A Day in the Life of Our Family

Dust Storm Coming!!!

2009-07-18T10:49:00.001-07:00

Yesterday evening I was walking the dog and I saw this dust storm coming right for us. They move in fast. Of course the pool was nice and clean and by the time I got home it was already here, so no time to cover the pool. So Robert has to clean it today. Do you think we could have gotten any rain, of course not, but it did rain all around us. Lucky for everyone else.

Our trip to NM

2009-07-08T11:19:00.000-07:00

We had bought a car from my dad and at first Robert was going to fly out to Albuquerque and drive it back but he decided he needed a vacation. So we drove out there and then the next day drove up to see his mom in Cimarron. Let me tell you one thing I hate is driving. I don't like drives, I'd rather fly, but that was way too expensive. So we drove. I have to say it wasn't as bad as I thought. At least the dog didn't cry this time. The last time we took the dog he cried most of the way. Here is a bull snake that was up at Roberts mom house. I guess they aren't poisonious like rattle snakes, but none the less I don't like snakes!!! Here were some deer grazing on the grass in the early morning. They came up pretty close to us, I guess they aren't afraid of people.

This Robert's mom's house. It really is nice and quiet up there. We stayed for two days and then came back to Albuquerque. Can't stay any longer than that because there isn't much to do. It was nice to get away but it was nice to get back to the city. I guess I'm just a city girl.

Here I was trying to put away the air mattress and Spike wouldn't move. He just sat there like I was bugging him. Sometimes this dog drives me crazy!!!

Our mini vacation

2009-06-20T18:38:00.001-07:00

Last weekend Marrissa was in Albuquerque so Robert and I decided to go to Laughlin. Neither of us had ever been so it was new to both of us. We really didn't do much gambling. We stayed on the penny machines and spent a total of $70.00. Of course we didn't win anything. The room was only $50.00.
Here we are at the Golden Nugget Casino. At first we took a picture of eachother and then Robert asked a guy to take a picture of us both.

This was our hotel. It was nice and clean. Sometimes I can be funny about hotels. We even got to ride on a taxi boat. That was fun.

Family

2009-06-09T12:02:00.001-07:00

Robert's brother Anthony and sister Gen and Anthony's grandson came to visit. We really had a great time. The weather has been great. We've only been in the 90's. I can deal with these temps all summer long, but I don't think I will be so lucky.

My hubby's B-day

2009-05-25T10:54:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my hubby's b-day. I can't believe he is 48. Time sure goes fast. I told him it's a good thing he's got me to keep him young. Ha Ha. He had a nice day yesterday. We ate at Furr's and went to the movies and had cake. I did put him to work though. I have been wanting knobs for my kitchen cabinets and we found some yesterday so he put them on for me. What a great husband. I told him he could do it another time but he said he didn't mind. They came out great.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2009-05-09T18:55:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone of you mother's has a great mother's day. I love being a mom, though sometimes I want to pull my hair out. I feel so blessed that God gave me my beautiful daughter. I feel like the luckiest mom in the world even during the hard days which seem more now that she is almost a teenager. I just hope I survive the teens. I guess if my mom survived I can too.
I just wanted to take a minute and remember my mom. She passed away 11 years ago. She was a great mom. She was always there to talk to you no matter how big or small a problem was. I use to think I knew so much better that her, but man I was so wrong, she had so much wisdom to share. She truely loved her children unconditionally. No matter what we did she always stuck by our side. That is what mom's do. They are there for you no matter what. Nobody loves you like your mom!!! I feel so blessed that she was my mother. She taught me to be the person I am today. I can't wait til we meet again one day in heaven. So for all of you who still have your mom around make sure they know how special they really are to you and hug them up like crazy. I would do anything to have one last hug.
Here is my beautiful mother and of course my handsome dad!!!

All Grown Up!!!

2009-05-07T16:39:00.001-07:00

Here is my beautiful baby girl in her new dress. First of all she hates dresses. She is a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. She has to wear a dress for a student counsel dinner and dance. They all have to dress up. It took us 3 hours to find this one. I'm so glad she finally found one. I always thought it would be fun to shop with her when she got older, but she is just way too picky and takes way too long. Anyway It is an overnight student counsel convention. They will be having dinner and then a dance until 11:30pm. Seems a little late for me, I almost didn't let her go because of that, but then I said what the heck she earned it. She is staying at the Marriott can you believe it. I told her that Robert and I would get the room next to hers so we can keep an eye on her and these were her words, "mom I will die if you and dad embarrass me like that. Please Please don't do that it wouldn't be very nice of you." I think she was a little worried I might really do it.
She looks so grown up. I really don't know where the time has gone. I just wish she could stay little forever, but that's not gonna happen.

My Favorite Thing

2009-04-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

I Love Ice Cream. I will even take ice cream over chocolate. I have to have nuts in it. Last weekend we made homemade sundaes. Much cheaper than the ice cream place. They were so yummy!!!

Somemore pics from back in the Day

2009-04-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

This is my nephew Alex when he was a baby. In the first pic he was actually asleep and the next one is of me and him. Here is my baby girl. I wish she was this small again. They grow way too fast.

Here are Daniel and Deanna. Aren't they so cute!!! I can't believe Daniel is now 30 and Deanna will soon be 20. That's amazing!!!

The first pic is of my hubby. Isn't he adorable. He was so cute and still is. The next one is of his mom and dad. Doesn't Robert look like his dad. Marrissa thought it was her dad and didn't believe us when we told her it was her grandpa.

