1st Christmas

Oh so cute to see little babes on their first Christmas.  This is my sweet nephew playing in his walker with a oldie but goodie.  I love his chubbers cheeks and the deep dimples in his hands.  Precious sweet little baby.

Gotta say that my kids love Christmas time too.  The next is of my third and my other nephew giving each other rides in the stroller before the big presents bash!  Yay for little people that can have a good time with just about anything.

 

 

Do you see the family resemblance?  You have to really look hard.  But it is there.  Merry Christmas Lil' Shugs.

Christmas Eve Traditions in my home

On Christmas eve my family has a tradition of preparing (rushing) for Santa Claus to find his way to our house.  We make Christmas cookies and decorate them with more sprinkles than a cookie can hold.  So much that it ends up on the bottoms of my shoes and on their white socks. Oh well...Santa has gotta eat something.  I think I will ask Santa for new socks...hmm.  By the way, I made fancy hazelnut-chocolate dipped cookies too but, there is not really enough left over to take a decent photo. 

Here are some smiles from my kidlets while making Christmas cookies.  The smiles caught me by surprise and I didn't have my camera ready--so snap shots are gonna have to do this time. :o)

We also prepare our reindeer food to sprinkle in the grass to make sure the reindeer can find their way in the dark night.  No shots of this.  My kids were done crafting pretty soon when I told them we would have to clean it all up!

Reindeer Food Recipe and Poem
Sprinkle this reindeer food outside tonight.
The moonlight will make it sparkle bright.
As the reindeer fly and roam.
This will guide them to your home.

Recipe:
Old Fashioned Oats
Red Sugar
Green Sugar 
(or glitters if you wish)
mix all together and save in a ziploc bag.


Merry Christmas All!

Get Well Soon Julian

I have sweet little friend that is working on getting well.  He has had an unexplained illness and is now working through the effects.  I am praying for him to get well and to progress everyday.  There are no words that can bring comfort to a family that is dealing with an unknown illness that has attacked their son. 

To my brother and sister Marty and Hortensia, you are always in my prayers.  Julian's well being is at the top of my list every morning and it will continue to be for as long as he needs me.  I am signing on as a devoted personal prayer warrior. 

Julian, you are a special little being.   I remember holding you for the first time and thanking your mom for bringing you to us.  You take your time and kick this illness to the curb.  I will come to see you as often as I can.  I can't resist the sweet little kisses.

34 Years!

To celebrate my birthday I have decided to share with you -34 things about me.  Some of these things you will be aware of other things maybe not.  But, I thought you would like to know what makes up a woman like me.
34. Some Christmas music is spooky to me.
33. I will compromise my desires to make others happy-I will never tell them though.
32. I have never ever gotten "drunk". 
31. I have fallen into a gutter (sober but, pregnant).
30. I have been run over by a car.
29. I have more stick horses than children.
28. I love dolls and toys.
27. I hate cookbooks without pictures.
26. I believe stores should give away free "reusable bags" instead of making me buy them.
25. I am happy when I see new  babies.
24. I love all of my friends-ALWAYS.
23. I will NOT jump out of an airplane.
22. I find comfort at church and in prayer.
21. I am hispanic or of latin descent--:o)
20. I sometimes wish for more than I have.
19. I cry when I watch Steel Magnolias (every time).
18. I will ride a mechanical bull before I die.
17. I love crafting on anything.
15. I come from a large family.
14. I had my first job at 12years of age (don't tell the authorities).
13. I am proud of graduating with Highest Honors because it was not simple.
12. I love holding my kids' hands when we are out.
11. I like when my pictures come out as planned.
10. I love dark bitter chocolate (on or in anything).
 9. I don't like spicy hot food.
 8. I love laughing so hard that I start choking.
 7. I love gazing into my husbands eyes.
 6. I love a bargain.
 5. I can tell when someone is genuine.
 4. I prefer eating to exercise.
 3. I prefer riding in a car to driving a car.
 2. I am a good dancer.
 1. I love my life--all of it. 

