up but if you manage 2, heres some tips.

Tip #1: Add ketchup and/or more veggies, & even good ol H20 to help counter the heat, if u went too spicy.

Tip #2: Adding a little more water, will help if you went too thick by adding the ketchup.)

Tip #3: Add more dry spices and/or hot sauce if all ur add ons made it taste bland.

Happy Father's Day

Dad- Deric & I would like to say how much we love and appreciate everything that you do for us. You are a very special part of our circle and could not be whole without you. XoXo

We had the pleasure of entertaining my Father Saturday and Sunday as my Mother was out of town. My brother drove Mom down to Tucson for a Faith convention. We went shopping Saturday then went out for Lunch/Dinner at a little Chinese restaurant my Dad favors.

Deric is sooo attached to my Daddy. He gives him hugs & kisses for no reason. He holds his hand, always wants to sit on his lap, & drags him into his room & literally shuts the door.

Today was/is a great day as I spent it with my most fav guys in the whole world: Eric, Deric, & my Daddy. We fired up the grill & made steak, boneless chicken breast, chips w/fresh salsa, & my favorite: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail! All-in-all, I think the men had a great time.

LG Washer Dryer All-In-1 Combo

How freakin cool is this?! One machine does all the washing & Drying!
Designed to save you time, space, work, & money. It would be my luck that this comes out 7 monthes AFTER we upgraded to the LG Tromm Washer AND Dryer... Grrrr! Anywho, if u are in the market, this looks like a great buy!

Regular price: $1,599.00
Features & Performance:
Energy Star Rated
NeveRust Stainless Steel Drum
2.44 Cu.Ft. Capacity (IEC)
Direct Drive Motor is Highly Reliable, Durable & Quiet
1400 RPM Maximum Spin Speed
Ventless Condensing Drying System
115V Power Source Intelligent Fabric Care
SenseClean System Automatically Adjusts Water and Wash Time for Optimal Care
Sensor Dry System Measures Moisture in the Drum & Automatically Adjusts Drying Time & Temp for Optimal Care
Flexibility of Wash to Dry, Wash Only or Dry Only
9 Wash Programs
5 Rinse Temperatures
Sanitary Cycle
Delay Wash up to 19 hours

Roasted Tilapia w/Fire-Roasted Tomatoes from the Biggest Loser cookbook

My friend Karina wrote about how delicious this receipt was & I had to also share.
Eric & I just recieved The Biggest Loser cookbook in the mail last week so hopefully I'll have some good receipts to post on here soon.

If you haven't seen them, fire-roasted tomatoes are newly emerging in popularity—you'll now find them with the other canned tomatoes in most major grocery stores. They're packed with flavor yet have no more fat or calories than traditional diced tomatoes.

Ingredients:Serves 4
> 2/3 cup canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes
> 12 small green olives with pimientos (sometimes called manzillas), cut into quarters
> 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. minced onion
> 1 tsp. freshly crushed garlic or minced garlic
> 1 pound tilapia fillets
> Olive oil in a sprayer (not store-bought spray that contains propellant)
> Salt & Ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400°. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes (and their juice), olives, onion and garlic until mixed. Lightly mist the fillets on both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place in a single layer in an 11" x 7" glass or ceramic baking dish or the equivalent. Top evenly with the tomato mixture. Roast until the fish flakes easily and is no longer translucent in the center, 10 to 12 minutes.

Nutritional Information:
149 calories,
23 g protein,
4 g carbohydrates,
4 g fat (less than 1 g saturated),
57 mg cholesterol, trace fiber,
396 mg sodium (per serving)

http://www.oprah.com/recipe/food/recipesseafood/20081001_tows_tilapia

Tutu's

Here is a little something I made my niece Saturday evening.

I really had to hold myself back from using Deric as a model then snaping a photo.

So, I just Teddy rather than putting my son through any future embarassment...

even though as a Mother, I believe it our right lol j/k.

I do make fairy tales come true with home made Tutu's.

