THE VADER FAMILY

Three

2011-11-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

Its hard to believe that it has been 3 years since we brought that tiny baby home from the hospital.

She is now 3 years old!!!

We celebrated her birthday 3 times, the first one was at Peper Piper Pizza with some of our friends, we had pizza, cupcakes, ballons, presents!!! She loves that place ...

The second time was at home at our Thanksgiving dinner, we are very THANKFUL for her, she is such a smart, beautiful, loving & caring little person! We Skyped with our family in Colorado and they sang the Happy Birthday to her!!!

And the third time was the actual day of her birthday November 25th, shw woke up to a nice surprise in the living room.

And then we went out to dinner, where we ate more pizza and a delicious cheesecake (one of her favorites)

Overall was a great birthday for her!!!

Gracie at 3

How old are you? Cinco or five

What is your favorite color? pink

What is your favorite toy? blocks

What is your favorite fruit? banana & strawberry

What is your favorite tv show? Wiggles, Yo Gabba Gabba

What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Spaguetti

What is your favorite outfit? Princess Bella dress or tutus

What is your favorite game? Puzzles

What is your favorite snack? fruit snacks, yogurt with fruit

What is your favorite animal? horsey

What is your favorite song? Martinillo

What is your favorite book? Wheels on the bus

Who is your best friend? Benny, Max, Alex, Alicia

What is your favorite cereal? Fruty loopies

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Go to the park, the pool

What is your favorite drink? Apple Juice

What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Blanket and Kitty

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Pancakes

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? spaghetti

Gracie, my baby girl, may this next year bring you happiness, health and all the love of the world because you deserve that and more than that.

We will like you forever

we will love you for always

as long as we are living

our baby you will be.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from Super Gracie & Gracie Butterfly!!!

I'm back!

2011-09-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

Dear blog:

I'm so sorry I have neglected you again, I'm so bad at updating stuff but I will be better now, I promise.

Things hasn't changed that much since the last time I was here, Gracie keeps growing up so fast I can't believe it, she will be 3 in 2 months!!!! I'm still trying to decide what her party theme is going to be but I think we are going to do "Gracie's world" a mix of all the things she likes, like Jesse (cowgirl), Spiderman, The Wiggles ... All I know is that is going to be sooooooo much fun!

Anyway, I will be back soon!

Until then ...

3 Leches Strawberry Cake

2011-05-27T21:32:00.002-07:00

Summer is here!!! & where I live it's soooo hot. What's better than a refreshing strawberry cake? It can't get any better than this. This one is the 3 Leches Cake recipe from the Pioneer Woman with a personal twist, the strawberries mixed with the milks are just too delicious!

Ingredients
1 cup All-purpose Flour
1-½ teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ teaspoons Salt
5 whole Eggs
1 cup Sugar, Divided
1 teaspoon Vanilla
⅓ cups Milk
3 cups Strawberries
1 can Evaporated Milk
1 can Sweetened, Condensed Milk
¼ cups Heavy Cream

_____

FOR THE ICING:

1 pint Heavy Cream, For Whipping
3 Tablespoons Sugar
Strawberries for garnish (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 inch pan liberally until coated.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Separate eggs.

Beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar on high speed until yolks are pale yellow. Stir in milk and vanilla. Pour egg yolk mixture over the flour mixture and stir very gently until combined.

Beat egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. With the mixer on, pour in remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until egg whites are stiff but not dry.

Fold egg white mixture into the batter very gently until just combined. Pour into prepared pan and spread to even out the surface.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Turn cake out onto a rimmed platter and allow to cool.
Meanwhile, stem and slice the strawberries,
Make sure the cake isn’t the least bit warm. Then, with a long, serrated knife, slice the cake perfectly in half, then spread the strawberries over the top next place the other half.
Combine condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream in a small pitcher. When cake is cool, pierce the surface with a fork several times. Slowly drizzle all but about 1 cup of the milk mixture—try to get as much around the edges of the cake as you can.

Allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture for 30 minutes. To ice the cake, whip 1 pint heavy cream with 3 tablespoons of sugar until thick and spreadable.

Spread over the surface of the cake. Decorate cake with whole or chopped strawberries.

Enjoy!!!!

Pistachio cake

2011-05-24T10:58:00.001-07:00

I'm not a big fan of pistachios but my dear husband is, so he has been asking me to make this cake that his mom used to make for him when he was a kid, since I couldn't find her exact recipe I look it up on internet and I came up with my own version! He didn't like the cherries so next time I will just omit them. All in all he was very happy with the finish product! ;) & I was happy I could bring warm & happy memories from his mom & his childhood!

For the cake:

1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Pistachio Flavor Instant Pudding
4 eggs
1-1/4 cups water
1/4 cup oil
1/2 tsp. almond extract
7 drops green food coloring (optional)

For the frosting:

2 packages (4-serving size each) instant pistachio pudding and pie filling mix

3 cups milk
2 envelopes whipped topping mix

Additional maraschino cherries and pistachio nuts (optional)

PREPARATION:
Cake

1.Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.

2.Combine cake mix, pudding, eggs, water, oil and almond extract in large bowl. Mix according to package directions. Spread half of batter in each pan. Bake and cool according to package directions.

Frosting

1.Combine milk, pudding mix and whipped topping mix in large bowl. Beat at low speed with electric mixer until blended. Beat at high speed 2 to 3 minutes or until stiff, scraping sides of bowl often. Stir in cherries and pistachios (Optional). Refrigerate until ready to use.

2.To assemble cake; spread filling between each layer. Frost top and side of cake with frosting. Garnish with maraschino cherries and pistachios, if desired.

Nutella cupcakes with a nutella buttercream frosting

2011-05-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

Nutella Cupcakes

Ingredients:

Devil’s Food Cake Mix
3 eggs
½ cup oil
¼ cup milk
½ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sour cream
24 teaspoons Nutella
(1 per cupcake)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 24 muffins tins.

2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, oil, milk, water and vanilla.

3. Sift in cake mix and stir in sour cream.

4. Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and then place a teaspoon of Nutella on top of each one. Using a toothpick, swirl the Nutella into the batter.

5. Bake for 14-18 minutes or until the sides spring back. (The tops will stay gooey because of the Nutella.)

6. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and place directly into airtight containers so seal in moisture.

Nutella Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients:

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 13-ounce jar of Nutella
pinch of fine grain sea salt
1 tablespoon clear vanilla extract
2 pounds confectioners’ sugar, sifted
6-8 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and Nutella until well combined. Slowly add in confectioner’s sugar, and continue creaming until well blended.

2. Add salt, vanilla, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Blend on low speed until moistened. Add an additional 3-5 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until you reach the desired consistency. Beat at high speed until frosting is smooth and fluffy.

I'm linking up to the Larson Lingo

Sedona

2011-03-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

This last sunday we got in the car & drove 150 miles to go to Sedona, AZ.

What a beautiful place!

So quiet & calm!

We had a great day exploring, walking by the river, the food was delicious and there were ice cream involved, yummy!

We are going back very soon!

What Grace has been up to ...

2011-03-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Oh My!

Where to start? She is seriously big but funny part is that she still fits her clothes form last year, she was chubby and now she is very tall so I'm happy that I haven't spent a little fortune in new clothes!

She is talking up a storm, repeating EVERY single word we say! Even though she is not formulating long sentences yet but I think thats because she is bilingual and I read that bilingual kids take longer to start talking which I don't mind at all since I know that as soon as she starts school her language skills are going to improve.

She eats everything, her favorites are mac & cheese, bananas, olives & spicy food (what can I say?, she is part mexican!)

She is such a loving and caring little girl, she absolutely adores her big brother (Junior) and he loves her back just as much, they have a lot of fun playing and wrestling togehter! When he cries about something she would say {Don't cry Jr, mommy home soon}. She loves her "Ima" so much, they spend the whole day together and I'm just thankful that my daughter gets to spend her childhood with her granma!

Overall she is a very happy & healthy little girl & I love her to death!

She calls me {honey} & my heart just melts!

I'm back!

2011-03-23T22:50:00.001-07:00

Dear blog:

I'm sorry I was gone, I promise I would never leave you again! I have a lot of things to tell you and a lot of pictures to show you!

Just be patient!

Love,
Me

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas

2010-12-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

I love the holidays but now that Gracie is more aware of her environment it has a whole new meaning to me, we had our traditions even before she was born like going to the Tempe Festival of the Arts every year at the beginning of December & after that just get ready to travel to Colorado to spend the holidays with David's family.

But not this year! This year we are staying home which means early presents from Santa.

