Adios mi hermana

This was our view for almost the whole hour drive to SLC to drop off Rochelle. Good thing we were behind these four plowers, there were lots of cars swirving off the road in this new snow. Nate assured me they were just not cautious drivers and that we were safe. I love him!

Too bad we couldn't do any donuts, LOL.

We were sad to see Rochelle go home, this week went by way too quickly for all of us.

Her and I have really grown into a couple of close sisters, which is more than i can say about us only a year ago. She is so great, I adore her!

(Notice the cute hats?.....BTW I think I took care of the orange, whatcha think?....to the handful of  people who read this, LOL)

It's hard to believe she is 16, it seems like she has grown up overnight.  Before we know it this will be a post of pictures of her at the airport flying off to college...or on a mission even. 

 

We miss her already, the halls at Mickey and Kim's house are lonely without her bright personality to liven things up. Can't wait to see her face again! We love this girl!!!

Hi ho hi ho it's off to sled we go......

Took the girls sleeding yesterday at the fabulous Mount Ogden Park in Ogden.

I forgot how steep those hills were and how fast you go when they are iced over. I was just a tad scared,but I'm sure you can't tell...ahem.

When did this girl(Rochelle) get so fearless? She was going full speed down the hills and even went on a couple of jumps!

Charly started out fearless down a very fast hill by herself....I think she wasn't prepared for what she got, her little face was a little frozen with fear when she got up.  Thankfully she quickly recovered and did some more slopes. Check out the cool sled someone left behind, that sucker was big enough for all of us!

This morning as we woke up getting ready to take her to the airport, we were greeted with 5 new inches of fresh powder. Naturally, Rochelle nose dived into snow mounds and convinced me to play with her once more in the cold goodness. 

....So we made the 500 yard trek across the street to a smaller hill and broke in the snow with fresh sled tracks. Marvelous way to end her trip, although we are all sad to see her go!

Lindee-fied

My sister in law, Lindee, and myself thought we would put her hair dying skills to the test with a little guinea pig I like to call Rochelle. Here is my miniature sister and my supermodel tall SIL last week before the transformation....

I should mention that Lindee has very little experience with hair other than her own, which by the way is fabulous. I figure since she grew up in Utah with two sisters she had sufficient experience.

 

Both of us were pretty nervous up until the point where we styled Rochelle's hair with our mad hair skills.  Yep we are fierce....can you tell? Look at this girl! She is my sister, and her hair is amazing!

As for me, well I decided to put my trust in Lindee as well. After all it was a free dye job and she was teaching me the ropes so I could do my own in the future like she does. Overall mine turned out pretty fantastic too, although I may be wearing hats for a day or so because for some reason my hair always has small areas that are orangey. Hmmm Ill be touching those up tomorrow I think.

That brings me to the next thing, because I had a smigit of orange on the top of my head I borrowed Nates cute newsboy cap and it turns out he thinks I look HAWT in a hat. Nice discovery I say! Who knew?

Sha-ZAM!

(Above: The Cookie plate for "Santa')

Dear Santa, 

     Thank you for making this Chrismtas a most magical one.........Love, Me.

Meet Jessica- She is my most charming Father in Law's fiancee and as you can see, this beautiful lady blends in just fine with our fun family. 

Nate and I took our brood for dinner and gifts last night at their house and it was delightful to say the least. After we enjoyed a much anticipated Ham, Mormon potatoes and my green bean casserole specialty (recipe from the can), we darted for the living room to unwrap the goodies. Actually when I say goodies I mean treasures!

Larry and Jessica definitely won my heart by picking  some leather goods especially for me, I'm still high from the smell of fresh cow hide, LOL.  Larry has always known of my purse obsession and this year he indulged my craving.  If you'll notice in the picture (above) my very sad, worn gold wallet that I have had for years.....I will retire it to the 'old purse' holding cell and replace it with the lovely red goodness that is the wallet Jessica bought for me.