The first pic is my grandma. I was always with her growing up. There's nothing like being around grandparents. They have so much to share. I feel blessed to be close to her.

The next one is of my beautiful mother. In this pic she was doing a real smile. She really didn't like her picture taken much so sometimes her smile was fake, just like mine can be too. I sure do miss her sometimes, but I know I'll see her again in heaven.

Back in the Day

2009-04-12T18:32:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pics from back in the day. Here are the proud mama and papa!!! Can you believe the way they use to dress us. What was my mother thinking. Ha Ha. I look like little orphan Annie.

I could have flown with this hair. I think I had the best hairspray in town. My hair didn't even move in a wind storm.
It's funny to see Larry's hair here because this has now come back into style. Marrissa even said I like my uncles hair here, he looks cool. That should make you feel good Larry!!!

Homemade sopaipillas

2009-03-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

My hubby makes the best homemade sopaipillas. See everytime we order them at a resturant they make them flat with powdered sugar on them. We are not use to them that way. We like them light and fluffy, so we make our own, well I guess I should say my hubby makes them. They don't like to puff up for me. Here's the dough. Here they are frying up, which isn't so healthy, but every now and then is ok.

Here they are ready to eat. Robert likes to eat his with his enchiladas. Marrissa and I like to eat ours with honey drizzled on them. They are so yummy!!!

Marrissa's best friend

2009-03-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

We finally gave in and got Marrissa a cell phone and it has become her new best friend. We did give her rules with it and for the most part she's doing fine with them. Good thing I got the unlimited texting. These kids sure do text alot!!! I guess that's the new thing. I'm so out of date these days. She is glued to her phone. She is very happy to have it. It it good for consequences too. A nice leveraging tool. To tell you the truth it is nice to have the contact with her when were apart. So I guess it a good thing for both of us.

I'm so frustrated!!!

2009-03-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Marrissa's tailbone was hurting, then on Monday it was worse, she said she couldn't even sit in her seat at school. So that evening I was trying to get her in to get an x-ray but of course her doctor doesn't do x-rays, so I called the x-ray place at 4:20 and they closed at 4:30 no way would I have made it there. Yes I could have took her to the emergency room, but it costs more. So we decided to wait it out and see how she was by Tuesday. Oh yeah by the way I did have a call into the nurse to call me back and guess what she never did!!! Anyway It was still bothering Marrissa on Tuesday so we both took the day off and called the place where they do the x-rays and guess what they had no available appointments for today. Just my luck. So I end up going to nextcare and we get there at 8:45am and I have to type all my info in the computer I guess times have changed, I use to fill out paperwork and they put it into the computer. Anyway we were not called until 10:30. Then they procede to tell me that we have to go to an x-ray place to get a tailbone x-ray because they don't do them there. So we leave and go to the x-ray place and they have a two hour wait so they send me to a different one and they only had an hour wait, so we grab a quick bite to eat and went back. They took the x-ray and said they would have them to the doctor in about two hours and then the doctor would contact me today. That was at 12:30pm. It is now 6:55pm and I never got a call. Can you believe it. I feel like it was a wasted day without any answers and alot of money spent on nothing. The only thing the doctor said was to give her some ibueprophen because the area was a little inflamed. The doctor was a little puzzled too because Marrissa did not fall or bump into anything and that's usually the only time the tailbone gets injured. So here we are with no answers and a child who has a hard time sitting on her bum. It really felt good to vent. They will probably call me Friday Ha Ha. Doctors can be soooo frustrating!!!

Suitcase dog!!!

2009-03-04T15:33:00.000-08:00

When we were packing to go to Albuquerque for my Dad's birthday back in Jan. the dog decided to get in the suitcase. He didn't want to get out. I guess he could sense we were leaving. He hopped right in like it was no big deal. He is so funny.

The suns game

2009-02-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

When we were walking around looking for our seats last Friday at the Sun's game, a women came up to us and asked if she could take our picture for the fan website. Of course we said yes. The girl with us is one of Marrissa's good friend's this week, Ha Ha. It is always changing with these girls. It will be someone new next week. The game was great they actually won. The players were much taller in person, especially Shaq.

Excited for Friday night!!!

2009-02-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

Robert's boss gave him four tickets to the Phoenix Sun's game this Friday night. I'm so excited to finally go to a Sun's game. I've been here 8 1/2 years and have yet to see a game. I really do enjoy basketball. We are all looking forward to it. It's a great way to start off the weekend. It would be great if they won, but I won't push my luck. Ha Ha.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2009-02-14T08:19:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Valentines day. Robert brought these home for Marrissa and I. The bags were filled with almond hershey kisses.yum This year Marrissa said she didn't want any stuffed animals, so we got her some of her favorite things. I don't really like her drinking monster's, but I decided it was ok since it is valentine's day. The nail polish is green. She just loves the color green.

The King of the Castle

2009-02-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

Here is the King taking a nap, well at least he thinks he is the king. He is so darn spoiled. Marrissa went away this weekend and he cried most of the time, just like a baby. Robert and I were ready to throw him out!!! If Marrissa didn't love him so much he'd be gone. Of course now that she is home he is fine. What a brat!!!!

Family Portrait

2009-01-29T17:28:00.000-08:00

We decided to get a portrait for Robert's mom for christmas. So here she is with all her kids. Starting at the top and going left to right, Robert, Gina, Anthony, Patricia. Middle Gen, Denise, Barbara. Bottom David, Ann (Robert's mom), and Steven. It looked like a big family union in the waiting area. It was fun to see everyone together. That rarely happens anymore.

