Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Extravaganza!

We went to the Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Extravaganza on Friday night. It was AWESOME!!! It is at Universal City Walk, which was beautifully decorated for Christmas. Here at the loves of my life...all dressed for the concert.

We had tickets in the "pit" section...which means we were literally leaning on the stage. The Gibson Ampitheatre is a great place to see a show, especially the Big Band orchestra. It was really really REALLY LOUD!! My ears are still ringing.

Nathan and I went to the middle of the theatre and sat for most of the show, but Kyle and Darrell were front stage the entire time. Hopefully, this will become a family tradition for us. This is the second year we've seen him and his orchestra...what a great way to start Christmas week. We missed you Newbry family!

Nathan's Christmas Party Day at School

We started our morning yesterday with Nathan's violin performance. They were great!! These are the kids who have been playing violin for 2 years. Some of the students chose to play a different instrument or sing in the choir, we were happy that Nathan decided to practice violin, and they played several Christmas songs. Most of these boys have been in Nathan's class since Kindergarten. It has been fun watching them grow, and we are friends with most of their parents.

Here is the entire "string" section. The other children were on the other side of the room.

Concentrating...

I love this photo...I'm getting better at picture taking. What do you think Jill??

Darrell and I were both there to watch. I came straight from my class parties.

Then, I helped in his classroom with the party. These kids crack me up.

What's a party without cookie decorating??

Nathan's masterpiece. Of course, he wouldn't eat it.

A class photo taken at the end of the day. It was also pajama day...if you were wondering. Christmas is only a few days away. HOORAY!!

Mexican Tinga

One of the Mommy's in my class brought me my favorite Mexican dish to share with Darrell and Kyle. It's called "Tinga." It is so delicious, with a roasted pepper/tomato/onion kind of taste. Here's how you eat it...spread a tostada shell with a thin layer of sour cream. Spread a layer of the meat mixture, not too much because it is really hot. Then, top with lettuce, tomato, cheese...whatever you want. I also made beans to go with it.

Thanks Miriam for sharing your Tinga with my family and I. Darrell enjoyed it and Kyle thought it was too hot and spicy. GRINGO!!

Christmas Party with My Classes 2009

We had the Christmas party this past weekend with the families from my classes. We held it on Sunday so most of the Daddy's could attend, almost all of them work 6 days a week. A local Christian organization donated El Pollo Loco food, we sang Christmas caroles in English and Spanish, played games, and had a surprise visit from Santa!! A few pictures for you to enjoy. Here I am trying to sing in Spanish. They are laughing at me...

The kids were so happy to see Santa...

One of my youngest babies, Frank, with his Mommy, Daddy, and sister...

Sammy, Matthew, Citlali, and Marco going down the slide...

These ladies helped to organize the party and served the food. They are so compassionate and helpful...

A family who has been in my program for 4 years, since before Paloma was born. A great family.

Arlette has been in my class since she was a toddler. She is smart, articulate, and bi-lingual. I'd like to take credit, but Mommy works with her constantly. I look terrible in this picture...

Miguelito...don't you just wanna kiss his cheeks??

I know I've said it many times, but I really do LOVE my job and adore these families. I am honored on a daily basis to be part of their lives. I hope I teach them as much as they teach me.

Hooray for Rain!!

It has been pouring buckets here for a couple of days!! I LOVE the rain. My flowers are so happy, but my puppy is NOT so happy!

Happy 17th Birthday Kyle

Happy 17th Birthday Day to my Baby. In keeping with the blog-theme this year, I am listing 17 facts about Kyle.

