Happy New Year 2011!

Hello Everyone!

I am blogging a Happy New Year a little earlier than normal. The next two days are going to be a lot hectic for me as I get the final touches on our annual New Years Day Recovery Party together. As I type this Tamales are being made and the house smells super yummy!

For several years now, I cannot remember exactly how many but I'd say more than 10 years, we've been hosting our recovery party. It started out as exactly that a Recovery from the night before. With Menudo, & tamales. Well as we have gotten older and a lot wiser the day has stayed the same, the name has stayed the same but the actual reason has changed. None of us party like we used to and recovery means recovering from staying up til midnight. It's so sad really.

Well last year we changed our Menudo to Pasole and everyone seems perfectly happy with the change. Over the years we have tried new things as well. A few years back I tried a green tamales sauce and well now we serve green and red tamales and pasole, beans and rice on New Years Day. It's a lot of work preparing but on the day of all we do is slack. It's a beautiful thing!

So basically, I am working my overlarge buttocks off getting ready for Saturday to arrive. I almost called the party off this year because I just wasn't feeling it. This has been a really bad year for us and it's been one thing after another. As I reflect on it I realize just exactly how we have been blessed.

Last year my son started having seizures, well he has been seizure free for quite some time now. Then I got a flat tire. Not once but twice so we needed tires all the way around. Hubby threw a fuel pump not once but at the beginning of the year and just the other day. Our house was burglarized and our home improvement project of just installing windows expanded from windows to new door, to new guest bathroom (because the kids killed the other one) and my poor sons room has been on hold this whole time. Our identity was stolen so we had to re-invent it. In addition to that the promise I made to my daughter about painting her room and updating it for a 9 year old has been pushed to the back burner.

Any vacations we had planned were cancelled in order to get our life back on track. My granpa passed away a few days before my husbands and my 15 year anniversary. So we ended up not celebrating it with the weekend away as talked about but a quiet lunch for two. A month later my grandma on my other side of the family passed away a few days before my 40th birthday and on the day before Thanksgiving. Needless to say I really didn't feel like celebrating that milestone either. Thankfully I have a good family and good friends and they convinced me I really needed to. My granpas bird of 30 years "Paco" died of a broken heart and he was a member of the family so that hurt as well. I got a ticket for talking on the phone while driving. I really don't like that law. & just yesterday three girls threw rice and corn at me as I was walking into a local grocery store. Oh and to top it all off I STILL have not won the Lottery. This has been an expensive year for us considering nothing was covered by insurance in our break in with exception to the damaged front door and back fence.

With 2011 just a few days away I am definitely ready to begin the new year and start fresh. Even though we have had this really bad and unending year we still feel positive. The both of us, hubby and I, are ready to take on this new year and we feel positive changes in our near future. We have been blessed with very supportive family and friends. People who love us stepped up and just helped wherever they could. It's amazing how blessed we really are. Our Faith in the Lord has increased in volume. With everything that has happened to us we throw our Faith to Him to see us through and He has given us the strength to persevere. He has given us people who have helped us when we needed them most. He has always known when we needed emotional support by having the right person there for the right occasion. Again, we are truly blessed.

So, for next year, we see lots of changes. All for the positive. We see some relief from this financial crisis we have been in and the completion of projects. We see Resolutions being fulfilled such as me losing the necessary weight, getting our bills in order, starting the projects we have always talked about. Oh and a personal one of me to curb my language...this year it's gotten a little salty. oops! 2011 is going to be a WAY better year for all four of us. We are ready for this new positive season of our lives. We cannot wait to begin this New Year and are excited to share it with so many of our loved ones.

Happy New Year Everyone & May God Bless You In 2011!

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

"Gingerbread" Houses Recipe

Merry Christmas!

