Sunday, September 20, 2009

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.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

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.

Monday, September 14, 2009

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;)

Friday, September 11, 2009

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!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

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!


Friday, September 4, 2009

Looking forward to the long weekend...

I'm excited to celebrate my nephew Zane's 1st birthday! It'll be a hawaiian themed party and my in-laws are going all out:) I'll be sure to post some pictures soon...also James & I are going down to San Diego for the night on Sunday with our good friends, Allie & Travis, we'll be staying at the Ivy in the Gaslamp District, laying out by the pool, and having good food & wine:) Yummy! It'll be nice to get away.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Salud;)