And of course our very OWN Christmas tree, the first tree we have as a family in our house, Oh my was I excited! I think I was more excited than Grace. We got it today fresh from the store, smells sooo good & it's so beautiful. It was love at first sight. Grace took a nap so I started putting the lights on and when she woke up I turned it on & the only thing she said was the only thing I was waiting for ... "WOW!!!", that just made everything so worth it. She is such a great helper passing the ornaments one by one ...

And speaking of ornaments, David's family has a tradition that I think it's pretty cool, his mom used to give each one of her kids an ornament every year, so he has a full box of ornaments that now decorate beautifully our tree.

This one is from the year I was born!!!

I'm so happy & excited that I literally can't wait until Christmas morning gets here!

Happy Birthday Gracie

2010-11-25T23:46:00.000-07:00

ALMOST dosh ...

2010-11-24T02:54:00.010-07:00

I'm seriously freeking out!

What I'm thankful for ...

2010-11-24T02:36:00.000-07:00

This year has been really rough in some aspects for our family but I'm so glad that together we overcome them with love & hope.

This year I'm so very THANKFUL for:

My daughter
My husband
My mother
Jr.
Our family in Mexico
Our family in Colorado
Our family in Kansas
Our health
Our friends
Our house
The food that fill up our fridge & pantry
The cars that take us from point A to point B everyday
The clothes that keep us from being cold
The technology that conect us with our loved ones
Blizzards @ Dairy Queen

I know I'm forgetting a lot of things but what I wanted to say is that I'm thankful I'm alive to share good and bad moments with the people I love.

& since thursday is also my baby's birthday & I don't want to mixed this 2 holidays together, HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!!!

May your tummy be full of delicious food & your heart of the love of the people you most care about!

The official family pictures 2010

2010-11-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

We met with my friend Heather to get our family pictures for this year, I think she did a great job!!!

Here are some of my favorites since she took over 1000!!!

{I love this one! (I can't eat her & her lollipop until I die}

{My family}

{Awwww, what else can I say?}

{She is sooo big!} Everytime I say her birthday is coming up, every single one person would say if she is 3!

I died of cuteness & when I came to life I thought of how lucky we are to have my mom with us, most people complain all the time about their in laws including me, but David never do that, he loves my mother as if she was his own mother & that makes my heart very very happy!

That lollipop made it to almost 100% of the pictures but as long as it keep her happy I really don't care :)

{Can you say daddy's girl?}

My handsome & shy blue eyed husband, I love him to pieces!!! Thank you por putting up with my crazyness baby!

We had so much fun & we I can't wait to do it again next year!

Night out

2010-11-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Having my mom living with us is a blessing that allowed us do things that we couldn't do unless we could afford a 24/7 babysitter. Thank you Mommy

Last saturday we went to a mistery play @ the Higley center, David is a member of the board so we got the tickets for free & who can say no when you have a babysitter & free tickets? I know I can't ...

The play name was Who shot the sheriff? and everyone was encouraged to wear western attire, of course I have nothing western in my closet but with the help of my wonderful friends I got some hats & boots for me & David. Thank you wonderful friends.

David's boss & some of his coworkers were there as well.

We had so much fun, mostly when they had to play the robbers and David forgot to steal the money from the bank owner, that was hilarious!

My handsome robber

Dinner was great, company was great, spending time together just the 2 of us, priceless!!!

Happy Fantabolous Halloween Weekend

2010-11-01T20:55:00.001-07:00

Halloween is over! ::sad face::

It was the best thus far .... full filled with all kind of fun activities starting with a kids Halloween party ... it's so cute to watch the little ones wearing their customes, getting together with good friends, eating all kinds of fatty food & sweets.

We also went to see an amazing Haunted Pirate Ship, my friend's neighbor builts this ship every year for Halloween & only let go in people he know, we were really lucky that Ana is his friend so we could go inside. Just let the pictures do the talking!

Awesome!!!

Friday night I went with my friend Sonya to a Halloween party, it was very nice to hang out with her :)

On Saturday we took Gracie to a local church Halloween festival, Gracie was acting up about everything so we were there just a little bit, the only thing she liked about it was the petting zoo.

We went home to take a nap & get ready for the adults party, it was a couples costume party & it was the best party ever!!!

I was a witch & David was Dracula!

We had a great time!!! but oh boy I was tired on sunday, David went to play golf, my mom, Gracie & I went to have lunch and then went home to take a nap to be in a good mood for trick or treating!!!

My super girl woke up in such a good mood, we got her costume on & went to buy more candy to be ready for the trick or treaters ...

It was a great! We went to more houses this year that she is bigger, she is a pro now asking for candy. She kept saying "more, more", "tatiuuu" & "grashias" @ every single house we stopped. David stayed home to handed out candy & we and some friends took the kids around our neighborhood.

It was a busy, sweet & perfect weekend!

pumpkin patch 2010

2010-10-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

Our version of the pumpink patch this year was just to go to take some pictures with the pumpkins!!!

They did turn out very cute because pumpkins & toddlers are cute together! Not to much when they throw a 250lbs pumpkin right on your feet {OK i'm exagerating but it was heavy} ... but we still had so much fun!!!

How could we not have fun with this little girl, she is the funniest person I know!

We are so ready for Halloween, in fact today we went to a Halloween party but that my friends is another story!!!

Happy Thursday! {Tomorrow we get to sleep in with daddy & we are having french toast for breakfast, yummy}

The unofficial family photo shoot

2010-10-25T03:37:00.001-07:00

Its that time of the year again so today we met with my friend Heather Link to get some new family pictures!

I love the anticipation of what involves the whole thing, getting matching outfits, talking to David everyday before the shoot about how handsome we will look in the pictures, praying that Gracie will be in a good mood & cooperative, anyway it seems easy & simple but is definitely not.

Our appointment was at 10am which meant that we needed to be in the car bathed, fed & happy {mostly happy & smiling because the photos don't look good when you are in a bad mood or crying over the 2 balloons you just saw inside the car & you can't have just yet because you can pooped them & then you will be not just mad but sad & scared at the same time}by 9:30am, which we miraculously achieved!

The weather couldn't have been better, 75 degrees, clear & sunny day! Just perfect!

The star of the shoot was obviously my adorable, beautiful, silly, crazy, fearless, energetic, fabolous, full of live almost 2 year old daugther.

She was very cooperative for the most part except for when we try to take away a HUGE swirl lollipop that we used as a prop, so I'm pretty sure that sucker is included in 90% of her pictures.

I still haven't seen any of the "official" pictures but I took some with my camera & they are very cute if I can say so myself.

{I ALWAYS wanted to have a picture jumping like a crazy woman, now I can take that of my list of the things I want to do before 35}

{My husband has to go to the quiropractor after this but he is such a good sport & did what he was asked to like "honey, I know your back is killing you but can you please jump out of that wall for me so we can have matching pictures jumping like fools?"}

{This is the famous HUGE sucker, just in case you didn't noticed}

{I'm not good at posing, please don't judge me}

I can't wait to see what Heather is working on right now {well I don't think right now exactly because it's 3:30am & she must be sleeping unless she is like me & can't sleep at night but that's not what I was talking about) until then I will try to get some sleep.

Happy dreams!

Photo a day ~ Day 9

2010-10-23T23:42:00.000-07:00

Photo a day ~ Day 8

2010-10-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

Hair cut day

2010-10-22T23:37:00.000-07:00

After a nice playdate with good friends & a delicious lunch we took Gracie to get a hair cut, it was actually just to trimmed her bangs. She hates to have her hair touched, there are battles everyday at our house when we try to get her hair done, she just doesn't tolerate it. That kind of makes me sad because she has tons of super cute headbands, hats & clips but she just doesn't wear them unless I make her & that my friends is not fun at all.

We went to the same place we have been going since her first hair cut just to find out that the lady we like doesn't work there anymore, oh my! I was really nervous & worried mostly about the new lady because Gracie really gets out of control if you touch her hair but in all everything went "smooth" (except for a moment that seemed to last an eternity, see photo #3)

At the end Gracie was very happy because Daddy showed up to surprise her!

Yummy ness ~ Day 7

2010-10-21T21:19:00.001-07:00

One of the best things about my mom living with us is of course that I get to eat my favorite meals all the time!

Today I wake up craving Chicken Enchiladas & ta da!!!! They are so delicious!

Thank you mom!!!

Is anybody there?

2010-10-21T00:31:00.001-07:00

My google analytics says that I had CERO, NONE, ZERO visits to my blog in the last month & that made me sad, I mean I know my mom lives with us & she would be my fan # 1 but still, really? No one?

So I have a favor to ask if you happen to visit can you please leave a message (you don't have to sign in if you don't want to)& let me know I'm not alone in the whole blogging thing? That would be very sweet, thank you a bunch.

