Happy New Year!

Looking forward to sharing a nice dinner with my hubby and ringing in the New Year with a little bubbly...wishing you all a happy & prosperous 2010 with lots of merriment & good health! Salud!!!

I'll leave you with this picture, I love it! It was a good day in 2009, our wedding, my husband all happy with his babies, Krug & Veuve! Yummy;)

Christmas came and went

All the Christmas decorations are down and boxed up for another year, I am sad that its over though, Christmas decorations always makes a home look more homey and warm...now its time to start preparing for a new year, a clean slate, what are your New Year's resolutions for 2010? Wow! 2010, how time flies!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas...

It's Christmas eve, and I have all the presents wrapped under the tree, looking forward to spending time with my family, watching old Christmas movies, and drinking a nice bottle of red wine with my new hubby by a warm fire;)

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Let your heart be light

Next year all

our troubles will be out of sight.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Make the Yule-tide gay.

Next year all

our troubles will be miles away.

Once again as in olden days,

Happy golden years of yore.

Faithful friends who are dear to us,

Will be near to us once more.

Through the years

We all will be together,

If the fates allow

Until then, we'll muddle through somehow

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

Our Christmas cards are finally in the mail...

James & I finally got our Christmas cards out. We try to make them fun, this year we used our wedding picture, a romantic one and a couple of pictures where we didnt look so gracious, however made for a really silly Christmas card;) Figured it was the only year we'd be able to used our wedding pictures, so why not;) and everyone loved them!

These are last years, James & I wanted to come up with something funny/corny, so we found some cute monkey footsie pajamas and took pictures by our little charlie brown tree;) They were a hit!

Let's see what we come up with next year!

Holiday Season at Disneyland!

Disneyland was a little busy to say the least, but we had a chance to see all the Christmas decorations, get on a few rides, and even see the firework show and snow on Main street!

Here's Meg, Allie, & I waiting to get on the Haunted Mansion!

Here I am all happy with my Christmas Minnie ears! Arent they adorable:)

Living in Monrovia...

Its been raining all weekend, but this morning, we woke up and the day is beautiful! James & I had breakfast at Peach Cafe... it was yummy! We sat out on the patio...I really like this little town! Being on the foothills, its nice to go out to our patio and see the mountains and the clouds so low! It's a beautiful sight, and such a refreshing feeling;)

What is Santa bringing you for Christmas?

Well well well, hopefully Santa is bringing me a Canon Rebel for Christmas, because its at the top of my list;) I've been a good girl...whats on your list?

Christmas is in the air...

James & I put up our Christmas tree and decorations! I'm so excited to share our first Christmas together! He's so good, he put all the Christmas lights up too! Got our Christmas cards ready to go too! Now to begin my Christmas shopping;) Tis the season...

Let's catch up...

This year James & I hosted Thanksgiving, it was intimate just my immediate family...James was such a good husband, he helped me cook and prepare for our first Thanksgivng as husband & wife...We set up a table outside on the patio, the weather was perfect for it. Dinner was delicious, the menu included, 2 turkeys ( I prepared differentlty, one with white wine, the other with red), mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, green beans, creamed corn, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pies. Here's a picture of my lovely family, getting ready to share prayer and eat:)

Friday after Thanksgiving, we went up to Seven Oaks, where we rented some cabins, with James family...we woke up Saturday morning and it was snowing, so beautiful!!! Amanda, James cousin spoiled us, she cooked for us all weekend, and she's a really good cook, so it was definitely a treat!

Cabin #9

Happy eatings!

All happy in the snow!!!

It literally felt like a winter wonderland!

Isn't the snow beautiful!

Picture perfect!

James even got a little fishing in! Great weekend:)

Thanksgiving weekend

Thanksgiving was really nice, James & I hosted dinner this year, alot of work but worth it:) It turned out nice, my table looked fabulous, thanks to my mother and my mother in law;) My family came over and stayed the night, we talked had drinks and watched movies, it was a successful night;) Pictures to follow...Now we're off to the cabin with his family, we're really looking forward to it, should be lots of fun! Have a great weekend!

