Happy Birthday Marisa!!!

Today my sweet, amazing daughter turned 16! It's hard for me to write those words. I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. I remember going into labor, and how quickly she came. I remember holding her in my arms. She was so little and so sweet. That day changed my life forever. God had blessed me with this child and he entrusted Reyno and I to raise her. I never could have dreamed for a better daughter. She is smart, caring, funny,outgoing and a pure gift!!! I do not feel worthy of such a gift. I thank God everyday for her. I thank him for allowing me to be her mother.
Marisa, you amaze me. Your faith in God is inspiring. Thank you for being you! I cannot wait to see the adult you become. I look forward to your future and I cherish each day that I spend with you!!!

On a lighter note, I am now the mother of a licenced driver!!!! First thing this morning we headed to the DPS. I was so nervous and she was so excited. Reyno was snapping pictures like crazy!!! :)


Wow!! I haven't seen that big of a smile on her face in a while!!

Here she is this afternoon going to hang out with her friend. To say that I was a little nervous is an understatement!! I stood in the driveway watching my baby drive off. I barely kept it together. :) I made her call me as soon as she got there.

It's been a very big day. Happy Sweet 16 Marisa!!!!

Birthday Party Wrap Up

This past Friday night we celebrated our wonderful daughter's Sweet 16!! This party took months of planning and if it's any indication of how her wedding is going to go, we made need some help!!! :)
In all seriousness, the party was a huge success!!! My sweet sisters, parents and even my brother from L.A. came down to help us celebrate!! Here are just a "few" pictures of the night! :)



A family shot before all the guests arrived!!

My baby girl and me. I am absolutely the luckiest mom in the world!!

Marisa with her Nana and Pop

Here she is with the off duty officer that we had to have at the party! Such a nice man.

Marisa with her cake!! Not sure why we always feel the need to take a picture with a cake, but she sure looks cute! :)

Mo with her sweet friend

more friends!!

The tables and the awesome view of the pond on the golf course.

Gianna, mom, dad and Jackson

Jackson dancing with the big kids!

Sweet sisters...Camille, me and Gianna. We missed you Bud!!

Four of the eight kids... Gianna, Camille, me and Vincent

Marisa dancing with Tio!!! So cute!!

Marisa and her Daddy!!!

Blowing out her candles!! I love this picture!!!

Marisa said she had a wonderful time and was so thankful to us for throwing it for her. That is all I needed to hear!!! We love you Mo!!!


I just had to add this picture. Saturday night was her school's Sadie Hawkins dance. It was Eighties themed. I would have loved to dress up and chaperoned, but I was not invited! :)

I miss the Eighties!!!

Spring Break

Last week the kids were on spring break. Reyno had to work the first part of the week so Marisa and I focused on the party. We finished the centerpieces, ordered the cake and bought the decorations. Jackson went to a mini baseball camp at one of the local high schools. By Wednesday we were ready for some fun!! Since we only had a couple of day to spare, we booked a room at the Barton Creek Resort in Austin. It was such a beautiful place. Reyno played golf and I got a massage. They had two video game rooms, so Jackson was in heaven. Thursday we hung out at the pool. The weather was great so we spent most of the day outside. My pasty white skin was not ready for the beautiful sunshine and I got fried!!!!
The rest of our time in Austin was spent eating. It's what we do best!! :)


The view from our room. So Beautiful!!

My sweet babies!! :)

Another great place to eat. They have the best brisket tacos!!

YUMMY!!!!!

After dinner we went for ice cream at Amy's. The guy working there was so fun and entertaining. He told Marisa that he would throw her ice cream over the counter and if she caught it, it was free!!

Here she is getting ready. I think she was nervous that her ice cream was going to land on the floor!

Success!!!

The trip was great and very much needed.

We were back to our normal routine today. This week is going to be very busy. Stay tuned for a sneak peek of the centerpieces!

Baseball

Baseball season has officially started. Jackson had his first tournament this weekend. They really played well together. This is a new team and a new division for him. And this is some serious baseball. His rec team has started practicing, but they won't start playing games for another month. So our last few month here will be spent at a baseball field!!! :)



The cutest second baseman I have ever seen!!! :)

Getting ready to go up to bat

Pep talk from his coach.

Look at that stance!!

After the game with Marisa. So sweet!!

Here he is with his very proud mama!!!

Yes, I have become one of those crazy baseball moms. My necklace is a baseball with his name on it!! What's next.... baseball earrings?!?!?! I will keep you posted! :)

Party Planning

We are full party planning mode at our house. There are just two weeks left until the biggest party of the year... Marisa's Sweet 16!!!!! :) Luckily we are on spring break this week, so I have all hands on deck!
My big project for this week is to finish the centerpieces. My sister has graciously lent us her glass cylinders from her wedding. I'm just not sure what to do with them. Marisa's colors our silver, purple and black. This is one idea we had(thanks Bud)....


We can't have an open flame, so candles are out. If anyone has any ideas, I would love to hear them. Thanks!!!

We are off to shop!!!! Wish us luck!!!

Promotion Ceremony

The day has finally come!!! Reyno is officially a Lieutenant Colonel!!! The ceremony was awesome. Reyno's boss did a great job and the whole Battalion was there.

Disclaimer... I am an outfit repeater!!! With all the party planning going on, I didn't not have time to shop for a new dress!! :)


Here we are at attention while the orders are being read. (Not my best side! :))

Pinning on the new rank. My hands were shaking and I was so worried that the wind was going to blow my dress up!!

Happy Family!!!!

After the ceremony we went to the conference room for some cake. It was so yummy!!!

The writing is supposed to be gray, but it turned a weird green color.

I am so proud of my hard working soldier!!!!

Rosemary's Baby Shower and a Month of Parties

This past weekend Marisa and I headed to Dallas for my sisters baby shower. The party was a huge success!!! There were so many people there. We are all so happy for Rosemary and Corey. I can't wait to finally meet baby Madeline. She is going to be one spoiled little girl!!! :)
Here are some pictures from the day..



My mom made some much wonderful food!!

The hostesses with the mom to be. My mom, Camille, Rosemary, me and Mary. We were missing Stephanie and Gianna.

My mom and all her girls!!!!

Me and my sweet little sister!!!

Rosemary and her college friends, Christi and Tiffany.

So March is a busy month for us and this year it's especially busy and very exciting. Marisa and I both have birthdays this month. We are deep in planning for her sweet 16 party. I am a little overwhelmed by the party prep and the fact that my little girl is turning 16!! I can't believe she is going to be driving!!

We are also very excited because this week Reyno is being promoted to LTC (Lieutenant Colonel) We are having a big party to celebrate.

So needless to say, we are in party mode at our house. I am trying to stay calm so that everything goes off smoothly. Wish me luck!!!!