Pictures from Mexico

Beautiful little girl!
Fun in the pool
Daddy and his little girl!
All of us enjoying lunch in Ensenada

These are the first two pictures I put on Flickr!

Siobhan and Diego August 2004

Yummy tacos from Mexico

Tell me you don't want to try it

A newly emerged "fish spa" is becoming fashionable in many hot spring resorts, and has attracted even more customers, all curious about this peculiar treatment.

At such a spa, many Garra Rufa, a type of small tropical fish, also nicknamed Chinchin Yu, nibble fish or simply doctor fish, are put in hot springs. As they can live and swim freely in at least 43-degree-hot waters, they are naturally used for the treatment of skin diseases in such spas.

When placed in the spa, these fish can feed themselves on the dead cells of the human body, since they only consume such cells, leaving the healthy skin of the human body to grow. The whole process is reportedly free of pain. It won't hurt and the bather might feel a pleasant tingling on his or her skin.
Link

Huh? What? Oh me?

Where have I been? Oh, just got back from Mexico! Great time! Great sun, drinks, food, drinks, shopping, did I mention drinks! Nothing like sitting by the pool sipping a nice big drink out of a pineapple while the little one's swim around. Siobhan will make friends with anyone. I am sure she held conversations with at least 3 girls who don't speak English. She doesn't seem to mind. She will boss them around just the same.

Enjoyed a nice lobster dinner. Okay, let me tell you the deal we get. All you can eat rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, homemade flour tortillas, a free margarita with a shot and 5 lobster half's for $15.00. We had three orders and were stuffed! Yummy!

Okay so I lost the hotel room key. I actually found it the first place I looked for it, at the liquor store. Kinda ruined the night as Eric was mad I lost the key, but well, I found it so no harm done.

We rented and drove ATV's (four wheelers) while we were there. Krystal got stuck and ran out of gas. Siobhan enjoyed it. Diego LOVED it! He kept telling Eric "Faster Daddy, faster!". That was fun and something we hadn't done before.

We didn't get to do too much shopping. We saw a really big rocking chair that we might pick up next time. Really big and so comfortable!

I will post pictures later. I got the new Sims expansion pack. I hear them calling my name!

Happy 18th Birthday

Well, she has gone from little to grown up. When the hell did that happen? 18 years old today. I can't believe it. Such a beautiful, talented, loving and happy girl. Now she is a college student with dreams all her own. At least I can say with my whole heart that we did a GREAT job with this one! God bless you sweetheart, enjoy your day!

Nan sent this hat from Thailand for Diego. He wears it everywhere. People love it!

To my love

It is our 7th wedding anniversary today. We have been together 14 years. Most days of the week I realize how much I love my husband. Of course, there are always the hum drum days, but I LOVE him. I am lucky. We are lucky. I know that. My husband is all I have ever been looking for. He is full of love and kindness. He is man with emotion. He shares with me and our children verbally and physically how much he loves us. He is supportive of everything I want for myself. I know I am a hard person to live with, yet we fit just fine.

He supported me emotionally and helped out with the kids while I was going to school. He has supported me through finding the right job and helps me know he will be there for me. I work for a Non Profit and although the money I make now is okay, I could certainly be making a lot more somewhere else. Luckily for us, it is okay and we both feel that you should LOVE what you do.

We agree on how we are raising the kids. We fight about money. We kiss and hug. We both still get teary eyed when we talk about the kids. He fills my heart and my head. We want the same things from life. He has been my life. For seven married years I have been lucky enough to call myself his wife.

My love is yours always Eric. You allow me to be me. You support me. You comfort me. You have given me the most beautiful children inside and out. We have and continue to raise some wonderful children. God really blessed me with you!

Happy Anniversary.

Big girl

Siobhan had her last day at Childtime (preschool) yesterday. She has been there three years. Man, what an emotional day! She took a cake for her class and one of those BIG cookies that said "Siobhan's last day". She gave all the teachers a really cute angel in a heart that her Nana got for her to give out. She gave her two teachers a note that she did all by herself (plus a little gift card from mom and dad).
One of her teachers made her a really cool book with pictures from the last year or so. What a keepsake. She list the children's names and there were some really great pictures. She had the kids sign it (like a yearbook) and the teachers as well. Her teacher wrote something so sweet I started crying.
Her other teacher gave her a Hello Kitty jewelry box that she can decorate. She will have a great time doing that.
One of her friends gave her a High School Musical Doll. Yikes if I have to hear that thing sing ONE more time!
She got a few cards from her friends.
The Director and Ass. Director gave her some school supplies.