More pictures of Dad's birthday

2009-01-21T19:10:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the people that had come to the party. At this table was Robert's mom (Ann) and her husband Tony, Robert's sister Gen, Robert's son Daniel and his girlfriend Sarah. These are some friends of my dad's. First is Diane, Rita's daughter and her son Jason, then I think it's Diane, Suetta, Letty and Anabel.

This is Jennifer and David also friends of my dad's.

Here are my cousins Tiffany, Jackie, her boyfriend, Shawn, and my aunt Patti.

Dad's 75th birthday party

2009-01-19T17:50:00.000-08:00

This weekend we celebrated my dad's 75th birthday. We flew in for one day and surprised him. It was great!!! He was very surprised. His brother Warren also came in from Kansas and surprised him. I'm glad we didn't give him a heart attack. We had about 35 people at the cooperage. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. I'm so glad we got to celebrate with him. Here is his cake. This is Rita his wife and my dad of course and me.

Here are me and my brother Larry with my dad.

This is my dad's brother Warren and his wife Wilma. My dad said this will be the most memorable birthday he has ever had.

My dying plant

2009-01-13T15:28:00.001-08:00

Here is my poor elephant ears plant that I transplanted a few weeks ago. I guess it's not going so well. I've never been a green thumb, but love to have plants, but don't have too many because I always kill them off. Maybe when it warms up it will come back. They are suppose to be very hardy plants.

All Bets Are On!!!

2009-01-05T19:00:00.001-08:00

Marrissa bet Robert that she could jog for a mile and a half without stopping. So he took her up on the bet. If she could do it he'd give her $20 and if not she owed him $20. So here they are stretching. Here they are ready to go Jogging!!! We are the champions!!! Ha Ha

Here they are on the cool down walk. So do you think she won the bet?

No, she went a mile then stopped to walk. She really did do a great job. I can't jog a mile so I give her credit. Robert said he give her a little something for trying and almost getting it. Isn't he a great dad!!!

Visitors

2008-12-31T08:55:00.000-08:00

We had some friends come in from California to visit. We had such a good time with them. On Sunday we went to the park and the day was beautiful. It was about 68 degrees. Can't beat this weather at this time of year. This is when we really enjoy living here. I can't say the same about the summertime.
Hope you all have a very Happy New Year!!! As for us we probably won't even make it til midnight. We always try but end up asleep and miss the whole thing. When I was younger it was no problem at all to stay up late, but now it's a different story. The older you get the harder it gets. Ha Ha

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-25T13:08:00.000-08:00

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Enjoy this time with your families, I know I am.
Remember the real reason for this season which the birth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. May he bless you now and always.

Baking Cookies

2008-12-22T08:54:00.000-08:00

Saturday Marrissa and I decided to bake cookies from scratch. I never make cookies from scratch. I always buy the dough and pop them in the oven. So I was a little nervous on how they would turn out, but they came out great. It ended up taking all day. Which if you know me, I like to do things quick and this wasn't quick. So I was very glad when we finished, but It was fun to spend the time with Marrissa and just hang out. I can't believe how many cookies we ended up with. I gave some of the neighbors platters and we still had a ton left, so I sent some to work with Robert today.

Happy Birthday to my big bro!!!!

2008-12-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

I hope you have a very Happy Birthday Larry!!! Love Ya
When I was little I always wanted to be as old as my brother so I could do all the things he did. Now as an adult I'm glad I'm younger because I can tease him about being older. Ha Ha

Breakfast

2008-12-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning was so busy around here. Both Robert and I were doing this and that and Marrissa asks "what's for breakfast?" I told her "whatever you can find to eat, I don't have the time to cook breakfast right now." She said "OK, I'll just make us all something." I thought I was dreaming because normally she never wants to do that. She she ended up making scrambled eggs mixed with chopped up tator tots, and sausage. She did a great job. It was very yummy. I told her that she can cook one night a week and she said no way, that's a lot of work. Like it's not a lot of work when I cook all week long. I guess I just need to be happy with the occasional cooking she does and be glad she is learning to cook.

Birthday Flowers

2008-12-11T15:59:00.000-08:00

Here is the cake Robert and Marrissa got me for my birthday. It's a butterfinger ice cream cake and it was yummy!!! Of course we still have lots left, so we will be having dessert a few nights this week. Notice there are only a few candles, didn't want to melt the cake!!! Ha Ha Here are the gorgeous flowers Robert got me. I love the purple pinkish ones. I guess the longer your married the more trained you get them. Ha Ha Just kidding. He really has become more thoughtful this year.

Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-12-03T16:16:00.000-08:00

Here was a everyone getting ready to eat the big dinner. Rita always sets such a nice table. I always use paper plates. I guess I'm just the paper plate queen and kill alot of trees. Ha Ha. We really did have a nice dinner. Of course we ate too much!!! Here are the kids at the kid table or counter. Before you know it they won't be little anymore. Time is just going way too fast.
I was really thankful this Thanksgiving for everyone being healthy and having such great family and friends. I feel so blessed. Hope everyone else had a great Thanksgiving.

Robert's family

2008-11-30T18:09:00.000-08:00

Here are some of Robert's brothers and sisters. We were waiting to get pictures taken at JC Penny's. We were taking up most to the lobby area. It's a big family. This is his sister Patricia, her husband Jose, and thier son Matthew. Going left to right is Elysia, (Gen's daughter) Gen, and Denise.

