What I'm Reading

A couple of weeks ago I watched an interview with Jaycee Dugard, the woman who was kidnapped then found 18 years later. I was familiar with the story, but watching her interview and listening to her describe her horrible experience, I knew I had to read her book, A Stolen Life. I picked it up at Target on Monday, and read a little every night this week. After finishing the book I have come away feeling so grateful for the freedom I have, for the material things I posses, and for my loving family by my side. The strength Jaycee showed is truly inspiring, I definitely recommend this book, although at times it may be hard to read about the torture she endured, its amazing to see how she was able to survive.

I plan to pick a much lighter, happier book for my next read. Any suggestions? 

Pinterest

So this post may be totally irrelevant but just thought I would share my addiction....PINTEREST.  For those of you who aren't on Pinterest, it's this awesome website where you basically "pin" things you like. It reminds me of being in high school and cutting the pictures of cute celebrities (Paul Walker, yum) clothes, or quotes I liked out of magazines, then putting them in one of those binders with the clear cover (remember those?).  Whenever I have free time, I run to my computer and see what people are "pinning." So far I've gotten great recipes, decor ideas, sewing patterns and much more. A big thank you to Christine @ my lovely chaos, for posting one night about her addiction :)  So that's how I spend my online time, what about you?

Terrible Tuesdays

So, I started this peppy blog post about how my June was amazing (which it was) but that's not how I feel right now.  I'm in a "cry into my pillow" mood. My Grandma went back home today and unexpectedly, I'm having a hard time with it.  There's no telling when she'll be back, and it's very unlikely we are going home anytime soon.  As we pulled into the departure lanes, I turned to her and said "I'm gonna cry" and I did the whole way home.  It was Lovebug that told me not to cry, "Grandma will be back soon." Its been a year and a half, since we moved the nearly three-thousand miles from home.  After such a great visit, it reminds me of how much I miss..... the old stories, good food, and great laughs.  Here's to hoping we'll be back in So Cal in 2012.

Let's Eat

If there is one thing the four (or 5 of us if you count the dog) LOVE to do is EAT. One of the good things about being out here in "Merryland" is we've gotten to try out a ton of different chain restaurants that they don't have back home. Even more fun is when we get to try the little hole in the wall restaurants. Today, while out and about, and hungry like always, we drove past a place called "The Dancing Pepper." It claimed to have authentic Tex-Mex, it sparked our curiosity, so we decided to give it a try.

It looked empty from the outside but when we went inside there was a party of 25 women. So it was probably a horrible time to come, considering they only had one waiter. I was overcharged for my meal, the waiter was a little snappy and we never got a refill for our chips, but the food was delicious. I will have to write my disclaimer now and say I have never actually eaten authentic Tex-Mex food. I've only spent one night in Texas, on our way here, and if I remember correctly we had Chick Fil-A that night. I ordered Enchiladas Rancheras with chicken filling. This is my go to Mexican dish, if I like the restaurant's enchiladas, I'll definitely be going back.

So Yummy! 

I devoured my plate and the hubby really enjoyed his food too. The kids shared a quesadillla plate and were so good in the restaurant.  I'm sure we will be going back, even with the not so good service.

Here are some pics of the my Loves just because  :)

Love bug and her Daddy have the same face.

My handsome Bubs 

Lovebug's Recital

Her first time wearing make-up!

Today was my Lovebug's first big dance recital.  We were both so excited ( yes, I am living through my daughter!)  She has been in this dance class since last October, its part ballet and part tap.  She loves it ! She reminds me about 10 times on Tuesdays that she is going to ballet that day.  She was a little under the weather today, but she went out there and did a great job!  We are so proud of her!

Although, it was an exciting and happy day, I couldn't help but feel a little sad.  My Lovebug isn't a baby anymore. I don't know where along the lines she became this independent being, but it makes me long for the days where she spent most of her time in my arms.

From this to...............

.......this beautiful princess.

Anyways, I'll get over it in the morning when she reminds me that she still needs me to make her breakfast :)

Here are her two dances.

Mother's Day

 Today, I miss my Mother just a little bit more than most days.  I wish more than anything I could hear her voice just one more time, or see her beautiful face. Oh how I wish she could have met her grandkids, I know they would have loved her so much.  I love you Mommy!  

 Today, I am also wishing I could be with my Grandma.  And if it weren't a 48hr drive home, I would definitely be there in a heartbeat.  She truly is the inspiration for the kind of Mother I aim to be.  She is loving, caring, stern, and funny.  She is an excellent cook, gardener, seamstress, and is knowledgeable in every topic.  She has stood by me through every bad decision, every scary night, she is the first one I call when something goes wrong or when I have good news.  She is my Best Friend!  

I love this photo, both of us were not ready to take the picture.  Oh and yah I'm pregnant with C here.

And I am seriously trying to be just like her thanks to my new sewing machine.

My Mother's Day gift from the Hubby and kids  :)

I did have a great Mother's Day.  We went out to dinner on Friday to Ruby Tuesday (we wanted to beat the rush).  And best of all I got to sleep in today! Happy Mother's day to all the moms out there!

P.S. Yeah, I totally never finished the 30 Day Challenge, but if you really know me that isn't a big surprise :)

FAIL

Well that was a major FAIL. I lasted one day on my challenge.  It was a busy week, what can I say ?  Anyways let me try and catch up.

Day 2- Favorite Movie- It's a three way tie between Pretty Woman, Return to Oz, and Wild Hearts Can't be Broken.

( Hello, Michael Schoeffling )

Day 3-Favorite Television Show- I Love Lucy, Current Television Show- Dexter, Criminal Minds is a very close second.

Day 4- Favorite Book- Ok really, I am probably one of the most indecisive people you will ever meet. And this challenge is expecting me to keep picking my favorite this and that, do you know how hard that is for me? ............ A Thousand Splendid Suns, I am choosing this one because Miguel and I read this one together ( I promise Miguel I never read ahead while you were at work.)

Day 5- Favorite Quote- Experience: that most brutal of teachers.  But you learn, my God do you learn - C.S. Lewis

Day 6- Whatever Tickles Your Fancy


This picture was taken at Qdoba Mexican Grill (should not even be called Mexican food) last week.  It was probably one of the happiest moments we have had as a family, even though the food stank.  K, all on her own decided to take on the responsibility of feeding C.  She fed him rice and broke off parts of her quesadilla to give to him.  She fed him his entire meal ( Miguel and I were able to eat in peace) and even took breaks to give him some of her drink.  It was the sweetest thing ever, especially considering it has taken K a very long time to get used to sharing us with her brother.  Things are changing :)