Wow. I know she is an amazing little girl, but it is so heartwarming to see that other people see it too!

Three weeks of hanging around with Nana. Kindergarten starts at the end of this month. We still have to order her uniforms and go supply shopping. They have a very detailed list of what she needs to bring. Very particular with the shoes too. hee hee she will be so cute though!

I got an out

That's right. Caught a pop up fly ball. Anyone could have caught it, but I did. Woo hoo, I earned the right to play. ha ha

I always hit the ball but if I had kept running I would have made it on base tonight. Grr, always keep running, you never know!

Still, we were off our game but it was fun!

Honey, can I have this?

Pretty please?

Oh yeah

Saturday Siobhan had her last dance class for the summer, which we missed. Her dance studio is great because they have all kinds of different types of dance for everyone, they are very inexpensive but man they LACK serious communication. Oh well.

I came home on Saturday to Bradley cleaning the garage (we have a nightmare garage, just like Dad's!) and Krystal painting in the kitchen. Oh man, really what more could you want. Kids doing ALL the work. Ideal!

There is so much work to be done, but it will get done. Slowly.

Missed two day of work this past week due to having the stomach flu. Man, I was so behind. I am looking forward to tomorrow to catch up. I LOVE my job!

Eric and I are trying to figure out when to take a few days to go Mexico in the next couple of weeks. Krystal will already be there so it will just be the rest of us. Any one else want to go?

The Pediatric GI thinks Siobhan might have acid reflux. I am not sold on that. They are running all kinds of test. There is a three day poop thing we are doing at home. Talk about fun! I guess we have to wait and see. Still, doesn't seem to account for the fact that the x-ray shows a lot of poop in her belly.

Anyway, in the background in the movie "Like is Beautiful" (La Vita è bella). That movie is all about love. Amazing!

I say it again

If babies came out as teenagers, couples would only have ONE baby!

CHECK OUT THE POLL I ADDED

Over there on the right! No, your other right! ---------------->
It will change every week. ------------->
Take it! ------------------------------------------------------->

hungry?

Last night Eric and I went out to dinner. We went to Amazon BBQ which is a Brazilian BBQ restaurant. You pay a set price (in this case $25.95 per person), there is a salad bar with lots of goodies (shrimp, all kinds of salads, chicken, onion rings, etc) and they bring by the meat for you. There is a color coded thing on your table. Green-bring the meat. Red-give me a break. ha ha I didn't get to try the alligator. I would have tried it, at least that is what I tell myself. It was GOOD meat too. All of it. Man, you could really eat your fill. It would be a great place to go if you plan to hang out a while.

Obviously we left the kids at home but they might get to go next time.

The book I am currently reading

My birthday

Had a great birthday. Well, except for the work meeting first thing, after that, SUPER! My staff decorated my office in a "baja" theme. They said they brought Baja to me. They even had music playing. I got a lot of gifts from everyone. Gift cards to Target (2), iTunes, McDonalds (the kids used that already!) and Borders. I got 4 books too. They had a pot luck taco bar as a surprise for lunch. That was cool! My family got me a LA Galaxy jersey (see below)
We went out for dinner, minus Bradley. He had a bad headache. I think he gets migraines. It was nice! All in all I felt really spoiled. All my co-workers really do birthdays big. Which we really should all celebrate our lives in this world!

Siobhan has an appointment this week with a Peds GI about her belly. That is on Thursday. I am sure they will just schedule some kind of test.

Krystal has her paper drivers test on Wed. Scary! Of course, she still has to actually pass!

Thank you Apple

Apple stock is currently $143.75 a share. Thanks all you iPod, iPhone and Apple computer people. We thank you mucho mas!

Happy Birthday to me!

happy birthday dear Di, you are almost 40!

