Oliva Family

Jaydas Birthday

2011-08-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

This little girl turned 4!!! WOW! Shes getting big so fast! And she LOVES her uncle Gabe!

Jayda Bird has this obsession with keys. She always has one in her pocket and she manages to always find new ones. So when we asked her what she wanted for her birthday all she wanted was keys! So we found a little treasure box and filled it with keys. She LOVED it!

As always Gina made yummy homemade cupcakes!

Jayda patiently waiting for us to light her candles....

So she can blow them out!

Gina with both of her girls!

Loukah likes the camera

2011-08-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

With the new camera I limited on people whom I can follow around taking pictures of...so poor Lou and Abby have gotten the worst of it :)

Amber my BFF

2011-08-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

Do you know why this is BEST picture EVER!??!?

Because thats MY house and MY BFF!!! We've been counting down the days for her to come and visit! :)

We had a blast! We did a whole lota nothin!

We sat at the beach....

Hung out with good friends...

Which of course leads to a game of Settlers....

Which leads to the girls winning :)

My BFF!

We went shopping and got these sweet new shades :)

We went out and where real rebels and bought matching anklets - and showed them off at church with our flip flops :)

Thank you so much for coming and spending a few days with me! You're the best!

The Pupps.

2011-08-03T23:50:00.000-07:00

Abbie Girl (top) and Lou Boy (bottom)

I love Madison

2011-08-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

Meet Madison:

Shes amazing. She is such a great person inside and out. I have known her for many years and am so proud of her now that she is all grown up and heading to college. :) She was nice enough to invite me to her Senior Recital and she did an amazing job. I love her. I want to be just like her when I grow up!

New Camera

2011-07-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

Well, my very well loved camera broke at YW camp this year. I was really sad, but it gave me the chance to go and really explore to see what camera I wanted... and walllaaaaa! Here's my new baby!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

Easy Mac anyone?

2011-07-19T21:09:00.001-07:00

I love love love easy mac and when there's nothing to eat it never fails that I will be happy with a cup if easy mac.

My Convo with Gabe tonight.

Me: I'm hungry

Hubby: no, your not I asked you if u wanted subway earlier.

Me: no, I'm hungry now.

Hubby: ok you want me to make you some?

Me: that would be great but only cook it 2 1/2 minutes

Hubby: you want it undercooked ... You want your noodles undercooked by a minute... (at this point I stopped listening but he was going on how its going to be undercooked)

Me: (to stop the long Convo of undercook-ness) yes its to see if u will follow directions.

Hubby: you have to test me to find out I don't follow directions?

Hubby: (as he leaves the room) so six and a half minutes right?

Love him.

Hubby Convo.

2011-07-17T22:19:00.001-07:00

Hubby pinched my relief society arms

Me: owe you hurt me
Hubby: I'm sorry
Me: no your not, because you would do it again
Hubby: just cuz I would do it again doesn't mean I cant be sorry this very moment.

Nice huh? Lol

Only my hubby <3

2011-07-16T11:20:00.003-07:00

Hubby: what's almond milk? Does it come from almonds?

Me: no, it comes from walnuts! Duh!

Hubby: no, its milk

Me: I don't know...like coconuts

Hubby: do they sweat them?

Me: yea, your drinking a million hundred almonds in one gulp!

Hubby: really?

Me: yea, can u hear em screaming... Yelling "dont drink me" ?

Hubby: now that's just insane.

Marilyn Monroe Monday

2011-07-11T23:00:00.000-07:00

"When it comes down to it, I let them think what they want. If they care enough to bother with what I do, then I'm already better than them."

Marilyn Monroe Monday

2011-07-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

"If you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty."

Marilyn Monroe Monday

2011-06-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

...just sayin...

2011-06-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

1. Tonight for dinner I ate 5 otterpops rather than get up and cook a normal dinner.

2. I get addicted to 70's tv shows on Netflixs and have to watch all episodes in one sitting. I can easily waste the whole day watching one show.

