Yesterday I went on my usual walk. I was minding my own business when a cow pops her head out of some bushes on the side of the road. We casually walk past each other.
As I made my way back the cow had multiplied.
All of them were roaming free eating all the greenery that had popped up since all the rain.
Who needs a weed eater or lawn mower when you have some of these?
Happy mowing cows!
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
watercolor artists
I bought some watercolor paints the other day at Office Max. The paint that we have used before is TOO messy for my taste and because of how I am, it is required that we paint outside. Watercolors are more appropriate for their level of messiness.
Of course they are experts at making a mess, so the colors of course start to all turn brown.
But, that is OK. They love it and had a blast.
The girls are always wanting to paint. It is the little artists in them. It is funny how they have distinctive styles.
Bella is so organized and detailed and clean about things. Her work shows that.
And then there is Emily.
She is wild! And carefree. That is what I love about her the most. Her works shows her true colors.
Now that they have seen these pictures they want to paint. Advertising would work on them very well.
Of course they are experts at making a mess, so the colors of course start to all turn brown.
But, that is OK. They love it and had a blast.
The girls are always wanting to paint. It is the little artists in them. It is funny how they have distinctive styles.
Bella is so organized and detailed and clean about things. Her work shows that.
And then there is Emily.
She is wild! And carefree. That is what I love about her the most. Her works shows her true colors.
Now that they have seen these pictures they want to paint. Advertising would work on them very well.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Costco... a little piece of heaven on earth
Some of you already know this, but I am employed again! My awesome friend, Bradley, called me up in June and asked if I would be interested in working for him part-time from here in Mexico. I didn't have to think about it at all. I didn't care what I would be doing. All I knew is that I have been itching for some responsibilities that don't involve kids for a while. Being a mom is great and all, but I need something more. I just like working. AND, the money is always a positive!
The money is what is allowing our lives to be a little easier and better down here. Jorge's income is just pathetic and I have been struggling with trying to maintain staying within our tiny budget. I have gotten a lot better, but still not close to what it would take to live off of his income alone.
With this extra income we now have, we went all fancy and got a membership to the Costco in Aguascalientes. It is the bigger city about an hour and a half from here. It has the big mall and movie theaters and fast food restaurants and Wal-Mart and Home Depot. You get the point.
Yesterday we got the membership and bought lots of fun stuff at Costco. I don't think I have been more happy here in Mexico than I was yesterday!
Before we had even been in the store 1 minute, Jorge spots a cart with Coors Light in it. For some reason that is his favorite beer and the only place we have been able to find it is at Chili's (you know, the restaurant). And at $3 plus a bottle, well, he only has a few when we go every so often. We see commercials for it on our TV and know that there is a distribution center in Monterrey but haven't found it for sell anywhere. Well, at least until yesterday. You might imagine how happy he was.

After spotting the beer, I headed straight for the cheese section. My heart melted immediately because of all the variety. Remember we got that small refrigerator? Well, I had to pick and choose. But, I was happy knowing that I can go back whenever I want and buy a different kind.
We went down almost every aisle. (Towards the end, with a full cart and a small refrigerator at home, we decided to skip going down all remaining aisles. We will leave those for our next trip.) We got to the frozen food section and I didn't think it was possible for my heart to melt a second time, but it did! I found this!

Edamame! (note how large the bag is compared to the microwave!)
And these!

Chinese dumplings!
And we found salsa for dipping chips in. Funny that I live in Mexico and you would think that would be a staple, but they just don't do the chips and salsa like in the States. So, I have been on a mad hunt for a recipe and have found something close but no cigar. Now I can just pop over to the Costco for some more. And you see we got some asparagus! And crab meat (imitation but still good!). And you can see my provolone and colby jack cheese! Love is in the air!

I wasn't lying about the size of our refrigerator. You can see how packed our freezer is. For my non-meat eating friends, don't read the next line. We bought STEAKS! And pork chops and a bunch of chicken. It was WONDERFUL!

Next time I hope we can control ourselves a little bit more. I am sure we looked like fools. Oh well. It totally made my day.
