Mango con Chili! Recipe

Summertime = Fruit

Right?

Well I have to say my most favorite fruit is the Mango. Growing up we would travel to the grandparents (Mom & Tata or Granma & Granpa's) second homes in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. Just a few patient adults, a pack of kids and a lot of sand and surf. Sometimes as we would wind along the Old Toll Road we'd stop at the roadside for fruit or even sometimes lobster. Sometimes it would be to slurp coconut milk from fresh coconut or to have a mango on a stick or fruit cocktail or even seafood cocktail (be careful though of the Montezuma's Revenge).

Aaaaah summertime. Those are my most favorite memories. We've all grown up now. Grown apart in some cases. But I still have those memories. Fiesta's in the middle of camp. Fruit. Fish Tacos. Pan, Fishing, body surfing, searching for seashells, and the big horn calling the workers in at the factory. Churros at La Bufadora (and this time you say Churro with a whole lot of r's and a lot of proper pronunciation, not the white man way of chew-rows). Plus they are the right kind too, in the brown bag that's almost see through because they were just fried for you.

While mangoes are good on their own. Peeled just right and removed from the seed, if properly ripened they are super juicy and have such intense flavor. The best way though is with a sprinkling of fresh lime and a dash or two of pico de gallo. Mmmmmmm. Now that's summertime for me. Today I decided to cut up a bunch of mangoes and a little watermelon and prepare it the way I like it. mmmmmm. It's pretty good. You should try it. I even have the white people in this house demanding for it. Gotta love summertime!

Tomorrow I think I'll cut up the pineapple and add that to the mango and watermelon and see how long it takes for the kids to devour that!

Mango con Chili

1 Mango (peeled, seeded, and cut up)

1 slice fresh lime

dash Chile Powder or Pico de Gallo

Mix all together, serve, and eat immediately.

See ya round like a donut!, SoCal Marisa

Thank God for MNO's!

Day 13 of Summer Vacation

Such a busy day today. Sorry no pictures. Too busy and besides I left the camera at home.

We started our day early in the morning with a movie at Harkins. Who doesn't love going to the movies? I mean come on, big screen entertainment is super good fun. Now ad a room full of kids and that's where the fun lies. The movie of the week? Megamind. Oh and the part Brad Pitt played was Metro Man. Go figure. Ha! Didn't see it the first time and it was really a cute movie. Got a few good laughs from us. Our group is growing and I predict by next week we will take up an entire row!

Next up, SWIMMING! Ok. for me that entailed sitting under the patio, munching and watching the kids frolic in the pool. Good times with good friends! Gotta love it. My other half of the brain and I did some more planning for the MDO Temecula trip. Haven't had a Moms Day Out in like forever. What was it? Oh yeah, Glen Ivy. Another great MDO and celebrating a friends birthday! Perfect combination.


Then home for a quick cat nap and jump in the shower to head over to Ra for the cherry on top of my day, The MNO = Moms Night Out. Sushi & a Birthday Celebration for the lovely Michelle! I love my mommy friends and am so blessed to have them in my life. I love that we can all get together over some "bait" and have an awesome gab fest that doesn't involve gossip of any kind. Just shared experiences and sharing of activities all of us may not have been apart of. Oh the celebrity sightings! hahaha! The 10 of us spent HOURS on that patio cackling up a storm.


Just when you think the night should come to an end.....NOT US! Not when there is a Harvey's near by! Hahahaha the invasion of the mommies! Oy! That poor little store was filled with all of us oohing and aaahing over all the beautiful handbags. My "Holy Grail" is the Stella. Turns out that's Michelle's "Holy Grail" bag too! One of these days, I will get me the Stella! I only have 4 Harvey's bags in my ownership and I want, no I need more! Wow who would have thunk? But they really are the greatest bags. Recently one of my friends in Women's Special Events Ministries told me she actually throws her bag in the washing machine when she wants to spruce it up! I wouldn't try that with one of my handbags but maybe a cast off I acquire.... Hmmmmmmmmm..... Oh BTW Girls the Cherry is still available online. Just saying. What's a good enabler without her little reminders and suggestions every now and then. =)


So we have Sushi at Ra, a little shopping spree at Harvey's, and I'm not going to say who...now time for dessert! So you know the area right? What's next? Where do you think we finished our evening? Pinkberry! I needed my addiction of Watermelon topped with watermelon puree, fresh watermelon, blueberries, and strawberries. Oh what a joy for my taste buds! A few of my mommy friends had never had the joy of the PB treat. Well I think we created a few addicts last night. hahaha. You love the enabler in me don't you?! But I must thank Shannon for reminding us to go! So with our little dessert treats in hand and huddling together in the night air we all sat down to another gab fest. What a perfect ending to a perfect evening. Later as four trucks clustered together down Edison drive I laughed. Together even as we head home. I love my girls! Now I'm pondering what's next!