3. I don't like lettuce on my sandwiches. Especially when its a hot sandwich, like the kind from the deli, I think its nasty.

4. When the hubbys out of town, I leave all the lights on in the house when I go to sleep. It makes me feel better.

5. I wore my pink Vanns to work today and I think it made me have a better day.

My Latest Obsession:

2011-06-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

Marilyn Monroe

I think I am in love. Lately shes been my insperation.

I think I will now start My Marilyn Monroe Monday. I will post one quote from this fantastic women every Monday....starting today:

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

Friendship

2011-06-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

I know I don't update my blog very often with things on my mind. I use this blog as a keepsake for my family to remind me what we have done and been through over the years.

But, lately I have been getting a feel for what a true friend is. I must say I have some amazing friends here in Corpus. I have been blessed with so many kind and wonderful people in my life lately. I am grateful for those people in my life that I know I can always go to. I am thankful for them because they realize a friendship is two ways. I am thankful for them because they don't use me. I am thankful because they are always there for me not just when its convenient for them. I have had many friendships over the years and although I am thankful for all of them, I have come to realize that I really only need those that pick me up and make me a better person. Some friendships are so downing and depressing that they do nothing but bring you down. I'm not saying that times like that don't happen with everyone, but being happy is a state of mind that you get to choose. I love my friends who have a positive outlook on life. I love my friends who always pick me up. It doesn't matter how bad of a mood I am in one phone call, text, email, pie, note, visit, or smile can make it all better. I am so thankful for the friendships I have built and this lesson you have thought me.

Thank you to my friends who pick me up and keep me up.

The Coolest Hottest Time in .... South Parde....

2011-06-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

SCHLITTERBAHN!

We love this place!

We got a phone call Friday night from my SIL, Gina, and she wanted to know if we wanted to go with her and the kiddos. We didn't think very long, since she had extra tickets, so we packed that night so we could head out right after Jasmins graduation. Right after Graduation we headed down to South Padre to meet up with the family.

We had a blast spending the day at the park. I love the South Padre one because you never have to get out of your tube while you wait in line. Its so much easier when you have little ones. :) I love it.

Jayda Bear took this picture of Maddie and i think its ubber cute!

Me and Jayda Bear

After playing at the park all day we went to go eat at the Big Donkey.

The next day we went and spent some time at the hotel and then at the beach.

Only in TEXAS.. the greatest State EVER!!!

Umm...Gina, your kid needs a bath..... but shes still cute!!!!

at the beach

Gabe and Jayda Bear

Gabe, Jayda, Dad, Gina, and Lani

Jas' Graduation!

2011-06-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

We took some time to go and see Jas walk the stage.

Way to go Graduating Class of 2011

W. B. Ray High School

♥

She got to sing with her coral group one last time during Graduation.

Right as her row was getting to go.... I love you too. ;)

Getting ready.... YIKES..... Shes all smiles :)

JASMIN HERNANDEZ...

So proud ♥ ♥ ♥

Stop for a pic...I'm so bumbed this one turned out blurry!

Us afterwards. Cant say it enough... I AM SO PROUD! :)

Jasmins Senior Pictures

2011-06-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

She did it!!! Jasmin Hernandez is done with HIGH SCHOOL!!! I am so proud of her. This has been a goal and a sometimes a struggle we have been working on the last 3 1/2 years. I am so proud of this little one for all the hard work she has given these last few month.

Way to go Jasmin!

I love you.

Here are some Senior Pictures I took of her.

She is so BEAUTIFUL! Love her!

Heres a combination we liked. :)

Oh So proud of you. I love you Jas!!!

Memorial Day 2011 :)

2011-05-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

This year for memorial day Gabe REALLY wanted to smoke a brisket. He started at 2:00am the previous morning and smoked it all the way until 4:00pm the next day. Making us two hours late to where we were supposed to be.

Once it was all done we headed over to Heidi and Nathans pool where we celebrated Memorial Day with Misty, Scott, the kids, Heidi and Nathan (and Jr.) and Jas, Chris, and DJ. We had a good time. We played in the pool for a while and then enjoyed some great food.