This year my great husband took me to The Cheesecake Factory for my birthday dinner.  Fire Roasted Artichokes and Steak Diane...mmm.  I digress.  He is the best person I have ever met.  He has alwasy made my birthday special, beautiful, and perfect for me.  I feel blessed that I am worth diamonds to him.  My kids made me sweet cards and sang for me and did special things for me all day on my birthday.  They are my world.  My mom and dad kept my kids for me, I couldn't be the parent I want to be without their support.  They have always been there for me since the day I was born.  They have yet to let me down.  Thank you mom and dad for starting my beautiful life.

Yummy on My Mind (Another Favorite)

Today my sweet little second born said, "Mommy lets please make those cookies with the black chocolate chips inside them."  I really felt lazy and didn't want to even attempt the cookies. Then I remembered that we bought the pre-made and pre-cut dough the day before!  Nestle Tollhouse, you saved me today.  You are now in my hall of favorites.  I know--they are not gourmet or from scratch (I can scratch something the next time) but, they are quick, easy, cheap and ultimately satisfying. 

So we whipped up a batch or two (wink) and had warm cookies with cold milk for snack BEFORE dinner.  I can sometimes be the coolest mom EVER!  My big boy then says, "mmm...I had yummy on my mind all day.  Mom, can we have ribs for dinner?"  So, we did.

Get Well Soon Joey

On to something more FUN!  This is a really cute photo of my newest nephew on Thanksgiving Day.  You would never guess that he was an early delivery.

Joey just went through surgery to make him all better.  He is healing up and recovering now. Mommy says that he will go home today.  Yay!   His parents are doing a wonderful job of caring for such a special being.  Get well soon little sweetie. Tia Michelle can't wait to see you and hold you again. XOXO

Sweet Peyton

"On Sunday July 20th 2008, our Peyton was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a very aggressive cancerous tumor in the middle of his brain stem. With much hope, faithful prayers, and a miracle from our Father in Heaven, he will beat this illness that we've been told he won't survive."-Jenna Ricker

 (photo borrowed from J. Ricker's Blog)

Peyton lost his battle with cancer and is now in Heaven.  He is such an inspiration to anyone who has ever met him.  His family is always in our hearts and we can only wish for comfort, healing, and joy in the future. Until we meet again Peyton.  Godspeed.

Sit!

I have a few minutes so that is why I am wasting them writing on the blog. Regardless, we recently adopted a sweet Heinz 57 Beagle. My kids have been praying for this dog for years. I mean YEARS! I finally lost it and got our puppy.

To say the least, I was worried that it will be one of the ill behaved dogs that jump on everyone and bark incessantly. You know, all of the bad habits that we all enjoy so much.

We made it through the crying phase (2 days)--he doesn't do that anymore and he doesn't really bark unless Mack gets over there and barks with him. So now how do I get him to stop climbing on the kids, nibbling, etc.

After intense research--I started the sit command yesterday. And Biscuit got it! He sits on command! I can't believe it. Now reinforcement stage. Could my anxiety be for not? I guess my biggest surprise was how easy it was to get him to do what he was told. Good Boy Buiscuit!  Good Boy!

Momma's Tamales-My Favorite

I promised to mention some of my favorite things.  So here is one of my all time favorite things to eat.  My mom's home made tamales.  They are THE best.  I have tried many many tamales and they just don't measure up.  Maybe it is because I grew up on these. That has to be it; because I have tried all kinds from all regions--they are good no matter where the blend is from.

I am sorry that I can not give the recipe because I don't know it.  I wouldn't take on tamales in my house by myself anyway. And for those of you that know my mother--she just cooks--there is no "recipe".

It is our Christmas Eve tradition to gather at my mother's house and spread tamales and eat them.  But, honestly, I rarely put in as much work as the amount of tamales I eat.  I think they are the sole reason I gain weight at Christmas time.  They are fattening, rich, and plentiful.  Tamales are the only holiday food temptation that I fold before.  Never met a tamale (tamal) that I didn't eat!

Cheers to you Momma's Tamales--you are a true Christmas Tradition and a bonafide Michelle Favorite. Yummy.

Snow Day

We love snow down here in the south.  Kids are awesome!  I wish the older ones hadn't heard my footsteps in the snow.  I wanted a couple of candid shots of them. My two oldest were released early from school.  We were sure to play in the snow!

I am not sure what has happened to the weather but, it doesn't seem to be "global warming" as the news keeps reporting.  Anyhow, my dear hubby and I tell the kids not to hope for snow every year because, "It just doesn't snow in Houston."  They totally dismiss us and they count on it every year. Maybe it does snow in Houston after all!

 

Many have asked which camera I use and whether I have experience, and will I shoot for them.  I use the Nikon D50 with a 18-55 Nikon lens.  (I am saving for a stronger lens-the camera is amazing.) I have a few years of experience taking pictures of my kids.  And I will shoot for you--just let me know when.

Our Guest Jack Frost

Today was a very wonderful "winter" day indeed!  We had a highly anticipated visit from Jack Frost!  Being from the south--and I mean wAAAAy south--it is always are real treasure and a delightful treat to see snow!  My dear hubby and I sat talking about how excited our kids would be to have fun playing in the snow.  Then we realized that we were excited to play in the snow too!  (I just wanted good pictures-don't tell.)

I am extremely tired as I write this.  I spent an hour or so cropping and embellishing my gorgeous photos.  I can not wait to share them with my blogger friends and family.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. 

Snow is one of my many favorite things for this year--I think every one of my readers got a little of this today. Consider the snow you experienced your full size sample of Michelle's 2009 Favorite things. :o)

Happy Feet :o)

Look at these tootsies!  Leave it to my girls (my nieces & my dear daughter) to give me something good and creative to shoot.  Who doesn't want a portrait of the bottom of little girls feet?  I am surprised that the bottoms are so clean!

The idea really impressed me and made me smile.  So here we go with a little funny thing that little girls do together (besides dawdle in the bathroom).  When they grow up and go to the salon for their pedicures we can always remember the first tootsie gathering here.  Happy Feet!

 

Let the Christmas Rompus Begin!!!

I enjoyed a very late sleep in, compliments of my dear, sweet, and loving husband.  Thank you my LOVE.  He then got to watch me do my domestic diva routine-gym, eat, dishes, laundry, more dishes, car line, laundry, car line, gym again, groceries, dinner, dishes again.  Yay! Oh I forgot to squeeze in some FaceBook time.  It was in there somewhere between dinner and dishes.

I am not sure (exactly) what he did all day today.  I am sure it was no vacation for him. After dinner I heard the stereo playing in the living room (of course at a high volume).  I assumed it was my youngest touching the AV equipment, so I had to see what was the matter:

I get to the other room and it wasn't the stereo playing...it was my ever-talented husband.  I have always admired his artistic qualities.  His guitar playing has always been my favorite.  It was nice to see him play guitar and totally enjoy himself.  Even the kids stayed clear just to watch in amazement.  After they realized it was a live performance they quickly ran for their guitars too.  It was a special treat.  Thank you sweetheart.

Now that December is starting, I have always wanted to talk about my favorite items of the year.  I will periodically, give homage to my favorite things throughout my December Blogs.  One day I will be magnificently wealthy like Oprah and be able to give each of my audience members a full size sample of my favorite items.  Until then, I will share my experience and love for those items that really deliver for me.  

Good bye November 2009--I was thankful for you.  Now I am ready for Christmas (Happy Birthday Jesus) music and hardcore wrapping sessions.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year we spent Thanksgiving Day with my in-laws.  It was pleasant and everyone was so happy to see each other. It is amazing how much a family grows in 2 years.  We have two new babies since the last time I spent Thanksgiving with them.  Some of us have grown older, some of us thinner, some of us crazier, and some of us even became wiser.  :o)

My kids spent most of the 8 hours we were there in the the terrible sand pile that sits at the entrance to my in-laws home.  It looks like a giant Texas sized ant mound--it is about 4 1/2 feet tall and 5 or 6 feet in diameter.  Kids love it and I HATE it.  My kids always come out of it filthy and it makes me nuts.  I mean NUTS!  I still let them play in it--I can not tell them no when everyone else is allowed to play in it.  I never thought I would hate dirt so much.  LOL!

Here are my beautiful babes on Turkey Day!

They have so much fun with their cousins and dirt.  They look as though they were deep in thought-maybe pondering the atomic make-up of sand.  Have I mentioned that my children are intellectually gifted?  :o)

Although, I missed my family and all the wonderful turkey day specialities, I had fun with my sisters-in-law.  Marc had fun with his family and we all ate way too much for own good.  God Bless America!

Welcome Home Biscuit!

Welcome home Biscuit!  Here is our newest Scarborough Family member. He is a mixed breed with a little Heinz 57 and a little beagle mix.  A really sweet puppy.  He was rescued from the being sent to the pound.  And after abot $150 dollars he is safe and vetted.  We are nursing him to good health so that we can have a life long friend.

We didn't tell the kids that we were adopting a puppy.  If you could have heard the reaction we got from the backseat when we showed them what we were going to pick up.  It was like Christmas!  They were more excited than I have ever seen them.  They have been begging for a dog and we put it off for years.  So yesterday, we took this plunge.  Oh my!  What a plunge it was!  Puppy vet visits and the novelty doggie items put us back a little bit. Never --EVER--take your kids puppy gear shopping. Hah! LOL!

Nevertheless, this is the new baby in the house and he is getting used to us.  He misses his old family and wants to rome free. So we have to hear him whimper.  But, we know he will get better soon.  Tomorrow morning will be another morning full of play with his new family. Now you will see him in my blog updates too! 

Now, I will obsess over socializing and training him.

Healthy Holidays!

We have never had the flu in the house until this year.  It wasn't the swine strain (H1N1) but, it knocked my son out.  So this year when school started our pediatrician recommended that we get the flu shot. First time ever for my kids.

I still am a bit anxious about them catching the swine flu--not because I fear death but, because I fear that I will have to live through it!  Ha! Ha!  If one catches it, I assume they will all catch it.  Which means I will be nursing the family for weeks until it runs through our household.  We will have a pig party after we catch it to celebrate being well again. 

Here is what I insist upon during the sickly season:

1. Get plenty of SLEEP.--Yes, that is right.  Your body needs time to heal and fight off germs.
2. Get more water than usual.  Water helps cleans and increases blood volume.  Increasing the body's ability to fight viruses and bacteria. blah..blah...blah-just drink some water.
   
3. Wash your hands please.  Don't fake wash those hands.  Go to the dollar store or the beauty supply and stock up on those nail brushes.  Teach the kids to use them with soap.
   
4. Make the kids change their clothes after school. (I have been lenient on this one so far-not for long.)
   
5. Use the dishwasher (high heat) if you have one or a teeny bit of bleach in your dishwater (to kill the germs).
   
6. Take your vitamins.
7. Update your cold/flu meds in the cabinet. Get rid of the old stuff (I need to do this).
   
8. Keep the sick people at home! Duh.
   

What is your cold/flu season regimen? If there is something I missed please share it.  I hate when my house gets sick.  It takes weeks to heal it back.  I thank the Lord that my family is so healthy and that we rarely get sick. Scrapes, cuts, and bumps--a whole other issue and I really think my kids should wear helmets at all times (but I will save that for another day). 

This holiday season, treat others as you would like to be treated.  Keep your germs at home and don't pass the pig.  :o)

True Texans

Matthew and I had a few moments to talk last night.  Our conversation was about all of our favorites.  We went through the typical first questions: favorite color, favorite number, favorite shirt, etc.  We read a story together and said the good dream prayer.  Then my sweet little Texan asked, "Mom, one more thing.  What is your favorite word?"  I replied, "Hmm...I am not sure."  He sagely replied, "My favorite word is Texas."

Can you think of a better word to love? 

He once asked me, "Mom, um, is Mexico in Texas?" I didn't have the heart to say no, so I told him I would show him where it is on a map when we got home.  You gotta love little Texans.

Comfort and Healing

More than a year ago, a good friend of mine heard the most terrible news, that her 6 year old son has a terminal form of cancer.  After, countless chemo and radiation treatments, the cancer survived.  His tumor had not grown but, it had not diminished in size at all.  Thankfully, the symptoms had subsided and healed themselves and he has been able to live a very normal life.

I found out today that the symptoms have started up again for this sweet boy and that he is now terminal.  There are no words for the kind of pain I hold in my heart for all of the mothers that must suffer through this.  I wish that I could bare even a bit of this cross for my friend so that she will not suffer so much.  I pray that her son's symptoms are not painful and that the time he has left here on this earth is comfortable and pleasant. 

Please take a minute to pray for all the children that are battling cancer today.  Pray for comfort and healing for their families.  Pray for their continued faith in God.  Pray for miracles.

Oaks Fall Festival

We enjoyed our evening at The Oaks Elementary Fall Festival for the kids.  This was a new experience for us since we had never participated in the local school events.  We saw and met several of the kids' friends.  It was nice to see so many parents and to see so many of the students dressed up in the American tradition of Halloween!

Matthew chose to be Optimus Prime once again!  This child is so very easy to please.  This is he and his friend from Mrs. Burris' Kindergarten class.  How awesome that he was Megatron!

Madeliene, on the other hand, had her heart on being a bunny again this year (year 3).  Well, low and behold, those pesky bunny ears are no where to be found.  So we improvised and we think we did very well--so here is your very own Snow Fairy.  Beautiful. In hind sight, I guess I could have walked behind her the entire time with bunny ears fingers over her head.  I think I would have gotten a mega-eye roll for even suggesting such an option.

Malcolm on the other hand was a cute as anything I have ever seen.  He is our puppy dog.  He actually wore his costume without being difficult.  If you could have seen him when he was walking around in that crowd of people.  The way that his suit was cut made his little tail wag when walked. So funny. He behaved as if he owned the place. My handsome husband went as a tailgator -UH Cougars No Doubt!

What a great way to start of the "Halloweekend" as my daughter so aptly named it. When we got home we mixed the candy cauldron.  If you have ever been to my house, then you have seen and visited the candy cauldron.  At least, that is the case for any child who has visited our house.  Come trick-or-treat with us on Halloween Night!

Rainbow Fairy Cakes

Look what we made!  These are beautiful and just sweet and tasty.  They are awesome because there is so much eye candy that the kids didn't ask for icing!  Which is also great because I didn't have any on hand and I really didn't feel like "whipping" some up.  I got this idea from www.ourbestbites.com.  Check it out soon.  You will be pleased.

How do you do it?  Prepared white cake mix-divided into 5 bowls. (Actually prepare the cake batter.)  Put food dye in each and mix.  Then spoon layer the colors in any order that pleases you.  A beautiful bright result every time.  

Tips: cover your counters the dye is serious business.  Buy the gel dye not the liquid.  If you are mixing colors--light dye first then add dark.  You can even add extracts to change the flavor and it only adds to the appeal because then they smell great too!


I call these Mork & Mindy since the red and orange sort of ran together.  I still adore them though.  My family loves these and we will make them again and again.   By the way, don't you love my picture?  I love my camera--thank you dear husband.

Beautiful Weather

Don't you just love when the weather is this fine.  Low humidity and comfortable is so nice.  We are now in the middle of October!  It is time to pull out some decorations and get into fall.  I have taken several photos of my babies.  I will post them as I get them loaded.  I hope you enjoy the great shots of them.

So many moments, so few of them captured on film.  For instance, my washer caught fire today.  That was fun.  Malcolm ambushed me with a can of hair spray.  Matthew asked me which my house was "A boy or A girl?'.  Madeliene is asking questions I am definitely not ready to answer and she is getting really good at showing her displeasure.  I can't wait until she is a teenager.

Anyhow, the M&Ms (these are the "seedless" variety) have made their yearly appearance on my kitchen counter.  I wonder how they got there. No worries.  They won't be there for long.

My Visit to Grandma's

I went to see my grandmother today.  It was, as usual, a very relaxing and fun experience.  She weeds her garden before lunch and even takes the time to walk up and down her street to gossip with the other ladies.  Today she told me about another lady who tends to steal all of the neighbor's plants.  I guess asking for a cutting is out of style?  She has always been very direct but, I think she has lifted several filters now that I am grown.  It is nice to be and adult and talk to my grandma.

She taught me so much as a child, how to sew, how to grow a garden, the list goes on.  (My mom showed me some of her best tricks too.) As an adult she has taught me about honesty with myself.  She is brutally honest--to a fault many times.  But, that doesn't mean she doesn't recognize where she has gone wrong.  This is a skill that I still have to work on tirelessly.

I know that my visits with grandmother are rich now--but the days I spent with her as child were no less lustrous.  Those days are a part of who I am today.  I love that and I love her.  That is why I am happy to spend a few bucks on lunch at Burger King or the local thrift store.  I don't mind looking at all of her pieced quilts.  I love when she shows me her newest addition to her garden and then gives me a lesson on how to propagate the plants.  I enjoy listening to her talk about how healthy she is and how she thinks she will live to be 100 years old (I want her to be around when I am 100 years old).  I smile when she contradicts herself and love when she makes herself laugh.  I visit her as often as possible.

(my mom's bleeding heart grows wild in my garden) 

One day I hope to be a grandmother and to have grandchildren.  I hope to love them the way my grandmother loves me.  I hope to love them the way my mother loves my own children.  I have a lot of respect for my mothers and hope my daughter and sons will too.

UH 29 Tech 28!!!!!!!!

Did anyone of you see that game?  It was a great experience--packed seats, lots of cheering, great fans, and a winning HOME TEAM!  I am still totally on a winning buzz with this game.  We were on the edge of our seats the entire game.  [Although disappointed by my Whataburg** not having milkshakes for my sore throat (after the game-could barely speak).]  We watched the game again on our replay just to relive it once more.  It was still just as sweet the second time we watched the Coogs win.

I am so happy that the team is doing well.  It means so much to the University of Houston on so many different levels.  It is absolutely invigorating to know that just maybe we will get excellent recruits (academic and athletic) because of our competitive football team.

For many years University of Houston has been touted as just the local commuter school.  But, there is so much experience, opportunity, and potential on this campus every year that goes unnoticed.  I love my alma mater and I am a proud UH-Technology Graduate.

Eat 'Em Up Coogs!

Yummy Fairy Cakes

My kids and I whipped up some happiness.  Look at this pink cupcake (fairy cakes for the believers) with special sprinkles.  So yummy--we couldn't wait to taste it.  Some things in life can be simple and pleasurable.  We just have to remember them when the time comes.

 

I can't say that washing the bowls and baking pans while standing on top of hundreds of tiny sprinkle candies (unavoidable) was as satisfying as that bite of cupcake.  But the smiles on the faces of my family definitely was!

Enjoy The View

I love my baby's big brown eyes!  I caught Malcolm by surprise with the flash of my camera and he muttered something in Malcolmspeak.  I am not sure if he was scolding me or if he was asking for a drink of water but, I know that I got a great shot of what I love about him on "film".  Enjoy the view, I do.

Go Coogs!

Most people that know me realize that I am faithful fan of the UH Cougars (Eat em Up!).  But, not everyone knows about the shear satisfaction that I get from watching them upset another team! 

I have seen many humbling losses and many GREAT wins!  It is exhilarating and I keep coming back each year for more of that poison.  The last game was gut wrenching.  Like every other Coog, I couldn't turn away--I just knew something great was going to happen. And the prediction was right on--they dazzled us with a 45-35 win against a nationally ranked team!!!

UH Cougars ARE that good!  We can justify and analyze the games all night (which is half the fun).  Sometimes the other team just beats you at your game (even when you are a great team). My advice--lighten up, have some fun, and TAKE IT LIKE A COOG!

My Favorite Kid's Show

I am often asked if I follow any sitcom programming.  I generally don't follow a television show written for adults. I do watch a lot of children's programming. My favorite by far is Charlie and Lola.

My kids (ages 1, 5, &,8) enjoy the unique animation and the soothing music. The moral/message in each show is always appropriate and relevant to today's children. More than anything I love the way the children treat each other (with kindness).

If you want a really entertaining sweet show to share with your children try this one.  I hope you love Charlie and Lola as much as we do.

www.charlieandlola.com

Labor Day Weekend!

I had a busy weekend.  I am so tired.  We saw UH football game -Eat em up Eat em up Go Coogs Go!  They won 55-7.  Not much competition this time.  I hope they win next weekend.

We spent yesterday together in the back yard--it was great- friends, kids, lemonade, and juicy ribs. Yum!  I also started my own facebook account and my very first blog.  So I will do what I can to keep it up and post my musings on a regular basis.

I will sign in again soon.

My New Blog

Hello Everyone!

I have decided to start my own family blog spot.  I have a grasp of the Face Book concept but, I really don't have all the time to read every single post on my wall and it is really OVERWHELMING!  No wonder people seem "addicted" to it.  I am going to give this a good effort and see where it leads me.

So, this blog will start off with my learning of the art of BLOG.  It will also share recounts of the whacky fun and not so fun things that go on in my loving home.  My English could use a brush up too!

Pray for me everybody!!!