Nate got some great stuff too, but after this purse/wallet escapade the rest of the night was a blur to me. Perhaps he will start a blog to explain his side of stories for when his wife is drunk in love with a new purse.....Did I mention I got a new purse?

It was a splendid way to spend last night indeed,  just being around family was enough to make us ecstatic.

After an early night for the girls and an attempted late night for Nate and I, the magic started again right at 7am sharp. Mickey was anxiously waiting for everyone to wake up to open presents, she is always so excited about that!

I love that about her.

Her husband Kim made out like a bandit with his new Xbox from her....he was pretty surprised I think.

Piper was a very good helper to EVERYONE. She volunteered herself to be the official unwrapper assistant. My mom said it best..... "we could have just wrapped boxes and she would be over the moon with excitement."

Charly and Piper both got age appropriate cameras. They are on the right path to follow in Nate and my footsteps or to just be picture taking maniacs like their Aunt Rochelle, who by the way got an IPOD touch from our dad...can you say Ah-Mmazing?!! Seriously those babies are like computers, only better because you can fit them in your purse! I want one.

Nate went through alot to get my present this year...apparently it was left on our doorstep and he had to have Aubrey, the young lady who was watching our cute little kitty, ship it here to Utah just in time. I should have taken a picture of the beautiful ring he picked out that I haven't actually gotten to wear yet due to my larger than life sausage fingers, LOL. He assures me we can exchange it for, ahem,  a larger size.

Due to our quick change of plans before we came here, Nate will have to patiently wait until we return home to get his gift(s).

After a couple of hours of very happy kids, it turned for the worse and the grouchiness factor kicked in. Charly was sent for a nap and still had a chip on her shoulder when she woke up.

Here is to us(the adults) getting through the rest of the day, while the kids misbehave, with delightful attitudes and remembering that today is in fact Christmas. He he he he..........Oh how I love it!

Twas the night before Christmas

It was 1990ish, all the presents were opened and my older brother  Rudy and I were happy with the new toys we had just discovered. After a few minutes my mom pulls a couple of 'Santa' presents from behind the tree for us.

For me it was a $20 magic copier that I had wanted for what seemed like a lifetime. I can still imagine the look on my face when I revealed it. I was so excited!

To this day I think of that Christmas with such a happy heart.  Not because of what I got but because my eyes are opened to what my parents have done then and continue to do for us now.

This Christmas Eve brings me to a reflective place. I am reminded by how lucky I truly am to have such a loving immediate family and an amazing extended one as well.

While the infamous 'Magic Copier' will always top my heart for best childhood Christmas ever, this holiday is taking the cake for best ever as an adult.  Charly said it perfectly when she walked to the next door neighbors to give her friend Kaly a present. When Kaly's dad told Charly he hoped she gets lots of presents she responded by saying this......

              

"I have already got the best present"

What's that?

"Family"

I am touched by all the love I have felt by everyone both here in Utah and at home in Texas. Words can never show the thanks I have in my heart for all that has been done to get us here.

Thank you Mickey, Kim, Great Grandma, mom and dad  for helping us realize what is most important this holiday season!

Snow day with a little sparkly Edward

As soon as my sister Rochelle jumped off the plane Tuesday she was thrilled with all the snow on the ground and has practically been playing in it ever since.

 

Piper is still not excited about having her hands covered up.

Last night while Nate and I were finishing up wrapping some presents, Rochelle and I took a break to go check out the snow at midnight. It was glistening simliar to the way a certain vampire's skin sparkles....Ahem, Edward. I decided that since the snow was fresh and pure white powder it would be delicious to collect some in a cup and add caramel and chocolate milk for a sweet treat. Boy was it sweet!

We even made one for Nate but he declined our tempting treat. I can't imagine why....

Happy hour

Monday, in honor of a happy hour tradition that started over a year ago back when we lived in Utah, my good friend Meredith hosted a playdate at her house.

The kids picked up right where they left off. There were even a couple new faces there that made their little friend party even more fun.

In between the laughing and yelling and running and shouting around and around Meredith's house the kids paused for a brief moment on a giant bean bag to show me some smiles.

