It's a Hit!

This cheesecake takes first prize in our family's book. Yes, it's Vegan, and even better than that, it's raw. How can you make cheesecake that tastes like the real thing without actually using cheese? Visit our Vegan Recipes Blog at www.veganladies.blogspot.com You will die over this. And you won't even miss the real thing.

Los Angeles

So this is the view you get . . .

. . . from THIS.

How such a magnificent piece of architecture stands tall amidst the chaos of the world, I will never truly understand. The view you get from the temple is not much. But the view you get from the world as seen from the Santa Monica Boulevard is astounding. Takes my breath away every time. Did you know it's the second largest temple in the world? I suppose it stands tall with a purpose. My heart swells to think the people of this great city of angels is slowly caving in to the corruption of the world and losing sight of what it was they stood for when they were given this name: El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles.

Thanx Tiff for babysitting the kiddos so that Mom, Dad, Alex and myself could all attend the temple together.

Twas a beautiful day!

Back to Good old Disney

Anyone who worked at Disneyland with me, knows that Disneyland is one of the last places I want to visit sometimes, but it doesn't cease to bring back old memories of trips with friends and family that I love. Those are the reasons it still draws me in. When I was actually able to go into the park for free, I rarely took advantage of it and now that I can't do that anymore I wish I could, for the sake of seeing my children's eyes light up at the sight of Mickey Mouse. Luckily, I still have one friend who still works there who could sign us all into both Disneyland and the California Adventure Park. Thanx Marie for being so kind. Props to the Disney Lifeguards!

So our first ride of the day was the Bug's Life pillbugs bumper cars that go very slow. Can you tell by the look on Orion's face? He barely missed the height requirement for a lot of the funner rides but oh well. Maybe next year.

My two kiddos waiting in line. They're such good sports.

What my son's obsession is with Christmas Ball Ornaments, I will never know.

Apparently, he thought we needed the blue one for our tree. I guess it matches.

The view from the Paradise Pier at the California Adventure.

And of course, we had to take pics next to our letters. C is for Chrysalis.

A is for Alex.

L is for Ligia.

And O is for Orion. Alex and I have decided we need 6 more kids whose names begin with I, F, R, N, I and A. Just kidding. Fun Day though. When there is no one left to sign us in, I will miss going to Disneyland for free.

Spreading the Arts and Crafts

I spent an evening with my old friend Ania and here is the wipey case I made for her. She decorated the top.

I also made some new flowers for Chrys. As if she didn't have enough. I know.

But tell me they're cute.

Ania made some for her little baby Adilyn too. She was such a peach the whole time. Slept away.

Orion wanted to kiss her. Beware Adilyn.

Another shot of this little sweetheart.

Can you tell we were all crafted out by the end of the evening?

Old Friends

It's funny, but the people I least expect to keep in contact with after highschool are the ones who constantly call me up to try and get together when I'm out visiting in Cali. These two psychos have always been on top of it. Jk. You know I love you guys. My good old pals Solomon Lopez and Jennifer Sirisuk. Life just wouldn't be the same without "consequences."

The Start of New Traditions

This was our 2009 Christmas Dinner. The riot that took place at the sight of such a colorful platter was maddening. But nobody can claim to have been slaving away at the kitchen over a hot oven full of turkey. To be totally honest, I don't think anyone really wanted to. Here's to a start of new traditions in my family. The day after Christmas, everyone either went to In-N-Out or Sergio's Burritos (My Dad's favorite Burrito place in LA).

Visiting with the Johnsons Again

Brian, Kira and little Bracken came out to Phoenix to visit. Sadly we were getting ready to leave when they finally had a moment away from their family, but at lease we took some pics of the kiddos to document their growth. Bracken and Chrys are about a month apart. It's so exciting to see how much they change over such a short amount of time. We just love this little family. It'll be sad not to be able to hang out with you guys this next summer.

playin around

We just got a new computer and are playing around with the pseudo photoshop program.

Here's one that I made.

Twinkle Twinkle. . .

. . .Little Star. I'll always be his fan.

Chrysalis Walks

So, Chrysalis has been walking for almost a month now and I haven't gotten around to getting any of it on video so here is some footage of the event. Here she is at 11 months walking like a pro. She's so fast she's practically running. Fearless and ready to get into all sorts of mischief. Can't wait. Life is about to get more interesting.