Party at the Moore Home in Reno!

This weekend our family made a trip to Reno Nevada to celebrate ALL THREE of my brother's children's birthday's! Abel 14, Abbey 4 & A.J. 3. My Mom also came to visit both families- ours & the Moore's- Thursday to Monday. It was great to see her surrounded by all the kids.

Not only are Adam J.R. & Abagail only 11 months apart- but their birthdays are only 22 days from the other! Then- 10 days later- it's Abel's birthday-
So A.J. was born on July 31st- Abby's is August 21st & Abel's is August 31st. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Adam's birthday & his wedding anniversary are both on July 9th! Lot's of reason's to celebrate life ; )

Cassie offered to donate her time & talent in creating cakes for the kids. Abby's current stage is anything Barbie or Disney Princess, so she used her experience from making Lexie's Fairy Cake to make an Abby look-a-like Barbie cake. Of course it was chocolate cake!

A.J.'s current stage is... hmmmm... anything with wheels- any action figure- any type of sport- oh yeah cowboys & let's see.. anything boy! Cassie settled on a Batman Cake for him. She started planning this cake out a month in advance- first drawing the dimensions on graph paper, then measuring & cutting out the windows from fondant & painting them with edible sugar paint. Super cool results and an honor to be a spectator of the overall process ; )

Another stage A.J. is in includes a) refusing to potty train b) refusing to wear any type of clothing other than a diaper! NICE! Stubborn? Uh, yeah- Adam JR IS HIS NAME! So A.J. spent the majority of the party running around in a saggy diaper- no shirt- no pants- no socks- no shoes. Well, that's not entirely true... at one point during Pinata time, his Daddy told him he had to have shoes on to participate- check out the pictures to see how he worked his way around that ; ) Again- ADAM JR....

One of our gifts to Abagail was a Barbie Karaoke Machine. As an Auntie, I personally think it's hilarious to give a 4 year old a Microphone to express herself. It's a funny thing to watch Adam's daughter out talk him! Overall, it was a-lot of fun to watch the kids play & enjoy being Auntie & Uncle. Although I do believe parenting toddlers is something intended for young couples- we were absolutely EXHAUSTED when we left!

Enjoy the photos of the party below.....

Trip to L.A. August 2009

This week, the girls & I accompanied Luis on a work trip (he had to work in Orange County) to L.A. On Sunday night we had a great time with the Barragan extended family at a BBQ. It was so much fun to watch the (3rd generation?) cousins play together!

On Monday, while Luis was hard at work, we girls had the opportunity to spend some time with my Dad & my Grandfather- we had lunch at my all time childhood favorite restaurant- The Bear Pit- in Mission Hills. YUMMO! Later that evening we went to my cousin Angie's home in Sherman Oaks & had dinner at Mel's Diner on Ventura Blvd. (Food is a running theme!) Then we went back to Angie's house for the best ever home-made whipped cream on Strawberry Shortcake.

The evening was enhanced by the presence of my cousin Devin- Angie's brother- who was my partner in crime as a child! I had no idea he would be there & cried tears of joy when we saw one another! Angie is a wonderful & inspiring Mommy to her almost 4 yr old daughter, Kaitlin, and soon (next month!) she & her husband Daryl will welcome a second little angel baby into their home. My Aunt Liz, my Mom's big sis, was also there with her husband, Gary. He's so great! A gentle, kind & happy spirit. I really enjoyed watching how happy he & my Aunt are together.

On Tuesday, after a quick side trip to see my cousin David at work & a little snack at our favorite Taco place, Mi Pueblito in Pacoima- (yes MORE FOOD!) we dedicated the day to Luis' Mom in celebration of her 53rd birthday. Cassie, along with her little cousin's help, created a home made birthday cake for her Grandma. Of course- there was more food compliments of Lola! Tostada's de Ceviche- mmmmmmm.....

That night, we met the Barragan extended family, along with the Perez crew, at Mimi's Cafe for a birthday dinner celebration -AGAIN MORE FOOD!- It was evident in Lola's face, by the light shining through her eyes, how happy she was to be surrounded by her grandchildren & family...

Enjoy the photo show below!

Roscoe & Simba...

Roscoe & Simba hangin' out together on a lazy Monday afternoon....

They love each other!

Road Trip to Portland Oregon & Seattle Washington

Below is a photoshow of our recent road trip to Portland Oregon & Seattle Washington, including Cassie, Lexie & Roscoe. We traveled nearly 1,500 miles in 4 days! It was great to see the Pacific Northwest area.

