Simply Beautiful

Busy, busy, busy!

2011-06-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

From a simple glance of my calendar I can tell it’s officially the start of summer. We have some sort of activity planned every weekend from now until the end of July.

It was such a nice weekend well minus the smoke from the surrounding fires. We spent Saturday having a barbecue at our house with my sister and my good friend Melanie and her two kids, Aubrey and Marcus. The kids had a water balloon fight and played outside the entire time. Marcos grilled burgers and hot dogs and Melanie provided the pasta salad and salsa.

Jerome and I had a birthday party to attend on Sunday and oh my goodness - it was hot! As bad as I felt for not taking Lexi it’s nice to spend quality time one on one with the kids and I think it’s very important for our kids to get that one on one attention.

I’m exhausted already and it’s only the beginning of June! However, I’m beyond blessed that I’m surround by wonderful family and friends.

I’ll leave you with a few pictures of our picnic from last weekend at the river. This was Lexi’s day to have mommy and daddy all to herself.

Have a great week!

Happy Easter

2011-04-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

What a joyous blessed Resurrection Sunday we had yesterday! We spent the whole weekend enjoying each others company: coloring eggs, baking cupcakes and shopping. The kids got to hunt for Easter eggs and with every year that passes I’m amazed more and more just how much I enjoy the holidays and watching the excitement in my children’s eyes. I ate entirely way too much and will have to work extra hard at the gym today to burn off all those peeps I indulged in yesterday!

I’m very grateful for the life I’ve been given! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter as well. I will leave you with a few pictures. God Bless.

What beautiful weather!

2011-02-16T19:41:00.000-08:00

Oh.my.gosh. the weather has been so beautiful lately! I'm so ready for winter to be over and for spring and summer to be here! I miss wearing my tank tops and flip flops. However, since the weather has been so nice that means the snow that we've had is starting to melt and it's turning our dirt road into one big mess. Mud wrestling anyone??? Marcos and Jerome tried their best to control the mud situation at our house by plowing the road with the four wheeler.

We signed Jerome up for T-ball again this year and I think he's going to do 100% better this year. He has really improved his social skills since he started pre-k and he's finally grown out of his shyness. He's very excited to do tball and he told me "I'm going to run so fast they'll never catch me" I love my little man to pieces!

We're working on the potty training thing again with Lexi, I have never known another little girl as stubborn as her. She was fully potty trained at 2 but she decided that "she was a baby and needed diapers" and so she refuesed to use the big girl potty. This girl is going to be the death of me, lol. I'm scared for her teachers when she starts school and I'm afraid the principal and I are going to on a first name basis. :) I have to admit that she gets her stubberness from me but she has the smile of an Angel and knows how to melt my heart.

Love

2011-02-14T11:45:00.000-08:00

LOVE:

We think about it, sing about it, dream about it and lose sleep worrying about it.

When we don't know we have it, we search for it.

When we discover it, we don't know what to do with it.

When we have it, we fear loosing it.

It is the constant source of pleasure and pain.

We don't know which it will be from one moment to the next.

It is a short word, easy to spell, difficult to define and IMPOSSIBLE to live without!!!!

Author Unknown

Happy Valentines Day!

Under the Sea

2011-02-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the family attended a baby shower for my husband's cousin who is having her first baby. Since the shower was co-ed that meant it was my hubby's first time experiencing one. From the minute we stepped foot into the room we were in awe. The theme of the shower was "Under the Sea" and the decorations were so breath-taking beautiful! Every little detail was planned out from the many different choices of food to the zillions of desserts to even the take home thank you gifts from the mom to be. Needless to say the hubby and I left the shower feeling about 10lbs heavier and with a new party coordinator in mind.

Saturday night the hubby and I had a much needed date night, just the two of us. We went to my favorite restaurant, Tomasitas where we had swirls, chips and guacamole and a very yummy dinner. It's hard finding babysitters for both of the kids and even though it was only for a few hours I enjoyed every precious minute with my handsome husband.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentines tomorrow!

Sick again

2011-02-08T16:46:00.000-08:00

My poor little Lexi Pooh has been suffering with an awful stomach bug since yesterday. She hasn't been able to keep anything solid down. It breaks my heart when my kids are sick and I wish I had a magic wand that I could wave to make them all better. I hope my Jerome doesn't catch it but I'm sure it's inevitable.

As for the weather it's snowing, again. I'm ready for spring and summer; I miss my flip flops and tank tops. These poor kids have been couped up inside and we're running out of ideas to entertain them. I hope everyone is staying nice and warm. :)

Dinner photos

2011-02-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

I love love love taking photos and while I was making dinner tonight I couldn't help but notice how beautiful our food looked. I believe that presentation is everything and if it looks good it most definitely will taste good!