Jasmin was in charge of taking pictures... so naturally all I got were pictures of her and Christiana.... silly kids.

One year older....

2011-05-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

This year for Gabes Birthday we spent some time out at the Condo...oh wait, that every year! So to keep the tradition that's what we did. We had a great time. Had some great food and spent it with some good friends.

Happy 28th Hubby!

.
He got the shoot gun form me and the only other thing he was begging me for was a smoker. So his mom and sisters pitched in and all got him a new bbq smoker.

YCL Sleepover

2011-05-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

This year I am again serving on the Stake Board for YW Camp. I love this job. I love planning a week of spiritual high for the girls. I think YW Camp is one of the best opportunities for these YW to be able to grow closer to our Father in Heaven. I am gained so much as a YW when I attended camp and this year will be my 15 year in a row. (8 as a girl and 7 as a leader) There just aren't words to describe how I feel about YW Camp. I simply think it is one of the best experiences a YW can have. Every YW should go.

This year my biggest responsibility is being over the YCL's and Certifications. The YCL's are in charge of teaching the certification, so in order to get them prepped, we had a YCL meeting which turned into a YCL Sleepover. I was glad to have them over and we had a blast! We got lots of planning for camp done. I was pretty proud of them and the work they did.

Some of the YCL's that came... theres a few missing in the picture.

(l2r - Alyssa, Courtney, Madison, Ashley, Erikka, Tyeisha FR Jasmin & Bree)

Half way through the night we were in desperate need for some TP..... So we took a small trip to WallyWorld. :) Yes, Bree can fit in the baby seat! :)

Heidi, the new YW Pres in Second Ward, was kind enough to help me out when I was in a jam and came and spent the night with us so we would have two adults. Responsible adults! ;)

You ever heard of Spitting Fire.... well neither had these girls... almost all of them got it.. well except Madison... haha. She struggled a little :)

Overall we had a blast! I cant wait until Camp where I get to spend a week with these lovely ladies :)

Our New Hobby

2011-05-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

While we were in San Antonio for a few days for a weeding, we went out and purchased a gun. Gabe had been begging me for a while now if I would let him purchase a shotgun. I finally gave in making a deal with him, that he would be able to get a gun for his birthday if I could go see Kevin Fowler play on his birthday. The deal was made. He purchased a Remington 870 in brown. He was so happy he wouldnt let go of it for a few days :) So when we came back into town on Saturday of course we called up some of our guy friends and took the gun out for some test shooting.

Gabe and Shawn shooting Clays

The boys comparing their guns...

(left to right: Shawn, Tynan, Gabe, Shawn)

Oscars Wedding

2011-05-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

Mrs. & Mr. Oscar Hernandez

We had the opportunity to go and see our friend Oscar get sealed to his beautiful Bride Eryn. We are so happy for them both. The sealing was great. It was fun to be back in the same sealing room the hubby and I got sealed in. They had a beautiful reception at Texas Old Town.

Im sorry I do not have any better pictures. I let Jasmin borrow my camera for prom :)

2011-04-30T10:32:00.001-07:00

1,233 days

29,568 hours

1,774,080 minutes

106,444,800 seconds

that is how long I have been the YW President of the Corpus Christi First Ward, Corpus Christi, Texas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

To use the word "BEEN" is extremely hard. As of today I have been released of my duties. This is such a bitter sweet moment. I am so sad to leave my ducklings behind. I have given this calling all my love, sweat, power, concern, might and mind for the last 3 1/2 years. I have had some wonderful experiences over the years. This has been one of the hardest callings I have ever had, but I am so grateful that Heavenly Father trusted me for such a long time to guide and lead these amazing youth. I am truly blessed and a better person because of this calling.

