Goodbye to 2010, and a big, super big hug to all of those friends and family that helped me along the way...whether it was words of kindness, or compliments that make me strut, or just a hug, accompanied with a glass of wine...and laughter to make our sides hurt. I love all of you. I wish the best for you and yours. Tonight as I post my last for 2010, Kali is putting together her first New Years Eve party outfit for tomorrow night's party at The Conrads. Kris is tidying up his last sales for the year. Bill and I will celebrate alone tomorrow night...and of course you all know me...tears will flow with happiness! Cheers to 2011! Bring it on!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
What do you have on your list for 2011?
I seen a quote last week while out shopping and I reflected on it..."Less talk more walk".. I guess that is something simple to live by in 2011. With 2011 just a couple days away, I am eager for what's around the corner. I live for anticipation. I love having something to look forward to. So instead of overdoing it with all the resolutions, I'm promising myself to live life to the fullest. I plan on trying new recipes, and crossing the little things on my bucket list off more often. I will take more time for myself. I anticipate bumps and bruises along the way...Each risk means a success or failure, but whether it's tears or celebration, isn't that what makes life worth living?
Goodbye to 2010, and a big, super big hug to all of those friends and family that helped me along the way...whether it was words of kindness, or compliments that make me strut, or just a hug, accompanied with a glass of wine...and laughter to make our sides hurt. I love all of you. I wish the best for you and yours. Tonight as I post my last for 2010, Kali is putting together her first New Years Eve party outfit for tomorrow night's party at The Conrads. Kris is tidying up his last sales for the year. Bill and I will celebrate alone tomorrow night...and of course you all know me...tears will flow with happiness! Cheers to 2011! Bring it on!
Goodbye to 2010, and a big, super big hug to all of those friends and family that helped me along the way...whether it was words of kindness, or compliments that make me strut, or just a hug, accompanied with a glass of wine...and laughter to make our sides hurt. I love all of you. I wish the best for you and yours. Tonight as I post my last for 2010, Kali is putting together her first New Years Eve party outfit for tomorrow night's party at The Conrads. Kris is tidying up his last sales for the year. Bill and I will celebrate alone tomorrow night...and of course you all know me...tears will flow with happiness! Cheers to 2011! Bring it on!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Once an athlete....
Kali has been playing Soccer since Kindergarten. She started when her socks were up to where her shorts connected. The cutest bows to match. I made most for the teams. Super cute to say the least. We were there, watching, cheering, laughing and praising...in the Sun, sprinkles, cold mornings and windy days..we were there. Banners to be made, snacks to be brought...we were there. From Teal n Tuff, Peach Strikers, Bring it on....to name a few. She learned, she had fun...and she moved on. She played Club..she tried hard. She trained with trainers, she's worked out like no other...She finally made a Division 1 High School Team. She continues to work hard on what she believes. Her cleats have seen many fields, her mom has seen many roads. She's met some great girls along the way. I've met some amazing friends along the way. 
An Athlete is: "Forever, for always, and no matter what"- I truly believe that once someone is molded into an athlete, and stays true to their body, in mind and in health, they will forever be committed. Whether it's to that sport, or dedicated to the discipline that gets them there. Salt to the earth. Or committed to ones self. I also believe that us parents help mold that shape as they go. I'm so proud of my Kris and Kali. I'm proud they are committed to what they believe. Respectfully committed.
Los Alamitos JV Bracket at North Orange County Classic December 28th. Muddy muddy game. Kali is on the far right hiding behind her bestie MacKenzie #3. Great group of girls. I should of caught a shot at the end of last game. Mud slickers!
We Rock! Go Lady Griffins!
An Athlete is: "Forever, for always, and no matter what"- I truly believe that once someone is molded into an athlete, and stays true to their body, in mind and in health, they will forever be committed. Whether it's to that sport, or dedicated to the discipline that gets them there. Salt to the earth. Or committed to ones self. I also believe that us parents help mold that shape as they go. I'm so proud of my Kris and Kali. I'm proud they are committed to what they believe. Respectfully committed.
