R.I.P. Paris the beloved

As you may remember.... there was an addition to our family (Paris). I'm sad to inform everyone... She was Catnapped. It was a matter of time... She was really cute, and loved to sneak outside when we opened the door.
I hope someone is taking care of her, and spoiling her like we did.

Merrrry Christmas!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Lauren's Piano Recital!

My baby had her piano recital today! She did fantastic ------ better than fantastic. Not a single mistake!! We had a blast... this was her Christmas present for me, since a couple of years ago she had a mortifying experience, and vowed never to perform again.... I'm glad she changed her mind. Below are pictures of her grandma, her dad and me.

Me and mom!!!

Mom's Christmas Party! At Monica's Aca y Alla.
It was fun .
I love my mama.

My dear Isabel, you will be missed.

Isabel Benedetti
April 12, 1928 ~ October 28, 2008

Dear Isa,
The thing that I will miss most about you is ---- your emails! the political stuff that I told you never got under my skin, but it did.... Aren't you glad you voted early??!!
Sadly, I will miss those e-mails. I'm grateful to have known you. You were a ray of light in each of the lives you touched with your contagious charm, and wit.
I will especially miss your laugh!

Quilting for Paul

We had some t-shirts of Paul, and Cristina had the idea to make a quilt out of them. At first I wasn't sure how it would look. When I saw it, I was amazed by my sister's talent. I really think it came out beautiful. Hope you like the pictures.

AFSP Out of the Darkness Community Walk

Lauren and I walked today to remember Paul. It was long and exhausting!! (LOL)
I guess I'm worse off than I thought.
It would have been nice to have seen anyone that knew him.
Here are some pictures.. Enjoy!

Another year....

Paul Granada
April 10, 1981 - October 28, 2005

I can hardly believe as I type these words, that is has been 3 years since my brother Paul left us. Every year around Halloween time, I feel like just hiding and make believe that none of this ever happened, but the reality of it is, he is really gone. As we all get older, and the kids grow up I realize just how much he really missed out on. It wasn't worth it Paul, it really wasn't. If you knew Paul, you know he was warm, gentle, and kind. So out of his character to remove himself from all of our lives. I know about depression... We all get depressed at some point and time in out lives and experience these feelings. The difference is some of us don't snap out of it like we should. Mental illness is just that..... an illness. I assure you if Paul was in his "right mind" this wouldn't have happened. It's very important to bring light to Mental Illness and support those programs in search of funding to increase awareness on a bigger scale.
I will be walking on October 18, 2008 in memory of my brother Paul. I encourage you to read up on Suicide Awareness. If I had known what I know now about Suicide and the warning signs, my brother would probably be alive.

For information on suicide prevention please visit:
http://www.afsp.org/
http://suicidehotlines.com/

Hello Again!

I know it's been a while since I updated this blog, but honestly I've just been really busy this semester. I'm taking some pretty hard classes and just cannot find the time to do anything.
I thought I'd update this with the newest addition to our family!!

here's Paris!

Barberry Rice and Saffron Chicken

I learned to make this delicious Persian Dish over the weekend, and I thought I would try out for my family. It was finger licking good~
I was surprised it came out oh so tasty for my first time.
There weren't even left overs..
Yummie~

Me and My Lauren <3

I've had fun hanging out with my baby since I got home. We've gone out to eat, a little shopping, and just hanging out together.. I sure missed her, and I love being home with her.

Coming Home to TEXAS!!

We arrived at the airport and as usual I had to move some of my things into Robyn's bag because I went over the weight limit.
I got to the Madrid airport about 7 or 8 am, can't remember; I waited until 4:35pm to leave. Why??? don't know.. Just bought my ticket to leave that late...
Here are the pictures of me coming home....... FINALLY!
So happy :)

Last day in Spain

We celebrated at the Negra Flor (a local bar) in Valladolid, and from there to Sotobanco ( a discoteca). I decided not to sleep that night since I had to be at the bus station in Valladolid at 4:00 am. I'm glad I didn't, b/c I was ready and on time by 3:45. Anyway, we left Valladolid, and took a 2.5 hour bus ride to Madrid. We were there with plenty of time to spare!
It was nice to hang out with everyone before leaving.. I met some great people, and made great friendships.. Here are some pictures from the night.

PARIS WAS A BLAST!!!

Hello!!! I know, I know, I say the same thing about all the places I've been to since being here in Europe. Seriously though, Paris was AMAZING! I really enjoyed seeing my cousin who I hadn't seen in 8 years!
Marieth! I had a blast... You are the best!
(The people in Paris are much nicer than here in Spain... I hate to say that, because I've heard terrible things about Paris)
Apparently people in Paris are gone since it's "HOLIDAY" (vacation)
Anyway... Hope you enjoy the pics.

Paris!

So, I'm a little nervous about traveling to Paris alone. I'm scared of getting lost especially since I cannot speak a lick of French.
I leave today and will be back on Thursday. (YAY!!) then off to Texas on Saturday. I thought this week would never come. I'm extremely excited about getting my ass home to TX!!!

Santander, Spain

I went to Santander this weekend and it was so cool... The water was freeeeezing cold.. Maybe because we're close to the Arctic?? I went in for 2 seconds and couldn't bear it.... It was a really nice little town. Glad I went. We ate a wonderful restaurant, the food was exquisite, and not too expensive....Here are some pictures from the trip.