Birthday fun at Fudrucker's

We celebrated DJ's BDay at Fudrucker's. While there, I had the pleasure of meeting DJ's parents Dan & Sheryl who made the drive in from San Diego. To Eric, these wonderful people are also known as "Mom & Pops" as well. DJ & Eric have a brotherly friendship that goes back to their Jr High days. They have warmly excepted Eric into their home & he interns considers this loving couple his 2nd Parents & home away from home.

Deric took a really quick liking to Mom. He couldn't stop kissing her. It was too cute. Pops was not spared either. Unfortunately I wasn't able to catch a photo but Deric was making googly eyes to Pops.


Thank you for letting us into your family....
you will always have a special place in ours.

My friend Kristen liked what I did for Michelle & David so here is a little somthing for her.

Praying for David

Here is a little something I made for Michelle & David. I have attached some of the lyrics to "He's my Son" by Mark Schultz.

The power of prayer should not be underestimated. James 5:16-18

http://allthingsrpossible-matt19.blogspot.com/

Praying for David

This little guy went in for emergency surgery last night. Because it was an emergency the Surgeon was a different Doctor than his usual Neurosurgeon. This is his 30th brain surgery.

Please keep these 2 in ur thoughts & prayers.

http://allthingsrpossible-matt19.blogspot.com/

My famous "Burrito Casserole" aka Enchiladas

This is my take on Enchiladas yet totally different but its quite yummy.

• 1_1/2 lbs of Ground Beef
• Spices: Salt, Pepper, Garlic (a pinch or to taste)
• my Secret Ingredients (sorry ladies)
• 3 Green Onions, finely chopped
• 27 oz Enchilada Sauce (1 can)
• Flour Tortillas
• 8 oz of shredded cheese, your fav (I used Cheddar)
• 2.2 QT / 2 LT Casserole baking dish
• Large/wide bowl

Add all seasoning to ground beef while browning. Once beef is almost brown, add green onions & minced garlic so not to burn. Drain all excess oil. Pour enchilada sauce into X-Large bowl (do not heat!). Pre-heat oven at 400.
Get ready because this is the messy part- If u wear french acrylic nails, wear gloves as the enchilada sauce WILL stain. Get a tortilla & very lightly dip front & back in the sauce. Scoop beef into the wet tortilla, sprincle cheese then roll into a burrito. Repeat this process until the casserole dish is filled (1 layor only). Pour the excess enchilada sauce, sprincle more cheese generously, & sprinkle more beef on the top of the burritos. Place the dish in the oven. Everything has been cooked so you will only need to melt the cheese so don't walk away, this dish will be done in minutes.

Spanish Rice "Arroz"

This is my take on my Grandmothers "Arroz" aka Spanish Rice.

1 cup long rice (1 part rice/2 parts water)

8 oz tomato sauce

2 cup water

olive oil

pepper & garlic (a pinch or to taste)

My Secret ingredient

1/4 of a Yellow Onion (optional)

Mixed Veggies Canned 1 (optional)
On high, heat EVOO in a large non-stick pan. Pour 1-cup of rice into oil & lightly brown stirring constantly. Once the rice has absorbed most of the oil, add tomato sauce/stir, add water/stir, add seasonings/stir, then cover. Lower to medium heat.

• Continue to stir occasionally to avoid sticking &/or burning.
  Once the rice has absorbed all the liquid, roughly around 5-8 min's, taste to make sure the rice is soft, then its time to eat =)~

Who's Deric's bestfriend?

Last night, Deric woke every 1/2 hour crying & nothing would ease him. We tried holding him, rocking him, singing to him but nothing worked. Then I stayed up to observe him. Maybe his body language would speak to me, such as a tug at the ear. About 20 min's later I saw him toss & turn with his little arm reaching.... reaching high reaching low then there goes the water works. Then I realized that Deric was searching & missing his "Blanket".

OMGoodness, I knew he loved his Blanket but I had no idea he had grown that attached to it. So there I go at 2AM washing & drying his beloved Blanket. The reason I had to put him to bed w/it is because it needed washing.

I believe this whole Blanket thing started after watching The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland. Its a movie which teaches children the importance of sharing through Elmo's trials which came due to not sharing his beloved Blanket.

Should I or shouldn't I?

