Our Love, Our Life, Our Family...

Dallas Zoo

2011-01-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

Didn't get to take many pictures but we had a BLAST~!

Halloween 2010

2011-01-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

Girl'sTrip Back Home to Lake Charles!

2011-01-02T14:02:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2010

2010-11-10T14:45:00.000-08:00

O' Camping We Will Go...

2010-10-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

In the past, camping has been with tents, sleeping bags and firewood. 2 years later, I am only considering RV’s DUE to temperature control of night time sleeping due to Sienna.

Yet, with this new upgraded venture, we still have the bbq’s, smores, fishing, campfire and hanging out under the stars.

This trip consisted for 8 adults and 3 kids (all under the age of two). We were actually missing 6 other couples and two other kids. They were missed but there will always be a next time J

Sienna was THIRSTY from running all over the place with Katelyn and Vivian

The family

The Girls (and Katelyn trying to skydive at an early age..)

The boys had to bring their TV to tailgate WHILE camping.

Out by the lake/river (whatever it is, I just know its water lol)

Two Pea's in a Pod!

Hey! What are you doing in the picture DADDY!?!?!

Saturday Night BBQ Feast and Birthday for Jim and Katelyn

Aunt Lety got them matching outfits of their fav colors!

Sienna's Go Texas and Kately's "Westside" gang sign... lol

They dared the trip with us and 3 kids... LOL

Tasha, Lety and Kelly!

Overall, it was a great experience to get everyone together, cook, bbq, hangout and just have fun.

p.s I think most of the kids ended up with head colds LOL

Until next time!

Up in the air and giggles all the way!

2010-08-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

There is this wonderful little contraption in the mall....it's soooooooo much fun. Not that I would know but I feel that I have lived through someone that DID think it was sooooooooooooooooo much fun!

Remember to breathe looking at these. She is safe and sound!

By the way, she laughed the whole entire time...just like I did - watching her.

So, now that you've almost had a heart attack, have a wonderful day!

Art is at the fingertips!

2010-07-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

It all started out with 3 sheets of paper

3 Bottles of Washable Poster Paint

And Sienna’s imagination.

That's when it started getting crazy and yet profound...

Her focus at this moment is equivalent to

Einstein’s revelation of Thermodynamic

fluctuations and statistical physics.

My little Pocahontas!

She's really starting to get into it :-)

Mommy couldn't stand it...had to play.

Momma! Like THIS! She says!

Ok, now we are BOTH starting to get covered in paint!

Both seriously focused..lol

End result...atleast on our bodies.

She starts running when I mention the word "bathtime"

This was after she just put her hands on my face.

Bath time is coming SOON!

Mommy, Sienna and Sadie all clean!

Zarred and Sienna on a dinosaur hunt

2010-07-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

Zarred and Sienna walking into the "jungle"

Zarred, “Ok, we have to be realllly quite!”

Sienna thinking, “Yeah, I don’t know about this hunt”

AHHHH! The dinosaur! (The Puppy)

We need HELP Uncle Jim!

Uncle Jim saves the day and tames the dinosaur!

Humm, I’m still going to run to Mommy

At the end of the night, we tamed the dinosaur with water.

My Baby at Play

2010-07-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

She’s one of a kind

She has dreams that are safe and sound

Ideas that she can fly, breathe under water and more

She goes up, she goes down

She sees colors in their best light

Her laughter is contagious

And her beauty is untouchable

Her eyes only see happiness

While her heart is pure

I sit here, watching and waiting

To catch her at any point

To guide her with my love

To show her how special she is...

....to be her Mother

Sweet Dreams to the end of a night!

2010-07-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

So, I had a bank do a few sweet little favors for me within this past week.

Told them "PLEASE! I'll bake something incredible, unfatting, out of this world good for you"

Period of Silence...

"Ok Melody, I will help you."

"YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, this week, you will love me even MORE!" :-)

So, here I am baking for a bank..lol

Mixing the homemade ingredients for this outstanding red velvet chocolate lovers fillin' cupcakes...

What??? Did I say chocolate lovers fillin'? Yes mam, I did!

Look how beautiful that red is!!! Just makes my heart beat faster! lol

Sure, I'll give her props, she didn't touch them even though she kept wanting "sauce". Yes, she calls everything sauce which is cool with me!

Bake bake bake...

After chasing Sienna in bed and snuggling up to her while we talked about

the stars and the moon, she fell asleep and I was back to baking.

Now the chocolate lovers fillin'

Yes, mam - lets not go light on this stuff!

Sorry for the blurred pic, it was hard to not be excited about these!

Ready for the finished product?!!?!

Hello My Love..

:-)

Who's Hungry?

2010-07-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a meal full of Southern Love while it did a quick tango with a Brazilian twist of flavors!

This consisted of seasoning the meat with cumin, coriander, thyme, onion powdered and a drizzle of olive oil.
Baked beautifully for a good 20-30 mins at 325 degrees until internal temperature is 160.

Oh to some Southern Lovin’ – you can NEVER, please let me repeat, NEVER go wrong with sweet potatoes with brown sugar and buttta..I’m sorry, butter. ;-) Just makes my heart melt…or mouth! Lol

Let's just say, people were drooling all over the place. I had to start handing out napkins. ;-)

This had a side of “Grammy’s cucumber salad” that can seriously just knock your socks off they are so good! Sugar, Vinegar, black pepper and salt with the freshness of summer cucumbers, out of the garden onions and cherry tomatoes!

Full Bellies = Happy People

The End!

All in a night....

2010-07-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

There are moments in my life when I do NOT want to do a single thing except stay home. Now, this does not mean to sit in front the tv and do nothing. This means, in my kitchen, with my music on and doing MY thing with the little pitter patter of feet beneath me and maybe the ramming of a newly learned tricycle stroll as my toes dodge the wheels of recklessness.

