Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day, mamas!

Song in My Soul by Katie M. Berggren  

I just love this painting!  I think the name and the image perfectly encapsulates how I feel about motherhood.

Even though I cooked and did some cleaning today (I kinda had to after I accidentally dropped and shattered my Pyrex pie dish...Michael had already left for work, boo!), I thoroughly enjoyed my morning with my husband, daughter, and my mother in law.  We enjoyed a lovely breakfast of bacon, spinach quiche, and mango coconut bread pudding.  My mom was supposed to join us too, but she and my dad were both feeling really ill so they stayed at home.  I hope you two feel better!

A friend of mine who struggled with infertility for years reminded me today that there are many women out there who don't get to enjoy being appreciated on this day.   There are some days when I struggle with my role as a mom and throw temper tantrums when things don't go my way.  No one ever said mommyhood would be easy, but I certainly wouldn't give it up for anything in the world.  So for all of those women who are mothers in their hearts, I offer up a prayer for you today that someday you will know all the facets of motherhood someday.  I pray that if you are struggling with infertility or have lost your child, that you find solace and comfort in whatever God you pray to, and that you are not forgotten today. 

To my own mother, my mother in law, my former step mother-in-law, and to all of my mother figures, I send my most heartfelt love and appreciation to you.  You have made me who I am, for better or for worse, and I am so very grateful to have your influence in my life!

Love and peace,
Kelly

Latkes for the Win!

We usually do a small dinner party once a month with a couple of friends of mine.  We all provide different components and it's so nice to entertain in an intimate setting.  I love entertaining and I enjoy showing my love and admiration for people through food. 

We aren't Jewish, but we've always wanted to introduce the customs and rituals of other cultures into our home so that we could inspire openmindedness and awareness in our children.  Now that Billa is older and aware of holidays, we thought this would be a good year to start.  Michael got a menorah and candles and we looked up the traditional prayers that are said as part of the lighting of the candles.  My newest issue of Cooking Light had recipes for potato latkes and so we decided to give them a try and share the last night of Hanukkah with our friends.

We tried traditional latkes and latkes with serrano peppers and cilantro that were absolutely fabulous.  The only downfall of these recipes was that it takes a while to fry everything up.  Part of the tradition surrounding Hanukkah is eating foods fried in oil, as the oil is representative of the sacred temple oil lasting for eight days.  I think it would have been faster had I not grated my hand.  Yeah, you read that right.  I was grating the onion and I totally shredded my hand too.  Ouch!  Trying to cook with one bandaged and aching hand slowed me down a bit.  But beyond that, the latkes were amazing! 

The recipe called for jalapenos, but I still had serranos to use from the garden, so we subbed those in.  Michael did a really great job with the chipotle sour cream and the combination of the two was super delicious.  This recipe will be added to our repertoire and cooked more often than just at Hanukkah!

Serrano & Cilantro Latkes with Chipotle Sour Cream
Recipe and picture from Cooking Light magazine
6  tablespoons  light sour cream
1  tablespoon  chopped chipotle chile, canned in adobo sauce
3/4  teaspoon  grated lime rind
1  teaspoon  fresh lime juice
6  cups  shredded peeled baking potato (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1  cup  grated fresh onion
6  tablespoons  all-purpose flour
1/2  cup  chopped fresh cilantro
2  tablespoons  finely chopped seeded jalapeño pepper
1  large egg
1  teaspoon  ground cumin
1/2  teaspoon  salt
1/4  cup  olive oil, divided

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

2. Combine potato and onion in a colander. Drain 30 minutes, pressing occasionally with the back of a spoon until barely moist. Combine potato mixture, flour, and next 5 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl; toss well.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Spoon 1/4 cup potato mixture loosely into a dry measuring cup. Pour mixture into pan; flatten slightly. Repeat the procedure 5 times to form 6 latkes. Sauté 3 1/2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove latkes from pan; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and potato mixture to yield 12 latkes total. Serve with sour cream mixture.