So in Kindergarten we made Gingerbread Houses during our Christmas Party. Well, really they were Graham Cracker Houses but the kids really didn't seem to mind at all. I assembled 16 base foundations in order for the kids to decorate the next day. I used Royal Icing as the glue and prepared little baggies to be used like mini pastry bags for each kid. We nipped the edges and they had a blast. To be honest, the classroom fell silent while they began their work. Such serious little builders!

Following are the steps for making your own Gingerbread Houses. But first you need to make your Royal Icing.

Royal Icing
3 TBS Meringue Powder
1 LBS Powder Sugar
6 TBS Warm Water


Mix together in stand mixer for 7 minutes until peaks form and icing is ready. Dries super fast so work fast or cover until ready to use.


Needs:
Graham Crackers
Royal Icing
Lots and Lots of Hard Candies, Cookies, Pretzels, Cereal, anything can be used really.

Following are steps to assemble houses and the order in which I found easy. I made enough houses that I didn't have to worry about dry time. If only making one or two you should take dry time into consideration or your house will fall apart. I used one graham cracker for each side simply because I needed to make so many. You can use as many as you like for larger homes. I completed one step on all 16 before moving onto the next. Have fun and good luck!

Pipe royal icing onto one side of graham cracker. This is your first wall.

Attach second wall to first.

Attach third wall.

Attach fourth wall.

Built roof.

Pipe icing at roof line.

Attach roof & pipe icing along center of roof to reinforce. Now they are ready to decorate.

Merry Christmas!

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Christmas Lights

It's a challenge taking pictures with camera phones!

As with most families we like to take our children to look at the lights. There are several places around town where complete neighborhoods decorate for Christmas. In Chino, Alta Loma (I'm old school, don't like to refer it as the RC,) The Mission Inn... Like, I said several places to take the kiddos. You can get in your car and go to the lights, walk around the neighborhoods and just enjoy. Every now and then  you run across one of those homes where the owners have put their lights to music.

The Heathers house in Chino is just one of those home. You get to park your car in front of their house. Dial your radio to the designated radio station and their light display brings you a whole new level of Christmas! The kids just love it! This has been a Christmas Tradition of ours for a few years now. & each year it gets better and better. We get the kids dressed in their jammies. Pile them in the car. Drive to the house and park, dial, and watch. We like to go each weekend during Christmas - when their lights are up. If you are looking for some fun lights you should swing by for a look-see.

New this year: they are taking donations to help Isaiah's Rock. If you leave your dry or canned goods they will take your donations to Isaiah's Rock to help feed the needy. Donations are not required to see their fantastic light show but why not pay it forward!

Either way you should take the time out of your schedule even if it is 5 minutes and a swing by to watch their lights. It will bring a smile to your face and a bounce to your step. Merry Christmas!

Address given with permission. Please be courteous to the other neighbors in the neighborhood.

6771 Manzanita St., Chino

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Merry Christmas Pennant

Like so many of you I am on a budget. Unfortunately, my children don't seem to understand what a budget is, no matter how much I explain it to them! Well I was at a girlfriends house not to long ago and she had a Happy Birthday Pennant up. It was mono chromatic and super cute. She was saying how she made it for her hubby's birthday and decided to leave it up because it was so cute. Naturally, my mind started thinking. Hmmmmmmm, I have a big long wall too......Christmas Pennant....TIME TO BREAK OUT THE CRICUT!

Materials

• 12 x 12 Scrapbook Paper or Card Stock. One sheet for each letter and space needed. Christmas Stack
• 8 1/2 x 11 Card Stock in standard solid color of choice. Make sure it contrasts with scrapbook paper
• Hole Punch
• Pipe Cleaners/Chenille sticks, 2 for each pennant
• Glue Stick
• Paper Cutter
• Cricut
• Cricut Cartridge: Joys of the Season
• Cricut Cartridge: Plantin Schoolbook
• Ribbon or Cordage
• Clear Thumb Tacks

Assembly

First choose your paper for the pennants. Depending on the length I would try to have at least 3 of the same design through the pennant to keep everything consistent. Cut your 12 x 12 paper in the shape of a triangle. Your paper cutter should have guiding lines to help you along. Do a sample cut just in case. Arrange your pennant flags in order you would like them to appear on the pennant.