Once I start seeing the bruises appear on my feet, it's time to get her attention elsewhere. Thus the creative/multitasking side that apparently every mom has installed in them once they give you the epidural in the hospital, arrives in flying colors to save me.

You know, I should really find out if these are washable. I assume they are until I try to get these colors our of her shirt....hands...feet...and anywhere else they will be found. Kinda like a scavenger hunt of colors.

Very Focused...

Very intense moment of an artist.

Mommmmmmyyyyyy! A Ma Moo"

I love you too!

Interest has now gone to the moment of "mommy of the year"

award that she will enter me into one day.Very proud moment..lol

Just might be a few years down the road.

Lord have MERCY!

2010-06-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

7:15am

Thump, Thump, Thump, Thump "Moooommmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeyyy!"

"Hi Babygirl!!!! Did you sleep good?"

Mommmmmy, air, air air! (pointing to head)

No, Honey, Mommy has to get dressed.

PEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEEE mommmmmy!

Ok...

(such an oak)

Ok, but you have to be REEAAALLLY still and not move.

"Ooooo K Mommeeeeeeey"

Ok Honey! There you go! Now, Mommy needs to do HER hair.
"SPAY SPAY SPAY PEEEAAASSSEEEE!"

Hummm (concerned look on my face while foreseeing the future)

...ok, but just a little bit

Let's just say that she then asked for blush and lip gloss..

I can only imagine how long it will take her to get ready in the mornings when she is a teenager...

:-)

Once again, mommy didn't know it was picture day!

2010-05-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

The daycare that Sienna attended LOVED to do surprise picture

day...or atleast that is my assumption! Just focus from the knees up!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-06T04:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter from The Benavides Family

Happy Easter from The Old's Sibilings ;-)

Sienna LOVES Papaw!

Sienna & Katelyn

Egg Hunting Starts

Tasha and Katelyn

Fighting over Gold Fish (lol)

Hopscotch

Daddy helping with toys inside the eggs

BUBBLES!

I love this picture!

Somehow we ended up in the neighbors yard!

Melissa hanging out with the mommies!

Daddy helped her with the Egg in the Tree :-)

Hanging out in the yard

Sienna and Katelyn trying on Mommy's flipflops

Carlos & Dad

48 Plastic Eggs

18 Dyed Hardboiled Eggs (which got all over us!)

2 lbs sausage

6 lbs of Chicken

12 Pork Ribs

11 Awesome People

Having a Great Easter with People you Love?

Priceless!!!!

I was so good today - I got an eclair

2010-03-07T19:13:00.000-08:00

20 seconds into eclair

25 Secconds into eclair

Eclair done

Cowgirls Don't Cry!

2010-03-07T19:07:00.000-08:00

Saturday afternoon, I took off my cowboy boots and Sienna decided that she wanted to attempt to wear them. She needed daddy's help with this one. She usually handles the high heels pretty good but these were a little harder. After seeing how cute she was..I'm now on the prowl for her own cute pair of cowboy boots. Should be an interesting time! LOL

Mommy hugs!

2010-03-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

Picture Perfect Moment

2010-03-03T05:32:00.000-08:00

Smiles part III

2010-03-03T05:28:00.000-08:00

Smiles part II

2010-03-03T04:50:00.000-08:00

Smiles

2010-03-03T04:42:00.001-08:00

She's just getting SO BIG!

All smiles and giggles...(most of the time)

Kitchen Duty and Pears

2010-03-03T04:36:00.000-08:00

So, I see how this looks. No, I'm not threatening Sienna with the knife,

I was actually about to put it down. lol

She LOVES to sit right there while I'm in the kitchen cooking.

She also loves to attempt anything that is on that

cutting board...that includes pears, cherries, onions and garlic.

I love this picture :-)

Mommy's Shoes

2010-03-03T04:28:00.000-08:00

So, besides the face that Sienna likes to throw rocks off our balcony onto my sunroof...she also lovesss to get into my shoes. I'm seriously understanding why I got grounded so many times by MY mom for wearing her shoes...lol

Black and White Sunday

2010-02-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

The inch worm effect

2010-01-13T05:15:00.000-08:00

The attention span of a 19 month old

2 seconds later (scooting back)

2 seconds later. Wait! Sienna! Don't go!

:-(

And we are off to coloring on the walls again!

Continuing of "You can't see me"

2010-01-13T05:08:00.000-08:00

Have you seen Sienna?? She's hiding again!

Aww, you're so cute. Fun games!

Sienna??

Hey, wait a minute! What do you have in your hand?

Give me back mommy's makeup!!!!

Put the make up down Sienna..

:-)

You Can't See Me, Mommy!

2010-01-13T05:02:00.000-08:00

Sienna can get in these moods to where she doesn't want you to see her.

This just happen to be the day, where her attire matched her mood ;-)

Siennaaaaa? Sieeeeennnnnaaaa? Honey? Where are you?

I can't see you! Please come here! Where are you!??!!?!?!

OH! There you are!! :-) I couldn't see you because

you were wearing camoflauge ;-)

You smart little thing you.

Happy Birthday Daddy and Go Texas!

2010-01-08T04:39:00.000-08:00

So, the Longhorns didn't win, but wow - the cupcakes were incredible. Filled with custard and cream cheese icing on top....its a beautiful and sinful combination! Why this remarkable cupcakes? - It's Daddy's birthday!

He turned 36. Yep, you heard me...THIRTY SIX! Poor baby thought he was 37. Maybe that made his day! The whole family was dressed up to support his Texas Longhorns. Sienna loved her Christmas outfit and though you can't see much detail, it was pink Nike Longhorn outfit and Carlos LOVED it :-) Shoot, we all did and everyone else in the world!

Much love!

Picture Day...Wish Mommy had Remembered it..