Here is Marrissa, Deanna, Elysia, Daniel, Sarah (Daniel's girlfriend), and Robert's niece Elena.

This is Tony (Robert's mom husband), Robert's mom, Steven, Anthony, Barbara, and Gina. The only I forgot to get a picture of was David. Sorry David. :(

It was nice to see all of them. It is very rare that everyone is all together anymore.

Silly Toe Socks

2008-11-25T18:01:00.001-08:00

Marrissa thought these socks were cool. I don't know if I would like all my toes covered like that. She says at least they will keep me warm. Kids and their styles these days.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! I will be out of town a few days so no blogs for a while, like I blog everyday Ha Ha.

Christmas Shirt

2008-11-21T15:46:00.000-08:00

Marrissa decided that Spike needed a shirt to keep him warm when we go to Albuquerque for Thanksgiving. She said he is an Arizona dog and he isn't used to the cold. I told her that is why dog's have fur to keep them warm. She doesn't believe me. So here is the new shirt. He doesn't seem to like it too much, but I guess he better get use to it because he'll be wearing it in Albuquerque. At least it was only 5 bucks. I told her if it cost more than that she was buying it. Of couse we have the blue ring in this one. He can't live without that dumb thing. I have bought so many other things and that darn ring is all he wants.

It looks like he is posing here. He is probably thinking "What are they doing to me?".

Take the time

2008-11-16T06:50:00.001-08:00

The other morning as I was getting ready to leave for work I saw this beautiful sunrise. It reminded me that no matter how busy we are, we always need to take the time and look at the beauty the Lord has given us. I think of it as his way of saying he loves us. So I'm trying to take the time more often.

CRAZY WEATHER

2008-11-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

We had such crazy weather today. First thing this morning it was cold.(at least cold for us 57) Then the sun came out and things warmed up. Then this afternoon it starting raining and then hailing. It cooled down again. After that the sun came back out. I guess it couldn't decide to be sunny or cloudy. We are loving this cool weather. We are so sick of the heat, so we were out enjoying this afternoon. Of course the dog was so scared. I tell you he is afraid of his own shadow.

Here's Robert. He had went for a bike ride while it was sunny and on his way back home it poured on him. At least he made it home before it hailed. I thought it was pretty funny he got stuck in a rain storm. Those things usually happen to me.

School Spirit!!!

2008-11-05T17:37:00.001-08:00

Marrissa had a field trip to a student council training on Monday. She said they had to show school spirit. Their school colors are blue and green. So we got her some blue spray for her hair and blue and green ribbons. She painted her nails. She wanted to write on her face, of course I said no way. They didn't get their green shirts until she got to school. She had a good time. It's so neat to see her get exicited about this kind of stuff. I never did. I guess I was just an old fuddy duddy. Ha Ha

Halloween

2008-11-01T09:14:00.001-07:00

Marrissa felt that Spike should dress up for halloween. So here he is in his pumpkin costume and it only cost 5 bucks. I wouldn't have spent anymore than that on a dog costume. Marrissa was a geisha girl, which after we bought the costume, Robert tells me I think geisha girls are prostitutes. Great now I'm dressing my daughter as a prostitute. I don't know if he is right or not, but we all ready had the costume which cost way toooooo much, so Marrissa decided she would tell people she was a chinese girl it sounded better.
I really thought she would tell me she didn't want to go trick or treating this year since she is 12, but no she said I'll never be too old to trick or treat. Go figure!!!

We decided not to carve a real pumpkin this year, instead we got one of the plastic ones and Marrissa carved it. She did a great job. Now we will have one for next year.

I almost forgot

2008-10-26T11:04:00.001-07:00

This car must have been the smallest car I've ever seen. The license plate said "Dwarf". It even made Robert look like a big man standing next to it. Ha Ha.

Cars

2008-10-26T10:56:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we went to a car show. Robert just loves looking at the oldies, I don't mind either. He really liked the T-bird and the Shevelle. He is always talking about getting an old car and fixing it up, then we would have a Sunday cruiser. Hopefully one day he will be able to that.

Homework

2008-10-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

Here is Marrissa doing homework and of course Spike wanted to be next to her. I thought it was so cute. Here she is trying to keep him away from her book. He just loves to walk all over her books and papers. I guess he thinks he is the king around here, well he is sadly mistaken, He's Not!!!
Now he is loving the belly rub she is giving him. He could lay there all day. What a spoiled dog.

A sad week

2008-10-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

When we returned to school on Monday, after being off last week, we got the news that one of our 2nd grade girls passed away over fall break. It is so hard to understand the death of a child. They say she had the flu and had been throwing up and went to sleep and never woke up. Is that soooo scary or what!!! It was very emotional for me because she was in my kindergarten class a few years ago. I would always see her outside at lunch time and she would run to give me a hug. She will be greatly missed. This makes the 2nd death at our school in 9 months. Most schools never have to deal with death, but we have had our share. I hope there are no more. I just don't think people could bear it. Please keep their family in your prayers. The little girl's name was Celeste Munuz.
I just can't imagine lossing a child.

I forgot to add this in last post

2008-10-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Notice in the picture of last post that Spike has his famous blue ring with him. The one he loves to eat with. We have bought him many other toys and this is still his favorite one of all. He could care less about all the others. I sure hope we never lose it, he will be a wreck.

