Bella... Bella... Bella...

When our daughter, Alix and her husband Bailey got their adorable bulldog Bella (we call her chunk of love or little Bella) I fell absolutely in love and realized Steve and I needed to get our own pup to call our own.  It took us a while because we just didn't want any dog.  She needed to be special, she couldn't be as small as Daisy (Kimmy and Duane's dog) but I didn't want something as big as a Great Dane which was what my dad had when he had his shop in East Los Angeles.  So, as we were perusing the Petfinder website I came across this cute pup who was two years old, a Boxer and she just had this face that screamed "LOVE ME!"  And that's exactly what we did.  We went through a rescue in Scottsdale, we filled out our application, had the home and yard inspection and had a meet and greet with Bella.  She has such a great disposition, loved everyone during her visit and she had a FULL house!  You know when you bring a new guy to meet your family?  That's what Bella had when she came over to meet Steve and I.  She met our daughter Alix and her husband and their friends Jackie, Shaunna and Steve.  She also met Little Bella who tried desperately to get Big Bella to like her and play with her.  It eventually worked for her and they had a great time playing together. 

We couldn't be happier to have this new addition to our family.  I never realized how much we could love this Boxer!  She's not your ordinary Boxer!  But one this is for sure... SHE'S OURS!

Our Precious Bella.  She loves her squeaky toys!

 

Little Bella pleading with Big Bella to play with her.

 

This picture makes me think Little Bella is saying "I will make you play with me!"

She finally got her way!

 

Now she has her forever home with us! 



A Snake, a meltdown a car and a meltdown...

What an adventure my sidekick Steve and I had when our daughter, Alix, her husband Bailey and their cute little bulldog Bella came to visit us in Arizona.  The weekend was dedicated to the Salt River and a barbecue with the family and spending quality time with my baby girl. 

 Just kidding. Not this baby girl. My daughter!



 The salt river float was so much fun.  The weather was wonderful, the water cold enough to counter the temperature and the company was fabulous.  We were laughing, telling stories and kept running into rocks and thicket on the side of the river when all of a sudden... I hear a very loud YELP coming from the direction of my daughter.  Her leg is thrown up in the air, her husband and I were wondering what the heck landed on her to create such pandemonium.  The next thing I see is her head thrown back, her arms are flailing, she is still screaming and her legs are still doing their own thing also.  When she finally stopped and I calmed my hysterical laughter (I really thought a bug landed on her) I saw that she was crying.  My heart sank and I'm trying to doggie paddle to her to ask what's wrong.  She said, "There was a SNAKE crawling up my LEG!"  I think my ears started ringing as I very casually looked around to make sure it still wasn't there.  Then from behind us I see this guy on his hands and knees on his innertube yelling like a little girl "Was that a SNAKE?"  All she could do was nod her head.  I really expected her to make us find a way out of the river but instead, she put on a smile, laughed (because every so often I'd burst out in giggles) and enjoyed the rest of the day.  Still, I'm in shock that a snake slithered up her leg. 

All smiles, even with the snake incident

Steve and me

Such a pretty day

The rest of the weekend was so much fun hanging in the pool with the family, enjoying the last of the weekend before I headed to the OC (by plane) and the kids drove.  Unfortunately, Captain E and her sidekick Steve along with a larger than life "The Tick" super hero had to drive out to the middle of no where to rescue Alix, Bailey and Bella after their car broke down.  So instead of flying out to the OC, I ended up driving the chitlins and Steve and Duane drove the car back to get it repaired by Nissan.  So more bonding with the kids, playing with Bella with one hand, listening to Alix's ipod and enjoying the last of the weekend with my baby girl and her little family. 

I learned a few of things about myself when I received the call from my daughter.  1.  I can pack super fast for a two day work week (although I forgot some things, they weren't that important that I was able to live without them), 2.  I can make very fast decisions when under pressure and 3.  I can do three things at one time.  I learned a few things about my male family members... they will drop anything to help when a crisis arises.  Even when they, themselves, find themselves in their own crisis they are still there to help.  That's the best family to have.  I love my family!