Using your Cricut and your Plantin Schoolbook cartridge with the size set to 4" cut out all your letters in the same contrasting solid color.

For wreathes use your Cricut Joys of the Season Cartridge set to 4". Be sure to cute Wreath and Layers. I used 5 layers for each wreath. For berries set cricut to 1/2" and cut berries in red. Glue layers to wreath building up with slight twists to paper where slits are cut. Use wreaths as spaces in pennant.

Paste one letter to each pennant in the order you set before. Paste wreaths to each pennant for spaces. Punch two holes on either side of each pennant. Draw Chenille through holes and lightly loop together.

Using ribbon or cordage string pennants on and arrange according to length. I used ribbon to match the tree topper I made for our tree. Use clear thumb tacks to hang and viola! a finished low cost cute project in no time flat.

  

Naturally, this is just a sampling of the pennants one can make with the right ideas and resources just about anything can be made. My cousin was so excited about this one she asked me to make one for her. Because of the length on our pennant it was a real challenge to get a decent picture. Good luck with yours

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Mexican Rice Recipe

This recipe can be doubled or even tripled to accommodate your group size. The kids just love this rice and can eat it without anything else. This will be a fluffy rice if you trust the process.

Ingredients

¼ cup Olive Oil

1 cup white rice

¼ cup sweet yellow onion, chopped

1 garlic clove pressed

2 ¼ cups chicken broth

¼ cup tomato sauce

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Directions

In a frying pan start oil on medium heat, make sure there is enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Add onion and fry to slightly translucent. Add rice then garlic. Fry just until brown. Add chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add salt & pepper to taste. When liquid comes to a simmer cover and reduce the heat to lowest setting and leave alone for 15 minutes. Do not stir. Do not uncover. Turn off heat and let rest for 15 minutes. Do not stir. Do not uncover. The rice will further steam and get nice and fluffy. The hard part is not peaking and trusting the process. If you really need to know what’s going on in the pan, use a glass lid. Enjoy!

Serves 8 (1/4 cup servings) 144 Calories, using the myfitnesspal recipe generator.

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Guacamole Recipe

Guacamole is very yummy and good with just about anything. It’s easy to make and can be as spicy as you are willing to eat. Remember to use gloves for your hands to protect from the Jalapeno burn or cover your hands with oil like a lotion before handling the jalapenos to keep your hands from absorbing the chili oils. They will of course be slippery so be careful when handling a knife.

Ingredients

4+ Ripe Avocados

¼ cup to ½ cup Sweet Yellow Onion, grated

1-2 Garlic Clove Minced

1-2 Jalapenos Minced with vein & seeds removed

¼ cup to ½ cup Cilantro Minced

½ to 1 tsp Chili Powder

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

½ Lime

Directions

Guacamole should be made to taste. It’s always best to start with small amounts of chilis then taste as you go just so that it’s not too powerful for you. No two chili’s are the same even from the same plant so be careful for your heat. Cut avocados and remove the seeds. Spoon avocado into a bowl and mash with a fork or bean masher. Add the remaining ingredients to taste. Lime is used to keep the Guacamole from browning so use in moderation. If you don’t have lime on hand you can use lemon or even vinegar to slow down the browning process. I always cover with plastic wrap leaving no air between the Guacamole and wrap to further slow down the browning. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes so the flavors can mingle. Stir and serve.


Serves 8, 129 Calories, using the myfitnesspal recipe generator.



Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Beef Taquito's Recipe

These Taquitos were served at Bunco and were an absolute hit. Most everyone was stunned that I used canned beef rather than cooking a roast. Of course Taquitos are best served with a healthy dose of Guacamole, Beans, & Rice, recipes follow. You can definitely use a beef roast for taquitos, but I'll be honest I prefer to use the canned beef. The meat doesn't seem to dry out as much when using canned beef.