It was so fulfilling to get to chat with old friends.  Angie in particular is a friend who I don't talk to as often as I should, she is so full of positive energy and she always seems to know what it is I need to hear to keep me going. I cherish her company.

We learned of Erica's newest little guy Eric and his homebirth story, something I always look forward to hearing about. These ladies are all self empowering and I love that about them!

I'm feel so fortunate to have planted deep rooted friendship seeds here that I hope will last a lifetime.

After Nate picked me up for the evening, we packed the girls up and headed to Nana and 'Carrot's' house only to have to take a pit stop to let Charly throw up in her jacket while still buckled in the car.
Long story short it ended up being  just Piper and I that went for dinner that night.

Piper was pretty stoked about being the center of attention with her aunt 'Cookies' AKA Courntey and Courtney. Yup, Nana married Curt AKA Carrot (started when Charly couldn't say his name) and they both have daughters named Courtney that happen to be the same age. Pretty fun huh? Piper thought so too!

 

It smells of Christmas

This morning as we walked across the street to church, the girls in their tennis shoes, the smell of crisp air was a strong reminder that Christmas is just days away.

(I still have plenty to do. Actually I have lots to do before the big day. One of which is to make tamales, something I have never done on my own.)

After a wonderful sacrament filled with song, music and even a harpist, (I thought my good friend Jessica was the only one in the world, LOL) we came home. It was a long journey, almost 200 steps to the front door. We unpacked the girls, fed them and then Charly, Nate and I went outside to frolic in the snow and take photos while Piper took a much needed nap.

Nate was my camera bag caddy, he was great.  I rewarded him by taking him to see the horses next door. Yes ladies and gentlemen, my husband is not only an amazing bag caddy but he doubles as an animal whisperer as well. Boy are we lucky!

I, as you all know, am not so lucky with the animal friends but this horse seemed to be desperate for companionship. He/she kept nudging me just begging to be pet. I complied with it's needs, even after it gave me a sloppy kiss across my face.

How wonderful is it that, not only do my in-laws live across the street from an LDS ward, but they live on 2 acres right next door to livestock.

The trees were beautifully covered in dry powder  everywhere you look(Click to enlarge).

This property has always been special to me and Nate because it is where we got married just seven years ago. It's neat to have pictures of the girls in areas that had wedding photos taken of us.

We are all very excited that in only two days we will be picking up Rochelle from the airport to spend Christmas with us here. She is going to love all this snow!

I think I can, I think I can.....

This may come of a huge shock to most of you who read this but I am a recovering shoe/purse addict.

I had a relapse last week when Nate let me 'run' into Nine West by myself only to find me with three large bags filled with four pair of boots. Yes, I needed them and they were at a super great price, I couldn't resist.

Well, today I had the task of doing some Christmas shopping all alone and almost had another relapse. I had a purse in my hand several different times. I even went back to Dillards after I was done with all the shopping to find that smooth, brown, leather and classic zippered Gianni Bini purse back in my hands.

It took many distractions and conversations to myself to not get that darn bag.

I'm proud to say that I won,  rather our bank account won. I did not buy the sweet heaven purse. 

Snow playdate

This morning after Charly sped through breakfast she hurried next door to go play with her good friend Kaly in the snow.

I sent her over while I was getting ready and I wanted to watch her walk over to make sure she was OK. She turns around and tells me to hide so they don't see me watching...you know I think she was embarrassed by me. LOL it's was cute, she really thrives on opportunities to be independent and I enjoy watching her blossom.

Charly has dreamed of this day for the past year and it was fun to watch and listen to old friends play. It sure is nice to have them in such close vicinity too, they live next door to Mickey and Kim.

 

Piper didn't enjoy being out in the cold too much but I think it was mostly due to her limited finger movement from her snowsuit.

Merry Christmas, Snuggies for all!

Days before we left for Utah my mom decided it was time she use her free coupon(LOL, as if there would be any other way) for a photo shoot. The dense fog outside forced us to take our party inside for the pictures. Charly wanted to get in on the action and this is one of my favorite shots of them together.