2009-12-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

Last week, daycare had picture day. I had warning like a week prior but if you know me and my life - if it WASN'T on my calendar...(which it wasn't) I would have dressed her better. Just focus on the face :-)

I wonder how long it took them to make her sit like that....maybe they bribed her with candy... ;-)

I really just want to eat her up on this one. Someone stop me please!! Yesterday after

bathtime, I chased her around until I bit her cute little butt! I can't help myself sometimes!

20 shots to just get on good one...I wish I had the proofs to giggle at!

Please acknowledge that in THIS picture - she does match :-)

Mommy and Sienna bundled up!

2009-12-06T18:24:00.000-08:00

The Anatomy of a Black Eye...

2009-12-06T18:21:00.000-08:00

Day One..

Day Two (morning)..

Day Two (afternoon)..

Day two (evening)...

Tonight...

Poor Baby, breaks my heart!

Color, Color, Smile

2009-12-01T04:35:00.000-08:00

She's been progressing with her ability to hold a marker and nightmares of my hardwood floors having marker on them have already started to appear....lol

The Joy of a Chocolate Ice Cream

2009-12-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

Sienna had a little too much fun playing with her chocolate ice cream. You should have seen the high chair and the floor...even Sadie had some ice cream on her! LOL

Are you comfortable?

2009-11-22T19:15:00.000-08:00

Watching her favorite DVD!

Morning Time Smiles!

2009-11-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

Please enjoy with your coffee this morning..and smile!

Sienna's Daycare Thanksgiving!

2009-11-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

Sienna had her first Thanksgiving at daycare....which consisted of turkey and mashed potatoes. I think that somehow that's what they thought a thanksgiving really was...but oh honey just wait! LOL Anyway, Carlos and I left work and as we walked in the room - she was all jumping up and down so happy!!! I believe that it made both of our days! Here is a few pictures! Enjoy and please excuse the food on the face! :-)

Lake Charles Trip!

2009-11-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

Sienna and I packed up our bags and did a surprise visit to Moss Bluff to see family! Mom didn't know that we were coming and we crashed her party! Here are some pictures from our visit!

Fall Traditions

2009-11-02T19:42:00.000-08:00

November 1st is a tradition of putting up the "Thanksgiving Tree". Everyone thinks that I'm crazy and I'll take their insane glances but you know what - there aren't enough days in the year that we get to have a tree in the house that puts us in the holiday mood! So, from November 1st - January 2nd - we have the tree watching over us at night and keeping us smiling during the day.

Whenever we have company, we have leaves that were cut out by my mother-in-law, that everyone writes their name, date and what they are thankful for. Once they are done, I place them up on the tree.

Just a reminder of how blessed we are!

Our Little Bubble Bee!

2009-11-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

Sienna had her 1st interactive Halloween. Since last year she was my little pumpkin - this year she was running all over the place with her wings flapping in the wind! She went to 5 houses and ran away from 3.

This is her the day before at Daycare where all the kids dressed up. As you can tell,

she can't go anywhere without her sidekick "bear bear"

Here Sienna and Katelyn sit in the grass after a long 5 house Halloween. Great photo-op

Fall Decor 2009!

2009-10-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

For those that know me, they know that after the 1st day of fall and the 1st cold front comes in - I'm already digging in my seasonal decorations. Eyeing the areas of our house that will display the fall colors, I start trying to get Carlos ready for the change of atmosphere that will take place.

It's really, truly sad on how excited I get about Fall. Besides my favorite color being red, I can't barely wait to see orange, red, yellow and brown in my house. I have little pumpkins, squash and pine cones everywhere and 3 very large pumpkins that come to life and move around....this might just be Sienna. LOL

November 1st is the day our "Thanksgiving Tree" goes up. Until then...

Much Love,

Melody

Children Courtyard's Fall Festival 2009

2009-10-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 22nd - Sienna had her first fall festival at her daycare. Everyone came together for a wonderful night full of fun and games for the kids. Hot dogs, popcorn, candy, cupcakes and more were there to fill our tummy's! Due to this - she didn't go to bed till 9pm! I can't wait until Halloween so we can dress her up!

Waterloo Playtime

2009-10-20T18:26:00.001-07:00

I need more Balloons!

2009-10-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

So, apparently Sienna will throw a tantrum whenever she doesn't get more

than 1 balloon...this was only the beginning.

1st Bath time with Best Friend Katelyn

2009-10-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

So, I really have no idea why women, babies, cameras and bath time is just full of giggles and grins! Katelyn (Brian and Tasha's baby girl who is now 1 year old) and Sienna were with daddy's for the evening watching football. Which was the first time for Carlos to have both girls for a little while until Brian came!

Tasha and I came back from shopping and it was time for bath time!

Tasha and I were on each side of the doors of the bathtub as we washed, splashed and laughed! I'm so glad that the girls are at the age where they are able to play together! Many more years and pictures to come!

Baking With Mommy!

2009-10-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning, I had the desire to make homemade pancakes...not Bisquick ones..no - the ones with the flour, eggs, milk....BUTTER! Scrambled eggs, turkey sausage and fresh orange juice! A wonderful little menu for a Sunday morning with my favorite people!!

I had a little helper on my hands this morning. She kept crawl up my legs trying to see what I was doing! So, I just pulled her up on the counter and with Daddy's help, we were able to watch her stir by herself.

She would get mad too if you tried to pull the bowl away from her! Looks like I might have a little baker!

Wow - My Husband

2009-09-15T04:41:00.000-07:00

I really can't find words for this picture. He is amazing and caring. My husband has always wanted kids. Even when we first started dating, he talked about having kids one day. I, on the other hand...wasn't so fond of that idea. But now, this picture just takes my breath away.

Reasons why I love my husband.

1) Loving
2) Passionate in all areas of his life
3) A wonderful Father
4) He makes awesome Mexican Food!
5) He takes charge
6) He has goals and one by one - meeting them
7) Protective
8) Drinks coffee with me in the mornings
9) Super hot!
10) Adores me
11) The chemistry that we have together is one of a kind.

