Great Big Blessing - September 27, 2009

My little Wester's blessing was such a special moment in our lives. As Derek lovingly gave him his beautiful blessing I felt his love for his son. It was a true blessing for me to able to be there to witness such a special moment, in our lives. Derek asked me if I wanted to hold West, as he came back to sit down, and handed him to me. West's look was absolutely that of peace (he looked blessed) from having felt his father's blessing even though he was only a baby. That memory of him all dressed in white, laying on the white blanket his grandmother Lori made for him will stay with me forever.

Wester with grandpa Brent and grandma Lori

Wester with great-auntie Maria,

whom appears to have forgotten how to hold a baby! He he!

Wester with auntie Jodi, she's a natural!

The Wester with great-auntie Ophie.
He always loves it when she holds him!

Wester and his great-grandma Marie.

My Father's Gifts Oct 23, 1940 - Sep 1, 2009

I still cannot accept that fact that my father is no longer with us. My father was a fighter all his life and to not have him here with us is just not real yet. Not sure it will ever be. If you have ever tried to keep a positive attitude about life, you shoud have met my father. Nothing bothered him really. I never saw him mad or upset at anyone. I never heard him say a bad word in anger at anyone. He was always smiling! My father thought me a lot about gardening and how to grow plants and work the land. I think that's why I love playing in the dirt! He also thought me how to parallel park when I was 16! Many people have problems parking parallel, but not me. Every time I parallel park I think of him. Most important of all, my father gave his family, and his posterity, the gift of being citizens of this great country of ours that I love so much. What a priceless gift to give to those you love.

Since I was the first born, and I was born in June I tell my siblings I was my dad's first Father's Day gift!

My dad with his first grandchild, my daughter, Angel.

This my sister Soco's wedding. Nice bunch, Dad!

Here we are at my daughter's wedding in 2006. My dad sure made a beautiful family.

My dad meets his great-grandson, West, for the first and last time. They'll both miss out a great deal.

My dad, as my boyfriend Chris put it, was the strongest 90lb man I ever met.

Te recordamos siempre.
We remember you always.

West's 1st visit to Turlock 08/08/09

Someone's comfy sleeping on grandmas chest! Soo cute!!

Little cousins touching the new arrival's little hands.

West on grandma's lap out in the backyard. He loves being outside....my little tree hugger!

GRAMMOLOUS ADDIE

I am officially a grandma, a grandmother, a grandmama, a grandina, an abuelita, or how about GRADDIE!?

Here's the little guy that made it all happen!

West Alvin
07/07/2009
7 lbs. 7oz.
21.06 in.

After the ordeal the little guy went through to get here, he needs a nap!!

First thing a saw when I walked in the room were these little legs!!

Proud Ama Prieta.....I could cry!

Tired mommy and daddy are glad it's all over with!

It's amazing to see the tiny perfection in his tiny little fingers.

Angel's Baby Shower

OMG! There is only about a month left before the baby comes!!!

Here are some of the pics from the fun fun event on Sat June 6th, in honor of this cute little miracle!

This image from the baby's 3-D ultra sound. Amazing!

Shower invites....one of 4 made

Inside shows baby's precious face

The GLOWING mom-to-be the day of the shower!

She loved this comphy chair that my sister-in-law, Liz, and my mom set up for her!

Hand-stiched blanky by auntie Carol

Can you tell Angel was happy?!

How about that diaper cake!? Cute, huh?....especially that darn giraffe....so soft!

Mommy & Me outfit


Baby Clothesline decor...simple but so cute. Check out the looong johns in the back! Too funny!


These little onesie cookie Favors where so much fun to make



Cupcakes instead of a cake....uh, could've looked better.
I'm going to buy a cupcake stand!
Refreshing fruit


I think I ate all the brownies myself, and the kids LOVED taking big bits ouf of the onesie cookies!
The white choc chip cookies were made especially for the father-to-be since he's allergic to chocolate!

Mother's Day Memories

On Mother's Day I was surprised by a delivery of lovely flowers and delicious Belgian chocolates from my daughter and favorite son-in-law! :)

Two delicious layers of all kinds of truffles!

Me and my Ama...that's the best smile I was able to get out of her!

Mother's Day ifts

Easter Memories

It's always so much fun to watch the kids' excitment during the egg hunt, as well as watching the kid in the adults come out!!

Aiden rushes across the yard where there are more eggs!

Cristian, Bella and Gaby

In case you can't tell, these cupcakes are "Nests"!


Puppies love Easter too!


Yey! Ray's got two eggs!


Yumm....chocolate cupcakes too!

He thinks there's money in the eggs!

Angel, Tasha and Robert

Christmas

How greatful we are for every blessing in our lives. The gifts are nice, but being able to share this time with family is what matters!

Louie and his grandma, Marie

The ribbon-wearing boy, Cristian

I have that salad bowl and I love it!

I think Bella could have a future with National Geographic

Aiden and Bella love passing out gifts

Well, looks like Gracie got a bag full of tissue paper!

and I'm not sure who invited these two gay strippers!

Tommy is ready to open his gifts!

I had to help him open his packages...Thanks Mar for the yammy treats!!!

Now Elyssa has many ribbons to wear.

What a cute newphew I have!!! Cheese!!!

That's it. All other pictures were EVEN busier