Spike's favorite place

2008-10-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

Can you guess where Spike's favorite place to be is? Out of the entire house it is under my bed!!! This dog is like my shadow. He's driving me crazy. Don't get me wrong, he is a very good dog, but loves to follow me everywhere. The past couple of weeks we've been training him not to jump on people and he finally got it. So now he will come and sit next to you and expects to get patted and be told what a good boy he is. That's great right? Well if you don't pay attention to him he starts to cry, like a little baby. I thought once he learned not to jump up on you he would be good and not need so much attention, boy was I wrong. He wants attention all day. It's like having another kid in the house. I sure wish he was Marrissa's or Robert's shadow,but no he always wants me instead. Go figure!!!

All about Ducks

2008-10-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

Today Marrissa and I were out, because we are on fall break this week, and we saw some ducks at the lake. I wasn't sure if they would be nice or try to chase us. I've heard that geese will chase you down, but I didn't know about ducks.
This duck was really cool, he had a pretty color green on his head.

They are very loud.I have never been up this close to ducks. It was really cool!!!

We got a visitor!!!

2008-10-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my brother was in town on business and we got to have dinner with him. It was so nice to see him. I wish we could have seen the kids and Cheryl too. I really miss my family, so when I get to see them it's great. The food was very good. We really enjoyed ourselves. We haven't had any visitors in a long time, I guess it's just tooooooo hot for everyone, It's even way toooooo hot for me!!! Anyway it looks like we've had a few drinks by the way we're smiling, but all we drank was tea and soda. How funny. I'm so glad we got a chance to see eachother, I only wish we could have had more time. I guess you can't have everything.

Soccer

2008-09-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

Today Marrissa has soccer pictures instead of a game. She doesn't like her new jersey. She said it looks like a boys jersey. I told her who cares what it looks like, this is no fashion show, it's soccer. Girls!!!! After her pictures she wants to go shopping to spend her birthday money. She can't keep it too long or it will burn a hole in her pocket. Ha Ha.

Happy Birthday Roo!!!

2008-09-22T16:07:00.001-07:00

Today is Marrissa's 12th birthday. I can't believe it. Time goes way too fast. When she was born was one of the best days of my life. It changed everything for the better. I thank God everyday for her.
Let me tell you how she got the name Roo. When she was first born my mom nicknamed her Rissy, then her sister would call her Rissy Roo and the Roo just stuck. So we mostly call her Roo, but also use Rissy. We tell her Rissy is a very special name because that was the name her grandma, who loved her very much, gave her. That always reminds her how special she was to her grandma. She can't remember her grandma, but she will always know how much she cared.
She tells me today she wishes she was 13 instead of 12. I told her to just slow down. I don't know why these kids want to grow up so darn fast!!! Here is her cake we had for her on Friday night. It is an oreo ice cream cake. It was yummy!!!
These are a couple of her friends that come over on Friday and we took them to an amusement park. Of course she wanted it to be a sleepover, she likes that every year.
These were some rides they went on. Marrissa was nervous to get on the sky diver, it lifts you up way high and just drops you. After the ride she loved it. She likes all those crazy rides. I'm just getting to old to get on them, they make me feel sick.
She tells me look mom I'm driving. OMG I'm definitly not ready for that.
Well we're off to dinner at outback steak house. We always let the kids pick where they want to eat for their birthdays and she always picks the same place. Can you guess what she orders??? Cheese fries and Macaroni and cheese. Can you believe it, that is what she orders at a steak place. Only my daughter!!!

80's Flashback!!!

2008-09-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Today Marrissa had her first middle school dance. The theme was the 80's. I told her that was my generation. She told me how funny people dressed. She had a good time. I told her she better not have danced with any boys and she said the only time I wish I could have danced with one was when the slow songs came on. She said she was kidding, I guess she wants to give me a heart attack at a young age. OMG, I can't even believe she is already interested in boys!!!
She turned out so cute, she would have fit in perfect back then.

Here she was acting like she was working out. Don't you just love how I got the dog's head in the picture as he was walking by.
Of course she had to get Spike in one of the pictures. As you can see he wanted nothing to do with the picture taking.

Riding bikes

2008-09-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

The other day we were riding our bikes and Marrissa feel down in the grass. Spike was just looking at her thinking what are you doing?. I had intended to try to get a picture of the sunset, but I was too late, it had already gone over the mountain.

Clouds

2008-09-11T16:35:00.001-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I took these pictures of the dark clouds that I was hoping would bring us rain. You would think we would have got a lot of rain, but not a drop. Can you believe it, nothing. It rained all around us, but not here. It is always like that, the clouds roll in and we get a big dust storm,but no rain. I guess it just doesn't like to rain in Avondale!!! I love the rain. It is so relaxing . The good thing about it is that it cooled down.

My favorite children's book

2008-09-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

I just love the children's book Love You Forever. It's about how a mother loves her son through all the stages of his life and in the end how he loves her in return. If you've never read it, you should. It has such great meaning about how we mother's really love our children. It has a song the mom would sing to the boy that says "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be." Now that is love!!! It reminds me of how my own mom loved me before she passed away and how I love Marrissa. There is nothing like a mother's love. This plaque hangs in Marrissa's room. I got the sticker at a scrapbooking convention that Bridgette and I went to last year. I could never find a plaque for it, so we asked Robert's mom and Tony if they could make us one. Didn't it come out beautiful!!! They are very talented you should see the stuff they have made. The only thing I did was put the sticker words on it. But anyway this is just a reminder for Marrissa how much I love her.

Jogging!!!