See ya round like a donut!, SoCal Marisa

Y'all come back now Y'here!

Just getting into the park

Oh man, we were immersed today. Ok, well I cannot say that is exactly the best analogy of our day but come on, we spent the day at Knotts Berry Farm. Now how fun is that?

So Day 12 of our Summer Vacation started out as any typical summer day in our casa. Or should I say homestead? Spread? Anyway. We woke late. Grabbed a lazy breakfast of toast and jelly, coffee for me. Worked on the Summer Bridge. Played on the computer for a little and then decided to get ready for our afternoon at Knotts Berry Farm.

The last time I was at Knotts was years prior. The one distinct memory I have is riding the GhostRider and cackling like a crazy woman the whole time thereby annoying my Daddy to no end. Talk about an awesome ride. Love that wooden roller coaster! I'm not one for drops. I don't like that sudden and sickening feeling I get when my stomach suddenly and expectantly descends to my feet. This is why I am not a real big fan of that place in Valencia. However, I loves me a ride with lots of spins, twists, and flips. So that Ghost ride does have a few drops but the G's just pull you deep into your seat and it's total enjoyment for me.

Waiting in line.....

But I digress. It had been too long since we have enjoyed that gastrointestinal delight that is Mrs. Knotts Chicken Dinner Restaurant so naturally that was our first stop. Oh joy! What a delight. I just love their chicken dinners. The biscuits and Knotts jam are the first to arrive and are quickly devoured. I could live off those biscuits! Next the chicken soup and side salad. Soup quickly disappears but before I even get to the salad my dinner arrives. I had leftovers mind you but I enjoyed that leg and wing sooooooooOOOOooooooooo much! But I never, ever, never, ever, never, ever, did I mention never, ever? Forget to leave room for Boysenberry Pie Ala Mode! To be honest I don't even know what the kids ate I was so into my food. But I only kid, both of our 'lil whippersnappers ordered the kids chicken leg dinners and we all fought over the same things on our table. We are all foodies through and through!

My Two Red Barron's!

So now we are pleasantly plump and in desperate need of walking off some of this comfort food and decide it's now time to head into the park for some good 'ol family fun. Camp Snoopy here we come! I just love that Beagle. Any guesses why???? So we spend the day in Camp Snoopy and the kids have a total blast. We did get them on the Calico Mine Ride and naturally the Calico Railroad sloop around the park. Our biggest mistake was the Mystery Lodge. Back in the day it was actually somewhat entertaining what with water that runs up hills and rooms that aren't what they seem. But, what in the world happened to that once fun optical illusion place? They put the "mystery lodge" in. No mystery there! It's ok, really. Elena did jump once or twice and the story was good but we were definitely disappointed.

So why Knotts? Well, to be honest, we have been going to the mouse house for years. We've had passes for as long as I can remember. Even with the many, and I mean many, price increases for both passes and parking. That place in Anaheim was our main source of entertainment. But it's really expensive and we realized our kids hadn't gotten to go to the other amusement parks or attractions in the area and were missing out. So we made the decision that this years pass would be Knotts. It was worlds cheaper to buy for a family of four then the mouse house and it was like a new adventure for the kids. Win-Win!

Something Antiquie from the old Calico Ghost Town

Today, since we had passes we took our time and didn't do nearly all the things we wanted to do. But we will be back. We were making plans for our next trip to the park. Next time Brian wants to eat at Pink's The Original Hot Dog For The Stars. They have such a snappy dog that is super yummy. One of the things we look forward to when the LA Fair is in full swing. BTW - We tend to just eat our way through the fair.... One of these days we may actually make it out to the Original Pink's but for now we will be happy with a local spot.

