Tamales, Tamales! 12/19/09

When I was little making tamales seemed like a lot of work. My Tita would instruct us making the rounds, yelling at us should we make a mistake. We had stations. The lowest job was separating the shells, the highest would put the meat in the tamales. I would usually do the lowest job with Kristina. There was one time we actually made it to the top... I'm not sure if there was anyone else there, so we snuck in. We were doing good until I was caught violating the 2 piece of meat rule. Faster than you could say tamale, we were done.

Now as an adult I realize there is a lot more work than I thought. I still refuse to do the shells... and the rest of the family refuses to let me do the meat. I can't say I've moved up, but made a lateral move. Anyhow we decided to make tamales. At first we got a very slow start... Too many chiefs, not enough Indians.

We were so bored that some people started eating Kristina's cookies from the night before. Aunt Sonia was eating them when Kristina picked up the plate and announced, "Eww... there's a trail of ants!" Aunt Sonia could not toss her cookies quick enough.

Once the recipe was perfect the tamale making went quick. Red chile, green chicken chile, and sweet tamales. Tita was still directing from her wheelchair. I am like 5th in line to be in charge, so I have a while before I have to pay attention to the recipe.

My kids did not want to partake in the tamale making and I'm sure the whole family was fine with that. They chose to play and hang out.

After tamales, we met up with my friend Vanessa's family to see the Christmas lights in FV. We got some hot chocolate and walked around. Everyone had a good time. Jeffrey had too much hot chocolate and had to make a pit stop... in someone else's yard. The kids all 6 of them, had fun running around and looking at the lights.

The Borboa/Butt & Ponce/Kavanagh kids... In no particular order Trevor, Corey, Jacob, Mackenzie, Jeffrey, and Alexis

This was one of my favorite houses. Loved that idea! Maybe we'l try it next year.

It was a great weekend ~ thanks for the memories!

EHS Softball Party

I am venturing back onto the softball field once again. I've not done this since 2007, right after I had Jeffrey. I'm a head coach once more and so far I'm having a good time.

I have some of my girls in 6th period. I've never done this before, and I'm really enjoying getting to know the girls and build some unity.

Anyhow the day of finals I was to have them for 2 hours. It's been freezing, so we decided to have a little feast.

The girls were awesome. They brought all kinds of food, and set it up. They really enjoyed it, as did I. It was a nice way to start the break... on a full stomach : >

Javi's Birthday 12/5/09

Yes, I realize it's been a while, but I'm back. I've been on vacation and truly wanted to relax and that's what I've done.

With a family as big as ours it's inevitable that we have multiple people with the same birthday. Javi and Alyssa are two of those... a year apart, but same day. Javi celebrated his birthday with a sports themed birthday.

It was a lot of fun and that meant we all had to wear jerseys. Jeff and I wore my school jerseys, while Lexi wore a Ponce favorite... a Dodger's t-shirt that Aaron has yet to find ; >

It was a lot of fun. Jeffrey had a blast in the jumper and Lexi had fun making it a game of

avoiding family.

The kids had a blast with the pinata. As always there are some risks with pinatas. Most people think they are fun and games, but true Mexicans know the risks in the pinata world. Case in point.... Michael on the roof so some kids can have some candy. I didn't take a picture of my dad, but he was on a ladder as well. Luckily, no one was hurt ~ except Jeffrey ~ and a good time was had by all.

The party was great and the kids had a blast. Thanks Reyes family for a fun time!

Wordless Wednesday

Thanksgiving Break

Jeffrey the Indian (Alexis was a Pilgrim. She put the pill in Pilgrim and didn't let me photograph her in costume)

It's been a long while, and in all honesty, I haven't had much time. I'll talk about our time in HB for Thanksgiving.

We were able to go down on Tuesday and prepare for Kristina's 24th Birthday. The plan was to head to Disneyland and have a good time. Bear, Kris, Jeff, and I went early so we could have breakfast at the park.