There are many more reasons of why I love him, but the main one is that he is MY husband. The one that I fall asleep with, the one that I wake up next to, the one that I want to grow old with.

2009-08-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give an updated picture of Sienna. She's 15 months and running rampid!

Hugs and Kisses!

xoxoxo,

Melody & Sienna

Things I've done so far...

2009-08-10T07:20:00.000-07:00

Here are things that I want my daughter to know about me when she is older..

Ive..

1. danced in the rain.
2. pulled over on the side of the road to watch a lightening storm in the middle of the night.
3. been the first person that someone has seen in the beginning of their life.
4. cried watching the notebook.
5. loved and lost.
6. realized the true importance of family
7. sat in church and seen my wedding ring sparkle with intensity.
8. jumped in the car at midnight and drove 5 hours because I needed to see someone I love
9. gone sky diving and have experienced the definition of "free falling".
10. jumped into a pond without worrying.
11. sat on the back of a pick up truck and looked at the stars.
12. danced in the middle of a pasture.
13. given 1000 kisses to my child and felt like she still needed more
14. laughed so hard that tears came
15. planned out a future with goals
16. ate sushi and now can't get enough of it
17. made snow angels
18. taken mental pictures of a special moment
19. given hugs that mean something
20. dreamed of the stars and have received them one by one
21. realized I didn't live until Sienna was in my life
22. met the love of my life on a train

More to come...

"Sooner or later we all discover that the important moments in life are not the advertised ones, not the birthdays, the graduations, the weddings, not the great goals achieved. The real milestones are less prepossessing. They come to the door of memory." -Susan B. Anthony

Daddy!

2009-07-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

"Walk a little slower Daddy,"
said a child so small,
"I'm following in your footsteps
and I don't want to fall.
Sometimes your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For you are leading me.
Someday when I'm all grown up,
You're what I want to be;
Then I will have a little child
Who'll want to follow me.
And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true,
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For I must follow you."

Pool Time Play Date

2009-07-01T09:31:00.001-07:00

Thanks Shannon and Emerson for a GREAT TIME!! We went over to their beautiful home and spend a few hours playing in the sun and the water! Can't wait to do it again!

Days like today!

2009-06-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

You know, I really wonder where my time has gone. Sienna is just doing incredible! We have swim time after work and daycare almost everyday and I'm always up in her face trying to see what she's looking at. I want to see the world through her eyes every chance I get. She's probably telling me to get out of her face! But oh well!

Carlos is doing great. He's been SO busy with the valley and Austin and NOW he is how to start working on two other cities! So very proud of him. He's working out a lot, focusing on his health and is looking GREAT. Sienna is loving her daddy and daughter time and our weekends are perfect.

My job is going great as well. Super busy and just the way I like it. We have the condo on the market and if/when that sell -we are on to a house! I'll keep you updated!

Hugs and Kisses

Melody, Carlos and Sienna

BITER

2009-06-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

Carlos has been out of town for the past week or so. It gets easier every time that he leaves because I know how hard he is working to be a wonderful provider to this family. I say easier - because my time is now focused to a 1 year old! How time flies.

I watch her and see a baby turning into a little girl. A very FEISTY little girl! She's become a biter of which I am her ONLY target!

At first it was my shoulders and then it moved down to my legs! Craziness I tell you!

But what is so wonderful is how much time we get to spend together. After I pick her up from daycare and she takes her 30 min nap *this is when mommy can eat*. We grab our bathing suits and swim in the pool for a good hour. The temperature of the water is perfect and the sun is not blistering. Sienna LOVES the water. I'm now considering getting those water classes for her!

Oh! This weekend Carlos's mom is taking Sienna to Dallas with her. Time for Mommy and Daddy to travel back to the days of sleeping in, doing whatever we want and not around a nap schedule...yes - this will be a cherished weekend!

Books!

2009-05-21T09:06:00.001-07:00

So, I have to say that even though I have tried to restrain crumbling to the hype of "Twilight" By Stephanie Meyers. I've been sucked in and can't get out until I've read the last book!

It's been 2 weeks since I started reading Book #1 and I'm already half way through Book #3! It's truly addicting.

I've actually gone to the author's website and she has these amazing songs that she identify's with each book. It's really neat to be able to hear the music that was playing around her during the up's and down's in the book.

I'm also reading "Love in the time of Cholera" By Gabriel Garcia Marquez. SUCH an AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL love story. I put it right up there with "The Notebook"

Birthday Success!!!

2009-05-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

We had an incredible 1st birthday full of cake in the face fun! Make sure to check out her new videos on here! By the time we got home, she was EXHAUSTED and fell asleep! How much fun!! I really can not believe that one year has passed by. I almost cried about...10 times! :-)

Being Home

2009-04-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

There is something calming about everyone being home. Carlos is usually out of town so when he is home - I feel like my family is together. Right now, we are sitting in the living room, drinking wine and watching tv. It's the best Friday night I've had in a while. He cooked an amazing dinner, Sienna played and had a wonderful bath time. So now, it's just him and I - and that is what is perfect! I love him, my husband, the person that I am to spend the rest of my life with. I cherish the time of where the past has brought us, to enjoy the present and to be excited about the future. Even though this is a crazy economy, as long as I have him and Sienna - I'm good.

My cousin Jeff has been having some issues but is doing a lot better now! Work is great but I always rush home to be with my family.

Good night!

Is 100 Years Enough?