Some food for thought...

• Cooking Light emphasized the importance of letting the shredded potatoes drain for 30 minutes or so.  This is very important as the shredded potato gives off a lot of liquid and that liquid will affect the quality and texture of your latkes.  I didn't let mine drain long enough and I could tell.  In the future, I will probably place the potatoes in cheesecloth and hang it over the sink to ensure that they have plenty of drainage!
• Serranos and jalapenos can be used interchangeably.  Just remember that the heat of the pepper is mostly contained in the veins and seeds!  You can scoop those out using a spoon once they've been split down the center lengthwise.
• if you're making a huge batch of these things, place the cooked ones on a foil lined cookie sheet and keep them in a warm oven until it's time to eat.
• On frying: you need to make sure that you're oil is good and hot to ensure that the latkes don't get too soggy with oil.  Give the oil a minute or two to come back to temperature in between batches.  You can also use paper towels and brown lunch bags to help sop up any excess oil.

Happy Hanukkah to all of our Jewish friends...we hope your Festival of Lights was a wonderful one!

Cheers,
Kelly

Mother's Day 2010

"Making a decision to have a child -- it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."- Elizabeth Stone

This was how Sybilla’s godmother phrased it to me when she spoke of the joys of motherhood. And out of all the quotes about motherhood, it is the only one that has really stuck with me.  I am above and beyond blessed to be a mother and to have a mother present in my life.

To all my mothers, whether they be my "mother" through biology, marriage, or friendship, my heartfelt love and admiration to you.

And to my darling daughter, thank you for allowing me to be part of the best creation I've ever made!

Happy Mother's Day,
Kelly

Happy Easter!

We hope you all have a wonderful Easter today!

Love,

The Guerra's

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Top o' the morning to ye all!

Here in the Guerra household we are celebrating our Irish pride today.

We be dancin' jigs and reels 'round these parts!

Yes, I realize that seems silly, having a last name of Guerra and being Irish, but it's true!  I can't help the fact that the men in my husband's family took a fancy to pretty Irish lasses like me.  What can I say, the red hair draws them in like flies to honey!

I have to brag a little on my husband, so bear with me.  This is what he dressed my daughter in this morning while I was still in bed hacking my lungs up like a 90 year old man (and yes, I do sound like one right now...sexy!):

This little leprechaun is up to no good.

He even coordinated her HAIR accessories with her outfit!  Yep.  And I had absolutely NO input on it either.  I was in bed, remember? I am super proud.  Hands off ladies (and gents), this one's all mine!

She looks like she stepped out of a Jane Austen novel!

Anyhoo, depending on how I feel tonight, we will be dining with Michael's cousin Stephen and his girlfriend Casey on all sorts of Irish feasting fancies.  Stephen does it up right: lamb, colcannon, boxty, and we'll even throw back an Irish car bomb or two I'm sure.  I shall be contributing home made soda bread and black and tan brownies (recipes to be posted soon if they turn out yummy).  I'm really hoping to be able to join in the festivities, but we'll see.

If anything, my sleep shall be uninterrupted tonight, because Michae's mom is on spring break this week and took Sybilla for a sleep over party at her house.  Seriously, did I luck out with mothers-in-law or what!?  I am so blessed and I love my in laws dearly.

To all our friends and family, an Irish blessing for you:

May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.

Slainte!
The Guerra Clan

Valetine Cookie Pops

I am becoming my mother.

Being redheaded just like my mom, and outspoken just like my mom, and creative...just. like. my. mom, I always hated being compared to her.  People always thought they were being complimentary when they'd tell me, "You're just like your mom!"  But to a rebellious teenager who wanted to be recognized for her own accomplishments, sense of style, and attitude, they were a death knell.  Now that I'm older and a mother myself, I look back on those years and understand why people would say it: they genuinely admired and loved my mom for who she was, and they thought that I was shaping up to be just as wonderful as they thought she was (which BTW, she's still pretty awesome...even if she does still drive me batty sometimes!)

