Highlights from Ry's 28th Birthday

February 26th we celebrated Ry's b-day. It was so much fun! He had the day off and it was beautiful that day so we set out for some "B-day Brunch" at our favorite restaurant in Portland, Mother's Bistro. After which, we strolled downtown for a couple of hours looking at all the cool sights and shops.

Later that day I took Sofia on a field trip to the Dollar Tree to pick out some B-day balloons for our little family party that evening. You see, Sofia believes every birthday party should be filled with balloons, matching plates, napkins, cups, and even goody bags! We did everything but the goody bags. :) The two balloons in the back are a cupcake-shaped balloon and a Disney Princess balloon. Just perfect.

That evening, I cooked Ryan's favorite meal, Shrimp Alfredo...it was absolutely scrumptious. My Mom joined us that evening and she and Ryan were in hog heaven with all of the shrimp alfredo you could eat! No matter what, I always manage to cook for the 5000--even if there are only 4 of us!

Ahhh, I'm still dreaming of this awesome oreo ice cream cake.

The store was out of the #8 candle therefore we had to improvise. 4+4=8.
So there you go a 2 + 4,4 = 28!

Sofia helped her Papi blow out his birthday candles!

The Grand Finale, two tickets to see one of Ryan's favorite bands: My Chemical Romance. Rock on! Happy Birthday, Sweetheart.

Easter Fun and Cuteness

Silly Sofia, Easter Sunday, 2008

I realize it's been a few weeks since Easter and I'm finally getting around to posting these. Aside from the greatest turnaround miracle my Mom made, we enjoyed some Easter Bunny fun and of course, Sofia was so excited to put on her beautiful new Easter dress from Nana, handmade by Great Grandma Holgate. Thanks you two, it is beautiful and your granddaughter was (and still is) absolutely thrilled to wear it!

Sofia's Easter basket on the left, Mami y Papi's on the right. In Ryan's family, it's tradition for the kids to hunt for their Easter baskets on Easter morning. It was no different in our house this Easter as the Easter bunny carefully hid Sofia's basket and she went on a hunt for nearly 10 minutes to find it!

Sofia has fallen in love with 101 Dalmatians. Nana and Grandpa sent her the DVD in an Easter package and the Easter Bunny thought she needed her very own pet Penny to snuggle with and watch the movie.

What else is in here???

In this picture you can see the blue wrapped "Heavenly Hash" egg and the gold wrapped "Gold Brick" egg. These eggs can only be found in the south and are the same ones I used to enjoy from the Easter Bunny when I was a little girl!

Easter cuteness galore. What a wonderful day in every possible way!
(that rhymed ;) )

"Look What I Made You Mami!"

Monday, right around snack time I was upstairs when Sofia approached me to explain that she was making us a special treat and was "pushing the thing down" until it was ready. I told her I was really excited to eat the treat and I was certain it would be delicious. Clearly, I "ass"umed she was making a make-believe treat, which she often does. About 10 minutes later, I started to smell smoke all the way upstairs and went (preggo belly and all) barreling down the stairs. The entire lower level was filled with smoke, Sofia was standing on a chair in the kitchen, and said, "Look Mami, your treat is almost done. I already finished making mine and we can eat our yummy snacks together!" I looked over and it was obvious--this was no make-believe treat. It was a black charred-to-the-max piece of raisin bread. She had her raisin bread toast in her hand and was already eating it...it was toasted perfectly.

I immediately unplugged the toaster, got Sofia down off the chair, opened every window and door, and thanked her for trying to make our snacks while explaining that only Mami's and Papi's are allowed to use the toaster...unless of course, one of us is with her to "help" her toast the raisin bread. The toaster is now safely stowed and out of the reach of children. Gratefully, nothing catastrophic resulted and I was able to get the smoke cleared out. When it was all said and done, Sofia said: "Mami, don't worry, I'll share my piece with you, I haven't finished it yet!" Thank you, Mamita. Love you.

One week from today....

Dwight and Andy as seen in the "Local Ad"
episode set to repeat tonight.

...The Office returns! While multiple episodes will air tonight, the NEW episodes start next Thursday, the 10th. We've already watched all the episodes airing tonight, after all, we have had to "recycle" every episode saved on DVR from this season for five whole months!!!! 7 days and counting...

Sofia, Speaking on Babies and Motherhood...