In Portland we enjoyed a doughnut place highlighted on the food network channel called Voodoo Dounuts where one can find treats unimaginable, such as:

Captain Crunch Topped
Dirt (vanilla glaze and oreo cookies)
Arnold Palmer(lemon and tea powder)
Butter Fingering(Devils food, vanilla, and crushed Butterfinger)
The Memphis Mafia(chocolate chips/banana/ peanutbutter/glaze big!)
Portland Creme(raised doughnut filled with creme and covered in chocolate with two eyes)
Nyquil Glazed and pepto-bismol

And many more! Check out their web-site at: http://voodoodoughnut.com/menu.php

In Seattle we drove our car onto a ferry & rode it to Bainbridge Island. I experienced "Ferry Sickness" which is bizarre because I'm usually the one known with the stomache of steal in the family- go figure! While on Bainbridge Island we visited a Diner highlighted on the show: Diners, Drive-ins and Dives by Guy Fieri , where we had a sample of Apple Pie & Chocolate Cake!

Apart from eating our way up & down the Pacific Northwest, we experienced beautiful scenery & a wonderful opportunity for quality family time together. Not to mention- Mommy completed an entire novel!

Lexie's Slumber Party

So why is a Slumber Party called a "Slumber" Party? Why not call it ; an all night shrieking, laughing, dancing, talking, singing, bouncing off the wall party? Because Mother's like myself, who have earned & enjoy the act of SLUMBERING, would never in a million years go for the idea!

Slumber parties are like childbirth- you remember it is a painful event- but yet we do it all over again- why? To make our little girls happy- that's why! So- when Jon was 10 we had an all night- sweaty boy- wrestle contest- fart fest- boy "SLUMBER" party. When Cassie turned 10- we did the same- minus the sweaty boy- wrestle...fart stuff (at least to my knowledge!) Not to be left out of ANYTHING- Lexie received the same... A slumber party.

The girls had a blast- I enjoyed watching them all do what girls do....the morning was less enjoyable I'll admit- but I plastered a smile on my face & when it was all over: Took a 3 hour NAP! Here is a PhotoShow of the party...

A Day in the Life of Roscoe!

1:30 p.m. on a Friday afternoon; He is a BARRAGAN!

Barragan Family Visit to Florida

Liz created this photshow of memories, including many video clips of our puppies playing together! We all had a beautiful time together- especially watching Roscoe-Mia & Buster playing.

The "OTHERSIDERS"

The "OTHERSIDERS"

http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/theothersiders/

Last night we had a great time with our friend Hugo in Downtown Sacramento, who is also a camera operator for various shows and channels.. Along with the opportunity to spend some time with a longtime friend- he also introduced the girls to the cast and crew of a show called

"The OTHERSIDERS" on Cartoon Network! They are filming this week in the Sacramento area.

K.C. is on the left in the white shorts next to Lexie, then Jackie between Cassie & Lexie, Sam in the black pants next to Cassie & the Zack at the end. And last, but certaily not least, Hugo in the back behind the group of kids. We met Riley later that evening. We spent the night walking around Downtown Sacramento- having ice-cream & hanging out by the Sacramento River. The cast was really nice to the girls & their parents hung out with us too.

Cassie & Lexie were super excited & had a great night to remember. Thank you Uncle Hugo- You Rock! : )

Orlando Photos

So here are more pix from our recent trip to South Florida. Jeanette & Carlos invited us all to join them at their Hilton timeshare in Orlando Florida. It was beautiful. Each family had their own "condo style" apt. With full kitchens and anything we could ever need or want to make the trip as relaxing as possible.

We all walked away with our tummies full of good food- prepared by our in house cooks ; ) beautiful memories & a few SUNBURNS! Here is our "Side Trip to Orlando" including lots of video clips!

A Visit to South Florida

Here is the 1st to many more photoshows to

come from our recent visit to South Florida with the

Escalante, Rodriguez & Toledo Families...

Baby Diego Growing

Photos of our "Great GodSon" Baby Diego Luca, during our recent trip to L.A. His Daddy, Christian is our GodSon.

Slideshow also includes pics of the girls with their cousins Sebastian & Samantha Gonzalez & their Auntie Susie

(Luis' Sister) in North Hollywood.

P.S. The pages can be turned by clicking the the arrow at the bottom right corner.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Allison & Jennifer's Baptism

On Sunday June 28th 2009 our family was invited to attend Allison's Holy Baptism. Allison is my cousin Gregg & his wife Jennifer's daughter.

