and to all a good night.

Happy Halloween!
Hope you all had a splendid time!


P.S. Meredith, thank you for the cute card - Ellie loved it!

it's that time again

music. get your music here.
time to mail them out!

open letter to Ellie at 15 months and 2 days

Ellie,

I am 2 days late in posting this due to the fact that we were at the beach. You got your first taste of being in the ocean. Really, your first taste. The water got on your face and you were licking your lips for quite a while. I'm assuming it was all the salt. Yum!

You would go around the hotel and say mama, daddy, gampa, yaya. Over and over. Too bad gampa and yaya weren't actually there. I asked you if you wanted to go home and you again said gampa and yaya. Is this a sign that you spend too much time over at your grandparents house? Or is it just that you like them more?
You can now say your name, something like this - ey ye.
You still LOVE Sesame Street. In addition to saying all of our names, you sometimes like to add in Ernie, Elmo and Cookie as if they are in the room.
You now know what the tiger, lion and bear say - pretty much the same thing - roar.
You put your hand up to your mouth and make noises when we ask you what Cookie monster does.
You now give real kisses. No more of the open mouth thing. Now we get the real thing with the smacking noise. You also give good hugs and you blow kisses as well.
You went on your first carousel ride and you kept saying moo for the animals - again, we need to work on that one.

You will take a bath and once all the water is gone, you look at yourself in the faucet, stand up, wave goodbye and walk the length of the bathtub and turn around and do it all over again. By the time you finally get out of the bathtub, you don't need a towel anymore - you are completely dry.
You sing along to the abc's in your own language but you know the tune. You also sing the part of "now I know". You also count somewhat. I say one and you say two. And then I say the rest up to seven and you finish with eight. Today though, you did chime in and gave me a six after five. Smart kid!
I can tell you to get in bed and you will walk over and climb right into your bed. The problem is getting you to stay there! We love it when you walk into our room in the morning and announce "hi". Although we do like it better at 7 then say 2 a.m.
It seems your mongolian spots are getting worse. Still only on your back but it freaks me out to put you in a swimming suit. I'm afraid I'm going to have CPS knocking on my door from some concerned parent. Hopefully those will disappear before preschool!
You are a joy to have around and you make us laugh everyday. Even on the bad days when you don't enough sleep. Sleep my dear, sleep. One day you will want all the sleep you can get!

Love you pretty girl,
Mama

going back to cali, stylin, profilin, growlin, and smilin, while in the sun

Thank you LL Cool J for such great lyrics (and yes, I had to look those up, I did not know them by heart)
We are heading to Newport for the long weekend (it's Nevada day around here). We booked our trip a couple weeks ago, had no idea the whole state would be on fire at that point.

Hopefully we will have a good time and not die of smoke inhalition. Oh yeah, here's hoping we actually make it there and back also.
Ya'll have a wonderful last weekend of October!

2 episodes?

Seriously.
CBS is singing the blues over "Viva Laughlin," which has been officially canceled after just two episodes.
Why couldn't it get axed after 1 episode?
I was lucky enough not to watch it but knew it wouldn't last.
2 episodes - what a shame!

I've had a huge grin on my face ever since I found out!

CONGRATULATIONS EMILEE!
You did it!
Way to go on the new digs! I am SO excited for you, now we have to work on me!

today.

Today was the Summerlin Pumpkin Patch. Ellie's first experience at a pumpkin patch. There was of course a pumpkin patch, and a little petting "zoo" and by zoo, I mean about 8 animals. A hay maze and of course Summerlin Sam made an appearance. Ellie kept going around to all the animals saying "moo" until I told her what they were. I guess if it was bigger than a dog, that is what she associated it with.

love this picture of her pigtails!


It was a good time.
Now, we are tending Ian, Liz's nephew and watching Fracture. Weird having 2 little ones in the house. Not that he isn't one cute little bugger but I just hope he stays asleep until Jonny & Jenny get back. This is alot of pressure!
One more thing, forgot to mention that my knee popped out yesterday. And in all the screams of pain and the stream of swear words that came out of my mouth, Ellie just sat there and laughed at me. Reminded me of when the same thing happened at Paul's and was captured on film!

PEZ christmas

I saw this on another blog (again, bored) and I got to thinking there has got to be a way for me to do this...

A PEZ Christmas tree. Not the main one, but maybe one for Ellie. I'm just wondering how I could put the PEZ on the tree? And then moo.com came to mind and maybe I could just take individual pictures and hang them? Somehow that doesn't seem very fun though. Any one have any ideas?

And since we were talking about moo.com, what do you all think of flashcards? Like the colors and numbers? Maybe things that start with the letters of the alphabet? Could be alot of work to take pictures of so many things. I might be over my head on this one.

random blah blah blahs...