"When I'm a Mami, I can put babies in my tummy, but not right now because I'm a kid, not a Mami!"
Yesterday as Sofia and I were leaving the hospital after a visit with my Mom, she informed me of the above fact. Silly Sofia. Sofia is definitely ready to be a big sister! She's always talking about her baby sister, Sydnei, and how she's going to teach her everything she knows...to play hide and seek, play with dolls and toys, dance, and even rock her to sleep. The sweet thing about her little quote is that it goes right along with a big part of her personality. You see, she's always been a natural-mami-nurturing kind of little girl. When she was just a baby, we nicknamed her "Mamita" (Spanish for little Mommy) and that nickname has not only stuck but has always fit. I love you, Mamita!

Our Very Own Easter Miracle

My precious Momma, Thanksgiving 2007

Two days before Easter we had a family conference with the team of doctors caring for my Mom. I prefer to call said conference a "Come to Jesus Talk." Basically, it was a meeting about the next steps necessary to care for my mom and none of them were the slightest bit encouraging. Most of the opening statements uttered by the doctors were, "if she pulls through this...," and "if she makes it..." In summary, we were told that my Mom was digressing in every way possible. Her infections were out of control, her breathing-on-her-own ability continued to decline, and she wasn't waking up. We discussed the risk and possibility of stroke as well. Finally, we agreed to a "Tracheostomy" to move the breathing tube out of her mouth and place the "Trach" in her neck--still connected to life support. The pulmonary doc would give her through the weekend to wake up and make progress but he didn't expect much. Needless to say, we went home extremely discouraged and worried.

That evening we finished having dinner and I decided to go back to the hospital and spend some time talking to my Mom. I figured if she's going to recognize anyone's voices it would be that of her kids and not the strange doctors and nurses. Ryan gave me an Ensign magazine to take with me and encouraged me to read it to her and off I went.

I arrived at the hospital shortly after 8pm and stayed until nearly midnight. I talked to my mom, told her stories and jokes, read to her, and said a prayer with her. I wanted nothing more than for her to wake up! While I was sitting at her bedside I felt the need to ask for her to receive another blessing of health. I decided to go and call someone to see if they could come to the hospital and when I returned to my Mom's room, her Bishop was standing there! He felt the need to visit my Mom and give her a blessing as well. After the blessing she started to slowly respond. She blinked her eyes a few times and we even caught a smile. It was a really special moment for us to see her trying to connect with us.

The following day, Saturday, the pulmonary doctor examined her and said, "she's doing better than she has ever done!" He was so excited that she had progressed so much that he thought she may even be able to get off of the respirator. Unfortunately, her lungs weren't quite ready and he chose to wait another day. So we prayed and prayed and we spent time there talking to her. It was so incredible to see her become coherent and do things like nod her head yes and no.

Sunday morning when we were at church I struggled to focus. I decided I couldn't wait any longer and stepped out to call the hospital to see if any progress had been made. I was informed that the doctor was able to successfully excavate her and that she was doing fine--breathing on her own!!! I immediately started to cry and was so thankful that my mom had made the biggest turnaround of her life.

I couldn't help but to think of the symbolism of her recovery and coming out of this on Easter day while I reflected on why we celebrate Easter. In the Christian world, we celebrate Christ's resurrection which was the historical moment where He triumphantly overcame death. This was a great miracle and blessing to all of mankind. This Easter, we also celebrated my Mom's liberation from life support and her ability to breathe on her own, once again--truly, an Easter miracle. I'm so happy and so grateful. Easter is my Mom's favorite holiday and now her very own special day. We couldn't have hoped or asked for anything more.

While she has a very long road of recovery from major surgery and her infections, I know she will be able to do so with a lot of time, prayers, love, and of course, her wonderful doctors. Thanks to each of you for all of your kind thoughts and prayers, they have been comforting to me and my family and have truly helped my Mom.

My Momma

Some of you know that my mom had to have emergency surgery last week on a perforated colon and were she not to have had the surgery she would have passed away. She's been out of surgery for a week. The surgery part was successful but she has yet to wake up. We're hoping and praying that she will very soon. A ventilator has been assisting her lungs to work in the meantime. She's been off of sedation medication for over 10 hours now and nothing. She's ridden with infection and that is truly a huge obstacle.