I'm thinking of painting the inside of our bedroom door black along w/the molding, as featured in the photo below. My only fear is that I don't want it 2b too dark..... but as I always say, "When in doubt, accessorize!" =)

I'm aware that the look is not for ever1. Its sleek, new, & modern with a touch of suffistacation... I love it!

Which Sippy Cup is right for ur baby?

We were introduced to the challenges of attempting to transition Deric from the bottle to the sippy cup. This challenge being really foreign to us since every mild stone from birth til now have all been so effortless.

We tried every make & style with no luck until yesterday. I keep a "big boy" cup for when Deric's older cousins & friends come over. The type of cup with a lid & straw.

Yesterday Deric turned 17months & thought, I'd try the "big boy" cup... & it worked! I told my sister & she said I was the exact same way bypassing the sippy cup going directly to a child's cup.

Picture perfect

We have this HUGE wall at the highest point of the vaulted ceiling in the kitchen. Me being the perfectionist that I am, well lets just say its been itching away at me to get it just right since we moved in. I could not find anything that fit "just right" in my eyes until today. We found a piece of art which really compliments the design if the frosted glass to our pantry door. This painting 44"W x 40"H and the best part of all is that it was >50% off. Double "Yea!"

Corona del Sol Class of '09

Corona's '09 Senior class were awarded over $10 Million dollars in scholarship money.... Way to go Aztecs!

My Niece graduated from Corona yesterday evening. The ceremony was originally scheduled for 7:30 PM however was bumped up 1hour due to the forecased rain.
The commencement was nice & might quite entertaining. The speeches had a comedic twist & kept the audience with laughter... when on came the rain. Kind of odd for this time of year however, we were prepared with umbrellas until.... the color in my umbrella started to bleed! Oh my goodness, the walk to the parking lot seemed to go on for miles. Deric could care less, as he loves H2o.

Cap & Tassel

Here is a little somthing I created for my niece as part of her Gradguation present. I uploaded the photo to my local drug store's on-line photo center & had an 8x10 printed & fraimed. I hope she likes it =)

Desert Edge Prom & Grad '09

I just got this picture in today of my Niece Dannie & her boyfriend Freddy in cap & gown after graduation.

Along with a picture at their prom.

Hide & Go Seek

When I was little, I use to love hanging out under my mothers dinning room table. This table sat 12, & was so long it seemed to go on for days. I remember imagining myself in my own little world. Once, my mother "lost" me. She looked all over the house & could not find me. She searched high & low & was about to notify the authorities when low & behold, my sister found me. Can u guess where? Yes, under the table. So to see my son following Mama's hiding little footsteps, was very warming to me & obviously brought back a these memories of my young life.

My mother gave me her antique solid mahogany wood table. Unfortunately, it was part of the loss we experienced in the fire of the storage unit right b4 moving into our new home. These are the legs of the table after the fire.

Celebrity Nursery Decor

OMG, this is the cutest little Princess room, EVER! It almost makes me want to have a girl. The crib is so unique, I'm soooo lovin it..... but, it appears as the crib is made of some sort of hard metal? I don't kno about that.

Check more out at http://jackandjillinteriors.com/

Intruder in our home?

Last night there were high winds which made a mess of our backyard. Winds gusts were so powerful, that it actually triggered the alarm to our home security system 3 times! Once at 2:00 AM, 2nd at 2:30, & finally at 3:00AM & scarred the heck out of us. Needless to say we did not get a restful night.

And Angels were singing

Here are my Nieces Sissy (aka CC) & Lissy at their Choir Resital at their High School.

All sibling rivalry were put asside so the 1st picture of them hugging could be taken LOL

Monti's, La Casa Vieja

Eric & I had our date night at Tempe's historical, Monti's La Casa Vieja. Not only is this a great steak house but we really love how it has so much history & even has been recorded as a historical property. Attached, I have copied a little history from http://montis.com/ for those of you that are intrested.

