**GIVEAWAY ALERT** Cause I'm totally lame

Yup, you read that right.

I'm lame AND I have something to giveaway, like right now!

I posted almost a year a go a spoiler alert that I had tried this new product.

 

 

I tried it just before the baby was born.

My mom kept giving me a hard time about using special soap for the baby and I have used Purex detergent and fabric softener for years and even when my first born was a baby.

 

I was not going to buy a separate detergent AND then wash the baby's clothes in a separate wash either!

 

Well I got this sample from the great people over at Purex.

It's the New Purex Crystals for baby!

I tried it on a huge load of baby clothes after my baby shower.

Just add to the wash like you would with any other Crystals product.

I like that it is Hypoallergenic, Dye Free and natural.

 

As always I am not disappointed with Purex.

I liked the smell although it did seem a little strong at first.

I guess depending on how you feel about putting your baby in heavily scented items of clothing. I liked that it smelled sweet and fresh and clean for a long time. It seemed to me the scent for the Crystal's for Baby lasted longer than the other scents.

Now I am using the Crystals for baby on all our clothes.

 

Ok, sooooo here's the good part!

 

I have THREE coupons for a FREE sample for you guys!

The catch is, and part of the reason I am so lame is that I was supposed to do this post, well like forever ago. Now here I sit writing this on December 18th freaking out cause these expire on 12/31 and I want to give them to someone!!

 

 

 

 

 

So if you want to score yourself a FREE sample of the New Purex Crystals for Baby, lets take a chance here and I wanna mail these out IMMEDIATELY and you have to get to your nearest Walmart IMMEDIATELY and redeem them.

 

I am going to give the first 3 people who comment on this post.

YES, the first three so hurry up and leave me a comment that includes your email so that I can contact you for your address.

 

Ready.... Set... GO!

 



its all about what matters most

 

A while back I was reading {this} post from the sweet Erika of Life Unfluffed.
I could totally relate to what she was saying.
 

 4 years ago, my life as I knew it changed.

That was when I had my first born.
 

 

I somehow found an article from Baby Center titled
42 things that change when you have a baby.

I struggled at first with so many changes and it helped me to get through my  new life becoming a mother.

My friendships changed.
My daily routine changed.
I got less sleep.
I got less alone time.
I got a lot less husband and wife alone time!

 

Now we have 2 children.

I cannot imagine my crazy life any way else.

I love my children as crazy as they make me.

I crawl into my son's bed at night when he's sleeping and stroke his hair and kiss his cheek and I'm amazed at the little human he has become.
I'm so proud to hear him count and write his name and problem solve. When he is loving to his sister I know that he feels loved. The pride in my heart when he creeps up quietly when I am feeding his sister and gently kisses her on the head is undescribeable.

I hold my baby in my arms before putting her down in her crib at night just a little bit longer knowing she isn't going to stay a baby for long. The joy I feelwhen my baby girl takes her first 5 steps towards me and says mama, there are no words.

I terribly miss sleeping in or not waking up in the middle of the night to nurse, yes I she is still waking up! (Uggh)

But the feeling of being a mother, only a mother knows.

I feel so blessed to have two amazing human beings that are a part of me and my husband.

 

 

So just as Erika said in her post, I too feel sorry for this woman who doesn't know yet the feeling of unconditional love when your child needs you and you need your child.

 

 



ooh miss martha...

So, again, Martha Stewart has caused quite a stir with bloggers everywhere.

I have to say when I saw the video clip of her interview, I too was offended.

In case you haven't heard, this is what she said....

“Who are those bloggers? They’re not trained editors at Vogue Magazine. Writing recipes that aren’t tested, that aren’t necessarily very good. Or are copies of everything that really good editors have created and done. Bloggers create a popularity but they are not the experts.”

Not like I feel like I have to defend myself, but I feel justified in having a little vent session.

I have been blogging for a few years now and I personally have never tried to portray myself as a professional or an expert. I know what I know, I know works for me and I know what I don't know, which is a lot.

 

I also have never come across a blogger who has claimed to be an expert either.

 

No we are not Vogue editors or trained professionals.

 

(But then again, neither is Martha. Last I checked she learned to sew from her grandmother and her mom taught her to cook)

 

We are REAL LIFE PEOPLE.

We are mother's, wives, some of us work, we provide for our family a loving home, cooked meals, a loving heart...