I do want to do a giveaway if that motivates you ... I'm working on that. Am I begging? uhmmm yeah, kinda, sort of ... Do I want to be like The Pioneer Woman that has like 3,234,567 comments everyday? Well I know that won't happen but a girl can dream, right?

The lack of sleeping is making me crazy by the way

Much love,

Me

Big girl ~ Day 6

2010-10-21T00:18:00.002-07:00

Is just me or anyone else think that she is growing by the minute as well? She look like a baby no more even though she practically is, I mean she is not 2 until the end of november...

(Picture courtesy of Wanda Castro)

Photo a day ~ Day 5

2010-10-20T01:08:00.001-07:00

It's actually Day 5 for the creator of the idea but I missed the last 4 days. It will actually start over in January so this is kind of a trial to see if I can actually do this time. I tried to do this at the beginning of this year with Project Life but for some reason I couldn't keep up.

I love how big & smart she is! Everyday is a new adventure ...

Night at the fair

2010-10-19T23:32:00.002-07:00

The fair is here!!!

We have been going to the fair even before Gracie was born, is just so fun going there to have fatty food, walking around, looking at weird people ... but of course now is just more fun because Gracie is here.

The weather couldn't be better, not too hot not cold at all. Just perfect!!!

Last year she was barely 1 year old so she couldn't get on the rides but this year even if she is not even two she got to ride with the big kids since she is so tall. David wanted to let her ride by herself I just feel like ~~I'm~~
she is not ready yet!

We ride with her & we had a blast!

We spent the entire afternoon just having fun, there's nothing better than the lights when it gets dark, the smells, the music .. I love the fair & I love my family!

David & Gracie have such a special relationship that it melts my heart see how much they love each other & how much fun they have all the time. He would love if she gets to be a professional golfer when she grows up (Did we say scholarship?)

We had a BLAST! & if you don't believe just look at this & tell me your mouth didn't water just to look at this deliciousness!!!

So yummy!

I love this time of the year, we are having family pictures taken this weekend, a little friend's birthday party, the pumpkin patch & then let the halloween celebrations begin!

Stay tuned!

that's what she said

2010-10-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

Grace is talking up a storm & I want to document every single funny thing that she says because I don't want to forget about it ...

Me: Grace, cuantos annos tienes?
Grace: nuno,doshh

- Karyyyy gooo, Karyyy veeenn, Kary pishhhh

- Cartun cartun ta ta ta ... (my mom taught her to say the name of an old mexican show called cachun cachun ra ra but she says it when she wants to see cartoons)

- none, tu, pi, .. nine

- nuno, dosh, pi, cuato, shinco, six, nine

then & now

2010-10-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

OMG OMG OMG OMG I'm freaking out!!! When the fair is here that just means one thing, Gracie's birthday is next month & she will be 2, two, dosh!!! OMG OMG OMG

xoxoxo

2010-10-17T21:41:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I absolutely love in this world are when my baby kiss me, there was a time when she wouldn't kiss anyone at all but thankfully those day are gone & now we get kisses & hugs ALL THE TIME!

Hugs for mommy!

& kisses!

kisses for granma!

& for Jr too!

And last but not least ... Winnie get kisses & also gets some milk! She has her priorities!!!

Xoxoxo

what we are up to

2010-10-15T11:00:00.001-07:00

POTTY TRAINING!

Yes, because I'm tired of changing diapers, because I know she is ready, because I don't want to spend more $$$ on diapers, because she can't go to college without being potty trained.

We started this morning, step one get some undies on! Awww there's something about babies on underwear that just make me feel awwwww, they look so cute!

Day 1 went OK, I mean she did have accidents & she didn't go on the potty not even once but I think she is starting to understand, I just need to be patient & keep encouraging her, she is so smart anyway ... & stubborn!

I tried to give her fluids as much as I could so she could go often ...

We also did some crafts today! Finger painting is fun when is not messy & mostly when you can actually teach your kid how to make beautiful pieces of art that you can hang on your walls ...

Aren't they cool?

And with that, I'm off ... and Gracie is done with pictures... of course just for today!

Awesomeness

2010-10-14T21:05:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Gracie, my mom & I went to McCormick Railroad Park for the first time & we had a BLAST!

It was one of my friends daugther's birthday party & I we were very excited to see all of the moms & kids of my mom's group.

Since it was a party I wanted Grace to wear a nice dress, little I knew that dresses are uncomfortable when all you want to do is run, jump, throw yourself on the ground, etc... but boy she looked cute!!!

The day was beautiful, the weather was goregous!

Gracie is obsessed with the carrousel by the way.

This park is pure awesomeness, real trains, carrousel, lots & lots of green areas, playgrouds!!! A great location for any photographer. I got some cute pictures of my baby.

We had so much fun, mostly Grace ... running with her friends!

~~Eating sand~~ ahem, ahem ... tasting new flavors!

Just being a spunky, full of energy almost 2 year old little girl!

We also got to ride the chu chuuu with all the mommys & their kiddos!

We had a great day it was a super way to spend some time together ... wonderful weather, wonderful friends, delicious food, my mom + my baby, I can't ask for anything else.

I absolutely love this picture of the 3 of us! My mom is my fundation, my support & I love her to pieces. Grace also loves her grandma to death and I feel very blessed to have her with us.

10 on 10 :: October 2010

2010-10-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

I'm back! The last time I did this post was back on February 2010 but then my computer broke down and those were very sad months without my laptop but now we are here again!

Wow, already October? 10.10.10? Cool!

Let's take a look to my day!

Good morning!!! We went for a walk before breakfast and Gracie picked a flower for mommy!

A sneak peak of Grace's costume for halloween!

We went to run errands with granma

Of course we had to go to our favorite store

We tried some outfits for our family pictures coming up

Having yummy pizza for dinner

Mommy's goofing off

And we had to go to Target, AGAIN!

Getting ready for bed

Good night everyone

I hope everyone had a great 10.10.10!!!

3 random facts

2010-10-09T15:24:00.002-07:00

Fact # 1

Fact #2

I love to try new food! & new places! My friends & I went to have lunch to a very unique place called La Condesa Taco Shop, seriously if you are looking for REAL mexican food in Phoenix you must try this place, everything reminds me to my Mexico, from the food to the decor!!!

I didn't take pictures of the food but the menu basically are tacos, quesas & burritos! Really, really good!!!

Fact # 3

New food + new place + good friends = Excelent way to spend a saturday afternoon!

Happy Saturday!!!

perfect day

2010-10-03T21:42:00.003-07:00

What a great sunday! David didn't have to work, we got to sleep in, did some chores and then we headed off to the Museum of Youth , my mom was supposed to go to church but when we got there it was closed, no service today so she came with us!

The last time Gracie & I were there she wasn't even walking so basically we stayed in the babies section which is a small square with mirrors & pillows but this time, oh this time was other story, she got to play all over the place.

There were a moment when we lost her for like 5 minutes in the classical, "I thought she was with you" , I tried to not to freak out because I realized that she couldn't exit the building but I have to say that it was really scary, we found this little bratt in the same place she was when ~~her dad~~ WE lost her! Thankfully this story had a happy ending and I definetely learned another lesson that no matter who is she with I never, ever can take my eyes away from her

Yikes! I don't like how I look in this picture but I love that Grace stayed still to take a family picture for once.

After the museum we went to have lunch to one of our favorite restaurants, they have the best burritos & tortas & tacos!!! At that point we were exhausted and we all took naps when we got home.

Then I made some Cookies 'N Cream Oreo Fudge brownies the perfect ending to a perfect day!

Annnnddddd Grace decided to get a new do to her hair!

Isn't she cute & funny!

We explored, we played, we jumped, we screamed, we ran, we ate our favorite food, we kissed, we huged, we laughed,we had a super fun family day!

Happy week!

Colors, bubbles & castles!

2010-10-02T23:37:00.002-07:00

October is finally here! That means that we can go to play outside for more than 5 minutes and so we did!!! I love this toddler stage, she is so fun & funny, learning new things everyday, new words, Oh my this kid can talk!

We had a great afternoon, after she woke up from her nap we took the sidewalk chalk crayons and we went out to the backyard for some coloring time!

Let the creativity begin!

Of course when it was time to go back inside little miss tantrums didn't want to but I bribe her with a bath with bubbles and that did the trick, she is such a bratt! Almost 2 going 15!

When daddy got home we decided to play blocks while he watched football, we built a castle!!!

It was an afternoon full of colors, bubbles, kisses, smiles & castles!