We are once again home and the kids are all tucked in and sleeping the night away. They totally enjoyed the day and are looking forward to tomorrows activity. I wonder what we are going to do tomorrow???? We are so very blessed by our little family!


So! Who else has passes???

See ya round like a donut!, SoCal Marisa

One Fish, Two Fish...

Alex, Elena, Hayden, Ryan, Jordon & myself at Bonelli Park

So Day Two of our summer vacation started out rather nicely. We received a call from friends wanting to know if we maybe would like to go fishing. Sounds like a plan. So we woke up early (8:30am btw - thanks Alex for the early am phone call!) and headed over to Bonelli Regional Park.

Ducks, ducks, and more ducks!

After looking at the web page and seeing they recently stocked the lake with 500 lbs of catfish I had visions of blackened catfish frying away in my cast iron pan while spicy hot smoke billowed up and throughout the house. If you've ever blackened catfish you know all windows and air vents must be open! But it is so worth the effort and pepper burnt lungs!

That's my girl!

Coffee pot was set to perk while I busily made our lunch to throw in the cooler we meant to drag along. Packed the chairs, umbrella, cooler, and with sunscreen applied and hats on our heads we headed out the door for a day at the lake. $10 later and we were in the park and looking for a parking spot. Which was not a difficult task to accomplish since there was hardly any one there. The swim beach was closed for the day, some sort of private party and we past what looked like a really nice playground on the way to our designated fishing spot.

The boy getting ready to cast out

Talk about excitement! Ryan & Jordon chasing our car and ready to help us unload with such grins and enthusiasm. Such good boys. As we were meandering toward our spot a park official pulled alongside us and asked if she could take our picture. So now our grins will be gracing some sort of flyer for July. Celebrity? Maybe, but we're getting used to our paparazzi.

Donuts?

As we settle in the resident ducks march by reminding us they will require some sort of food or they may just nibble away at our toes or something. From the safety of their little burrows ground squirrels look on deciding with their pea sized little brains if they could possibly snatch a donut before we closed the box. Ha! No such luck for them, but man are they brazen.

What a lazy day....

So we settle into our day. Make camp so to speak. Get the gear ready and cast our lines out. Funny thing about fishing with kids, especially rambunctious kids, they don't sit still for long. Frisbee out and now they start chasing all over the hills. This is when I think to myself, shoulda brought the kite. perfect day to fly a kite. So before we know it the kids are done with fishing, while lines are in the water and the adults are left on the shore trying not to doze in the sun while they run amok. As the sun creeps over head and the marine layer burns off we set up the umbrella and enjoy our simple lunch and watch the bobbers float along.

The kids and that Frisbee

Did we catch anything? Was there a power struggle of man against beast? Will my cast iron pans be blackening away some yummy fatty catfish? In answer to those questions a big 'ol NO! Sadly, I didn't get to enjoy my blackened catfish along with some garlic mashed taters and grilled asparagus, but I really did enjoy the day of just sitting and relaxing while listening to the kids laughter.

Such avid fisherman

Our day quickly came to an end and as we were cleaning up our spot the kids grinning, happy faces made me think we would definitely be coming back again. Empty fishing nets and all. Maybe next time we will use the equestrian center or even camp out there....didn't know they had campgrounds....hmmmm more summer activities to ponder.....

View up by the bathrooms

As we head home I contemplate the activities we planned for the remainder of the day thinking we could slip in a nap before heading to my Uncle Danny's Graduation. Sadly, the day must of really wore all of us out because we overslept our naps and totally missed the big event. I woke with a sore throat and feeling rather ugh, so maybe it's a good thing hu? Anyway, Congratulations to my Uncle Danny! Good luck as you pursue your new paralegal career!

Aaaaahhhhhh!

As the day closes I am sitting here contemplating the day. Day at Bonelli Park, Uncles Graduation, Those bad neighbors FINALLY move out, what an action packed day. Kids are tucked in and I get to enjoy the silence until the little one wakes in the morning. He's my early riser. Tomorrow is a day of getting ready for Fathers Day. Hopefully we will be able to make it over to leave some flowers on Granpa Carlos's grave before we have the in-laws over. Sounds like a nice quiet weekend hu? Like I said before this summer has started out a lot better than last!