My mom is a character.  She's always thinking outside the box and always bucking trends and traditions.  She dances to her own tune.  So while most moms were content to purchase a box of Scooby Doo valentines for their child to deliver to all of their class chums on Valentine's Day, my mom pooh poohed that idea and would instead stay up all night (because nothing is as motivating as a looming deadline) and sew stuffed hearts for each of my classmates.  And my brother Philip's.  And my brother David's.  And if that wasn't impressive enough, she would use puff paint to write each and every kid's name on that darn things.  We're talking about 90 hearts.  IN ONE NIGHT.  I told you she was awesome!

Well, I may not have a sewing machine anymore, but I have my very own KitchenAid stand mixer and one helluva recipe for sugar cookies.  At Christmas I made cookie pops (cookies on a stick) for my daughter's class Christmas party and they were so wildly popular that I decided to make them again for Valentine's Day.  In fact, our day care provider asked if I could make a couple extra for any parents that attended the party!   And just like my mom, I found myself working on them the night before they were due.  What can I say?  The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree sometimes.

Sybilla's class was so excited about their cookie pops.  Mary Ann told me when I picked up Sybilla that she told the kids they could have ONE treat from their boxes, and when they saw the cookie pops, that was it.  They didn't want anything else (at least until the cookie pop was consumed, lol) and I just about burst with pride upon hearing that.  There's nothing wrong with valentines that come from a box, but sometimes it's worth it to put a little extra effort in the mix.   These things are what memories are made of.  My daughter and her friends may not be old enough to remember them, but make something a tradition, make your mark on the world and that's what will happen.  In high school I had plenty of classmates who remembered the stuff hearts my mom made and some of them even still had them!

So being just like your mom isn't always such a bad thing.  My mom is known for her generous spirit, her sense of humor, her love of really bad sci fi/fantasy movies, her creativity, for thinking outside the box, and her disdain for being a follower.  If I had to be just like my mom, those aren't bad things to be known for.

Except maybe the bad movies bit...

Thoughtfully yours,
Kelly

PS And just because I think it's a funny picture...here is a picture of Sybilla and her"boyfriend" Jack...

Hey!  I thought I was your boyfriend!

Happy Valentine's Day

 

As like last year, I don't really give a darn about this holiday, but what the hey.  I did make valentines for the grandparents and aunts and uncles, I just forgot to send them out.  [sigh]  Oh well.  I'll just add it to the list of things to improve on.  Tonight Michael and I will feast on sushi and wine while just enjoying each other's company at home.  We've both been so busy that it's high time we just sat and stared at one another for a bit.  Maybe we'll watch a movie or snuggle, but whatever we choose to do, it will be quiet, it will be relaxing, and it will be in each other's company.

Hope you all have a wonderful day, whether you do the whole shebang or not!

Love,

The Guerra's

Happy New Year 2010!

Well, kids, another decade has passed us by.  I hope that you all had a safe and fun new year's eve!


Michael and I dropped Sybilla off to stay with  Michael's mom overnight and used some of the gift cards we received over Christmas to go to dinner and then to see Avatar.  The movie is amazing and I highly recommend seeing it if you have not.  We got home just in time to crack open a bottle of champagne and join in the countdown on Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve Party with Ryan Seacrest.  No lie, that was the entire title of the show, lol.  And Dick...we love you man, but seriously, lose the self tanner!  (How old is he anyway?)  I'm now headed off to bed while Michael has headed out to go pick up some friends (don't worry, he had two sips of champagne and that was it).

To all of you, Happy New Year...may it be filled with friends, family, fun, food, and good fortune!

Cheers,
Kelly

PS Rabbit Rabbit!