*Bear*Oscar the Chef*Kris

We amazingly got there about 8:30AM and we had a good time. My mom and dad met us later. Aaron and Lexi had to join us later as Miss Lexi had her 15 month appointment... boy 15 months, where does the time go?

We really enjoyed Disneyland. It had been a long time that we had been able to go.

*(Me) Kathy*Jeff*Aaron*Lexi*Kris*Bear*(m0m) Emma*(daddy) Jim*

We all enjoyed Small World, the tram, and perhaps that was it. Jeffrey expanded his horizons and went on Haunted Mansion Holiday (Nightmare Before Christmas)

*Kris*Jeff*Me

and went on Star Tours. He wasn't too fond of HM, Oogie Boogie scared him. But loved Star Tours, which I'm really happy about. Aaron and I are Star Wars geeks so perhaps we'll have a new fan. Lexi was very content to hang out in her stroller and eat. She loved the tortilla factory and came out double fisting a flour tortilla... perhaps she is a Mexican ; ) After we went to Cortina's, a little Italian food joint, and we had a great lunch. After, Aaron and the kids left, and the rest of us went back. We had a good time walking around, and only rode a few rides.

Kris with Gary the cupcake thing

On Thursday we took the kids to visit my Grandma & Grandpa Ponce. We took them flowers. And although I know that they don't understand that they once existed, it's important to me that they know about them. I'm sure that my grandparents would love them...

Thanksgiving dinner came and went. Nothing too exciting. All of us getting together to eat... could be just a normal Sunday ; ) The only difference is that we played Partini. Now if you've never played Partini, and you're in a committed relationship... this is not the game for you! Almost all of us that played we either married, or engaged, and that was tested. Couples were aruing, etc. It was hilarious to watch, I know, but I still say that Aaron cannot do math.

Friday was all about the park... and leftovers. We took the kids to the park to run around with Nick, Avery, Michael, and Elena. We had a lot of fun, probably just as much as the kids. Aaron and I shared our almost divorce stories with Michael and Elena.

Friday night we went to Bella Terra. I remember that they did a tree lighting and snow at night. I thought a handful of people would go. I must have been crazy. It was packed. But it was a lot of fun. The kids had fun singing and seeing Santa.

We left on Saturday morning, and I was kinda sad to go. We seem to have so much fun when we're down there. I often wonder what it'd be like if we lived down there. Maybe I will one day know...

Wordless Wednesday

Thankful/Grateful

As I sit here writing this, I'm in my old room with my parents playing with my kids. My mom is cooking Thanksgiving dinner. I've taken my kids down three houses to see their great-grandparents.

I'm blessed, very blessed. We're blessed.

My life has not turned out as I'd planned, but I'm learning that life does not turn out as planned. God has a plan, and this is his. I'm to follow that plan.

I'm so grateful/thankful for so much this holiday. Looking back at this past year, nothing is to be taken for granted.

We've been through a lot this past year, and I'm thankful that we've had the love and support from our family and friends.

So thank-you. Thank you for taking an interest in our family. (If you're reading this you are probably one of those I've been referring to. )

We would be nothing without your love and support.

Wordless Wednesday - Movie Night

The 100th Post - A new chapter

It seems only fitting that my 100th post is a life changing one.

It's been one week, and it's been hard. The not knowing, the worries, the unknown. I guess that is the scariest part of all.

I won't go in to specifics, but let's just say that my gestational diabetes has caught up with me. What is funny is that I feel if I don't write it, it's not true, or not real. I've been told by many that's it's no big deal. Many people have it, but I didn't think it'd catch up with me this early in life.

My life will now be about diets, exercise, and meters. I'd be lying if I wrote I was fine, and not worried. The truth is I'm scared to death. I question every food I eat. Unlike alcoholics or drug addicts, I don't have a choice. Avoiding food will not help me, infact it'll make me sick. It's a demon I face every day, 3 x a day.