2009-04-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

"100 Years" by Five for Fighting

I'm 15 for a moment

Caught in between 10 and 20

And I'm just dreaming

Counting the ways to where you are

I'm 22 for a moment

She feels better than ever

And we're on fire

Making our way back from Mars

15 there's still time for you

Time to buy and time to lose

15, there's never a wish better than this

When you only got 100 years to live

I'm 33 for a moment

Still the man, but you see I'm a they

A kid on the way

A family on my mind

I'm 45 for a moment

The sea is high

And I'm heading into a crisis

Chasing the years of my life

15 there's still time for you

Time to buy,

Time to lose yourself

Within a morning star

15 I'm all right with you

15, there's never a wish better than this

When you only got 100 years to live

Half time goes by

Suddenly you’re wise

Another blink of an eye

67 is gone

The sun is getting high

We're moving on...

I'm 99 for a moment

Dying for just another moment

And I'm just dreaming

Counting the ways to where you are

15 there's still time for you

22 I feel her too

33 you’re on your way

Every day's a new day...

15 there's still time for you

Time to buy and time to choose

Hey 15, there's never a wish better than this

When you only got 100 years to live

Happy Tears!

2009-04-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

So, It's getting near that time. That time of when I will cry happy tears

because my little angel is turning 1 Year old.

I can't believe it even though it's coming so fast.

I will hold her tight as she gets ready to blow that one single candle out.

I'm can already feel myself trying to hold on to her more, trying to remember every moment, every opened mouth kiss and every smile I receive from her. When she hugs me, I hold her a little longer, when she waves bye at me when I go to work, I stand there a little longer just to look at her. As she grabs my legs for me to pick her up, I grab her, hug her, kiss her, love her with every ounce of being that I have - just to make her feel my love....

Where have I been?

2009-04-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Sorry that I have not been keeping you posted recently but we have just been SO BUSY! So, here the updated list of all that is going on in our family!

March 26-April 1st, Chris, Stacy, Carlos and myself went on a 5 day, 4 night cruise to Cozumel, Mexico! It had been 10 years since Chris and I had taken a cruise together! We rented a Catamaran and went snorkeling! We had such a wonderful time! Enjoyed dinner together every night, shows on the ship and got a good amount of sun!
Sienna is doing so much! She is walking 7-9 steps, wobbles a tad and then keeps on walking. I introduced her to a baby gate so she can stay out of the kitchen and she doesn't like that one bit!
Carlos has been busy down in Brownsville. He so hard working!
We had a wonderful date night last Wednesday. We went to dinner where they had a live piano playing, talked, laughed, kissed and giggled (well, maybe that was me giggling). It reminded me of when we were dating and just really enjoyed each others company.
I just finished two books. "The Reader" by Bernhard Schlink and "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger. Both very good books but completely different.
This past weekend, we went to Center. At one point I had two babies on my hips and silently thanked God that I didn't have twins. Sienna was only 1 month younger than the other little girl!

Our 1st Family Photoshot

2009-03-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today, we had our first family photo shoot! It was a perfect day to take pictures in the Zilker Botanical Gardens here in Austin. Everything was in bloom and amazingly beautiful! So many pictures were taken and only 2 outfit changes! Sienna was great. Didn't cry at all! :-) I'll post more later. Daddy - 35, Sienna 10.5 Months Old, Mommy 26. 3-22-2009

CHEEKS!

2009-03-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Baby Love!

2009-03-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Update on Sienna:

1) She took two steps by herself on March 14th
2) She has 5 teeth now
3) She wakes up with bed head and the biggest smile everyday
4) She LOVES Green beans!
5) Her and Sadie play great together
6) She loves the wind in her hair
7) She stays in the kitchen the whole time when I'm cooking
8) She will crawl from one end of the couch to the other (assisted with pillows laid out on the floor if she falls)
9) She has already tried dog food, dirt, and soap!
10) Wow! Can't wait for more!

Up, Up and Away!

2009-03-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

Sienna has finally had her first flight! She did amazing!

I was so proud of her and she has really turned into a snuggle bunny!! We cuddled the whole way down there and then on the flight up, she stood on my legs and was constantly smiling at everyone.

This is a picture of Sienna waiting to board the plane!

Lake Charles Baby Shower

2009-03-04T07:17:00.000-08:00

Stephanie had her beautiful baby shower! It was great to be home!

I stayed with mom and we were able to hang out and watch movies! We had went out to l'auberge, had dinner with everyone and was able to just be with great friends!!

It's always a good feeling to go home but to also come back home to Austin. Both places are my home!

Happy 9 Months Sienna!

2009-02-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

*Singing Happy Birthday Song to Sienna*

Ok, I'm good now (wipe tears away) Wow. 9 months old! I seriously can't believe it. TODAY...9 months ago...Sienna became Sienna. I'm in total awe. She is my little angle that God personally sent to me. To teach me what a bond between a mother and a child is, patience, protectiveness, pure happiness, the excitement in all 1st things in her life and SO much more.

I want you (Sienna) to know a few things. I come into your room and watch you sleeping. I touch your face as you smile while you're dreaming. Cover you with blankets when I think your cold. Make sure that you have your puppy dog in your arms and you feel safe. I stand there for moments that I will always hold dear in my heart. I take "mental pictures" of moments that I never want to forget. When I kiss you, hug you, love you...I always want to give you more.

Wine Tour 2009

2009-02-09T13:53:00.000-08:00

It's once again Feburary and that means "2nd ANNUAL WINE TOUR". We had such a blast and enjoyed wines at The Lost Creek Winery, Perdenales Cellars, and last of all, Torre Piettra where they had a great country band that played the blues while I did john Travoltas's pulp fiction dance! We brought cheese, crackers, dips, sausage, olives, fruits and much more to munch on!

We had wonderful friends to experience this fun with! Can't wait for next year everyone!!!

My Little Vampire

2009-02-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true. Vampire DNA runs in my family LOL Just joking...but ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!?

Poor baby is going to look like a little vampire! Oh well, I'll just have to kiss her more and more and more!!

Cheers!

Total to date : 4 teeth. Two bottoms and two canines.

I am Mom. Bring it On!

