More Birthday Cake!

My Zumba teacher surprised me with a cake for my birthday. Delicious and beautiful!

Abuelos & Girls

Saying goodbye to the Abuelos is always hard. It almost feels like we need an extra week to visit!

Cowgirl Boots

Ana is loving her new (hand-me-down)  cowgirl boots!

Some Things Never Change

The girls have been climbing on their Abuelo's lap every time we sit at the table. Ana looks disappointed in this picture because her Abuelo can't share his quesadilla with her; it has too much salsa!

Combined Birthday Party

Yesterday we celebrated three birthdays, mine, my mom's and Jenny's (my sisyer-in-law).  For our meal we had chicken and pork pozole soup and it was delicious. The red salsa that goes with it was so good that we had to leave it behind for Matt (brother-in-law) to enjoy. It was such a fun party because I got to celebrate with my parents!

There were three cakes, one baked by my niece Isabelle, an ice cream cake, and a carrot cake/cheesecake (I baked it with Emma's help). We didn't put all of the candles because we didn't want to set off the smoke alarm. Ha!

This was a birthday party to remember!

Making Chorizo

Emma learned how to make chorizo with her Abuelo.

Daddy's Boots

Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Baking birthday cake for Mommy.

Grocery Shopping with Abuelos

The Abuelos have arrived!

Ana - Coloring

Ana is coloring somewhat within the lines. Good job!

Apples!

We stopped by a local farm for half a bushel of apples. Now the question is, what should I bake with them? Oh, so many options!

Amaryllis Bulb

I got this bulb for Christmas. I love seeing how it grows and I hope to have it for many years!

Snuggly Atenas

Before we left for school this morning, Emma used her favorite blanket to snuggle Atenas. Emma is so considerate!

"Rosca de Reyes"

This was my first attempt at making the traditional Mexican Rosca de Reyes. Emma was a big help and it paid off. Not only it looks beautiful but it tastes delicious!

Snow Day

They couldn't wait to get out thrte and play in the snow!

"New" Clothes

We got a box of hand-me-downs from a friend in Texas for the girls (well, mostly for Emma). Emma's outfit for her first day back to school from Christmas break was very cute. Ana didn't want to be left behind and she picked her own outfit. This kid refused to wear what I chose for her. She really wanted to wear what she picked: striped shirt, polka dot pants, and ruffled turquoise skirt. Pick your battles, right?

Making Tamales

This year I didn't have time to make tamales for the holidays but I still wanted to eat some. I love the smell of heating up tamales on a cast iron skillet in the mornings. The burnt smell of the corn husks reminds me of home. We live having tamales for breakfast with fried eggs.

Emma has already had four tamales! I love that she enjoys Mexican food so much!

Gorditas Dulces

We have a friend in Juarez that makes delicious sweet gorditas. I was introduced to them when I was seventeen but got the recipe ten years later. With Cameron's dietary restrictions, I just came up with the Paleo version for them. I used almond flour and dates to substitute regular flour and sugar. If only Lupita could taste them, I think she would approve.

Hot Tub!

Last night we went to our friends' house for casual get together (in other words, eat all of the leftovers!).   The girls rode the tractor, jumped on the trampoline and got in the hot tub. We had so much fun!

Birthday Celebration

Yesterday we celebrated Matt's (brother-in-law) birthday. We went to John and Nancy's house for dinner where Cameron smoked some pork. Everything was very good. The girls had a great time with their cousins and we also got to visit with our friend Carol from Chicago. So much fun to be close to family!