Christmas #2 Recap

Our original plans for Christmas Eve were to join Michael's mom and her boyfriend for a fun filled evening at Austin Park N Pizza, but due to the weather, everyone went to Dave and Buster's instead.  I was kinda bummed since Michael's work schedule didn't allow us to attend that portion of the festivities, but it was probably a good thing as Billa is a little young for Dave and Buster's.  Michael was able to get off a couple of hours early and when he got home, we packed up the car and headed out.

We had a tasty dinner of ham, twice baked potatoes, monkey bread, deviled eggs, and creamed corn.  There was much fighting over the monkey bread, as it's everybody's favorite.  I must learn how to make it!  After dinner, we opened presents.  I was blown out of the water when I tore off the wrapping paper of a very large box and saw a KitchenAid stand mixer label staring back at me.  Seriously, I didn't believe it until I opened the box itself and gingerly touched my new baby.  It's soooo pretty and I am sooooo in love!

My new baby...so purty!

Michael, Caitlyn, and Michelle

What's this?

Just like mama's!  We got the real Billa Cakes now!

Sybilla received a vanity set from her Gigi along with a cute pink mini mixer to match Mama's (although she totally broke it within twelve hours of receiving it...it is now a hand mixer as opposed to a stand mixer and only has one set of beaters!).  Michael's sister Caitlyn works at the Gap so everyone got something from there.  I got some awesome sweaters which I really needed (gotta love practical gifts!) and Michael got a nice cologne set.  Mmmm...smells like man!  She also got Sybilla some really cute clothes which included a brown little fleece sweat jacket which Billa wears all the time now.  Michelle gave us a date night complete with babysitting, which we will be using very soon.  he also got Riley the Beagle a dog sweater, which was cute but the poor guy looked so miserable in it!

We gave Michael's mom a photo calendar of Billa along with a locket that contained a black and white silhouette of Sybilla.  Michelle and Michael gave Carl both seasons of the Sarah Connor Chronicles which was one of his favorite shows.  He also got a popcorn machine which he and Michelle's boyfriend Kevin put together.

Michael's mom loved her calendar!

Carl unwrapping his popcorn maker

Michelle and her boyfriend Kevin look on

The highlight of Billa's evening was a Dora the Explorer tent which she loves to hide in.  When she gets mad at us or doesn't want to get dressed/change diapers/do what we ask of her, she hides in it and giggles at her own cleverness.  I'll have to get a video of it if I can, but it's hilarious!  It now resides permanently in the living room.

What could be in this box?

Sweet!  A tent!

They'll never find me in here...mwahaha!

All in all, we had a great time with Michael's mom, Carl, Michelle, Cait, and Kevin.  We we were sad to have to leave early. but we had to get Billa to bed before she lost her cool.

Happy Christmas!
The Guerra Clan

Christmas #1 Recap

Michael and I have this fight every year where we groan about the upcoming holiday season and stomp our feet whilst adamantly proclaiming: "Only one Christmas this year!  Only ONE!"  And every year, we lose.  It's not that we have no will power; it's just that each Christmas is special because of who it is spent with.  And really, when you have the only grandchild, you kinda have to give in and go to different houses so each set of grandparents get equal time.  Because each of these Christmases is so wonderful, I've decided each one will get it's own recap.  Obviously, you can choose to read them or just scroll through and look at pictures :o)  I don't blame you if you just scroll. 

And next year, we will only have one Christmas!  I swear it!

*--------*--------*--------*--------*--------*--------*--------*--------*

Michael and I were acutely reminded this weekend that we are not in college anymore as evidenced by the headaches and subsequent feelings of having been run over by a Mack truck.  We've been celebrating the holidays and Michael's sister's college graduation the last three days and it's left us a little worse for wear.  We had a great time though!

On Friday, Michael's sister Michelle graduated from Texas State University.  We are very proud of her as she is the first of Michael's siblings to finish college and we know that she has great things in store!  The Guerra clan gathered at River Pub in San Marcos for drinks, lunch and cake.  The younguns carried the celebration back to cousin Stephen Travis's house where we grilled out, played some Texas Hold 'Em and had ourselves a grand ol' time while carrying on late into the night.  Actually, THEY carried on late into the night.  Michael and I headed home around 8 to get Sybilla into bed at a decent time and then promptly crashed ourselves.

