MeRrY CHRISTmas to all!

I'll be short with my words for a change because I'd rather you look at the pictures below. Just my usual three reminders: 1)Do something nice for your house. Even if you'll be out of town, you'll be happy to come back to a nice home. Put cranberries in a vase, a pinecone here and there. It's cheap and totally worth it.

2) We love you, pray for you and give thanks to God every day for knowing you and having you a part of our lives. You being a part of our lives is a blessing we do not take for granted. If you haven't told your friends you love them, do so. You'll be glad you did.

3)Please don't sign "happy holidays" on your cards this season. Let's put the CHRIST back in CHRISTMAS.

Now to some pics of our house decor {I'll post more soon} and a few of our number one blessing: Gala Noel Even though her birthday is in March, her name is synonym for "Christmas event". We miss you Nonna, I named my daughter thinking of you!

This blog is dedicated to the people who put lights all around their house. With the electricity bill as it is and the weather so cold you guys are my inspiration. To all the babies who just arrived unto the world before we say goodbye to 2008, and to all of you who BELIEVE. {Thank you honey, for uploading all my pics. Je t'adore}
Blessings and cheer, Miguel, Jenn, Gala Noel, Mr. Michou, Juliette & Madison. *<) : )

The PiCtUrEs

I know, I know. Not very "Christmassy" but it looks better than the picture shows. Here's the thing: Christmas trees are very expensive, and the tree hugger in me still refuses to buy a natural one. Plus, with a toddler and 3 cats, well; not a good idea. So we donated our artificial Christmas tree to grandma (looks fabulous as always) and decided to decorate our CD tower cactus in chili-pepper lights this year. I know in years to come we might either still find it cool or regret it when it makes us look like rednecks, but hey: it's bright and that's all my baby wants.


Ok, that's the cactus with the lights on. See? it's not as bad as u think. The pine swag is festive enough to be noticed, and high enough to not be tugged at by anyone. Upon uploading this pic I noticed Mr. Michou is there behind the couch. I'll post the pic of my kitties' stockings soon. They're shaped like little paws. Awww!

It's so hard to look at this pic because a) she was eating pizza and rightdown refused to have her mouth wiped clean, and b) it's evidence that my little baby is gone (as if I didn't know that). She's a little girl now. Sometimes naughty, mostly nice, 100% genuine.

Now I KNOW all mothers say this, but isn't she a beauty!!! Down to her funky boots, she is the girliest Santa I've seen. She's at Lala's, of course, as you can tell by the dainty flowery decoration. Now THAT'S why I wanted a girl.

You are so beautiful... to me, you are so beautiful to me, can't you see? You're everything I hoped for, You're EVERYTHING to me, you are so beautiful to me.

MeRrY ChRiStMaS EvErYoNe!!! : )

In MeMoRiAm, {Roger Piza 1970-2008}

Two days ago our friend Roger passed away unexpectedly. He was on a plane on the way back from the Philippines when his heart stopped. The news was spread and recieved with great shock and disbelief.

The thing is, Roger wasn't overweight, nor a drinker; he stopped smoking some time ago when his best friend died of a stroke. Roger was the "friend who's always there", or at least we seemed to think so.

The most loyal 1980's fan, he would only take jobs where he was allowed to wear jeans and sneakers, which we would tease him for. A hopeless romantic, a board game enthusiast, a dog person, a die hard fan of Meatloaf, Survivor, Billy Joel, Starship & Kiss. He was not ashamed to miss a friend's wedding for a concert and claimed "Name any song you like -any- and chances are it was written by Jim Steinman". I remember I named like 3; of course they were. He could debate you for days and was very firm in his convictions. At times it seemed he was the glue that held the group together and others the target of the practical jokes (I mean, he fancied Sandra Bullock, too!).

My husband and his friends knew him from years ago, almost a childhood friend; and yesterday they once more retold those "Roger stories" from what seems ages ago. At some point there was an empty chair and we all swore he was there. We just can't fathom the idea of him gone, just like that.


Roger was the first of Miguel's friends I met, before we even started dating; back in 1995. He was always the first to get hold of everyone when something had to be said or planned, he caught the garter at my wedding (Which we all found hillarious because it was him & Brenda who gave it to me for my "something blue"!), he always hosted the Superbowl (he had two different cable services to catch every single game) and would keep statistics of every single domino round the "tribe" played.