I'm looking forward to the next couple of days when the weather cools down so we can actually go to the park or the zoo or who knows!
I'm also very excited about Halloween that I'm planning doing some crafts for the kids and some delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes for my friends.

I can't wait!

I love my corn!

2010-09-29T21:45:00.004-07:00

We went to a local market today where you can find a corn on the cob or if you are on the mood you can also buy a used car! And that's exactly why we went there to see if we could buy a new car but we didn't have luck. Gracie was busy looking around to all the stuff they sell there, food, toys, cars, candy...

We decided to stop to get a snack! I love love love corn, in Mexico we eat it with mayonaisse, cheese & chille powder, it's sooo good!!!

Gracie loved her corn as well!

Mommy, what is this?

I don't care, I'm going to eat it anyway!

I love my corn!

Yummy yummy!

Happy Hour

2010-09-24T21:19:00.001-07:00

I had such a nice time today!

I belong a a group called New girls in town in AZ! They have all kinds of events like happy hours, dinners, lunchs, brunchs, etc...

I hosted the HH tonight at a local sushi restaurant, it was great!

Altough I'm not new in town anymore, I have made such a great friends from this group that I love to get together with them!

I'm back!!!!

2010-09-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

Finally, after more tham 6 months without a computer we finally got a new laptop tonight. I'm very happy & excited to get my blog back ...

Oh how I have missed my blog!

still here

2010-04-15T23:03:00.001-07:00

I have so much to say, too many pictures to post but my computer refuses to work.

But I'm still here ...

dear blog

2010-04-07T12:11:00.001-07:00

I haven't forgotten about you, is just that my laptop is not cooperating right now but I will be back. I promise.

Porject Life Tuesday :: Week 10

2010-03-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

March 7 - Today was one of my mommy friend's baby shower. She is expecting another boy at the end of March. So exciting!!! We can't wait to meet you Keegan River .

March 8 - No picture :( Grace's got her first severe cold. She has fever and been so uncomfortable & clingy. No time for anything else other than hold her.

March 9 - Gracie is still sick but in good spirits. She loves to sit on the couch to watch TV.

March 10 - Still sick! Stupid bug! She just can't get better. We are starting to get cabin fever as well, I need some fresh air!!!

March 11 - Yay! She is feeling better. I have my silly baby back. Here inside of the laudry basket which she found to be hilarious! She is the funniest baby!

March 12 - Finally we got out of the house for a change! We went to the park with some of our friends. Grace is feeling much much better :)

March 13 - I know this is not the best picture but I love it because Gracie took it. I know, I'm such a dork!

Happy week everyone!!!

Project Life Tuesday :: Week 9

2010-03-09T04:30:00.003-07:00

February 28 - Gracie & Jr have such a special relationship, they love each other very much & I'm so very happy that she is learning to love animals just as her dad & I do.

March 1 - Isn't this the cutest thing ever? She usually keeps smacking, pushing, kicking him but sometimes she lets him know how much she loves him.

March 2 - Touchdown! Somebody didn't get the memo that football season is over :)

March 3 - It's time to get the dresses out, spring is here!

March 4 - I don't think there someone else that love blueberries as much as I do. I could eat them everyday for breakfast, lunch & dinner. They are fun, cute & healthy. I love my blueberries.

March 5 - Gracie loves the car, as soon as she gets is she starts singing and clapping. The best entertainment!

March 6 - Our first Spring Training game of the season, that's one of our favorite things to do in Arizona. We love the Diamonbacks!!!

Then & Now

2010-03-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

Take me out to the ball game

2010-03-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

Play Ball!!!

We are baseball fans 100% so one of our favorite things to do in Arizona is go to watch Spring Training baseball games because what can be better than sunshine, baseball, friends, beer and peanuts?

This is the second year for Grace & I have to say she did awesome just like last year, the only difference was that now we have to chase her all over the place but we stayed the 9 innings which I really think is pretty impresive with a 15 month old ~~crazy~~ baby girl.

random friday

2010-03-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

-The love for pancakes runs in this family but we have different tastes,Gracie LOVES McDonalds pancakes & I love IHOP pancakes, David & Jr. they just love pancakes, period.

-I just found a new love, it's pretty & makes me happy.

Yes, I'm talking about this font. CK Marissa or SNF Sophia. I first saw it here & I love it so I asked Erin where she got it & she promptly answered me & now I have it too. Thank you Erin!

I'm in love, I know there is no such thing like being in love with a font but I'm, I wish I could write everything with that font but I still have to figure out how to do it.

This particular font is from scrap n fonts but I have TONS of super cute fonts (like the one on the header) that I got for FREE from Kevin & Amanda

-I absolutely adore going wherever with Gracie in the car, she is just to funny! I love that she loves to sing & now that she is starting to say more words she is Miss Chatty, she can say words in english & spanish & that makes me very proud. She can't say things like icicle bicycle but she can say banana, ventana, nada & her favorite santa just to mention some.

She would start talking to herself in what we think is chinese! because she does it so fast that we can't understand a word about what she is saying.

- Why is that when you need a sunny and warm day what you get is rain on the forecast?

Hope everyone have a great weekend!!!

Welcome Spring!

2010-03-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

Spring is one of my favorite seasons!

Sunshine

Easter

Spring Training!!!

Flowers

Green everywhere

Welcome Spring 2010

Note: I know is not Spring until the 21th but in Arizona the weather is so beautiful that feels like spring already!

Project Life Tuesday :: Week 8

2010-03-03T12:59:00.003-07:00

February 21 - Gracie loves books, she would bring them to us so we can read them to her. But what she likes the most is read with her daddy!

February 22 - We went to the mall with some of our friends & as soon as the kids saw this carrousel they started pointing and screaming that they want a ride. I was afraid because the seats doesn't have belts but I guess Grace didn't care. She had a blast!

February 23 - Let me introduce you to Bailey! She is our friend's dog but since they are on a 3 week vacation in Thailand! we are watching her for them. She is such a sweet puppy!!! We sure are going to miss her when she goes home.

February 24 - Yay! I got my Project Life kit on the mail today! I'm so excited & I think I got lucky because it's sold out and they don't have idea of when are going to start selling it again.

February 25 - Gracie is 15 months today! I love my baby so much.

February 26 - We took Grace to her 15 month check up, she still is the same BIG, happy & healthy girl. She is 29lbs & 35in. Poor thing she got 3 shoots & she wasn't very happy about it. Good thing I had some cookies to fix the damage.

February 27 - The University of Colorado Alumni Asociation here in Phoenix organized a group to do the American Cancer Society 5K Walk/Climb to conquer cancer @ South Mountain. It was cold and windy but we had so much fun making new friends.

Climb to conquer cancer

2010-02-28T21:12:00.001-07:00

Yesterday David, Gracie & I went to American Cancer Society 5k walk at South Mountain.

We had a blast!!!

David is a graduate of the University of Colorado & the Alumni Association here in Arizona organized a group to do the walk.

The morning was very cold and windy but all of us were in such a good spirits that we didn't care. Even Gracie was really happy to be outside looking around and playing with the dogs and waving a the other people that came to the walk.

We wore proudly our Buffaloes shirts!!!

We made it to the top!!!

We did this as a tribute to David's mom, my grandma Manuela, my friend Susan's mom & Karen W.!

We had a wonderful day making new friends & walking for such a great cause.

I'm so proud of us!

Happy 15 months my dear love

2010-02-28T15:41:00.001-07:00

*I didn't have internet on my computer last week so I couldn't post this on the 25th but here we are again.*

15 months already, seriously? Am I going to say that every month? Because it feels like time goes faster & faster that I can barely keep up.

This month we had some big things going on, you got your first "real" haircut, we introduced the potty seat & you now are facing forward in the car which I think you like a lot because it lets you see outside much better.

You also had your 15 month old check up at the doctor's office and you are still the same big, happy and healthy girl.

29 lbs (98%)
35in (100%)

Grace, you are going to give mommy a heart attack because you love to climb everywhere, the couch, the bed, the toys cabinet, you are fearless!!!

I can't even tell you how much we love you and how happy we are with you in our lives. Always smiling, singing, dancing, teaching us so many things, showing us your love in the most beautiful ways.

Keep growing my love, be always strong & independent!!! Mommy & daddy will be always next to you to love & support you.

Happy 15 months my princess!

We will love you forever
we will like you for always
as long as we are living
our baby you will be

One year ago ...

2010-02-18T00:38:00.001-07:00

I started this blog.

Grace has grown so much during this year!

This blog is for her, for when she is older!

To show her how much she is loved!!!

To keep & share memories!!!

Happy 1st birthday dear blog ... A year gone by and here's to many more!

