Descanso Gardens 2008

I've been on vacation for the last couple of days... We celebrated Easter this past weekend and that knocked me out for the entire day on Monday. The only thing that I could do was sleep off and on throughout the day. Today, we were fortunate enough to make it to Descanso Gardens to see the tulips. This is my favorite time of the year there to see the tulips. They are absolutely gorgeous!!! I had a few people tag along with me. Jasmine, Michelle and Jessica... Jessie had a great time taking pictures and as for the other two they ventured off on their own to view the flowers... You know teenagers. It would be a crime to be caught hanging out with me... They're just to cool for that, right? Anyway, I didn't let them put a damper on my outing as the flowers were breath taking. The lilac is in bloom, cherry blossoms, tulips and the list could go on and on. I look forward to a return trip. Unfortunately, I forgot my memory card for my camera so I could only get a few pics the rest were taken w/ Jessica's camera. She was a little annoyed with me because I kept asking to use her camera. I will never let that happen again. Well, these are just a few pictures.

Shadow People

To a creative young lady.


This was taken by little Ms. Jessica. She just seems to have an eye for things. Instead of taking your run of the mill photo she decided to take a picture of our shadow. I just thought it was an interesting picture and wanted to share it with everyone. She took the picture and I did the tint.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

She's at it again. I ran across this cookbook at my mom's house and proceeded to ask that she give it to me... She was a little reluctant to give it up but once I turned on my charm she couldn't turn me down. Knowing my mom, she probably thought it would just collect dust but we've put it to use. Not I but Jessie... This is her second time around in the kitchen making something pretty much on her own. I was in the kitchen as an assistant and for consultation purposes. Jessie did the work. Wow... As you can see she enjoys her cooking. With this little bit of knowledge I plan on putting her to work in the kitchen. Our new cook...
Jasmine and Anthony will be quite happy about this. She actually enjoys being in the kitchen unlike myself. This could be out next Rachel Ray or Martha Stewart... I'll keep you posted on what happens with our next meal.

Jessie in Action

These were taken last weekend... Jessie in action!!! As we were walking out the door last Saturday Jessie insisted that this would be her last weekend of doing this. Unfortunately, I didn't answer her regarding this issue. She's been signed up for another soccer clinic for next month. I have to prepare myself for this next battle. I know it's not something she wants to do but at least it gets her out of the house, exercising and with kids her own age so it's a good thing. If she would give it a chance I think she would actually enjoy the sport.
I think mother's know best. Don't you?

Happy Birthday Teresa!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

Unfortunately, I couldn't come up with a plan to get you this year for pay back from your home invasion. I'm still finding confetti all over the place... The packs of Rolls that you left for me... Should I have any cavities when I see the dentist in a couple of weeks I'm sending you the bill!!! But anyway.... Happy Birthday!!! I hope that you enjoy your day to the fullest... You are a very dear friend to me and I treasure your friendship immensely!!! Thank you for all that you do...

Your Sister,

Raquel

Our Family 2008

Soccer Clinic

Jessica has been taking a soccer clinic for the last couple of week and this was her last Saturday, so we all decided to go and see her game against the coaches. After soccer, we went to lunch at In n Out. Nothing like an In n Out burger!!! Anyway, it was a nice day as we had Jasmine and Anthony with us as well. Hopefully, we will all go out again real soon. It's hard to get the other two out as they prefer to do their own thing.

Let them Eat Cake

Here is the cake that Jessie and I made for Tom's birthday this past week... It was actually made from scratch by the two of us. Tom said, that this was his favorite... It was a lot of work for someone that doesn't do much cooking. I wanted to get the box where you throw a couple of ingredients in and presto German Chocolate Cake. Tom on the other hand wanted it made from scratch. Can you imagine the housewives of the 50's... Lot's of work but I must admit it was a fun experience. I remember making cookies from scratch when I was younger but since I've been an adult... Nope... If you've talked to my kids they will tell you if it's not something that you can thrown in the oven and leave... It's not going to happen.