Could you not ask for a better day?  The San Marcos River was looking lush and lovely as always!

Here's the graduate herself!  Gramma and Grandpa brought the bobcat with them to celebrate...yes, they have a stuffed bobcat that they got from some antique shop years ago!  He shows up in a lot of pictures actually, lol.

Michael and his cousin, Stephen Travis...they look like they're up to no good!

Gramma Bobbe, Michelle, and DJ sipping on "pina toladas" as DJ called them  (DJ is Michelle's biological son, but was adopted by Marian and Nathan, two incredibly wonderful people who insisted on having DJ's 'tummy mommy and daddy' present in his life.  It's hard to believe DJ is going to be seven soon!)

Sybilla and I spent Saturday running errands, shopping, preparing for a baby shower, and trying to bake.  I say 'trying' because nothing really got done and I ended up having to take it with me when we went to Michael's dad's house that evening for dinner.  The baby shower in question was for one of Michael's co-workers and I made her a really cute motorcycle themed diaper cake as her gift from us.  After the shower, we went to go visit Zeti and Tata (Michael's dad and stepmom).  Michael's half-sister Denise was in town visiting for the holidays and we decided that it was in our best interest to stay the night there so that we could really spend some getting to know her while she was in town.  Denise lives in Tulsa and the last time that Michael really spent any time with her was about 15 years ago.  We stayed up way too late and cracked open one too many bottles of wine while talking and singing karaoke late into the night.  I managed to get my baking for the weekend complete with the help of Michael's sister Caitlyn who is also interested in baking.  We made an awesome and very realistic looking buche de noel.  I will be posting a tutorial on how to make one of these on my baking blog very soon!

Here's the diaper cake I made.  I've been wanting to make this bad boy for AGES and I finally got to.  Cute overload!

My new favorite Billa and Daddy picture.  Seriously, Billa was OVERJOYED to "ride" the motorcycle with her daddy.

The Buche de Noel aka Yule Log.  Tres buche-y.

Sunday was spent in Victoria, TX for the annual Guerra Family Christmas Fiesta (it's not really called that, BTW, but it sure sounds fun, doesn't it?).  We usually eat ourselves silly and drink ourselves merry, and we did just that.  The gift exchange is usually hours in length since there are usually 30 of us going around a circle one at a time unwrapping gifts, but because we did not have the entire clan, it was much shorter in length, thank goodness!  Billa received the most adorable little table and chairs for her bedroom along with a really cute tutu and matching headband from the gift exchange.  Michael and I got some nice goodies too: some movies, a nice bottle of wine, some gift cards, a cake book, and a wine bottle shaped platter for cheese.  I also got a year subscription to Cooking Light magazine which I am way excited about.  Huzzah!

Cathy's dining room - I love the ornaments hanging on the chandelier!

The Guerra's in Victoria have a way fun swing set which Sybilla climbed all over until dinner time.

Sybilla had a lot of fun playing with her cousin Grace's toys...until Grace got tired of Billa touching everything and locked her out of her room.  Who knew seven year olds cared about cleanliness?!

Putting her crayons into her little crayon go pouch.

Billa shows off some jazz hands while wearing her new tutu.

Billa's new table and chairs...now all it requires is a tea set!

We finally made it home about nine last night and we stayed up a little bit later to finish up some presents before finally calling it a night.  It was a long weekend and we're feeling a little worse for wear from it, but we wouldn't have it any other way -- the holidays are best spent with those you love.  We have a few days to catch back up on our sleep and prepare ourselves for yet another crazy fun filled weekend.  Christmas Eve will find us at Austin Park n Pizza with Michael's mom and then Christmas morning we'll be with Michael's dad, stepmom and his sisters.  Then we'll spend the afternoon with my folks and brothers and my friend John (and anyone else that decides to show up...the Dillon family always has an extra plate and chair for whoever happens along, which happens all the time at holidays, lol. I chalk it up to our awesome cooking!)

