AAR

Birthday Cakes for Presidents

2012-01-25T16:08:00.000-08:00

In about 3 months, my dad will be celebrating his 69th birthday. I volunteered to get the cake. So...what came to my mind? Of course, googling images of birthday cakes good enough for leaders!!!!!!

Obama by Retro Bakery

Roosevelt

Pope Benedict XVI

Ford 90th

Chinese New Year Outfits for Toddlers

2012-01-24T15:22:00.000-08:00

I will be attending a Chinese New Year party celebration. Therefore, I will be looking for outfits to dress the boys in. Here are some outfits I found online, but with a little less than a week to go I will be shopping in our local China Town. This could be a cute photo opp with my 3 and 1 year old. Or it could be total disaster! Stay tuned...

Books for Valentine's Day

2012-01-22T20:05:00.000-08:00

-Love You Forever- by Robert Munsch-I got introduced to this book during my first couple of years teaching first grade. My first grade team and I would read this book to our first graders usually around Mother's Day. Before having my first son, I found it humorous, just as my students did. After I had Daniel, I remember reading it to my students and fighting back tears. If you have never read it, grab a copy!

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge-By Mem Fox-This is a story about friendship. A little boy tries to help his friend, who lives in a retirement home,find her memory. If you have never heard of the author here is her site Mem Fox. She has great info for teachers and parents.

This next text, is about love, Unrequited Love. I had to read it MANY years ago in a Spanish class. It is called Marianela by Benito Pérez Galdós. Here is the wikipedia info on it Marianela. I had to read it in Spanish Free Download Version but I have found several translated ones online.

English Translation of Marianela

Happy Reading!

Swanky Chic Fete/My Son's 1st Birthday Pumpkin Party

2012-01-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

She has CHANGES coming to her blog. Stay tuned!!!!!! She featured my son's 1st birthday pumpkin party! Click here to see her site and the parties she has featured...before THE BIG CHANGES!!!!!

My son's first birthday featured on Swanky Chic Fete

She also featured my other son's 3rd birthday balloon party. Click here 3rd Birthday Balloon Party

I am sure the changes will be SWANKY!

2011 Celebrations

2011-12-27T18:43:00.000-08:00

January-We heard the sound of David's laughter

February-David was baptized

March- my birthday with both my boys

April -We celebrated Daniel's 3rd birthday -balloons and all

My father turned 68

May - We had a joint birthday celebration for our parents

June - we celebrated Andell's bday

July - took the boys to Sea World and this was the month that David stood!

August - celebrated my sister's birthday at Azuma

September- Took the boys to Newport Beach/Disneyland with my sister, brother-in-law, and his sister

October- David's 1st Birthday Pumpkin Themed

November - David started walking

Andell started working from home!

December - I finished my last coursework ever! Dissertation related work left! Had a fabulous Christmas!

Looking forward to more celebrations in 2012!

David-Walking!

2011-12-02T23:47:00.000-08:00

Newport Beach/Disneyland Sept 2011

2011-09-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

Macaron Tower & Birthday Cake!!!!!

2011-07-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

My sister had a great idea for her birthday: a macaron tower on top of a cake. The color scheme was yellow and grey. I picked out a gray base from Le Duc Gourmet Bakery. The flavor was mocha.

The best thing about this bakery: the sweetness of the cake and their fondant! The fondant is SO soft and again the perfect sweetness. Le Duc Gourmet Bakery placed a base so that I could put the tower without collapsing the cake. The size of the cake was 10 inches in diameter.

I ordered the macaron tower from Sweet. They only require a 24 hour notice. The size of the tower was about 1 foot. It held so well. However, it was hard to transport! I had to literally hold it (it's wrapped up so well) while driving with one hand.

The mini banner was created by Laurel of Go Against the Grain. It was gorgeous!! Here is her

Facebook page.

The favors were 3 lemon macarons in mini chinese take out boxes. The yellow labels purchased from Paper Source Houston

Happy Baby!

2011-07-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

We had some alone time with David since big brother Daniel was already asleep. Can you tell he is just having a great time?! We actually just had our 9 month appt: 24 pounds and 31 inches.

My Boys (of course!)

2011-07-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

David not so happy in the Texas heat!

Here is Manong Daniel trying to give David a bear hug!

Do you see my teeth?

Check out that smile!!

Enough Mommy!!!!!

9 months this coming week for David!

2011-07-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

We will probably have a family photo shoot at the Medical Center waterfall. In the meantime enjoy some shots of Daniel when he was 9 months old! Daniel at 9 months

Standing!