Ingredients

Corn Tortillas

Oil

Canned Beef (1 can makes approximately 8) or roasted beef.

Directions

Open can and drain beef, do not rinse. Shred beef using either hands or fork. No need to season or cook the meat. Remove fastener from corn tortillas but keep them in the bag and microwave at minute intervals until they are steamy. This makes the tortillas easier to roll without cracking. Place shredded beef in a line down the middle of a tortilla and roll. Place seam side down and repeat. No need to use tooth picks. Heat oil to a frying heat in a pan, use enough oil to cover the Taquitos at least by half. Place Taquitos seam side down and hold with tongs for a few seconds so that the corn tortilla will seal in the hot oil and not unfurl. Repeat to fill your pan. Fry until lightly brown. Flip to fry other side. Fry until lightly brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Keep an eye on your oil so that it does get to hot and start smoking. I use a splatter screen to reduce the oil spitting. Place cooked Taquitos uncovered in an oven on lowest heat setting to keep hot and repeat until finished cooking.

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Taquito Dinner

OK, I don't think I really have to say much about Taquitos now do I? I made them the other day along with some Guacamole, beans & rice. I'll post each recipe individually for easier searching. Have fun and good luck!


Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

What Did I Learn In Kindergarten Today?

So far today (& it's not over) I have gone to MOPS and we made a lovely coaster craft and got to gab. I really love to gab. I love to eat. I love to craft. I love to eat, gab, & craft. So, basically, I had a really good morning. Sure we had a speaker but she only took up like 5 minutes of my time. Jen gave the devotional and she's delightful to listen too. All in all it was a nice morning.

Well I had to leave early today because the OCPA was hosting teacher appreciation luncheon and room moms were asked to cover lunch and duty. So naturally anytime I get to spend with my child (& let's face it gab) I'm in. After arriving on campus and gabbing at the front desk, I head over to his classroom to relieve his teacher. After Grace is sang and the kids are dismissed to gather their lunches and I get to spend time talking with our 5 year olds. Those kids are soo funny!

They love their teacher but it's a little exciting to have someone different hang with them at lunch. That's when the 10,000 questions are asked. Well I decided to turn the tables on the children this time and asked them a whole buncha questions specifically Christmas related...

So girls, what do you want for Christmas this year? Hands raise and as I point to our little ones individually I'm told; dolls, Babrie is apparently still in fashion. Apparently she still needs her Dream House to be happy. & a DSi with all the video games to go with it. OK.

So boys, what do you want for Christmas this year? Again with the hands, DSi, video games, a Robot, that was pretty much it. A kid from the next table said he was getting a gun and a knife. I'm thinking hunting and it's going in the safe.

Looking at their food. So what's your favorite cookie? I found it rather interesting the two favorite cookies were Chocolate Chip & Gingerbread Cookies. One threw in an M&M cookie and another a sprinkle cookie but predominately it was Chocolate Chip & Gingerbread. Pretty impressive.

OK. Kids, If you could choose between a cookie and a cupcake which would you prefer. Raise your hands for cookies. Hands raise. OK, now raise your hands for cupcakes. Hands raise. Interestingly enough the class was pretty divided. I should have really thrown them for a loop and asked them about pie!

Next question, So who's traveling this year? Only 3 children said they were traveling. The rest said they were staying in the area and their other family was close. I won't go into great detail over a lengthy conversation I had with one child about just exactly who they were going to visit and for how long. Can you say TMI? hahaha.. Parent's your children share EVERYTHING!