In case it gets so busy that we aren't able to post again til next week,  we want to wish you all a very merry and happy Christmas.  May it be filled with family and friends, warm fuzzies, and wonderful memories!

Happy Christmas!

Love, Kelly, Michael, & Sybilla

Christmas Thoughts

Ah, the Christmas season!  I love the smells, the sights and the sounds.  As much as I hate how commercialized Christmas has become, I still love to sing carols, bake cookies, read the Christmas book, and decorate the house.  I love holiday parties and dressing up, and as much as I detest going to church, I do enjoy Christmas mass--it must be the smell of frankincense and myrrh, coupled with the carols, lights, and the nativity.  I've compiled here a list of my favorite Christmas items and memories.  What are some of yours?

Favorite Christmas Carols/Songs:  "I Saw Three Ships" and "Rise Up Shepherd"

Favorite Sweet Christmas Treat:  Pralines, Chocolate Oranges, and Gingerbread

Favorite Tradition(s):  I have too many to choose just one!  Let's see...stockings and presents on Christmas morning, decorating the tree, Twelve Days of Christmas, visiting my cousins in San Antonio for Christmas dinner, making Christmas cookies and pralines, visiting the Trail of Lights, singing at the Festival of Lights at St. Edward's.

Favorite Christmas Memories: Stockings and coffee cans on Christmas morning!  Stockings were the first things my brothers and I grabbed Christmas morning.  Presents could wait, but we had to know what treats Santa had left us in our stockings.  I still get excited each year about stockings, but no one besides my mom seems to be coordinated enough to do them just right [sigh]  Another favorite memory is the coffee cans we received from "Santa."  For several years, one of my dad's former coworkers would send decorated coffee cans full of fun little toys and candies for each one of us.  We looked forward to these for years and we believed they really came from Santa. 

Funniest gift ever Received:  One year, my husband's great grandmother gave us a very lovely wall plaque that was a heart made from angel wings.  I normally don't like to receive tchotckes (see above philosophy), but this is one of the few I've received that really got me excited.  Well, the next year, a different relative gave us--you guessed it--the same wall plaque!  We didn't really want two of them, so we re-gifted one as a wedding present to some acquaintances. 

Best Christmas Gift Ever:  Four gifts stick out in my mind that were received throughout my childhood--a microscope, a whole set of herb plants to grow, my hiking backpack, and contacts.  If you haven't figured it out already, I was a bit of an odd duck growing up!

Biggest Pet Peeve About Christmas: when the decorations and the music come out BEFORE Thanksgiving.  I think it's wrong to overshadow a holiday devoted to gratitude by having all the Christmas stuff out too early.  One or two days before, ok, fine.  But WEEKS before?!  Really?  Conversely, I always hated it that my parents waited so long to get a tree for Christmas.  My mom's birthday falls on the Epiphany (Jan 6, the day the Wise Men found the Baby Jesus) and the Twelve Days of Christmas actually runs from Christmas Day to January 6th, so my folks would wait until a couple of days before Christmas to get our (real) tree and we'd keep it up until the 6th or a little thereafter so that my mom could enjoy a lovely tree on her birthday.  And on that note: Mom and Dad, can you please make sure to take down the tree BEFORE the end of March this year?  (I wouldn't ask if it weren't true!)

Real or Fake Christmas Tree:  I have a confession to make...until this year, I was a real tree purist.  I still believe nothing can top the smell, feel, and presence of a real tree, but given the circumstances a fake tree fit our needs really well.  I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't on ridiculous super sale and pre-lit (seriously, I don't know anyone who enjoys stringing lights).  Once Sybilla and any subsequent siblings are older, we'll pick back up the tradition of picking out a live Christmas tree and decorating it!

