White Christmas

Merry Christmas!

We had a massive snow storm before Christmas came. The children loved it since school was canceled all week, church was canceled and basically all they did was play in the snow. I, however, was raised in the Mojave desert and am not used to, nor do I enjoy extremely cold weather. So I could not understand the enjoyment of burying yourself in a pile of snow and just lying there, like Sophia did. I finally made her get out of her snow bed and come inside to warm up.


The view from our deck. So glad Chris was home to do the shoveling!


Sophia and Selena were in heaven as they went sledding in the back of our house.

Chris actually went driving in this winter wonderland. Sophia thought it was a fun adventure as they slid on the street and saw all the cars stuck in the snow. She proudly said, "But daddy didn't get stuck."

Snowflakes that stick to my nose and eyelashes, these are a few of my favorite things!

Santa always comes around on a fire truck and waves to the kids while his elves throw candy canes to them.

Christmas day, after Santa delivered the presents, he checked on the children while they were sleeping. He reminded Alec that he needs to be a good boy.

Santa gave the girls a thumbs up on their year. Selena saw this picture and said, "Look, Santa is wearing daddy's jacket!" She's so observant. She was thrilled to see that Santa actually went to see her in her room.

Best Friends Ever!

Some of my favorite things are nachos, pumpkin chocolate cookies, chocolate fountains, karaoke, presents and fun friends. And all of these things were at Mendy's house last week when she invited me over for a surprise birthday party.

When I saw all of my friends gathered together, I got teary eyed and realized how grateful I am for them. Since moving east, these ladies have become my family.

The party was so much fun, especially when the singing started. I realized my favorite duet to sing is "I Got You Babe." Janae joined me for that Sonny & Cher classic. And I realized that "Endless Love" is totally out of my range, although Mendy and I gave it a shot.

Here are some pictures from the night that made turning 40 not so painful.

Mendy knows exactly what I like, and was so thoughtful to have all my favorite foods for me.

My friends were so generous and sweet with their gifts of flowers, chocolates, a massage, jewelry, lotions, a super fancy purse, and of course, the evening wouldn't be complete without Edward!

My dear friend Kiersten took singing "Total Eclipse of the Heart" to a whole new level. I love this picture that shows how emotional and entertaining her performance was.

If you can't tell, they were singing, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," which is what they were doing.

Mendy needed some background dancers as she sang, "It's in His Kiss." Who knew Laurrel and Julie had such fancy moves!

Thanks to all of my sweet, sweet friends for making me feel so special and for coming to help celebrate a major birthday for me. Love them all!

Happy Anniversary!

Today is 17 years!

We haven't changed a bit...

40

Today I woke up with a few more wrinkles, a few more gray hairs, and a little droopier. I was ready to schedule my liposuction and lifts and enhancements to various body parts, but then I heard about a former Ms. Argentina who died after getting a gluteoplasty and decided against going under the knife.

When I turned 30, it wasn't a major event for me. But for some reason 40 has me a little uneasy, probably because I remember my parents being in their 40's and thinking, holy cow, they're old. And now here I am -- in the 40 club.

My sweet kids brought me breakfast in bed this morning, complete with eggs, ham, toast, orange juice and even two Vitamin C's. They gave me a Lady Gaga cd, which I played in the car when I drove Alec and his friend to their football banquet and they had to listen to me sing, "I'm your biggest fan, I'll follow you until you love me, papa, paparazzi." It seemed to amuse them.

Chris had to fly today, which I'm not going to lie, totally sucks since it was my birthday. So I spent the evening with Alec at his football banquet. But he ditched me to hang out with his friends, so I was grateful Laurrel was there to sit by me so I wasn't a complete loner.

Mendy babysat my girls for me and when I went to pick them up, she had baked me a cake and gave me some leopard print gloves and slippers. She knows how I love animal print accessories and clothing, so I was very excited.

I called my mom to tell her I was now 40 and feeling old and how I remembered her being in her 40's. She laughed and was trying to say something, which I'm sure was, "I told you I wasn't old when I was that age, and now you're there!"

When you're young, it's natural that you need your mother to take care of you. But even though I'm a 40-year-old woman, I still need my mom and would give anything to tell her all the things I'm feeling and get her advice on things I'm struggling with.

I spoke with a long-time family friend tonight and she said the sweetest words to me that I really needed to hear. She said, "I feel impressed to tell you that even though your mother can't say these words to you, I know if she could, she would tell you how very special you are to her and how proud she is to have you for a daughter and that she loves you very much."

Even though I know my mom feels that way, it was just nice to hear it verbalized, especially on a day like today, when I know if my mom could, she would have called me to talk, tease me about being old, and listened to me complain about my aging body.

One of the many traits I received from my mom is my love for shopping. She would always buy me the prettiest dresses on my birthday. I know if she could, she would've sent me a new outfit in honor of turning 40. So to cheer myself up, I'll buy some new clothes because I know it's what she'd want.