We were blessed not only to witness Allison's Baptism, but her Mom Jen was also baptized! I don't think there was a dry eye in the house!

What a beautiful & special occasion.

Moments such as these are what life is truly about....

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Aispuro Family

We spent a beautiful weekend last week celebrating life with our extended family. We were honored to attend Carter & Kylie's birthday at the Aispuro Family home. I can't think of anything better than watching children & a family grow!

Love & blessings, Missy

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Lexie's 10th Birthday

Happy 10th Birthday Lexie!

June 22nd 2009

Lexie's 10th Birthday

This evening (JUNE 22nd 2010) we celebrated Alexandria's 10th birthday. It's incredible as a Mommy to believe that my "baby" is now double-digit- decade- 10 years old! : ( Celebrating life together.... we enjoyed dinner at Lexie's favorite place: Mongolian BBQ including Mary, her Mom Erin, brother Steven & our Sarah. We are so blessed to have so many people & reasons to celebrate!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Mom & The Birthday Boy

Happy 19th Birthday Jon!

June 14th 2009

Jon's 19th Birthday

This weekend we celebrated Jon's last "Kid" Birthday, 19. My brother & his family came over from Reno & Jon's buddy Alex joined us at "John's Incredible Pizza" for a PLAY DATE ; )

Later we gathered in our home, including Grammie & Luis for Ice Cream Cake. Next year is the big 2-0.....

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Mary's High School Graduation

On Friday June 5th, we were honored to be included in Mary's High School Graduation Ceremony & Celebration. Mary Graduated from Lincoln High School with Honors! She is a very special Young Woman, we are proud & honored to have her in our lives. Make a Smilebox slideshow

Stain Pain & Blunder- George Bush

The stain, shame, pain and long term effects of George Bush in office as the President of the United States of America will continue to haunt us for generations to come...

However, as a consolation prize we do have an unending supply of video & audio clips show casing our country's greatest walking blunder to date. Below is a great stream of such added to music on YouTube, Cassie sent me. Enjoy, let the pain dull into laughter ; )Love, Missy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shgjN_46OPs

Lexie's New Web-Site!

Check Out Lexie's New Web-Site! She is working on posting her drawings, the songs she writes & her hobbies, Girl Scouts Friends & Family. Her latest interest is all about Fairies & Mythical Creatures, such as Dragons etc. I can't wait to see her little world: "Lexie Land"...

http://sites.google.com/site/lexielandproject/Home

Roscoe's Photoshow

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Lexie's Spring Choir Concert

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Dragon Hunters!

Here is Lexie & Sarah at Renee's House dressed as "Dragon Hunters". They first spent time planning their game, then their costumes. Then went forward to save the world & "Princess'" Abby & Gracie from the Dragons.

First, I LOVE that at their age they continue to have such a vivid imagination & they are free to use their creativity & artistic talents.

Second, isn't it awesome that we are raising our daughters & sons in a gender equal environment? Forget the "Barbie" dress up & playing house! These strong, individual young ladies are the DRAGON HUNTERS, saving others!

As a Mother, I'm so proud of a daughter, Lexie, who slays Dragons, Cassie who sees the opportunities available to her in Math & Science as a "Crime Scene Investigator" & Jon who plans menus, shops at the grocery store & then makes his girlfriend & his family dinner on a busy week night, just because....

Here's to our future of Dragon Slayers & a well balanced society...

(Click on Photos to Enlarge)

Coffee Cup Chocolate Cake!

Coffee Cup Chocolate Cake! Can you Believe it! I heard this on the radio while driving to work. I'm a Hot Tea Lover so Coffee as a rule doesn't mean much to me, besides mornings in general are brutal with or without caffeine!

However, Coffee Cup Chocolate Cake does have the potential to open my eyes a bit... ; ) And I'm thinking if the dry ingredients are pre-mixed- it's completely doable. Breakfast of Champions- who needs Wheaties!

Coffee mug
· 4 tbsp Flour (not self rising)
· 4 tbsp Sugar
· 4 tbsp Coco (Nesquick, Hersheys)
· 1 Egg
· 4 tbsp milk
· 3 tbsp oil
· Splash of vanilla
· 2 tbsp nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

*Step One
Mix dry ingredients in the mug first, then add egg, then milk and oil.

*Step Two
Stir well add chocolate chips and nuts (if desired).

*Step Three
Microwave on high for 3 minutes, let stand for 1 minute before serving.

Jon & Mary Prom 2009

(Click on Photo to enlarge)

Jon & Mary at her Senior Prom this Spring. Aren't they gorgeous?

