Who I Am

What most knew around me growing up, took me years to figure out.  When I now ask, "Who Am I", I can answer that while I am so many things, I am mostly the strength and hard working spirit of my grams, the one who in the face of adversity, picks herself up and presses on (so much like my Mom), and at the same time, I am the goofy one, the dreamer, and hopeless romantic of my Paps.  I also love to write poetry just like him.


As an adult, I am more aware of who I am, the fabric of what makes me me, and how these lovely people contributed to the woman I am today.

Swanky Farewell

So my good friend Stacey is heading out to San Diego in a couple weeks.  Her husband Nick is there to become a Navy Seals and so they are off for a big new adventure.  So for a little farewell,  Liza and I took her out to the The Nines hotel, where it is the epitome of swankiness.  The martini's and girl chat were flowing with ease and we had so much fun.  We wish Stacey and Nick all the best in their new life down south.  Don't forget us : )

Bella Blanket

Aunt Desi made Bella this lovely blanket with Bella's name embroidered on the top.  Bella likes it so much that she drags it off her bed area and then plays with it.  This photo was taken after she dragged it in to Rafa's office to play and then got tuckered out : )

Tulsa January 10'

Every year during either January or February I take a trip to Tulsa to spend a weekend with the kids, Zared, Zailey, and Zaid, but this trip was a huge family affair with almost everyone involved at some point during the trip.  My Aunt Danielle even flew in as a surprise from the East Coast!  I long to be closer to my family, but really appreciate these moments when I can be reminded of how great my family really is!

My first evening...

Italian dinner and kids....

Tea Party!

Slumber Party, but no slumber ; )

Evening out with sis and aunts...

The trip was so great that the minute I got to the airport I started searching flights to go back.  That is how much I miss my family : )

Haiti Needs Your Help

With the devastating 7.0 Earthquake that hit Haiti on Tuesday, the country is in dire need of your help.  It is simple to help; via the Red Cross send a $10 donation by texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999.  There is no reason not to...

Winter Rafting?

I am not sure what compels guys to be guys, but these guys decided it would be "fun" to go white water rafting in the middle of winter.  I am not a big fan of rafting even in 90 degree weather.  But kudos to them for not letting winter limit their adventures.  Rafa had to cut the day short since we had early dinner plans with friends, but sounds like he had fun none the less.  And is it me, or do these guys look ornery enough to be hiding a some secret story?  Something perhaps they aren't willing to share with the wives : )

Since we moved into our new house a year and three months ago, Rafa and I have been members of the neighborhood association of Sylvan Highlands.  We have been passionate since day one of keeping our neighborhood clean, safe, and of course valuable.  Since then, I have become a board member as Street Representative, while Rafa has so kindly taken on the role of website designer and guru.  When you get a free chance, check it out...

www.sylvanhighlands.org

Great job Rafa!