When our baby Gala was born, Miguel had gone out to grab a bite with my brother when Roger stopped by to visit. The hospital's pediatrician came by to introduce himself and congratulated the proud "father". We both laughed and he said "the Father" is out having dinner, I'm a family friend. The doctor kept going on and on telling us all about baby care and then gave Roger a hug and said "again, congratulations "Dad". We just laughed and laughed.

And so it goes, our friend is no longer here. There are not enough words or actions, just this absolute emptyness, this loss, this dark tunnel where the only light is the tiny glimpse of hope that we'll wake up and realize it was a bad dream, that our "family" is once again, complete.

{This post is for you: Loyal friend, son, brother, father, partner. You are now reunited with your best friend. Until we meet again, we miss you already}


{In the hope of eternal life, which God; who cannot lie, promised long ages ago... Tit 1:2}

{ We LoVe YoU DaD }

Proud for Dad who got a recognition for his 5 years at UNID University. {Gala kept calling him during the ceremony to show him her Elmo balloon!}

Right before the ceremony...

Dressed like her dolly, courtesy of Lala...

Dressed like her cheetah, who she looooves!
Where's Gala? {Honestly believes she can't be seen}

Here she is!

HaPpY 36 BiRtHdAy To Me!

I am 36 today!!! I'm so excited I wore a 36 on my shirt. Not that there's anything special about the number, I just love the way this year went so it can only get better, I think. 36 is a great age to be when you don't look 36. No hang ups, just blessings.

Gala is as beautiful as ever, and a little chatterbox; so she finds little ways to amuse us every day. (When you ask her "what do italians say?" she yells: "mamma mia!").

At the risk of falling into a cliche, I'll post the main reasons it's great to be 36:

1.- I have a beautiful family of people and kitties who love me and put up with me and don't hold things against me.
2.- I have a church of which I am a link of, where I am used to help others, and where my daughter will grow up in, physically AND spiritually.
3.- I do what I love. I read to kids in the morning and noon, eat with my hubby in the afternoon, play with ma baby in the evening, kiss her good night, and then craft, craft, CRAFT! Life is sweet.
4.- My age is much bigger than my dress size, and that's always a good thing! ha ha ha
5.- I'm too old now for bikinis and miniskirts and that is a good thing because I wasn't planning on wearing any! ha ha ha

No Sanborns today, went yesterday. Yes, I had the exact same thing I had with my Nonna every year on 10/10. Today we're going somewhere where there's a slide!

I'm not big on gifts (I'm much more a giver than a reciever), but I'm amazed how well-thought this year's turned out: shoes & a gorgeous indian scarf, a silver charm. Classical music, chocolate, yummy smelling body lotion, a photo album, handmade candied pecans in a beautiful croc, and not only a great looking novel but TWO! "The Shadow of the Wind" both in english and spanish so Miguel and I will read it simultaneously. And then
there's a bonus: sizzix die cutters and a funky, colorful necklace from ma sweetie, who woke me up today by singing to me. Ti amo, Amore.
Like I said: Life is sweet.

This is the story: Gala made a cheetah at the build-a-bear at Chicago's Navy Pier. Since grandma nicknamed her "snow white" ( she was born with pale skin and red lips) we go nuts whenever we see snow white merchandise (shop-aholics, oh yes) so when we saw the costume we just had to get it. So today she was at play and mom's camera just clicked away (sometimes I swear my daughter thinks the camera is an extension of my face!). She danced and "fed" the cheetah and carried her around 'till they were both exhausted. Ok, now on to the Summer pics like I promised. See you next month!

The family having Chicago-style deep dish pizza at Giordano's. Yum! These are the pics from our summer trip, and do read the post at the end, it's short; I promise! Hope everyone had a great summer. I'm a little reluctant to let go (not that you should know, but I spent today with my daughter in her inflatable pool. Now that's denial, ha ha!)

With mom at the lake.

Bathing beauty.

With cousin Amy, wearing "I love my auntie" onesies. (Leslie bought Gala's and I bought Amy's).

Goofing around with Caleb outside the Red Lobster.

Gala with Dad and baby Amy. They're wearing matching dresses!!!!

My beautiful Gala Noel at the giant "jelly bean", Chicago. See below picture for size refference!

Downtown Chicago, Millenium Park: At the Giant Jellybean. Isn't it cool????? There was even a bride and groom!

