santa is not the only one with little helpers...

we have some too!



Tino was putting up our Christmas tree and in the process we found out that we also have little helpers. Aracely and Carlos. Carlos wanted to help me carry the tree to the living room. Aracely held the flashlight under the tree for her daddy, and Carlos was under the tree as well, just being nosy.





When we were done with the tree, I tried to get a picture of them with it but they kept being silly. Carlos' funny faces are too funny to just put away. And Aracely seemed to be getting itchy from being too close to the tree.



Carlos cried (very loud) because I told him he could not play with the ornaments. Good thing they are plastic. The few I have that are glass, I made sure to put way on top of the tree.

Dear California,

We are leaving.

Thank you very much for the memories you keep giving me. That's why I ♥ you so much !

I need to ask you for a huge favor, and I hope you don't let me down. Mom and Dad are moving back with you. It may be temporarly or permanent, we still don't know. Please, give them what Utah didn't. They really deserve it. They are really nice people and they are both amazing in their own little way. I am sure you'll remember them when they get there =)

love,

patty m.
XOXOXOXO

time flies when you are having fun

I seriously can't believe it's already saturday. Our vacation is officially over.

Our morning started out with a yummylicious breakfast my brother/compadre made for us. I was impressed. Then we watched movies. The Orphan...I don't know why I waited so long to watch this good movie. That little girl is so creepy! and Pelham 123...it also was a good movie. They watched another movie, but I was not able to sit thru it. I don't even remember the name of the movie. Instead, I went to get ready to head out to my other brother/compadres house.

We were to celebrate Andres' Birthday.


Arcie's mom cooked some very good food. It reminded me of my mom (and made me miss her even more). Then we had chocolate cake.


And the kids played some more.







When it was time for my brother Cesar and his family to head out, the girls said bye to each other. It was so cute to watch because they hugged each other with big smiles on their little faces. Totally a kodak moment, but I am sure that by the time I took out the camara and turned it on, they would be done. I didn't spoil their moment ! But if I close my eyes and think about it, I can still see them doing their little thing. It was too CUTE !

I couldn't let them go without taking a picture with my two cute little nieces.

I still laugh when I remember the short conversations I had with Natty. She called the computer a pomputer and the dentist is a plentist ! Oh, and Vivi. I overheard her telling their puppy, "bad susy, bad susy!" in her cute little voice. It was too funny !

Carlos wouldn't leave the puppies alone. I am sure they are now resting from us.


I think Carlos might of been born in the wrong place. Here he is representin' L.A.

Black Friday...NO THANK U !

Is it really worth it to stand in line out in the cold....Or to get pushed and shoved by crazy people......or to wait in line for hours to pay, just to save a couple of bucks? I don't think so! but that's just my humble opion =)

Instead, we woke up, ate left over turkey for breakfast and took time getting ready to head out to L.A. (I ♥ L.A. and I am sure you already know that) Our destination: Plaza Mexico. I ate everything I could, and wish I had more space in my tummy to eat more. We ate mango, a diblito (tino and i shared) and some esquite. I found some beautiful (and cheap) jewelry. A cute (and cheap) coat. Oh and some cute (and cheap) boots for me and Aracely. I think you get the idea of why I love this place so much. Besides my family, this place is what I miss the most!


After that, we went to visit my brother Cesar and his cute family. They live in the middle of nowhere. Really....one of those places that when your driving by the freeway and see a couple of lights you ask yourself, I wonder who lives there? Now I know!

We ate turkey for dinner. It was delicious. But, I think I am done with turkey until next year =)


Natalie, Aracely, Vivian and Carlos enjoyed playing together. I enjoyed watching them.

I am thankful for EVERYTHING !

We drove to California to spend Thanksgiving weekend with my brothers.


These guys did an awesome job with their big turkey. We also had mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing and carrots. Oh and we didn't have pumpkin pie because we ate it after we had breakfast this morning. Ha Ha


Carlos, Andres and Aracely. Not the best picture. Andres was not feeling too well, you can see it in his face.


Aracely and Carlos enjoying Millie and Tubie. These are some very cute looking puppies. I hope to get one just like that one day.


Carlos really tried hard to make the peace sign.


Andres and I.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel so lucky to have all these wonderful people in my life.

Today....I cried

and I may cry tomorrow and the day after that. When dad called me this afternoon to give me the news, he didn't have to say much. It seems like I already knew what he was calling about. I could hear it in his voice. I felt sick to my stomach. And although its something we knew was going to happen sooner or later, it's still sad and painful. The only thing that comforts me at this point, is to know that she is now resting in peace.

I will always cherish all the memories I have of her. Especially when I stayed for almost 2 months with her in Susti back in 1998. She spoiled me. ( BIG TIME! ) She always made the soup I so much love. She made sure there was always soda in the fridge. She always made sure there were cookies or pan dulce on the table. We ate tacos in Jerez(well, I ate tacos in Jerez because she didn't like meat). She was funny when it came down to Fortino stopping by to say HI. She would always tell me, "pues que busca ese diablo de muchacho". I would always say, "no se (and smile)". Then she would smile back. She was just awesome. Oh...and she taught me how to knit. She was the best Grandma EVER! She will forever live in my heart.

R.I.P Maria de Jesus Flores de Salazar

dad left...

to California.

We miss him already.

Trick or Treat...but I rather have a treat

When we first started talking about halloween costumes, Aracely chose to be Snow White. I think she is her favorite princess right now. I really thought she was going to say Tinker Bell. Anyway, finding her costume was not hard at all. She loved it. And she will reuse it when we go to see the Princess' on Ice Show. (i am so excited !!!)



Carlos on the other hand, was difficult. He wanted to be Spiderman. No where could I find a Spiderman costume that could fit him. They were either too small or too big. So, after sorting thru many cheap looking costumes at the stores, it hit me. I should dress him up as Dopey. And he fitted right into the character.



p.s. his costume is not store bought. believe it or not....I made it. Well...most of it =)



I also helped Aida dress up. She brought her costume and her fake lashes, I just helped with her hair and make-up. She received lots of compliments and made sure to give me credit for my part.



I think Halloween is one of those Holidays (if you can call it a Holiday) that I could care less for. Until I had my kids! It's so much fun to dress them up and especially to see them run from house to house saying trick or treat (in their cute baby talk) and even saying thank you after they get some candy thrown into their pumpkins. Now I need to convice them that all the candy they worked so hard for is gone. It's gonna be hard, especially since I have not let them have too many of them.

p.s.s. I really wish I had more pictures to share, but I forgot my camera at home. Good thing I took these before we left.