I've started Christmas shopping. It freaks me out a little. It really is right around the corner you know. Just one more cd exchange and bam - it will be here!

I cleaned out the downstairs closet yesterday. It is a closet that goes under the stairs, perfect for a little hiding place/playroom. So, once Christmas is over, Ellie can go nuts in there. I also hung up all my pictures - my wall of glory pictures if you will. They are now in the closet but they look fabulous. I will someday have to take a picture. I also found a box of missing PEZ dispensers and some Christmas presents for the office. Now I don't have to worry about that this year!

I went to Starbucks today for lunch for a little pick me up. I might have to go there everyday for lunch. They were so nice, and a little coffee every day at noon doesn't hurt. Anyway, they gave me a few of the song of the day for itunes - it is CEU. I have never heard of her but if you want a free download, let me know and I will email you the code. I also have one more Mavis Staples from yesterday if you want the code for that one as well...

First off, Happy Birthday Dad!
We are all joining up to go to Hachi for dinner. Good sushi! From the last few posts, it seems like I have been going here a lot lately, but it is worth it! If anyone EVER comes to visit, you will have to check it out. And, they have cooked stuff also for all those wussies!

Second,
We headed to the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood to go to Desert Passage/Miracle Mile Shops - everything has changed around here. H&M was packed. Packed. Couldn't even get in. Didn't want to get in. It was tiny compared to other ones I have been to. I'm sure I'll go back at some point and check it out, but for now, I will just go to the one in NYC. (Did I mention I was going in a little over a month)? Never fear though, I did get some good shopping in at other stores. Bought Ellie an outfit, and one of her first Christmas presents - a Big Bird from Build a Bear. My mom also got her some beer bottle rings. There were about 15 and they came in all sorts of colors. Basically it is so you know which beer is yours when there are alot of people around. She will of course use them for bracelets, unless we break her in early with the Bud. She is going to be one stylin' chick on Christmas morning. I however, I got myself a couple sweaters too. It is supposed to be like 68 degrees tomorrow, I can't wait to rip out the sweaters and uggs!

Third,
This damn thing no longer emails me when someone has posted a comment. So, I just have to periodically check. Therefore, I can't really email you back so I may just have to put my own comment answering your questions. But, for now I will answer them here.
Lindsi - I told you I stalk blogs. Especially when I'm bored. That is how I found out about moo.com.
Liz - Speaking of moo.com, you have some good ideas. I wonder what I will do...(if anything). Also, you may have been facetious, but I am going to try the V8 idea. I figure if she doesn't like it, at least I can drink it. Warm though. Only warm.

Toodles...

freaking cool stuff.

Have you guys seen or heard of this?
My mind is going crazy wanting to know what I could use any of this stuff for.
Any ideas?

we interrupt this...

I totally forgot to post pictures of what happened the other day next door to my house. It seems about every six months or so, something out of the ordinary is happening at my front door. This time was no exception...

This is the hot air balloon that landed on my neighbors roof one morning. I saw it as I was leaving my house to go to work.

This is Ellie at our bedroom window looking out once they got it off the roof and in the empty lot directly behind us.

Exciting stuff I tell ya!

Also, I have to fill in for Jen on Friday so I am taking Thursday off this week. Having to figure out what to do with Ellie is really the hardest part. Wouldn't it be so much easier if I just didn't work or worked out of the house? Any ideas? (no really, any ideas)? Anyway, the reason I am putting this out there is because now I can go to the opening of H&M. It is what I call the equivalent of IKEA only it is clothes. Should be a good time.

conversation #1

Me: Ellie, Can you say yes?
Ellie: No.

terrible twos. oh wait, 14 months.

14 months today. She is growing up quick. Is it possible that the terrible two tantrums and such start a lot earlier than 2?
She now says no. And shakes her head. But her no voice is so cute, that you just end repeating it back. I am however, trying to get her to say yes.
I say one. She says two.
She still doesn't sleep in her crib. But, she is out of our room. We got a toddler bed from a friend so she has been sleeping on that. She only wakes up once or twice a night and we go console her and then it's back to sleep. Only one of us ends up falling asleep on the floor while we are waiting. We are most likely going to switch out the crib to a toddler bed soon, so we can get rid of the other one. Her room is starting to have way to much stuff.
She is wearing 12 month clothes on some things. As you can see in the above picture, her 12 month skirt is drowning her. I put her in 9 month jeans the other day and they fit around the waist but were floods. Poor kid. Liz, I'm sure you can relate with Meredith.
She now says Oscar and Grover.
She can have a pile of toys in front of her and she always goes for the books. And the elastics that I call bracelets.
She says shoes and socks.
She cries uncontrollably when she sees that either me or Joaquin is leaving the room.
She loves wheat toast, grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese and grapes. And of course, still watermelon. Anybody have any idea how I can sneak some vegetables in there? The only thing I can think of is putting ketchup in her easymac.
She says grandpa and you know it melts my dads heart.
She now has a total of 8 teeth.
She is very shy. She is not sure about other little kids. Hopefully that will change soon.
She loves to be outside. She would be out there all day if we let her.
She throws her arms in the air when we say touchdown.
She can entertain herself forever by opening and closing doors.
She can point out her hair, eyes, nose, tongue, tummy, knees, and toes. Still working on the shoulders and ears.
She gives kisses and hugs. Love the hugs!
She wants to climb over or on top of things.
And that is Ellie in a nutshell. Or at least what I can remember right now. I should really start writing these things down when they happen. Have I said that before?
I almost forgot the most important thing - she now says I love you!