08/08/08 OlYmPiC sUmMeR

The Olympics in Beijing started today. My Gala's first. Grandma got her the t-shirt which promises a nice scrapbook layout... We're back and can I just say:

What a great summer!!!
First off, I am glad to report Gala (and everyone else!) survived the plane ride. Everything was great (even though our plane did get delayed two hours... :( )
Summer in Wisconsin is the kind of summer I'm talking about. I know, not everyone's idea of what summer is about but it is to me. The whole family went, even my brother who caught us at O'Hare and rented a big car (and with today's gas prices, that's LOVE!); so that made it even more fun.

Many big milestones. Meeting baby Amalia who is just as cute as a button with goldspun ringlets and the bluest eyes ever. Caleb and Gala meeting for the second time (the first time he was two and she was a month old!) and playing together (for the most part). Gala meeting the sand and a lake for the very first time, in her leopard print bikini. Of course her first plane ride, her first visit to Chicago (MY kind of town), and... (drumroll please)... her first time eating lobster tail (Good luck trying to get her back to Gerber).

Of course she was spoiled silly by her grandma "Lala", specially at the Build-a-bear where she (in true family spirit) immediately chose the cheetah. Now I have two closets to keep. I mean, the cheetah has crocs.

Everything was sunny and beautiful and a wonderful experience down to the swing in the garden, mosquitoes and all; it exceeded our expectations. And then you pack the night before, and load the car and wave at the family you leave behind and wonder where the week went. And you feel all nostalgic and think it's a crime we only get to do this once every one or two years. But thank GOD almighty for these little encounters that lift our spirits so. Promise to post pics soon. I just wanted to post something on 08/08/08 to preserve the date. Gala is 17 months old today.
She is the reason my heart shines from the inside out. Love u my little pea!

This blog is dedicated to a lot of people. To my family (Both here, in L.A. and Dousman, Wisconsin), for playing such an important part not only in this trip but in my little one's life. That is so important to me. For Miguel, for being such an incredible dad. I see you play with her and I just melt. And I'm totally fine with her calling out for you 95% of the time. I love it.
For Rosa Elena and Mau and the Casais family. Our prayers and friendship are ever present. We love you dearly. Now let's ready for back-to-school!!!!

These are the most recent pics. Now read the post below... thank u!
Estas son las fotos más recientes. Ahora lee el post de abajo... gracias!

No LoNgEr a BaBy... /Ya No Es BeBe...

Gala is two days short of being 15 months old. What a blessing! She's amused us since day one, but every day she comes up with new surprises. She is very social and sweet, and a total Daddy's girl, she adores him.

These are the words she says so far, loud and clear:

Papa, Mama, hola, Lala (grandma), Galleta (cookie; her favorite), no, gracias (Thank you), más (more), si, zapato (shoe), pepino (cucumber, she loves them), agua, leche, Michou (one of our kitties). When you say one, two... she yells "three". When you ask her "¿Cómo amaneciste?" (How are you this morning?) she replies: "Guapa!" (Gorgeous!). (All humbleness aside).

She also waves hello (side to side with open palm), Bye bye (open palm, fingers up and down), blows kisses, sends kisses, plays peek-a-boo (When you ask "where's Gala?" she replies: "Aquí 'tá!" (here!), walks fast, jumps with both feet, climbs stairs, drinks from a sippy cup AND with a straw, claps, dances (she loooves Hi 5), and two days ago she said "abuelo" for the first time. We'll be working on some sign language next. She talks so much she's never given signing a chance!

She's still having her milk and now drinks lots of water and juice too. She's started to eat regular food more often; she loves fruit popscicles, cucumbers, cheese, papaya, apples, fish, soups and blueberries & cherry tomatoes; her current favorites. Her molars are in too, the bottom two.

I am so happy I started this blog journal when she was born, what a great way to document everything! She can actually read her development stories online!

Next month she will be taking her first plane ride; 4 hours to Chicago and then 2 and a half to Wisconsin, to meet cousin Amy. Your prayers are welcome and needed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This blog is dedicated to Gala's cousin; Natalia's baby sister, who is four months away from her debut into this world. And for the passengers of American Airlines flight 1596 to Chicago on July 20, please be understanding... : )

Gala está a dos días de cumplir los 15 meses, que bendición! Nos deleita con sus ocurrencias y cada día nos sorprende con cosas nuevas. Es muy sociable y dulce y tiene verdadera adoración por su papá.