The bitter part about it is that even though I feel as if I have done everything I could have, it was not good enough for some. It amazed me how fast people turn on you when its to their advantage. I was so so so sad to leave my YW behind, but what I struggled with the most is that I had such a strong certainty that I knew who needed to be in the program after me. Maybe it was just me wishing and thinking, but boy I really am sure it was a personal revelation to ensure me that everything would be ok. But as we all know its not our will its Heavenly Fathers will. So I guess that was another lesson I am to learn. I pity with those who think this is an easy calling, those that think they can do it without help, I would know, I was there once.

On the sweet side I was called into the Stake Young Women's! YIKES! Honestly I feel to young to have a stake calling, but then again I felt to young when I was called as the Ward YW President! I gladly excepted the calling, and think this will make the transition out of my ward YW's soo much easier. I don't feel overwhelmed with this calling at all. For the last few years there have been things I really wish the Stake YW's would do. Things that I feel would help the YW Presidents of the Units out so much. I am excited to get those types of things started. Also, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the women I am serving with. They are truly righteous women of our Heavenly Father. I am so blessed and honored to serve with them.

Did I mention we bought a truck!?!?!??!

2011-04-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

And what a way to welcome it in the Fam! I LOVE YOU - (Un-named Car)

Results :)

2011-04-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

So remember the room switch? Well it has payed off. :) I have been working really hard and have been seeing some fun results :)

You didn't think I would post my weight!!??? You're crazy!

Thats 11 pounds in 17 Days :) Whoo Ho! And the inches isn't too bad either :)

Poor Poor Bullet!

2011-04-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

My Bullet has been hit! I was coming back from Sam's Club and I was sitting at the red light on Everhart and SPID waiting to turn under the overpass when out of no where I feel my whole car jump forward 10 feet! :(

Yep. that's the back end. I will be needing a new bumper and a new trunk...since this one wont open :( The pictures dont do it justice. The whole bumper is folded up. We pushed it back on and some of it snapped back on...but still sucks! :(

And the best part of it is...the lady took off.

That's right it was a HIT AND RUN!

WHO DOES THAT!!?!??!?!?!?!??! Gr! Some people are so pathetic!

So I have been laying it low a few days. I am sore all over. I have some major whiplash. The numbness on the feet and hands went away but the nausea still comes and goes.

Yes, I did get the plate number and now I am waiting on CCPD to do something?! ANYTHING!?

Room Switch....Home Gym....My Room!

2011-04-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

If you laugh at this you are no invited... and yes some are already on the not invited list : /

The Hubby and I live in a 3 bedroom house and yet we still don't seem to "fit" in our home. Crazy thought right!? There is only two of us, and so I decided to make some switches in the rooms. We have had an extra bedroom for a long time now, and thee have been quite a few owners of that room. But I felt it was time for me to use all the rooms. So I did some switching. The office used to be in the back room and the spare bedroom used to be in the front room.

So what used to be the spare bedroom....and last Saskias Room is now the office :

Here are some before pictures:

And some after pictures:

Gabes side of the new office in the front......

My side of the new office in the front....... Sorry not the best of pictures, I used my phone.. We still have some organizing to do but you get the point.

We did not move the spare bedroom into the back. We got rid of our spare bedroom. :) YIKES! And I made a workout room out of the back room :) I LOVE IT! (This is the if you laugh your not invited part)

Here's the before picture of the old office:

and the after picture:

Doesn't it look fab! I love it.

Yes you may ask if I have been using it?! YES! And I have seen some satisfying results. I am doing things a little different this time, but I can say I have been spending time in my room for 10 days and I have lost 1 1/2 inches off my waist. :) I love spending time in my room. :)

Once again...

2011-04-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

I know we have seen this once or twice... but its that time again. Prom. DJ asked Jasmin to Prom this year again and I took some pictures before they went.

(I know what your thinking, we talked about it)

April 1st A fools Day!?

2011-04-02T09:26:00.001-07:00

3 years ago on April 1st, 2008 I was working at AmericanBank and it started out like any other day. I was an opening Teller and I worked long days starting at 5:55am and some times went to 6:30pm. As I was going about my usual business and "tellering" my teller manager received a horrible phone call at around 10:30 that her Grandmother who has been ill and had a nurse who was to check in once a day was found passed away in her apartment. My manager left the bank within minutes of the phone call leaving us one short for the lunch rush.

