Thanks for the Clarity Spongebob!

Do you remember this video? I posted this a while back of little Miss Alayna and her own language she made up. She ONLY does this with my Dad...

Well the other night my sister was here and she was in the living room painting my mom and Alayna's nails. As they're sitting there... spongebob was playing in the background to keep Alayna from bugging. When out of no where my mom says..."Hmm that must be where she got it from..." My sister who wasn't paying attention then turns to the tv and starts cracking up. Seconds later she's yelling across the house for my Dad and I to come to the living room. She had rewound the show (thanks DVR) and was waiting to push play...

Thanks Spongebob.

Better Late Than Never...

So Sunday we finally celebrated my niece Tallynna's 8th birthday. Her birthday was actually October 13th... but due to the fact that my brother and sister-in-law had gotten the keys to their new home that week and needed to start painting and cleaning and packing and all that good stuff to be moved in by the end of the month... her party was postponed for a while. So yes, a month later it was finally put together.

We were invited to their new home for a small family gathering. My brother made Carne Asada and my mom made all the sides and stuff. Her other Grandma made a cute and delicious cake as always... she's out go-to cake lady. And I believed Tallynna had a great time.

Here's some pictures:

My Dad with Tallynna

With Brianna

With Diego

With Alayna

My Layna who loves Hannah Montana

Tallynna and her AWESOME cake!

Juanito eating cake

Updates

Ok so I haven't had a chance to blog... (I have a few posts I am working on)... things get very busy around the Holidays and they're coming fast.

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First off I wanted to show you my sister's zebra nails...

(in my previous post I told you her nails were also coincidently painted zebra too... so are her toes but she wouldn't take off her shoes to let me take a picture)

Ok so these aren't great pictures... but I told you she's really good!

Alayna saw her doing them and wanted them done too...

Here's the Before:

And the After:

Doesn't she have the CUTEST nails!

My baby is such a girly girl!

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Now being that their is a strain in our economy and a even bigger strain in all our financial situations I decided to teach myself to sew. Yes I said it sew... hey my Abuelita sews and my Mama (Who passed away when I was 2) was a seamstress... it's in my blood... so I figured I may just have the talent for it too.

Well I was wrong.

Threading the machine proved to be a little complicated. Well in my defense even though as a child I watched my Abuelita sew ALL DAY LONG I never really paid attention to what she did. But my husband knew how to do it (growing up with a mom who worked 3 jobs and 4 kids to support he had to learn a lot of things that I never would have... like how to make sunny side up eggs too... but that's besides the point) and he helped me get the machine set up and gave me a quick lesson.

Once I thought I could handle it I started. In a few hours I had made 2 dresses... one for each of my girls. They look ok. I was proud. Just don't look at the inside cuz that's a whole different story entirely!

So here's the dresses on the live models... hey it's a work in progress.

And what was the grand total? I paid 67 cents for the material in the remnants section at Joann's and the ribbon was $1. Another $1 for the thread... and there ya go! Just about $3 for 2 dresses... that's not half bad at all.

And THEN my friend Tiff came over to my house and made me a pattern which made my life a whole lot easier! And she showed me some tricks to make it easier to sew the dresses as well. So I am getting started on my second batch of dresses. I'll show you those when I finish.

I am thinking possible Christmas presents? Good idea...

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We went to my cousin Raulito's housewarming party on Saturday. He, his wife, and son are the proud owners of their first home. I am so happy for them and it's so cute!

CONGRATULATIONS GOMEZ FAMILY!

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And my brother and sister in law have also bought their first home! They moved in 3 weeks ago and I am beyond excited for them too! I love their house it has so much character. And I am planning a housewarming party for them right after the holidays... too many things coming up to fit it in.

So that's it for now.

Stayed tuned for tomorrow's post about my niece's 8th Birthday party.