Los Alamitos JV Bracket at North Orange County Classic December 28th. Muddy muddy game. Kali is on the far right hiding behind her bestie MacKenzie #3. Great group of girls. I should of caught a shot at the end of last game. Mud slickers!
We Rock! Go Lady Griffins!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Happy Birthday Grandpa...as we celebrate another year & another Christmas...
This cute tree on the sand...a little tribute to my Grandpa Ramirez....He's been gone 5 years now. His birthday is on Christmas Eve. Every year since, my family gathers there, on his birthday....on a special holiday for many...but for us, it's his birthday and time to reflect. We gather for pastries, bagels, mexican hot chocolate, juice and coffee...we sit there..we speak of the fun memories...and make new ones. I sure miss him. He always had words of wisdom. Hard working man. And always soo sweet to the little ones... 
We lost our Aunt Arlene back in 1983 in a very tragic car accident. They were very close. When he passed, his wish was to be put with his daughter. And so they are.
We lost our Aunt Arlene back in 1983 in a very tragic car accident. They were very close. When he passed, his wish was to be put with his daughter. And so they are. Rose Hills, Whittier CA
Here's your school Dad and Mom! This is Torch Junior High, La Puente CA. My parents met at this school in the 7th and 8th grade. It looks much different now, so I thought I would capture this shot for you....My parents have been together many many ohhh many years!
Here's Grandma Ramirez' house. This is the only place, thing, house, that has never changed my entire life. From pulling up to that cul-de-sac, to the amazing smell of yummy food when you walk in. It's got a very warm feeling from room to room. We were taken there as babies...laid on her bed...and the feelings just haven't changed. When I was little this house felt sooo big inside.
Here's your school Dad and Mom! This is Torch Junior High, La Puente CA. My parents met at this school in the 7th and 8th grade. It looks much different now, so I thought I would capture this shot for you....My parents have been together many many ohhh many years!
Here's Grandma Ramirez' house. This is the only place, thing, house, that has never changed my entire life. From pulling up to that cul-de-sac, to the amazing smell of yummy food when you walk in. It's got a very warm feeling from room to room. We were taken there as babies...laid on her bed...and the feelings just haven't changed. When I was little this house felt sooo big inside. 
We celebrate for Good Luck traditions with Tamales, rice and beans...on Christmas Eve. Here is my cousin Evelyn, Grandma in the middle and Amanda.
Some of the cousins. Tori, Kris, Kali, Adam, Amanda and Lexi
Me and Kali... See that little tree in the back? This generation doesn't get what we got years ago. My Grandma always had the biggest tree that would fit in her family room. With so many presents wrapped with the foil 70's wrap..and we'd sit there for what felt like forever opening and opening presents. Now we only do gifts for our Aunts and Grandmas. The little ones, (like mine) get way too many goodies from their parents and their grandparents...
My cousin set up a table out back for us to enjoy some sunshine we were all in need of. It was nice..Good wine, good brews and lots and lots of laughter. I have a super silly fun family...We stayed outside until it got dark and cold...
Cute little tag...something to live by.....for now...
Some of the cousins. Tori, Kris, Kali, Adam, Amanda and Lexi
Me and Kali... See that little tree in the back? This generation doesn't get what we got years ago. My Grandma always had the biggest tree that would fit in her family room. With so many presents wrapped with the foil 70's wrap..and we'd sit there for what felt like forever opening and opening presents. Now we only do gifts for our Aunts and Grandmas. The little ones, (like mine) get way too many goodies from their parents and their grandparents...
My cousin set up a table out back for us to enjoy some sunshine we were all in need of. It was nice..Good wine, good brews and lots and lots of laughter. I have a super silly fun family...We stayed outside until it got dark and cold...
Cute little tag...something to live by.....for now...
Christmas Morning 2010
It's funny when the kids were younger, and the early rush to the tree...but it sometimes just goes away. Our family are early birdies...therefore we all get up early anyways..but I do remember when Kris and Kali were little and you'd hear them up..digging through stuff...whispering...and Bill and I would crawl out of the room, make our coffee...now we all get up around the same time, kind of "take it all in" and enjoy every second of watching them open gifts. Kali still likes her gifts left, with her stocking in the middle of the night...with different neat wrapping paper. Santa still comes to our house....He's just much skinnier. lol
I bought her something very girlie this year....and boy did she get sooo embarrased. Only because Dad was sitting right there...