Monti's La Casa Vieja is located in Tempe, Arizona, in the city's original pioneer home and the oldest continuously occupied structure in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The original adobe hacienda was built as a home by Charles Trumbull Hayden in 1871. Hayden settled in the area to establish a flourmill and a ferry service for crossing the Salt River, which flowed year-round at that time.
In 1876, Hayden married Sallie Davis, and the couple turned their residence into a hotel, blacksmith shop, post office and general store. The community became known as Hayden's Ferry. The following year, the Hayden's son Carl was born in the hacienda. Carl would go on to become a sheriff, cavalry soldier and congressman, serving more than 57 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. In [year?], the Arizona Republic ranked Carl Hayden first on a list of the most important people in Arizona history.

In the late 1880s, a traveling English nobleman named Darrell Duppa suggested that the small settlement resembled an area in Greece called the Vale of Tempe. A few years later, the town's name was officially changed to Tempe.
When the Hayden family moved to a new home in the 1890s, they began referring to the original structure by the nickname La Casa Vieja -- Spanish for "The Old House." Sanborn's Insurance Company documents from this period show that a restaurant of some sort was operated at La Casa Vieja as early as the 1890s, most likely as a convenience to those who had traveled a great distance to use the flourmill or ferry service. The Hayden daughters ran the restaurant until financial difficulties forced the sale of the property in the 1930s. During the ensuing years, several operators ran the restaurant. From the Great Depression through 1954, details about La Casa Vieja are sketchy. Mrs. Lucille Payne ran the bar and restaurant with her husband from 1943 to 1947, and has been kind enough to present us with some interesting photographs and stories. During World War II, many British military personnel that were in the Valley for training frequented the bar at La Casa Vieja. The British soldiers gave Mr. Payne a large Union Jack to mount on the wall (as seen in the photo at the right). After the Paynes departed, a couple from Alaska leased the restaurant, but there are few details about them.
In 1954, the building was purchased by Leonard F. Monti, Sr. Monti had been operating a 13-stool diner in Chandler since 1946, having come to Arizona following World War II. After waiting for the tenant's lease to expire, Monti opened his new restaurant for business in April 1956. He was keenly aware of the property's illustrious heritage, and rather than entirely renaming the establishment he merely added his last name, dubbing it "Monti's La Casa Vieja."
Monti diligently cultivated the historical aspects of La Casa Vieja, putting hundreds of pieces of memorabilia, photographs and unique objects on display throughout the restaurant. Senator Carl Hayden, late in his life, paid a number of visits to his childhood home, affording Monti an opportunity to question him about the building's intriguing history. Monti was also fortunate to meet Hayden C. Hayden, grandson of Charles Trumbull Hayden, who shared many historical anecdotes with him over decades of friendship. Today, Hayden C. Hayden remains a friend of the Monti family and a frequent customer.

Significant dates in the history of Monti's La Casa Vieja:
1825 -- Charles Trumbull Hayden born in Hartford County, Connecticut
1858 -- Hayden establishes freight business in Tucson
1870 -- Hayden files homestead claim for 160 acres of land in what is now Tempe
1871 -- Hayden begins building his home, which will become "La Casa Vieja"
1872 -- Hispanic village of San Pablo founded next to Hayden settlement
1876 -- Hayden moves permanently from Tucson and marries Sallie Calvert Davis
1877 -- Carl Hayden born in La Casa Vieja; he would become a soldier, sheriff & US.congressman
1879 -- Hayden's Ferry merges with San Pablo and adopts the name "Tempe"
1886 -- The Territorial Normal School opens for its first 31 students; will become Arizona State University
1889 -- Hayden family moves to a new home and begins referring to their former residence as La Casa Vieja, which means "The Old House" in Spanish.
1912 -- Arizona becomes 48th U.S. state
1912 -- Leonard Monti born in Hibbing, Minn.
1924 -- First major renovation of La Casa Vieja undertaken by the Hayden sisters
1943 - 1947 -- Restaurant in La Casa Vieja operated by Eugene and Lucille Paine
1946 - 1956 -- Leonard Monti operates dining area of Western Tavern in Chandler
1954 -- Leonard Monti purchases La Casa Vieja
1956 -- Monti's La Casa Vieja opens for business in April
1969 -- Carl Hayden retires from U.S. Senate after more than 57 years in office
1971 -- Tempe celebrates its centennial
1972 -- Carl Hayden passes away 1969 -- Mill Room and new kitchen added
1979 -- Southside addition built
1984 -- La Casa Vieja listed on National Register of Historic Places
1995 -- City of Tempe dedicates Leonard Monti Trail on "A" Butte
1999 -- 13 original doors and windows restored with State Heritage Fund matching grant
2000 -- La Casa Vieja listed as "Tempe Historic Property number 11" in city register.