2011-07-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

David Russel at 8 months old!

Hard to believe this was him at 1 month old!

Favorite Things

2011-07-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

Daddy and the boys

2011-07-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

Splash!

2011-07-04T05:10:00.000-07:00

Hawaiian Themed 3rd Birthday Party

2011-06-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Daniel and David had a blast at a birthday party this weekend. Check out the photos! Happy birthday Noe Claire!

happy 34th!

2011-06-24T05:22:00.000-07:00

I'm Sitting!

2011-06-03T00:09:00.000-07:00

I can sit!

Palm Beach Water Park @ Moody Gardens

2011-05-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

David's first time at the pool!

Mommy and Me

2011-05-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

2-year old portrait preview!

2011-05-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

Family Portrait Preview

2011-05-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

David Russel at 6 Months

2011-04-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

21.5 pounds 2 feet 4"

Family Portrait Preview: More of Vandana & Shankar

2011-04-26T04:32:00.000-07:00

Family Portrait Preview: Vandana and Shankar

2011-04-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Bowling Party at 300 Houston

2011-04-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hosted by http://swanky-chic-fete.blogspot.com/

http://www.threehundred.com/houston.html

Train Ride/Pedal Boat

2011-04-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Spent the day riding the train and riding the pedal boat...Railroad and Pedal Boat Info

Engagement: More of Janice & Zane

2011-04-13T00:55:00.000-07:00

David Russel at 24 Weeks

2011-04-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

Engagement: Janice & Zane

2011-04-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

Daniel's 3rd Birthday Party

2011-04-07T01:36:00.000-07:00

Vendors:
Balloon Twisting
Balloon Decor
Cake
36 inch balloons
Personalized "3" t-shirt
Balloon applique for little brother
Birthday Banner
Catering

Daniel's 3rd Birthday Party

2011-04-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today Daniel turned three!!! But we celebrated on Saturday. I'll post more later...in the meantime check out this blog for photos from my son's third birthday party. This blog has GREAT ideas for party inspirations!!!!!http://swanky-chic-fete.blogspot.com/

Spring Photos: Mom and the Girls

2011-03-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

Spring Photos: Mom and the Boys

2011-03-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

34th Bday

2011-03-26T04:38:00.000-07:00

David at 22 Weeks and he rolled over for us today!

1 week till Daniel's 3rd Bday!

Spring 2011 Family Photos

2011-03-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

Location: Galveston, TX

Peach Pocket #2 Entrance

and Moody Gardens Aquarium

Daniel and David: March 2011

2011-03-17T20:31:00.001-07:00

Daniel at 35 Months

David at 21 Weeks

David's Baptism/17weeks

2011-02-17T19:59:00.000-08:00

February 12, 2011

Recent Photos of Daniel

2011-02-05T05:08:00.000-08:00

34 months

33 months

Laughter

2011-01-24T18:37:00.000-08:00

Home Stuff

2011-01-16T21:04:00.000-08:00

This weekend was about the home. Bought some fancy food covers...yup very essential. I saw them and thought well I haven't purchased anything for the home in a while. The house needed something new. I have "new" chairs thanks to my sister. We also moved things around. When I get to it I'll post the pics. Splurged a little at the container store too ...for what....of course, shoe organizers. On my wish list are the drop-front shoe boxes. Hey my birthday IS coming up. They are $10.00 a piece...and it adds up...let's face it I am going to need atleast 10. So keep that in mind if you are wanting to buy me a gift :)

Brothers Playing

2011-01-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

Daniel peeking at little brother David. David LOVES it when Daniel pays attention to him.

David Russel at 10 Weeks

2011-01-02T17:48:00.000-08:00

David enjoying looking at his toys and having conversations with Mommy and Daddy. He is ready to talk and play with big brother Daniel.

This was taken new year's eve. David is quite comfortable with Auntie Bing.

1.1.11

2011-01-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

Today I joined 365 project.org.

2010 in Pictures

2010-12-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Big Brother/Little Brother

2010-12-29T18:56:00.000-08:00

Daniel at 32 months and David at 10 weeks

Christmas Photos

2010-12-26T06:01:00.000-08:00

At Lola's and Lolo's

Daniel and Partner in Crime Aston

Daniel busy opening gifts while David relaxes

Mommy was busy looking for coordinated Christmas outfits this year.

Daniel would rather open more gifts.

Testing out one of his new rides.