2008-09-04T17:01:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I had this idea that maybe if I started jogging I would loss weight pretty fast. Ha Ha. Let me tell you I have never in my life liked to jog or run, so why I got this crazy idea I don't know. So Robert said he would do it too. The first time I jogged I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I'm really out of shape. I would jog one block then walk the next. I thought after I do this a few times I bet I'll be able to jog the whole way. Well it's been about a week and a half and I'm still jogging like the first day I started. I'm coming to the conclusion that maybe jogging isn't for me. I'm still going to keep it up another week or so. Even Marrissa can jog the whole way.
One day after we got back I told Robert to pose for me so I could get a picture of him as if he were jogging. He is such a good sport.

Playing Games

2008-09-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a very relaxing weekend. We didn't do much of anything but lounge around the house. It was very nice. One day Marrissa and I decided to play games. I really like to play games. My favorite is scrabble, but my family doesn't like to play it that often, so it is rare that we play it. Here we are playing sorry. Of course Marrissa won 2 out of 3 games. She is very good at games. We also played yahtzee and I won 2 out of 3 on that one. Anyway now our weekend is almost over and it will be back to work and school. Today we are going to go bowling and of course Robert will beat the socks off of Marrissa and I. He is a very good bowler. I just keep thinking one day I will beat him. I just have to practice more. Hope everyone had a great weekend.

My baby girl sleeping

2008-08-28T16:22:00.001-07:00

Here is Marrissa sleeping. No talking back and no attitude!!! These are the moments I love. It reminds me no matter how big she think she is, she will always be my baby. I told her I was going to post this picture and she said "I hope I wasn't drooling or anything". When she was laying on the couch she said I'm not tired and 5 mins later she was out. She can be exhausted with circles under her eyes and she will tell me I'm not tired. She has fought sleep her whole life.

Yeah!!!

2008-08-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

Marrissa found out today that she made student council representative. I told her it's not all fun and games, it's hard work. She told me "I know mom!" Those are always her famous last words. Anyway we are proud of her.

Grilling!!!

2008-08-24T15:55:00.001-07:00

Today Robert is grilling some steaks. We had been wanting a charcoal grill because steak comes out so good on them. So one day Robert comes home with this one he made at work. He did a really good job and it was stuff that he already had at work, so we didn't have to go out and buy one. I'm so glad my husband is so handy. It sure saves us a lot of money. Ha Ha. The steaks came out great!!!

Running for student council

2008-08-20T16:11:00.000-07:00

Marrissa decided to run for student council. She had to get 5o signatures and tape a 30 second speech on why she would be a good 6th grade representative. Here she is making her posters to hang around the school. She made 6 of them. There are 11 people running for representative. They vote Friday, so she will have to wait all weekend to see if she made it. I really hope she gets it. I'm just so proud of her!!! I never did anything like that when I was her age. I just can't believe how outgoing she is. I just don't know where she got it. Robert and I were both too shy to do any of these things.

School Project

2008-08-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Marrissa and her friend Taylor are working on a project that's due for social studies tomorrow. They are making a globe with the seven continents. At first they wanted get a balloon and paper mache it, but I'm thinking that is way too messy for me, so I talked Marrissa into letting me get her a styrofoam ball instead. When we went to price them, the big round one was 17.99, that's crazy!!! So we opted for the little one for 3.79. So theirs will be a small globe. They did a good job. They also had to do a report on it. Of course it took most of the day. You know how it can be when girls hang out.

Soccer Practice

2008-08-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

I took these the other day when Robert was practicing soccer with Marrissa. Her season doesn't start until the end of August, but he wants to make sure she is ready. She's not so happy about that, but she'll get over it. She really enjoys playing during the season. Right now she doesn't want to do much. She is still in summer mode. I tell her just because it's still hot, your summer is over!!! You better get in the swing of things.

Happy Birthday Bridgette!!!

2008-08-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to wish my best friend Bridgette a Happy Birthday!!! Hope you have a fantastic day.
I feel so blessed to have a friend like her. There's not many people who have such great friends in their life so I feel very lucky to know her. She is a wonderful mother, daughter, friend, sister, wife, nina, and many more. So again have a very Happy Birthday!!!

Where does the time go???

2008-08-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Marrissa's first day of junior high (6th grade). I always take a picture of her on her first day of school. Of course she had to have her dog in it!!! I remember the first day she started kindergarten. It seems like only yesterday. I took her to class and she said ok mom you can leave now I'm fine. I thought my heart would break. She actually wanted me to leave. I'm happy and a little sad also. I'm happy she is moving on, but I'm a little selfish and want her to stay little and not have to deal with all the grown up stuff that comes with the teenage years. Maybe it's because she is my only one and before I know it she will be on her own and not need me so much. It is very hard to let your kids grow up and make their own mistakes. I want to fix them all, but I know I can't because that is how she will learn. I just hope she makes the right choices in her life and succeeds and will learn from the mistakes she will make. So now I guess I'm out of the little kid stage and I'm entering the teen years. I hope we both survive!!! This has definitely been a big change for me hopefully it won't be too rough. I just can't help but miss the little girl she was. I wonder if other mothers have felt this way or it's just me. Anyway she has had a great first few days of school and really likes it. That makes me happy. I always tell her no matter how old you are, you will always be my baby girl!!!

Basketball Party

2008-08-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

Today we had our basketball party for the team. They were suppose to play their last make-up game today, but it got cancelled because the other team only had two players. The kids were bummed out about it, but at least they had fun at the party. We went to a pool and had pizza and cake. All the kids had a good time. It was nice to be in the pool because it was so hot out today, it was about 112. I'm really looking forward to winter!!! I'm tired of the heat. Anyway basketball is now over. In about 3-4 weeks it will be time for soccer. There's always something going on.