heartburn lady and cd's

Let me just preface this by saying, if you were allergic to peanuts, I would not offer you a peanut butter sandwich.
With that, a while back, someone I know claimed my candle gives her heartburn (hence heartburn lady). Now, let me give you this, something I found on wikipedia to indicate that unless she is in here actually eating my candle, I don't think she could actually get heartburn, but I digress...

Causes
Foods that may cause heartburn:

Sodas (including cola), and other carbonated beverages
Chocolate
Citrus fruits and juices
Tomatoes and tomato sauces (such as pizza and pasta sauce)
Spicy foods
Red pepper (capsicum)
Peppermint and spearmint
Dry foods such as peanuts
Fatty foods such as ice cream
Garlic
Bread and other foods derived from grains
Wine, particulary white wine.
Drugs are also known to cause or trigger heartburn symptoms.

Tobacco products (cigarettes, snuff, etc.)
Cocaine, and especially Methamphetamine is known to trigger heartburn.
Alcohol, especially in red wine.
Caffeine, as found in Coffee, tea, cola, and other beverages
It can also be psychosomatic, primarily in relation to stress and fatigue

Fast forward to yesterday, I am again burning my Utah Utes candle, which Kathy and Mike so gracially gave me, but keep in mind, my door is closed. Well, she then claims that she is allergic to candles and she is going to have to go to Quick Care to get some medicine for this. And, if it is burning tomorrow she won't be here. Now again, I have heard of people being allergic to flowers or perfume, but this is a candle in my CLOSED door office.

So, now she is not talking to me. Nor is she talking to anyone who has talked to me.

My question is, do I get her a very fragrant candle and a bottle of Tums for Christmas?

It looks like everyone is in for another round of cd exchanges, so how about the beginning of November?

thinking ahead.

So, let's say you were a family
and
you were to get just a family gift - something for the whole family to enjoy.
What would you like to receive? Or would you just like individual gifts for everyone?
Please help, I need ideas...

Thanks, and feel free to pass this message onto anyone who could help me who normally doesn't read this. You can do that by clicking the envelope by the comments.

i heart fall.

The weather is changing around here - finally! I think we might be able to open the windows sometime soon.
I love it.
Time for Starbucks caramel apple cider. And for those of you who are "afraid" of coffee drinks, I highly recommend this.
Football. Go Utes! Utah vs. UNLV this weekend!
Changing leaves. We are heading up to Mt Charleston on Sunday, I'm hoping there might be something but somehow I think I am headed for disappointment.
Candy corn.
New TV.
Pumpkin patches.
Holidays right around the corner.
Sweaters!
I love it all - bring it on!

I'll Run - Brooklynn Drive

my little cousin, jace

my not so glamourous life

This week...
Joaquin and I went to Hachi for our anniversary.
He sent be these beautiful flowers.

I got a letter put in my file by the President. Not a good thing.
I came home to this last night.

We took Ellie to Chuck E Cheese for the first time with some friends of ours and decided we might have to make it a somewhat regular thing.

I took these pictures for Melaney of my scrapbook space. Good luck.



We are going to the San Gennaro Festival tonight.
I am going to St. George tomorrow for a baby shower.
Our friend Chris gets back from Iraq tomorrow so we will be celebrating with him on Sunday.
And, I'm going to get my hair done in about 1 hour. Very exciting.
Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

dedicated to those who want free music...

So kids, did you all get your cd's?
Good, bad, ugly?
Did you want to start doing this every other month?
Let me know...



Also, Jessica's playlist was totally screwed up (incase you didn't realize) so I'll leave it up to her to post the real order here...

3 years.

Good times. Bad times. Ups and downs. There is no one I would rather have them all with.
Happy Anniversary babe!

let's hear it for hidden tracks!

Darryl - just got my cd in the mail - so far so good but a hidden track! Brilliant! I need info so I can load it up!
Did everyone else get theirs mailed out?

i'm bringing sexy back...yeah

them other mothers don't know how to act...yeah



Took Joaquin to see Justin Timberlake last night as a surprise anniversary gift. He was so excited. And we were not the oldest ones there! So happy to surprise someone - fun!

holy shit.

just hit 1000 lurkers!

go team!!!

i got another confession to make...