Today was a good day

Tonight was a nice evening, I was able to go visit with one of my best friends Mayeli and baby Adrian, he is so adorable, I did not want to let him go;) It's so nice to see her so happy as a little mommy. Here's his Auntie Norma all happy;) Isnt he the cutest!

After I left Maya's house, I met up to have dinner with one of my other best friends, Meghan, rarely am I able to hang with two of my best friends on a work night. It was really nice, Meg is so creative she made James & I the most wonderful wedding gift, a collage with wedding momentos including a dried gardenia from my hair, vintage postcard from Ventura, cork from the champagne, our invitation, and pictures of our special day. She's so thoughful! Can't wait to hang it up on our living room wall;) Thanks Meg! Love you

And to top the night off, Im off to watch the midnight showing of New Moon;) All happy!

Getting settled in...

James & I had alot to do this weekend to get our place in order. It was a productive weekend! We also managed to entertain, Saturday night I made paella for dinner, and we shared a few bottles of wine and laughter with friends & family. Sunday, we had company too. My old friend Grace and her husband Matt stopped by to see our place and visit for a little while, then later on my mother in law came by and we had dinner together;)

Now here's my recipe:

• 1 cup rice (I used bastami)
• 2-3 cups of chicken broth
• 1 tbsp of saffron threads
• 1/2 onion chopped (used yellow)
• 1 red bell pepper & 1 green bell pepper deseeded & chopped
• 6 garlic cloves smashed
• 3 chicken leg & thighs with skin on
• 1 lbs large uncooked shrimp with shell
• 1 package of pork chorizo
• olive oil
• paprika to taste

In a bowl add saffron to a bit a water to infuse. You'll need to use 2 large saute pans. In one, drip a bit of olive oil, brown chicken, remove and save for later use. Meanwhile, in the other, bring broth to boil, then add shrimp for a couple of minutes until they change color, remove, set aside for later use. In other saute pan, sweat onions & garlic for a few minutes, add bell peppers and cook until slightly tender, add chorizo and cook through, draining well. Add cup of rice and saffron with water to broth, cover and cook on low. Let cook for a few minutes, add chorizo, veggies, and chicken, cover and cook almost all the way through, then add shrimp, and cook until done.

Serve right out of the pan, with hot crispy bread, herbed goat cheese, and an olive medley on the side;) Enjoy!

New Moon

Ok, so I just watched the previews for New Moon again and I'm all excited about it again!!!! I think I'm going to be a big nerd alert and watch the midnight showing because I just dont think I can wait!

Ignorance is Bliss

Today I woke up wondering about the world around us, sometimes when you experience more than the average person, whether it may be joy or pain, it opens up your eyes to more of what this world has to offer...Then again we never really know whats going on in someone else's life or mind, do we? We sometimes become so self absorbed in what our issues are that we forget what others around us are experiencing. Why is it that people are happier in their own secluded worlds?

"When we lose the innocence of childhood, we become compassionate. That's the start of adulthood. We loose our ignorance and bliss with innocence, but we gain knowledge, compassion, and understanding".

Unfortunately, thats not the case for everyone, some people lack compassion... I guess I woke up dissappointed, sometimes you have higher expectations of certain people in your life, and they do not live up to them. On the other hand, some people surprise you, with their generosity and thoughtfulness, and that in turn makes me believe in people. I'm thankful to have my wonderful husband who holds me every night, a very close and tight knit family, and a handful of very close friends who are like sisters and sincerely care for my well being. Thats what I need to be surrounded with, I do not have the time nor the desire for negative energy in my life. There are too many actual things to worry about in life...

Halloween Weekend!

We had a really nice halloween weekend! Its my favorite holiday, Halloween marks a year since James proposed to me at 5am because he couldn't wait until dinner, so he presented me with a little halloween basket that had my engagement ring in it;) It was so cute! I was really excited to dress up, I decided to be a grease monkey, it was fitting since I am in the car business, everyone appreciated it, heres a picture of me working on a car, hehe!

Saturday we went over to the Santa Anita racetrack for the day with Allie & Meghan to bet on some ponies during the day, drinks, food and bettin on a beautiful day, I'm in, so much fun! Can't wait to do it again!!!