We are praying our little hearts out that she will be able to wake up. It must happen in order for her to progress and begin recovering. She has the longest recovery imaginable ahead of her but until she wakes up and can get off of the ventilator, we are all standing by, biting our nails, hoping only for the best.

I can't even begin to express the emotions and feelings I have been through along with my family. I'm not ready to lose my mom. She is one of the greatest inspirations to my life and I need her. I've already lost my dad and couldn't handle losing my Mom too. My heart is broken over this experience and I pray every day she'll come out of it and we'll all have the strength to continue weathering this storm.

Thanks to each of you for your many warm thoughts and prayers. We know they are heard and we along with you pray she will pull through this.

Places to Visit in Oregon!

Portland, Oregon Waterfront View

During a recent conversation with my friend, Lindy, we discussed the different sights and "things to do" when traveling to different cities. I thought it would be very appropriate to post a list of places to visit in Oregon. The list with the corresponding links can be found on the right in the sidebar of the blog.

If you're thinking of vacationing in the Pacific Northwest you won't ever worry about what you can do. There is something for everyone--families and individuals alike. Of course, I'm biased; however, the list of attractions speaks for itself!

Keep in mind this list is not all-inclusive. There are many more great attractions and things to do. As we find them, I'll add them to the list!

Two words...

Sofia looked up at her Papi tonight while watching TV on his lap and said: "Rock on, Papi." He looked back at her and said: "Rock on, Sof."

I love my two little Rock Stars!

Amiguitos goes to the Children's Museum

Recently, Sofia's entire school went on a field trip to the Children's Museum. Ryan and I both were able to go and it was quite the excursion. There were a bazillion little kiddos running around from area to area exploring all of the super fun stuff to do and see. Some of the cool areas included shape creation, dig pit, construction zone, water works, grocery store, clay studio, do-it-yourself face-painting and more! Sofia had a blast along with her friend, Lorenzo, they didn't leave each others' side the whole time. It was tons 'o fun!

Included in the selection of pics is a video of Sofia singing her little heart out on the play stage. She found some articles to throw on in the dress-up clothes bins and immediately went for the microphone. Sofia is such a little performer, it's hilarious!

Amiguitos group gets geared up for their time at the musuem

Lorenzo y Sofia--silly friends

Creating with shapes

Shopping at the "Grasshopper, Grocery & Butterfly Bistro"


Sofia on stage, LIVE in concert!

Face Painting Fun


The following pics were all from the Water Works Exhibit, no doubt this was Sofia's FAVORITE!




All done playing and waiting for snacks...sillygooses

Menu Plan Monday 3/10

So last week's menu changed a bit as the week went on. I tried to remember to update it to reflect what actually happened. I prefer to do that so in the future when I'm planning I don't repeat meals too quickly and can have ideas from previous weeks.

My preggo taste buds were doing funny things this week so we ended up having a killer whole grain pancake night and even a cereal buffet free-for-all night. It worked, we didn't eat out, and everyone was happy. :)

Here goes this week:

SUN: Chicken Alfredo, Veggies
MON: Salmon, Roasted Red Potatoes, Steamed Green Beans (Bump)
TUE: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Green Salad
WED: Left-overs
THU: Baked Ziti, Steamed Bell Peppers
FRI: Baked Chicken, Rice, Steamed Green Beans
SAT: FFY-Fend for yourself night

The Quote that Says it Perfectly

"I am not a perfect mother and I will never be. You are not a perfect daughter and you will never be. But put us together and we will be the best mother and daughter we would ever be."

-Zoraida Pesante

I just read this quote on my friend Amy's blog. It absolutely rang true to me and I just had to post it here for all of you to read. I think so many times as a mom (or dad) one feels inadequate, wonders if they're doing or have done a good job, and worries incessantly about their children. I'm no stranger to such feelings.

This quote reminded me of reality, that no one is perfect but with the children we are blessed with we can become and accomplish something amazing. I love being a mom. It's the most fulfilling--life defining--and nerve-racking role I've ever had. It's filled with love, ups and downs, life lessons, and crazy moments.

In fact, we experienced one of those crazy moments today as we were on our way to school. Sofia suddenly become nauseated from motion sickness and vomited everywhere. I quickly found a road to pull over and began to clean up the mess. Gratefully, I had just enough stuff in the car to rectify the situation: towels, babydoll blankets, extra set of clothes, and a plastic bag. I got my little Missy Moo all cleaned up, moved her seat to the other end of the car, and off we went to school. We arrived very late but needless to say, we made it. Sofia felt fine the rest of the day.