I have been sleeping with someone else.

Did that get your attention??

Ellie. Me, Joaquin and Ellie. I need help! The child will not sleep in her crib. Today we went in for Ellie's year checkup (a little late) and I told the doctor about this problem. He said, just let her cry it out, it may take a few days but I would do that. Now, the reason she doesn't sleep in her crib is because Joaquin isn't on board with this. He doesn't want her to suffer. Well, neither do I but I'm about ready to go sleep in the guest room!

So, I need help, suggestions - anything from people who have been in this situation. How did you get your kid to sleep? Did they cry it out until they learned this is the way it is or is there some other method that Joaquin might be willing to go for?

Signed,
Desperate and Overcrowded Bed.

shameless plug.

WAMU. Get your WAMU home loan here!
Contact Joaquin (or me and I'll get you Joaquin) for info!
All states available except for Texas (where apparently they DON'T do it big there)

this is what I found after I took her out of her highchair...

and then 10 minutes later she through a tantrum while in the bathtub.

Lovely!

disney.

Has anyone, or anyone know of anyone who has taken a Disney Cruise?
Good? Bad? Ugly?
Any thoughts just might help me out!

thirteen.

She is walking. Full force. Has been happening for a while now but in the last 2 weeks, it has become no more crawling.
I tried to get a video of this on here but still fully don't fully understand this computer.
She is walking up the stairs - very scary. For those of you that haven't been to our house (and that would be about 98% of you) - hello come visit, they are wood. About 7 on one level go up turn around and then 8 more. Does that make any sense? Anyway, they are wood. If she falls, it is not a nice landing!
She has 6 teeth. 3 on top. 3 on bottom.
She is talking. Boy, is she talking.
She says a-choo after someone sneezes.
She says doggy and says woof when you ask her what the doggy says.
She says cookie and big bird and duck.
And she said shit the other day. Finally, it only took her 13 months!
The other day, I gave her some milk and went about my business. I came back to check on her and she was just blabbering aloud while looking through her book. So cute!
She knows what kiss and beso (kiss in spanish) means.
She dances when you say shake it baby whether there is music or not.
When you say let me see, she opens her mouth to show you there is or isn't any more food in there.
She still doesn't sleep thru the night, nor is she on any sort of schedule for anything. Good times!

Here she is dancing to the music at the pool for Joaquin's birthday party. Such concentration.

to the right. to the right

see the new poll - take it!

president.

Am I missing something? Did Mitt Romney get elected as the Republican candidate for President? I have seen a few bumper stickers stating Mitt Romney for President. Shouldn't he at least make sure he makes it through the first round? If that is the case, I'm going to vote for Jimmy. Margaritaville 24/7!

Just wondering...

happy birthday

Happy 39th Birthday Joaquin!
We love you and we hope you have a fabulous weekend!

-Lori & Ellie

what the flip??

While out and about today at lunch, I turn on the radio and go thru all 12 preset stations and nothing. The best thing I could find was Sister Christian. Sister. Freakin. Christian. That either means
a - I need to get new stations set in
or
b - the radio here sucks

I'm going with b. And I'm sure the rest of you will agree that the radio here does indeed suck.

In other news...
Does anyone out there have a Mac? I am trying to make a ivideo/dvd and need help.

And, for the cd exchange. We have myself, Emilee, Jessica, Daryl and Melaney in on this. So for you guys, how about starting the beginning of September? Just get your cd in order and make 4 copies and mail them out to everyone. Sound like a plan? Or, is there another way you want to work it?
I am just going to make a disclaimer right now on this...I can not be responsible if you don't like the music I put on my cd's!

sesame street

good news...
looks like they have new episodes of Sesame Street out. Finally.
And for Daryl, hopefully you tivo'd it because Tina Fey was the guest star!

books...help

I went to the bookstore today in search for magazines for the plane ride and I always pass the best sellers section and wonder to myself, what if I actually read a book instead of these damn magazines all the time. So, I thought I would put this out there, I have no idea what book to read. I need suggestions. Something that I am going to WANT to read, that I can't put down book, or that I can read in like 2 days because it's so good. Oh wait, I don't have 2 days to read a book, maybe more like 2 weeks. I mean, no pressure or anything, but it has really got to be good because I already have some new ones at home collecting dust. Anyway, suggestions??? Anyone...

here's my kid...

http://mystudio.kiddiekandids.com/viewshare.asp?c=518101595ZS3MAS57

- sorry you will have to copy and paste if you want to see them...

we went to go get 1 year pictures yesterday. It was much better than the 6 month ones we went for. Much better. The white dress is one that Joaquin's mom got her for her birthday so I guess it was only appropriate that we get her a picture in the dress. I told Joaquin we could use it for Halloween - just add a tiara and a wand and viola - you've got a princess.