Girls Day Out

So I have this fabulous friend named Tiffany... and for my birthday last month she gave me a cute card and tucked inside was a coupon for "One Girls Day Out". And with everything going on right now I sure needed one... especially since the holidays are coming and all. Plus with 3 kids... let's be real... I hardly EVER get alone time.

So Sunday I redeemed my coupon. We started the morning off with some Starbucks. Then we proceeded to have some breakfast at Paradise Bakery. It was really good. I had only been there once before... and it was with her as well... but for lunch. After a good breakfast and some good conversation we decided to browse at Old Navy until the nail place opened so we could get pedicures. (Man... Old Navy had some CUTE stuff...) Then we went and got our toes done.

We went to a place very very close to my house. My mom has taken me there before and my Daddy has even blogged about his experiences there.

They do the most awesome pedicures... each one lasting an hour long sometimes longer. You sit in a massage chair and they don't just give you a pedicure your legs also get massaged. It's so relaxing and definitely worth the money. I enjoy it every time. This time was no exception. We talked we laughed and I totally enjoyed her company. And we got matching Zebra toes! I hardly ever get a design because my sister totally rocks at them. (Sidenote: I saw her yesterday and she had black and white zebra toes and she did them herself... I'll totally get her to send me a picture to show you. So everyone has Zebra right now I guess.)

So I just wanted to say Thank you Tiff. You truly are a great friend. I have the best times with you even when we do nothing at all. Being around you makes me happy and sometimes I need a good girlfriend to rescue me from my husband and kids. Thanks for taking me out of reality for a few hours. You're the best! I am looking forward to getting our nails done next time!

Oh and without further ado... here's our toes:

I've Been Tagged!

This picture was taken February 3rd, 2008. It's one of my many pictures of Alayna in the bath. She loves taking a bath (as do my other 2)... and I love how this picture captures Alayna as her true self. Dirty, Silly, and showing her fashion sense. She's a one of a kind and I love her!

"The rules"…

Find the 6th folder in your pictures directory and post the 6th photo in it.

So here are the instructions:

* Go to your sixth picture folder then pick your sixth picture.
* Pray that you remember the details.
* Post it on your blog.
* Tag 5 others, leave a comment to let them know they’ve been tagged.

I was tagged by my Daddy: Joe Cool's Blog


I will tag 5 friends, but please don't feel obligated if you don't have time. I found it only took a few minutes.

Gianna

Tiffany

And anyone else who reads this... especially you lurkers!

Photography Special

Hi guys!

Just wanted to let you know I am running a photography special just in time for the holidays! For all the info check out my photography page:

www.michelleduckworthphotography.blogspot.com

And if you haven't already don't forget to bookmark it!

If you're interested contact me, or pass the info along to your friends and family!

Thanks!

Who Doesn't Like to Win Every Now and Then?

Which is why I'm doing this post.



I've been following the Tip Junkie blog for a while and she always has great tips and ideas for everything... from bloggers and Mom-preneurs across the internet. Not only that... I was featured there for some of my creativity and I love to see what others contibute because it gives me inspiration.

Well Laurie started the 12 Days of Junkie, to help promote & feature some of the amazing women who have joined the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon. There will be two winners everyday for the next 12 days. Oh yeah! I hope I win something because these Mom-preneurs really have some cute stuff.

Click on over and see what it's all about, and enter yourself in the giveaway too if you want, but just so you know I'm feeling lucky punks!

Arielle is 7 Months Now

Little Miss Arielle is just growing like a weed. She is 7 months old now. And this is what's she's been up to lately...