The money is what is allowing our lives to be a little easier and better down here. Jorge's income is just pathetic and I have been struggling with trying to maintain staying within our tiny budget. I have gotten a lot better, but still not close to what it would take to live off of his income alone.
With this extra income we now have, we went all fancy and got a membership to the Costco in Aguascalientes. It is the bigger city about an hour and a half from here. It has the big mall and movie theaters and fast food restaurants and Wal-Mart and Home Depot. You get the point.
Yesterday we got the membership and bought lots of fun stuff at Costco. I don't think I have been more happy here in Mexico than I was yesterday!
Before we had even been in the store 1 minute, Jorge spots a cart with Coors Light in it. For some reason that is his favorite beer and the only place we have been able to find it is at Chili's (you know, the restaurant). And at $3 plus a bottle, well, he only has a few when we go every so often. We see commercials for it on our TV and know that there is a distribution center in Monterrey but haven't found it for sell anywhere. Well, at least until yesterday. You might imagine how happy he was.
After spotting the beer, I headed straight for the cheese section. My heart melted immediately because of all the variety. Remember we got that small refrigerator? Well, I had to pick and choose. But, I was happy knowing that I can go back whenever I want and buy a different kind.
We went down almost every aisle. (Towards the end, with a full cart and a small refrigerator at home, we decided to skip going down all remaining aisles. We will leave those for our next trip.) We got to the frozen food section and I didn't think it was possible for my heart to melt a second time, but it did! I found this!
Edamame! (note how large the bag is compared to the microwave!)
And these!
Chinese dumplings!
And we found salsa for dipping chips in. Funny that I live in Mexico and you would think that would be a staple, but they just don't do the chips and salsa like in the States. So, I have been on a mad hunt for a recipe and have found something close but no cigar. Now I can just pop over to the Costco for some more. And you see we got some asparagus! And crab meat (imitation but still good!). And you can see my provolone and colby jack cheese! Love is in the air!
I wasn't lying about the size of our refrigerator. You can see how packed our freezer is. For my non-meat eating friends, don't read the next line. We bought STEAKS! And pork chops and a bunch of chicken. It was WONDERFUL!
Next time I hope we can control ourselves a little bit more. I am sure we looked like fools. Oh well. It totally made my day.
Monday, June 07, 2010
walking towards the rain
I didn't walk one time last week. That wicked cold of mine just wouldn't leave me alone and go away.
Today is actually the first day that I don't have to run to blow my nose or cough where it sounds like my lungs are going to bust out of my body.
The forecast calls for a thunderstorm here in Jalos today. And, it is much welcomed if it does come. The last few days it has felt hot here. The house has just been trapping the hot air inside.
Since I feel better today I wanted to get back into my routine of walking. I sort of missed doing it.
Today was a really nice walk. Right before I got ready to leave the sun was shinning brightly and I assumed I will be sweating a few minutes into the walk. Well, I was right.
But, I was walking towards this.

(This picture has not been edited. I downloaded it straight from my iphone.)
I kept thinking I should turn back, but decided to go for it. I did chicken out a little bit before my normal turn around point. Even so, the wind started up and the breeze was so wonderful!
I made it back with just a few drops falling on me. Other that the wind throwing dust in my eyes, it was a very pleasant walk.
Today is actually the first day that I don't have to run to blow my nose or cough where it sounds like my lungs are going to bust out of my body.
The forecast calls for a thunderstorm here in Jalos today. And, it is much welcomed if it does come. The last few days it has felt hot here. The house has just been trapping the hot air inside.
Since I feel better today I wanted to get back into my routine of walking. I sort of missed doing it.
Today was a really nice walk. Right before I got ready to leave the sun was shinning brightly and I assumed I will be sweating a few minutes into the walk. Well, I was right.
But, I was walking towards this.
(This picture has not been edited. I downloaded it straight from my iphone.)
I kept thinking I should turn back, but decided to go for it. I did chicken out a little bit before my normal turn around point. Even so, the wind started up and the breeze was so wonderful!
I made it back with just a few drops falling on me. Other that the wind throwing dust in my eyes, it was a very pleasant walk.
loud mouths
The last two nights this has been happening right outside our bedroom window. They come around 8:30 pm and make a raucous until a little after 9 pm.