It's Not Christmas Without: The Christmas Book.  My parents have a copy of the Night Before Christmas that contains sheet music of Christmas carols in the back.  We read the story on Christmas Eve and then sing some carols.  Even if we're too tired, I at least read it to myself.  I found it in the decorations this year and I can't wait to start this tradition with Sybilla this year!

Favorite Christmas Ornament:  My favorite ornament that I own is what my family has nicknamed the "gay little elf."  This happy, androgynous-looking little guy and his mate came to live with us after my mom's mother passed away years ago.  This particular pair of elves are wearing nothing but little leaves over their nether regions and a leaf hat leaning forward to kiss.  I stole one of the little guys a couple of years much to the protest of my mother and the large amusement of my brothers and father.  My brothers goaded me on and thought it a shame that I didn't take the pair.  Someday when I inherit all of the ornaments, my gay little elf will reunite with his mate in all their tchotchke glory!

Santa - Real or Not?  REAL.  I don't care what anyone says, Santa is real and always has been.  He is the embodiment of the spirit of giving, therefore he has to exist!  I think maybe he just morphs into something different as we get older. 

What's Your Christmas Decor Theme?  I like nostalgic and vintage items the most, but I have every style and every color of decoration, so there's no real theme.  We do happen to have  a number of nativities that we've gotten from several friends and relatives over the years that I guess you could say we collect them.

Happy Christmas to you all!

Kelly

The Maestro Returns!

Last year at this time Sybilla was learning how to walk and had mastered the moves just after Thanksgiving.  Hard to believe she was running by New Year's!  Anyhoo, one of the items posted was a little video of her playing the piano.  We got some more pictures with a piano this holiday season when we visited Michael's dad and stepmom and his dad's family for a belated Thanksgiving dinner this past Sunday.  Here she is looking quite pleased with herself:

Note to self: I guess we need to make this an annual thing now!

Cheers,

Kelly

thanksgiving

Today we give thanks for many things. 

Personally, I am thankful:

1.  Michael.  When I saw him in the Scarborough Phillips Library at SEU nine years ago and told myself that I was going to marry that cute boy, I didn't know just how self-fulfilling those words would be.  I also didn't know what I was getting into, but I grateful for it nonetheless.  My life would be boring otherwise!

2.  Sybilla.  I never knew what REAL love was until the first time she got hurt and my mama bear claws came out.  She is my heart living outside my chest.  She is willful, independent, clever beyond her year, and stubborn as a mule, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

3.  My family.  I am what I am thanks to them, and whether that's good or bad, it doesn't matter.  Blood is thicker than water and no matter what drama we deal with, I love 'em anyways!

4.  My friends.  I have so many of them, and so many different kinds, but regardless I love them all and my life is richer for them!

5.  My in laws.  Everyone b*itches about their crazy in-laws, but I adore mine.  Seriously.  I have TWO mothers-in-law that are equally amazing that I love dearly...talk about all the luck in the world.  I'm grateful for such a loving and special extended family.

6.  My job.  It may not pay me what I want, but my boss is great, the flexibility and benefits are fantastic and I have made some new very wonderful friends thank to it!


7.  A roof over my head, food in my belly, and clothes on my back.  I have the essentials in my life.  Yes there are things I want very badly, but at the end of the day, I am extremely blessed to be provided with such comfortable basics.  

8.  The gifts and talents God has given me.  I don't care if it sounds narcissistic, but what the hell.  I have an amazing singing voice, an incredibly gifted and intelligent mind, and one helluva knack for baking, arts & crafts, and writing.  To NOT acknowledge the gifts the Old Pawdnuh gave me would be a sin IMHO.

9.  For the sun rising each day.  Because each new day I face means one more chance to chase my dreams, love my family and friends, and live my life to fullest that I can!