But, then I found this...

glorious friday

Ah, I am really going to enjoy getting used to this schedule. So nice to actually feel like I have accomplished something at my house!
For instance, today:
I finished 2 loads of laundry
I went grocery shopping (where I really feel like a mom because on a Friday morning, that is who is at the grocery store with the kids)
I had a lengthy conversation with Liz (that doesn't happen much anymore)
I made dinner out of the Bagley family recipe book and Joaquin actually went back for seconds (not a normal occurance)
Ellie took a morning and afternoon nap!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We went to lunch at Cafe Rio (where else) for Jessica's homecoming
I gave myself a manicure
I started Joaquin's anniversary gift and am almost done
I started on thank you notes
all of this because I now have 4 day work weeks - love it!!!

And one week from today I will be in fabulous Seattle with my husband celebrating our 3rd year anniversary. A month early but still 3 years - or 15 years give or take a few...hard to believe none the less.

And while talking to Liz today, I realized I have a new blog admirer, so this is for you Meredith. Of course it would be better if everyone was looking at the camera, but why be picky?

ahh...the party

So, apparently being from Cuba, everyone is on "island time". This whole time, I thought it was just Joaquin. The invitations go out saying party at 5:00 which apparently in "island time" means anywhere from 6:00 to 9:00. Aside from them being there at some point, we ran out of propane at a bbq, the fire alarm went off from the smoke, Ellie got lots of gifts and I think everyone had an okay time. At least for the gringos, it will be a story to tell and hey, we have another year until it all happens again!
Thanks to everyone for their help and for all the gifts - Ellie is going to be having lots of fun. And I will leave you with one of my favorite pictures of the night...

and this was before she really dove into the cake!

365 days ago...

365 days ago. I remember it well.
Got admitted to the hospital early in the morning for them to tell me sorry you are going home, but we want you to get an ultrasound today as soon as possible. Proceeded to throw up all day, had contractions all day, none of which were timed at the same amount. Went to get the ultrasound, proceeded to throw up there. (Hope no is eating while reading this). Went home, tried to rest, started bleeding, freaked out and went to the hospital again. Got admitted at 7-8 dilated, begged for the epidural, threw up and broke water all within about 15 seconds of each other and then little Elliana was born at 7:02 p.m. They put her on my chest for a minute and then whisked her away to the NICU. And then while they were cleaning up the room I remember the girl asking if she could watch the rest of So You Think You Can Dance.

Fast forward 365 days.



Like I've said, she is almost walking.
She holds her bottles and she now gets the sippy cup.
She holds the phone to her ear and says hello.
She can tell you where her nose is.
She sticks out her tongue when you ask her where that is.
Ask her where her hair is and she touches it and says wow.
Her vocabulary consists of: hello, agua, wow, momma, daddy, tete (pacifier in spanish), hi, thank you, uh oh.
She slides down off the couch or bed on her stomach.
She loves being outside and playing with dirt and rocks.
She waves hello.
She has 3 teeth.
She sings the la la's along with Elmo on Elmo's world.
She shakes her head no instead of saying it.
She is back to giving kisses.
And she still doesn't sleep though the night...

Tomorrow is going to be one big day of celebrating. Family and friends are coming for an Elmo bbq fiesta. Hope it all goes well.

Until then...

good day

Ellie is now taking 7-8 steps at a time. She may be full on by the time her birthday arrives. Although, for now she prefers crawling - she can get places faster.

My 4 day work weeks were approved! Now, I'm looking at 3 day weekends, getting Friday's off starting next week. Ellie & I are going to get to hang!

For some reason as I type this, I am watching Cribs on MTV. Keep in mind, I think MTV is completely ridiculous at this point, but this guy who I have never heard of (surprise) who plays for the Boston Red Sox has a 78000 square foot house. What the f**k does anyone do in that size of house?

I'm going to Seattle - one of the best places on earth! 2 weeks away! Joaquin has to go for training so I am going to tag along once it's over and just go for the weekend. I am soooo excited. a - it's Seattle, nuff said. but b - it is just an adult vacation which we so need at this point, or maybe it's just what I need so bad at this point.

Ellie has got to be the sweetest kid on the planet. Giving kisses right and left. She just makes me smile everyday!

i love thee...mac and walking anyone?

just messing around on the computer this morning and came upon some pretty cool shit.
I'll have to mess around some more (you know when I have some time) to see what other good stuff I can find! And of course show you the cool stuff.

And, Ellie is walking. Or at least taking 2 to 3 steps every now and then. Just wait though. We may have a walker on our hands in no time!
Now, if I could only get her to sleep through the night...

update schmupdate

So, as I mentioned before, July is one busy month for me. But apparently in all the busyness of everything I am still expected to blog. Here goes it...

