My Mom

First of all how cute is my mom? I mean seriously? Today is my mom's birthday. I can't believe how old your getting mom! jk haha. My mom raised us on her own since we were babies. She had to play both roles as a parent, day in and day out. Not having much support to help her, we all had to lean on each other to get through some hard times. No matter how difficult things got for her, she never showed us her struggles. There were days that food in our house was low but her peanut butter & jelly ritz cracker sandwiches always did the trick.
She has sacrificed so much for us, we were and still very lucky to have the type of mother who loved her children SO MUCH! Our bond as a family is unbreakable. We are extremely annoyingly close and I don't know how to ever thank her enough for never giving up on being a mother to us. There are so many mothers who would of thrown their arms up and quit but not her. We wouldn't be half the woman we are today if it weren't for her.
Her strength is admirable and determination is contagious. I know personally, because of her guidance and teachings I wouldn't be half the mother I am today. My mom alone raised the three of us and because of her my older sister Maritza is now finishing her masters, my little sister graduated with a teaching degree and is now employed by Teach of America, and myself a mother of two, not yet finished school although I know I will one way or another, but for now I'm going to enjoy watching my two little ones grow while saving the world one kid at a time :)

Happy Birthday Mom! We LOVE you SO MUCH! Always know I'll come visit you when your old ;) hahahaha just kidding..you know I would let you live with me in a back house..hahahaha but seriously.....I would take care of you ") XOXOXOXO!!!

Est. 2006

love you mi amor.

Gear Up!

Playing Center for the Anaheim Ducks, weighing in at 37lbs and 4'0- is PRESLEY JONESSSSSS (crowd roars)

Kayaking

When we were at our "stay-cation" at the beach house we thought it would be a great idea to take the girls Kayaking since it was a beautiful day. I was a little nervous because well neither of my girls know how to swim, and I've never been kayaking before so it was new for me. I was excited to be doing this for our first time together as a family but I will admit I was a little fearful of what's in the water considering I can't see the bottom, but I figured we would be okay. Other than my arms wanting to fall off by the end of it, we all really had a great time out there. It was a lot of fun and we can't wait to do it again!

Pre-School

I knew this day would come. This is the day that marks the beginning of sending your child off to school. Soon enough it will be Kindergarten and then parent teacher conferences, PTA meetings, school dances, I could go on but I can't because the thought of how fast all these years will pass me, is bitter but sweet. I know it's just pre-school, but for the last three years of her life I've been the only one to be with her day in and day out. To feel her being away from me just for three hours, three days a week has been hard. It feels weird to just drop her off at school with people I don't know. On her first day I paced by the front gate because I just felt naked without her. She has been my little buddy by my side for three wonderful years, and here I was dropping off not a baby anymore, but a kid. My kid. I watched her play for a little while and she was just so so so happy. She jumped from activity to activity in a matter of minutes because she was so excited. She couldn't make up her mind what she wanted to do because everything around her was so wonderful. I knew she was happy and needed to be there. I finally on this day understood (mild version, of course) how it felt like to let them go, and hope you have taught her well so far in being a kind, and respectful person. I’m looking forward to the art work she brings home, hearing about what she did at school that day, listening to what she’s learned and watching her make new friends. The days are long but the years are fast. I’m so grateful for her. I’m so blessed.



Waiting for the teacher to open the gate...

She was so excited she ran the moment she got out of the car.

This is her "Mom what are you still doing here?!" look...

Her first day of Pre-School

Every year, as a new school year approaches I will ask her questions to see how they change as she grows....

Presley Sipriana Jones - Pre-School 2011

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Shape: Heart

Favorite Movie: Sleeping Beauty

Favorite Princess: Mermaid

Favorite Food: Strawberries,blueberries and grapes

Favorite Place: School

Favorite Animal: Unicorn

Favorite Pet: "wittle" cat

Stay-Cation

On our "stay-cation" at the beach house Wade was really excited about doing some "big kid" things with Presley. We flew kites, went kayaking, played at the beach, went on really long bike rides, but his MOST FAVORITE was teaching her to fish. This was a very special week for them. They grew closer this week and these two were like two peas in a pod. They did everything together. Wherever Wade went, she had to go. It was his little buddy, and she adored it. I adored it. It brought me complete joy to watch these two develop a bond that will be forever unbreakable.

Relaxing Sunday

We are always out and about taking on a new adventure as a family. We are not very "home-body" type of people, but once in a long while we will actually take a day to ourselves where we aren't having to be somewhere. Today was our day. It was nice that we stayed home and did puzzles with the girls, and just played. Presley and I decided that we were going to get our nails done after lunch and it was just a good day....

Wade and I can rarely take a serious picture together...but loving Presley's smile.

Me and Kinley laying on the floor playing with the camera on my phone :)


Love my family. Truly blessed.

Crock Pot Lasagna Recipe!

That's right, I made a lasagna in the crock pot and it was so easy and tasted Ah-Mazing! Now, I suck at taking pictures of food but I took one anyway so you can at least see the layers of heaven in this lovely meal.

What I did:

I bought the lasagna noodles that you don't need to boil. Mine were gluten free but I think you can get them regular. Honestly though, taste wise no difference!

I broke some so they can fit and lay flat in the cooker....

I then spread some ricotta cheese on the noodles along with some pesto sauce...

The next layer I added some baby spinach...

Then I added (optional for those who may be vegetarians) some ground meat- I cooked it before putting it in the crock pot.

After the meat is in I added some marinara sauce on top....

Then you repeat every step until the crock pot is filled to the top with layers.

At the end on your layering madness you can top it off with some mozzarella cheese...

You then either cook it on high for 2-3 hours or low for 6 to whatever hours...

You will see the cheese on top brown and bubble. Let it sit for 10 minutes to cool and ENJOY!