See ya round like a donut!, SoCal Marisa

It's Summertime!.......

Kindergarten Graduation "Big K Day"

It's that oh so very exciting time of the year. One of my favorite times of the year. Yes, you guessed it, it's Summertime! Time for the lazy days of summer to carry us to fall. Time for loooong naps. Relaxing by friends pools, reading lots of books, board games, puzzles, crafts, shopping trips, beach days, going to the movies, and lots of red cups! Oh how I love the summertime!

The boy receiving his Kindergarten Diploma

Yesterday was the last day of school. I now have a first and a fifth grader. So hard to believe they have grown so much. But I'm not going to sit here and lament over the passing of years "like sands through the hour glass..." No, I'm not going to do that. I am however going to rejoice over the fact that I no longer have to wake early, cajole my kids out of bed, make lunches and try not to hit any children in the parking lot as I quickly do the curbside tuck-n-roll with my oh so limber kiddos in their weekdaily quest for an edumakation. Not me, no.

The boy and his diploma

Now it's time to plan. Or really, shoot from the hip. I have a few things planned as activities for my loving family but for the most part I'm going to grab the bull by the horns and enjoy the ride. Last summer sucked big-ol-you-fill-in-the-blanks. This summer has already started to show great improvement over last year. For starters the dreaded neighbors across the street appear to be moving out [insert sigh of relief here along with the requisite pomp and circumstance] and the general feeling of this summer is far more upbeat and positive than last years. We have a sleep study scheduled for the boy and hopefully we can start going in the right direction here. We've changed our diet and that seems to be helping a lot. I can almost pinpoint days in which he will have a seizure and sadly they don't seem as frightening as when they first hit. Yup, things are definitely looking a lot better than last year.

The girl on her last day of school

Today the kids and I slept in to a blessed 10am. I love summer. We just kicked back and enjoyed the day. We worked on our summer bridge and pretty much slacked after that. Made a vat 'o sauce which will help reduce my cooking time over the summer and still keep us in yummy dishes. I'll try to post my recipe later but that one is just a lot of a pinch of this and a palm full of that and let's not forget a glass of wine for me and a glass of wine for the sauce.... Yeah, it's that good.

Did someone say water balloon fight?

I'd love to give you my calendar for activities that are pending but really, I aint gots one. Summer should be about relaxed fun and that's what I have planned for the kids. That and some movies and a quick camp out (red cups may be involved). I know, sounds like fun, hu? OK. So I will be sure to log on here and tell you what we did just so you get an idea of what's out there for ya. Some may be free type things to do and some you may have to dust off the 'ol wallet in order to enjoy. Either way it hopefully will be entertaining. "Oh, by the by..." [spoken with a British accent] what are your plans for the summer? How do you plan on entertaining your little miracles from above?

See ya round like a donut!, SoCal Marisa

Easter Break

The days leading to Easter Break numbered with far too many remaining. Slowly, and I mean slowly, our Easter Break creeped closer. It seemed an eternity before we would have a weeks worth of days to sleep in and slack. Waiting, waiting, waiting for the ability to while away our time. To not have any pressing appointments. To be spent poolside. To go shopping. To hang with friends. To relax and enjoy our days.

Finally, Good Friday arrives which marks the half day of school beginning our Easter Break. We spend the afternoon leisurely enjoying a lunch of pizza at BJ's. Our next week is spent in a whirlwind of friends and family and most definitely slacking. Ending with our last day in Baptism of baby Olivia. Who could want for anything more?

With all of this I realize how really and truly blessed I am. I am blessed to be able to stay home with my children and spend the time with them. To raise them how we believe they need to be raised. To give them what they need and try to be the best parents possible.

Well our week of leisure is come to a close and my much spoiled children are more than ready to return to school. & believe me I'm more than ready to drop them off come Monday and Tuesday.  As we began this week I was heard to say I cannot wait for the lazy days of summer; now after this mini break with a few weeks left to summer I am reminded of the wonderful days ahead of me. I love my family and relish the many blessings God has given me. Lately there have been many positive changes in our life and I cannot wait to see what is in store for us.

Now, to get these kids bathed and in bed because tomorrow, oh wonderful tomorrow is Monday and with Monday comes school. With the march of a few more weeks we'll be enjoying our Summer Break. Ooooo lala. I can't wait!