Kristopher got a cabin in Big Bear for the weekend and was heading to do some Snow Boardin' just after we opened gifts. Here he is on the phone getting the crew together. They headed off right after. Big Bucks got to go too with his new bed... I was praying the storms would wait and I'd see them off in good weather for good times...and it worked out. (One little hiccup before they left. Bucks was waiting in Kendalls truck, all windows up, ready to go...and stepped on the lock door button. In less than 20 min. AAA was out, they were opened up and ready to go.) whew! At the time? Not funny, but now...It does make me smile.
She will always be my little sweet pea. Kali at Christmas 2010 14 1/2 years. Such a good girl.
I bought her something very girlie this year....and boy did she get sooo embarrased. Only because Dad was sitting right there...
Kristopher got a cabin in Big Bear for the weekend and was heading to do some Snow Boardin' just after we opened gifts. Here he is on the phone getting the crew together. They headed off right after. Big Bucks got to go too with his new bed... I was praying the storms would wait and I'd see them off in good weather for good times...and it worked out. (One little hiccup before they left. Bucks was waiting in Kendalls truck, all windows up, ready to go...and stepped on the lock door button. In less than 20 min. AAA was out, they were opened up and ready to go.) whew! At the time? Not funny, but now...It does make me smile. 
She will always be my little sweet pea. Kali at Christmas 2010 14 1/2 years. Such a good girl.
The Pineapple Express...left me this...December 2010
After 6 days straight of rain, muddy entries, cold days and nights...Kali home on vacation from school, the skies cleared. They cleared after super heavy rains, and still lots and lots of things to get finished for the holidays. I still had so many things to get done. Holiday parties for our employees, wrapping, wrapping and still more wrapping..and all the little things Mrs. Clause will do within the week before Christmas. Meanwhile, keeping my cool, trying to express to Kris and Kali often how material things will never mean as much as a safe healthy family...and the lives that we all share together. Appreciating little things...The night the biggest storm passed, while driving home I seen Carolers out around the corner, in front of a house, singing so beautifully...I pulled up to my house, ran in shouting for Kali to hurry up and get dressed so we can go walk and find them...and watch. These cute things that you still find during the holidays...She hesitantly got up..like molasses in the cold....got dressed amazingly slowwwww got her shooeeesss onnnn.....grubbled the whole time...until we left and couldn't find them! I was dissappointed of course, but insisted that she walk with me..that we get the winter blues out, and the cabin fever at bay...and so we did. We laughed, we walked, we laughed and talked..We walked around the neighborhood and around a close park, in the dark, everything freshly wet, and cold, and we found this beautiful HUGE leaf. I brought it home to show Kris...The picture with my hand gives it some justice. So pretty!
Miss. Abbie on Christmas Eve enjoying the sunshine safe on the porch next to me while I enjoyed my coffee. Santa Paws is coming to town!
What would I do without wine?
My daily early morning date. Yes I AM a Java Junkie-
Miss. Abbie on Christmas Eve enjoying the sunshine safe on the porch next to me while I enjoyed my coffee. Santa Paws is coming to town!
What would I do without wine?