I hope that this day finds you celebrating everything you're thankful for!  I leave you to indulge your feasting fancies; the following prayer is what we say with Sybilla every night and I think it sums up everything we're thankful for:

Dear Lord,
Thank you for everything you've given us,
For two arms and two legs,
Ten fingers and ten toes,
Two eyes, two ears, a mouth and a nose.
For food in our belly and a roof over our heads,
for clothes on our backs and a nice warm bed.
For Mama and Daddy and grandparents too,
All our aunties and uncles and cousins who all love you.
We're thankful for the birds and the bees,
The flowers and trees,
the kittens and puppies.
and even the guppies.
We're thankful for this and so much more,
and we continue to pray
that you will bless us
each and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

The Guerra Clan

Halloween 2009 Recap

As Cameron so succinctly put it, "Happy Halloween Day!" Below is a photo recap of our big night. We all met up at Casa del Marino and then went trick or treating in the neighborhood with them, their neighbors, and their neighbors' friends. The kids ranged in age from 2-5 with Billa being the youngest (ok, so she's really 20 months, but it's close enough to 2!) and they had a blast. Michael and I were the only adults to actually dress in costume–I was a black widow and Michael was a zombie hunter (he got off work late and there was no time for Tony Montana). We went around the block which took us about an hour; it didn't take Billa that long to figure out what was going on! Everyone loved her outfit and how cute she was. She didn't say a word (no Twick or Tweet this year)and opted instead for a 'bye bye' wave instead of saying thank you. Everyone loved it nonetheless, which made me feel a bit less guilty about her manners.

Since Billa was the youngest, Michael and I were the 'thank you'/safety patrol; we made sure each kid made it to the door in one piece and that they said thank you to each homeowner. Madeleine and Sidney were VERY proud of this whole process as they would continually announce to the group of parents: "Mommy! I said 'trick or treat' and 'thank you' and I got candy!!!" We did have several kid and candy spills, but we ended the night with a huge haul and no huge mishaps. Billa's bucket was so overflowing that Michael and I had to carry candy in our hands at the end. Her haul was somewhat depleted after a thorough inspection as we discarded anything that was open, a choking hazard, or just not palatable to Michael and I. Hey, we're gonna have to do most of the eating, might as well make it something we like!

Post inspection, the kids carved a pumpkin while the daddies sat by the firepit and smoked some cigars. We gave Billa a bath while we were there and borrowed some outgrown Halloween jammies for her before we all said our good nights and headed home. She didn't get to bed until ten which made for and ugly bedtime when we got home, but she slept in this morning, which was nice for us!

We hope you all had a safe and wonderful Halloween...enjoy the photo recap and a speedy sugar rush recovery!

Billa and Daddy are ready to go!

Madeleine, Cameron, and Sybilla in their Halloween get up...
no one could sit still or look at the same camera and smile at the same time!

The trick or treat pack of 2009: Jacob, Sydney, Blake, Madeleine, Cameron, and Sybilla

Bat Girl jams out to Thriller and the Ghostbusters theme!

Baby Hayden in his pumpkin bunting which was a little too big!

His lovely mama, Kellie, models the rest of it!

And we're off!

Trick or treat! Billa is still trying to figure out what all of the fuss is about.

Daddy takes a picture break with Billa in front of one house.
Hunting zombies is hard work!

Mama and Billa, such a pretty pair!

Mama's black widow costume...get it?

The back view...the red bow is meant to symbolize the red hourglass...
clever, yes? I thought so too!

Daddy makes sure it's a zombie free zone and that the kiddos don't forget to say thank you!

The take...AFTER candy inspection and removal of all candies that were not Billa appropriate...or to Mama and Daddy's liking ;o)

Pumpkin carving time!

Billa tries her hand at pumpkin carving

Batter up! Billa takes a break from pumpkin carving to go zombie killing!

Trick or treating is rough on daddies...a nice cigar and a sit by the fire pit are in order!

The finished pumpkin..he's a happy fella thanks to Madeleine!

Sybilla and Madeleine check out Cameron's Bumblebee action figure before bedtime...
check out BK's borrowed Halloween jammies!

Happy Halloween Day!
The Guerra Gang