• She weighed 18lbs last time we weighed her but she's due for a Dr. appointment again soon so I am not sure what she's at now.
• She wears size 6-9 mos in most clothes. Pajamas she has to wear a 12 mos. And she's wearing almost a size 3 shoe. I think she'll have big feet. They are long and skinny.
• She wears size 3 diapers still.
• She's drinking 8oz of formula at one time.
• She eats Gerber 3 times a day. (We never did the rice cereal thing... my kids never liked it... Arielle was no exception.) Her favorite flavors of Gerber (actually Beech Nut) are: Breakfast - Peaches, Oatmeal, and Bananas... Lunch - Squash or Mac and Cheese... and for Dinner - Chicken Dinner or Turkey Dinner. She's eating stage 2 but is ready for stage 3 even though she has no teeth. She's an expert masher!
• She's not crawling yet... more like just dragging herself from place to place. Sometimes she gets on all fours as if she's going to crawl but gets overexcited and goes no where. She's hilarious!
• And now as of Saturday she no longer sleeps in our room with us. Jr moved her crib into Diego and Alayna's room and now she's rooming with them. She doesn't mind though! She loves it... and I've noticed she falls asleep faster. Hmm...

And her favorite snack ever are these little Gerber Graduates cheesy puffs things. They're made more for kids who have teeth and can chew... but she loves them! They first time I gave her one I watched her like hawk so she wouldn't choke on it. But she did fine. They melt in the baby's mouth anyway so she loves them. Here's a video of her eating them... She's a pro now... this wasn't her first time.

My Son... Student of the Month!

Diego is on a roll already! Not only do I get nothing but praise from his teacher at school, then he does an excellent job as a tree in his first on stage performance, but now he was named Student of the Month!

Last week he was sent home with a certificate from his teacher naming him Student of the Month... along with a note for me telling me how proud she is of him and inviting me to an assembly honoring all the Student of the Months for October.

So Friday was his special day. For lunch he got to eat Peter Piper Pizza on stage along with the other chosen students from the different classes and the Principal. He thought he was so special! (Well he is!) Then at 2pm they had the assembly which Alayna, Arielle, and I attended.

His best friend who is in another class was also chosen which was pretty cool. His mom and I were able to get pictures of them together on the stage. I am so proud of them!

So way to go to my little boy! He's such a great role model for his little sisters. And he teaches me every day how lucky I am to have such a smart, caring, friendly, and loveable little boy.

Quading Near Lake Pleasant

Sunday morning Jr got a call from his brother to see if we wanted to drive over by Lake Pleasant to ride quads. Of course we couldn't pass up the opportunity! I especially wanted to go because their family does this a few times a year and every single time that we have been invited over the last 4 years I have been pregnant! And now finally I am not and I really wanted to ride. So we dressed the kiddos and took off.

We found a good spot, set up the BBQ, and started cooking and riding. The kids have so much fun every time we go. Diego just loves it. Alayna likes it too but this time wouldn't get on. Not out of fear, just because she didn't feel like it. She's weird sometimes. The day was gorgeous! It seriously looked like a painted picture when we parked and I got out of the truck. I couldn't believe how blue the sky was... how green the trees were, and how the clouds were fluffy and white and then so so dark and black in some areas. Then where the clouds were over the mountain casting dark shadows just added to the dramatic effect.

We stayed until sunset and had a great time. And my camera had a field day as usual. Here's a slideshow:

We Need Change

I take my right to vote very seriously. This is my 2nd time voting in a Presidential Election. So yesterday as soon as we dropped Diego off at school we headed to my polling place prepared to face long lines. It wasn't as bad as I had thought. There was coffee, cookies, and tea. And they even handed out coupons for free chicken at Chick-Fil-A. Last time I only voted for the President and that was it. This time... I actually have watched some of the debates and read up on the propositions. I felt very informed while voting, knowing that I did my part in educating myself on the issues at hand and making my decisions.

I did vote for Obama. I feel that he would do a great job as President. I guess we will all find out in time.

Jr and I voted at different polling places because he was still registered with his mom's address. Here we are with our stickers that I was so excited to have!