8 things about my husband and me

Tagged by Mary
1. We dated 7 years before we got married

2. We took our two oldest kids on our honeymoon with us

3. We are both extreme liberals

4. We would rather listen to music than watch TV

5. Both of us are night owls (although somehow he is able to get up in the morning)

6. We love going to Mexico and we plan on retiring there

7. He took me on my first trip to Europe. A few years later we took our two older kids (still need to plan a trip for the younger two)

8. We seriously, completely love one another no matter what. We are two people we were supposed to be together (not to say every day is perfect, but our love for one another is!)

Maybe not earth shattering news, but there it is!

Ahhh, nice weekend, well sort of

Friday night was softball and pizza afterwards. I didn't stay too long because I had the little one's and Siobhan had dance in the morning. Took Siobhan to dance and K and her friend E to the mall. After dance a trip to the market. A nice nap, then I went to the mall to pick K and E up. There was enough time to let Siobhan and Diego play at the little play area at the mall.

I wasn't feeling too well and had a bit too much wine I think. Bad headache and a bit of belly ache (cheese maybe?) so to bed early.

Sunday, my favorite! Nada. Our cousin came by and then a family friend stopped by too! Doing laundry and "little" bit of light housecleaning. I love Sundays. Nothing to do. No where I have to be. Just hang around. Two cups of coffee, relax in the pj's. Ahhhh!

Tomorrow I am taking Siobhan for her follow up about her belly. She has been on meds for three weeks. I don't think it has helped very much but we will find out tomorrow. Poor baby.

She has three weeks left of Childtime. Then she will be home with Krystal and Bradley and visiting with Nana Carol when possible for another three weeks. THEN SCHOOL!. I can't believe it.

We have to go in a few weeks and buy her uniforms! Big girl. She is going to be so cute! I know she will want to wear the skirt or jumper all of the time, no shorts for this little girl. Kindergarten, wow!

Softball game # 3

Yikes. We had two guys fill in for two guys who were gone. One was a pitcher, the other one didn't do so well. The pitcher was good all the way around. Eric's friend Kevin has been to game 2 and 3. We should have him fill in for us. One of the guys on our team thought he was my husband. ha-ha. The team decided he is our No. 1 fan!

We were playing a pretty tough team. They were all about the game. Then one of our guys got a little bit rough with another guy (the biggest guys on each team) and Yikes, we almost had a fight. It is a game, fellas! Geez!

Then our guy had another scuffle with another one of their players and the Ump called the game. That was that. There is always next week. Oh, I struck out. I can't believe it. I go to the batting cages and I can hit whatever comes my way. grrr.

Next week we will get them. I keep saying by next year we will be together. Most of these teams have been playing together for a while now. There is only one other new team in our league!

Hungry

I saw this sign outside a bread store by Siobhan's dance. I walked past and giggled. I had to go back and get a picture. It isn't great (it was my cell phone) but you can read it. Man, hamburgers don't stand a chance!

A few pics!

Krystal and Diego! Too cute!

Siobhan enjoying dinner at Chili Pepper (Diego and Bradley are in there too!)

Catch Up

Well, I haven't been able to use my darn Blogger because it wouldn't allow me to post. I kept getting an error. I was getting pretty po'd too because I couldn't get any help. Alas, I was able to find some help here!

Friday night we had our second softball game. Didn't do too badly either. We were winning for most of it. We lost by 1. Okay, the good part of the story is: I was on first base, running hard to second and I fell! Yep, I fell. I didn't trip, I didn't slip, I fell! I am not the most coordinated person anyway, but dang! I was so mad. I was trying so hard! Of course I got out. Dang! Oh well, at least I tried. (What I will try and do is NOT fall next time!)

Saturday we went to Uncle Richard's house for a party. see Eric's Flickr page here!

Sunday we went to a Winery for Natalie's anniversary. It was fun. I actually picked out some wine I enjoyed. I think I like this wine tasting stuff. Watch out Napa, here we come!

Siobhan lost her very first tooth!

It only took about 4 days for her to actually let me pull it. I can't believe how big she is getting!

iPhone, come to me!

Picture stolen from Boing Boing

My two boys

Diego was a little afraid to get wet, but not for too long. This was taken at Huntington Beach today!

Diego at the beach today

Is he a cutie or what?

My two girls!