Jesse's visit

Mom & Dad had my nephew Jesse for the day & decided to bring him over to play with Deric. The 2 played all morning til noon when I put Deric down 4 his nap. Mom & Dad said, "Ok, its time 2 go home now." Jesse said, "No, I don't want2... I want 2 stay here in Deric's "Race-car Room". I called his Mom & received clearance for Jesse to spend the day with us.

So, I show Jesse the fun frame I made of him with the Dinosaurs & he informs me that he wld like a "Race-Car" photo like Deric.

Fun Frames

I really enjoy Digital Scrapbooking for fun. Here are a few of my projects I worked on last night.

Deric McQueen, my baby boy.

My niece, Jenelle

My nephew, Jesse

ASU Class of '09

I am so proud of my friend Michelle for overcoming adversity in so many ways. She is a loving mother to a beautiful boy by the name of David. Attached is a summery of Michelle, in her own words.




"I had David in high school & he was born 3 months premature. Because of that he has several disabilities. David is my pride and joy. He is defiantly a little fighter. He has undergone 28 brain operations & he's still smiling. He does not walk yet but I know that day is coming. Most of you will remember me as pretty feisty. I am still the same old Michelle but some things have changed. At age 23, desperate for change I found Jesus Christ. This is the best thing that could have ever happened to my son and I. I quickly found myself working with at-risk kids helping them stay out of the same trouble I spent years in. I found my passion and that is what I am now in school for. God works in crazy ways who would have thunk?"

Michelle is so inspirational, not just as a woman, but as a Mother. The world yours, you just have to inspire to want it.

Does the Ped Egg really work?

The PedEgg™ is a foot file that you’ve seen advertised on TV. It's the newest & fastest way to make your feet feel smooth w/NO MESS! The micro-files gently remove calluses & dead skin to give your feet the incredible baby soft look & feel. The unique “egg” shape of the is ergonomically designed to fit in the palm of your hand. Best of all, it has been designed to collect all the skin shavings in a convenient storage compartment allowing you to use it anywhere with no mess.

This product was featured & reviewed today by Savvy Shopper & was given great reviews (not to replace a Pedi but as an in-between/maintenance). A deminstration was provided on a balloon & it did not pop however, a demo on an orange scrapped the skin & captured in a hidden compartment for no mess!

At only $10.00, I went out & purchased mine today at my local drug store (Walgreens).

Mother's Day

Mother's Day........................................................ Oh how Motherhood has changed my life, for the better. As I look back, I had a great life but little did I know that this little man had the power to fill a void in which I had no idea existed. I am soo blessed to have him in my life. Deric, thank you for choosing me 2b ur Mommy. U r the best gift God could have ever given me.

We drove out to Chandler for a Mother's Day BBQ hosted by Seli & Ralph (my sister & brother-in-law). Rib-Eye steak, chicken, macaroni salad, & good ol'baked beans were on the menu. While my Dad blended us SkinnyGirl Margaritas. We had a great day.

Oh & special thank u2 Eric & Deric for giving Mama the beautiful pair of Candle-like lamps I so very much wanted from my fav decor store, Kirkland's. And thank u2 my sister Selina, for the "Booty-Shorts" PJ's by Candies... sooo cute.... & Eric appreciates them as well ;)

Hats off to all the mothers in the world... Heres 2 u, & all u do.

Cuz he said, I deserve it

Eric said that today I deserve a pre-Mothers Day pedicure,
& really, who am I to argue. So I was left for pampering while
Eric & Deric got their hair cut. This was so needed and appreciated.