I will be taking a photography class in the summer and I can't even begin to describe just how excited I am!

I have such a wonderful camera but I know that I'm not using it to it's full potential. I have been asked numerous times to take family portraits as well as wedding portraits but I haven't gotten the courage yet to try. I don't feel like I'm nearly anywhere close to that potential, yet!

Halloween cont....

2010-11-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or did the month of October just fly by? I can’t believe it’s already November! What a wonderful busy Halloween weekend we had. The kids spent Saturday night with my parents and if it was up to Jerome he would spend the night with his grandparents every night. That boy loves his grandparents and I’m sure it has a little to do with the fact that my parents give the kids anything and everything they want. Marcos and I went out Saturday night with a bunch of friends to our first costume party and we had so much fun! I’m so blessed to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of people.

On Sunday we took the kids to the Halloween Fest that was held in our town – they had free food, games and candy for all the kids. It was a wonderful event for the kids and I wish we had more events like that for the kids. We all had such a great time trick or treating and once Lexi understood what was happening she became a little pro going door to door.

Jerome and his "muscle" spider man outfit

Lexi was a punk rocker - a special thanks to Astrid for Lexi's adorable tutu!

My little crazies

Office fun

2010-10-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated Halloween at our department and I'm so proud that our office placed 3rd for the office decorating contest. The whole Transportation department throws an annual Halloween party complete with adult and childrens costume contests, cake walks and a pinata for the kids. I love that I work with such a great group of people!

Lusan and her husband

The gals:

Janice, me and Lusan

Lusan's daughter

Death by photo shop

2010-06-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to teach myself photo shop and never in a million years did I think it would be so confusing! There are so many different layers and groups and not to mention all the steps you need to learn and memorize in order to make your photos look amazing. I've always thought I was comfortable with computers and software but I think I've finally found my match. I will continue practicing because I can only get better instead of worse, right?

I've always dreamed of being a photographer and that entails understanding how photo shop works and I promise you this, I will learn how to work it!

Below is one of my favorite pictures of Jerome and the other two are photo shopped.

Not the best work but IMO not too shabby either! LOL

What a wonderful LONG weekend!

2010-05-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

What a busy wonderful weekend! I've been off from work since Thursday and have spent the entire weekend with my family. I am so incredibly blessed that my kids chose ME to be their mama! I simply cannot imagine my life without them and even though it took five long years to get pregnant with my first born it was worth every second, minute and multiple tears I cried longing for a baby to hold in my arms!

We took the kids on Thursday to see: Shrek-The Final Chapter, and it was really good; the whole family enjoyed it. This was Lexi's first movie and even though I was skeptical about how she would do she really amazed me and did wonderful! Sure, she moved around a bit but for the most part she watched the entire movie! I'm so thrilled that we can start going to the movies more often as a family now!

Friday we ran errands around town - you know the usual, restocking toiletries, cleaning supplies and snacks for the kids. After running around we called it an early night and ordered Dear John on PPV.

We took the kids fishing on Saturday and Jerome caught a fish, his very first! I am so sad that I forgot my camera, I could have kicked myself! I really hope that my kids take after mine and Marcos' love for fishing! I remember going fishing every single day after work before having kids, there is something about listening to the roar of the river that can really relax me.

We spent Sunday with my extended family having a BBQ and being grateful for the brave men and woman who have served and continue to serve our wonderful county. I am forever thankful to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice with their lives, may God Bless you and your families. The kids had such a blast playing with their second and third cousins. It's so nice to finally be able to sit down and relax and not have to chase our kids everywhere (or have them glued to our legs the entire time!) I've come to the conclusion that our kids can provide hours of entertainment!

The kids have been loving this weather and would play outside all day if we let them! However, after today we're going to have to be extra careful where they play as Marcos killed a rattlesnake this morning! He was outside getting ready to clean the dogs kennels when he saw the snake slithering by him and towards where the kids were playing. Luckily, he had a metal pipe by him and he was able to grab it and pin the snake down so he could chop the head off - all while it was hissing and trying to bite him. Now, I know we live in the dessert area of New Mexico but in the entire 9 years we have lived here we have never seen a snake in our land! Pretty scary stuff! Thank goodness I'm married to a part time snake wrangler, LOL!

I hope every one's weekend was just as lovely as ours! Take care!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Not me Monday!!!

2010-05-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful day yesterday, gave Lexi a small birthday BBQ with just our immediate family. I ate just enough that I was satisfied and didn't eat so much that my stomach screamed to stop because never in a million years would I stuff myself silly, don't you know I have self control!? I didn't let my kids have any coke for the BBQ when they asked me because what kind of mom would I be if I gave them coke when I know it rots their teeth!? All in all it was a great way to spend Sunday with my family!

