Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Thanksgiving Oklahoma style

After our three day excursion to Disney, the girls and I hopped on a plane and headed to my sister Marisa' s place for a Zarate Thanksgiving Reunion.

My Dad, aka Papi, decided it was high time to gather his girls and as much of his posterity as could make it, to a central meeting place to celebrate the bounties the good Lord has given us as we enjoyed each others company.

And that we did! There were 32 of us in all. Air mattresses were stacked high in corners of bed rooms while cute little dark haired children ran a muck of the place. My talented Momma took over the kitchen and worked hours preparing meal after meal of scrumptious food that left us wanting MORE!



Amidst the chaos there was ...

music





feasting






drama


fashion


bonding and laughter






pride


cuteness



craziness


and LOVE! I miss my little tribe. Can't wait to see them all again soon!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Girl Time

Christmas came early for me this year! Remember the trip to Disney we won off the radio. Well, we cashed in our frequent flier miles and and headed out West.

There is no way we could have spent a week away without the incredible support of Handsome Hubby/Super Dad. Love you babe!!


Our flight was a little turbulent at the get go. I looked over at the girls and saw them holding hands, taking care of each other and my heart melted just a little.


Spending three days in close proximity with these girls, memorizing every freckle and eyelash on each others faces while waiting in lines was priceless. We reminisced about the crazy boys we live with and their silly antics, made friends with strangers and made some pretty crazy memories of our own along the way.


The little white dog Sarah brought along on EVERY ride is affectionately named "Blakey". Who would think the girl who turns 18 in a month and a half would be carrying around a stuffed animal?! But she did, and we love her for it!




I'm a BIG chicken when it comes to big dip rides. But I rode them and I was proud of myself. Can't you see me? Crouched down, hiding there behind Sarah.






Dumbo was more my speed:)




We got to hang with one of our favorite galaxy defenders, Buzz Lightyear.


Along with some of are favorite princesses who, unlike the movies they star in, were fully dressed this time. They spoke with us about the lands they came from and took a genuine interest in my own little princesses. It was a delightful time.








We got serenaded by some way cool jazz singers one chilly evening. Jazz hands!


We had an Absolutely, Awesome time. A treasured time I'll hold close for years to come.


Friday, November 12, 2010

because I love her smile

I thought I'd post just a few more tennis pics.







...warms my heart every time.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

senioritis

A friend of a friend was looking for a high school senior to shoot some photos for a training video called Photo Vision. Long story short, she hired Sarah for the job and these were some of the results.

This girl of mine has been busy applying for colleges, preparing audition pieces and dragging herself to school and seminary everyday. She's already been accepted to a few schools and is anxious to get started on the next phase of life. Me, I just sit back and hum the tune to Taylor Swifts new song, Never Grow Up as I watch my little butterfly spread her wings as she prepares to take flight.









I love you, Sarah!

Monday, November 8, 2010

because boys will be boys






Sammy's pumpkin just kinda rolled off the roof, but it was way exciting none the less.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

music,music,music

The kids around these parts are always engaged in some sort of music study. Even Sammy chimes in with his harmonica now and then. On any given day, at almost any given hour, music can be heard emanating from some part of our home. Poor neighbors.

This fall brought with it a special focus for Joseph and Katherine as they were required to polish up some special pieces for the Suzuki Celebration event held at the Conference Center. Joseph, who has taken the slower route on finishing Book 1 in guitar (2 years and counting), was pushed to learn some more advanced pieces and Katherine spent hours perfecting Vocalise by Rachmaninoff. Matthew has been busy getting piano pieces ready for piano federation and was fortunate to jump in to the mix because he happened to know the Vivaldi piece they performed.

There were hundreds of kids involved in the event. It was really hard to spot my babes in the swarm of performers.


But as soon as Concerto in A minor began my mommy radar zoomed in and found Matthew, the boy with the dancing violin.


Joseph was easy to spot because his small group was featured on the Jumbo tron.


And out of the hundreds of kids they chose to zoom in on, our sweet Kate was featured on the big screen not once but twice!


The following two video's are of Matthew. In the first he is performing a Hayden Concerto accompanied by our own Analisa. A piece he felt was too "babyish". He was more than happy to put it to rest and has started full force into next years 17 page Mozart Concerto.

The second piece is a Chopin Prelude he performed up at Weber State yesterday. He said the piano was way too "bangy" and hard to shape phrases with. I thought he did great.




Monday, November 1, 2010

Halloween 2010

Introducing Frankenstein, Sassy Flapper girl, Crabby Patty and a Bloody Soldier.


Despite the very uncooperative weather, Halloween rocked at Comfy Chaos this year.

We had the traditional pumpkin carving fest.


The elementary school parades.


Even the teachers got in on the action. The kids (and parents) loved it!


Miss Kate and I spent the morning making popcorn balls and some pretty spectacular Brain Cupcakes. They were so gross it was awesome.


Later, Miss Nerd girl (yeah, right) and I made tortellini soup while make-up artist extraordinaire, Sarah, created her masterpieces. Grammy and Grampy came over for some hugs and to take some pics. Even Topher tried to get in on the love fest. Too bad he didn't make it past the wrapper.


The kids scattered in different directions but came back with company for all the good stuff at home.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

You know you've made it big when...



Your picture is on the Rock' n Style Microphone box at every Toys' R Us worldwide. Come on, you know you want one? ;)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Best Waffle Recipe, EVER.


(take that Bisquick)

Because I'm crazy and have 6 children at FIVE different schools, mornings can be a little chaotic here on Sunnydale. I stumbled upon this fabulous recipe found at Annie Eats. It is meant to be prepared the night before so that in the morning all you have to do is flip the on switch to the waffle maker, throw in 2 eggs and a dash of baking soda and voilĂ ! You've got piping fresh, hot waffles that put IHOP to shame. The best part for me is smearing on a little butter and apricot jam and handing them over to my teenage girls as they run out the door in three different directions. Your family will sing your praises. They are seriously that good!

Ingredients:
½ cup warm water
2¼ tsp. active dry yeast (I use instant – either is fine)
2 cups milk, warmed
8 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
¼ tsp. baking soda

Directions:
Combine the water and yeast in a large mixing bowl. (If using active dry yeast, let stand to dissolve 5 minutes before proceeding.) Add the milk, butter, salt, sugar and flour to the bowl. Whisk until well blended and smooth (you can also use an electric mixer.) Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature overnight. Do not put in the fridge!

When you are ready to make the waffles, preheat the waffle iron. Just before making the waffles, whisk the eggs and baking soda into the batter until smooth. The batter will be very thin. Fill waffle wells and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Cook until crisp and golden. Top as desired with butter, syrup, or fresh sliced strawberries, etc.