What was I thinking!!!

2008-07-31T08:59:00.001-07:00

The other day Marrissa and I were out and about and we decided to go into Joann's. Well as we were looking around I told Marrissa I should try and make her a shirt since I got a sewing machine for Christmas and have only used it a few times. She thought that would be cool, so we went over to the patterns and looked through them. I told her to pick something easy because I've never made anything before. She picked one and we were off. I got home very excited to make the shirt thinking how hard can this be. (understatement) The lady at the store said I would make the shirt by her bust size and it showed a 14. I told the lady that seems really big and she said when you make your own clothes the sizes are different. So I cut the pattern for a 14. That's what the lady said to do and she should know her job pretty good right? Anyway I started putting it together and I told Marrissa it looks too big, but maybe after I get it all put together it will get smaller. Remember I've never done this before and I barely know how to use the sewing machine. Well when I got to the collar it was way confusing and I had to redo the collar two times. After the third time of putting the collar on right I realized it was just way too big. I really don't think that lady at the store knew what she was talking about. Needless to say I quit at that point and put it away. It wasn't looking so great. I had already spent about 5 hours on the thing!!! I would have taken a picture, but it would have been too embarrassing to show. Robert tells me why do you do these things without taking a class or something. I told him I thought it would be easy. I guess I should have someone show me how to use my sewing machine before starting a project, it just might help. I need to learn not to be so impulsive and just buy things thinking I know what I'm doing. So that was just money down the drain. Marrissa did use my scrapes and dressed up Spike. He is really going to have issues thinking he's a girl. She really needed a female dog. In the last picture it looks like he's thinking this is so humiliating!!!

Bowling!!!

2008-07-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today Marrissa and I decided to go bowling since it is our last week off before school. In the first picture she is being funny. I told her it looks like she forgot how to bowl and is trying really hard to remember. It was a nice day. We even went to burger king for lunch. We really shouldn't have because we are only suppose to eat out once a week which is Friday nights. Oh well what can I say we love to eat!!!

Basketball Duo

2008-07-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

When we went to get basketball pictures they gave this one to us free since Robert was the coach. Can you believe we got something free. I'm sure we paid for it somewhere along the line. It didn't come out so great because I had to use my scanner and it doesn't work the best. The team only has 2 games left and then the season is over. Marrissa has enjoyed it, but is really looking forward to soccer at the end of August. At least she will have a few weeks of no sports. I asked if she like to do basketball next summer and she said sure, but I don't want my dad to coach. Go figure. He is always a little tougher on her because he knows what she can do and if she is really trying or not. It was a good experience for them both, but I don't think it will happen again. It was a once in a lifetime thing.

The Chef!!!

2008-07-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Lasanga is Marrissa's favorite dish. A few months ago I told her I would walk her through making it. She did a great job!!! She told me it looks better when it's cooked. I told her all food does. She said do I have to do the dishes? I said of course, do the dishes as you go then you won't have so many in the end. I told her that when school starts she is going to pick a night once a week and she will fix dinner for us. I will get a night off, Yeah!!! She will then learn to start cooking. I told her she will get to pick whatever she wants to cook. My luck she'll choose something very easy like ramen noodles. Ha Ha.

Cheesy Picture

2008-07-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Robert was standing by the grated cheese and Marrissa had the camera and she told him to say "cheese" by the cheese. They thought it was so funny. Sometimes my family can be a little crazy, but it makes life a lot of fun. There's never a dull moment.
Today Marrissa is sick with a ear infection, so we are stuck at home as we were yesterday too. I can't wait til she feels better so we can get out and do something. I finally go back to work in 2 weeks. I can't wait. I guess I'm not one to stay home. Now if the weather was cooler I wouldn't mind at all. We could enjoy the outdoors, but because it is so hot here we have to stay indoors and there isn't a lot to do inside.

Clowning Around

2008-07-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Marrissa was bored the other day and decided to dress her Boy dog in her build a bears cheerleading outfit. Spike was not to happy. She would love to buy him little doggie clothes if she could. I always have to remind her that he is an animal, not a human being!!! She treats him like a baby and let me tell you he acts like one. He is the only dog I know that cries just like a baby when he hears us come in and we don't take him out of the kennel right away.Last night we had a thunderstorm around 3:30am and he was crying and acting like a little baby running under our bed. He kept us up for a while. He is a really good dog, buy last night not so well. I'm glad we don't have many thunderstorms.

Fountain

2008-07-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

This is the coolest fountain. I love to come down this road just so I can see the fountain.It's so peaceful looking. Sometimes we will even see the ducks, but of course today there we none. I bet If I would have forgotten my camera they would have all been out. Anyway It is a beautiful backyard view for these people. If they feel like going out on the boat they just go to their back yard and get on. I always tell Robert that will be us one of these days.Yea right, I wish, but it doesn't hurt to dream a little.

The cool outdoors!!!

2008-07-14T11:32:00.001-07:00

Today it was cloudy and only 98!!! Remember that is cool for us because we are normally around 110 or higher. So we decided to take the dog for a walk since normally we have to wait until about 8:00pm or later because the ground will burn his little paws. It was sooo beautiful outside. A little muggy, but we take what we can get. We stopped at the park and Marrissa and spike were swinging. I'm not so sure Spike really liked it too much. It was a very nice morning.

More Pictures?????

