My look back at 2008...

So, this is where it gets emotional for me. I have a little bit of time right now as I sit at my desk to reflect on what truly was 2008 for me. So many memories and images come flashing back in my head, but almost all of them are with family.

Daniella speaks in complete and full sentences now and has such a character on her. I fear she will be sarcastic like me! LOL She is so loveable and gentle, yet she demands her way. She knows her alphabet and can count to 20. She is completely bi lingual! YAY!
Antonio is as feisty now as he ever was! He keeps us entertained and on our toes! He is the cuddly teddy bear of the family! He is not at all interested in the potty yet but he is off the bottle. A big accomplishment for me since he is my last baby =( He says about 20 words now but the big one is What? Yup, he says that all day! LOL What? What? Whaaaattttt? And Mom! I think he says Mom 134793465479821652 times a day! He is truly a Momma’s boy!

2008 was also the first FULL year we lived in TX. It was the first full year we were without our extended family and friends in NY. It was a time of change. It was difficult on so many levels and for so many reasons but the kids always help put things back in perspective. We moved for them, and it was the best decision Ben and I have made as Parents. They are so happy here…. This is home now. It’s been so hard to get to the point of saying that but it actually feels like home now. My sister moved out on her own and then moved in with her boyfriend. I don’t think I ever though that would happen! I am so very happy for her! My parents are still with us and I am not complaining one bit! It’s amazing to see the bond my kids have with my parents. There are plenty of nostalgic moments in our life, Ben and I talk so much about what our life was compared to where it is now, but we’re happy. We have been blessed with an AMAZING core family, and have met some REALLY great people that have helped us along the way. My kids’ happiness is my main concern and they are happy, so I am happy too! I love to think of the friendships they are forming here and the memories they will have.

Thank you Texans for opening your hearts to us and welcoming us.

I pray we all have happiness, health and wealth in 2009! I will not focus on the stress nor hardships in life but on the positives and many blessings God has given me. I am truly a lucky girl! =)

Christmas dinner at our house…

Then we started cooking! Well, by we, I mean my Mom! LOL That lady is amazing and I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SO lucky to have her as a Mom! She cooked up a FEAST! We had family and friends over and it turned out to be a great evening! Lots of food, drinks and laughs! Celebrating in unity and having a house full of people melts my heart in ways I cannot describe. It was a great Christmas!

Christmas Morning..

Santa’s helper, Ben, was up quite a few nights making sure the 2 big toys were ready to be under the tree that morning. Antonio LOVES playing with the train table every single time we go to the Pediatrician;s office so what better gift to get an almost 2 year old! And my Dani is just a typical girl so I knew she’d love the doll house. They came down the stairs and were just amazed at all the stuff Santa had left them. Daniella started counting the cookies (we left 10 out and “Santa” ate 5 of them) but Antonio went straight for the milk and finished off what Santa didn’t drink! LOL It’s so amazing to see their little faces light up with excitement. Antonio stood frozen after a few gifts and didn’t quite know what to do! LOL I think he was in shock! My Mom made traditional Chocolate Colombiano, so yummy! My husband put on Barry Manilow and Sinatra…. I am so blessed to have so many gifts in my life- my family!

Christmas Eve at the Bologneses…

The rush of
Christmas was almost over (buying, wrapping, prepping) and we were so looking forward to just enjoying and relaxing with our dear friends from NY, The Bologneses. We’ve known them for years and I love her like a sister. I hadn’t seen the kids since October b/c of the hustle and bustle of life but we truly enjoyed them on this day. The spirit of Christmas was in the air as music was playing, fondue was melting and Sangria was flowing! LOL It’s always great when you get together with people you love!

Ladybug’s Birthday…

Today we went to go celebrate our new friends’ daughter’s birthday! We have quickly become a fan of the Boquin’s! LOL Who knew a couple could be so much like us! It’s scary! Their beautiful baby girl, Leila, turned two. We were honored to be able to help her blow out her 2nd candle. She is just a bubbly, amazing little girl and I think she has a crush on my Son! LOL The kids have a great time running and playing! Thanks for having us!

La Centerra tree lighting

On Saturday we went to go see the tree in our town get lit up! The only problem was that by the time we got there it was already lit!!!! =( It started raining and before it got worse they turned it on and did the countdown early. It cleared up and the kids were able to enjoy all the activities they had for them =) I seriously love being with my family and friends, because to me, that's what the holidays are all about. Great night!

Christmas Pictures 2008

So, I was planning for the worst experience ever and was very much surpsied! The kids cooperated SO WELL!! They were all smiles that day despite it being one of the coldest days in TX! I love every single pictures but I'm biased b/c they are mine! lol We took them at La Centerra and in our bedroom. I think it helped that they were in their comfort zone. Kim truly captured their essence and the bond that they have. Priceless....