Can you spot a real smile

I got 11 out of 20. My husband got 12 out of 20. I think I tried too hard. Let me know what you get!

click here!

vacation

Saturday Siobhan had her dance class. Then we had a Family Reunion at Irvine park. Sunday I dropped Siobhan and Krystal at the Main Place Mall. Afterwards we went shopping to buy a big blow up pool. The kids enjoyed the pool Monday. I was out there with my book, wine cooler, enjoying the kids splashing me about every 3 seconds. Tuesday all of us (minus Bradley- he didn't want to go) went out for a nice lunch of Indian food. Yummy. If you will in So. Cal, check out this place, the best! Haveli's Go for the buffet!

Sam, our friendly Electrician came to install the electrically for our new bathtub. He brought his wife Judy too. Talk about a couple of fun, sweet people. Those two have it nailed. What a wonderful marriage they must have too!

Last night Siobhan spent the night at her Nana Carol's house. Today I will be taking Krystal to the bank to deposit all her graduation money she has received so far. I might take Siobhan to get her hair trimmed. I need to go to the pet store. Tonight I pick up Siobhan's dance pictures and take her to the doctor. She complains often after eating that her belly hurts. The doctor suggested to try prunes and see if it helps, if not bring her in. Well, it didn't so we are going today to follow up.

I think my hubby wants a sandwich from Mattern Sausage & Meats. Yummy! I might just have to stop and pick up a big meat filled sandwich for a mere $3 something.

And baby makes SEVEN

My husband has been bothering me like crazy lately that we should have another baby. As is, we have FOUR children. What will we do with another? I have been a mother for almost 18 years and finally, ahhh yes finally, I am actually starting to feel like a person. I do not want another child, of that I am sure. But the more he talks.. how could I not love another little Eric/Di? A beautiful little angel. He answers all my questions and concerns correctly. Where will the baby go? I am too old. blah, blah blah.

I don't think I can handle getting up "all night" long. I just don't know. Of course I would want to give my husband anything he wants. He is such a fabulous dad. I love him and all four little brats so much. The pressure!

My two girls

Siobhan and Krystal went to the mall on Sunday to buy bathing suits. Siobhan just "had" to take the pictures. Yeah, I am sure she really had to talk Krystal into it!

Last La Fea mas Bella tonight

Tonight is the last La Fea mas Bella. I think we have been watching it every weeknight for almost a year now. It was supposed to end in January but they have kept going. Tonight is the night! I just know Lety is going to pick Fernando. I know I would!

I didn't cry

I did tear up a little bit at the end when they announced the graduation class of 2007, but just misty eyed. I surprised myself!

She was so excited to be done. She thought the graduation was boring (it was, aren't they always!). We were all there, her Uncle Tony, Aunt Emma, cousin Holly, Uncle Mark, cousin Tyler, and both Grandma's. It was nice. Everyone came over our house afterwards for cake. She was so excited by her new Macbook (she photo below). She cried! Ahhh, doesn't get much better than that!

Krystal and Siobhan

Krystal is a high school graduate

Here she is, graduation night, with her new Macbook. A gift from her wonderful parents (if I do say so myself!) Ahhh, college, here she comes.

Today, I will cry

I will cry today. I will cry freely. I am sure they will be coming in buckets.

Today my oldest daughter graduates high school. It is a turning point. She is grown. I can no longer deny it. She IS grown. Still a lot to learn, don't get me wrong, but grown nonetheless. I will cry knowing she is through with high school. I will cry that she will be a college student. I will smile with the joy of knowing that Eric and I have raised a wonderfully loving, bright, caring, thoughtful and all around great kid! No one could argue the fact that our daughter is one of the sweetest girls around.

I will cry that my Dad is not here to sit with us as she receives her diploma. I will cry that I am getting older. I will cry that I will do this three more times after today.

I can not believe how quickly children grow. When you are little time is SO slow. Christmas never gets here. When is school going to be over for the summer? Will my birthday ever come? Will I ever be 10? 18? 21? Once the kids get here, time is suddenly running by. Who said my kids could grow up in a blink of an eye. Because that is JUST what it seems like, a blink. A mere second, and all is changing.

Today I will cry. I will cry with pride as I know my daughter will attend and complete college, more than likely with an advanced degree. I will cry because I am so proud of who she has become.