As I thought about what had happened on the way home this afternoon, I arrived at the conclusion that despite the gross nature of the clean up process, I particularly loved being Sofia's mom today because I could do everything possible to make things better for her. I realize I can't always make everything better (i.e., much to her dismay, I didn't have a spare dress or skirt for her to put on--so she had to settle for pants) but I can at least help improve or better an icky situation. Most of all I can provide the comfort and love my children need. As we go through life together we truly can be and accomplish something great. That knowledge gives me hope and optimism.

Menu Plan Monday 3/3

This week's menu features multiple BBQ grilled entrees...we're taking advantage of the forecasted weather--4+ days of near 60 degrees and sunshine!

SUN: FFY-Fend for yourself night
MON: Homemade Sloppy Joes, Steamed Green Beans, Orange Wedges
TUE: Grilled Cheese, Vegetable Beef Soup
WED: Left-overs + Watermelon
THU: Whole grain blueberry pancakes, fruit
FRI: Carne Asada, Bell Peppers, Mexican Rice + Tortillas
SAT: Saucy Barbecued Burgers, Green Salad, Chips

Rainbow Brite Rules

Tonight we had some new friends over, the Espino Family. We made pizza, the girls played, and visited. It was so much fun! As the Espino's were leaving, their daughter, Natalie, found a birthday card that belongs to Sofia with a beautiful unicorn and rainbow on it. She wanted so badly to take it with her. We promised to make one just for her and so I did a google image search.

In the midst of my search, I found this image of Rainbow Brite with her sidekick on her horse, Starlite. Oh, the warm feelings that quickly returned and the smile that landed on my face. I loved Rainbow Brite in 4th grade and even still have my Rainbow Brite lunch box and thermos from that year. Oh the memories. :) Anyone else out there Rainbow Brite fans?!?!?

Meal Planning + Eating Leftovers = Efficiency

I've been diligently meal planning for a month. It's not only helped me to be more organized and eat out less, but it's also allowed me to really evaluate the trends in our schedules and how to better plan for the nights where things don't happen the way we had intended.

This week, I scheduled a "leftovers" night in the middle of the week and an FFE night on Saturday to provide flexibility to our weekend. The reason I chose to make leftovers night in the middle of the week is because by Wednesday we have at least 3-days worth of leftovers...food that is perfectly yummy and completely edible. It frees up a mid-week night of cooking and also encourages us to eat what we already have and minimize waste. After all, by the end of the week no one wants to eat what we cooked 4-6 days ago!

I was excited to go into the refrigerator and literally pull out a ton of food. Food that is appetizing and already prepared! Here is a rundown of tonight's "leftover menu."

1 serving of Grilled Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes + Veggies
2.5 servings of Beef Enchiladas + Mexican Rice
1 grilled hamburger
1.5 servings of Fettuccine Alfredo
All the fixin's for a Turkey Sandwich

Above all, there is something to meet everyone's appetite and taste buds tonight and chances are very little to no food will go to waste this week. I just love it when I discover ways to improve efficiency! (and not just discover ways, actually implementing them is the true accomplishment) :D

Happy 28th Birthday, Ry!

I can't believe you're 28!!! Time flies when you're having fun. It'll be so much fun to celebrate your b-day at dinner tonight and see your reaction when you open your present. Sofia is so excited about your cake, b-day napkins, and the balloons she picked out just for you! (I think we're all excited about your killer oreo ice cream cake) Have a happy, WE LOVE YOU!!!

Love,
Stormy y Sofia

Cape Mears and the Octopus Tree

After spending time on the beach we went to Cape Mears only a mile away. There they have a gorgeous state park featuring the coolest tree in the world, the "Octopus Tree." This tree is more than 60 feet at its base. While you can't actually tell how old it is without counting the rings, some theorize that is has been there since the times of Christ. It has 8+ branches that stem from the base of the tree and is amazing to look at. We had a great time viewing it and talking to Sofia about why it's called the Octopus tree (while she ran around, of course).

This day was jam-packed with fun and relaxation. We can't wait for another beautiful weekend to go and explore!!!