 

The blogging community is a huge community of friends and extended family.

 

The reason I blog is because I enjoy the community we have created as bloggers. We are all friends, a sort of extended family that we can turn to talk, to discuss things, to get advise, to share recipes and our successes and fails. The blogging community has been a great source to turn to for everything and anything and with so many of us out there, you can get so many points of view. No one said they are right, infact some even may say they are wrong.

I have found some great friends blogging and I am so greatful for the relationships that I created blogging. I guess that's part of the reason I took offense to what Martha said.

Anyway, that is my little rant about it, and I'm still proud to be a blogger and proud of all my blogging friends.

Not like I could afford any of her things in the first place, but this just secures why I will never buy Martha Stewart products.


 I'm liking up my thoughts with Juggling Act Mama
{HERE}
 

 

 



what in the world was i thinking

 

So I finally did it.

Or at least I started it.

 

What?

 

I started painting my kitchen cabinets.

 

If anyone tells you its an easy kitchen update, they lie.

 

If anyone tells you its a weekend project, they lie.

 

I have been looking at this in my garage for 3 weeks now.

 

Wish me luck that this will be the last weekend of cabinet painting ... untill time to do the bottom cabinets.

 



Happy Hump Day!

It's hump day and so far I've survived so I think I'm gonna make it till Friday!

 

 

I have been very absent but I also have been very busy.

 

We've been doing all kinds of projects around the house, I just havent made much of an effort to sit down and wite ALL the posts that I have been planning in my head.

 

What else is up?

 

I've taken a step back and looked at my blogging and what I want out of it and where I will go with it.

 

So what does that mean?

 

Well, for one, I will probably move my blog over to my own domain.

 

It will get quite a makeover.

 

I will be more committed to posting.

 

I will be me.

 

I will be truthful.

 

Not that I havent been all this time, but, well..... when I begin my new blogging journey I will explain it all.

 

It will take some time to make the move so in the meantime please be patient with me.

I know it will be a bumpy road ahead so I hope you can come along and enjoy the ride with me!



time stops for no one

Hey guys I've got a little time so I'm checking in with ya'll!

 

So much going on!

What's been going on?

 

My little girl is growing soooo fast, too fast.

She's now pulling herself up on the chair and walking back and forth between the chair and the couch! Seriously SLOW DOWN BABY!

 

 

 

Last week Monday my hubby and I celebrated  our 13 year wedding anniversday.

Yup, 13 years.

We can't belive it either.

 

We celebrated with dinner at Roy's Restaurant.

Thank you to the bestest neighbor and friend who watched the kids!

 

 

 It was such a special treat.

We realized that it was the first time we were alone togther since before the baby was born and she's now 7 months old.

It also made us realize that we really do need to make time for each other as husband and wife. We need to make the effort to connect.

 

But, of course I have to tell you about the food!

YUM-O!

The hubby had the Hawaiian Ranchers Rib Eye and he said it was excellent.

I went for something I normally never would pick and I had the duck and scallops.

Oh, man! The scallops were perfectly cooked and the duck was unbelievable!

 

 

 

 Of course we could not leave without their signature chocolate soufle.

Hubby wouldn't share so I had to get my own.

 

 

 We had a great time, big shout out to Roy's for doing an excellent job as always!

And can't forget a big thanks to Lanell for watching the kids, otherwise we would not have had the time to ourselves.

 

It really helped us to remember that we are still a married couple.

We often forget about that with the craziness of life.

Work, kids, home, it takes A LOT.

So does a marriage.

We made it through 13 year and we want to make it through another 13 years.

 

So Happy Anniversary Hunny, I love you.

 

 

 



The ongoing shower saga...

I haven't only been too busy to blog, but we have been so busy, we still have not gotten to work on our shower project.

 

Almost 2 year to the date (August 1, 2011) I posted about finding a major leak in my master shower. (please excuse the lack of pictures, I don't know where they went)

 

We'll it's embarrasing to admit but it has taken us 2 years to finally get our butts in gear and get started on the demo. Yesterday we FINALLY pulled up our sleeves, ok fine, not we, my hubby worked his butt off to get the shower stall cut out.

 

 

It was actually a bit of a big job and he had to stop every time the baby fell asleep as her room is right next to this bathroom.

But we finally got it done and where was once a crappy leaking shower is now a big hole.

 

 

Now that should get our butts in gear to put in a new shower!