2009-01-28T05:01:00.000-08:00

Good Morning to everyone! Right now, my home is quite. Sienna is sleeping and we had a good night. Carlos is gone to Brownsville....for 8 days. He somehow knows JUST RIGHT when to leave. My poor baby is just coughing her head off. She will cough and then will make the most pitiful sound afterwards. The sound is like that of a puppy whimpering, wanting her mommy to come and just hold her. Yes! It can break the heart of any one! I'm still trying to figure out if its allergies or a cold. I'm thinking allergies since there is not a fever. But it's kinda going like this.

"Sienna! Hey Honey!! (picking sienna up over my head) I've missed you!!"

Then this happens all in super slow motion. We are both laughing and as I am in the middle of saying I've Miss...

Then I see it coming. Her face is starting to look funny. Her head is tilting back some. Eyes are starting to close. I hear her starting to take a really deep breath....that's when I realize what is about to happen.

In my mind..I'm saying NOOOOOOO! WAITTTTTT! Let me MOVE!!! But no, she is suspended in mid air with MY HANDS! She is in the prime spot to do what she is about to do.

In less than on second. I'm ready for it. Yes, I will just take it all in. I am Mom. I can handle everything and anything. This is my child. My DNA, my blood...yes, Sienna....BRING IT ON!

Then, the most disgusting 2 seconds that I see before me...happen. I try to turn my face to the left as the storm of snot starts hitting my face. Wait! Not JUST GLOBS of SNOT, but pounds of snot, spit, milk...wait? Yes, even green beans. I can smell EVERYTHING. This isn't just ONE sneeze. No, she takes after her mommy. We do double and triple sneezes at a time.

After what seems like forever (3 seconds or so), I finally put her down. I literally FEEL my face HEAVY with my daughters loving gift to me. Snot, milk, spit....green beans. Wait, OMG WHAT IS THAT SMELL! Oh yes, it's the smell that comes with sneezing. Maybe it's me but there is SERIOUSLY a smell that happens when you sneeze. Maybe it's the sinus cavity that smells so bad. I can't stand it....I start gagging.

So far, I think I've handled it pretty well as I'm walking to the NEAREST SINK in my house. Gagging, seeing through blurred vision of snot, spit, milk and green beans. This is SO disgusting!!! I dunk my head in the water trying to get everything off. OMG, it's like GLUE!!!!

Between the rushing of water in my ears..I hear something. I look up to see my daughter....laughing at her mommy.

____________________________________________________________________

sneeze (snz)

intr.v. sneezed , sneez·ing , sneez·es
To expel air forcibly from the mouth and nose in an explosive, spasmodic involuntary action resulting chiefly from irritation of the nasal mucous membrane.

Here comes Sienna!

2009-01-26T04:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, right hand - yes! Left knee - yes! Left hand, right knee...ok eat the camera! (Sienna's thought process on seeing mommy on the ground with a camera) LOL

The new fuzzy beany...

2009-01-25T19:53:00.000-08:00

I have heard that whenever you become a mom, you no longer shop for yourself. As I was pregnant, I would think how insane that statement was. I mean, how can you NOT shop for yourself! New styles, new colors, new.....everything!! I LOVE shopping.

Well, today was a prime example of how mom's (with full intentions of getting some new clothes) walk out empty handed for themselves and yet two arm fulls of clothes for their child.

Ok, I have a little girl.......ohhh the downfall of ALL THOSE CUTE CLOTHES, SHOES, HATS, EVERYTHING!!!!! So, I wont sit here and tell you about all the SUPER cute outfits but so far, this little pink fuzzy beany is her favorite.

My little kitchen gal!

2009-01-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

Sienna has started this "I don't like to NOT have my mommy in my eye sight" phase. Even when daddy is holding her, she's looking for where I am!

So, since I was in the kitchen most of today, I just pulled her in there with me and we were learning all about kitchen spoons, whisks, plastic bowls, rolling pins and everything in a kitchen.

I believe that I have yet to say, we never have a dull moment!!

Fondant please!

2009-01-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

Saturday I had my fondant class which I enjoyed so much, I giggled in the middle of class because I was so happy. I LOVE to bake. I LOVE to learn. So, the two mix quite well together!

I went by myself and enjoyed it in my pure state of bliss! We started out doing a fruit cake. Which in terms, we molded beautiful pieces of fruit on top of a bed of greens ON TOP of a cake. A VERY BIG challenge and learned so many techniques! Here is a picture of my first cake with fondant.

Saturday, I also worked on my second cake for a birthday this week. She said that she loved pink and teal....so I decided to let my imagination run and go with the flow! Here is a picture of the cake that I finished. Oh, the reason why I'm learning how to do fondant is because Tashika asked me to do her wedding cake in October. I'm SO honored! Plus, between now and then, I should have a lot of cakes to do!!!

The Morning Rush!

2009-01-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

My mornings used to be so laid back. Casually, waking up around 6-6:30ish. Laying in bed for at least 15 minutes trying to decide on if I wanted to go to the gym, make a delicious homemade breakfast with eggs, bacon and pancakes or read my latest US Weekly newspaper outside on the patio with my fresh steaming cup of coffee.

My mornings at the gym were great! Full of sweat and intensity. Cardio, weights and stretching. Those were great mornings!

My mornings outside on the patio on those warm summer mornings were perfect. It was great to see the humming birds on my feeder, birds flying around the tree that held my bird feeder and listening to the "morning melody" that nature brings to us.

Breakfast mornings were wonderful as well. The smell of bacon in the air, the noise of the eggs popping in the skillet, the warmth from the oven...They were all great.

Yep, not anymore!

Baby changes everything! It's the rush of getting yourself ready while trying to get lunches made, bottles ready, coffee going while trying to shove SOMETHING in your mouth for breakfast!!! 5 mins showers, hair drenched and wishing how I could somehow make a 2 minute blow dryer!!! Wow, wouldn't that be great. "Yes honey, I'll be ready in 2 mins" BAM come walking out of the bathroom like a movie star!! Yes, I think that will do!