1. The backyard is pretty much done. Joaquin has been working his ass off to get it all done and it looks great. We invite everyone to come to Vegas to check it out!

2. Bunco is over and done with. Had some snags since I was only supposed to have 12 people but someone kept calling subs and then I ended up with 15. But it's over and everyone should have had fun dammit!

3. Right now I'm in the process of ripping off all my nails. (You did want to know what was happening around here)

4. I started a photography class online a few weeks ago, and since starting that I have not taken one picture. I don't think that is what was supposed to happen. So, with that, no pictures of Ellie on this one. Sorry Jess, but I will send one in a care package.

5. I got my job pretty much taken away this week. They are doing everything up in SLC now. So, with that I made a proposal to work 4 days a week so I can still get benefits and then I have one extra day with Ellie. Or to scrapbook. And to my new "clients" Danielle and Megan - you could send down your stuff any day!

6. For those of you who know what I am talking about, Claritan does not work that well.

7. My mom rocks. Nuff said. But, remember when everyone used to hate coming to my house if she was home - those days are no longer.

8. I have to go bowling on Friday. Steph, the bowling team queen - any pointers?

9. I've been downloading a bunch of new music, getting ready for this cd exchange. Such pressure. So far we've got me, Emilee and Jessica and Darryl. Anyone else?

10. Don't you hate it when people are complete idiots on the phone. This is what I deal with all day.

11. Liz, or anyone else for that matter, have you seen this - The World Series of Pop Culture? This is so right up your alley.

12. And, a blog shout out to Erica. Who knew Ms. DC? Very cool.

13. Lucky number. We'll leave at that.

holy hell, could it get any hotter...

July 2nd and it is in the 110's, as in degrees. They are having a get to know your neighbor party here on the 4th at 4 pm. Oh yes, that is the day that it is supposed to be 115 degrees! We'll see if we make it out the door.

We got back from SLC. It was great to see everyone again, and how fun to meet up with everyone and their kids at the zoo. I wish I could just take my kid out on any Friday morning...
(just for you Liz)

The farmers market was fantastic! It was so much bigger than I remember. In fact, Emilee did mention that she thought it was the best this year. If you haven't been, you need to go. You won't be sorry! Even if you don't buy anything, people watching is always good!

I was talking to Emilee and Jessica this weekend and we were talking about doing some sort of cd exchange. Just mail each other a cd concoction that we have come up with monthly. Good way to learn about other music. Anyway, I thought I should blog this and see if anyone else wants in because hey, free music! So, anyone???

brought to you by the letter e and the number 11...

11 months. One more month to go until the big birthday! July is going to be one stressful month! The whole entertaining a big group of people freaks me out. And I have bunko at my house next month on top of a birthday party, good thing I am leaving tomorrow for vacation! But enough about me.

So at 11 months, this is Ellie in a nutshell...
She puts the brush up to her hair.
She points the remote to the tv.
She puts the phone up to ear.
She likes to eat things by herself, so please don't expect my house to ever be clean again!
She says ank you (thank you) and uh oh.
She is getting 2 teeth on the top, just starting to come out.
She loves Sesame Street but mostly Elmo.
She loves the swimming pool.
She is very shy until she gets to know you, so Emilee don't be sad when she doesn't come right to you.



I know there has got to be more but unless I write these things down thru out the month, they escape me. Bad momma.

And, have any of you noticed the counter at the bottom of this blog? I think there are a few lurkers out there...Come out, come out wherever you are!

reunion???

Do I see another SLC trip in my future?

Hello, Toad!!!

It's official..

and it has been for a while, I just haven't posted...

If you need to buy or sell a home in Nevada, California or Utah, Joaquin is your man! Or if you need a loan in any one of those states, Joaquin is your man! And speaking of Joaquin, he is now employed as a loan officer at WAMU, so think of all the possibilities there. Go Joaquin, we are all so proud of you!

So Liz, if you now needed that house with a pink and blue bathroom, you know where to go!

it begins with 4 and ends with ooooh!

Happy Birthday Jen!

i'm so excited...

I just can't hide it. I'm about to lose control...yada yada yada.
That was in honor of my darling cousin Heather who never reads this, but just might after I announce to the world that it is her birthday - Happy Birthday!

And, yes I am excited because Ellie and I (and little Jess) are taking a road trip to SLC! End of June. IKEA, The Farmers Market, The Zoo. Good times. Anybody up for the experience? Hoping that both Ellie and I feel better by then. I'm hoping 3 weeks is a long enough recovery time...

the cafe rio gods are looking out...

So true, the saying of you don't know what you've got til it's gone. I think Poison said it best actually.
But, the point of this post is that I finally got my pork salad. It was so freaking fantastic. I'm going every day this week and I am able because my good friend Liz sent me what else - a Cafe Rio gift card!
Go me!!!

bath fun.