Santa Paula

Here was Tom's surprise. The opportunity to take a flight lesson on a Cessna 172 through CP Aviation, Inc. Yesterday, we were off to celebrate his birthday. I'm always trying to out do myself with his birthday. I like making it special for him just because. There are times when I say I'm not going to do anything because he forgets about my birthday but I just can't seem to help myself.
I don't know if I'll be able to top this one in the future. A couple of weeks ago I ran across an ad stating flight lesson for 59.00, I thought WoW... He'd love this. So the night before he insisted on knowing what we would be doing. I gave him a hint that he would see "the big blue..". Kinda of Corny, I know... Anyway, as we were leaving for our adventure I let the cat out of the bag and gave him the ad... He didn't think much of it... So of course, I was a little disappointed but as we neared Santa Paula, you could see he was getting excited. It was like when we were in Hawaii and he was going scuba diving for the 1st time. In the end he loved it!!! This morning he woke up thinking about the take off... Mission Accomplished!!!
Happy Birthday and many more to come...

Gas Price

Happy Birthday Thomas

Sacramento in Pictures

Jessica had the opportunity to sit in the window seat.

The Capitol Building. I asked if she saw ARNOLD, but she says that he is off on Friday.
State Seal

The Rotunda

from the Desert to the Sea

Our Family 2005

Sacramento

Well, Jessie is off to Sacramento this morning. She actually made it out of the house without her father and I. Our Baby!!! The other day I received a note from another parent asking if they could take Jessie to the airport. Usually, I would want to see her off myself but I think that we smother her enough. So off she went at 4:30 this morning to Burbank Airport. She was so excited that she almost left without giving me a kiss goodbye. She hopped into the car and was off. No looking back. She's probably thinking," it's party time now... " No parents. I'm excited for her. This will be her first trip on an airplane. She was a little worried about her ears popping and scared of being on a plane but I think she will be okay. I'm sure of it. She has us all fooled with her baby act. I think it's an act that she puts it on for her father. Most likely she's a wild child in disguise.
Jasmine went on this trip a couple of years ago but hers was an overnight trip. This is just for the day and she will be back this evening. Before I know it she'll be in the eighth grade and wanting to go on the Washington DC trip. Things are happening just way to quickly. No wonder my hair is turning gray before my eyes. Monday night, I went to a college workshop for Jasmine. In three short years she will be off to college. I was thinking of my mother this morning. When I was about to have my first child everything went haywire on her. Ex: High Blood Pressure, Anxiety, Carpel Tunnel you name it. It happened... Will this happen to me once all of my children leave the nest? Hopefully, I will be prepared for this day. Better yet, I'm not going to worry about it and live in the here and now!!! It's great being a mom. They are my pride and joy. Till next time...

Nana

It's one of those weekends where I have decided to spend the weekend scrapbooking. I ran cross this photo and was inspired... Actually, I was listening to this sermon and the pastor was talking about how his father had given his granddaughter $100.00. He said,"I'm still waiting for my $100.00". I can relate... No, I'm not waiting for my $100.00, but the part that I could relate to is he said, that grand parents are parents on steriods. Yes, they are!!! My mom fits that to a model T. When it comes to her grand children... She would give them the world if she could...
No, really. I remember nights when it was after 12:00 and I saw her go into the kitchen to get them something to eat. I thought she was crazy... I told her she should tell them that the kitchen is closed, but she would never hear of it. When they get sick, I hear that's not how Nana does it. Now that I am home they still prefer to go up to be with her in their time of need... One time , I remember how Jessica wanted some cereal, so I went to make it for her and she insisted on having the box that was sealed because she wanted the surpise in it. I thought that was crazy and told her no... Of course, I was told she's allowed to have whatever she wants when she is here. The kids have no idea of how lucky they are to have a Nana like her.
A few weeks ago, I was taking care of my grandmother. I started to remember how she use to take me to the market and at the end of the trip she would always buy me fruit.... Different generations... Now, I think back on it that was her special way. I remember meeting her at the movie theater to see Ghostbuster. That was long ago. Those times are very special to me now... But getting back to my mom... She steps into the gap when it comes to them.... (Parents on steriods) She understands them when I don't. Anything that they need she will find a way to get it for them.
Her and I were listen to the news one day and they were talking about the going price for childcare... Thank goodness she's not sue happy!!! Think of it this way the going rate x3 x 15 years. I would be in some serious trouble. (If your reading this don't get any ideas. ) I've been blessed with an Awesome mother and the kids with an exceptional Nana. She deserves the Grandparents of the year award if their was one to give out.
Jasmine, Anthony and Jessica should treasure their time with her and write down all of their memories because take it from me as you get older you can't remember the story exactly as it was told you by them. For me, I try and perserve these things, so that they can be carried on into the next generation...

Hey, their better not be any tears out there!!!

Well, gotta run...

