Dinner photos

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....

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

 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

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!

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

Not me Monday!!!

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!

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....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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!