Charly is certainly the golden child when it comes to my mom and Kristy and what  better way to show your love than to buy a Snuggie for Christmas...and YES she did bring it with us!

Thanks mom, LOL!!

Poor Piper she is just upset that she can't break everything in the house. Must be tough.

Getting to be at my mom's house was definetly a great start to the holidays! Here's to a Snuggie Party  that Nate and I WON'T be attending when we get back.

11 years in the making

There aren't many things that could top a giant bowl of super spicy Pad Thai.

Getting together or a Monday night with three best friends I have had since High school is definitely WAY better than fulfilling my food cravings.

Last night a group of fabulous 20 something girls met up for some food and catching up. 

Being with Sara, Sally, Vero and myself was just like old times. It was so nice that we could all get together in the same night. That hasn't happened since Sara and Vero graduated HS in 98.

Vero and I were on the swimming team together. She is responsible for introducing my love for spanish music. It was 1998 and we were driving in her teal Honda when I fell in love with Manny Manuel. *sigh* I have never been the same since.

Those were the days!

Then there were Sally and Sara, the tennis gals who completed the "RSVS" group. Sally and I were so sad when Sara and Vero graduated a year before us. We baked them each a cake and got them James Avery earrings...I wonder if they still have them. 

It was so wonderful to spend an evening together and it was just like old times, only we are much cuter now, LOL.  

I can't believe how after ten years four girls can be so different but yet the same and our bonds we formed in HS are still very evident. 

 click here  to see us circa 1998

We are beaming!

The plan was to have Rudy, my brother, here  one hour before Nate and I left for our reunion date. As "chance" would have it we only had a few minutes to get a picture of all of us.

It is so not like Rudy to keep us waiting either. LOL

We love him.........even if he is wearing cowboy boots these days.

Nate and I were/are over the moon excited!

That's because just hours before we found out Nate's Mom (Mickey), Kim(Mickey's husband) and Grandma arranged to fly us up to Utah for the holidays.

We fly out Wednesday.

I'm so grateful.

Thank goodness Nate and I didn't have the courage to tell Charly we weren't going. She is going to be stoked that we are flying instead.

How do you thank someone for giving us the most wonderful Christmas gift ever?!!

Really...ten years? OH-UH!

Last night was my high school reunion.....here is what I expected:

• Mucho, mucho "ghettoness"
• A metal detector
• Lot's of people pointing and staring at me..."who is that nerd?"
• Some drunk girl yelling "weren't you guys(Sally and me) the losers who wore the same dress to prom...HA HA HA"

Nate and I came prepared.

You can't tell from this picture but Nate was packing a switch key. You know, the key for our car you have to push to pop out.

Oh yeah we weren't messing around. (click picture to enlarge)

It was surprisingly one super classy affair held at an old beautiful house downtown that I ran around at as a little girl while my dad showed art there.

The DJ insisted on playing music that was classic old school style circa 1994.

Clearly Sally and I didn't mind.

I even got lucky to have someone else there who was a friend in HS. Sean Attwood and his gorgeous wife Carolina who happened to be in the same Folklorico dance group as me when we were younger.

(My head was a little inflated when he joked about me being the "untouchable mom")

BTW, not our beers.

I was happily walking around with a water.

Yup, I'm THAT cool.

The coolest part for Sally and I was watching our cute "man friends" AKA husbands mingle.

Mike, Sally and Chris Saavedra- for some reason I have always tagged his last name to him when I mention him...not just Chris.

Weird.

Sally and I sat in the corner pretending to be sad, obviously our smiles couldn't hide the fact that we are just happy to have invented post its. Hello can't you see that we are important business ladies by our outfits? LOL

It was nice to catch up with my handful of friends....err, I mean 1/4 handful of friends from HS and to see who has changed and who hasn't.

Ten years can be pretty heavy for some but shoot, as you can see, not for all. LOL

Here's to us being just as fabulous at our 20th!