Tiny Dancer

She's not so tiny anymore....

Someday....

when I'm awfully low..." I will remember her singing this.

Sally Potato and the Potato Beauty Pageant

The girl came home bursting with excitement last Friday. This weekend's homework: Create a Potato Person to enter into the Annual Kindergarten Potato Beauty Pageant. Suggestions given by the teacher were to create any kind of "person" or "animal" potato with whatever supplies you desire. (Or you could go the easy route and just buy Mr. Potato Head accessories!) My girl OF COURSE wanted to be crafty and create her potato person herself "just like on Project Runway, Mommy!" Off to Michael's we went! Around $25 later, we were home with our supplies and began creating.

Meet Sally Potato

My girl was the epitome of proud.

I had to giggle when I read her completed entry form. That's a fabulous wish Sally!

The Handsome Men's Club

Hilarious!

Santa Baby!

We had the best Christmas present this year. The newest member of the family was born in December....my niece, Sailor Mae!

Isn't she gorg????? *swoon*

Like sand through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives....

Wow, it's been a looooooong time since I've posted anything. You get busy with life, blink a few times, and months have passed. We've had birthdays, anniversary, holidays, a new member entering the fam, vacations...so many wonderful moments to celebrate. Too many to catch up on in great length and detail, but I think I'll try to post some pictures. I have learned a lot this last year. One thing I do want to update on is regarding my friend Nick.

Nick ended up getting his transplant, and was told he was cancer free. I believe this unbelievable hope and realizing that he was going to have the future he was told wasn't possible lasted for about a week. He was then given the devastating news that the cancer was back and there was nothing more that could be done. Nick passed away October 6th. My lovely friend Carole, Nick's mother, taught me so much about strength, courage, and the unwavering love of a mother. Nick taught me how to embrace every moment. Every moment is a gift. Our last conversation he told me how inspired he was by how many people that didn't even know him wanted to help. It was his wish for when he recovered to help someone, anyone, that needed it. Truth be told, Nick and I were more acquaintances and coworkers than good friends when he first got sick. Carole was also the same, she was just a beautiful woman and mother with a gorgeous smile that was always offering a friendly hello. I truly believe that God placed them on my heart the moment I found out of Nick's diagnosis. I consider myself so blessed to have been a part of their journey, and to have gained a lifelong friend in Carole. I want to thank everyone for all that you did to help spread the word, increase the donor registry, and praying for Nick and his family. I ask that you continue to pray for Carole and the rest of Nick's family. The anniversary of his diagnosis is coming up next week, and I know that will be very difficult.

Every day is a gift. I'm learning to stop, embrace every moment for what it is, and to appreciate the blessings and the lessons. I hope you do the same.

To My Babies' Daddy

Happy Father's Day Sweetheart! Thank you for being the best Papa our kids could ever have! We love you! xoxoxo

Miracles DO happen!

God is GOOD! Here is an update from Nick's mom Carole:

We learned yesterday afternoon that Stanford Cancer Center has found two donor matches for Nick out of the thirteen potential matches that had been developed by the national registry. Human leukocytes antigen (HLA) typing is used to match patients and donors for transplants. The immune system uses these antigens (markers) to recognize which cells belong in your body and which do not. Stanford was searching for a set of ten markers for the best match. Each of the two donor matches that were discovered, match ten out of ten criterion markers. Further evaluation needs to occur on the two donors by Stanford before a final selection can be made. Moreover, up until the actual transplant event, the national registry will continue to search for other possible donors that might make an even better match.