 

We're debating between putting in a shower pan and then tiling the walls or to try our hand at a thing we saw on diy called goof proof showers.

Anyone got any suggestions?

 

 

 



Life...

 

Life, happens.

For me, lots of stuff happens in my life.
I work full time and I'm a mom.
I just had my baby girl and I'm still keeping up with my active little boy.

I love my life and wouldn't trade it for anything although some days I wish I could just click my heels togethr and say Calgone take me away and bam I'm beachside somewhere getting a massage and sipping on some kind of cheesy fruity drink.

Yes, I've been very absent.
Yes, I miss it very much.

But I have been spending time with my family, trying to keep my head above water and watching my babies grow way too fast and right before my eyes!
How does time just fly by so quickly once you have kids?

Things have changed in me, in my heart since having my baby girl.

First of all I know that she is my last baby. I will NOT be having any more kids... PERIOD.

Secondly, she is different. Partly because she is my last baby and partly because she has such a beautiful personality. I enjoy every moment I have with her and it also makes me reflect on my experience with my son as a baby.
We had a rough start but my relationship with my baby girl makes me appreciate and make more of an effort to show my son attention as well.

Will I be back, yes.
Will I post often, I don't know. It depends on how much time I have.
Will I post the same things, probably some of the same and some different.

Thanks for sticking around for the ride and hang on for more.
Who knows where this will go.

June Bride **cute video alert**

No, not me... I am not a June bride, but I did have the chance to officiate the wedding of Ericjohn and Amber Garcia this past Saturday.

 

It's been a while since I did a wedding post and I'm excited to share this one with all of you.

 

The couple is so young and fun and so is their entire bridal party.

 

I had so much fun and even got teary eyed when the bride was presented to her groom by her father and brother.

They have been together for years and already have 2 children together.

Thanks Amber and Ericjohn for letting me be a part of your special day!

Also, R30k Productions filmed their wedding and put this little video together.
Amazing, everything is shot with the Go Pro cameras.

You can check out their BLOG
 and their YOUTUBE channel

Hope you enjoy the video!

For those of you who live here or are coming for a destination wedding,
talk to Reyton for your video needs.

For those of you who do not live here,
yes, it is pidgen they are speaking!

 

 



Garcia Wedding, Kauai Hawaii, June 22, 2013 from R30k productions :) on Vimeo.

Koloa Camp Saga... continues

Just as the Koloa Camp was on my mind the other week, last week our local newspaper The Garden Island had an article about the camp.

 

Properly entitled Koloa Camp is a ghost of former self, the article talks about how the camp is just abandoned.

 

Interesting, guess I wasnt the only one who had the camp on my mind.

It's very sad to see all that fuss made about how the tennants had to get out so the new develpment could get under way and start turning out homes within 9 months.
And now one year later it still sits, over grown, abandonded.

On another note, my mother one of the last tennants to leave the camp has expired her 1 year lease on her studio and is once again forced to move and find another place to live.

If you want to read more on Koloa Camp you can ---> HERE



What's on my mind....

It's been over a year since we left our life long home...

I told all of you about our camp residents being evicted about a year and a half ago.
It was a very emotional journey connecting with our roots, our families and fighting for our homes.

We lost the battle, but some think not the war.

Well fast forward to today, and the camp still sits.
Now completely vacant.
Overgrown.
Untouched.
Lifeless....

All those families evicted out of their homes, and for what?

The land owners bullied them and fought them proving they are the wealthy powerful bloodsuckers and then nothing.

Just think of all those families that could still be living in their homes all this time.

I think of what used to be my home and I have very fond memories, even up until the day we had to leave.
I miss my home, I miss my childhood, I miss the families we had there.



 

 



just the 3 of us

 

Last summer my dearest friend Charity came back home for a visit.

She is an amazing friend, more like she and her family are a part of our family.

It's been almost a year since we've seen her and we miss her so much!

 

Not only that but she is also a very talented photographer.

While she was here, we got to take some family photos, just the 3 of us.

 

 

It was actually during this shoot that we told her we were expecting, so technically it was the 4 of us. hehe

 

 

 

 

She captures his perfect smile, that doesnt happen very often!

 

Honey come home already we miss you!!!

 



sleeping baby

 

It's been a while since I posted, our house got caught with the sickies.

Luckily the kids had just a slight cold but mama on the other hand, I'm still trying to recover. It's been lingering for over a week now and I've just been exhausted.