Big Day

2010-02-16T00:21:00.001-07:00

Grace had a very busy day.

we changed her carseat to facing forward

She got a haircut technically for first time

She wasn't sure about it

Then she got scared & started ~~screaming~~ crying. My poor baby!

& finally after tears, she was her happy self again.

Doesn't she look adorable?

& we got her a potty seat.

& this is how she was at the end of the day!!!

Happy Weekend

2010-02-16T00:07:00.001-07:00

My sister in law Marsha came from Colorado to visit for the weekend, we have a full filled days with fun & food & workouts & Zumba classes & much much more.

The weather in Arizona is GORGEOUS this time of the year!

Saturday

We went to get haircuts & after that evening I went by myself to met some friends at the 5K Skirt Chaser run, when I got home David cooked a delicious steaks on the grill, we had dinner and then I went to my friend Beth's house to watch a movie (Whip it - Excellent, 100% recomendable)

I love my new haircut!

My good friends Lori & Beth

Sunday

We spent Valentine's day at the Peach Blossom Celebration @ Schnepff Farms. They had tours to the orchards where you can see the blossoms, a petting zoo, train rides & off course peach pie ( We didn't get to eat it since we had brownies, cookies, cheesecake, etc ...) but it looked delicious. :)

I took some pictures, Gracie fed the animals at the petting zoo & after that we went home to take naps to get ready to go to the gym, David & Marsha to play tennis, Gracie to play at the childcare center and me to get some very much needed exercise.

# Feliz Dia del Amor :: Happy Love Day #

2010-02-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

# 10 on 10 :: February 10 #

2010-02-10T22:29:00.001-07:00

10 pictures on the 10th day of the month!

(Document a snapshot of your life and find beauty amont the ordinary things in your day!)

Good morning sunshine!!!

What a better way to start a good day than with a fresh brewed cup of coffe!

And a delicious bowl of cereal!

Today was my mom's birthday!

(I tried to take a picture of my phone showing her name but my camera is not the best just to document that we did call her to say Happy Birthday, actually Grace learned today how to say "abuelita" which means grandma in spanish)

Jr. & Grace were so ready to take a nap!

Awake from her nap and ready to play!

She woke up in such a good mood & played with August the whole time until his mom came to pick him up.

All right, I know this is more than 1 picture but I have to share this with you.

This is a mexican fruit called Jicama, you might be asking what's a Jicama? here is the answer.

Well let me just say that I absolutely love the taste of this fruit and since I'm mexican I have always eaten it with lemon, salt and chile. So yummy!!!!

Getting ready to go to bed!

On my way to the gym!!!

See you next month!!!

I "stole" this idea from Mel @ The Larson Lingo

Go check out her awesome blog and her adorable girls!!!

# Fail, what keeps you motivated? :: Mcfatty Monday week 5 #

2010-02-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

This resume my week!!!

We were sick, David's birthday was on saturday, we went to the Chocolate festival so I ate like pig (pizza, wings, cake, ice cream, an entire HUGE turkey leg, taco, chocolate, pancakes), I didn't do ANY exercise and now I feel guilty and unmotivated!

I'm afraid to get on the scale or take my measurements because I know better.

I would love to know, what keeps you motivated?

I don't want to give up but sometimes is just too hard keep going.

Happy week, see you next monday!

# Sunday Funday #

2010-02-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

We were busy busy this weekend, yesterday was David's birthday so we went to have dinner on friday night to one of his favorite places in town called Native New Yorker, we came home to put Gracie on bed & then we watched our favorite show Entourage.

Yesterday we had breakfast & after that he went to play golf as my surprise birthday present, he loved it! After his daughter, his wife (of course) & his dog he loves golf more than anything so I was happy that he got to spend his birthday doing something he loves.

Speaking about birthdays, it was Jr's birthday as well, he is now 4 years old or 28 doggy years.

Happy Birthday to my boys!!!

While David was golfing, Gracie & I went to the park with our friends Jenni, Jer & their adorable little girl Evie, we played on the sand, on the swings, running on the grass, we had a blast!!

Gracie was so exhausted after all that playing that she went to bed at 6pm and woke up this morning at 8am!!!

Today we went to the Chocolate Festival, I would say it was OK even though I would have loved to get more free samples.

Gracie & I share a gigantic Turkey leg, it was yummy!!!

After the festival we came home to take a nap and get ready to watch the Superbowl. I really wanted the Colts to win just because the Saints beat the Cardinals!

The Saints won the Superbowl but I would care less!!!

Blah! I'm just documenting. ha ha

Overall we had a great weekend!!! Looking forward to the next weekend when my sister in law is coming to visit. It's always fun when she is here.

Then & Now

2010-02-06T19:18:00.002-07:00

# Favorite dinner recipes #

2010-02-05T12:56:00.002-07:00

I love this recipes and they are so easy to make.

Colorful Chicken Alfredo

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 quarts water
8-10 bouillon cubes
1 quart water
1 tbsp salt
1/2 lb farfalle noodles
1/2 cup reserved chicken broth
3 tbsp butter
1 cup half and half
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt and pepper each
1 tbsp butter
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
6 leaves fresh basil chiffonade

Directions

Place rinsed chicken and 8-10 bouillon cubes in a large pot and cover with 2 quarts of water. Bring to a boil and simmer over medium heat for 20 mins until chicken is done. Remove chicken to a cutting board and let sit until cool enough to handle, then cut into bite sized pieces. Strain the broth and save 1/2 cup. Keep the rest of the broth in the fridge (up to 1 week) or freezer for later use (great for making rice!).

Boil farfalle noodles with at least 1 quart of water in a large pot with 1 tbsp salt for 11 mins (or according to pkg instructions).

In a small saucepan, heat the 1/2 cup reserved chicken broth and 3 tbsp butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add 1 cup half and half, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp salt and pepper, each. Stir to combine, then slowly whisk in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Let simmer, whisking occasionally.

Slice bell peppers into matchsticks. Melt 1 tbsp butter over medium high heat, then saute bell peppers for about 5-6 mins. Add in chopped chicken and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine flavors. Turn heat down to low and pour the cream sauce over the chicken and bell peppers. Stir to combine- let simmer.

Chiffonade the basil, drain and plate the noodles, then toss with the chicken, bell peppers and sweet alfredo sauce. Top with basil.

Pizza Bagel Bites

2 plain bagels, split
1 small jar pizza sauce
1 pkg pepperoni slices
3/4 cup diced fully cooked ham
1/4 cup real bacon bits
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 400. Place bagels face up on a baking sheet. Spread with pizza sauce. Arrange five to seven slices of pepperoni on each, covering the bagel hole with one slice. Top each with ham, bacon and cheese. Bake at 400 for 12-14 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Recipes provided for Amanda @ Kevin & Amanda

# Take your daughter to work day! #

2010-02-04T21:26:00.001-07:00

Well not really but I think this picture is so stinkin cute!

We go to David's office very often, everyone loves Gracie!!!

# things I love # My country

2010-02-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

Is the place I was born, where I grew up, where my family & friends live.

People say a lot of things about Mexico but the truth is you can't tell unless you have been there.

I love our traditions, our food (no! Taco Bell is NOT mexican food), our colors, our flavors, our music, our art, our history!

Some of my favorite things about Mexico:

1.- Puerto Vallarta : It's my favorite beach in Mexico, it's located on the Pacific Ocean in Jalisco. It's so cozy and beautiful. Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton filmed a movie there and they fell in love with the place that they bought a house that now its a turist attraction.

2.- Mexico City I was born & raised there. One of the biggest cities in the world, it's overwhelming, noisy, dangerous & yet one of the most beautiful places I know. Full of memories.

I couldn't pick just one picture to post, here are some cool pictures taken from the air.

3.- Food, don't even get me started, OMG that is what I miss the most about my country!!! There some places here in AZ that have good mexican food but I haven't found the authentic flavor.

I'm very proud to be mexican!

# Honorific mention #

2010-02-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

Our house is full of germs! David is sick, Gracie is sick and last night I caught it too :(

Not fun when you have to watch 2 toddlers in the morning & one of them wants you to hold her the whole time while the other one needs a diaper change & lunch.

This morning when I woke up, my wonderful husband asked me how was I feeling & I told him the thruth that I was feeling like s**** very bad so he decided to stay home to help me out. Isn't that nice?

For those of you that have met him you know he is awesome but for those of you who haven't let me tell you how my husband is, he is:

a wonderful dad
an amazing husband
great friend of his friends
a loving brother for his siblings
kind
compassionate
honest
hard worker
respectful
faithful
reliable
humble
generous
sensitive
funny
smart
caring
oh & he is good looking too! ;)

We couldn't ask for a better man to share our lives with.