Carlos and I are both getting Sienna dressed and ready to go. Wait!~ Does she have everything for the day? 3 Bottles, 1 Cereal, 2 Blankets, extra clothes, diapers,...hummmmm what am I forgetting. Something I'm forgetting! What is it........WIPES! CRAP - she needs WIPES! Did I lock the door? WHERE IS MY COFFEE?!!?! (Frantically looking around - oh, there it is, right infront of me.

Yes, these are our usual mornings (sigh)

It will turn something that use to be an ordinary drive, to a drive that fills you with calm. You enjoy things differently now. You see the sun's rays beaming through the clouds and realize how beautiful they are. The soft whispers of a breeze from your car window, reminds you that this breeze has grazed the amazing trees that watch over your drive. The temperature (at whatever degrees) is perfect because it means that you're outside. The river that I cross over, seems more amazing. It's water brings life to this land...

This is now the scenic drive that calms me...

The Ride of your Life...

2009-01-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

Today I received a "forward" from my mom (who just adores forwards) about a bird and it's mate. I've told her before that I never have time to read them but she just keeps sending them! Well, today - as I was about to delete this forward, I decided to open it. Why not - it's a forward from my mom! LOL

Anyway, in the email were pictures of a bird and his mate (which was injured). Pictures of the bird trying to help it's partner, then one of passing of the injured bird, picture of the mate trying to "wake" the passed partner and one picture of "sadness" from the mate.

"Photos of two birds, said to have been taken in the Republic of Ukraine , where the bird tries desperately to save his mate. Millions of people cried after seeing these photos in America and Europe . It is said that the photographer sold these pictures for a nominal price to a famous newspaper in France . And all the copies of that newspaper were sold out on the day it published them."

Now, the reason why I'm writing about this "forward" is because I was thinking about my marriage. I love being married. I love having coffee with my husband in the mornings, late night discussions about anything and knowing that no matter what, him and I can count on each other for everything. a The last sentence on that "forward" was this:

Love is not finding someone to live with; it's finding someone you can't live without.

Yes, love is grand!

Within love, there are hills

of ups and downs. I hear that it matters most

when the two of you cross all those hills and valleys

and look back to see the most gorgeous view from atop.

How can a mother NOT JUST LOVE THIS FACE!?!?!?!?

2009-01-21T14:46:00.001-08:00

Right now, Sienna is acquiring two more teeth. So, thus mommy comes to save the day with "Biter Biscuits"! She is eating so much these days and I'm not talking about amount. Carrots, Crackers, Pears, Apples, Oranges, Peaches, Cauliflower.....pretty much anything that is soft, will be in the palms of my little angel and into her mouth!

She's crawling EVERYWHERE now! Her first day of really crawling was January 6th. She followed me over into the kitchen. I didn't realize it until I had this sweet, adorable baby girl tugging on my pants. I cried!!

Baby Friends!

2009-01-02T07:44:00.001-08:00

First: Damon, Second: Kately, Third: Dylan, Forth: Grayson! We are also expecting from Kelly and Ron: Vivian in May, Stephanie and Bryan: Alexandrea in April and Sarah and Tony: Austin in April! Babies, Babies, Babies!!!!

All Dressed Up!

2009-01-01T18:48:00.001-08:00

Sienna is just a little girl! She loves dresses, bows (when I can get them in her hair) cute shoes, pinks, purples, greens, reds...yep, anything that will make her look cute!

This was a dress that her Grandma had bought her even before she had met this wonderful baby! Thank you Celeste!

We played for a good 30 mins in all the wrapping paper, ribbons and bows!

I will be taking a picture like this every year! We shall see how she grows!

Lake Charles, Louisiana - The Bass Family Christmas

2009-01-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

This year we headed over to Lake Charles to spend Christmas with the Bass family. We left on Christmas Eve and stayed at the Isle of Capri. We had a great room that overlooked the bridge. After checking in at the hotel we went over to Sandra's house and had a wonderful lasagna dinner! Hung out for a while with Logan, Dylan, Kevin, Mom and Sandra. Mom got to spend some time with Sienna since she kept her Friday night! They had a great girls night!

Christmas Day we had a DELICIOUS lunch with everyone! The only ones that we were missing were Tim and Doris. We played a fun white elephant game and just hung out with family. It was wonderful! Carlos and I even were able to go and spend some time together at the casino!

Please click on the link to enjoy the slideshow!
http://s145.photobucket.com/albums/r211/Melody7777_2006/?action=view&current=98759268.pbw

Center, Texas - The Masterson Family Christmas

2009-01-01T16:19:00.000-08:00

Leaving on Friday morning at 4am, we grabbed our starbucks coffee and headed to Center, Texas. This is an annual tradition and is a wonderful gathering of family. Here is how the weekend goes:

Friday, we have a grand dinner with the traditional menu. All the ladies are in the kitchen helping cook and catching up! After dinner, we have our Christmas program where we sing Christmas songs, family trivia and in honor of Grammy - a candle was lit. We played our Christmas Game and there were some very funny moments!

Saturday is Hawkeye, where we have dinner and hang out with family. It was a great weekend to see everyone and share memories!

Please click on the link to enjoy the slide show!
http://s145.photobucket.com/albums/r211/Melody7777_2006/?action=view&current=6eafe347.pbw

Merry Christmas From the Benavides Family!

2008-12-18T08:02:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone!

We just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful and warm Merry Christmas and a fun and exciting Happy New Year! We leave tomorrow to head to East Texas for the "Masterson Family Christmas" and then 24-26 to Lake Charles for the Bass Family Christmas.

We are so VERY blessed to have each and every person in our lives. We have happy, healthy and loving families that mean so much to us.

I will post new pictures once I get the chance! Love you!