I realize that this may be on the dramatic side, but it's how I feel. People have said, my life is not over, and it's not. It's not a death sentence, it's a change in lifestyle.

These people are right. My life will go on. I will get past this.

Halloween '09

Halloween was a lot of fun this year.

I was very undecided what I wanted the kids to be. I had originally thought Lexi would make a cute Tinkerbell, but ultimately decided on Snow White. I had wanted Jeff to be Woody, but he wanted to be Buzz. I was a tiny bit disappointed, but liked that he was excited enough to be something.

Once again we ended up in HB. It works out perfectly as half of our family lives on one street or the surrounding area, we get to see everyone. Also, my Tita & Tito, the kids great-granparents, get to see everyone dressed up.

We had a dress rehearsal at Grandma Donna & Grandpa Russell's house. They enjoyed seeing them dressed up and as a Mommy, I got to see any finishing touches we may need. After our rehearsal, we went to lunch. Kellye, Ronnie and Liam met up with us. It's funny to go to a place where Aaron and I used to go when we were dating, and now we take the kids.

As night approached, the excitement grew. Auntie Sonia, Shelly, Aly and Brian showed up and played with the kids. Alexis grew very fond of her Tia Kristi as she made her the trick-or-treating bag, and read her stories for a while.

We got dressed with little to no trouble. This was stressful. We had to dress two kids, and three dogs all while about 10 people watched.

Yes, I said dogs. Stitch was a mailman, Fozzy intended to be Zorro, and Sam intended to be a pirate. Neither Fozzy or Sam would cooperate.

We went and had a blast. Jeffrey enjoyed hanging out with his cousins and Lexi liked being carried by her Daddy and Gampy. Elena opened her eyes to the holiday by giving her M&Ms. Once she realized what she was getting, she was a different child.

All in all it was a lot of fun, and it was great to share it with our families.

Lombardi Ranch

We do not seem to have the best of luck when it comes to visiting Pumpkin Patches, but we decided to try it again. On the advice of some friends we decided to visit Lombardi Ranch.

We went, and weren't sure what to expect. We had to take the back road leaving out of Quartz Hill. Luckily, no one, not even me, got car sick.

We got there and we were completely amazed. There were tons of cars, people, and pumpkins. There were mazes, scarecrows, train rides, hay rides, and petting zoos. We took the kids around, and they were amazed by all the pumpkins, and so were we.

They were also in a funky mood. First off, they both have been fighting for the stroller. Now that Alexis can walk she wants to walk, and Jeffrey is over the walking thing and wants the stroller. And when Alexis sees Jeffrey in the stroller the "Mine" game begins.

You may notice that they both have either cookies, or fruit snacks in their hands. That day they were hoarding, or rationing their snacks. You've seen both of them~they act like we never feed them!

Alexis was not sure what to think of the pumpkins, and wasn't sure if she liked Jeffrey bringing her the pumpkins.

I desperately wanted a picture of the kids in the pumpkin, but Jeffrey complained the stems hurt his butt. And Alexis... well she just complained.

I've come to the conclusion that I will hardly ever get a good picture of them where they're both smiling. This picture summed up the day... a happy Jeffrey and a not-so-sure, don't touch me Lexi.

We did get one good picture of her... too bad her Dad cut off her cute piggy tails : <

Oh well... there's always next year!

Wordless Wednesday

Gampy's Birthday & Universal Studios

Every year my Dad's company goes to some sort of amusement park.

This year we went to Universal Studios and it was right around my Mom's birthday. Sandy & Javier and the kids were able to come as well.

I won't get into the details of how we got in, but let's just say that Arturo and I got in.

We had a good time, the kids got to see some characters.

Some of us were in the true party mood.

