Thanksgiving Day/Dia de Accion de Gracias

So this year for Thanksgiving we all got together at Omar's house. The food was excellent! My dish to make: mashed potatoes and gravy. The potatoes turned out delish! If I don't say so myself. Although I know making mashed potatoes is no big deal, it is for me since I am not the best cook. My mom's turkey was yummy. So juicy and moist. My mom makes the best turkey by far. So enough with the food, because after all Thanksgiving is not just about the food. It's about taking time to think about what we are thankful for. So for me: this year I am thankful for spending this special day around my mom and dad, Zanndra and her husband Mike, Omar, his wife Alma and my niece Aly. Frank, his wife Vero, and my four nephews and niece.

So what else did we do besides eat...sing of course. My dad, and two brothers did what has been a tradition for my dad's side of the family. I remember growing up and hearing my grandparents, aunts and uncles on my dad's side always singing together at holiday gatherings.

So how will I wrap this up, this year I thank God for the opportunity of spending Thanksgiving with my husband, my kids, and extended family. I thank God for health, for providing for our family, for a new job, and for knowing that our family is in his hands. And that is the best place to be.

Halloween 2007

So this year for Halloween I had yet to get the kids to the store for costumes. The kids seemed uninterested in shopping for them too. So I thought, maybe they are growing out of wanting to go trick-or-treating. Just then, my sister invited us to come with them to a church that puts a great Harvest Fest every year. She has been taking my brother's kids for the past 3-4 years. And since many kids don't dress up, I thought my kids wouldn't feel so out of place. So, Halloween evening, I met my husband at the bus stop and we headed to the church Harvest Fest.

What a good time the kids had. The entire front parking lot of the church was filled with bounce houses and carnival games. It was very well lighted. The kids just went from booth to booth. They got candy at each stop. They had live music, food, and the weather was perfect.

Overall, the kids and us parents, had a good time. I would definitely consider doing this again. Although, the kids did mention that next year they want costumes and to go trick-or-treating in their neighborhood. So we'll see what happens next Halloween.

I love these pics of Katerina on the horse. There was a calf in front that the kids had to attempt to lasso. It was funny.

Boo at the Zoo

This Saturday morning us girls rounded up the kids and took them to the Phoenix Zoo for their Annual "Boo at the Zoo". The weather was great, a little warmer than we liked it, but the kids had so much fun. The zoo had halloween and fall exhibits all over the trails. They even set up a "operation" booth for the kids. Kat thought this was fun and all the kids took a turn at this one.
This was Aly's first visit to the Phoenix Zoo. I think her favorite thing was brushing the goats in the petting farm.

Katerina T-Ball Princess

Check out this pic of Katerina running into homebase.








She loves batting and taking off to 1st base. Her team "The Huskies" get together every Monday evening for practice.


This is Katerina and her team-mates and coach. There must be at least 10 kids in her team. Katerina is really enjoying T-Ball and I like to take her to her practices. It gives us some time to enjoy the beautiful October weather. Games are on Saturdays.

Steve turns 36!

It was nice getting the family together to celebrate Steve's 36th birthday. My mom made "mole", its a mexican chicken dish. The sauce is delicious. One of Steve's favorite meals. I also got him an icecream birthday cake. It was a hit! Steve's eyes lit up when he saw one his presents: a collection of the first series of "Heroes", his favorite show.

Some more Verrado Hiking Shots

Here are a few more shots of the kids in another one of their hiking ventures. These were taken in January of this year.

Love this one of Stevie reaching out to help his sister. I feel so thankful when I see my children getting along. It just warms my heart. I pray that their relationship as siblings continues to grow and mature and that when they are adults, they can be there for each other.

Verrado Hike

One day in the beginning of the month of October Steve decided to take the kids hiking to the mountains behind Verrado. The kids had a great time. The weather was beautiful. They packed up some snacks, put on their hats and headed off to the trails.

New to the Blog World

Wow,

This is so great. I actually now have a Blog space in the world wide web. This is amazing. I've really enjoyed visiting some of the blogs of some people that go to my church. It's so neat to get to know people and see how we all have so much stuff in common, how we are all much more similar than different. We all have people we love, relationships that are difficult, triumphs, woes, etc...

I am hoping that through this blog, I can keep a better connection with family and friends far away. And maybe along the way I can make new friends, and encourage someone through my crazy thoughts!

Today has been a good day. My husband picked me up for lunch. We are sharing one car. The older car is having issues again...Thank God for my dad and brother who are taking a look at it later.

So it was nice having lunch with my hubby. We went to a small little restaurant close to downtown "La Canasta". We had some Albondigas...goooood stuff. Not as good as my mom's, I can actually make some pretty goods ones too...but anywho-it was nice to find a good place to eat.

Well, I think I've bored myself enough so I'll end this one for now...