A "Green" way to save money

1. Unplug miscellaneous plugs such as cell phone chargers to prevent Phantom Loads.
   
2. Buy a Power Switch or Phantom Switch (to prevent Phantom loads) & save $28 yearly


3. Remove the lint from your Dryer *Save $40 yearly*


4. Adjust ur Central Air up or down when u r not home or vacation save $150 yearly


5. Keep ur Fridge as full as possible w/non perishable foods

Make Up Money Saving Tips

Running low on ur fav lip gloss?

Use this tip & get every last drop while saving money.

Trust me, makeup lovers, you’re going to want to try this.

• Get each almost empty lipgloss(es) & make sure the lid is very tightly twisted close
• Place into a coffee cup (Lid side up)
• Fill coffee cup with hot water
• Place in microwave for 5 minutes
• & wah-la, your done

It's such a simple trick but it will save u tons by the end of the year. You see, it makes the gloss that’s on the sides of the tube run down to the bottom where the wand can reach it. And it makes a big difference. So a gloss that looks almost empty, magically appears, almost halfway full afterward!

Free Grilled KFC

Hurry & print your coupon today at http://unthinkfc.com/

Bangs

Do it yourself! You don't have to spend a ton on salon bangs.

The sytle is called "choppy" for a reason & anyone can do it!

I grabbed some scissors & went to town "chopping" my bangs in every which direction. I will mention that I've recieved several compliments.

How to make a SkinnyGirl Margarita

Happy Cinco de Mayo!
I love the idea of the "SkinnyGirl Margarita" by the lovely Bethenny Frankel, you may know from Bravo's "The Real Housewives of NYC".

Not to mention the New York Times bestseller of Naturally THIN

{Unleash your Skinnygirl & Free yourself from a lifetime of dieting}.

Lady's Man (already)

Deric has never met these girls in his life, with the exception of his cousin LiAnna on the top of the with pig tails. He actually sat himself on this girls lap like if she were Santa Clause. Too cute!

How to live to be 100

Let's add to the longevity of our lifes with simple lifestyle changes.

1. Marrage adds (5 yrs married /men 8-10)
2. Floss (adds 6 yrs)
3. Live in the mountains (due to low o2 levels)
4. Play mental excersize
5. Do not retire early
6. Excersize (walk 30 min's daily)
7. Have at least 1 child in your life
8. 1 glass of Red Wine per day (reduces colesterol)
9. Eat Cold water Fish
10. Eat Blue Berries (#1 in Antioxidents)
11. Eat Vitamine C (Broccoli, Strawberries adds 6yrs)
12. Fiber (reduces 20-30% chances of getting Breast Cancer)

Princess LiAnna's B-Day

My Niece, Princess LiAnna, had a fairy tale birthday. My sister rented a "Jumpy-Jumpy". The biggest hit of the day was the Snow White Snow Cone machine with all the kiddos (& even the adults).

In this photo, Deric is eye-balling Baby Jesse's snow cone.

Jesse is soo mindful & sweet toward his cousin Deric & says,
"No baby, its too cold for you." LOL!

Corona del Sol Class of '09 Prom

I can not believe my niece is 18 years old & going to her Senior prom.
CC's up-do was soo fitting to her dress. The flower correctly placed on the left side (symbolic-just as a wedding ring) meaning she is in a relationship &/or taken.

CC looked stunning in this Vintage inspired Spanish style gown.

I was admiring her itty-bitty waist line.... Ahhh, to be a teenager.... and more importantly, to have an 18 year old body again. Now, where did I leave that time machine.


Eagerly embraced by the BF Seth.

BJ's 15th Birthday

We helped celebrate my friend Elisa's son BJ's 15th Birthday at South Mountain today. I tried to take a photo of him but this is the best I could do (he's a little camera shy). He is along side his Uncle Mario who was home for a couple of weeks after graduating boot camp.


Lisa was kind enough
to provide a Pinata 4
the kiddos, & this is Deric's
1st attempt at some candy.

Deric made a new friend with Michael's son.

Deric was pretty beat towards the
end of the day &
was ready to go
home.

Jeremy & Maria's Wedding

Jeremy eagerly awaiting his bride along side Best man Drew. Like Eric, long time friend Jeremy has moved from San Diego to Arizona.

