Friday, November 28, 2008

Speaking of Leftovers...

As we all know, not everything is as appetizing the second time around. The number one on the list for me has always been mashed potatoes. They just taste yucko. This is a shame because they take some patience with the peeling and cutting and water boiling and spilling over, ugh. Well here is the solution...wait, those of you who have mounds of uneaten potatoes wasting away in the fridge, don't hate me that I didn't share this a week ago....remember, Christmas dinner! Roast with mashed potatoes and gravy. There is still time. Here you go...and to those of you who already know this, you probably have other tips just as tasty, so be sure to pass them on to the rest of us suffering without your wisdom!

The secret ingredient is...

CREAM CHEESE!

(could you feel the "Iron Chef" like intensity of my reveal?!!)

A block of cream cheese cut up and mashed into some warm russets or reds whatever your preference, is simply creamy yumminess! Oh, and if you make them ahead of time, keep them warm in your crock pot. My friends, what will you do with all of this time you just saved? A little Christmas shopping? Yeah, me too!

Giving Thanks.

Another fabulous Thanksgiving...

Thankful to have been born into an amazing family.
Thankful to have met my husband so early in life.
Thankful to be the mother of two amazing miracles.
Thankful to my friends who love me.
Thankful to a loving God who continues to bless me.

Lastly, thankful to my mom who effortlessly made the most delicious feast
and sent me home with all the leftovers!








Sunday, November 23, 2008

A Happy Weekend.

Two birthday boys. Two birthday cakes.
Leon's favorite dinner: Chipotle Chicken Tostadas....Yum!
Do I need to mention how much Sam loved his cake? Look at his face! I'm not sure what made him laugh harder, being face to face with a monkey cake or being able to shove his hand inside and mush it up! It was delightful to watch and a quite exhausting after party...he was up late on a full blown sugar high!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Happy Birthday Sam

Samuel Peter Reyes














You remind us that God hears our prayers.
Your name honors a man we hold dear to our hearts.
Your sense of adventure is encouraging.
Your determination is endless.
Your happiness is contagious.
Today has been a day of reflecting on what a gift you are and what an amazing year it has been!




Saturday, November 15, 2008

No Laughing Matter.

Two years ago...
Leon and I were at home watching a movie together.
I was on the couch.
He was on the floor.

When the movie was over, 
and we started to stretch,
Leon got stuck.

His back went out while on all fours.
Pain.
I asked him what to do.
Then I laughed.
(this is a nervous habit of mine)

Angrily he said, "Just leave me alone!"
So I did.
I turned off all the lights and said "Good Night!" 
Then I skipped off to bed.

A few minutes later, I returned.
Leon was not amused and so I gave up my attempt to heal with humor.
Eventually he got up, recovered and forgave me.

Lately, I have been experiencing serious pain in my legs.
It has been debilitating and excruciating.
He has taken on all of my responsibilities and more.
He even cooked his own birthday dinner.

I can never express enough gratitude for his
willingness to work hard no matter what the task.
In this case, he is caretaker to our boys and me all while 
making enough money for our comfort and survival.

I love him more than ever.
For the future...
I can't promise I am capable of controlling my giggles,
but I am capable of serving with sincerity.







Sunday, November 2, 2008

How we do it.

Carving Pumpkins...
Get them curious.

Start them young.


Or even younger.




Saturday, November 1, 2008

Halloween Fright.

14 Kiddos, 6 families, several buckets of candy,
eating RIBS in the Living Room...
sounds scary, but it was a lot of fun!



The Mad Scientist and his specimens...
fingers, eyeballs, brains, bloodworms and tongue!

Sam easily distracted the kids with his cuteness and invaded their stash!

On The Menu...
  • Bloody Ribs
  • Spiders Nest Bean Dip
  • Garbage Dip
  • Scary Shrimp Bites
  • Freaky Fruit
  • Dark and Devilish Brownies
  • Screaming Sugar Cookies
  • Mummy Dogs


Plenty of Laughs!







Halloween 2008

The Mad Scientist, Frankenstein, His Bride and Igor

More of our frightful festivities to come...