Baby, thank you so much for all of your help, you make our lives so much better everyday & we love you with all of our hearts! We are so proud of you for all of your hard work & because you are always thinking about us before anything else.

#Mcfatty monday :: Scale or tape measure? #

2010-02-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

Here we go again, another week and all I have to say is WTF?!?!?!?! I have been working my butt off and cuting calories like if my life depends on that & yet I just lose ONE pound this week.

Not that I don't like to lose at least 1lb because adding the other 8 I already lost that is a gran total of 9 lbs in a month and that makes me very happy but I can't stop feeling dissapointed.

We live in Arizona for God's sake so 2/3 of the year I have to wear shorts, tank tops and sandals and the other 1/3 is not that cold so I can't hide my fluffy self with a lot of winter clothes.

So there is my motivation to keep going, I'm visualizing how good I will look on my new bathing suit for the summer or how comfortable I will feel for spring training wearing shorts and sleevless shirts not to worrying about my super fat arms.

Which makes me think about this, what do you trust more the scale or the tape measure?

The other day I weighed myself on that freaking, ugly, devil scale of mine and I weigh more than before I started to working out so I was in shock and about to go and eat all the chocolate I could find on my way because I was sad and dissapointed, I mean if you are working your butt off the less you are expecting is to see some results, right? Well I asked my friends on facebook and most of them agreed that the tape measure is better than the scale or the way your clothes fits you.

I definitely can feel a difference but it would be great to SEE a change on the numbers on the scale.

This week I kinda going to start over and not to pay attention to the number on the scale but the numbers on the tape measure so (please don't laugh) my numbers are as follows:

Waist: 34"
Breast: 38.5"
Tight: 22.5"
Arms: 11.5"
Hips: 39.5"

We will see if I can see a difference next week.

Overall I'm happy so far and as my husband says it's always better something than nothing or "pian pianito" as my grandma used to say (That its a say in spanish that means little by little).

So what do you do, scale or tape measure? Any feedback would be greatly appreciate.

Happy week and see you next monday!!!

Would you like a new FREE desing for your blog?

2010-01-29T12:21:00.002-07:00

What if you could have a design blog like this, this, this or this ?

The amazing Amanda of Kevin & Amanda is hosting this absolutely awesome giveaway where one lucky winner will get a new blog design just as you want it from the awesome people of DesignerBlogs.com.

For more details go to Amanda's webpage and enter to this fantastic giveaway.

Good luck!!! And if you are one of the winner I would love to see your new blog soon.

:)

#things I love :: Photography#

2010-01-28T21:34:00.001-07:00

Is not new that I love love love photography and I really wish 1. I have talent and 2. I have a nice DSLR but since I don't have neither I'm happy just ~~stalking~~ visiting my favorite photographers blogs and having some eye candy ~~everyday~~ every once in a while.

Here's my top 5:

Jessica Claire
Kamee June
DrewB
Marnee Marriot & Latricia Soucy
Bethany Graham

If you live in Arizona and want some awesome pictures at a very affordable price call Cortney Talbott, she just started her business and is building her clientele. She specializes in newborns, kids and families and her work is great!

Enjoy some awesomeness and AMAZING images that I'm sure will stay in your memory for long long time.

Share some love with them! They deserve it!

Happy 14 months my dear love!

2010-01-25T16:22:00.001-07:00

Oh my! 14 months already and I'm just getting over the fact that she turned ONE!

Where did the time go?

How did this happen?

Please someone explain that to me, when my tiny and fragil baby became such a fun, hyperactive, smart little girl?

She can now say mama, dada, papa, ball, dog, bye-bye, balloon (oh she LOVES ballons), she says mooo mooo like a cow and quak quak like a duck.

She blows kisses, she does "give me 5", she does "touchdown".

She takes 1 or 2 naps a day, depends on at what time she wakes up in the morning.

She eats almost everything as she is getting really picky about vegetables and such, her favorite is cheese tortellini with marinara sauce, strawberries, pancakes (McDonald's pancakes) and she loves her milk.

My favorite part is when she is playing and all of the sudden she runs towards me and hug me so tight! or when she hears the garage door opening and she runs to the kitchen pointing at the door saying dada, dada! because she knows daddy is home.

Happy birthday my princess!

We will love you forever

we will like you for always

as long as we are living

our baby you will be.

#Mcfatty monday :: week 4#

2010-01-25T15:28:00.002-07:00

As I'm eating a full bag of popcorn I'm very happy to announce that I lost 1.8 more pounds this week!!!

I have been very good at counting calories so I don't end up eating more that I should and I really think is not that complicated and the best part is that I can still eat whatever I want just being careful about the serving sizes.

I haven't drink anything but water and I feel good about it, I don't miss soda at all.

Now let's talk about exercise, I'm lazy and I don't like it but I realize that if I want to reach my goal in less time I need to get up and work my butt off.

I found a very cool gadget on my phone call cardio trainer where you can setup everything about your weight loss program, how many lbs you want to loose, how many calories you are eating everyday, your BMI, everything about your work out, it tells you if you are wlaking or running, for how long, how many calories you burned, it also has a GPS !!! I'm in love with this application but I found it yesterday so I didnt do to much exercise this week, I just walked 5 miles yesterday and I'm planning on doing this everyday, 3 miles with my baby on her stroller and 2 more miles with my dog at the dog park!

(Note for myself: Get a jogging stroller)

This is the longest that I have ever follow a plan to lose weight and I'm happy, energized and motivated to keep going.

I want to thank to my wonderful husband for all of his support because I couldn't do this without him cheering me on!!! Love you babe!

My goal for this week is to lose at least 2 more pounds and start walking faster everytime so I might be able to start jogging in no time.

Until next monday

#Mcfatty Monday Week 3 #

2010-01-18T09:59:00.007-07:00

Yes, y'all!!! (As Blair, the creator of Mcfatty monday would say) I already lost *EIGHT* lbs and I'm so very happy and proud of myself.

I have to say that it haven't been easy to count calories and restricted the amount of food that goes to my tummy everyday or drink just plain water mostly because 1. I do like to eat like a pig and 2. because I love soda and sugary drinks.

But the results oh! the results are wonderful, 6 lbs this week and my skin looks much more hydrated.

Love it!

The bad:

I haven't done exercise AT ALL! Not even 10 minutes
I'm obsessed with the scale and weighed myself every single day which some day made me so frustrated as I wasn't seeing any changes.

The good:

I drank lots of water

I didn't have ANY soda not even diet.

I scrumptiosly counted my calories every day

Goals for this week

Do some exercise (I don't promise I will but at least I will try)

Keep counting calories (5 days - 1500, 1 day - 1700, 1 day - 2200)

Hide the scale until next monday

So yeah! I still have a long way to go but I can feel this time I will do it!!!

Until next monday

# Home Improvement#

2010-01-17T20:05:00.003-07:00

Before David & I got married he had lived in this house for about 2 or 3 years, when I move in every single wall was white, the furniture was arranged in a different way, he had 2 plants that he kept alive because he likes plants but that was all.

This was a bachelor house!

Little by little I started painting one wall at a time, re-arranging furniture, putting pictures and paintings up, adding some color, making this house feel like home.

I love HGTV and I would love to have the creativity those people have and of course the money to do it but sadly I don't have neither of them so I have to improvise.

It's incredible what a simple curtains and a cute curtain rods can do to enhance a room.

Here is the prove.

(Sorry about the mess)

Today we FINALLY were able to put these up and I love it!!!

What do you think?

#Help out Haiti#

2010-01-14T21:08:00.002-07:00

I lived in Mexico City when the earthquake of 1985 happened. It was a terrible experience. We all lost family and friends.

This time Haiti is suffering the worst tragedy on its history.

I believe we can do something to help them out.

You can send a $10 donation to the Red Cross by texting “Haiti” to 90999. You will be billed an extra $10 on your phone bill.

By giving up a one entertainment activity, you can save a life in Haiti.

$10 = one bottle of wine
$10 = 2 six packs of beer
$10 = a cover charge to your favorite music venue
$10 = 2 DVD rentals
$10 = 1 Pizza from Pizza Hut
$10 = one movie ticket
$10 = one snack and one beverage at the movies
$10 = 3 gallons of gas
$10 = one (modest) home cooked meal for two

You know you can afford it!

This is an effort backed by the U.S. State Department. Funds will go to support American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

This is not a hoax - here's the press release from the redcross website:

http://mashable.com/2010/01/13/haiti-red-cross-donations/

Thank you!!!

#Mcfatty monday# Week 2

2010-01-11T12:46:00.003-07:00

Today is Monday Mcfatty and I have to say I didn't do anything to acomplish my goal.