I've gotta go and find a cd that I haven't seen in months. I was listening to this song this morning and it reminded me of a photo cd that I had put together for my mom a year or two go...

I want to see if I am able to post it to my blog.

ciao

That Gaze...

Totally Bummed!!!

I was working on this blog last night and thought I had saved it. No such luck.
Anyway, that's what happens when your up at 2:00 in the morning.
Now it's 7:30am... It's amazing what a cup of coffee w/ a couple of espresso shots can do for you. I'm ready to get my day started.

I've been running across a couple of pictures of Jasmine with this same look. I've even caught her a couple of times where she just has this look like she is on some distant planet. It must be from all of those books that she's reading. I should have known she was a unique child in the second grade. Her favorite place to hang out was the bookstore. Yes, I know everyone loves a good book, but Jasmine is a junkie... about books...

Okay, junkie is a little harsh.

Addict... Her weekend fix... The Bookstore.

Don't dare bother her while she is reading... She will bite your head off.

I've been watching to much of the show Intervention.


Anyway,


I remember this vividly... I had taken Jasmine and a friend of hers to the movies and then to the mall. Her friend was quite excited about making it over to the mall, but Jasmine told her she knew of a place to go. You guessed it the bookstore... If you could have seen the expression on the girl's face it was priceless. What child at the age of eight wants to hang out in a bookstore. Only Jasmine. Her friends in vision her with a huge library when she gets older... I'm sure this will be the case.

Now that I think about it she reminds me a lot of my grandmother... She use to love to read.
Matter of fact, she reminds me a lot of my grandmother... She was a very outspoken little lady!!! From my understanding they had to send her to California to live when she was young. That would be Jasmine... She says the first thing that comes to her mind... No filter!!! (that's another story)

Okay, I must be babbling... To much coffee...

The point of the story was the gaze... She always has this gaze, so the other day I finally asked her.
What's with this distant look on your face? Her response was,"I'm using my creative mind." Or something to the effect.
She even writes things down on her arm... It's like a flash...

Wow, I'm watching a Star in the making.

All, I have to say to you, Jasmine is

Keep on Dreaming....

Never let those dreams of yours die!!!

Always look to improve yourself...

Don't become stagnant...

Dream Big!!!!! Anything is possible.

Kisses and Hugs

And Lots of Love

Mom

Someone is Sick

Anthony has been sick for last couple of weeks and now it has finally come to a head... It started Wednesday, when I had to go and pick him up from school. Poor kid, he was stuck in the nurse's office with a nose bleed. When I arrived the nurse said they were unable to stop the nose bleed and he wanted to go home.
So he ended up spending his day on the couch. I'm sure he thought he was going to kick back and watch tv but I had other plans for him rest!!! I was going to have to put an end to his coughing.
So I sent him to bed and checked on him periodically to make he wasn't up and about.
Thursday morning came around and he still wasn't doing so well, I made him stay home once again. I ended up with a partial day off as the power went out. (lucky me) It wasn't a true day off as I ended up going to Kaiser and that was working in itself. The urgent care was packed. The only thing they could do was triage him and told me to bring him back at about 5:15. Wow... I've never seen that happen before. That's like trying to make an appointment for the emergency room. Healthcare in America... Don't get me started!!!
Anyway, I returned at about 5:00 and it took about another 30 mins to be seen by a doctor. Oh, while this was all happening, he was on his third nose bleed for the day. Yuck!!! They took xrays and come to find out he has a sinus infection... I had no clue... As for the nose bleeds they said that we would need to go to Kaiser in Panorama City to see the ENT doctor...
This brings me to Friday. He and I spent the whole morning together. After dropping the girls off at school we had another hour to kill so decided to do a little window shopping... (Target) Anthony took off and went to the electronic section and I the scrapbooking section. We ended up meeting at the checkout stand...
From there we headed over to Kaiser and they took us right in... (Yeah) No waiting . Anyway, The doctor came in and examed Anthony. Stated that their was nothing to worry about... Isn't that what they all say? I'm starting to think that their is really no need for doctors these days. To make a long story short they ended up cortorizing his nose, poor kid. He took it like a trooper, kept thinking I was going to see his legs fly all over the place because of the pain but he handled it. He's no baby anymore... Of course, he 'll always be my baby boy....
It was great just hanging out with him. I was so happy about hanging out with him that I started to get depressed that our time together was going to end. We're in the same house but don't spend as much time as we use to since he turned the big 13. I hate these teenage years...

Well, we will definately have to spend some one on one time together...