Sunday Funday with the Family



From Las Vegas to Long Beach

It's been so nice to be off of school and have a little fun with my sidekick!  Last weekend it was a trip to Las Vegas which was supposed to be a celebration of my little sister's FORTIETH birthday along with watching my dad bowl for the Bowling Sweepstakes.  The weekend ended up her celebrating everything else but her birthday.  Well, I must say that her friend Rhena and her sister Shana along with my sidekick had a GREAT time celebrating her birthday at the Hard Rock circular bar.  We then made our way to the MGM Grand but Steve and I left a little bit after we got there because it was very crowded and I'm not a huge fan of crowds.  Little did we know that the Billboard music awards were being held the next night...hence the major crowds.

All in all it was a great weekend spent with family and my sister's friends.  I even met and took a picture with Frankie Avalon!  He was doing performances at the hotel we were staying at and my brother in law thought out of all of us, I would be the one who had the guts to go up and ask for a picture.  Which he was correct. 

The last weekend was spent in California, again, this time for our daughter's graduation from CSU, Long Beach with her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and her teaching certification which was the UTEACH program that Long Beach provides.  It was a great week spent with family and friends.  I came out earlier to work and my sidekick drove out for the graduation and was nice enough to drive home with my little sister so Steve didn't have to sit at my parents house all day long. 

I love this picture.  She's so excied.

My family minus a few members (Duane, Nikki, Nathan and Bryce)

Never underestimate our dorkiness.

I am so very proud of my daughter and all she has accomplished.  It was a long journey to get here and I don't begrudge her any decision she made getting to this point.  I also wouldn't change anything I did to help her get to this place in her life.  All the hurdles she faced only made her a better person and will make her better teacher.

Her dad and step-mom threw a very nice graduation party for her at their house which I wish I could have stayed longer to enjoy but since I had to drive back down to San Diego for a very needed appointment, family time with my cousin and my aunt and lunch with a friend, it was necessary for me to leave early to get my beauty sleep.  Then it was back to Long Beach for dinner with a long time friend.  When I say long time friend I mean that our parents knew each other before we were both born, we went to tiny tots, kindergarten and the first four years of grade school together before I moved to Downey.  Then we met back up in high school again.  Lost touch for a few years but have reconnected and I enjoy our dinners and happy hours.  She's a very special lady who was the saint in our friendship to my devil.  I was a terrible child. 

Since my sidekick drove home with my sister, I made the trip home by myself (boo!).  It was nice to finally get home and be with Steve.  A week away from home is too long for me.  I love my time with my husband, sidekick, best friend, etc...  it's been a very nice time being home!!! 

I'm so glad it's SUMMER VACATION!

I can breathe a sigh of relief that this semester is over and done!  Although going back to school to get my degree in Biology is important and I am having a good time this second time around, it sure takes away from having fun and being able to upload little blog bits of what's happening with Steve and I here in Arizona!

So, this will be a catch up of information! 

The last three months have been stressful, exciting, fun, tiring and alot of back and forth trips to California for some fun and some business.  We had volleyball tournaments for Nicole, soccer games for Megan, baseball games for Nathan and a swim meet for Mia.  We couldn't be prouder of our nieces and nephews and their accomplishments!  Megan scored a goal from almost 3/4 of the soccer field, Nicole's "kills" during her volleyball tournaments had me jumping up and yelling "THAT MY NIECE!", Mia set an all time best in two of her swim meets.  So much so that she was even proud of herself and let's not forget about Nathan and his big hits with his even bigger bat.  While we were at his last baseball game I started laughing because as he ran from first to second base, it dawned on me that he runs JUST like his dad!  Duane used to remind me of little "GusGus" the mouse from the Cinderella movie.  What's even funnier is that Kimmy even remembered that!



Mia during her backstroke meet



Nikki and her kill...



Nathan hitting the ball during his game.



Megan after one her fabulous throws into play







The last five month also had us going to alot of Spring Training Games and that had my sister and her family coming into town for a long weekend. 



 

 

 

Steve and I also went to our first NASCAR race living in Arizona!  We went with my sister and the family and had a great time!  The roar of the engines as they came around the fourth turn was exhilarating and the whoosh of the cars kept me awake the entire time.  So much fun!