My daily early morning date. Yes I AM a Java Junkie-
Monday, December 20, 2010
Date Night, Checkpoints- Kali baked cookies and Fundraisers...Holidays 2010
Kali was invited to a sleepover at MacKenzie's...after we baked cookies, wrapped presents, shopped some more, I happily put my hair under a hat and exclaimed to Bill, "Hey it's date night!". I drop Kali off in Seal, head over the bridge, quickly run into the house and out of the rain, feeling a little spunky, to find Bill in the completely gutted living room, with the hall way doors on horses..paint all over him, it's cold, it's dusty from the sanding and sawing he just did...and he's super into his work. The look on my face was probably priceless. You know how it goes...I'm driving there..thinkin' oh, man can't wait for a margarita, can't wait to run to our favorite little restaurant...can't wait, can't wait...I'm famous for this. In my head things are gonna be this way...WELL, with age, I've learned. I've learned that no matter how sassy I am, or ever will be, being a knuckle head never helps the situation. Therefore, I took my boots off, told him how pretty the doors have turned out...sympathized on how sore he must be...THEN...made my own margarita (was quite yummy by the way...) and headed to the bedroom, climbed up on the bed, flipped on the TV, covered my legs, wiggled my feet, and was super cozy...and watched The White House Holiday decorators... That alone was a treat. It's amazing how that team decorates the White House. And eco-friendly..and First Lady picked birds and all things natural! So for that hour that he completed his tasks, I learned some more. Never assume, and with a little patience, things usually work out. 
BUT, the rest of the story goes something like this...we head over to O'Malley's in Seal Beach, where a friend manages. He invited us over for a cocktail and dinner. We sat and chatted with Kirk, had a yummy dinner, caught up with him...and watched the holiday parties and people come and go. The theme in the restaurant that night was "Ugly Holiday Sweater" haha. And boy they were funny. haha. As my cocktail settled into my little soul, I asked Bill if we can run across the street to The Irisher. Yes, a dive bar. I actually like some dive bars. He of course was ready to just head home...but you know the saying.."Mama's happy"...Well, as Bill goes to the restroom I order my drink, and look up on their brightly lit wallboard and it reads - "DUI Checkpoint on PCH and 1st, and 2 more in Sunset and HB...." (We are right in between)Hmmm. Bill walks out of the restroom, I point to the sign, he immediately say's "Well I'll have a water". I had my one drink and we were out of there...And yes, there was several checkpoints that night. We quickly went home and soaked in the jacuzzi. Probably a better place to end date night, rather than jail. Cheers to that! There's Bill having only water in a dive bar! Priceless.
Kali's super cute cookies...Before and after..... She loves PEACE too.
Los Alamitos Girls Soccer hosted our first fundraiser in CPK (California Pizza Kitchen in Seal Beach) with hopes to raise a little more money for our account to cover transportation and any other things that pop up during the season. Kali and MacKenzie..waiting for their food.
The girls. (The undefeated girls!) Megan, Sara, Sophie, Kelly, Mac, Kali, Sara, Raychel, and Bri...
BUT, the rest of the story goes something like this...we head over to O'Malley's in Seal Beach, where a friend manages. He invited us over for a cocktail and dinner. We sat and chatted with Kirk, had a yummy dinner, caught up with him...and watched the holiday parties and people come and go. The theme in the restaurant that night was "Ugly Holiday Sweater" haha. And boy they were funny. haha. As my cocktail settled into my little soul, I asked Bill if we can run across the street to The Irisher. Yes, a dive bar. I actually like some dive bars. He of course was ready to just head home...but you know the saying.."Mama's happy"...Well, as Bill goes to the restroom I order my drink, and look up on their brightly lit wallboard and it reads - "DUI Checkpoint on PCH and 1st, and 2 more in Sunset and HB...." (We are right in between)Hmmm. Bill walks out of the restroom, I point to the sign, he immediately say's "Well I'll have a water". I had my one drink and we were out of there...And yes, there was several checkpoints that night. We quickly went home and soaked in the jacuzzi. Probably a better place to end date night, rather than jail. Cheers to that! There's Bill having only water in a dive bar! Priceless.
Kali's super cute cookies...Before and after..... She loves PEACE too. 
Los Alamitos Girls Soccer hosted our first fundraiser in CPK (California Pizza Kitchen in Seal Beach) with hopes to raise a little more money for our account to cover transportation and any other things that pop up during the season. Kali and MacKenzie..waiting for their food.
The girls. (The undefeated girls!) Megan, Sara, Sophie, Kelly, Mac, Kali, Sara, Raychel, and Bri...
Thursday, December 16, 2010
"A Tree Huggers tree" and another year has passed..
Look how much she's grown! 2 years ago.
So....as we always do, for the last 10 years, we plan it, we have dinner and head over to good ol' Home Depot in search of the perfect tree. We've had all different shapes and styles throughout the years...This year I wanted a lightly flocked, Noble, kind of tall, and the most natural looking tree we could find. And here it is. Bill mentioned when we got to the counter.."hmm it sure would be nice if they had Christmas music or hot cider out..., huh hun?" Yes, he's right..most of all funny and cute to me, because that's normally me missing out on the little things. Guess I rub off on him. I was freezing and ready to pack er up!
They had help and carts..but these little elfs carried it off...
The camera- I have an amazing camera that Santa brought me last year. It's truly an amazing camera. It's big, and at times complex, therefore I carry a little one (Kali's) in my purse for the moments I always capture. Well, here we are asking a stranger to get this shot, at first it wouldn't flash...then she was trying to hold it down longer..soon after I was getting embarrased, we thanked her...wished her Happy Holidays... then find it's black and white! lol..And Bill's asleep! hahahaa
Big Bucks was so excited when we got home...He's found one ornament that he likes. He can have it.
So the tree hugger that I am. As Bill calls me, wanted this flocked tree with birds and bright silver and red sprigs, just like the one at Nordstrom. Kali agreed this year, that I'd only put the most precious ones of theirs up, but I would dedicate my tree to birds and something totally different. Basically copying Nordstrom. After finding HD doesn't flock, I settled for my sweet birds without, and all my cute little sprigs settled right in as I wanted. My mom collected owls while I was growing up. Macramay (spelling?) owls everywhere. Total 70's I know...but they were around our house growing up. I guess it still catches my eye. Must be the home feeling. But I read a book last year about owls, and did you know they live with their mates for life? When their mate dies, they die shortly after? Their dedication is amazing.
One of my little ornaments. I love the word "Hope" during the holidays.
Another of my little birdies. They are so cute. Our tree is full of them. Bird houses too.
The tree huggers tree
Santa Clause is coming to town......
Ohh... and of course I had to add flowers too! Flower child
Kris and Kali think it's funny when I snap picture after picture. As I am posting this tonight, I just deleted the funniest cutest picture of K and K in this area of my blog. And I can't figure out how to get it back in this area! ugh!!! They took some of me too that I won't post. I was being way too silly! We had so much fun! I think I'm ready for Christmas. I have a few more things to get...But I told myself to slow down to enjoy time with friends and family...good food and good wine...AND Bill's Margarita's!
Can't wait for Santa....I get excited too!
They had help and carts..but these little elfs carried it off...
The camera- I have an amazing camera that Santa brought me last year. It's truly an amazing camera. It's big, and at times complex, therefore I carry a little one (Kali's) in my purse for the moments I always capture. Well, here we are asking a stranger to get this shot, at first it wouldn't flash...then she was trying to hold it down longer..soon after I was getting embarrased, we thanked her...wished her Happy Holidays... then find it's black and white! lol..And Bill's asleep! hahahaa
Big Bucks was so excited when we got home...He's found one ornament that he likes. He can have it.
So the tree hugger that I am. As Bill calls me, wanted this flocked tree with birds and bright silver and red sprigs, just like the one at Nordstrom. Kali agreed this year, that I'd only put the most precious ones of theirs up, but I would dedicate my tree to birds and something totally different. Basically copying Nordstrom. After finding HD doesn't flock, I settled for my sweet birds without, and all my cute little sprigs settled right in as I wanted. My mom collected owls while I was growing up. Macramay (spelling?) owls everywhere. Total 70's I know...but they were around our house growing up. I guess it still catches my eye. Must be the home feeling. But I read a book last year about owls, and did you know they live with their mates for life? When their mate dies, they die shortly after? Their dedication is amazing. 
One of my little ornaments. I love the word "Hope" during the holidays.
Another of my little birdies. They are so cute. Our tree is full of them. Bird houses too.
The tree huggers tree
Santa Clause is coming to town......