Opening another surprise

Admiring

One of his favorites

One of his new rides

Decorating with a toddler

2010-12-20T14:17:00.000-08:00

He loves the lights. Daniel was crawling under the tree, lying on the floor, and admiring them.

David Russel at 8 weeks!

2010-12-20T09:01:00.000-08:00

David was all about smiling in week number 8. He smiled when he got changed. He smiled when he was held. Big brother and mommy also gave him a cold. He smiled even through that! David is drinking 5 ounces per feeding.

The Boys with Lola, Lolo, and Owa

2010-12-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

This morning I decided to take photos of the grandparents. Here are the shots!

Daniel wanted to grab my camera so we gave him the point and shoot to play with. Lolo is teaching him how to take a photo.

David just got fed. Here is happily sleeping.

Daniel the performer

2010-12-17T05:39:00.000-08:00

So yesterday when I picked up Daniel from school, his teacher said that he loves to perform! This is surprising since he has been quite shy at preschool. Needless to say, I was excited that he is coming out of his shell. He has been the entertainer for us but I chose to enroll in him preschool so that he would get more exposure in a social setting. We started off not wanting to be there but now that the first semester has come to a close, we are slowly getting comfortable. Yeah Daniel!

Vail/Beaver Creek, Colorado December 2010

2010-12-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

We went on a winter trip to Vail/Beaver Creek area. David stayed home with Lola and Lolo since he was too young. Next year, he will join us on some winter adventure! We did have our own tour planner, my sister! I was so glad since I didn't have to think about our itinerary.

Our first adventure was going on a snowmobile ride. Daniel did not enjoy putting on his helmet but he did enjoy the ride!

After our snowmobile ride, we decided to tour the White River National Forest. Here you will see our ride up 12, 500 feet to see Colorado Rockies. It was during this time that I experienced altitude sickness.

Strolling through Vail Village

.
We did some snowshoeing and my sister/bil did some cross country skiing.

We also went on a sleigh ride. I don't have pictures because it was at night. We went to the Cordillera area for that excursion.

David Russel at 7 weeks

2010-12-14T22:37:00.000-08:00

Late in posting but here they are. During his 7th week David starting cooing and smiling even more. We always got a smile out of him once his diaper was changed.

2010

2010-12-14T21:57:00.000-08:00

January....
February I found out I was pregnant with David.
March ..another emotionally fueled month with Daniel getting very sick he had to be hospitalized. We confirmed pregnancy. I spent my birthday at the hospital with Daniel. We were very happy he was out of the hospital at the end of the week.
April: Daniel celebrated his 2nd birthday. His birthday fell on Easter weekend. Dad celebrated his 67th birthday.
May: My mom and sister both finished their degrees. Mom finished her doctorate. She also celebrated her 55th birthday. My sister finished her LLM in tax and health law.
June: Andell celebrated his 33rd birthday.
July: We took a family trip to Fort Lauderdale/Miami. I was a TA at the University of Houston for a Children's Assessment class.
August: My sister celebrated her 32nd birthday.
September: Nothing eventful here....oh how could I forget!!!?? Daniel began going to school 2x a week.
October: David was born on October 19.
November: Home for maternity leave and just spending time with my boys. I attended a photography workshop in San Antonio with my sister. It was a workshop by Me Ra Koh. I had been wanting to attend for over 2 years but babies got in the way. Janelle introduced me to her.
December: We took a winter trip with Daniel and my sister/bil to Vail/Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Cannot wait for 2011!!!!

David Russel at 6 weeks!

2010-11-30T20:29:00.001-08:00

Smiling at 5 weeks!

2010-11-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

Riding around the neighborhood!

2010-11-28T11:10:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

Playing with water!

2010-11-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

5 Weeks!

2010-11-23T23:07:00.000-08:00

Looking at the camera!

Posing for Dad

2010-11-23T08:46:00.001-08:00

From Daniel at 31 Months

Blanket

2010-11-21T07:33:00.000-08:00

My mom's coworker made this beautiful blue blanket. So talented! I never did learn to crochet/knit. I didn't even know the difference between the two until I googled it for this note :)

With the boys

2010-11-15T22:32:00.000-08:00

Danny and Daddy

2010-11-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

Lola and Lolo with the Boys

2010-11-15T16:12:00.000-08:00

6 years ago: November 2004

2010-11-10T10:48:00.000-08:00

The Engagement Photo

Click here to view these pictures larger

The Bridal Photos

Click here to view these pictures larger

David Russel at 3 weeks old!