This morning I woke up on time and bright and early for work because I am an exempt employee and would never dream of being late! During my lunch hour I ran my whole mile without stopping and I didn't sound like a pig who is struggling for air, because didn't you know I'm an outstanding athlete and running is like second nature to me???

Today is my Lexi Pooh's actual birthday and I didn't come straight home to make her some special birthday cupcakes because what mother would give their children even more sweets to rotten their teeth...certainly not me!!!

This post is for my BFF who is always so clever in writing her "Not me Monday" blogs, I hope I made mine just as interesting as yours!

My children normal? Yeah right!

2010-05-18T08:44:00.001-07:00

Why can't I have children who smile normal? The moment I break out my camera they get these crazy psycho smiles and it makes them look like they are pain. I tell you only my children....

I have more to add, I'll upload them later today.

So it begins....

2010-04-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Jerome started tball last week and he LOVES it! It's a pretty big crowd with 4 three year olds and 4, 5 and 6 year old kids. It's pretty funny to watch the younger ones because they get so distracted (Jerome included) with the birds, butterflies and chasing their shadows. Those poor coaches really have their hands full, but they are so good with the kids and they do their best to make sure that all the kids are having fun.

Sickies, teething & allergies

2010-04-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

What a windy day it was today! I thought I was Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and I thought I was going to end up in Kansas!

The kids are still sick and I think Lexi is teething on top of having a cold. That poor girl cannot catch a break! I did paint her toenails last night to make her feel better and of course her brother just had to have his nails painted as well. I convienced him to only paint his two big toes because I didn't know how daddy would react and boy Jerome sure was thrilled with his tangerine toenails, heehee!

We took Jerome to the doctor for a checkup yesterday that was unrelated to his cold. Sometime last month I noticed that he started blinking excessively and I thought over time he would just stop doing it, well he hasn't. As a parent I automatically start thinking the worst and thankfully the doctor thinks he is just suffering from allergies. We will be starting him on eye drops in the morning to see if that starts to give him some relief! I sure hope he doesn't develop severe allergies because I can see how bad my co-works suffer. However, we did learn that Jerome weighs 41 lbs! Holy moly, I think we have a future football player on our hands!

I hope everyone is having a great week so far! Until next time!

Easter

2010-04-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! The weekend went by all too quickly! The kids colored eggs on Saturday and dorky me forgot to bring my camera. It was very messy and Lexi broke about four but the kids had tons of fun and that's all that matters!

We had a great Easter, spent the day with family and the weather was gorgeous!

Lexi in her Easter dress.

Jerome being silly!

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Battle of the bulge

2010-04-01T18:07:00.001-07:00

Over the years I have always struggled with my weight. I would go on a crash diet and lose a couple of pounds only to gain them right back. I decided in January that I was once and for all finally going to conquer my battle with my weight.

Since then I have made small changes: from eliminating fast food and replacing it with whole grain sandwiches and vegetable chips for lunch, to cutting out sweets, counting calories and eliminating diet cokes (that was hard) I love me some diet Pepsi!

Marcos and I have started making it a priority to go the gym at least 3 times a week. I have found a new love for spinning and I can't get enough! I have tried everything and anything but nothing compares to the endorphin rush I get from spinning! I have also started limiting my portions and measuring everything I'm eating. It's a pain and it dirties more dishes than you can imagine, but I finally understand what "normal" portions are supposed to look like. I'm trying to lose 1 pound a week because I don't want to gain all my weight back and from everything I've read that seems to be the way to keep it off. To be honest though, sometimes it's a little discouraging because of how slowly the process is but I know I have to keep chugging along.

Today I went to a routine doctor's appointment and I'm so happy to report that I've lost 10 pounds since the middle of January! I have a long journey ahead of me and I know this is only the beginning, but every beginning has an ending and I'm so looking forward to my happy ending....and a new wardrobe! =)

Laura

Honey Chicken Stir-Fry

2010-03-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

I just tried this yummy stir fry and boy was it delish! I believe this recipe came from the comfort food diet cookbook. Hope you all enjoy it as much as we did!

Honey Chicken Stir-Fry

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces or 1 pound shrimp
1 garlic clove, minced
3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 package (16 oz) frozen broccoli stir-fry vegetable bend
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water

In a large nonstick skillet, stir fry chicken and garlic in 2 teaspoons oil.
Add honey, soy sauce, salt & pepper, cook and stir until chicken is lightly browned and juices run clear.
Remove from pan and keep warm.