They almost sound like a bunch of monkeys. Annoying!
They almost sound like a bunch of monkeys. Annoying!
Friday, June 04, 2010
hello again
I have been absent for a while now. The past week (and currently) I have been sick. I am ready to get over it but for some reason it wants to stick around.
In the middle of being sick Jorge ends up bringing home a puppy.

Yes, such a cute face, but can't get around being a puppy! I am not a fan of puppies. They are just such a pain to deal with. So, that lasted 24 hours and then I had the dog pack up his things and get out of dodge.
I have been battling with Bella lately. I have heard from a few people (and read a few places) that this is an age thing. Let me tell you I hope that is true. Some days around here are just horrible. We fight non-stop. I try to practice being calm and trying different approaches with her. But, it is easier said than done. So, we keep going, try to find a balance and cross our fingers that this too will pass.
Emily, on the other hand, is easier to deal with. My issue with her lately is her lack of listening. Or, her perfected ignoring techniques. Other than that, she is just so funny.
Here is a video of her demonstrating how to take off a shirt. Usually when I ask them to take off their clothes and put them in the dirty clothes hamper I don't watch. I am usually getting their bath water ready or some other small daily task. This was really the first time I saw her do this and I asked her to do it on the video camera and as you will see, she cooperated nicely. (oh, and enjoy my sexy voice from being sick)
And, those of you with more than one child will probably agree with me that the second (and third and so on, I assume) always pick up things more quickly than the first. This little video shows that she has learned her alphabet way earlier than Bella did. That is the benefit of them having an older sibling to mimic.
We have been enjoying the pool. Once we put it out back on the patio it was cloudy most days. Which here without that lovely humidity, it is a much cooler temp without the sun. But, after a week or so of that, the sun is back out, full force! And, we have been using the pool a lot. And, even though I felt like I was going to pass out blowing it up, I am glad we bought the big pool. It is nice that we can all get in it and enjoy cooling off.
One day we had a little friend join us for a few laps in the pool...
I am going to go and blow my nose for the one millionth time. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
In the middle of being sick Jorge ends up bringing home a puppy.
Yes, such a cute face, but can't get around being a puppy! I am not a fan of puppies. They are just such a pain to deal with. So, that lasted 24 hours and then I had the dog pack up his things and get out of dodge.
I have been battling with Bella lately. I have heard from a few people (and read a few places) that this is an age thing. Let me tell you I hope that is true. Some days around here are just horrible. We fight non-stop. I try to practice being calm and trying different approaches with her. But, it is easier said than done. So, we keep going, try to find a balance and cross our fingers that this too will pass.
Emily, on the other hand, is easier to deal with. My issue with her lately is her lack of listening. Or, her perfected ignoring techniques. Other than that, she is just so funny.
Here is a video of her demonstrating how to take off a shirt. Usually when I ask them to take off their clothes and put them in the dirty clothes hamper I don't watch. I am usually getting their bath water ready or some other small daily task. This was really the first time I saw her do this and I asked her to do it on the video camera and as you will see, she cooperated nicely. (oh, and enjoy my sexy voice from being sick)
And, those of you with more than one child will probably agree with me that the second (and third and so on, I assume) always pick up things more quickly than the first. This little video shows that she has learned her alphabet way earlier than Bella did. That is the benefit of them having an older sibling to mimic.
We have been enjoying the pool. Once we put it out back on the patio it was cloudy most days. Which here without that lovely humidity, it is a much cooler temp without the sun. But, after a week or so of that, the sun is back out, full force! And, we have been using the pool a lot. And, even though I felt like I was going to pass out blowing it up, I am glad we bought the big pool. It is nice that we can all get in it and enjoy cooling off.
One day we had a little friend join us for a few laps in the pool...
I am going to go and blow my nose for the one millionth time. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Friday, May 21, 2010
the mind of a two year old
Here is a little conversation that just happened between Emily and me.
Me: (burp) -- yeah, I am lady-like!
Emily: Are you hungry?
Me: No.
Emily: You want a drink?
Me: No.
Emily: Do you need to puke?
Me: No.
Emily: You need to poopie?
Me: No.
The End.