Carlos, Sienna and Melody

If feels like Christmas now!

2008-12-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas time in the Benavides house! Everything is in their place!

This is Sienna's 1st Christmas which makes it even more special.

She will probably just enjoy tearing up the wrapping paper but I'll

make sure to take pictures! We are having Dads Christmas

on Friday the 12th, The Masterson Family Christmas the weekend

of the 19-21 and Lake Charles Christmas 24-26.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Bring on 2009!!

Sienna ALL bundled up!

2008-12-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

Yes! It's Deceber 3rd and we've had a pretty good cold front come in!

So, Carlos is such a wonderful father, he went and bought Sienna all

her SUPER CUTE winter clothes! Isn't he great!! :-)

She loves all of her warm and cozy blankets. She's such a ham!

The Girls are Back In Town!

2008-12-11T06:59:00.001-08:00

November 22, 2008

It's great when you have friends that are pregnant with you. BUT if they aren't on the same schedule as you, you have to wait until everyone is not pregnant to get the whole group together and make a Ladies Night Out! It's not the same if it's not all of us together!

We had SUCH a blast that night. Many things happened - so if you want the rest of the story, you'll have to ask one of us. Lets just say, "It was too much fun!"

Pictured: Lety, Melissa, Tasha, Melody and Tashika.

TEETH!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-30T16:23:00.000-08:00

Oh My Goodness! Our little one has her two bottom teeth coming and it's just something to experience! She's not fussing too too much and LOVES her biter cookies that entertains her for a good 30 minutes!

She's getting so close to saying "mama"! She has "da da" down! LOL

Can't wait to see all the Masterson's during the Masterson Christmas weekend and can't wait to see all the Bass's in Lake Charles for Christmas Day!

Guess we will have to go and buy Sienna a Christmas dress!!!

Thanksgiving in Austin!

2008-11-30T15:33:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was wonderful. Full of family, children running around, laughter, conversations, hugs, thoughtful blessings and most of all great food!

We had excellent turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, Sandra's sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, Grammy's roles, Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie, pecan pie, cookies and much more.

At the dinner table we had to say what we were thankful for. It was a memorable one!

On our way home, this is what Carlos, Sienna and I drove home to! We are so blessed to have so many families: Benavides, Bass, Masterson, Ramirez

Yep, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Knee Surgery

2008-11-30T15:03:00.001-08:00

Just a quick update that everything went great with my knee surgery! Only on crutches for 7-10 days. Dr. Cunningham was great in doing a narative DVD on my surgery and removed a lot of scar tissue and cleaned up my knee. Carlos has been great helping me around the house and keeping Sienna!

I go back to work on Monday! (12/1/08) OMG! Can you believe that it's already DECEMBER?!?!?!

My Thanksgiving Tree

2008-11-19T10:43:00.000-08:00

I know, I know! Who has heard of a Thanksgiving Tree? Apparently no one unless you know the Masterson Family. My Grammy Masterson (who passed away in March) would put up a Thanksgiving Tree. It really was an oak tree branch that was in a plastic paint bucket with cement in it.

Every year, she would make us write down what we were thankful for and place it on the tree. She had these pre-cut small pieces of paper for us. It was special to see the old ones because it reminded us how blessed our family is.

I decided to decorate out Christmas tree in Thanksgiving decor. When you walk into our home, you know it's Thanksgiving/Fall. Which means, the holidays are getting near.

With that being said, Thanksgiving is a week away and I need to start on my dishes that we are bringing to Dad's!

Splash!

2008-11-19T08:58:00.000-08:00

Bathtime Joy!

Please don't come and get me
I'm having grandest time
Splishin and a splashin
Feeling mighty fine

Love it when my face is wet
When curls are dripping dry
What a great sensation
Time it surely flies

Ruba dubba dubba
Splashing in my tub
Mama don't you worry
I promise you I'll scrub

When I am all finished
I'd like some chocolate please
Anything to get back in
Life is sure a breeze

Feel a little sleepy
But I don't really care
When I wake up in the morning
My tubby will be here

Morning noon or night time
Any time's okay
Take me to my tubby
The best time of my day.

Sienna & Da Da

2008-11-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

I never knew that being a mom would bring out such intense emotions! She is just amazing and beautiful to me. I'm a working mom, full-time at that. She's at daycare Monday thru Friday and has wonderful teachers. During the day, I call to check on her. I love to hear that she's being social with other babies!

My days end with me rushing to get to daycare and pick her up. I can't WAIT to see her, to hold her, to kiss and hug her!

She is just so happy! I can already tell that within weeks, she will be crawling. Oh! Today she said "da da"! How wonderful. Our little girl is growing up!

The Beginning...

2008-11-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

I've decided to write a blog. Why not - everyone else is doing it! Plus, it's an easy way for family and friends to catch up on what we have been doing.

To start things off, Carlos and I have a beautiful 6 month old daughter. Sienna Lynn - born on May 9th 2008. She is just amazing. I'm not bias or anything! She wakes up smiling, goes to bed smiling...laughs and giggles during the day. I am SO thankful that God allowed me to have such a wonderful baby. He's teasing me with the possibility of how wonderful #2 will be (in 3 years or so) because I hear that #2's are the rebels! I should know. :-)

Sienna has been a little sick though. She is doing breathing treatments to get rid of her bronchial infection. She's weighing about 19lbs and everyday is a new day with her! She is eating two solid meals a day. Cereal & bananas for breakfast and then peaches or a veggie for an afternoon snack.
When we have tummy time, she's getting those legs ready for crawling. I'll have to get a small video on here of her on tummy time as she giggles at herself in the mirror!

Quick Facts:

Carlos is doing great and is busy with his business.
I'm having knee surgery on 11/25
Thanksgiving will be at Dad's at 2pm

I'm getting ready for the holidays! There will be more posts about what I'm doing.

Overall, life is wonderful. :-)