Since she hasn't had a picture for a while, I thought I should throw one out here.
This was her first bath in a real bathtub. I had to trash the other one since she decided to take a dump while bathing!
But look you can see her teeth! I think it might actually be the first picture I got of them.

Enjoy!

anticipation sucks.

Ever have a moment when you are just anticipating something and it doesn't happen?
Like the time when I ordered a Coke, anticipating the taste of a nice cold Coca Cola and they serve me iced tea and I didn't know it until I took a huge gulp. Nasty!
Or like today, when I was anticipating going to Cafe Rio and then finding out we had our days messed up and it really doesn't open until tomorrow. Bummer.
Of course, I am in no way lacking in the food dept, one could look at me and figure that one out but still - it's a salad!

Also, anticipating Fathers Day. What do you give your husband when he says he wants nothing? Sorry, I just can't do the nothing thing. And since he rarely reads this blog, I need some ideas. Anyone???

Thanks, and here is hoping for a salad tomorrow!

so this is what 35 feels like.

Happy Birthday to me! Yesterday anyway, and thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!
Joaquin and I went to stay at the Red Rock for the weekend. I love it there, if you are ever in town or if you live here and want to get away - Go there! You won't be disappointed. This was hilarious! Highly recommended. Especially if you liked 40 Year Old Virgin.
And, to mark the occasion, I went to Vegas on Friday! For those of you who know what I am talking about, a big bonus goes out to you!

Joaquin & Ellie gave me a new camera! I LOVE it! And, I went and got new hair last week - I'm a brunette!

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!
Talk to you soon...

birthday fun.

First, Happy Memorial Day! Ellie had her first swimming experience today and to put it mildly, I'm pretty sure we have a fish on our hands. She loved every second of it.
Thanks to Ernie & Nancy for the bbq and pool fun!



Secondly, Happy Birthday Jessica. 25 years old! I can remember the day she was born. I was having a birthday sleepover at Deanna Peters house. My, how time flies!

And, Ellie turned 10 months yesterday. Crazy! I'm going to have to start planning a birthday party soon.
And, just to keep me updated, here's the scoop...

she points at things.
she loves books, and now she opens them and just blabbers away to herself.
she says wow, agua, and kaka? when you change her diapers.
she is starting to stand up and balance herself without relying on furniture to hold onto to.
she wants to get in all the cupboards and drawers and pull everything out.
she plays peek a boo herself.
and, we affectionately call her the monster.
I'm sure there is more, but right now nothing is coming to me. Anybody have anything else they want to add?

my latest obsession...

I present you this.

So excited. Finally!

it doesn't fall far...

She may not look at all like me, but look at this.

She is SO my child.
I cant wait to teach her to put her legs around her head!

we're back...

edited due to comments-
Yes, Liz if I ever make it up there again, we need to go find players houses, just like the good ol' days. Only now we have to substitute the Scirocco with the milk truck but I'm still game for the Sno Shack!

Hey all...

We made it back from Puerto Vallarta! Good times, super good times (a word that has since been reintroduced into my vocabulary). And I think Im diggin it. Super. We didn't do much, just a lot of lounge time but that is what a vacation is for, right? We did go deep sea fishing one day and that was about it and there were absolutely no dolphin sightings. That was a disappointment but what do you do? Ellie was excited to see us, I should say more Joaquin then me. It took her some time to warm up. Could be because some lady with a really bad sunburn was claiming to be her mother.

Yesterday the three of us headed to St George so Joaquin could finish up a couple classes and I went shopping. Oh my hell, there is so not anything much to do there. I hit a couple scrapbook stores that were just all right and then went to the "mall". Couldn't find a single thing. Luckily, it should be the last of the classes so I won't have to go there any time soon and our own Cafe Rio will be here shortly!

Let's talk tv. Just sitting here catching up and yes, I missed a lot.
American Idol - I'm some what happy with the results. I always thought Melinda looked like a 40 year old woman in a 20 something body.
The Office - loved it, all 60 minutes of it. This, in my opinion is the best comedy on tv.
Greys Anatomy - ??? I have no idea what to think about just what went down.
Dancing with the Stars - I haven't watched this one yet, I'm waiting for Joaquin, but here's hoping Ian is gone because anyone who says their name I-AN should be.
Utah Jazz - who can believe it? I feel like a dud, I used to know everything about these guys and now I know nothing. Makes me feel somewhat sad, I wish I could go to a game and relive my younger days.

happy thoughts.

Emilee...

Happy Happy Birthday
From all of us to you
We wish it was our birthday
So we could party too!
Ole!

Have a wonderful day and we'll see you tomorrow in Mexico!
Be safe.

Love ya,
The Ceballos Trio

stuff.