I just thought it was funny. I guess she didn't understand why I burped. Who knows with her. She is often out in left field.
Me: (burp) -- yeah, I am lady-like!
Emily: Are you hungry?
Me: No.
Emily: You want a drink?
Me: No.
Emily: Do you need to puke?
Me: No.
Emily: You need to poopie?
Me: No.
The End.
I just thought it was funny. I guess she didn't understand why I burped. Who knows with her. She is often out in left field.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
birthday boy
Today is Jorge's birthday. When he comes home from work he will be welcomed with this cake.
It's a tres leches cake.
Looks yummy, huh?
Happy Birthday, Jorge!
It's a tres leches cake.
Looks yummy, huh?
Happy Birthday, Jorge!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
answer for julie
It is not Evian water, although it does look very similar to Evian's label. It is none other than epura agua!
Take a closer look.
Take a closer look.
Monday, May 17, 2010
holy smallness batman!
***UPDATE*** I didn't want to make all of you worry any longer than you needed to. I got the gallon of milk to fit into the refrigerator. AND, I got a container of juice in there too!
So, Jorge got home, helped me move the new refrigerator into place and then I put all the food in it.
IT IS REALLY SMALL compared to our other one. This will definitely help me keep costs down when it comes to grocery shopping! I don't even have a gallon of milk in there yet.
This will be an adjustment on it's own.
So, Jorge got home, helped me move the new refrigerator into place and then I put all the food in it.
IT IS REALLY SMALL compared to our other one. This will definitely help me keep costs down when it comes to grocery shopping! I don't even have a gallon of milk in there yet.
This will be an adjustment on it's own.
new additions
Last weekend we went to Aguascalientes for a little bit of normal. We had told Bella we would get a pool for her. For some reason we have an issue with fire and the last one was in the laundry room and it caught on fire.... oops!
We were at a store similar to Wal-Mart and they had tons to choose from. Instead of getting one for the girls, we got one for the whole family. It is large and in charge.
This past Saturday I pulled the pool out of the box and started blowing it up. I had to stop a few times cause I felt like I was going to pass out. I began to regret getting such a large pool.
After blowing it up and filling it with water, I looked at it and thought "this is going to be great". It is so big. All of us can fit in the pool at the same time and we have plenty of room to spare. Now I just need to teach the girls how to make me yummy drinks using the blender and I will be all set! :)
We have another addition to our house, this one was not so welcome.
Our stupid refrigerator when out again. Instead of pouring anymore money into it and waiting several days for the repair guy to show up and in the mean time losing a lot more perishable items, we decided to just buy new. The other one was bought used 2 1/2 years ago.
The new one is smaller and hopefully more energy efficient.
The makers, Mabe (I believe a division of GE), knows their priorities. The shelves in the door specifically are there for ice cream (helados)! So, I guess we will just have to only stock them with that.
They delivered it this morning and told us to not plug it in until it has been sitting upright for 4 hours. When Jorge gets home I will give him the lovely job of change the door so it swings open in the opposite direction. He will love that! Yeah right.
And, for those of you that enjoy a picture or two of the girls (Mom, that is you!), here are the girls coloring this morning. Daddy's workout bench servers as both a gym and a table for coloring.
Until the next post...
We were at a store similar to Wal-Mart and they had tons to choose from. Instead of getting one for the girls, we got one for the whole family. It is large and in charge.
This past Saturday I pulled the pool out of the box and started blowing it up. I had to stop a few times cause I felt like I was going to pass out. I began to regret getting such a large pool.
After blowing it up and filling it with water, I looked at it and thought "this is going to be great". It is so big. All of us can fit in the pool at the same time and we have plenty of room to spare. Now I just need to teach the girls how to make me yummy drinks using the blender and I will be all set! :)
We have another addition to our house, this one was not so welcome.
Our stupid refrigerator when out again. Instead of pouring anymore money into it and waiting several days for the repair guy to show up and in the mean time losing a lot more perishable items, we decided to just buy new. The other one was bought used 2 1/2 years ago.
The new one is smaller and hopefully more energy efficient.
The makers, Mabe (I believe a division of GE), knows their priorities. The shelves in the door specifically are there for ice cream (helados)! So, I guess we will just have to only stock them with that.