Last question because lunch is almost over now. What is your favorite tradition for Christmas. I'm sure you will be absolutely excited to hear (and I'm sure a little shocked) their favorite tradition was to open gifts. Well duh that's mine too! But the kids got into the spirit and a few said put out cookies for Santa and one or two said cookies and carrots for the reindeer, another little girl said sing songs, & a few others said sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and eat Birthday Cake. Remember Jesus is the reason for the season. :-)

What I found funny in the beginning of our lunch conversation only our two classroom tables were involved. Before the end children from the other tables and classrooms were participating. Now it's time to clean up and the children start heading to the playground. As I'm walking with my little munchkins I hear a few say how fun lunchtime was. I had a great time talking with the kids and learning just how much our families are alike in our traditions and what we enjoy doing on the holidays. It seems most of us will be doing the Family Crawl on the 24th & 25th and the constant is time spent with family.

Now I guess I need to make some Chocolate Chip and Gingerbread Cookies for our Christmas party! See, there was a purpose for my probing questions! & I'm sure you wanted to know that most 5 year olds want a DSi for Christmas, and don't forget the video games!

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Nutty Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Have I ever mentioned to you just exactly how much I love this time of year????? NO!?! Well I do. & it's not about the presents, although getting gifts is awesome, it's about the season. Jesus's Birthday. Shopping. Decorating the house for the holidays. Parties. Christmas Cards in the mail. Baking. Definitely eating what we bake!

Today was cookie exchange in Small Group and all my joys of baking came into play. Um, baking and then sharing. Let us not forget the gathering with the gabbing and a nice hot cuppa. Yup, today was one of those days. Last night I stayed up late getting my 3 dozen ready to share this morning. The good thing about me baking is I get to share my recipes with everyone and now I'm starting to remember to take pictures of what I make. This one is adapted from under the lid of the Quaker Oats can. We don't like raisins and I really love to use nuts in my baking so here is my little yummy cookie. I use Butter not that evil abomination called margarine and double bourbon vanilla in place of regular or imitation.

This one is Brian's favorite and when he got home last night he made a bee-line for the kitchen only to be turned away until my 3 dozen were counted and secured for group. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we do!

Ingredients

1/2 pound (2 sticks) Butter softened

1 Cup Firmly Packed Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar

2 Large Eggs

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

3 Cups Old Fashioned Oats

1 Cup Chocolate Chips

1 Cup Pecans, Chopped

Directions

Pre-Heat Oven to 350º. In Stand Mixer beat together Butter and Sugars until Creamy. Scrape Down Sides. Add Eggs & Vanilla; Beat Well, Scrape Down Sides. In a separate bowl combine; Flour, Baking Soda, Cinnamon, & Salt; mix well. Add Flour mixture to Butter mixture, mix, scrape down sides. Add in Oats, Chocolate Chips, & Pecans. Drop rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack to complete cooling.


Makes about 4 dozen cookies. 133 Calories, using the myfitnesspal recipe generator.

*Recipe can be used for bar cookies as well. Bake 30-35 minutes in an ungreased 13 x 9” at 350º

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

My Grandma's Funeral

My Grandma Chala aka "Mom" passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - The day before Thanksgiving. She spent the last month of her life in Hospice after a fall down the stairs resulting in several bone breaks. She was 83 years old. I was not at her bedside even though I wanted to be. Old wounds heal slowly.

I walked away from my moms side of the family almost 7 years ago. It was a very bad time in our family. My parents were divorcing after 35 years of marriage and none of us handled the divorce well at all. Lots of words were said and feelings were hurt. Lies told. It was a bloody mess. Hurt and angry I turned my back and walked away. It wasn't the easiest thing in the world to do. In fact it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do and live through. It almost broke me.

They knew my daughter but have never met my son. I have stayed away because it has been easier than fighting. Easier than being manipulated. Easier than being lied to. It is easier than being hurt and disillusioned. For every easy there has been a difficulty. I missed my Mom and Tata (my grandparents.) I've missed them so much. They were always loving and kind and just so much fun to be around. That side of the family is the party side of the family. We are a large family as well. Members in Mexicali, Calexico, Hesperia, and all over SoCal. I've missed my Uncle Bob, my Uncle Jr., my Nino & Nina, my cousin Rich, my sister, and even my Mom.