Jr also voted. It was his first time. He was actually eligible last election but didn't. Neither of us are much into politics nor do we understand it all. But I honestly think that every vote counts. He even asked me why it was so important for me to vote. And my answer was simply this... We should be happy that we live in a free country, a country that allows us to have a voice and a say in who we choose to run our country. It's an important decision that other countries don't have the opportunity to make. And being a woman makes me even more adamant about voting. Not too long ago woman did not have the opportunity to vote, just as it was unthinkable for a black man to be elected President. Women fought for the opportunity to be looked at as equals and that's what I think when I see Obama. Not the color of his skin, but the fact that in this day and age everyone should be given an equal chance in this country. It's an honor to live here and being a part of making history happen is very important to me.

I think I changed his mind about the whole voting process now. He followed the election the rest of the day with me... and together we learned so much about the process of it all.



I was overjoyed when they announced the winner! I literally felt so many emotions at one time. We celebrated with our friends, who invited us to dinner at their home so we could all watch together. A sense of relief for a positive outlook was felt in the room. Even Diego at the age of 5 followed the whole the thing from start to finish with us. It's amazing what he learns from watching the news.



We all listened in silence as Sen. John McCain gave his speech here in his state. He was at the Arizona Biltmore which isn't too far from us. Although he did get the electoral votes from Arizona it wasn't enough to win and I think he gave a good speech. As much as him and Obama have disagreed throughout this, in my opinion he was very gracious and humble and said only great things about Obama.

All in all I am very proud to have had the privilege to vote. It's a right that I was born with and I will die with. Yesterday was a monumental day for Americans. We have elected our first African American President. I for one am very excited to have been a part of this and proud to have voted for Barack Obama.I have faith that Obama is the man that could turn this country around or at least get us out of the mess that the Bush Administration has left him with!

Obama '08!

Trick Or Treating

As usual we have a very big crowd every year. This year there was no exception. After much deliberation... for us girls at least... everyone decided on their costumes. It was no small feat though.

My Mom finally found some Halloween spirit! She dressed up for work! I like to call her the Wicked Witch of the West. Pretty clever ey? Last year she dressed up only because we MADE her and this year she did it all on her own. Yay Mom... you rock! Isn't Halloween fun?!

Moving on... Diego... er I mean the Incredible Hulk showed off his muscles. Pretty strong don't ya think? And kinda handsome too. In a green monster sorta way.

Alayna who took the LONGEST to decide... had 3 choices... a witch... Raggedy Ann... and well of course she picked Cinderella. My Mom just bought her this dress last week and of course she was anxious to wear it. She even found all her Cinderella accessories including the Tiara, wand, barbie, goodie bag, and in true Cinderella style... only ONE slipper. So needless to say she couldn't wear it and had to settle for Light Up Princess Sandals.

Meet my brother... Mr. J

I pity the fool who messes with him.

This is the 3 time "Tutu Mouse" as we call her. First my niece Brianna wore this costume when she was 2 months old, 7 years ago... then Alayna wore it when she was 3 months old... and now little Miss Arielle was the oldest to wear it at almost 7 months old. Doesn't she look big now? Seriously... didn't I just have this kid? Boy they grow fast!

This spawn of Satan (aka Mr. J) is my little Nephew Juanito. He's evil looking but don't let the getup fool you... he's the biggest sweetheart ever!

And we had tons of more kids in various costumes but of course they don't stand still long enough for me to capture them on my camera or else you would have met them too...

Here I am as Raggedy Ann... with my babies.

Junior came along too... but he was too busy taking this picture to be in it.

See? Here he is with our baby.

And the night wouldn't be complete without a little fright to keep us on our toes. This house had a great setup in their garage... and when you went up to get the candy... people started coming out of dark places to scare us away...

And it made ALL the kids cry.

So we had like 6 crying kids all at one time.

Lovely...

But it was funny.

Don't you see my uncle Edgar in the background with a big grin?

Oh come on... you know we're not really mean... it's the spirit of Halloween!

And we ended the night with a drama filled performance by the Princess herself.

Yup... we told her NO CANDY...