2010-11-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

Happy 3 Weeks David!!!! Time is flying! He is busy making some funny faces. Ask Daniel, he bursts out into laughter when David has that "I am about to burp" face.

Mommy with the two boys!

2010-11-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

It's always hard being in the picture when you are the one taking most of the pics. But Andell did manage to snap a shot or two of me with the boys. Here Daniel is 31 months. David at 2 weeks old.

Daniel Ronan at 31 Months

2010-11-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

Photos: November 2010

At 31 Months, Daniel is quite energetic. I don't think it's possible to do a "formal" family portrait anymore! I managed to snap these shots of him. Thank goodness Andell can hold him down in order to put his shoes on. He wasn't very fond of the shoes we chose. LOL

David Russel and Daddy

2010-11-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

David Russel and Mommy

2010-11-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

David at 2 weeks old

Daniel and David

2010-11-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

"A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams."

Author: Unknown

Andell and the Boys

2010-11-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

Daddy will have to catch up on sleep over the weekend.

David's 2 Week Stats

2010-11-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

When Daniel had his 2 week appt he had the following stats:

2 weeks: 8 pounds and 21 inches long

Little brother David has identical stats:

David at 2 weeks: 8 pounds 14 oz, 21 inches long

Photography Stuff

2010-11-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

I am playing with some photography stuff. This is entitled 5th Anniversary. My blue sapphire ring for our 5th anniversary gift and hubby's wedding band.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

David Russel at 1 Week Old!

2010-10-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

We had forgotten how hard the first couple of days were! Well it shows in our faces. Andell and I have major eye bags. The only person getting sleep in our house right now is Daniel.

Brotherly Love

2010-10-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

Daniel and David bonding

Introducing David Russel!

2010-10-20T03:16:00.000-07:00

October 19, 2010

at 12:21 pm

7 pounds 8 oz

20 3/4 inches

Christmas On My Mind!

2010-10-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

They each have a wish list. Check out Babies R Us :)

8th Month Pregnancy Photos

2010-10-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

My sister took these of us today!!!! She did a great job! How I managed to walk around and pose...I don't know!!!

Houston Baby Shower

2010-09-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hosted by my sister and mom. Thanks to all who came and for the gifts! David is now just as spoiled as Daniel!
Turn off YouTube volume!

Fort Lauderdale/Miami July 2010

2010-07-26T17:16:00.001-07:00

33rd Birthday!

2010-06-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

Location: Lupe Tortilla
Cake: Maureen's Bakery

Sea World May 2010

2010-06-02T03:29:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

Day at the Beach

2010-04-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

Daniel Ronan at 24 months
Location Galveston, Texas

Daniel Ronan at 2

2010-04-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

April 2010
2 years old

Daniel's 2nd Birthday Lunch/Easter

2010-04-04T13:57:00.001-07:00

Daniel will be a big brother!

2010-03-22T06:20:00.001-07:00

Daniel and Ketchup

2010-03-08T04:47:00.000-08:00

This was taken in January (Daniel at 21 months) at Discovery Green.

Disney Park Goals

2010-03-06T06:13:00.001-08:00

Goal 1: To take my kiddo(s) to all the Disney parks!
1). Disneyland
2). Disneyworld
3). Tokyo Disney
4). Disneyland Paris
5). Hong Kong Disneyland
6). Shanghai Disneyland (Opening 2014)

Ingrid

2010-03-02T04:12:00.000-08:00

22 months!

2010-02-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

Daniel Ronan at 22 months. This was taken at Bell Park near the Museum of Fine Arts. We stumbled upon it as I was doing a family shoot. It started off as a cloud day but in the late afternoon we got the perfect lighting! Daniel had fun with his bubble machine! From here on out it's all about his 2nd birthday preparations!

Almost 2!

2010-02-15T12:28:00.000-08:00

Yup he's almost 2!!! Where did time go?

English Family

2010-02-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

Daniel Ronan 21 Months

2010-01-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

Arizona 2009

2010-01-21T16:56:00.001-08:00

Here are the rest of the photos!

Blanket and Personalized Pillowcase

2010-01-12T20:07:00.000-08:00

A friend made the blanket with four different materials for Daniel. The outside- with monkeys and vehicles the inside portion of the blanket is made of material with I Love Mommy and Daddy. Daniel likes to tell us what color the letters are. We just love the personalized pillowcase too! Thanks Eileen!

Prescriptives No More

2010-01-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

Stock up
http://www.newbeauty.com/DailyBeauty/Entry.aspx?ID=2673
http://www.prescriptives.com/