Out of the mouth of babes

When we go to Mexico, the kids spend most of the time in the pool. Yesterday Siobhan had water play at her preschool. In the morning we were putting on sunscreen when she said, "This smells like Mexico". I explained why it reminded her of Mexico. On the way to school she said "Now I smell like Mexico". oh sometimes they are too much! ha ha

My littlest man is 3

Where have the years gone? Our house is now baby free. No Eric, we are NOT going to have another one!

Siobhan after her ballet performance yesterday. So beautiful!


Siobhan with her Grandmas!

Lord help me!

My earlier blog today was how Krystal is getting so big. She will be graduating in June. NOW, Siobhan has a loose tooth. Oh my why do they have to grow so gosh darn fast. I am not ready for all this change. Diego will be 3 next week too. I must be strong!

Yep, it is finally here

My daughter will be graduating high school in a few weeks. Where did the years go? Seriously the years have flown by. I remember the night before she started Kindergarten. I cried all night in Eric's arms. My little girl growing up. Starting school. Big girl. Now this. It almost seems as though there has been no time in-between.

My beautiful girl. She really is beautiful, both inside and out. She is a sweet, thoughtful and very loving girl. She is always ready for a hug or just to hang out with her parents. Which from what I hear, we are pretty lucky!

There are a lot of graduation activities coming up. She will be so busy. I am fighting the tears even now. All I know, whoever sits by me at her graduation better NOT say anything about my crying. I cry at most anything anyway, but this! My little girl is all grown up. Not grown up enough to date, or drive, or.. well she IS graduating though!

My latest read

I am still reading this book and I am really enjoying it. All the struggles that women went through when they started to work and had the roles they played in society completely change. I think it is very empowering. Pick it up!

bliss

Please say it IS so!

HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

A : Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't
waste them on exercise . Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up
your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can
extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer?
Take a nap.
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A : You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay
and corn. A nd what are these? Vegetables . So a steak is nothing more
than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system.
Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass
(green leafy vegetable). A nd a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A : No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled
wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get
even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain.
Bottoms up!
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A : Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to
one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular
exercise program?

A : Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: A ren't fried foods bad for you?

A : You're not listening... . Foods are fried these days in vegetable
oil. In fact, they're permeated ! in it. How could getting more
vegetables be bad for you?
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A : Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You
should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A : Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable. It's the
best feel-good food around!!
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A : If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
____________ _________ _________ __
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A : Hey! 'Round' is a shape! !
____________ _________ _________ __
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had
about food and diets.

And remember: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the!
intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in
the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming,
"WOO HOO, What a Ride!"

Siobhan's new kitty

Oh yeah!

I got carded yesterday. Oh yeah. Had my 17 year old with me too. I looked at her to see if she was kidding, she wasn't! Happy Mother's Day to me!

Happy Mother's Day!

I was reading this book last night. I had just started it. I got to page 36 where she is discribing what happened when her mom died. I lost it! I started crying and I just couldn't stop. It went on and on for what seemed like forever but was probably 30 minutes or so. I wanted to scream. I really wanted to scream. But I can't. I didn't want to freak Eric out, he had no idea what was going on anyway. Can you imagine? I am NOT the type of person to just scream. Well, maybe if there were a spider, but I am sure this would be more of an animal sound then anything else. I am seriously wondering when this is going to get better. Time heals all wounds don't they say? I think they lie! I actually cried myself to sleep. I am paying for it today. My head is killing me. Tears do not always heal.

for anyone having a bad day!

Yes, he IS only two!

Happy Birthday Stephanie!

I know it is a dark photo. This is Jose, Stephanie and ME! This was taken at Original Mike's in Santa Ana for Stephanie's 24th birthday. That girl would not get a drink unless someone else was drinking too. I NEVER have that problem!

Having fun?

Diego having fun (?) at the Bowers Kidseum today with Krystal. Of course she didn't stay long because he was being a brat! In his defense, it was naptime, but still. Eric and I were going to enjoy a lunch all by ourselves, just when we sat down at the table, she called to be picked up. Oh well, maybe next time.

Galaxy rocks!

Perfect picture of Donovan jumping over a Chivas USA player to go on to pass to Cobi who scored a goal! SWEET!

My husband is obsessed with these pictures. I don't get it. He will laugh and laugh!