We being understanding of course, covered for her to our best ability. Around noon we got super busy and the Branch Manager stepped behind the teller line to help out. Seems like a nice gesture, but it wasn't. She was worthless and didn't have a clue about telling, which in return made it harder on us to stay afloat. We worked through the rush and managed to no tick anyone off. After that the first teller was to go to lunch. She headed out leaving us down to 3, if you count the branch manager.

So there we are around 2:20pm when out of no where a stranger runs in the bank and yells out loud. Not understanding what he is yelling at first, none of us did anything out of the normal. With in seconds he pulled out a gun of his over sized jogging jacket. He waved it around and then the image came together, I understood his words more clearly and I understood why he had a large duffel bag in his arm. He continuously told us not to punch the button (to call the police) for some reason, the branch manger took that statement as "get down." So she got under the teller desk and left me standing up.

The man came up to my counter with his gun and his bag and demanded me to place the money in his bag. I was very calm for some odd reason, maybe out of shock. I had very clear thought process, I remember specifically thinking that I can not take the money from my drawer, if I did I would be short and that would result in another write up. (If you cant tell I wasn't to fond of my branch manager, who was new to the branch, and in return I already had quite a few write ups. The only thing that was keeping me there is that I had the highest percent in sales, new accounts, and customer compliments.) So since I could not take the money out of my drawer, I took the money out of the drawer of the teller next to me. I took the money and placed it in the bag, I must have been going to slow because at that point the man grabbed my hand and told me to hurry. His hand which was wearing a black cotton glove, like the cheep kind you buy at the dollar store, touched mine. That the only physical thing I remember about him.

I placed some more money in his bag and watched as he ran to the door turned around and waved his gun as he commanded us not to call the cops. I waited until he left the bank and ran to the door to lock it after the ran out. At this point a personal banker got up from under her desk and she joined me at the door we took down a license plate of the car we thought maybe he got into. Then the shock affect went away and the trembling in the knees and hands and nauseous feeling all came into play. We then went back to our desk and pushed the button that alarms the police that we had been robbed. We waited, waited and waited some more. We are not allowed to call the police on our regular phone, because it is not always a secure line, so when you are being thought how to be a teller you are instructed never to call the police on the phone. After we received no response from the button we decided as a branch to call the police on the phone. The police arrived shortly after. I guess they thought that the button was an April fools joke. (Funny right!?!?) Five seconds after the CCPD showed up the news, fbi, secret service, and the bank president showed up. (The license plate was NOT correct it was a Lady who was leaving the drive tru....woops)

Four hours later and after a lot of questioning and interviews things calmed down and I was able to go home. (In case your wondering I balanced to the penny that night.) I thought I was fine, I told the Hubby what happened and I told him I was fine, if I could get that puppy I have been wanting ;) (Happy Birthday Loukah) So we went and picked him up. After we got home, I didn't sleep to well, but I figured it was just from feeling a little overwhelmed.

The next morning I went to work at 5:55am. Thinking I was fine, I mean I was only alone until 8:30 am or so and I was locked in the bank and only the drive tru was open. Yea, that thought sounded really good until the first car drove up and I freaked out. I locked myself in the restroom and called my teller manager who had only found out what all happened a few hours earlier. She came in early and worked those few hours with me.

I loved being a teller, I loved my customers and I loved selling to people. It was fun. I loved the people I worked with (Well, except the Branch Manager - she was evil) and it was a great workplace. But the sad truth was I wasn't the same. I hated that whenever a non regular customer came in I would think bad of them and get scared. It was sad and eventually I left the bank when better opportunities came along.

So yea, since then they have caught the man who robbed us and he is currently in jail. Serving 15 years for his 3 robberies. He tried to get parole after only 9 months and I fought it hard with a Lawyer to have the parole board say no. They did and now I am waiting until December of his year for his next parole date.