I'm just greatful that the kids are better.

 

And speaking of kids...

 

Believe it or not, my baby girl is sleeping in the picture below.

 

 

 

Kinda creepy isn't it?

 

I love how peaceful my kids look when they are sleeping.

 

I can go into my son's room a dozen times at night after he goes to sleep and just kiss him and watch him sleep.

Other than watching one of his movies thats the only time he's still.

 

And speaking of sleep... yawn... it's about that time.

 

Good night y'all.



Mother's day

 

 I had a wonderful Mother's Day.

 

I got to sleep in till almost 11am!

My hubby made us breakfast, or should I say brunch since it was sooo late.

 

 

 

 

He picked out the most beautiful cards, one from him and one from the kids.

I also got a special massage and aromatherapy treatment... hubby done good!!

 

 

And I just got to spend the rest of the day with my babies.

The wonderful reason I get to celebrate this day.

 

My lil angel.... she is such a happy happy soul.

I hope I can make her as happy as I do now in 13 years when she's a crazy teenager.

 

 

My crazy lil guy that just amazes me sometimes. He is so loving towards the people he loves, he is attentive to his sister, and although too hyperactive and whiny at times he is too wise for his 4 years of life.

 

Here he is telling us he needs to check his email.

 

 

 

My mom came over in the afernoon and spend time with her grandkids and me of course.

Then the hubby and I grilled up some steak and potatoes for dinner.

 

 

As much as I love being appreciated and doted on during Mother's Day, I cannot forget two things.

One, the mother who gave me life. Who carried me for 9 months, who I depended on for nourishment and support and comfort and who sacrificed to be there for me as I was growing up. Not just my mother but also my grandmother who was a second mom to me.

 

Secondly, my children and what a blessing from God that they are. Of course without them I could not celebrate Mother's Day but also without them I would not be the person that I am today. I appreciate all they have shown me, the unconditional love, their dependance on me has taught me unselfishness and the miracle of life.

 

I truly have been blessed and I hope all the mother's out there had a great Mother's Day as well.

 

 

 

 

 



is the doctor in?

 

I just can't get enough of how well he plays with his little sister and how much she adores her big brother.

 



i heart my kids

 

 

First of all, it still seems strange to me to say kids.

I have kids, as in more than one!

 

I feel so blessed to have two healthy children.

They are wonderful and wonderful with eachother and I am so lucky.

 

 

My little girl absolutely adores her big brother.

She watches his every move and listens and coos when he talks to her.

He eyes light up and she smiles whenever he's near.

 

 

My son is so happy everytime he sees his sister smiling.

He is a doting big brother and is always keeping an eye out for his sister.

He's very protective of her.

 

Even though they are 4 years appart, I can already see that they are close to each other's heart.

 



The first week...

Well I survived my first week back at work!

 

It was hard I admit, but I'm glad to be working again. I miss my baby girl during the day and I'm exhaused but we're getting back into a routine and I got my paycheck at the end of the week to pay my mortgage. Of course that helps!

 

Monday morning I cried in the car on the way to the sitters, but I was fine after that. I was so busy at work that I didn't have time to even really think about it too much. Plus it makes it so much easier when you just love the people you work with.

 

We are still trying to get the little girl on a schedule and get to bed early enough so that I can get more sleep and on Wednesday night she stayed up till midnight!

But how can you get mad at this precious face!!

 

 

 

I paid for it the next day though and was dragging really bad.

 

Well, it's Saturday morning and off to wash laundry and clean house, then a nap!

Have a great Saturday everyone!

Hello? Is anyone still out there?

Hello?

 

Is anyone there?

 

Yes, it has been a LONG time. I took a serious break from blogging and the entire time I missed it. I missed all of you. I missed being creative and sharing what I've been up to.

I missed this great community of bloggers.

But, I've enjoyed every minute that I had with my new baby and our new family.

It's Sunday and I'm enjoying the last day I have at home with my baby as I have to go back to work tomorrow. I am both exicted to go back to work refreshed and get back to a schedule but also sad to leave my baby, I wish I could just be a stay at home mom. But since no one has offered to pay my mortgage and the bank would probably not like it if I suddenly stop paying, I must get back to work.

Well hopefully here I am, not only back to work but back to blogging. So much has happened and honestly I don't know how we survived! The biggest and bestest thing of course is this little miracle....