 

We were also able to catch up with friends whether it was here in Arizona or in California!

Karen, Lily and I having lunch in San Diego.

I loved seeing Rob and Beth in San Diego
and then the next weekend in Arizona!

Laurel at her 40th birthday party also.

 

 



One last photo to share with everyone is of the golf tournament that Steve plays in each year.  My ex-husband coordinates this golf tourney and the last few years he has been doing a fundraiser for those families in need.  This year it was for my little sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011.  The Saturday round of golf had most of the guys dressed in pink which kind of freaked out everyone at the golf course until it was explained what was happening. 

In the Payne Stewart hat is my ex-brother in law Steve, next to him
is my brother in law Duane, then my husband Steve, my ex-husband's neighbor Bob,
and then to the very right it's my ex-husband Tom.

My handsome husband, my dad and my BIL, Duane.

 



The best story of that weekend came AFTER the golf tournament and Duane and Steve decided to stay one extra night instead of driving home that Saturday.  So, they decided to go see the new G.I. Joe movie and also decided to stay in the same pink outfits.  I thought it was hysterical to think this is how they went to see the movie.  I love that they are so secure in their manhood to walk around Temecula dressed in THAT much pink!!! Hope you all have had a wonderful first part of the year.  Looking forward to seeing what the next seven months bring.  Especially when school starts up again!

 



On the road again...

Although it's nice to travel to California for work and to see my side of the family.... the thought of our own bed and pillows and Home Sweet Home is always comforting when we make our way home.

We made the trek out to California after my Chemistry class which ended at 5:00 so most of the trip was under the cover of darkness.  This can make any 5 hour trip rather boring, unless you have Steve and I in the car together to entertain each other.  Granted... I think I entertain Steve a little more than he entertains me but what I love about my partner in crime is that he plays along with me.  Especially when we're singing to songs we both know. 

Steve gave me a light to attach to my books for when I read at night which turned into my microphone in the car, a spotlight to showcase my dancing and of course my reading light when I needed to focus on my homework.  At one point Steve was laughing very hard at my lyrics because I'm horrible at knowing the words to songs.  For example... while singing CAMEO's song "Word Up", I always thought the first line of the song was "Yo, baby lankies around the world!"  That's what I heard, that's what I sing.  Steve is laughing rather hard while trying to get out, "Those AREN'T the words!"  I said, "How do you know?  Half the songs out there don't make sense!"  Then Erotic City comes on, and I KNEW the words to "Thoughts of pretty u and me, erotic city come alive" weren't "Lot's of loogies in my eye, erotic city come alive" but when you've sang the lyrics the same way for so long, you can't seem to get the correct words out.  I could go on and on, but I won't.  My lyric interpretations are endless!  But that was pretty much our trip out to California.  Sometimes I think I could be a one woman show.  hahaha...

Rich, James, Steve and Pat after golfing at the Vineyard.

The trip was alot of fun for both of us.  Steve was able to get together with his co-workers from Genentech for lunch and then a round of golf on Monday and we were able to meet up with our daughter (Alix) and her husband (Bailey) for a birthday dinner celebration. Then we had lunch the next day at one of our favorite pizza places, Killer Pizza from Mars.  Our son, Brad, joined us for some pizza and football prior to going down to work at Nordstroms (for those of you who look at this blog and you live in San Diego...  when you visit the Woman's shoe department at Nordstroms Fashion Valley, ask for Brad.)

Bailey, Alix, me and Steve watching some Grey's Anatomy

The rest of our time was spent with my family and watching our second oldest niece, Megan play in her soccer tourney!  She had the pleasure of meeting Mia Hamm in between her breaks when they went to St. John Bosco for a baseball game that Nomar Garciaparra was playing in also.  Megan's dad played baseball at SJB with Nomar for three years.  It was a huge treat for her and her middle sister Mia to meet friends of her dad. 

Steve, me and my handsome son, Brad.