On Sunday, we went to Disneyland for the last day of Halloween season, it was packed, but we managed to get on a couple of rides, and look at all the halloween decorations, took pictures with characters, it was so much fun!!! James was such a good sport;) I was all happy with my mouse ears, Disneyland is magical to me, its like a whole other world;) Lucky for me, we have annual passes so we could go all the time so I could get my fix!

Pearl Jam Lyrics

Just Breath
Yes I understand that every life must end, aw huh,..
As we sit alone, I know someday we must go, aw huh,..
I’m a lucky man to count on both hands
The ones I love,..
Some folks just have one,
Others they got none, aw huh,..
Stay with me,..Let’s just breathe.
Practiced are my sins,
Never gonna let me win, aw huh,..
Under everything, just another human being, aw huh,..
Yeh, I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world
To make me bleed.
Stay with me,..You’re all I see.
Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see,..
No one knows this more than me.
As I come clean.
I wonder everyday as I look upon your face, aw huh,..
Everything you gave
And nothing you would take, aw huh,..
Nothing you would take,..
Everything you gave.
Did I say that I need you?
Oh, Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see,..
No one know this more than me.
As I come clean.
Nothing you would take,..everything you gave.
Hold me till I die,..
Meet you on the other side.

Dealing with my sister's loss, has been one of the hardest things I've had to face, my heart is broken, I'd rather ignore the pain when it comes, but I need to understand that this the hand that I was dealt, and I will face it with integrity the way she faced the last months of her life. Through her strength I will get strength.

What is it about Pinkberry???

After having a delicious lunch at Jakes Roadhouse with my husband and family, Chris & Kyle, we decided to stop by Pinkberry in downtown Monrovia, to see what all the fuss was about. And boy did I find out, not only is it a really cute little place, but it's delicious too! I had a small cup half of passion fruit & half of pomagranate frozen yogurt because I couldnt make up my mind of which one I liked better. So much better than I expected, so refreshing, yummy, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Definitely a good first time for me;)

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Today is my mother's 55th birthday:) My sisters & I took her out to lunch at Molly's Cafe in Upland, then to Claremont to do a little bit of shopping:) It was nice to spend the day outdoors, the weather was perfect, and being that this has been such a hard month, I think we all needed it. My mother is such a strong woman and I admire her greatly. Love you mucho mama!!!

On the way back we stopped by the farmers market where I was able to get some fresh produce to make my honey some Caldo de Pollo (chicken soup) since he's been feeling a little under the weather.

Here's the recipe:

In a pot, 8-10 chicken drumsticks, 8-10 small red potatoes halved, handfull of green beans, 4-5 carrots chopped, 2 whole garlic cloves, 4 halves of corn on the cobb, 2 chopped zucchinies, handfull of cilantro, half head of cabbage chopped, 1-2 bay leaves, salt & pepper to taste cover with water and bring to a boil on high heat, taste for salt add if needed. Then lower to simmer and cover. Cook until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.

Meanwhile, in a pan, med heat sweat minced garlic and half a white onion chopped for a few minutes, add 1 chicken buillion and stir in 1 1/2 cups of rice to brown. Stir in half a can of tomato sauce, and add 3 cups of water, cover and lower to simmer until almost done, then add fresh diced tomato and cilantro, then cover until done.

Serve soup over rice, with a wedge of lemon and some chili sauce to taste. Yummy! Enjoy;)

Until we meet again...

Cynthia Gonzalez

December 1, 1974- October 10, 2009

In my heart you will remain, until we meet again, under the apple tree...

Happy Birthday Baby Adrian!!!

Mayeli & Eddie are proud parents of Adrian Edward Lembert, he was born October 8th, 2009 at 12:06am (Maya's late birthday present), he weighed 7 lbs 4 oz.

Have you ever seen the rain?

Someone told me long ago theres a calm before the storm,
I know; its been comin for some time.
When its over, so they say, itll rain a sunny day,
I know; shinin down like water.
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin down on a sunny day?
Yesterday, and days before, sun is cold and rain is hard,
I know; been that way for all my time.
til forever, on it goes through the circle, fast and slow,
I know; it cant stop, I wonder.

Creedence Clearwater Revival always reminded me of my father...