Shame on me!

I know but I just love food so much and I'm lazy (Wow! I say it loud).

Somehow I managed to lose 2lbs which is great I guess!

My goal for this week is NOT to drink soda at all. Just water, hopefully 64oz a day!

Exercise? uhmmm I have like 500 excuses. so we can discuss that another time.

Until next week!

#10 on 10 :: January 10#

2010-01-10T20:36:00.002-07:00

10 pictures on the 10th day of the month!

(Document a snapshot of your life and find beauty amont the ordinary things in your day!)

Wow! This is big!

Show me the money baby!

Gracie & Mommy

Gracie's best friend

Winnie!

Our fridge

Hot balloon in Arizona

Gracie & Daddy

Sunset

Showing some attitude!

Jr. & friends

#Dentist visit#

2010-01-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

First of all let me tell you that I don't like dentists AT ALL! I didn't have pleasant experiences when I was a child and I still feel like I can't breathe everytime I have to go.

Fortunately we found the BEST DENTIST OFFICE ever!!! Seriously I just love it!! The doctor is super nice & very proffesional, I mean the whole staff is awesome, very nice and kind. The office is beautiful, the chairs are super comfy next to a waterfall!!!! Yes! that is very soothing and relaxing. They even have warm blankets and you can pick between listening music or watch a movie while they are working on your mouth! If that wasn't enough is less than half a mile away from our house!!!

I have a follow up appointmet to check on the surgery I had last month and everything looks pretty good, unfortunately I still have to go to get done some other things but I definitely not scared anymore.

The star of the show was of course Grace, I brought her along because I wanted them to check on her baby teeth just to be sure that everything is fine.

All I have to say is WOW! she amazed me everyday. She was calm and cool during the whole time she was on the chair, she let Debbie to take a peek on her mouth without a fuss. I sure hope that this attitude will continue forever.

She was happy "playing" with the toothbrush!!!

Overall it was a great experience and it's so nice to know that all is good.

If you live in Arizona and need a dentist don't hesitate to give Dr. Smallwood and his staff a call, I guarantee you won't be dissapointed.

#What a busy and messy day!#

2010-01-06T20:31:00.002-07:00

We started our day at 9:30am!!!!!! I guess she was really tired since she slept for more than 14hrs straight, is that or she is growing again!

We had a delicious breakfast with pancakes, strawberries and bananas, milk for Gracie and orange juice for mommy. By the time we were done August was sleeping soundly so we watched our favorite show Yo Gabba Gabba because we like to dance!!!

Miss I.slept.a.lot. finally went down for a nap @ 2pm and woke up @ 3:30. Considering that her "regular" afternoon nap is from 3 to 5pm that made me think about how to entertain her and I remembered that my friend Heather gave her a fingers paint kit for her birthday.

Oh my! What a fun mess!

She thought that the paint was food of course and instead of painting she was eating it. She was so happy therefore I was too.

::mmmm this is yummy!::

::happy & messy baby::

& what is next after a messy play time? A bath of course! She loves water and bubbles!

::I always wanted to have a picture of her like this::

Gracie:

May your days be always as fun as today!

I love you cookie.

Mommy

And now ::trumpets sound:: ladies & gentlemen the MASTER PIECES

We have an artist in the house!

#Welcome back Austin Powers#

2010-01-04T12:46:00.001-07:00

After 2 weeks of vacation AF is back!

We are happy to have you back buddy!

Mcfatty Monday

2010-01-04T10:34:00.001-07:00

Ever since Grace was born (13 months ago) I've been struggling with the whole "lose weight" thing but the reality is that I haven't really been commited or willing to make sacrifices about my diet.

Not anymore.

I want to lose weight because:

1. I want to be healthy
2. I want to look better
3. I want my clothes to fit again
4. I want to feel better about myself

So starting today I will slowly make changes on my diet and take some time to do some exercise, I don't want to say I will eat just salads or I will go to the gym everyday for 2 hours because I know I won't but at least I'll try.

My goal is to lose 30lbs in 6 months but if it takes longer it's OK too.

Every monday I will write about my achievements just to keep a record.

I think Blair's idea is a fantastic idea!

Bring the scale on!

Current weight: 153lbs (ouch!!!) ...

New gate

2010-01-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

As Grace gets older she is getting more and more CRAZY, yes! thats the word to define her behavior. Nah! I'm just kidding I mean she is 13 months old, what kind of trouble she can cause? ha ha ha ha I have more than 1 example, like eat the dog's food or pull the mats on the kitchen table and pour water all over the floor and of course on her or how about reach the cutlery drawer and take the KNIVES and forks and spoons ... I should clarify that so far she hasn't been harmed at all.

Well since I don't want to lose my sanity we decided to get another baby gate today, one that doesn't need any kind of installation since it will be used to block 2 spaces in the house. I'm so happy about this purchase but one 1 year old person that I don't want to mention her name is obviously not.

New gate = peace of mind

sorta

Tomorrow I'm going "back to work", after 2 weeks of vacation AugustFinley returns tomorrow. I hope now that Gracie will have her buddy back she will calm down.

I.hope.so.

Dato curioso

2010-01-02T23:17:00.001-07:00

I realized that today is/was a special day. On a curious way!!!

Gracie is 1 year, 1 month, 1 week and 1 day old!

A new style

2010-01-02T23:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how different she looks with a new hair style.

It seems like 2 different babies to me.

Welcome 2010

2010-01-01T20:08:00.001-07:00

So here we are, a new year full of excitement!

We were on a lazy mode today. The only excited thing we did was go to the mall to get Gracie a new pair of sneakers oh! and I got a new shirt from Old Navy.

Wow! I want all year to be like today, easy, funny, lazy with the 2 people that I love the most in the whole wide world.

And because I don't like posts wuithout pictures, here is a picture of Gracie's sneakers for you to enjoy!

How exciting is that?

Happy New Year!!!

2009-12-31T13:26:00.002-07:00

Bye Bye 2009!!!

Welcome 2010!!!

Happy New Year everyone!!!

May the New Year brings you happiness, peace and love!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I like the most about Christmas is that you get to spend it with your family, we traveled 13 hrs to Colorado to spent time with them and we absolutely had a blast!

We got there on Thursday 24th just to get ready to go to church, Grace did great at the service!!! Santa brought her this dress to wear it at church and dinner!

After church we went back to the house to have a yummy dinner! Lasagna, spaguetti, salad, bread and of course pie! Then everyone went to bed to wait for Santa!!!

Gracie wore her Christmas pj's, aren't they the cutest?

She was so excited about her presents, she got tons of toys and clothes from Santa and the family!

Gracie got to open her presents first and then we have so much fun with our secret santa exchange. Santa a.k.a Marsha brought me my so much wished crock pot. Yay! I will finally be able to make dinner without excuses!

This is like my new present looks like.

Santa a.k.a Jenni brought David 2 gift cards, a cologne and a beautiful door stop in a shape of an old iron. I don't have pictures but it's really cute!

We made a pause since Jenny and Dom had to go to see Dom's family and while we wait for dinner to be ready and for them we got to play some Wii. I had to say I never play wii before and I loved it!!!!!

Dinner was as always just perfect, Marsha and Mike have been married for 30 years so they have a lot of practice and experience when it comes about making dinner for their family, it's amazing how well coordinate they are, they know who makes what, how and at what time!!!

Of course the rest of the family help them too, Eleesa always make deviled eggs and Jenny make a fruit salad.

The menu included turkey, ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, cranberries, etc...

After played bowling on Wii we decided to go to play the real thing, oh we had so much fun!!! My arm hurted horrible the next day but I was just having the time of my life!

Here another family picture

I love to spend the holidays in Colorado!!!

We had a wonderful time!!!

Peace & Joy

2009-12-26T21:55:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas!!!

From our family to yours.

Card design by: Hissyfits Photography

Sick day

2009-12-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

Gracie is sick! My poor baby!!!

This is the very first time in almost 13 months that she gets really sick. We had to take her to the pediatrician because she had fever and vomit.

I was scared as hell and didn't know what to do, it's not fun to see your baby feeling bad and crying. The worst part is that she can't tell me where it hurted so I was just especulating. I thought it was the flu or cold but it turned to be stomach flu. Stupid bugs!!!

She is still not feeling good and doesn't want to eat, I'm trying to give her liquids as much as I can since she is not interested, Dr. said she needs to rest for at least 48 hrs but she is optimistic that she will be fine in a couple of days.

I love you Gracie cookie and I would give everything I have to take the pain away!

Win a Dyson D25

2009-12-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to have a GOOD vacuum and now I would probably have one for FREE!!!

Yes! You can win a Dyson D25 too!