In any event it looks like Nick is going to get his chance at a transplant procedure which is heartening indeed for all of us. Nick and his family are so very grateful to all those people behind the scenes at EMC, as well as the other large companies that joined in, The Asian-American Donor Program, the Be The Match Donor Program, all the media involved, and the Stanford/Kaiser medical teams that have helped bring about this hopeful development. We are equally thankful for all of the outpouring of personal support by individuals all over this land and around the globe for their good wishes, prayers, support, and for all the donor volunteers who have come forward this past month.
Five weeks ago, we received the devastating news that there was 0% chance of finding a donor. Due to all of the overwhelming support and response to our call to action, not one, but TWO 10 out of 10 matching markers have been found and secured. We have not been told who these angels are due to confidentiality reasons, but we are so grateful for them! Both donors will be prepped, as well as Nick, for a transplant, which should take place within 30 days. Nick still has a long road ahead of him, so we ask that you continue to keep him, as well as both donors, in your thoughts and prayers for a successful transplant. We ask you to continue to spread the word for the need for donors, as Stanford will continue to search for even more perfect matches, until the actual transplant day. Also, we never want any family to experience the hopelessness of not being able to find a donor match. The harsh reality is that there are thousands of people just like Nick waiting for a donor match to be found. Time is ticking away and they need your help too. Please continue to spread the word that every person ‘in good health’ should be tested and enlisted into the registry. Time is of the essence! This is Nick’s wish, and ours, that every person should have a fighting chance!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and God Bless!

A new chapter has begun

Belle finished her last day of Preschool at Kindercare on June 5th. She was sad to say goodbye to her friends and teachers, and some tears were shed. I shed a few myself realizing that this was the ending of her being a baby and the beginning of her school career.

On Monday, we embarked upon a new chapter...Elementary school. Belle was accepted into the afterschool program (thank God!!!) and is attending the summer program before the actual school year begins. It was a little (read VERY) nerve wracking for Mommy and Papa to drop our little girl off into the big fish pond. She jumped right in and didn't seem to care less that we were leaving. She had a fabulous 1st day and is quickly making friends. She was a little "too busy" to eat lunch though. Sigh. Here's to hoping that she has many more fabulous days...and time for lunch.

My sweet Isabelle, in the great words of Dr. Seuss..

"Congratulations! Today is your day. You 're off to Great Places!
You 're off and away! You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You're on your own. You know what you know.
And YOU'RE the girl who 'll decide where to go...."

"And will you succeed? Yes, you will indeed! 98 3/4% guaranteed.
So...you 're off to great places. Today is your day.
Your mountain is waiting. Get on your way."

Dance it out

Friday night Belle was a little too excited about it being my birthday. She fell asleep a little before 10pm, and then woke up at midnight thinking she had slept all night. I quickly informed her it was still indeed bedtime, but it didn't seem to matter. She was up until 3am sneaking around playing in her room and then in Elias' room. I was not a happy camper. Especially since we were to meet the ILs for breakfast at 9am before Belle's dance class. One thing Belle is not is a morning person. When she got up on Saturday she let it be known that she was NOT ready to get up and was in no mood for breakfast. I reminded her that she decided not to obey and go to sleep, and she better shake those crabbies off real quick. I put some music on and let her dance it out on our bed.

(sorry for the rotating flub...still trying to figure this out!)

Bitty Serenades Me

Still trying to figure out how to rotate...

31 years

Friday morning I woke to the pitter patter of little feet. I squinted my eyes open and saw my sweet hubby carrying the boy and a plate with 4 cupcakes with candles and the girl carrying a present. I made a wish, blew out the candles with a little assistance from my mini-me, opened my present, and we then devoured the cupcakes. Our bed was covered in chocolate crumbs, but it was a wonderful way to start my birthday. Only after we were done did I realize I should have grabbed my camera. Oh well. The picture will forever be burned in my memory.

Off to work I went. I had a sweet surprise of flowers and a gift card to a spa some very dear friends delivered.

After work, the hubby and I headed over to the 'Rents for a taco bday dinner. YUM! My girl and her sidekick helped Grammy bake a delicious cake. Boy were they proud! Good job girls!

Saturday morning we met the ILs over at Jim's for a bday breakfast before Belle's dance class. The boy thoroughly enjoyed his strawberries and french toast. The girl did too!

Sunday it was time for a bday date with my handsome hubby. We went to our favorite place, Horatios.


Dinner was devine! And the dessert, burnt custard, was unbelievable as well! They never dissapoint. The hubby indulged me in a little walking around so I could take some pics. Loving my new camera!

Today was the end of my bday weekend celebration. The hubby and I both took the day off of work. I went to use my gift card at the spa while he ran some errands. I was so relaxed I could float away! *Note to self, fit in massage fund into the monthly budget* Then we went to lunch and to see a movie. I couldn't have hoped for a better birthday weekend! Here's to hoping for many more!