In same pan, stir fry veggies in remaining oil for 4-5 minutes or until tender.
Return chicken to the pan; stir to coat.
Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; gradually stir into chicken mixture.
Cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened.

Serve with brown rice or white rice.

Yield 4 servings

1 cup stir fry mixture (calculated w/out rice)

243 calories
5 grams fat
66 mg cholesterol
470 mg sodium
19 grams carbs
3 grams fiber
28 grams protein

Randoms

2010-01-31T12:01:00.000-08:00

Is it spring yet? Seriously, I'm so sick of snow and the cold weather already. I'm ready to take the kids out and enjoy the nice warm sun on my face even if that means all the creepy crawlies come out with the warm weather.

We took the kids to the zoo yesterday, the poor things have been couped up in the house the entire week. We had a wonderful time - even with the cold weather. The kids enjoyed the fresh air and the freedom to run their little hearts out. I absolutely enjoy the time I spend with my family; I adore them and they are my world.

Have a wonderful Sunday Funday!

Parenting

2009-10-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

I was reading a post in my mom's group about activities and our 3 year olds, i.e. how many activities they are involved in, what kind of activities. I came to realize that Jerome isn't involved with anything and I think it may contribute to his lack of maturity. I try talking to Jerome and I don't feel like he really understands what I'm saying. Yes, we can carry on a conversation but I don't think he really *gets* what I'm saying. For example if Jerome is having a meltdown and I try to talk to him about how he is feeling he really doesn't understand what I mean.

It makes me wonder if I'm the only one that feels this way and I tend to blame myself. I work full time and when I get home I still have to make dinner, wash dishes, laundry, pick up the house and give the kids their baths and it really takes away from time that I should be spending with them. Maybe because of that I spoil my kids too much and their lazy - I don't know. Some days I think I'm a great parent and other days I tend to second guess myself - this parenting thing is a lot harder than I thought.

Short post

2009-10-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

I woke up to the sound of rain this morning and it absolutely made my morning. I love cloudy days and wish we had more of them.

We had someone take a look at our house yesterday. It was weird to know that someone was in our house without us. Now only time will tell if they actually liked it and will bid on it.

I hope everyone is having a great hump day!

Changes

2009-09-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

First of all, sorry I haven't updated this blog in what seems like forever! We have been so busy with work, kids and keeping up the house. I swear, we are so busy with the kids now, I can't even imagine what it'll be like when they are in school!

Jerome will be starting pre-kindergaten next year and it has been on mind a lot lately. So much in fact that Marcos and I have made a huge decision and have bought a house in Santa Fe! We are so excited but very scared because that means we have to sell our current home. It's a great time to buy a house but not so great to be selling a house. With that said, we aren't getting our hopes up to much because we only have a six month span to sell our current home or our deal for the new house will fall through...so please pray for us that everything works out!

I will leave you with a couple of new pictures of the kids.

Take care,

Laura

Jerome potty trained?

2009-04-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

Do I dare say it? I think my stubborn headed 2 1/2 year old son Jerome is potty trained....or so I think! We have been working with him very hard and I think our patience and persistence are starting to finally pay off. He has been staying dry all night for the past week and he hasn't had an accident in 2 days! I was really worried about teaching him to go "poo" in the potty but rest assured he did it 4 times on Tuesday! I can't be pleased with him anymore than I am right this very minute. My little baby isn't a baby anymore and in some ironic twist it makes me sad that I wont have to be buying him diapers ever again, but then again only having Lexi in diapers will be a good thing!

Much love to all!

Laura

pictures

2009-03-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a few pictures.

My little Jerome, the poor thing has a really bad rash around is mouth. If anyone knows of any natural remedies please share. We've tried hydrocortazone and rosebud but they burned him so bad.

Here's a picture we took today of Elvis, he's getting so big and a pain in our rear, but we love the little guy and his crazy eyes :-)

Here I am messing around with my camera.

And of course our Princess Lexi Pooh, still no teeth! I think she's going to start kindergarten before she get her first tooth!

Quick update

2009-03-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well the kids and I are sick AGAIN. I hate it when the kids are sick it makes me so sad because there's nothing I can do but to let it ride it's ugly course out. I have them on Tylenol and Motrin every four hours. Poor little Jerome has allergies on top of being sick so you can imagine how horrible he's feeling. It's hard taking care of sick kids when I'm sick as well, all I want to do is sleep and of course I can't, so tonight I have a date with the Nyquil bottle, LOL.

Nothing else is new with us just the same old. Well we did wake up to snow this morning. I'm so sick of snow and the cold weather. I think my toes are ready for the spring weather and some nice attention via a pedicure! Well goodnight to everyone!