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Tea Time & Missed Family

Brother & Sister

Brother & Sister The Early Years

What a glorious day for a Bridal Tea! Oh Ladies, the day was a beautiful day spent with wonderful women. We started out roughly when news of my Great Aunt Delia's passing reached us. She was a beautiful woman who had so much energy and love. She always had a smile on her face and a warm hug to share. She laughed and shared stories and could cook like no tomorrow! She shined with inner beauty. I am going to miss her terribly. That and her yummy Chile Verde! My Uncle Danny once got her recipe. He's going to have to share that with me. My Cousin Lynelle's Bridal Tea is something my Aunt Delia would have really enjoyed. And We felt her loving presence there for sure.

The hours before the tea were busy with activity. Months of planning culminated into a few hours of relaxed conversation with much loved family and friends. There are so many details to think of for a tea and how to do it on a budget. Sure! If I had unlimited funds or deep pockets that weren't empty I could have definitely gone all out. Sadly, no. I had to beg and borrow a lot of what we used in order to make this tea a success. I am so gratefully for my loving and supportive friends.

I ended up borrowing or purchasing what we needed. I traveled to friends houses to pick up card tables, linens, drink carafes  and the like. I found the 3 tier plate stands online on this site called Jaf Gifts. I purchased tea sets on ebay and wherever I could find them. I even borrowed sets from friends. Shabby Chic was the theme.

Little details throughout the house. For instance, I didn't want to buy baskets to put the tea's in for each table. So Elena and I made these cute little paper boxes out of a wedding theme stack I picked up at Michael's. That was a fun afternoon spent cutting and folding with my girl. Later we made flower pens for the games out of Gerbera Daisies (those instructions to follow a little later) and placed them in festive teacup planters filled with beans for pen stability. they looked so cute on the tables. I rolled the utensils in festive napkins and tied them with tole for each place setting. Stephanie put together cute little heart shaped cookie cutters and boxed up Hershey Kisses for favors and those were placed at each setting.

The day of the Tea with two cars loaded with food and necessaries Hubby and I drove the hoard to Fullerton for preparation. You see I bullied my Mother in Law Gayle into hosting it at her house. She gladly opened up her home and let me take over. But before she did she made her casa ready for the 30 or so women who were attending. She loves to garden and we were originally going to host outside but the weather was very indecisive. They spent many hours outside readying the yard for the woman invasion. It looked absolutely beautiful! Before you entered their front fence you were greeted by a heart shaped flower patch in honor of our special guest. Flower baskets and pots were loving placed all over. The kids tree house that is still under construction was put on hold so they could focus on the Bridal Tea. They just love me so!

Although we did have beautiful skies it was so cold and crisp it would have been very uncomfortably chilly outside. The men set up the tables outside before they escaped to the bowling alley then we made an 11th hour change and moved everything indoors. We are women, we do these things! It was a good thing though. Everyone was comfortable and if it got a little warm we cracked a window and the place cooled down right quick. We managed to get 7 tables inside with minimum furniture moving. There was plenty of room to move around too!

At 11am we began our prep and move. The seating set us back a little on time but we pulled it all off with a few minutes to spare. The stuff for sandwiches was prepared the night before but we waited to assemble the day of so they wouldn't get soggy and gross. My Girlfriend Gwen showed a little before 11am and went elbows deep in helping with a lot of the preliminary set up and last minute changes. Thinking through possible problems with me. 12pm pizza arrived and so did Gabriela & Little Rachel. After a quick lunch we jumped to work. Gabriela on sandwiches and Little Rachel helping me with tables and chairs. With 1pm approaching so did Andrea and she helped with table setting. Sarah was first guest in and promptly put to work with tier stacking for each table. Water was set to brew and cake and cupcakes placed and we were nearly ready for the Bride to Be to arrive.

Our Tea began at 2pm and women promptly arrived. We had informal seating in both rooms Grace was said and Tea was served. Tea Pots filled with hot water were delivered to each table and salad followed thanks to the help of Mary Ellen. A nice hum of conversation carried on throughout the tea. We played games, and ate those lovely little cupcakes Juli made while Lynelle opened her shower gifts. What a lovely afternoon!