Oh Mexico
It sounds so simple
I just got to go...

We're leaving on Saturday morning. Yes, without our daughter. Yes, without our daughter on my first Mother's Day. I know she has no idea, but I do. Hopefully, on Sunday I'll be so busy swimming with the dolphins or something that I won't really remember it. Oh yeah, my mom will be there so that won't work. Wishful thinking.

My good friend Steph sent me this email, so for all you Mother's out there, I'm sure you will relate and Happy Mother's Day to all!

Before I was a Mom
>I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
>I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
>I never thought about immunizations.
>Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on.
>Pooped on.
>Chewed on.
>Peed on.
>I had complete control of my mind a nd my thoughts.
>I slept all night.
>Before I was a Mom
>I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
>Or give shots.
>I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
>I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
>I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
>Before I was a Mom
>I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to
>put them down.
>I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I
>couldn't stop the hurt.
>I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
>I never knew that I could love someone so much.
>I never knew I would love being a Mom.
>Before I was a Mom -
>I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
>I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
>I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
>I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so
>Important and happy.
>Before I was a Mom -
>I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every
>10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
>I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
>the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
>I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

On another note, my mom was scrapbooking some things and needed to know when we went to New Jersey. Lucky for me, I scrapbook and was able to go back and get the date. But, while doing that I was looking through the old books. So many things I had forgotten about...

Seeing
Tina Yothers in concert.
Having my picture taken with Rick Fox at a Skechers party.
When I got stuck tending
Kristine W's son and neice at San Diego pride.
When Doug and Liz dressed up as cheerleaders.
The picture of the Twin Towers in New York City 03/01
Seeing Mark Eaton at Tuscany at one of the critically acclaimed Halloween parties.
The 2002 Winter Olympics where I picked up my Coke and fry sauce Olympic collector pin.
And, seeing myself years ago, thinking I was fat then-what was I thinking?

Anyway, this is a good reminder why I do all this stuff!

Have a wonderful week!

don't know what you've got til it's gone.

I remember the day when Nordstrom opened here. I took the day off work so I could go visit. I remember walking in, calling my mom and almost crying from all of the excitement. It was finally here!

Flash back to today (if that makes any sense) and I am coming out of Postnet at lunch. What do I see in front of me, but...Cafe Rio! I get the same gut feeling. Didn't almost cry though as I wasn't actually in the building. But just knowing that one day next month it will officially be opening, I just may let out a burst then.

Call me wierd, call me crazy, call me whatever. Just make sure to call me when you go get a pork salad with no rice and a whole wheat tortilla because I'll meet you there!

lucky.

I am lucky.
Yes, I AM lucky.
It's not like I need a bottle of water to tell me that. However, it does help to look at a cool marketing tool to remind me.

Cinco de Mayo has come and gone. I'm pretty sure it is safe to say that the parents will not be throwing another party any time soon. But, I'm sure a good time was had by all and here is Ellie in her party dress. Thanks to Auntie Em for supplying the goods!



And, it's day three of eating no bread. Not that I'm not eating all other kinds of shit, but it's called baby steps!

san gennaro

Tonight the three of us along with Jessica and Collin headed over to the big San Gennaro Feast celebration. Lots of eating and what felt like 8 million calories of food, including fried dough - bad choice - and seeing Gregg Peterson in real life. And when I say real life, I mean walking around like an average joe without some freaked out purple sport coat. Ellie had a great time, I don't think she has seen so many wierdos to people watch at one time. And the good mom that I am, won her a little duck!

and look at Joaquin in action. close, but still no prize.


Oh, and my long awaited passport finally came in the mail today so it's official - I can go to Mexico - phew!

the great big purple dinosaur and...

Ellie!

She got to meet him this weekend at Giovanni's birthday party!
Thanks guys for the entertainment!

finally - the #9.

In honor of Ellie's 9 month birthday, and my favorite number (thank you Jim McMahon). We are going to celebrate NINE.

birthday.

august, 1 month.

september, 2 months.

october, 3 months.

november, 4 months.

december, 5 months.

january, 6 months.

february, 7 months.

march, 8 months.

the eve of nine months.


updates:
1. 2 teeth on the bottom, finally. I just wish I could have a picture.
2. She bobs her head back and forth when she hears music on the tv
3. She no longer gives kisses (stubborn little thing - hopefully a passing phase)
4. She still loves her bath and freaks out when it is time to get out.
5. She tries to whistle and sometimes the littlest sound does come out.
6. She is on the move - crawling everywhere, walking around furniture, pulling herself up.
7. She eats just about anything we will give her. And she loves ice cold water squirted in her mouth.
8. She loves cheerios - it is basically the only thing we can give her to keep her occupied so we can get things done.
9. As always, she is just the cutest thing, we are so freaking lucky!