It's been a long road. I am a stubborn one and sometimes volatile. My sister is the one who has extended the olive branch so to speak. She is the one who is making the effort. You see I take after my father and can compartmentalize my emotions when they overwhelm me. When it's too much, I shut down. God commands us to forgive, and I have forgiven the 3. Reconciling takes a whole lot more time and is far more difficult. Re-building trust and respect, now that's a totally different issue all together!

So yeah, years have now gone by and it's just become a new life this current one I am living. But I have missed my family. I missed the closeness. I have missed the card games at the table. I missed my "Mom" swearing like a sailor and cheating at cards and us letting her. I've missed her hugs. I've missed her smiles. I've missed her love. I missed the gatherings.

Now I am a different person and have filled those voids with other people in my life. & I have prayed a lot. I am no longer angry. Not as volatile as I used to be. But I will be honest, I am still hurt and don't trust.

Last night I decided it would be just easier to not go to her funeral. I even ordered flowers and sent a message to my sister bowing out. But God continues His works. This morning while still in my Christmas Flannel Pajama's and in the drop off lane at school I decided I was going. 30 minutes later and praying for strength the whole time I was in the car driving up the Cajon. I arrived just after my Granma, Aunt & Uncle from my dad's side of the family. God works those miracles no matter how small! Together the 4 of us walked in to what I had considered the Lions Den. My Uncle was the first to greet us, and that went well. Then my other cousin. Next we are in line to sign the book and my cousin and aunt. Then my sister. This is really hard. The emotions bubble to the surface. We sign the book and walk down the aisle to my Tata, my family in tow (gotta love their support,) and now I'm in front of my Tata.

He looks just the same, that man. He lights up at seeing me. My heart. The tears. We hug. I have missed this man and his bear hugs! Fighting the tears and regaining my strength I now face my mother whom I haven't seen in quite a few years. That man is a stinker, he says I have something to say to her. Now what? Hi? Seriously, didn't see that bus comin. But we embrace and kiss.  My family and I seat ourselves at the back of the church and mass begins.... in spanish.... good thing I know some and was raised Catholic so I know what to do even though I don't understand what the Priest is saying. My Uncle Sil eulogizes her and gives a great dedication to her memory and mass ends.

Afterwards in the lobby I am greeted by family and cousins whom I haven't seen in too many years and it's all I can do to remain strong. At this point I am a little overwhelmed with it all because let me just tell you I have a large family, on both sides. My grandparents had 4 children who each in turn had at least 2 children a piece. Then there are the aunts and uncles and the great aunts and great uncles and of course the cousins. I have put the walls and barriers up and it's hard to tear them down but I am there.

Just before they all leave to go back to the house my Tata pulls me aside and he apologizes to me for the past. Oh my heart! He begs me to come back to the family. I cannot promise something to him that just may not happen but I do promise him I will try. So right now both of us are crying fools, even though I'm hard hearted and stubborn I'm a sentimental fool just like he is and we both can cry easily. It's time for me to return home and I must disappoint him for not coming back to his house. Getting to her funeral was a step for me. I didn't plan on going and needed to get back south so hubby could get to work on time and he was home with the boy.

I say my goodbye's and make the drive home. Now I'm sitting here and trying to figure out what I'm feeling. Today was hard. I am emotionally drained. God gave me the strength I prayed for to attend her funeral and face my family after all these years. Facing my past was difficult. The healing waters will soon come. The damn will eventually burst. I'm just hoping I can make it through New Years without the inevitable burst. I come home to my loving and understanding hubby and he wants to know I am ok. He knows how hard these years have been on me and he follows my lead when it comes to my family and how I move forward with them. He's a good man who knows when I need to be hugged and loved and be silent while I weep.

So now I must get back to reality and resume my life and who knows what the future holds. Only God does. I do know this, I have missed my family and what used to be. Where He leads me, I will follow.

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa