A couple of days ago my exercise expert tells me that I should work out to "the guy who wears the really short shorts and tank top" I gave my personal trainer an odd look and said, "Oh yeah, Tony (P90X guy) but I needed a change in pace. Why?" My trainer tells me that she's not talking about Tony but agrees that we needed to change workout DVDs but that I need to work out to the old guy with the big hair, short shorts and tank top. Well, Tony is old and wears short shorts and a tank top but shaves his head- who on earth is my trainer talking about? She proceeds to say, "RichTin Simmons." Richard Simmons??? I repeated. Where in the world did this "expert in fitness" who is only five knows about Richard Simmons and knows what he looks like? I was speechless, just speechless, my five year old trainer is indeed an expert in fitness- for God's sake she knows about Richard Simmons! She has picked up on his energy, fitness moves and motivation to "keep going". I still haven't confirmed what institution my trainer has learned about him- dance class, preschool or computer class? Who knows, but I feel though very fortunate that my personal trainer is well grounded and educated about fitness.
I like Jillian Michaels she likes Richard Simmons. I like the hard core, no smile, throbbing muscle pain workout. She likes the upbeat, jumpy and smiley workouts. However, we have two things in common: exercise & eat healthy! When I feel like giving up- I look at my coach with her 2 lb weights and hello kitty water bottle and say, "I can do this". So, why spend money on Richard Simmons'- Sweatin to the Oldies or Boogie Down the Pounds dvd- my trainer is everything he preaches (besides loosing 300 lbs)- she has a ton of enthusiasm and best of all....always has a smile on her face.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Birthday week
I find it quite humorous that on Hannah's, Lulu's and Gabe's birthday the weather was awful. We would have Southern California's temperature right up until their birthdays! On Hannah's day it was not only low temperatures, but really windy. On Lulu's day it rained and it was just down right cold. Gabe's definitely beat the girls- we had one of the worst thunderstorms in years! Thankfully, the storm didn't start till after midnight, but it was ugly all day- you just knew it was going to throw down any minute though. When the sun broke out of the clouds after the storm it looked like a bomb went off. Tree branches everywhere, floods and the sky was still black with "huge wave" (Hannah's description) like clouds.
I copied & paste what the news was saying about the storm:
January tornadoes in the Austin Metro Area are a rarity. Wednesday morning's tornado was the first in five years. "It just sounds like an explosion," said Lester Jensen, who works in the industrial business Park Drive, where the tornado began it's path just before 3 a.m.
The National Weather Service is still working to determine the strenght of this tornado. It ripped through the area for just seven minutes. The Tornado grew to 50 yards wide and traveled 1.23 miles from the businesses to a small neighborhood. No one was hurt, but alot of homes and business' have damage- Kxan News.
Other headlines regarding the storm:
-State is NO. 2 for wind and hail losses
-San Marcos river gushes with overflowing water to the streets
-Neighbor rescues family in floods
-Tornado devastates family's home
We were not affected by the tornado, but definitely had wind damages to our roof and flooding. It was just an intense night, period! Gabe and I woke up so exhausted because we were awake for about 2 hours during the heart of the storm. The thunder was SO loud- louder than any other time during my life span. I made Gabe get up a couple of times to check up on the dogs and Lulu. I couldn't believe she didn't wake up! Hannah of course was so scared- poor girl, who will forever be fearful of storms.
None of the less, we will have another memorable birthday to reflect on. It all started out eating dinner at Port A Oyster Bar. We finally, I mean finally found some good seafood in Texas! Gabe being from Louisiana, the place to be at to eat seafood would rarely experiment with Louisianan type food outside of Louisiana. Sometimes the poor guy would crave gumbo or boudin and pay the price for awful food. Turns out the owner/chef lived in New Orleans for a couple of years and studied the spices and how to cook seafood. He also lived in Jamaica- so his food has really good taste and really cool environment too! Gabe had the gumbo, my mom was in heaven eating raw oysters (eww) and I had catfish and shrimp! Just as we were ready to leave Hannah says: "wait, what about cake????" Even though Gabe and I already decided to go to the Melting Pot for dessert, we decided to order a piece of cake so we can all sing Happy Birthday. Nice ending to our dinner! After our family dinner, my mom went home with girls and Gabe and I had a romantic evening!
I copied & paste what the news was saying about the storm:
January tornadoes in the Austin Metro Area are a rarity. Wednesday morning's tornado was the first in five years. "It just sounds like an explosion," said Lester Jensen, who works in the industrial business Park Drive, where the tornado began it's path just before 3 a.m.
The National Weather Service is still working to determine the strenght of this tornado. It ripped through the area for just seven minutes. The Tornado grew to 50 yards wide and traveled 1.23 miles from the businesses to a small neighborhood. No one was hurt, but alot of homes and business' have damage- Kxan News.
Other headlines regarding the storm:
-State is NO. 2 for wind and hail losses
-San Marcos river gushes with overflowing water to the streets
-Neighbor rescues family in floods
-Tornado devastates family's home
We were not affected by the tornado, but definitely had wind damages to our roof and flooding. It was just an intense night, period! Gabe and I woke up so exhausted because we were awake for about 2 hours during the heart of the storm. The thunder was SO loud- louder than any other time during my life span. I made Gabe get up a couple of times to check up on the dogs and Lulu. I couldn't believe she didn't wake up! Hannah of course was so scared- poor girl, who will forever be fearful of storms.
None of the less, we will have another memorable birthday to reflect on. It all started out eating dinner at Port A Oyster Bar. We finally, I mean finally found some good seafood in Texas! Gabe being from Louisiana, the place to be at to eat seafood would rarely experiment with Louisianan type food outside of Louisiana. Sometimes the poor guy would crave gumbo or boudin and pay the price for awful food. Turns out the owner/chef lived in New Orleans for a couple of years and studied the spices and how to cook seafood. He also lived in Jamaica- so his food has really good taste and really cool environment too! Gabe had the gumbo, my mom was in heaven eating raw oysters (eww) and I had catfish and shrimp! Just as we were ready to leave Hannah says: "wait, what about cake????" Even though Gabe and I already decided to go to the Melting Pot for dessert, we decided to order a piece of cake so we can all sing Happy Birthday. Nice ending to our dinner! After our family dinner, my mom went home with girls and Gabe and I had a romantic evening!
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| Happy Birthday my love! |
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Oh so good!! The chocolate had peanut butter- kinda tasted like a melted Snicker bar
Ok, so we intended to only have dessert but how can you resist Artichoke cheese fondue too?!
 
Big girl :)
Love this photo of Hannah and my mom.
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Sunday, January 22, 2012
Is it me?
Usually on Wednesdays Hannah is gone ALL day, not because she's in school, but by her choice. My mom picks her up for horse lessons at 9 am and she doesn't get home till after 4. When I call my mom to drop her off for lunch she tells me she already ate and she doesn't want to come home. In the past I was cool and somewhat relieved that she wasn't ready to come home because I had things to do while Lulu was napping. This past Wednesday I kept looking at the clock and missing her and I think Lulu wanted her sister's company too. There was plenty to do around the house so it wasn't boredom it was the feeling of not wanted =( Does she have more fun with my mom? Does she need a break from her mom? Have I been mean or short tempered with her? A million of questions popped in my head while eating lunch....solo. So, I found myself writing a list in my head with Hannah's pros and cons of hanging out me.
Pros:
If there is time and if it's a nice day and if Lulu takes a good nap we go to the park and ride bikes
If there is time and Lulu is napping we do crafts
If mom lets me I can play Barbie.com
Cons:
She doesn't let me clean with her
Sends me outside to play when I ask for tv or movies
Monitors my snack intake
Always waiting around for lulu to wake up to do something
Makes me entertain Lulu while she cleans house or showers
Suddenly I stopped my list because I realized her cons was turning out to be longer than her pros. And to top it off her pros had IF's for fun. I paused for a moment and thought about the scene from Sex and the City when Miranda was writing her list of pros and cons about getting back with her ex. She had a slight panic attack because her list of pros was longer than her cons and she knew her ex would have way more cons than pros. They reunited at the bridge with a big hug and lived happier and ever after!
That day as soon as Lulu woke up from her nap, we went over to my parent's house to pick up Hannah. She smiled and said- where are you going? I said, we are going to eat some ice-cream and check out the Dollar Store & Target(she loves these two stores). Her response broke my heart- "oh, I'm gonna stay with Abuelita, we're gonna brush Dillon's and Rockstar's hair." I couldn't believe she would skip out on ice cream and spending a couple of dollars for a horse and a donkey!!!! I told her that I missed her and really needed some Hannah time and to please join us for some ice cream and money spending. She ended up coming with us, but only because I faked cried and begged her to come.
Yesterday we walked over to feed Dillon & Rockstar some carrots and of course when it was time to go she asked if she can stay at my parents. When I walked back home....solo, I thought about asking her why she doesn't like being home with me, but to be honest, I was scared of the truth. I finally asked her today why doesn't she like to go home after spending a long time at Abuilita's & Papa's? She said she didn't know. I asked if she had more fun with them and her response was no, I have fun at my house to. So I re-phrased and said, when you're at their house you never want to come home- I go and pick you up and you always say you're not ready to come home- why? She gave me a look of empathy and put her hand on my arm and said "I still love you mom. I have fun with Abuelita and I have fun with you. Don't worry I still love you." Those 4 words are so powerful especially coming out of a five year old's mouth! That was a good enough response for me and I had my happy ending....better than Miranda's ending on Sex & the City :)
Pros:
If there is time and if it's a nice day and if Lulu takes a good nap we go to the park and ride bikes
If there is time and Lulu is napping we do crafts
If mom lets me I can play Barbie.com
Cons:
She doesn't let me clean with her
Sends me outside to play when I ask for tv or movies
Monitors my snack intake
Always waiting around for lulu to wake up to do something
Makes me entertain Lulu while she cleans house or showers
Suddenly I stopped my list because I realized her cons was turning out to be longer than her pros. And to top it off her pros had IF's for fun. I paused for a moment and thought about the scene from Sex and the City when Miranda was writing her list of pros and cons about getting back with her ex. She had a slight panic attack because her list of pros was longer than her cons and she knew her ex would have way more cons than pros. They reunited at the bridge with a big hug and lived happier and ever after!
That day as soon as Lulu woke up from her nap, we went over to my parent's house to pick up Hannah. She smiled and said- where are you going? I said, we are going to eat some ice-cream and check out the Dollar Store & Target(she loves these two stores). Her response broke my heart- "oh, I'm gonna stay with Abuelita, we're gonna brush Dillon's and Rockstar's hair." I couldn't believe she would skip out on ice cream and spending a couple of dollars for a horse and a donkey!!!! I told her that I missed her and really needed some Hannah time and to please join us for some ice cream and money spending. She ended up coming with us, but only because I faked cried and begged her to come.
Yesterday we walked over to feed Dillon & Rockstar some carrots and of course when it was time to go she asked if she can stay at my parents. When I walked back home....solo, I thought about asking her why she doesn't like being home with me, but to be honest, I was scared of the truth. I finally asked her today why doesn't she like to go home after spending a long time at Abuilita's & Papa's? She said she didn't know. I asked if she had more fun with them and her response was no, I have fun at my house to. So I re-phrased and said, when you're at their house you never want to come home- I go and pick you up and you always say you're not ready to come home- why? She gave me a look of empathy and put her hand on my arm and said "I still love you mom. I have fun with Abuelita and I have fun with you. Don't worry I still love you." Those 4 words are so powerful especially coming out of a five year old's mouth! That was a good enough response for me and I had my happy ending....better than Miranda's ending on Sex & the City :)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Lulu's first birthday
January 9, the day our baby was born. I look at her and think about how blessed we are. Lulu has brought so much happiness in our home. When I was pregnant with Hannah, someone gave me a card (I wish I still had it) that said something like this: You are a lucky woman- God chose you to be this precious child's mother. The thought that God knows you before you were born is just amazing. He not only did He knoww that Lulu was going to be born way before I got pregnant, but chose me to be her mother is incredible. Whenever I see Hannah playing with her baby sister, hear them laugh and the sweet love Hannah has for her I think about I prayer I once said. I prayed that God would bless Hannah with a sister. I felt like God ran out of blessings for me 2 1/2-3 years ago. We tried and tried for a second baby and with lots disappointments and tears I no longer was asking for a baby. But, whenever I saw Hannah look at her friends with siblings and to see her examine the relationships these siblings had hurt me. It made me so sad to hear her wish she had a sister or brother. It made me sad to see her play by herself and think about how lonely she will be in the future. I would pray every night to bless my little girl with a sibling- "Lord, please don't let her grow up alone, I want her to have a forever best friend, just as you blessed me with Michelle." It is true that one of the greatest blessings from God is a child, but it is also a true blessing to have a brother or sister.
Years from now, Lulu can thank her sister for her name! When we found out I was having a girl we asked Hannah what we should name her. She didn't come up with anything for days, but one random day, she said her baby sister's name is going to be Lulu. Lulu, huh? Why Lulu, I have no idea. There were no shows she was watching with a character named Lulu. I still wonder how she came up with that. So, through out my entire pregnancy Gabe & I referred to the baby as "Lulu". When we moved to Texas and lived with my parents for a couple of months they to were calling her Lulu! We even contemplated leaving Lulu as her actual name, but couldn't find a good middle name and Lulu is cute now, but how about when she's in her late 20's pursuing her career? Gabe liked the names Madeline and Madison and I liked Quinn & Samantha. Too many Madisons so we ruled that one out and he wasn't sold on Samantha. So Madeline & Quinn were the names that we liked so we kept them both!!! However, when our little 6 pound baby was born, Madeline Quinn was just too formal and lady like sounding that Lulu rolled off my tongue so much easier. It never occurred to me to call her Maddy because she is my little Lulu. **Funny story I have- I got stopped in the hallway at Hannah's school by the assistant director and my little baby was only 3 weeks old. She's congratulated me about my new arrival and asked me what my baby's name is. I had this blank stare- I seriously could not remember, baby brain fart I guess, but the only names coming to mind was of course Lulu and then oddly it was Madison. I knew damn right her name wasn't Madison, but I was trying to dig as far back in my memory for her name. I was asked again, but now with this concerning look as umm, you don't know your baby's name???? I had to give her answer, so I said "Lulu". She hesitantly smiles and says, Oh that's cute! As soon as I got Hannah from her classroom, I asked her, "Hannah what's your sister's name?" She gives me a crazy look and laughs and says, my sister's name is LULU! About an hour later after I got home is when I remembered that my baby's name is Madeline Quinn, lol.
12 months ago Lulu was a newborn. I miss that stage- the baby smell, the noises she made and how tiny she was once. Now, she's this big baby following her sister's growth curve to the "t"- 90% in height and weight. My grandma was still in town to celebrate her first birthday so we had a little party for her- just family.
Years from now, Lulu can thank her sister for her name! When we found out I was having a girl we asked Hannah what we should name her. She didn't come up with anything for days, but one random day, she said her baby sister's name is going to be Lulu. Lulu, huh? Why Lulu, I have no idea. There were no shows she was watching with a character named Lulu. I still wonder how she came up with that. So, through out my entire pregnancy Gabe & I referred to the baby as "Lulu". When we moved to Texas and lived with my parents for a couple of months they to were calling her Lulu! We even contemplated leaving Lulu as her actual name, but couldn't find a good middle name and Lulu is cute now, but how about when she's in her late 20's pursuing her career? Gabe liked the names Madeline and Madison and I liked Quinn & Samantha. Too many Madisons so we ruled that one out and he wasn't sold on Samantha. So Madeline & Quinn were the names that we liked so we kept them both!!! However, when our little 6 pound baby was born, Madeline Quinn was just too formal and lady like sounding that Lulu rolled off my tongue so much easier. It never occurred to me to call her Maddy because she is my little Lulu. **Funny story I have- I got stopped in the hallway at Hannah's school by the assistant director and my little baby was only 3 weeks old. She's congratulated me about my new arrival and asked me what my baby's name is. I had this blank stare- I seriously could not remember, baby brain fart I guess, but the only names coming to mind was of course Lulu and then oddly it was Madison. I knew damn right her name wasn't Madison, but I was trying to dig as far back in my memory for her name. I was asked again, but now with this concerning look as umm, you don't know your baby's name???? I had to give her answer, so I said "Lulu". She hesitantly smiles and says, Oh that's cute! As soon as I got Hannah from her classroom, I asked her, "Hannah what's your sister's name?" She gives me a crazy look and laughs and says, my sister's name is LULU! About an hour later after I got home is when I remembered that my baby's name is Madeline Quinn, lol.
12 months ago Lulu was a newborn. I miss that stage- the baby smell, the noises she made and how tiny she was once. Now, she's this big baby following her sister's growth curve to the "t"- 90% in height and weight. My grandma was still in town to celebrate her first birthday so we had a little party for her- just family.
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| Ice cream birthday cake for everyone else to enjoy |
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| Lulu had her own cake to dig in! |
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| Her little finger marks |
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| She didn't wait for us to give her the green light- she went straight to it! |
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So, we quickly ate lunch and sang her happy birthday. She didn't know why everyone was singing to her. She gives this cute puzzled look to her papa!                  |
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| My present for Lulu. I made this for her room. The frame on the right is smaller so it's harder to see the details- they yellow wording above the hippo says: Precious |
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Lets start with a BANG
Recap of our holiday whereabouts! Highlights of Christmas: My grandma flew into Texas two weeks before the 24th and I was all done with my Christmas shopping weeks before the 25!!! It was a relief because I had other things to worry about, like, what will we eat on Christmas eve. We just couldn't eat another turkey or ham- we were done with the Thanksgiving feast! I was thinking of seafood, my grandma was ok with a lasagna, my parents were probably thinking of popusas and Gabe was like whatever! Then on the 23rd, I see Gabe digging through recipe books, in the seafood section and asks me what do I think about Cioppino (It's an Italian fish stew)? My face brightened up and I said, "I would love Cioppino, but where are you gonna get big crabs." Next morning, I called my mom super worried and completely not trusting my husband's capabilities to cook a good meal. I was so close asking her to make the Cioppino, but I held back and just asked her where Gabe can get all the seafood and to help with the cost. To sum up our evening on the 24th- we had a FaBuLoUs Christmas meal! Gabe is awesome- why did I doubt, he always cooks a good meal!
After our dinner, we prayed, read Luke 2:10 and Hannah placed Jesus in the manager (a tradition my sister and I did when we were kids. My mom still has this beautiful porcelain baby Jesus). And of course, we all opened our presents!!!!
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| Hannah is sporting her new nightgown and Gabe's new rain boots |
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| Lulu's first rocking horse |
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| The girls with their papa on Christmas day. |
A few days after Christmas, we set off for a road trip to Louisiana!! My sister-in law lives in Shreveport and we always have a good time visiting her. I just love my sister in law and both our kids are close in age- so it's all fun and games.....and some fighting to, lol! The night before we headed home the guys and Hannah had a blast with the firecrackers. For the first time Hannah wasn't scared and was right there with the guys setting them off. Mila (my 3 yr old niece) was scared of the noise and watched from inside. The babies don't have a clue whats going on, but they weren't scared of the noise! It was fun!!!!
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| Hannah & Mila at Bass Pro Shop. Love the tree!!! |
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| Gabe, his sister and the girls |
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| Love this picture of my Lulu |
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| Cute photo of the babies. |
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| Smile! On the trolley! |
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| Gabe walked while we took the trolley to other side of the boardwalk |
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| Let the fun begin! Look at all those firecrackers! |
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| Gabe's & Hannah's first one |
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| Loud, but still fun |
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| Yup, I'm still having fun ;) |
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| Look at them- so intent on getting them open & making some noise! |
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| Christian!!!!! He is so cute and not even scared- he wanted to be in the middle of it. |
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| What a show |
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| Love these two! Christian was always taking food away from Lulu so that he can feed her. |
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| Now, she's holding onto her cookie |
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| She still has her cookie on one hand, but is gladly letting her cousin feed her! |
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