Introducing
Aria Cruz Sayoko Mandrigues Morales

 

She was born on February 25th weighing in at 7 lbs 8.8 oz and measuring 19 inches long.

She completes us!

 

 

I'm so greatful to have been home with her the last 8 weeks. She has made me fall in love with babies all over again. She is such a good girl, very happy baby. She makes me reflect on my first born and appreciate him even more.

 

We're so happy to have her in our family. Her big brother loves her and she just adores him.

 

Well here I am! I hope I can keep up.
Thanks for sticking around while I was taking a break and I hope you all stick around to hear all of my new adventures!

 

New Product!! and a giveaway spoiler….

 

I just tested out a new product!

Stay tunned to see what I think of it and there just might be a giveaway!

anxiety strikes!!!

(I was supposed to post this last week, but it didn’t happen so it’s a few days late)

I went to my doctors appointment last Wednesday and I’m now on once a week check ups.

I go again this Friday, once a week check up makes me nervous or anxious or scared or excited, I haven’t figured it out yet. I think a little of everything.

What also makes me nervous is that the doctor seems to think this baby is coming early and since last Wednesday I’ve been having all sorts of crazy labor dreams.

I know you can’t be totally ready for labor and brining a new baby home, but I just have these strange feelings of I have to finish this or that first.

My shower is on Saturday and the hubby wants me to last till then. I have some things to do at work that I really want to get done with before I go on leave. Why I feel I have these priorities I have no idea.

I really do just want to make it through this weekend, get everything ready and spend some quality time with my son before we totally throw him off adding another one to the mix. I’ve been trying to talk to him and prepare him for what is coming. Of course he seems to understand but when we bring the baby home, I’m sure it’ll be another story.

God, please help me.

Here I am at about 35 weeks, I know I look small, everyone keeps telling me that but I do feel so big and so uncomfortable. 

Update… it’s Sunday night and I made it this far. I survived the shower and I want to share some pictures so bad! Of course I was having too much of a good time to take a single photo.

Thankfully my mother in law and my sister in law was taking pictures so I hope to share them soon!

 

Life Lessons..

 

I saw someone post this and I just had to share. We all keep looking for the secret to a happy life, maybe this 90 year old woman has a clue. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. 

 

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer Newspaper, Cleveland, Ohio.
"To ...celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step..
3. Life is too short - enjoy it..
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
family will.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.
7... Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9.. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11... Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don't worry; God never blinks.
16... Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to be happy. But it's all up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23 Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will
this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive but don't forget.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38.. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd
grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

I got this from facebook, but the actual post I think comes from this {Source}

35 Week Update!

It’s hard for me to believe that I’m already at 35 weeks!

This pregnancy seemed to just fly by.

Yesterday I had my check up and we’re now on weekly appointments. Dr thinks I just may not make it till the end of February, and neither do I.

So here goes, these photos are taken 1 day apart.

 

How far along? 35 weeks

Baby’s Size: according to babycenter.com about 5lbs and the size of a honeydew melon

Weight Gain: as of my apt yesterday dr is reporting 24 lbs. That is really different from my son where I had gained over 40 lbs.

Bellybutton: in but completely stretched out

Stretchmarks: thankfully none

Maternity Clothes: Yes definitely most of my clothes are maternity. The jeans in the first pix are just a larger size and not buttoned all the way up. I can still get away with some non-maternity clothes but I’m more comfortable in maternity wear.

Names: I guess! My husband said since I chose the name for our son then he gets to choose the name for this one. We tried and tried to come up with names together but we just can’t agree. He is holding firm on the name he chose and I’m pretty sure if nothing wow’s me and changes my mind before the big day, I’ll let him have it! haha

Gender: Well I have never officially announced what it is but if you follow me on instagram I’m sure you’ve figured it out. Stay tuned another week and I guess I’ll show you when I post pictures from our shower.

Movement: ooh yes, a lot, I’m getting my butt kicked! All up in my ribs and especially at night when I want to sleep!

Sleep: Speaking of sleep! hahaa…. eh, not enough. I’m so tired and exhausted by after lunch. Some nights I get a good sleep but most I’m up with either leg cramps or having to go to the bathroom or something.

Symptoms: I’m still very moody, very impatient. I get really bad indigestion almost every time I eat.

Food Aversions: I really haven’t had any.

Food Cravings: odd thing is just this past week I’ve been craving watermelon thanks to my neighbor! But it’s been too cold to find comfort in a cool juicy watermelon.

What I miss: Feeling normal!! I am so uncomfortable! I miss a good night’s sleep, I miss feet that don’t get swollen at the end of the day. I miss fitting into my clothes! I miss being able to eat like a normal person, right now I can eat only small portions every few hours. I miss being able to put shoes on and actually see my feet! hahaha

What I am Looking forward to: Our shower next week, I’m sure we’ll have a fun time getting together with our friends and family. Also just having the baby already! I’m so done.

Monday Music Moves Me Linky Party

It has been like FOREVER since I partied with these guys. It’s so much fun to participate in this linky party.

It’s time for



and today’s theme is music to work out to.

Well it’s been a LONG time since I’ve worked out and I’m on doctor’s orders not to so that I don’t go into labor too early. Sucks for me huh… not !

When I do work out, I like to jog or train martial arts. I suck at jogging. But when I do work out or prepare for training I like to listen to… drum roll please….



Have fun on the music train!!

blank page in a new book…

Have you heard that saying before? That January 1st is the first blank page in a new 365 day book?

At this point in my life, I hope so, I really do.

The weekend before New Year’s we spend a lot of time giving the house a really good cleaning and checking off a lot of our to do’s from our list that we never seem to make the effort to do.

The boys washed the screens all over the house and I cleaned the windows from the inside. BTW, window cleaning tip, equal parts rubbing alcohol and water… done!

We also put together the baby’s crib and shampooed the carpet in the entire house. Next time, we’re ripping out the carpet and putting down wood floors! I’m not even joking!

It felt good and it was our way of washing off the old to begin new.

I got to spend some time with my lil guy just me and him. I treated him to his first Icee, and probably his last. Don’t let this photo fool you, he didn’t like it much.

We took in a beautiful sunset right in our yard while I watered the grass.

We spent New Year’s with our friends and my son was so excited to be going to what he called a firework party.

This was the first year he really got into the fireworks and sparklers, usually he keeps to the pop pops and stays away from anything you light on fire.

Great, I think I have myself a fire bug.

Of course as tradition goes, we had mochi soup at midnight.

YUM!

We had a nice time and I for one am happy to say goodbye to 2012 and look forward to a brighter and different new year in 2013.

I have decided not to make resolutions or a list of goals for this year. We have so much going on and especially with the new baby on the way I don’t want to be tied to a list that I will constantly compare myself to.

Instead the only thing I want to work towards this year is enjoying and loving my family. I will not let myself get pressured to doing certain things by a certain time. I will not pressure myself with the little details. I will let go and let God guide me. My focus is my family and they come first, not making anyone else happy.

Here’s hoping for a better 2013 for my family and all of you!

easy dinner night…

It’s Thursday, I didn’t know what to make for dinner and I didn’t have anything defrosted.

I stopped in our local grocery store and picked up a tray of hamburger and as I’m standing in line… like forever… it’s Pau Hana time people, everyone is shopping for their dinner and they only have two registers open?! Well, thank goodness for the wait because I picked up some random magazine that had a picture of a plate of spaghetti on the cover with the caption best sauce ever.

Well of course I had to pick it up and start reading. I glanced at the recipe briefly and then of course it was my turn and I had to either buy the magazine or put it down. Well, being cheap… mean frugal I put the magazine down, checked out and went home hoping I’d remember the recipe.

Well, I didn’t. All I could remember was carrots, onions, cinnamon and nutmeg. I figured I’d wing it.

I mixed my hamburger with half a packet of Italian dressing powder, a little bit of ketchup,about a teaspoon of crushed garlic, a couple of dashes of worcestershire sauce and by a couple I mean about 10, a few dashes of cinnamon and nutmeg and about a half a package of crushed up butter crackers. I made them into little meatballs and fried them up. After they browned up on all sides I took them out of the pan and drained most of the oil. Then I added one large can of spaghetti sauce, no homemade for me tonight I’m trying to rush. I put one bay leaf and then the meatballs back in to simmer all together.

I made a package of spiral egg noodles just cause they’re fun shaped. At the very end I sprinkled a lot of parmesan cheese over the sauce. Put it all together and sprinkle a bit more cheese, cause well I think everything is better with lots of cheese.

I really enjoyed the taste and so did this lil guy!

Now the hubby is on his way home, lets hope he likes it too!