1. He started driving this year. We, along with the help of Grammy and Grampy, bought him his first car.
2. He weighed 9 pounds 15.5 ounces at birth.
3. He walked at 9 months.
4. At age 1, he had over a 50 word vocabulary. (Most kids have a couple of words by age 1)
5. He started playing baseball 11 years ago, when I was pregnant with Nathan.
6. He is ALWAYS the last one to bed at night. He is a night owl, and the rest of the family is in bed by 10:00.
8. He has NEVER been sent to the principal's office, or been in any kind of trouble. In his entire life, he's had 3 spankings and been on "time-out" about 20 times.
9. He likes to try new foods.
10. He takes guitar lessons and has taught himself so much. It is awesome to watch him play.
11. Kyle is 5 years 6 months older that Nathan.
12. He has a ton of friends. Everytime we go someplace, he sees someone he knows. At school, he fits into the athletic group, the smart group, the guitar/music group, and almost every other group.
13. He helps to coach Nathan's Little League teams.
14. He took Algebra 3 times before passing.
15. He has over 20 pair of jeans. Most of them really nice...thanks Grammy.
16. He had allergy shots for almost 5 years.
17. He still give us a kiss and hug when he leaves. He has no choice.

As you can tell, we are very proud of Kyle. It is fulfilling to see the wonderful person he is turning into. I am so honored to be his Mother.

Happy December...I'm Back!

So sorry, I've been a really bad blogger lately. I could give you a whole list of excuses, but I won't...I'll just say sorry.

Happy Birthday Grammy!

My Mom, Larry, Tanya, Bret, Eldon, Holly, and Betty came over today to celebrate my Mom's birthday. I made really good Brocolli, Cheese, Potato Soup with Ham. Tanya made German Chocolate Cupcakes. Happy Birthday Mom...WE LOVE YOU!

Thanksgiving

We are hugely blessed and thankful for our friends and family. We, in keeping with tradition, spent Thanksgiving with the Newbry family. They were our neighbors before Nathan was born, and we have become like extended family. Before dinner, MacKenzie always says a beautiful prayer.

The "kids" table.

Gary and Clare were there. They are such a great couple.

Here we all are sitting down to eat. Kelly, to the bottom right in burgandy, is the hostess with the mostess.

After dinner we played Board games. I think I lost. Thanks Newbrys for the unbelievable hospitality and friendship you've shown us over the years. We love you guys.

Fish Tacos

Darrell is on a quest to try as many fish tacos as he can in his lifetime. Our friends introduced us to Bear Flag Fish Market in Newport Beach. WAY UP on the delicious scale.

Here we are sitting at the table. It is literally a fish market that has a grill. Really fresh and yummy. Photo by Nathan.

Little Dwight and Nathan waiting for their tacos. Ha...Nathan would never eat a taco. He had flour tortillas.

Poki (Raw Ahi Tuna with spices) served on chips. Another great dinner with great friends. I'm hungry...anyone want a fish taco?

Dwight and Diane

Our dear friends, Dwight and Diane came over for dinner a couple of weeks ago. We had homemade tamales that one of my Mommy's made. They were DELICIOUS. We always laugh so hard when they come over. Darrell almost peed his pants!

Aren't they cute?

Oh, look who showed up to eat a tamale!

Diane made homemade salsa and beans. They were so good, she is a great cook. I made homemade Spanish rice, it was mushy.

People think they're brothers. What do you think? Thanks for coming over guys, we always enjoy spending time with you. Oops, we were having such a great time, I forgot to take a picture of the kids.

They are the CHAMPIONS!!

Viejo Competitive Under 12 Team wins the Tournament!!! What a great way to end the season!! As always, Grammy and Grampy were there to cheer Nathan to victory!! They are his biggest fans...

Even Kyle showed up to cheer on his brother...He really does love him, even though they drive each other crazy sometimes!

Nathan on the left...walking away from the huddle on the pitchers mound mid-game. Must give the pitcher a pep talk!

Here's Nathan in the middle playing 3rd base...his favorite position.

Ready to make the play.

Fielding the ball.

Crashing the bunt...

Swing and hit...Good job Nathan! You played great tonight, we are very proud of you! Now...you have a couple of months off until Little League begins.