2008-07-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

I took this one yesterday at Marrissa's basketball game. She said "Do you always have to be taking pictures?" I told her of course. She should know me by now. This is her just get it over with smile. I tried to get some action shots, but they didn't come out. She is the only girl on the team. She doesn't mind a bit. She is as rough and tough as those boys. They lost their game yesterday and she was very upset. I told her you can't always win, but she just didn't care what I said. She is very competitive, just like her dad. Robert is coaching the team and he actually did well with the lose. I told him the same thing you can't always win. I have to remind him that these are kids just having fun and it's about playing not winning. It has been so neat to see Robert coaching these kids. Marrissa sometimes wants extra favors because that is her dad, but he makes no exceptions!!! He really does a good job. At first he wasn't sure he would like it, but now it enjoys it. He might even do it again next year.

Train Trip

2008-07-11T16:38:00.001-07:00

These are when Robert and I went to Camp Verde to ride the train a few weeks ago. This was a chapel we saw so we thought let's go look inside. We ended up climbing a very steep hill. We both realized how out of shape we are. We were sweating bullets and had to stop every so often. Anyway we get to the top and they have no air conditioning. Can you believe it!!! The inside was nice. We decided to go downstairs to see if they had and iced bottled water, but all they had was hot bottled water. Do these people believe in anything cold!!! At least we got some exercise.

This is the front of the train. I have never rode a train before so it was pretty cool. We were even in first class. The price was very reasonable.

This is the caboose of the train. It was a pretty long train.

These are the beautiful mountains in Sedona. They are so pretty when the sun is setting.

Remembering a Child

2008-07-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

I was going through my pictures today and found this one of a boy named Terrell who was in one of my kindergarten classes two years ago. Terrell was a quiet, shy boy who loved everyone. He was always making all of us laugh. If I was having a not so good day I could go and talk to him and it would make my day great. His parents were both involved with school on a daily basis, always volunteering their time. Well in March of this year he passed away from complications with the flu. It was devastating to our whole school to lose a 2nd grader. Death is always very difficult, but the death of a child seems so much more. It's very hard to understand. I guess God was ready for him to go home. This just reminds me that we should never take for granted the time we have with our own children. We never know how long we will have them with us. I know I will be hugging Marrissa a little tighter and longer today and thanking God that I have her.

Cars, Cars, Cars

2008-07-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

These are some cool cars from a car show we went to a few years ago. Robert really loves the older cars, so whenever we get a chance we go to the car shows. Eventually Robert will have to get an old car and fix it up. He would really enjoy doing that. Then we would have a Sunday cruiser!!!

The Kiddos

2008-07-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here are the kiddos. The big kiddos!!! Going from left to right Marrissa, Deanna, Daniel, and Daniel's girlfriend Sarah. This was taken when Deanna graduated in May. This was at her party. I can't believe she is already 18 and graduated high school already. Time sure does fly!!! I can remember when Robert and I first met she was only 6. They just grow up way too fast. I wish we could keep them little forever.

Summer Fun!!!

2008-07-07T08:29:00.001-07:00

What a great summer it has been so far. My nephew Alex got to come out and spend a week with us. It was great. We all had so much fun. Sometimes it is hard to be away from all of the family. You miss out on sooooo much. So this was a great opportunity to catch up with him. Marrissa then flew back there with him and spent about four days there. She said she really enjoyed it, especially since her dad and I weren't there. Everyone said she was great!!! Why does that never happen when she is with me. I guess kids are always better with someone else other than their parents. Anyway here is a pic of them swimming in our pool. They had a blast!!!

The blue ring

2008-07-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

Our dog is so funny. See the blue ring in the 1st picture well our dog gets it drops it into his food and then proceeds to eat from the middle of it. Do I have a crazy dog or what!!! There have been times we have lost the blue ring and he wouldn't eat until we found it. So we are always making sure we know where the blue ring is. I have no idea what will happen if we lose it for good, I guess he will get hungry enough and have to eat without it.

No Fireworks!!!

2008-07-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

It ended up being too windy last night so they cancelled all the fireworks. So I decided If I can't take pictures of fireworks I'd take pictures of my family. This is my sister in law Gen, my hubby Robert, my daughter Marrissa, and myself. Good thing we saw fireworks the night before at the raceway. Even though we were watching them in the van because it was sooooo hot. So it was a bummer not having fireworks on the 4th, but that's ok I don't like the big bang noise. It scares me. I've really never liked the fireworks too close to me. That's why I like them here they are far away and your not allowed to buy them here, so you can only go to the events where they are having them.

Roses

2008-07-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

Here is another picture of the day. These beautiful roses are from my hubby for our 10th anniversary today. I made sure we got married on the 4th of July so he would never forget our anniversary. Well at least he better not!!! Ha Ha

Picture of the day

2008-07-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

I decided to do a picture of the day. This picture reminds me how much Marrissa really loves her dog. Getting Spike was the best thing I've ever gotten her. She really does a great job taking care of him. Sometimes he can be a pain it the you know what, but for the most part he is a really good dog. He always makes life a little more exciting.
Hopefully I can try to keep up a picture of the day. Let's see how long it lasts.

Just beginning

2008-07-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd give blogging a try. I don't know how interesting it will be but what the heck. I haven't figured out how to get the pictures up and running, but as soon as I do I'll get some out there. Today's post will be short because I have to get to the airport to pick up my daughter Marrissa. She went back to Albuquerque to visit family and is returning today. I'm glad she will be back. I'm beginning to miss her. Not too much going on today. Just trying to stay cool because it's 115 here. When it's this hot you really don't want to be out!!!