They delivered it this morning and told us to not plug it in until it has been sitting upright for 4 hours. When Jorge gets home I will give him the lovely job of change the door so it swings open in the opposite direction. He will love that! Yeah right.
And, for those of you that enjoy a picture or two of the girls (Mom, that is you!), here are the girls coloring this morning. Daddy's workout bench servers as both a gym and a table for coloring.
Until the next post...
Saturday, May 08, 2010
our week
So, this is what has been happening around here lately...
Made necklaces...well, started them. The girls lost focus.
Colored outside so that Emily could look cool in her shades. Not that she needs to be outside to wear them.
Saw how sweet the girls can be...when they are sleeping.
Bella is in a dress mode. She has been wearing dresses everyday for the past week.


Been dealing with these two. Both these pictures are staged, but don't think for one minute that there is not a reality behind them. I will admit they both got my attitude...poor me!
I gave Emily a haircut. She always looked like a wild animal and refused to keep anything in her hair. So, chopping it off seemed to work.
And, after Emily's photo session so I could get a picture of her new haircut, she decided she wanted to practice her photography. At least she got part of me in the shot. Better than I was expecting.
And, the most exciting news! After 3 years and 4 months of diapers, our house is now diaper-free! Yes, it is GREAT! It has been about 3 days now that Emily has been in only underwear and no accidents. Emily is 2 years and 3 months so she did it 2 months earlier than Bella. NO MORE DIAPERS! YAY!
Hope everyone has a great weekend and for those of you mothers, a great Mother's Day!
Made necklaces...well, started them. The girls lost focus.
Colored outside so that Emily could look cool in her shades. Not that she needs to be outside to wear them.
Saw how sweet the girls can be...when they are sleeping.
Bella is in a dress mode. She has been wearing dresses everyday for the past week.
Been dealing with these two. Both these pictures are staged, but don't think for one minute that there is not a reality behind them. I will admit they both got my attitude...poor me!
I gave Emily a haircut. She always looked like a wild animal and refused to keep anything in her hair. So, chopping it off seemed to work.
And, after Emily's photo session so I could get a picture of her new haircut, she decided she wanted to practice her photography. At least she got part of me in the shot. Better than I was expecting.
And, the most exciting news! After 3 years and 4 months of diapers, our house is now diaper-free! Yes, it is GREAT! It has been about 3 days now that Emily has been in only underwear and no accidents. Emily is 2 years and 3 months so she did it 2 months earlier than Bella. NO MORE DIAPERS! YAY!
Hope everyone has a great weekend and for those of you mothers, a great Mother's Day!
Monday, April 26, 2010
enough is enough
I am just so in love with these totes, that is why I want to show you the finished product. After making the bag for Cesly the other day, Bella requested one for her. Of course I couldn't say no, especially when I still had some of that really cute fabric left.
I also had made a very simple one for me a few weeks ago but wanted to change it up a bit. So, I changed that one too and thought might as well show you that one too.
Since I don't have hardly any of that cute fabric left I can almost promise you that I won't continue to keep posting about these totes.
I won't keep you waiting any longer. Here is Bella's bag. I really really like it.
And, here is Bella posing with her bag.
All the totes I have been making are reversible.
And, here is the bag I changed for me. I just really like the contrast of the brown on the bottom of a lighter color. I had some brown corduroy and thought it would be a nice contrast to the purple (which is a flat sheet).
And, as you see, here is the reverse side.
This concludes the millionth time down the tote road.
I also had made a very simple one for me a few weeks ago but wanted to change it up a bit. So, I changed that one too and thought might as well show you that one too.
Since I don't have hardly any of that cute fabric left I can almost promise you that I won't continue to keep posting about these totes.
I won't keep you waiting any longer. Here is Bella's bag. I really really like it.
And, here is Bella posing with her bag.
All the totes I have been making are reversible.
And, here is the bag I changed for me. I just really like the contrast of the brown on the bottom of a lighter color. I had some brown corduroy and thought it would be a nice contrast to the purple (which is a flat sheet).
And, as you see, here is the reverse side.
This concludes the millionth time down the tote road.
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