Afterward before I knew it so many people helped with the tear down it happened almost in the blink of an eye. I am so blessed with so many helping hands! Dishes were done and all I have to do now is to get ready to go back and pack and pick everything up to return to its rightful owners. I just didn't have the energy to load the cars and unpack last night so we decided to put it off for today. Tomorrow I will start returning items.

Lynelle's Bridal Tea was a success! It felt so good to be able to do this for her. I even got a booking for one in the future! ;-) I had a great time planning but a better time spent in good company. I love my family and friends!

Bridal Tea Menu

Spring Salad with Strawberries
and a Raspberry Walnut Viniagrette

Open Faced Cucumber Sandwiches

Heart Shaped Egg Salad Sandwiches

Chicken Cranberry Sandwiches on Butter Croissant

Warm Scones with Devonshire Cream,
Lemon Curd & Strawberry Jam

Hand Dipped Oreo Truffels

Cream Puffs

Mini Yellow Cake Cupcakes topped with Strawberry Frosting

Various Teas

Lemon Water

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Breaking Paradigmes

Hello My Wonderful Friends,

I am admitting to being in a rut. It snuck up on us. I don't even know when we officially reached rut status. However, we did. Complete and absolute rut! Last night hubby and I were talking and preparing for our little trip today and we realized it will be 2 years in August of this year since we have taken a vacation, and mini breaks are non-existent let alone day trips. Um, yeah, rut. We so need a change!

We talk about going places but lately we have been house bound. Enter 4th Grade Mission Reports. Thankfully Elena was assigned a Mission Report so we talked and deliberated on where to go. We couldn't decide between San Diego or Santa Barbara. San Diego has a Mission none of us has been to and then afterwards we could have gone to the Balboa Park, listen to the Spreckles Organ, Gone to the Botanical Gardens and hang out. It's one of our favorite places. Or we could have gone to Santa Barbara, to Stearns Wharf, and the zoo. Both wonderful days spent. I'll admit. I love Santa Barbara and if I had the money I would so live there!

Santa Barbara was our destination choice. Our plan: Wake up, pack a lunch and leave by 10am to drive up the coast to beautiful Santa Barbara. Spend some time at the mission, eat lunch, then head to the zoo. End our day at Stearns Wharf. Sounds like a good plan hu?

We had the lunch and kids packed in the car and left a little after 10am. When we left the winds were blowing and they were hot-hot-hot! Didn't look like it was going to be a good day for our neighborhood. Oh well, good thing we weren't hanging out here!

Our drive was an easy one. Super Bowl Sunday and hardly anyone on the road. The drive up the Coast Road was so wonderful. The sky was so blue and the water looked like glass. Everything was green and lush not like our arid climate. Cresting the hill and seeing all that green farmland with the ocean behind it is an instant relaxer for me. Camarillo, Ventura, Carpinteria, and 2 1/2 hours later we arrive in Santa Barbara. Aaaaaaah!

We decided to drive the long way around to the Mission, just sight seeing on our way up the hill. I love those cute little houses, they look so homey and seem to fit the landscaping. One of these days it would be nice to own one of those homes.

We pull into the Mission driveway, find our parking space and took a stroll around the grounds of the Mission. We spent about an hour checking everything out before we even set one foot into the Mission itself.  It's amazing how beautiful the Mission looked with the blue sky as it's backdrop. The day was a perfect 75 degrees with a slight breeze and we easily reduced our pace to leisure. Once on the grounds we inspected the front fountain and tried to count the fish swimming in the water. Unfortunately they were unhelpful as they wouldn't stay still for us. Either way we were entertained watching them swim.

A little later we returned to the truck and grabbed our picnic, found a nice shade tree, shook out our blankets and indulged in our repast of sandwiches, oranges, chips, and homemade trail mix. I don't know exactly how much time we spent under that tree but we weren't really in a hurry. Sated on Turkey sandwiches we later re-packed what remained of our lunch, returned the ice chest to the truck and entered the Mission for our tour.

We spent a good amount of time at the mission when we left it was after 4pm and we realized we really could not visit the zoo and enjoy it. A quick change of plans and we were headed to Stearns Wharf one of our favorite past times. Being that it was Sunday, Santa Barbara typically hosts Art in the Park and sure enough the artists were set up all along the avenue. Some of that artwork is Ka-razy! But the kids weren't in the mood to look at art so we walked on. At Stearns Wharf we poked our heads into shops here and there and just really enjoyed the afternoon. As all things come to an end it was now time to head back to the truck and head home.

