We have a little Picasso!

Estella Louise just loves to Paint...

I think we may have a Lil' Picasso!

I wish you all a fantastic week, for we head east tomorrow to visit with loved ones, play in the snow, attend a wedding of two beautiful people, and visit Steeler Town; to see them kick the Bengals beehind!

Adios!

Organized chaos!?

5:00 a.m. Wally scratching at our door to let him out , so he can do his business.

7:00 a.m. Estella lets Wally back in the house, where Wally decides to do his business in the living room instead.

7:15 a.m. I'm on my hands and knees scrubbing dog "caca" off our living room carpet.

8:30 a.m. COFFEE break, and breakfast with Estella.

9:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m. Mother, sister Janette, Fabian & Pricilla come over to play with Estella, while I work in the office. Carpet installer's come over to give me quotes for new carpet. Lunch with Mother, sister Janette and the children. We say good-bye to Mother and the gang. Estella goes down for a nap, and I finally shower.

2:15 p.m. Jenny and Iris arrive. Jenny, Megan and I have a pedicure appointment. Iris sits for Estella.

2:30 p.m. Total relaxation begins.

3:55 p.m. I'm greeted at home with a BIG hug and kiss from a very happy to see her mother 2 year old...the BEST feeling all day.

5:15 p.m. Dinner is served.

Lamb kebab's, grilled vegetables and steamed white rice.

1 lb. lamb, cubed

*1 yellow bell pepper, cubed

*1 zucchini, cubed

*Asparagus bunch, trimmed

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1. Place cubed lamb in a large zip lock bag.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, whisk, and pour liquid mixture into bag.
3. Let meat sit in liquid mixture at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 8 hours.
4. Assemble kebab's, with lamb, bell pepper, asparagus and zucchini.
5. Place kebab's on hot grill, and grill at desired doness.

*Separately, drizzle bell pepper, zucchini, and asparagus with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Provecho!

booboo...not as a ghost boo boo

Cabinet with no lock + white ceramic bowl= a booboo!

o0h, how horrible-guilty & helpless I felt. The Doctor said the nail would fall off or the new nail would kick it off...it chose to fall off. Someone joked about calling CPS on me; haahaa! I almost cried.

On another note~

Halloween came and went. Estella helped carve her pumpkin, she was fascinated by the gooey flesh and slippery seeds...

like she was last year.

So, all is well with our little family. I'm happy to say that this time next week we'll be going back east to visit Jake's family. We're so looking forward to some cooler weather, and hopefully some snow...did I mentioned it's still like summer here? so over it!

Bon Appetit!

Yesterday my good friend Michelle and I communicated via email. We shared about our kids, husbands, ourselves, all things Halloween, and eventually what we were cooking for super that night. When I told her what I was cooking, she commented that I made her mouth watery, and requested the recipe... Here's to you Michelle~Bon Appetit!

Corn & Smoked Salmon Chowder-

Courtesy of "The New Basics Cook Book"

Their recipe doesn't ask for smoked salmon.

4 ounces sliced bacon, cut into 1-inch dice

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups chopped onions

2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour

4 cups chicken stock

2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice

1 cup half-and-half

4 cups cooked corn kernels, drained

3/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1 cup smoked salmon, cut to bite size pieces

salt to taste

1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice

3 scallions, white bulb and 3 inches green, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

1. Wilt bacon in a large soup pot over low heat until fat is rendered. Add the butter and allow it to melt.


2. Add onions and wilt over low heat for 10 min. Add flour and cook, stirring, another 5 min.


3. Add the stock and potatoes. Continue cooking over medium-low heat until the potatoes are tender, 12-15 min.


4. Add the half-and-half, corn, pepper, and salt. Cook 7 min., stirring occasionally


5. Add the smoked salmon, stir.


6. Add the bell pepper and scallions, adjust the seasonings, and cook an additional 5 minutes. Serve, and garnish with cilantro.

Truelly tasty!

Proud to be an American

On October 15, 2008

I took the Oath of Allegiance, to become a Citizen of the United States of America. A proud achievement, in my eyes. The most important right granted to United states citizen is the right to vote...will you be voting?

A very happy American girl at the ceremony

I'm proud to say that I love-LOVE my all American blue-eyed husband to pieces for always believing in me, and for giving me the stars, moon, ocean, My Sunshine (a.k.a Estella Louise)... I can seriously go on!

A proud husband and daughter. Pardon the wondering hand!

I'm proud that my parents being from Mexico, followed their dream to come to America, took the RISK to hike over the mountains (thirty-something years ago), to the land of opportunity, they did the right thing, and became legal citizen, so that they could give their children a better way of living... The Declaration of Independence states "That all men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", that was their dream for us...

yes, I'm proud to be an American!

R & R In Old Del Mar

We took a mini-vacation to our favorite little sea side village in Old Del Mar for some much needed R & R. We lounged in the sun, played, ate, and slept in.

This is the view from our living room at the bungalow we stayed at. I think it's beautiful! For Monday night football, we had this lovely vino for dinner, along with some tasty pasta.

Estella Louise having fun no matter where she is!

This morning was especially special because we had the beach all to ourselves.

Perfect for exploring the beach in SOLITUDE.

Lingering Birthday Party Mess

Estella's Birthday Party was last Saturday...

the shrinking Balloons are still everywhere, and toys...
see, more balloons & toys!

I hope to get my home back in order asap, so that I don't lose my mind :)