Cousins

A night on the town

Our "and they lived happily ever after" should really read "and they lived working long hours at jobs that didn't pay what they should with little time to properly spend with their children. There was very few balls attended, lots of hinnies to wipe, and a house that always needed cleaning. Somehow the poor souls lived happy most of the time in spite of this." So when the hubby and I got a last minute invite to the Easter Seals Spring Gala, we jumped at it. A night out on the town, fancied up, not having to order chicken fingers, wiping noses, or picking up cheerios off the floor? And on someone else's dollar?? We're IN!!! We went last year, and it was a lot of fun, so we were wicked excited. Unfortunately it fell on the same day as a few other events. Hubby went to rent a tux and I dug in my closet for something to wear. Fortunately a sweet little number I had tucked away that *ahem* did not fit for years zipped up like it was 1999 baby! WOOHOO! Shredding works!

Hubby was set to do Muddy Buddy (crazy race that involves biking, running, and crawling through a mud pit) on Sunday and had to go register in San Jose on Saturday morning. We then had to trek out to Riverbank for a grad party. Rushed back home to drop off the kiddos with Grammy and Grandpa and channel Clark Kent as we changed into our party duds. We cleaned up pretty nice if I do say so myself. Off to catch BART and head to the city. *note to self, do not wear new heels when having to walk blocks in SF...ouch!*

*please note, I am clothed in this picture...strapless dress..

We unfortunately missed the auction and hors d'oeuvres part of the evening. We made it right in time for dinner. The food was divine. Fillet Mignon, prawns, potatoes and veggies. Yum, yum. Dessert was even better. I was served the chocolate selection. It was sort of a chocolate cup that was cake filled with peanut butter creme. It was drizzled in some sort of wonderful sauce with fresh berries. Hubby was served a custard like cake that had fresh fruit. Both were exceptional. Pretend there is a picture here. We devoured them before realizing I should have taken a photo. Doh.

The dinner entertainment was American Idols of seasons past. Ace, Justin, Alana, and Melinda. All were great. The cougars were in full force screaming and gyrating to Ace and Justin. Truth be told, if we were not surrounded by hubby's work peeps and big dogs I probably would have been screaming like a school girl too. I was a huge fan of Justin in Season 1. Probably to the point of being smitten. Note, that was before I was an old married lady. I was allowed. *swoon*

*Forgive the crappy photo quality, they kept changing up the lights, and my flash was not too happy.

Justin singing to some Cougar

Ace
Melinda...she's a W-O-M-A-N

Alana

The dancing portion of the evening kicked off and hubby and I paid our fond farewells. He had to be in San Jose for the race by 6 am and was dog tired.

"I'm soooo tired..."

The clock struck 11 and this coach turned back into a pumpkin. It's not often that we get to fancy up and hit the town. It was much needed and highly enjoyed. Back on BART and headed to Pleasanton. All in all, a fabulous evening.

Again, I am not naked on BART. I'm a little crazy, but not that crazy. Strapless dress people, strapless dress.

Say cheese baby!

Last weekend we had a little photo-op at Casa de Burritos. My sweet littlest burrito has quickly become Daddy's little clone. Complete with matching superhero tshirts. We decided to have a little fashion show/photo-op and this is what ensued...

Captian America boys...

Little Burrito wasn't too thrilled that his Papa was putting away his little Captain America shield, so he stole his.

Someone tried to make a run for it in the middle of a wardrobe change..

Time for a little Run DMC...

Nothing is quite as funny as having your Papa eat your hands...

Well, maybe when Mommy's hair tickles your face...

He might be his Daddy's clone, but he's a total Mommy's boy... *swoon*

It was only fair that the good looks of the operation got in a few pictures...she is the star you know!

No one, but no one, know's how to ham it up like our Belle.

I'll claim her as my little clone....looking forward to the many shopping/mani-pedi days ahead...

Strike a pose...

Uh-oh...someone noticed he was no longer the center of attention...

Alright little man, you are adorable and the king of the castle....

Someone heard his reign was over...

Gotta have one of Papa and his best girl...

The End. Thanks for visiting a day at Casa de Burritos.