We really needed to spend some quality family time together just the four of us. It's been so long since we have connected on that level. Elena said it was the best day in a really long time. We decided we really don't need to spend a lot of money entertaining ourselves. All we have to do is pack a lunch and head on out. We took 148 pictures today. A good portion of them were for Elena's report on the Santa Barbara Mission, the rest were of us enjoying our day together. Who knows where we will be next weekend but it's now time to start planning that little trip, pack a lunch, and just go!

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Second Week Of Soccer Down

What an awesome banner! Who designed this totally awesome banner??? Oh, yeah, that's right.... ME! hahahahaha!

Look at these girls, now don't they look ready to take on the world?

You can't see Elena behingd #10 but if you look closely you can see the blue ball streaming towards the goal.......GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!

Well folks, we've finished a second week of soccer. Boy what an exciting day it was too! ELENA SCORED THE FIRST GOAL OF THE DAY!!! Talk about a come back after last weeks game. Her game is totally improving. Her team is working together nicely, it's like they have been playing together for weeks instead of two games. I'm very proud of those girls 3/0. (I lifted these pictures from my Stalker Tracie's page, unfortunately the picture link wouldn't work but you can see these and last weeks on her page) http://mckinnonclan.blogspot.com/

Now Haydens team unfortunately I wasn't able to watch this week. As both teams were playing at the same time one starting 15 minutes before the other. OY! So we divided our time and it was fun. Poor boys they just follow the ball. It's soo funny to watch. No pictures for his team this week. Card was full. Guess I gotta empty it. His team didn't take a W but to be honest I really don't expect them to....too funny to watch those boys hug that ball. Our coach has his work cut out for him with coaching them.

This morning was so nice, the sun was shining and it was a lot warmer than last weeks game. Afterwards we headed over to Casa Sanchez for lunch and then headed home for a movie with the in-laws. It was a great day spent just family bonding. If every week is like this one I think I'll be able to tolerate this season!

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

It's been a while!

WoW! I cannot believe just exactly how long it's been since I've posted here. It's not for lack of topics. Believe me I could fill this blog with what I have to say. It's just for lack of focus and availability.

So lots have happened as is always the case in my world! Let's see the kids started soccer. Both of them. At the same time. With the same league. I started my whole weight loss bid. 5 pounds down. =) MOPS is back from our Christmas Break and so is my Small Group. Doing the A Woman After God's Own Heart® Deluxe Edition & A Woman After God's Own Heart: A Bible Study Workbook It's now time to start ramping up for the schools Benefit Auction Dinner. Oh so much stuff going on as usual! Currently I am in the process of planning 4 parties - wait make that 7 parties/events in planning - and only one of them is really my own. I really need to think about going into business or finding a company that could use my skills.

I started the year with a really positive attitude and I have to say I've been able to keep it up. More smiles and sunshine or maybe complete obliviousness on my part. But really, I am super happy right now and feel like I am ready to take on the world! I've put together a list of things I need to accomplish this year and hopefully I will get a few of the top items finished real soon. I've put together a few recipes that I will be posting on in the next few days. Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce, lasagna, spinach and lentils, & Candy Cane Fudge. Yummy stuff like that. Anyway, I just wanted to log on real quick and let you know I haven't forgotten about you...I've just been distracted! I PROMISE!

Anyway, here are a few pictures of Elena & Hayden's first soccer games. BTW - Elena took a soccer ball to her face on her first game ever and her eye looked like it was going to blacken. It just was red for a few days and is back to normal now. Hayden was put as goalie and I think coach learned a lesson. Hayden thought it was the funnest thing when the other team got a goal off him. He jumped and cheered! Gotta love my non-sporty kids.

Can you see the red eye? Soccer balls are mean!

Running with her friends. She will eventually learn it's ok not to talk to them while on the field.

lalalalalalalala

Coach doing a last minute potty check

Just before game 1

This was right before the other team scored on him.

All right, I'll be back in a day or so...

Oh and one last thing. Currently on my Kindle.... Bram Stoker's Dracula (Collector's Edition) so far it's not as gory as I thought it would be. It reads like a journal.

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa