Mi Casa de aRte

...I can't believe it......

......I have 61 COUSINS! 48 on one side and 14 on the other! First cousins! Unfortunately, I traveled out-of-town this week to my Aunt Jenny's funeral. She passed suddenly and will be greatly missed. She was my mother's sister....one of the oldest. My mom came from a family of 14 children. I hate that reunions happen at funerals, but nonetheless, it was great to see everyone and catch up on old times. I am probably one of the younger cousins, but it was still great to hear stories of my parents from "back in the day". In honor of my beautiful Aunt Jenny........we will miss you. (Johnny and Theresa, we are always here for you!)

Do You Hear That?

It's the sound of relief. It's the sound of me finally exhaling. School is coming to a close and I couldn't be happier. PLUS! It's the holiday season and if you know me, then you know it's a time for suprises and fun. I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR! My mom also informed me yesterday, that we will be making TAMALES this year! Whoohoooo!

I love seeing my parents during this time of year, as well. They get really excited and love to make it fun for the kids. My Mom is all about presentation, and wraps everything as if each gift were made of gold. I've never seen anyone wrap a present so perfectly.

My Dad is all about the closeness and celebration. He needs his family close to him. This makes him happiest. With all the kids screaming around him as he sits in his "chair". As long as people are there, then he is satisfied.

And of course, the food. LOTS OF IT. You can be assured that when you go to Grama y Grampos house, you will be fed. Especially at the holidays. But, if you ask Grama for something, it is usually ice cream or CANDY. LOL! Just don't send your kids over there before dinner. Cuz she DOES NOT CARE WHAT THE PARENTS SAY!

So, yes. I am sighing with relief. Because this time of year is special and I love to see others smile. And be happy. And I'm sure it's a reflection of my parents and our upbringing. So to them, I am thankful. It's a happy cycle to continue.

*Not Blk Friday...but...Bl0ated Friday...*

 

**Gobble, Gobble**

Hello peeps! Just a short note, cuz I'm knee-deep in pumpkin pies! (If you are lucky, you will get one on your doorstep!)

I wanted to wish you all, friends, family, bloggers: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I often tell people how grateful I am to have them in my life. I hope you truly believe that today.

I have been filled with many graces and abundances in my life lately. God touches my life constantly and I am so aware of my blessings. I say it repeatedly, but mean it so much. I am a very lucky girl to be living this life that has been given to me. I am surrounded by the most amazing people.

Even through the tough times and hardships, I am still here, breathing, loving and living. And I want it to be contagious to all of you.

Thank you, God. Thank you, friends. Thank you, family.

For living my life with me. HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

**Not Our Little Boy Anymore...**

My nephew got married. He is so sweet and he married an amazing woman. His new bride's name is Athina. The wedding was perfect, and the marriage journey begins.

Scary, Scary, Night....

Here it is! As promised! A Halloween Collage! To my familia who is far away.....enjoy the snapshots! I miss and love you dearly!

1. Valerie a fancy vampire 2. Emilio..what was he? 3. Frankie-Ballerina & Lili-Dinosaur 4. Lisa in the Dry Ice 5. Carved Punkins 6. Valerie the Vampire 7. The UPS Driver admiring the Punkins 8. The UPS Driver turned Pirate 9. Lili the Dino!

**My Little Punkins**

Ghoul-d Evening! It's been a lon-n-n-ng day. Already a long week, and an even longer one to come. UGH! (where is the perfect quote when I need one? LOL)

Tonight we carved "punkins" with the kids! We also did some over the weekend.

I bought this cool battery operated Pumpkin Carving gadget. It makes it so-o-o- much easier!

I also made some fun little goodie packs for the kids. I love doing this! My sis and I have continued on the tradition of getting crafty at the holidays....thanks to our amazing mommy!

Here is a collage of my neice, Godson and my sister carving the Jack-O-Lanterns!

Week In Review...

The week in Review:

Started back in nursing school. UGH. When will it ever be over? The good thing...and most exciting..is I sat for my NCLEX-PN exam! And yes, you can now call me Nurse RosiePosie!! I passed my first boards and am now an LPN! I didn't have to sit for those boards...I could'a waited and sat for my RN in May, but I thought I'd try and fit some actual work in this semester. Either way, I'm back in school to finish up my final blocks before becoming an RN. And excitedly enough, I get to do my clinical rotations at the Mayo Hospital!! I can't wait! (And let me tell you....the party planning for my big "shin'dig" is well under way! LOL! )

On the creative end. It's been a little busy, and haven't been able to create much. I did take tons of photos with my new Holga camera. Can't wait to see those developed. I am experimenting tons with it and have decided that I truly miss "film" cameras. You can be so creative with the outcome! I also have been creating some amazing canvases of the photos I've been taking. Totally altering them. I will post photos soon!

Spent lotsa time with family and friends this past week. Trying to make commitments, such as: Monday Scrapbooking with my mom and Saturday Family Night (should be a blast!). I really am longing to make closer contact with those that I've lost contact with, so I came up with Saturday Family Night for all of our friends. We are really excited about that!

Well, will post photos later. So much to do today. Taking a trip to IKEA to furnish my empty living room. I've done a total makeover and I feel like I just moved in. Lord, help me. LOL!

Hasta la vista baby!

Trials n' Errors = Miracle Baby

So little Benny Bazz. Not really his name...but a cute little nickname his Mamma & Pappa call him! He's here and it's a miracle. His parents waited a very long time for him. And he's everything they expected.

I am honored to be his personal paparazzi!! At 3 weeks he was the perfect candidate for the following photo. Cradled in Mamma's arms.....here is Benjamin:

And More!