Although rain was forcased & actually drizzled for most of the morning & early afternoon, it did not ruin this day. The nuptials were scheduled for 5PM & as you can see from this picture, was as clear as could be.

It is so great that even after high school, these group of friends always make time to support one another no matter the geographics.

A visit to the Doctor

We took Deric in for his check up & vaccination. I usually take a blanket due to the chilly temperatures in the Dr's office but I forgot so I put a
hoodie on him. The Dr said, "Oh my, look at you Deric, u look so cool in your hoodie." LOL!

I thought, look its chilly in ur freakin office lady, where you require children to wait for you naked. Any who, Deric was not very happy about the whole situation.

Deric has been at the top 97% for height, weight, & head circumference for babies his age since birth (PS- he was born 1month early). At his 12month check up he exceeded the 100% & I quote from the Dr, "Wow, he is off the charts!" This had never been a problem til now, the Dr is concerned about his rapid growth.

She said he could have a brain tumor pushing down on growth hormone causing rapid growth. She would like to speak to a Specialist at the Children's Hospital before referring us. She contacted us the next day to say the Specialist said, "If Dad is tall, & Mom is tall, more than likely, baby is going to be tall." That was one of those duh moments but, better safe than sorry.

Why (ASL) sign language for baby is so important

People ask why is it that I chose to introduce sign language to my child with perfect hearing. Statistically, Scientific studies suggest that "typical" children who learn to sign:

• have higher IQ scores
• are better adjusted
• read at an earlier age

Even after explaining the benefits of signing with babies, some folks worry that signing might delay their babies' speach. Rest assured, research has repeatedly proven that signing children actually begin to speak earlier & speak more often than their non-signing counterparts.

While sign language is beneficial for every child, I was touched when a mother of a beautiful daughter who is profoundly deaf, confesses a more personal goal. She says, "My hope is that everyone will know a little sign, just as most people know a little Spanish - so when your child sees my child at the park, there would be no awkwardness, no communication barrier, just three signs... "Hi ... friend ... play'... that is all it would take to change her world."

Deric's vocabulary at 15 months

1. Momma
2. Dad
3. No, no, no
4. Papa (Food/spanish)
5. Tee-tee (Bottle/spanish)
6. Hi
7. Bye-Bye
8. Yeaaaaaaa
9. I did it
10. Nah-Nah (Blanket)

Sign Language

1. No
2. Eat
3. Milk/Bottle
4. Bye
5. Poop
6. Star

Birthday Luau

My Daddy & I are both March babies & I thought it would be fun to celebrate with a Luau. We invited close friend/family & we had a blast.

I have been friends with these girls for >15 years & I am sooo glad they were all able to make it.

We found Lori =)

Lori is one of my very good friends who unfortunatly lost contact with through out the years. Fortuatly, Cyndi found her on-line.

Jesse's 3rd BDay

Jesse, my nephew, is really into Dinosaurs so what better place to host his 3rd BDay then The Phoenix Zoo. What a great idea!

Proud Mommy Selina

& I were busy playing

Paparazzi.

Deric-T-Rex was on the hunt for

BDay cake.

LiAnna, my niece, showing off her creative side at the arts & crafts corner.

Jesse's "Oooo" face is due to the Fortune Cookies Grandpa laced the inside of his gift.
My Daddy, he cracks me up LOL.

Deric's 1st Super Bowl themed Birthday

We decided to officially have his 1st BDay party the day the Cardinals made it to their 1st Super Bowl.

My friend Claudia makes the most delicioso cakes. This 3tier of yummy goodness was so light & moist. Each tier was a different fruit filled flavor. Oh, & how could I forgit the decor. There were little football rings, Super Bowl rings, the cake top doubles as a keepsake magnet. You may contact Claudia at clmgirl@yahoo.com

Born & raised in AZ, we naturally were rooting for the Cardinals. So why a Steelers pinata? This was great symbolic idea by Eric's creative mind. Our aspirations for the Cards to win Superbowl XLIII by beating the Steelers just as the children beat the pinata. I thought this was a great idea. After the game I now see they should be named the "STEALers."

Thank you everyone for the gifts & for coming out to help make this day so special.