Estas son las palabras que dice claramente hasta hoy:

Papa, Mama, hola, Lala (su abuela), Galleta (su favorita), no, gracias, más , si, zapato, pepino, agua, leche, Michou (uno de nuestros gatitos). Cuando cuentas en inglés: one, two... grita "three". Cuando preguntas, "¿Cómo amaneciste?" contesta: "Guapa!" (Modestia aparte).

También dice "hola" con la mano (de lado a lado), Bye bye ( Palma abierta, dedos de arriba a abajo), da besos, manda besos, juega escondidillas (Si preguntas "Dónde está Gala?" contesta: "Aquí 'tá!", camina rápido, brinca con ambos pies, sube las escaleras, bebe de un vaso Y con popote!, aplaude, baila (le encanta Hi 5), y hace dos días dijo "abuelo" por primera vez. Aún no habla en señas pero trabajaremos en eso pronto (es tan platicona que ni chance nos ha dado).

Todavía toma su leche y mucha agua y jugo. Ya come comida normal más seguido ; le encantan las paletas heladas de fruta, los pepinos, queso, papaya, manzanas, pescado, sopita de pasta y las blueberries y tomates cherry; sus dos alimentos favoritos. Ya también tiene sus dos muelas de abajo.

Me alegra haber empezado este diario/blog journal cuando nació, es excelente para acordarme de todo!

El próximo mes tendrá su primer viaje en avión, 4 horas a Chicago y luego dos y media en el Coach USA hasta Wisconsin a conocer a su prima Amy. Sus oraciones son bienvenidas y necesarias!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Este blog está dedicado a la prima de Gala; hermana de Natalia, quien está a cuatro meses de llegar a este mundo. Y a los pasajeros de American Airlines vuelo 1596 del 20 de Julio. Sean comprensivos... : )

Gala ya tiene 13 meses y que alegría! Cada día es más graciosa y linda, le encanta la gente y ahora ya grita "hola!" a todo el que se encuentra. Ya aye dió sus primeros 3 pasitos sin ayuda y se subió a una resbaladilla solita por primera vez! Nuestra bebé está creciendo muy rápido, lo cual es un poquito triste; pero espero con emoción todo lo que está por venir. Mi chicharita... :)

Gala is 13 months now, and what joy! She cruises around and took her first 3 steps yesterday. She now yells "hola" to everyone she meets and has eight teeth! Yesterday at church she went down the slide all by herself. Our little girl is growing up, which is bittersweet. I am, however looking foward to all the wonderful things just around the corner. My little pea... : )

JuSt OnE wEeK / SoLo UnA sEmAnA

Gala is turning one in one week. A bit hard to believe, really. She's precious beyond words, and will probably start walking soon... She has seven teeth now, close to eight! We will cut a beehive cake our friend María Molina will make and take lots of pics. One week after that we're moving to a bigger house closer to our jobs and church. I can't wait to decorate my art studio, I'll post pics too! Here are some photos of Gala, enjoy!

Gala cumple su primer año la próxima semana. Difícil de creer. Es preciosa, más allá de las palabras, tal vez empiece a caminar pronto... Tiene siete dientes, casi ocho! Cortaremos un pastel en forma de panal que nuestra amiga María Molina va a hacer, y tomaremos muchas fotos. Una semana después nos vamos a mudar a una casa más grande cerca de nuestros trabajos y nuestra iglesia. Ya quiero decorar mi estudio, y subir fotos! Mientras aquí hay fotos de Gala, disfruten.

Gala is ten months now! She's crawling fowards now, clapping, pointing, and still saying "papa" a lot. She has 5 teeth now! Two in the bottom, three on the top. She laughs a lot and shows different feelings now. This month she was jealous for the first time. That's why she's not smiling in the picture! Her cousin; Amalia Claire Waltz was born January 9. She'll meet her this summer. Congratulations Waltz family!
Gala ya tiene 10 meses! Gatea para adelante, aplaude, señala y dice "papa" mucho. Ya tiene 5 dientes: 3 arriba y dos abajo. Se rie mucho y enseña diferentes emociones. Este mes se puso celosa por primera vez. Por eso no esta sonriendo en la foto!
Su prima Amalia Claire Waltz nacio el 9 de Enero pasado. Se van a conocer en el verano. Felicidades a la familia Waltz!