There's no place like home

Lime ave at Myrtle ave

Downtown Monrovia

Monrovia Library Park

Our new home

James & I went looking for our future home in Monrovia yesterday;) I think we found it, it's above foothill, in North Hills, just above the downtown area. It has rose bushes and a white picket fence, nice patio, a nice big entertaining space out back, new granite kitchen, fireplace and hardwood floors. It's just perfect for us! We're very excited to move into our own place, since our wedding in July we've been in a transitional period. Looking forward to shopping for new furniture and decorating our new space; having dinner parties, and sharing our first Thanksgiving and Christmas there as husband & wife.

My sister is finally home...

Well as you all may know my sister Cynthia has been ill in the hospital for 8 weeks now. Her health has improved some and luckily James & I got to bring her home yesterday. She's gained some weight, is able to walk a little now, and her lungs seem to be have improved a bit. The doctors dont understand exactly how she pulled through, but she did. Must have been divine intervention, she is very loved, and many people were praying for her. It's a miracle that she is still here.


Here's a little back story, Cynthia was diagnosed with Cystic fibriosis at the age of 9. If you dont know what CF is, its an inherited life-threatening disease involving a genetic mutation that disrupts the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) protein, resulting in poorly hydrated, thickened mucous secretions in the lungs. Meaning that it makes it hard for CF'rs to take a deep breath, among other things. Cynthia had a mild case of CF for most of her life, going to the hospital for her tune ups (what they call their 2 week hospital stays) only 2-3 times a year, up until 3-4 years ago when her disease advanced and she needed a dual lung transplant, which she got in 2005. Then it got a little bit tougher, with new lungs come new complications, other diseases, like diabetes. Now Cynthia has to take insulin shots 3 times a day, over 30 new meds, is on oxygen 24/7. When Cynthia was diagnosed with CF, she only had the life expectancy of 21 years. She's 34 years old now, she is a strong woman, and has been through more than anyone else I've ever met. I hate to see her suffer, but am thankful that she's made it this far. Like I tell her, baby steps, we'll all get through this together.

Good morning everyone...

So happy the weather is cooling down, can't wait for autumn;)

This weekend was nice & relaxing, unfortunately I think I might have caught a cold. But I did have a chance to hang out with my good friend Grace for her 30th bday! It was a fun time!

James & I with the birthday girl being silly!

The girls, Irene, Meg, & Allie made it too;)

On Saturday, we laid out by the pool for a bit and I got to try out a delicious recipe I found on Fresh365, Zucchini Enchiladas, they were yummy;) I made some traditional spanish rice, and a black bean, green onion, avocado, grape tomato, & lime salad, and they went perfect together:) Cant wait to cook them again! Here's the recipe link, I recommend it! The sauce is delicious. http://fresh365.blogspot.com/2009/08/zucchini-enchiladas.html

Enjoy;)

Happy Friday!

Time for the weekend again;)

Today is James & my 2 month wedding anniversary:) Happy anniversary my love!

We'll be celebrating at dinner with our friends, one of my closets friend's Grace is turning 30 Sunday and is having a birthday dinner at the Buffalo Inn, live music, outdoor patio with firepits should amount to a good time;) Tomorrow we're celebrating my younger sister Alexandra's birthday, she's turning 17 on Sunday too (yes, 13 year age gap between her & I). There will be a party in her honor at our mom's house, I can't believe she's all grown up. I'm very excited for her, she's so talented, and has such a bright future;) Sunday, James & I will be hunting for our future home, finally, we're very excited, we've been in a transitional period ever since the wedding, so it'll be nice to have a place of our own;)

Happy weekend!

Labor Day Weekend Activities

Mini Getaway to San Diego!

We stayed at the Ivy Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, beautiful rooms, cool rooftop pool & bar, nice location, but pricey drinks...but overall good experience.

sitting on the window seat of our room

Roof top bar with our good friends Allie & Travis

Roof top pool, great view;)

Happy 1st Birthday Zane Patrick Perine!

Zane's birthday was so much fun! Hawaiian themed, with lots of games, a jumper, good food & yummy cupcakes!

Zane's first car from Uncle James & Auntie Norma;)

Birthday cake time!