Just go to Baby Rabies and enter your info.

Good luck to me and good luck to you too. :)

10 on 10 :: December 09

2009-12-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

10 pictures on the 10th day of the month!

(Document a snapshot of your life and find beauty among the ordinary things in your day!)

Gracie trying to escape!

We don't have a Christmas tree this year but we DO have an ornament!

Gracie & Daddy on the line to see Santa

I just love this picture!

Just resting for a minute!

At the Tempe Festival of the Arts

Gracie loves water!

All bundle up watching the Light Christmas Parade

Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs

Giant Hello Kitty ballon for Gracie's party! The ballon is bigger than her!

Cookie recipe exchange

2009-12-10T13:28:00.001-07:00

I love cookies recipes exchanges! It's a fun way to share your favorite and get other yummy recipes as well! Let's the fun begin! You can share your recipe here Hershey Kisses Cookies 1/2 c. butter1/2 c. sugar1/2 c. brown sugar1/2 c. peanut butter1 egg1 tsp. vanilla

1 3/4 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

Hershey Kisses, 1 for each cookie

Pre heat oven to 375 F.

Cream together butter, both sugars and peanut butter.

Add 1 egg and vanilla

Add flour, baking soda and salt

Form in walnut side balls

Roll in white sugar and place them on a cookie sheet

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes

Press Hershey Kiss into each cookie when fresh out of the oven

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen

Enjoy!!!

A new family project

2009-12-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

As if I don't have nothing to do, I just started this new project today!

The Vader Family Project 365

In another subject, I have been super busy chasing Grace everywhere, it seems like as soon as she turned 1 she decided to get CRAZY! Seriously I can't even blink without her getting in trouble. Doors, cabinets, windows, drawers, toilets, TV, DVD player, the dog ... It's like that comercial where all the objetcs of the house run away from the baby.

So the question is what I am doing on internet right now if I'm so busy? Easy, she is taking a nap!

Last monday I had my oral surgery and I slept for 20 hrs straight, while for one part was really nice to get some rest for the other part I feel like I missed one day of my life, on tuesday I was like "what day is today?". I'm still very sore of my teeth but getting better everyday.

I have to say Thank you to my wonderful husband who takes good care of me and my awesome friends. :)

Christmas is almost here ...

2009-12-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

Today we took Gracie to take the picture with Santa!!!

I was very excited because this was her first time with him!!!

I was afraid that she wasn't going to do okay since the last time she saw him she freaked out but she did great! At least she didn't cry, we tried to get her to smile but she was like hypnotized!!!

After the picture we went to the Christmas Parade at Downtown Chandler, we had so much fun watching the cars with all those lights and the music. That was Grace's favorite part, the high school band, she was clapping and dancing and saying bye bye to everyone. At the end of the parade they turned on the lights on the Tumbleweed tree.

I loved it!!!

We are going to make this a family tradition!

Add SNOW to your blog

2009-12-04T19:09:00.002-07:00

If you want to add some snow to your blog click here to get the code.

It's super easy and super cute!!!

Giveaway

2009-12-03T17:23:00.001-07:00

I follow this super cute blog and her owner is having a giveaway on her new blog.

You can win an adorable pair of baby shoes so don't wait anymore and go check it out! :)

Give a gift = Give water

2009-12-01T22:36:00.001-07:00

This morning I was able to brush my teeth, take a shower and drink a cup of coffee before I read this post.

Then I started thinking how lucky I am to have clean water to ease my baby's thirst and what could I do to help?

This year I don't want Christmas presents for me or Grace, this year I just want to give a gift = Give WATER!!!

Just click here if you want to donate or here if you want to donate on Julie's project and win something, it really doesn't matter just do it!!!

Tell your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors!!!

Please join me and together we can save lifes!

1 year well check

2009-12-01T21:31:00.002-07:00

Today we had Grace's 1 year well check and as I was expecting she is still at the top of the charts.

Weight: 26lbs / 97%

Height: 32 1/2 inches / 100%

Dr. Jones said she is doing great and that she is bigger than most 2 year olds (that made me laugh because I get that quite often)

Overall she is a happy, healthy and BIG baby!

One thing that I got my attention was that he said we can calculated how tall she will be by just duplicating her height when she turns 2. If that is accurate and if she were 2 now that would mean she will be 5' 6" tall!!! I think this is really interesting!

I'm still here

2009-12-01T21:12:00.004-07:00

***Warning: This post has tons of pictures and it's longer than my usual posts***

It's been a while.

But I have been so busy organizing Gracie's birthday party, packing, a 13 hrs road trip, unpacking, Gracie's 1st birthday, Thanksgiving, another birthday party, packing, another 13 hrs road trip, unpacking, uff!

I'm also dissapointed that I couldn't achieve to post every day of November, oh well! maybe next year.

We went to Colorado and we got to be there for Gracie's actual birthday, we went to dinner to a fun place called Gunther Toody's and at the end they sang the Happy Birthday for her and I had to dance! They also gave her a funny hat that all the waitress signed and puted red lips on it. It was so fun!

Thanksgiving day was great. The food was delicious. We loved to spent it with our family. We have so much to be thankful for. Family, friends, health, our beautiful daughter.

She had her first "real" Thanksgiving meal and she loved it, she ate everything, Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, yams, stuffing, pie ... there is nothing she wouldn't try and for that I'm very thankful too.

She wore a beautiful outfit her Aunt Marsha got for her, isn't she cute?

The weather was COLD but we made sure we have everything to keep her warm.

I just love these pj's!

And what can I say about these boots? Adorable

We also were able to help putting the X-mas tree up and we had so much fun! Gracie was mesmerized with all the ornaments and lights! She even has her very own ornament on her aunt and uncle's tree.

I love that we are creating such a cool memories for her!

And at last but not least we celebrated her birthday AGAIN! but this time with the family and some friends. Aunt Marsha made the cake and her cousins Jenni and Michelle brougth her balloons, we love balloons!!!
I can say that without a doubt they love her to death!
She was very happy!!!

We had an amazing time and are looking forward to go back for Christmas.

Thank you Marsha, Mike, Jenni, Dom, Michelle, Cory, Mikey for your hospitality, we love you guys very very much!!!

Thankful

2009-11-26T17:57:00.003-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Today and everyday I am thankful for:

My husband David, I love his heart and generosity. He is such a hard worker. He is the best dad to Grace, he wakes up with her everyday, change her diaper and give her the bottle so I can sleep a little bit longer. I love him so much and I am so lucky to be married to him.

My beautiful daughter Grace who have brought more joy to my life than I could ever describe.

Our families, all of them are just the best!

Our old and new friends, we are so lucky to have such an amazing people in our lives.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

flashback february 09

2009-11-23T22:47:00.003-07:00

My Fargo girl

2009-11-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

We are ready for winter in Colorado!

flashback Jan 09

2009-11-22T22:27:00.000-07:00

Birthday Party # 2

2009-11-22T21:37:00.001-07:00

Gracie and I had a wonderful brunch with some of our friends today!

They have known her since I was pregnant and then when she was born all of them were there with me supporting me!

Grace's birthday was the perfect excuse to get together and talk and have fun together, I love them with all my heart and I'm so thankful I can call them my friends.

Another cake for Gracie! :)

Exploring the restaurant with her failry new walking skills!!!

She was mad because I didn't want to give her more cake and ice cream!

We just have 1 more party to go in Colorado with the family and I just hope she is not going to want 3 parties every year!

Birthday Party # 1

2009-11-22T15:56:00.002-07:00

We had Gracie's party yesterday and all I can say is that it was PERFECT!

Our family and friends were here with us to help us celebrate.

The "theme" of the party was Hello Kitty and I loved it! Gracie loved it too, we got tons of ballons ro decorate the house and the backyard.

Even Jr. joined us!!!

Gracie wasn't sure about her cake but she did a good job after all and she didn't get the sugar high too bad!!!

My sister in law, Marsha, made the cakes and I made the cupcakes, I had so much fun making the cupcakes toopers as well. They were so easy to make!!!

What can I say about her outfit? BEAUTIFUL!!! I love the tutu and her piggy tails.

We had a blast celebrating another milestone!

I can't believe she will be ONE in 3 days.

We love you baby!

Thank you to all the people that made her first birthday party a success! We are so glad you are in our lives!

Lack of posts

2009-11-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

I know I'm behind my posting but I have been really busy with Grace's party. Man! I never thought that organize a kids party was such a big deal and is not like I'm throwing a HUGE party but still required a lot of time and logistic. Good thing is that my sister in law is here to help us.

I will post an entire post about the party but for now I think I need to go to bed because tomorrow is the big day!

I'm very excited!!!