I love this picture of my mom and me, because it so perfectly illustrates my feelings for her then and now. Yes, that little girl in the picture is now 40!

New Moon/New Abs

As my friends and I headed off to the midnight showing of New Moon, whether we were Team Edward or Team Jacob, the one thing we all agreed on, was that Jacob had undergone an amazing transformation for this film and we couldn't wait to see it.

But before the night came, we had to prepare by purchasing new shirts for the occasion. Usually I order one off the internet with a quote from the movie, but this time I waited too long and had to head off to Hot Topics to buy one. When I walked in, a young man asked how he could help me. I told him I needed a shirt for the New Moon premiere. He said, "Oh, I have the perfect shirt for you." Then he picks up a shirt with Jacob on it. "Oh, no," I told him. "I need Edward." So then he picks up a $50 hoodie featuring Edward.

Now, as much as I would love it, I knew if I spent $50 on something with Edward's face on it, the man who pays the bills in my home would not be pleased. So I told the salesman I needed something cheaper.

He then tells me there's Twilight shirts in the back of the store on clearance. He was speaking my language -- I love sales. So I headed back and found the perfect Edward shirt for my movie night.

When I returned from shopping, I had a great surprise waiting for me. My sweet friend Deborah had made me a necklace that had Jacob's face on it. I told her I loved it and thanked her for it, but told her she made a mistake and it should've been Edward's face. She's trying to convert me to Team Jacob. I told her I'd wear it anyway, considering how yummy Jacob looks in this film.

We left for the theater almost 3 hours early and they were already seating the theaters. So instead standing outside in long lines, we were able to sit in our seats and chat, eat, and take pictures.

Going into the movie, my friends and I were split on Edward and Jacob. But the scene where Jacob first takes off his shirt and you can't help but gasp at his amazing abs, we were all for that moment in time, united as Team Jacob. Then when Bella tells him, "You're sort of beautiful," you could hear the "Oh, yes" from the females in the audience.

Of course when Edward comes back and says things like, "I don't know how to live without you," I forgot all about Jacob's amazing body and was back to Edward.

I already have a date with all my friends for next summer to see Eclipse, which I loved more than New Moon so I can't wait.

I do want to see New Moon again though, so I'm dragging Chris to go with me. Although I don't think he'll be squealing with me at the sight of Jacob's new look.

What a Difference a Grade Makes

This week is American Education Week and parents are invited to go into schools to observe their children. So since Chris and I had the day off, we decided to go visit all the kids at school and had very different experiences.
First we headed off to middle school. As we walked in, I saw Alec walking to his locker and hurried over to him. He turned around and I wish I had a picture of his face when he saw me. It was shock, disbelief and yes, even a little horror. He looked around, making sure none of his friends were watching and asked why we were there. It was his lunch time and I said we came to eat with him. He said he didn't want to stay and couldn't we just go out to eat. I really wanted to eat with his friends, but Chris was more sympathetic and agreed we'd go out for lunch. So instead of observing any of his classes, we just ate at Taco Bell and drove him back to school. He pleaded with us not to walk him back into the school, so I just walked him to the door and watched him disappear into a pool of pre-teens. I realize this is the age where I'm an embarrassment to my little boy, but I can't wait for this stage to end.

Next we went to the elementary school and had a very different reaction when Selena saw us. She smiled, waved and gave us hugs and kisses. She didn't want us to leave and told us she wanted us to come back again another day. Even all of her friends loved us being in the class.

Then we went to see Sophia who was in art class. She was polite to us, but not overly affectionate. She showed us her work, then quickly said goodbye as she ran off to recess.
The kids are at very different stages in their lives and as a result, treat us very different in front of their friends. But the good thing is that when we're home, they're all much more loving and not embarrassed to be around us.
The day was great, because not only did Chris and I spend the day visiting our kids and grocery shopping together, but he also helped me and my girlfriends buy Bon Jovi tickets. And yes, we got great seats and are going in March!

Fall Fun, Fiddler & 44

I'm so behind on blogging, so the easiest way to catch up is with pictures. We had a great Halloween. I tried to talk the girls into being pretty princesses with big, flowing gowns, done up hair and makeup. But my little girls had different ideas. Sophia was adamant about being a burglar and Selena loved her shiny race car driver outfit. It was hard for me to accept that they no longer wanted to do the princess theme. I told them maybe next year we could be matching princesses, to which Sophia replied, "I want to be a hobo." (Sigh) I have a year to change her mind.

I love our church Halloween party, because all my friends dress up. Julie, the ghost bride. Laurrel, the cave woman. I went as a pirate this year, even though I was mistaken for a wench and a gypsy. I should've invested in a sword or a patch.
My fellow Twilight fan, sweet Scarlett.