Ohh... and of course I had to add flowers too! Flower child
Kris and Kali think it's funny when I snap picture after picture. As I am posting this tonight, I just deleted the funniest cutest picture of K and K in this area of my blog. And I can't figure out how to get it back in this area! ugh!!! They took some of me too that I won't post. I was being way too silly! We had so much fun! I think I'm ready for Christmas. I have a few more things to get...But I told myself to slow down to enjoy time with friends and family...good food and good wine...AND Bill's Margarita's!
Can't wait for Santa....I get excited too!
And to all a goodnight....!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Peace, Love and warm Sunday afternoons on the beach-Christmas Time 2010
After a very quick fun weekend, we woke to sunny skies, no wind and dry warm air. (and a little hungover..) 72 on the beach in December. It's very rare to sit at Surfside and have no wind. Seriously, all summer long, at 2pm on, it's windy. There wasn't a good wave insight, but you could see the island, you could see boats crossing the channel, and we chilled. I packed our little picnic, grabbed our big blanket and drinks and we headed to the beach. To decompress, and prepare for another busy long week. 
My view...
My artwork.
Our sweetpea.
This is Sunday night. We bbq'd, I made a nice salad, and we waited for what felt like forever for the parade to pass again. Our tradition is hot chocolate, a quiet home and just us. We could barely keep our eyes open. This year it passed at 7pm. We waited to watch it for Kali. And just before it came by, she say's "you guys, it's really not a big deal for me, I'd rather go work on an extra credit paper"- Nice. LOL! Here's us looking a little scary. haha.
Find your happy place.
My happiest place. With my kids and at the beach.
The photographer get's photo'ged~ haha. I was being silly, took my hair down, twirled around, and Bill got this pic. Guess it's good to see years from now, in my 40's at the beach, with my favorite people..Life is short. Life is fast. I'm gonna love every bit of it while I can. Dance like no one's watching.....
My view...
My artwork. 
Our sweetpea.
This is Sunday night. We bbq'd, I made a nice salad, and we waited for what felt like forever for the parade to pass again. Our tradition is hot chocolate, a quiet home and just us. We could barely keep our eyes open. This year it passed at 7pm. We waited to watch it for Kali. And just before it came by, she say's "you guys, it's really not a big deal for me, I'd rather go work on an extra credit paper"- Nice. LOL! Here's us looking a little scary. haha.
Find your happy place.
My happiest place. With my kids and at the beach.
The photographer get's photo'ged~ haha. I was being silly, took my hair down, twirled around, and Bill got this pic. Guess it's good to see years from now, in my 40's at the beach, with my favorite people..Life is short. Life is fast. I'm gonna love every bit of it while I can. Dance like no one's watching.....
Soccer tournaments, holidays..and busy weekends!
On the morning of Kali's game she was a cuddle bug in our bed watching tv, and super cozy. Her game check-in wasn't until 10:45am, but she laid there until the very last minute. It was cloudy and overcast for the first part of the day. Her day would be very long. If she won the first game vs. Esperanza she would play again at 2pm against Wilson or Newport Harbor. In this tournament there isn't time for "overtime". Therefore a tie goes straight to PK's (Penalty Kicks). Can I just say "UGH" those stink! Our girls are un-defeated, they're GOOD! Super good! We tied the first game. So.....
Miss. Kali. #13. Playing forward. Edison High School-Huntington Beach
GO LADY GRIFFINS!
And they sit and watch the PK's. UGH!!! Sara, Mackenzie, Kali, and Savannah
We lost to Esperanza. BY PK'S- It was one of those things...a bummer because I don't think they count. Playing soccer is on the field. (my opinion) The positive side, Kali and I went to Jan's Health Bar for a yummy lunch, and home in time for a nice hot bath, a movie and preparations for parties and fun times!
Miss. Kali. #13. Playing forward. Edison High School-Huntington Beach
GO LADY GRIFFINS!
And they sit and watch the PK's. UGH!!! Sara, Mackenzie, Kali, and Savannah
We lost to Esperanza. BY PK'S- It was one of those things...a bummer because I don't think they count. Playing soccer is on the field. (my opinion) The positive side, Kali and I went to Jan's Health Bar for a yummy lunch, and home in time for a nice hot bath, a movie and preparations for parties and fun times!
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