Bringing in the New Year '09

We brought in the new years eve at Emilio & Cyndi's new home. Cyndi made a Pozole which is a traditional Mexican dish thought to bring good look & good health for the new year.

Cyndi & Eric entertained

us with good Karaoke music,

from Country to Oldies.

Deric could not

fight the urge to

cut a rug and

danced the night

away.

Deric's offical BDay but mini pre-celebration

Deric almost shares a birthday with a very special person. Born on Christmas Eve, Eric & I understand this is a time for family. We decided each year to have a mini celebration with cake & ice cream with family.

This is the 1st time Deric has ever tasted anything sweet. As you can see, he initially ate with caution.

Once the cake passed clearance, he obviously enjoyed it as he later devoured it.

I decided to remove his shirt so he would not ruin it.

Jenelle Rae has arrived.

Hello world, Jenelle Rae is here!

Selina did so well in labor & delivery.

Jenelle weighed 7 lbs 10 oz

& in my opinion, looks like

exactly like her big brother Jesse

(the female version)

Here is the proud

Grandma "Vanna"

Halloween

Deric really enjoyed dressing up & left the hoodie part of his costume on all night. Instead of going trick-or-treating, we decided to spend the evening at a festival at Kiwanis Park in Tempe.











Fry's grocery story had a pre-Halloween fun day so Eric & I literally made this Pirate costume in like 5 minutes utilizing old clothes & material we had around the house. Deric the Pirate sat in one of the nitches we have in our home & I edited the JPG's into this frame.



Keeping with the Pirate theme, Eric & I
also dressed the part.

My friend Kristina got to hoppin around with her Bunny costume.

Selina's Babyshower

The expecting Mommy 2b to a new baby girl.

This marble cake with huge
straberries was super delicious.








The women conjugated in the kitchen 4 good eats & good conversation.



You gotta luv the silly games that entertain us during these festive womanly events. The object of the game is to pass the empty 2liter soda bottle using only your thighs & knees. Jess & Ness did really well as did Sara & friend.

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Eric & I had the opportunity to visit the most beautiful picturesque falls.
The falls is located 30 minutes East of Portland offers breathtaking views of the second-highest year-round waterfall in the United States. With over 2 millions visitors each year, the falls and the lodge are one of Oregon’s gems.Though these falls are one of the more popular tourist stops alongside the Columbia River Gorge, they are also the source of legends, a reputed haunting, and even a Bigfoot sighting. The falls are actually two separate falls known as, simply enough, the Upper Falls and Lower Falls. The water comes from the spring melt run-off and underground springs at the top of Larch Mountain. The water drops down 542 feet for the upper portion and 69 feet for the lower, for a combined drop of 620 feet. The size makes it the fifth largest waterfall in the United States and the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon.

There is a Native American legend that explains the origins of the falls. In this legend, a tribe was infected with a deadly disease and was in danger of dying. The daughter of the chief went to the top of a cliff and prayed to the Great Spirit to find how she could stop the epidemic. She was told that to stop the epidemic, she would have to throw herself off the cliff and sacrifice herself. She did this and died. The next day, the chief found his daughter's body at the bottom of the cliff. He wept bitterly and cried out to the Great Spirit to give him a sign if this sacrifice was not in vain. At that moment, water began to fall from the top of the cliff, forming Multnomah Falls. The legend also says that under the right conditions, you can see the daughter's face in the waterfall. The Multnomah Falls Lodge is located at the foot of the falls. U must stop by to enjoy their authentic northwestern cuisine, served in a rustic, romantic setting.

Up in smoke

Fire devastated the storage unit where my childhood dolls lived.
I look through the rubble & I am taken back by this image. As I look down on Raggedy Ann & Andy, I could not help but feel sorry for the 2.
I guess my inner child emerged. The funny thing is, I took comfort that they died together LOL. I know-I know, I'm silly.


This was an old antique classic teddy bear. The kind that have moving joints. He was wearing a green sweater. The yellowish-orange strands I am pointing to is my Rainbow Bright. Since she was made out of plastic all the black is the chard melted plastic which fused to my poor little Teddy.