Alec has worn the same costume the past couple of years -- a football jersey. He was excited that he didn't have to come home after the party. He was able to go hang out with the boys, watch football and exchange candy -- he's a man now!

I went for the second year in a row to see the So You Think You Can Dance Concert. It was great sitting next to Mendy, even though she made me deaf from screaming in my ear. Being with her super hip sister Amber made it even more fun. A fun part of the night was Mendy running into an ex-boyfriend. She didn't tell me until after he went by who he was. I was so upset that I didn't get a picture of them together. I don't think his wife would've cared.

We saw lots of friends sitting close by, even our much missed Jenni and Cami who came from Denver and Utah. (Next visit I need to see more of you two!)

A major highlight that the kids were able to experience was their first Broadway play. We all went to see Fiddler on the Roof, and it was Topol's final tour. It was amazing. We had great seats so they had no problem taking in all the amazing singing, dancing and acting. On the way home and for days after they sang the songs -- Matchmaker was their favorite. When we left the theater, we saw the actor who played the rabbi and he gladly posed for a picture with us, which thrilled the kids -- and me!

The biggest event this month though, has been my hubby's birthday. He wouldn't let me give him a party with friends, but agreed to a family bowling party. Chris had an amazing game where he got 4 strikes in a row and then a spare. He was bummed when our time ended and he wasn't able to bowl more strikes. I tried to tell him that I let him win because it was his birthday, but we both know he'd beat me no matter what. He thinks it's silly that I still make him hold up a paper showing his age, like he's a little kid, but I told him my mom used to make my dad do it when he was in his 40's. Maybe when Chris is in his 50's I'll stop. He thought it was funny to catch the paper on fire -- the girls enjoyed it.
I used to think my parents were so old when they were in their 40's, now I know better, because Chris and I are still young!

Ooh La La

I really enjoy eating out at restaurants. I love the atmosphere. I love scanning a menu. I love somebody bringing me food. I love how they clean up my dishes and how they insist I indulge in dessert. But I usually don't go to very expensive restaurants, because I eat out too often to afford that luxury. This week, however, we were invited by friends to go to a very nice restaurant. And at the invitation of Felicity & Nathaniel, I experienced my first French cuisine and I loved it!

Nathaniel, our French speaking expert, helped interpret some of the things the waiter was saying and ordered some appetizers for us that I had never had before. We had clams, mussels, calamari, Pate de Campagne, Saucisse Grille Alsacienne (fancy sausage & potatoes) and a cold tomato soup. The waiter announced the soup had no alcohol, which confused me until Nathaniel explained alcohol is put in a lot of the dishes.

We also ordered virgin strawberry daiquiris and it was like sucking straight out of a strawberry. They were so tasty, I ordered two.

You'd think after all those appetizers we'd be full, but no. We were just getting started. Our main dishes were Viande du Marche (the meat of the day). Not sure what it was but I tasted Chris' and it was good. We also had Canard (duck) and I got Filet Mignon. It just melted in my mouth.

Then our stomachs weren't quite bloated enough so we ordered dessert. Chris ordered Gateau au Fromagede Chavre (goat cheese cheesecake with fruit compote). I doubted his selection, but it was tasty. Nathaniel ordered a fancy Sorbet et Glace that came encased in a fancy ice cup. And I have tasted chocolate mousse before, so I thought. But not until I put a spoonful of Mousse au Chocolat from Tersiguel's restaurant, did I realize what I had been missing. It was amazing. Everyone took a bite and agreed that we could never go back to regular mousse again. We also agreed we probably wouldn't eat for a few days after this night. We left very satisfied.

It was a great night experiencing something new with special friends. It's going to be tough going back to fast food after this night.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Today my baby is 6 years old. She's been asking every day for the past month when it was time for her birthday. She had a bowling party over the weekend with her friends to jump start her birthday week. Thank goodness the side bumpers were up. Bowling took a long time because the balls took about 30 minutes to make it down to the pins, since the kids couldn't throw that hard. But they all loved it.
Today was finally the big day. She happily went to school knowing her dad and I would bring her a cheeseburger, chicken nuggets, fries and a shake from Wendy's for lunch. Lunch with kindergartners is so fun. All her friends wanted to sit with us. They asked us questions. They wanted to be in the pictures. And they hugged us goodbye. Chris even spoke Spanish to two of the kids. It was very impressive.

After school was over, we took her to Silver Diner where there's a jukebox on every table. They play 50's and 60's music and she can eat pancakes for dinner, topped off with a strawberry shake.

Then it was time for a shopping spree. I asked her which store she wanted to go to and big surprise, she chose Toys R Us. After she maxed out the credit card, we headed home and found a huge surprise from her dad. The present said she could only have it if she promised to share it with her siblings. She agreed and then squealed with happiness as she opened Rock Band. The kids wanted to start rockin' out tonight, but we put them to bed and told them their partying would have to wait.
I'm so grateful for my sweet Selena and so glad she loved her special day!