Backdown in San Diego, we usually stay with my cousin, Jeanene and her family (Martin and Lucas).  I always enjoy my time with them.  We laugh alot and that's always a great time.  One thing that I always seem to forget is watching what I say in public.  This time was with the movie "Snatch".  Steve and Martin were saying lines from the  movie and I looked at Steve and said, "Did I replace that movie or do I need to buy you a new Snatch?"  Steve just stared at me and I hear my cousin and her husband falling off of their recliners from laughing so hard.  I had no idea what I said that was so funny until Steve pointed out that he doesn't need a new Snatch.  My eyes went so wide I felt like an animated doll with those huge eyes.  Then I hear Martin, "I love DICKS!"  Because I love Dick's Sporting Goods.  You know... they should REALLY change the name of the store.  Obviously... my mind isn't in the gutter like some peoples!

That was pretty much our whirlwind trip to California.  Orange County, down to San Diego, back up to Orange County then back down to San Diego and finally... HOME!  More singing, seat dancing, bad lyrics and crappy food for the way home but with a sidekick, they make that very long drive so much better!  I LOVE MY SIDEKICK!!!

New semester, painting and a volleyball seeding...

I really thought the ASU semesters were like those in California... you get about a month off of school and at the end of January you go back to school.  Luckily I decided to look at my schedule at the end of December and LO AND BEHOLD!  I started on the 7th.  So, off I went to my first day on Tuesday with no "first day of Spring Semester" photo taken or any type of fanfare (Steve was working).  I found the parking structure I paid and arm and leg to park Pricilla in, I arrived a little early and after finding my class I decided to peruse the Life Science wing and it had displays of SNAKES!  They were pretty cool.  The snake in the picture and I had a staring contest...the snake won. 

 

 

The Chemistry class is very large, homework is done online and I had to buy this clicker thing so the teacher can poll the class, the class uses the clicker to answer the question and that's how you get points for participation.

 

Now, while we were at Lowes looking for paint, I came across this Metallic paint that caught my interest.  It's shiny.  I love shiny things.  Then while I was looking for the special rollers I found paint crystals that you add to the paint to make the walls sparkle!  You would have thought I just won the lotto.  Steve was stunned that they actually made that and the paint associate laughed at my enthusiasm at sparkly metallic paint for the bedroom.  Fast forward one week.  While I was in class, Steve was making the wall sparkle in our bedroom.  I called him as I left school and he said that the walls were almost done and they looked good.  I couldn't wait to see them!  Right when I got home I ran up the stairs and ran into the room and look on Steve's face stopped me in my tracks.  I look around the room, the wall, the bathroom and back to Steve...  "What's wrong?  Why does it smell so clean in here?"  Steve proceeded to tell me that he finished painting the wall and took a step backwards and knocked the rest of my sparkle paint over on the carpet.  He made up a few new cuss words, screamed some favorites and cleaned up the mess before I got home.  After he told me the story, I just looked at him... smiled... and got the response, "NO!  This doesn't mean you get the flooring."  I love the wall... so much that we'll be painting another accent wall and then continuing a lighter silver into the bathroom.

 

 New Years Resolution that I came up with for my sister is making a family dinner Friday nights.  I extended it to be every other week and on her off weeks I would cook.  So Friday (11Jan) I cooked enchiladas, home made refried beans and rice.  The family time continued into Saturday as we all woke up at 5:30am to get ready to head to Chandler for Nikki's volleyball seeding tourney.  It was 27 degrees,  lots of blankets, hats, gloves, coats and coffee..  It was a long day, but so exciting and I love watching my nieces play their sports.  Nikki is no exception!  Her serves, spikes, slowing play down to get her team in their places and her gazelle like moves makes us one proud uncle and aunt!  Steve and I even got teeshirts made for the tourney which we will proudly display for her first real tournament.  It was great fun watching the girls (95% of the girls on the team never played Club VB) and as the season progresses, I  know they'll find their rhythm soon!

 

Well, that's about it for this week.  Next week is a full week of school, work and driving into San Diego and Cypress to visit family and work!  Click on the link below to see a few shots from this last week.

 

 

A Week in Photos...