Mary will be 19 this month & graduate from Lincoln High School in June.

We're blessed to have her in our family!

Resverotrol

This is a link to a piece on CBS News / 60 Minutes about a new antioxidant called Resverotrol, which takes the nutrients found in red wine & concentrates it for health benefits. It's said to have many benefits, relating to age- weight- heart disease-diabetes-cancer-auto immune diseases, etc. The studies showed the ability to prevent diseases + improvement of diseases already in progress.

Why not just drink more red wine I ask? (I LOVE my Wine!) The answer is that it would take about 1000 glasses of red wine a day to equal the amount of antioxidants in the 250 mg capsules! I don't love wine THAT much- I have some restraint!

My Dr. recommended it for me & I thought I would pass the information along. It's hard to tell if the antioxidants alone are helping or the combination of various techniques I (we) try towards the goal of health & well being on a large scale. I figure every little bit helps ; )

Anyway, I buy mine at GNC for about $20.00 (250 mg) the higher the mg's the higher the price. Mine is middle range, the highest I found was in the 400 mg range. 2 pills in the morning can't hurt if it means living a little longer with higher quality of life. And if nothing else- a few extra antioxidants can't be bad...

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4752354n

UnThink KFC

On Friday Luis was on our local Sacramento news to promote KFC's new grilled chicken The promotion is called "UnThink KFC". On Monday, the company will sponsor an "unfried" day. Anyone can walk into a KFC on Monday April 27th, and get a free piece of grilled chicken!

Luis will do another interview with NBC on Monday morning, and 2 more in the month of May. Who knew Chicken was so interesting? Here's the link to the Sacramento News...

http://www.sacandco.net/archives/index.htm

Cassie's Shoe

Click on photo to enlargeCassie was bored in Spanish class on Friday & drew a picture of her shoe, pretty cool!

Easter Picture

Click on photo to enlarge

Here is a Picture of Cassie, Lexie & Michelle,

My Chinese Northern Ca Daughter- She calls herself a "Chexican"!

with the Easter Bunny. They're such good sports!

Road Trip

This week, the girls, Roscoe & I accompanied Luis on a work related "Road Trip". We drove to Nevada & spent some time with my brother Adam & his family (videos of them to come later!). After Nevada we headed to Oregon where we saw deer crossing right in front of us! From Oregon we went to Boise Idaho, it was beautiful!

Our hotel was in "downtown", there we found great food (including a Chocolate Factory!) local Native American & Mexican Art and awesome state parks & museums. We did this all in 3 short days, road warriors! Here are some pictures & video clips of our little trip...

This is a web-site with information about Parks & recreational activities throughout the state of Idaho: http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Sacagawea

Cassie was in such a state of peace & tranquility when we came upon this bronze statue of Sacagawea in front of the Idaho Museum of History. The area is well known for its role in history of the Lewis and Clark expedition of the transcontinental crossing of North America.

Sacagawea, best known as the essential guide and interpreter during the journey, is derived from the Hidatsa language, tsakáka wía, meaning "bird woman. She was born into an Agaidika ("Salmon Eater") tribe of Lemhi Shoshone, between Kenney Creek and Agency Creek about twenty minutes away from Hayden and Bear Trail Creeks in the city of Salmon in Lemhi County, Idaho.

She has spoken to a deep part of Cassie since she first learned of her early during her elementary school years, as a model of stregth, determination, beauty and a connection to the suffrage of the Indigenous peoples and women across the Americas.

It was an honor, as a Mother & Woman, to watch my daughter's expression & emotions as she stood gazing at the statue of this remarkable woman. She said she could almost feel her soul looking down upon her. For Cassie, Sacagawea holds the place of women, children and the struggles of our earth close at heart next to her bosom as a symbol for us all.

Put in the Big Rocks First

One day an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget. As he stood in front of the group of high powered overachievers he said, "Okay, time for a quiz." Then he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed Mason jar and set it on the table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?"Everyone in the class said, "Yes."

Then he said, "Really?" He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the space between the big rocks. Then he asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?" By this time the class was on to him. "Probably not," one of them answered. "Good!" he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar and it went into all of the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?" "No!" the class shouted.

Once again he said, "Good." Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?" One eager beaver raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit some more things in it!"

"No," the speaker replied, "That's not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all." What are the 'big rocks' in your life? Your children; Your loved ones; Your education; Your dreams; A worthy cause; Teaching or mentoring others; Doing things that you love; Time for yourself; Your health; Your significant other?

Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first or you'll never get them in at all. If you sweat the little stuff (the gravel, the sand) then you'll fill your life with little things you worry about that don't really matter, and you'll never have the real quality time you need to spend on the big, important stuff (the big rocks). So, tonight, or in the morning, when you are reflecting on this short story, ask yourself this question: What are the 'big rocks' in my life? Then, put those in your jar first."

Posted by Stephen C. Ehrmann to the POD listserv, August 21, 2000, Ehrmann@tltgroup.org

Living Well Emotionally

In his latest book, Montel Williams who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, writes about ways in which we have the power to "Live Well Emotionally". Key points & research he speaks about during his interview pertain to how we perceive & as a result feel about ourselves and the world around us *(See You Tube clip)

Multiple Sclerosis is an extremely painful disease, some days it can feel as though there will never be an end to the pain and it is easy to slip one's focus to the inabilities or short comings in life. Some term it as depression, however I've found when my body falls hard my mind & spirit are literally fighting, at war to rescue what belongs to the whole self-

The challenge is learning to find & grasp onto a continuum in the positive and what IS available, the abilities....Topics covered during the interview are valuable & useful to anyone who may struggle with finding the good in a moment, a day or a lifetime, regardless of one's physical or mental state of being:

Happiness

• 40% of happiness is found in what you DO & what you THINK
• 10% is based off of one's circumstances
• 50% is genetics

5 Tips to Happiness

1. Have GRATITUDE in your ATTITUDE
2. Practice Kindness
3. Savor the Beauty in Small Things & Moments
4. Nurture Your Spiritual Self
5. Learn to Let Go & How to FORGIVE

Finally, remember that each individual is responsible & retains the ownership to the definition of who they are.

Life is a journey for a reason, isn't it beautiful that we don't know it all? We're not perfect? How exciting to know that each day is a new opportunity for living, learning & ultimately to grow as a person....Here's to growth, happiness & internal peace (and all the ABILITIES within!)

Our Florida Family

The couple who started it all...Miguel & Julia

When we are truly blessed, we figure out all the "meant to be's" people, places, events and memories that cross our paths and truly appreciate them along the way, in the now, rather than waiting until time has passed and memories have faded.


This is us on my couch in Ca.

Although my body wasn't feeling 100%

I was VERY happy in spirit that day!

Me & LizSo Liz is the "Baby" sister to Jeanette. Liz is married, since 1992, to Julio and together they have two beautiful children, Julio & Elizabeth. Luis & I were engaged on the very same night she & Julio were married. Her first son Julio was born 3 weeks before Cassie was and her daughter, Elizabeth Marie was born less than a day before Lexie!

Luis & Julio all dressed up

Is it just me, or do they actually look related?

Julio singing in Miami!

Julio & Cassie

Aren't they GORGEOUS together?

Lexie & Elizabeth Marie in Ca

Carlos & Jeanette
Jeanette is married to Carlos and together they have 3 beautiful children, Denise, Deanna & Carlito. Denise & Cassie are inseperable, even with this great distance between South Florida & Northern California. I imagine the two of them will be in one another's weddings one day.

Denise & Cassie Toledo Family in Cali

Carlos & Julio at our house in Ca , every night's a party! Deanna ToledoCarlito Toledo

Silly Kids in FL 2007

This is a picture of Denise & Cassie in what is deemed "THEIR TREE" which stood as a base in our back yard. Hurricane Wilma tried to take the tree along its path, but the tree stands with Denise & Cassie's names carved into it!
Me & Denise @ my favorite place
Deerfield Beach Fl

This picture was taken in our new Lincoln Ca home & was definately missing Julio & Carlos! In January 2007, when I was first so very sick, Miguel & Julia came to be with us in California. During that very scarey time, Julia (as always) was my rock. She cared & watched over me like a Mama Bear & took care of my family and my household. Luis & Miguel doing what the guys did every Friday night

Poker Night In FL

Dominos Mang!
Pool!

Miami Men & their Coconut!

In Florida, Coconut Trees are everywhere.

We had one to the right of our front door!

Julio, Liz' husband, has a sister Jessica who is also part of a larger extended family whom we love & care for very much. This is her first daughter Marianna & me, together at Julia's house. Julia & Miguel care for Marianna & her baby sister while their Mommy Jessica & Daddy Kevin work.

Jessica & Marianna
Photos of Kevin & Baby Jessica to come...

Grandpa Julio

Me & Loli (Julia's Sister)
Titi Loli to Liz & Jeanette