We also were able to celebrate Karina's & my Mom's Birthday

Jeffrey even got down with Homer

Mom with her girls

All of us at the restaurant

We had a blast and look forward to many more trips : >

Kris & Bear get Engaged 9/18/09

So, there was an interesting development on 9/18/09

Kristina calls me and asks if we can talk. She then proceeds to tell me that she is engaged. Holy cow! I could not believe it! It was such great news, and I am so excited for them.

After the initial shock, I asked if I was the maid of honor, and yes, I am .

As I write this, it still does not seem real. I have a different perspective to their relationship. I used to sub at the high school when they dated. Aaron used to coach Bear, so it's weird to see them grow up right before our eyes. They've survived 4 years of Bear being in Louisiana. And Bear, well bear has survived my kids. They both have. They were their the days the kids were born, have spent time up here,.... wait perhaps I should stop writing. I know I have major services to pay back to them, so it's better that it's not in writing.

I couldn't be happier. We couldn't be happier. No one has asked if I'm sad that my sister is leaving, but as my mom and daddy know... we all come back. And no, I'm not sad. I'm not losing a sister, but gaining a Pinche, a Big Pinche.

So Congrats Bear & Kristina~ we wish you all the best.

Tennessee Trip 9/12

Aaron has a friend with whom he coaches with, and he has season tickets for UCLA football. I try not to hold that against him, but this year UCLA was Tennessee. He was able to purchase two extra tickets, so off to Tennessee we went. I know that my mother-in-law, Donna, goes to Tennessee, her home, to attend her family reunion. It turns out, the family reunion fell on the same weekend. My mom said she’d help us and watch the kids, so off we went. Aaron & I at the game. No, I could not wear that bright orange. I'm a Sun Devil, we have limits.

The only downfall in this plan was that we had to take a red eye, and sleep only for a few hours. I remember taking a few red eyes during my recruiting trips, and was not looking forward to it. Turns out, it wasn’t so bad. We were able to sleep, and then head out.

The campus atmosphere was completely amazing and energetic. There was bright orange everywhere.

The players walking in. This a huge tradition, and it was pretty cool.

Smokey & Daniel Boone ~ not the ideal combination, but I love that dog. He is so funny, and has the best collegiate mascot wardrobe.

Tons of tailgates, some on church properties and lots of fun. Some of these tailgates were so amazing that it was something out of a sports bar. Perhaps that is the best description is a traveling sports bar.

I forgot how fun college football could be.

The band before the game. To the rest of the stadium, they spelled Vols. To us, well you make your own words.

It was fun going to a game that I was not emotionally tied to. The outcome was not to Aaron’s favor, and I love seeing UCLA lose, but was happy to see the Pac-10 get a win.

After the game, we went to Aaron’s Mamaw & Papaw’s house. Neither one of us realized just how close they lived to Tennessee. We came in to a house that was like we never left. Aaron said it’s southern charm, I think it’s his grandparents. We stayed up talking and showing them pictures of our little babies.

We woke up Sunday to a great breakfast and getting ready for family. I hadn’t seen Aaron’s uncles Dale & David since ’04 and ’06. Of course, it was great seeing them.

The family reunion was so much fun.

Donna, Aaron's Mamaw(Peggy), Uncle Dale, & Aaro

There were many generations present, and everyone seemed to be in great health and spirits.

Uncle David, Me, Aaron, Uncle Dale, and Aunt Charley

Outhouses really seem to give the Cooper men a thrill, so I felt compelled to add this. And yes, people did use this at the reunion.

Mamaw (Peggy) Papaw (Raymond), Aaron and Donna

Aaron showing off his domestic skills

At my family reunions, I know just about everyone. Aaron on the other hand, was meeting some relatives for the first time.

Uncle David, Donna (my MIL), and Uncle Dale

Mamaw, Papaw, & Aaron

He was commonly referred to as Donna’s boy, which I thought was kinda funny.

Aaron & I

We met a lot of family, and had some laughs. I'd love to take the kids and have them meet their other family, and most importantly... their Mamaw & Papaw.

Mamaw, Papaw, Aaron, & I