Pinterest is my holiday drug

To say that we went a little overboard with the holiday decorating is putting it mildly.  My sister, Kim, thought I was snorting Christmas, Steve told me he didn't want any gold decorations in the house, which had me throwing away some glittery gold garland and Pinterest made me spend alot of money at Michaels, Target and JoAnn's. 

The one thing that I thoroughly enjoyed was crafting and if you know me you know that I am not a huge crafter, but something came over me this last year and I decided to go for it.  So many cute things I saw on Pinterest that I had to try and TRY I DID!! 

I found a whimsical stocking that caught my eye and thought I could make it myself.  Steve helped me create the template for the stocking and he also helped me cut out the glittery circles that I added to the front of the stocking (all this while he was still watching football).  My sister helped me pick out the fabrics and the trim and off I went to make myself something spectacular.  What helped frame the stocking on my dark pink door was the frosted garland that I hung along with the green glittery accessories, the red and white candy canes and the red and white ornaments.  The whole thing came together so well that people started asking me if I would make them a stocking.  I didn't have time in that short amount of time, but decided that during this year, I'll be making this stocking to sell.  So, if you love it and would love one... look for me on etsy.com later this year.

I also made a few decorations for inside the house.  My favorite was the "Joy to the World" decoration.  Again, Steve had a great time "crafting" with me which made me happy and it gave him a look into how my mind works when I become focused on some thing.  He helped paint the boards and the Christmas tree and helped me put the entire decoration together.  He had so much fun that he drove me back to get more boards so we could make others!  So, I also made a "Deck the Halls" and "Let it Snow" decoration for the house. 

I think we'll start collaborating on our creations after my semester from hell is complete at the end of April.  I know I'm looking forward to creating these stocking and I think Steve is secretly looking forward to all the crafting!   Although at times I do laugh and think of that one episode of Friends where Chandler was helping Monica make potpourri sachels...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I really thought we would be riding hoverboards like Marty McFly by now, instead, we ended 2012 with our feet firmly planted on the ground!  Although it wasn't a space age entrance into 2013, it was still a great even spent with friends and family.

Steve and I bought fireworks from a local vendor and never once did the guy (who looked like my Uncle Garney) let us know that we couldn't set them off in Goodyear, AZ. Imagine our surprise and dismay at the thought of not having sparklers, black snakes, piccolo peats and fun fireworks to entertain the kids.  Well, we decided to still do it at the culdesac of my little sisters and try not to make too much noise, but with the group we had... noise couldn't be avoided.

The funniest moment of the night was when we saw a Goodyear Police cruiser slowing down on the main street.  We knew he was looking at us and our fireworks and then the cop took off.  Steve and I ran to the end of the street to see if he was turning down our street.  Although the cop kept going, my brother-in-law, grabbed the cooler (which had a few drinks on it that went flying) with one hand and his son with his other one and started running towards our house.  I had to laugh because I haven't seen my BIL run like that in a LOOONG time!  Once the hoopla died down, everyone came over to continue the celebrating.  Steve and the boys headed out to the back where the fire pit was lit and the rest of us decided to play Quelf.  If you haven't heard or played Quelf and you don't mind acting silly, it's the game to play!

 Kimmy with "Quelf" on her forehead

 Martin doing the splits

 

As we were playing the game, the door bell rang and we all looked at each other (think of the scene from Friends where the doorbell rang and they all looked at each other bewildered... that was how we looked) and just yelled "COME IN!"  The more the merrier was the motto for the night.  And was everyone ever merry!  Fireball Shots, Tequila shots, Beer, Wine, Champagne at midnight and ALOT OF SNACKS...  it was a great night over all and I'm so thankful I was able to end the year and start the new year with friends and family. 

2012 is behind us and I'm rather thankful for the year.  In a nutshell, it was a time of growing up and letting go.  We had our daughter's wedding, a move from California to Arizona, left my company as a FTE after 8 1/2 years, started consulting, made a move from CSU, San Marcos to ASU and the biggest challenge was my sister and being diagnosed with cancer.  BUT... as with everything else, it ended on a high note when we were told they caught all the cancer and she's on the road to gaining her life back! 

So, Happy New Year to all and to bigger and better adventures for 2013!!!!!!