Family updates

2009-02-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

Time for some updates with the familia! I'll start with Miss Alexis. Still no teeth, I can't believe it! I thought for sure she'd have at least two teeth by now, but nope! She does look so cute when she smiles her little granny smile. She has been army crawling for about a month now and she is pulling up on all fours rocking back and forth so I think she'll be full on crawling in a couple of weeks. I do have to say she sure does get around via army crawl! She finally is going from a laying down position to a sitting position on her own so I'm happy about that. Thanks to her brother she also now growls like a dinosaur, if you can imagine that. I can't believe that in 3 1/2 months we'll be celebrating her first birthday!

Now on to my Jerome! Boy of boy he sure has been putting us through the ringer! He has been a temper tantrum throwing toddler and it is just driving me crazy! What happened to my sweet little boy? He growls at Lexi and scares the crap out of her and then laughs because he thinks it's funny. He throws toys at anything that moves, spits (where we learned that IDK) and screams at the top of his lungs. I really thought we were going to pass the terrible two's but I *thought* wrong! From everyone I have talked to they have all warned me that the terrible two's is nothing compared to the three's. Great so I guess it's only going to get worse before it gets better. However, the other night I was looking into Jerome's mouth and I noticed that his two year molars have finally decided to poke thru so I'm hoping that's way he's been such a terror lately!

As for the hubby and I, we are doing as good as can be, we are both happy and healthy. We did get a new addition to the family, Elvis, our bulldog! He is such wonderful dog andI couldn't be more happy with him. I'm very fortunate that my work is letting me bring him every day in order to housebreak him. He's doing quite good actually and I think in about two weeks he should be fully housebroken! Well I can't think of anything else so God bless until next time!

Here's Elvis

Grrrr!!!!

2009-01-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

I just spent the last thirty minutes typing up a new blog and it somehow got deleted right when I hit the damn post button. Perfect end to a perfect day, aghhhhhh!!!!

Pinche laptop..... >:-(

Goodbye 2008

2009-01-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

So I know it's been awhile since I've updated my blog, it's just been so crazy with all the holidays! I'm so glad it's the weekend and as of right now, we have NO plans, which is always good.

I'm so happy for 2009 to be here, but at the same time I'm sad to say goodbye to 2008. It was a really good year for our family. We welcomed our Alexis and what greater gift could we have gotten other than her?!

As the New Year rolled in we buckled down and finally got Jerome off of his pacifier! It was hard but it was something we really needed to do. We also finally got Lexi to start sleeping thru the night and it is so nice to finally get some much deserved sleep. Life couldn't get any better! I hope everyone has a great 2009! Until next time....

Lexi on New Years Day

My two favorite brats

It is in giving you receive!

2008-12-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for giving and thinking of others! With that being said, I've been looking into some non-profit organizations to do my part in giving to those who are less fortunate or are unable to be with their families for the Holidays. As I was browsing the internet I stumbled upon a little website; http://www.adoptaussoldier.org please take a moment to check it out. This website matches you up with a US Solider who is on active duty anywhere in the US, it gives you their name, address and email so that you can contact them via email and address. It's completely up to you on how involved you want to be; i.e., by email, snail mail and/or sending care packages or all three.

I signed up right away and was given a 22 yr old young man that is serving for our country in Africa. I immediatley contacted him and he responded within that day and can you believe the only thing he requested me to send him was Crystal Light water flavorings and instant outmeal?! I was beyond humbled to say the least. Anyhow, I'm putting a care package together and will be sending it off soon. I hope if you read this blog you can take a few minutes out of your day to stop and check it out and hopefully register, these young men and women risk their lives every day so that we can live freely and they deserve to hear from the very people they are protecting.

It is in giving that you receive!

Until next time may Gob bless!
Laura

Oreo's

2008-11-21T15:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever watched a child eat an oreo cookie? If not, I highly recommend you do so. It has become a tradition that my little Jerome has to have a cookie right before he goes to bed and not just any cookie will do, it has to be an Oreo cookie. Every night we have a routine, get stuffed Mickey Mouse, dinos, juice and cookie and off to bed we go. For some reason I decided to watch Jerome as he proceeded to munch on his cookie. First, he twists off the top and oh so slowly he nibbles it until it's gone, then comes the good stuff....the cream. He takes his little pointer finger and carves it out little by little until it's all gone. Finally, when he's to the last piece of his oreo he shoves the whole thing into his mouth and closes his eyes and savors every last bite and then to finish it off he licks all five fingers just to make sure he gets every last taste. Give your child an oreo and watch them as they eat it....it'll make you want a cookie.