I have gotten over most of it in the last 3 years, if you dont count the fact that banks creap me out... lol. But what doesnt kill us makes us stronger. :)

Sidekick!

2011-03-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

So I was just watching some TV while eating my lunch and this commercial comes on for

Sure, its a cute bottle, and good for kids....but there whole theme of the thing is.... YOUR KIDS ARE WHAT THEY EAT!?!?!?!?!? This is what I thought was so funny... if that's your whole slogan...why not make it the Super Kicks?!?!? Why the side kick?! I just thought it was funny that they are settling for second best. hahahahaha! Maybe it was so funny to me because we use the term "Sidekick" a lot in our house.. :) Anyways, check out the commercial here: commercial here!

I love commercials.. I love to see how companies advertise and the slogans and names they come up with. I don't know... just sayin...

...just sayin...

2011-03-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

1.   I don't fix my bed. Ever. I don't see the point, I am just going to mess it up in less than 12 hours.
2.   I would rather eat easy mac then cook and have to clean afterwards
3.   I don't do laundry. I will hold out until everything I could possible wear in my house is dirty before I cave in and do laundry.
4.   I don't answer my phone if I know why you are calling.   I usually ignore all phone calls and wait for a text to reply to.
5.   I took down my American Flag because I am not happy with our government. I am now flying a Texas flag. It makes me feel much better.

Spencer Alan :)

2011-03-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

Spencer is the best brother ever - at least thats what he tells me and since I have no biological brothers to test that theory I will take his word for it. Hes pretty great, we go way back and he has tought me a lot. I have always looked up to him and I have always been proud of him, but this one tops em all.

Thanks to my Amazing Brother Spencer, I got the chance to go here:

(All Photography by Elliott Hamilton)

And even though the trip was fun, the reason we were there was even more special. Spencer and his new Bride, Michelle, choose to be sealed in the San Diego LDS Temple. So Mom, me and E-man flew out to California to be there for them. Dad flew to Arizona and drove out with Melissa, Darren and the kiddos. We had a blast. We had a few hickups along the way - like dad forgetting his suit, or dad falling in the water, or dad... just kidding. Love you daddio :) but the end results was beautiful.

While in San Diego was stayed at Grandma Wamplers house. The house should be called Grandma Wamplers Heaven of Amazing Food :) We ate so good there. I loved the home grown avocados! Defintly a HUGE highlight of the trip. We got there Wednesday and mom and I did some shopping with included looking for a suit for day. Thursday night was the wedding dinner. We went to a fun Italian resteraunt and had a great meal. Some toasts were given and I got to meat alot more of moms side of the family. Friday morning was the sealing. It was a beautiful sealing. After the sealing we had pictures. A million of them. Then we headed over to a family friend of Michelle's and set up for the reception. Saturday we had a surprise 85th birthday party for Grandma Wampler that she told us she knew about and didn't want to go to. But we talked her into going and she ended up having a great time. And before we knew it Sunday came around and it was time to fly back home to Texas.

Mom and I thought we were getting 5 days of rest but well, were just not that kind of people. Were workers. So even though we didn't rest, and we may have come home more tired that when we left we had a great time. Just the fact that I got to spend 5 solid days with mom was worth it. I loved spending time with Mom. Shes so stinking amazing. And every time I am done I feel like a better person :) Thanks for the trip.

Here are some more pictures of the wedding that I liked. Thanks to daddio I didn't have to take my camera out once. Its pays off having a dad as a wedding photographer. ;)

Mr & Mrs Spencer Alan Hamilton as they walked out the Temple. :) I am so proud of Spence for his choice to get sealed in the temple. AND for choosing Michelle to do it with. Love you both.

Here is the Hamilton side of the Family. :) That's a good looking bunch!

(E-man, me, Daddio, Mom, Spence, Guyene, Michelle, Nolan, Melissa and Darren)

Boys will be boys :)

Michelle, Me and Spencer

For all time and eternity......

WAY TO GO DJ!

2011-03-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

Way to DJ! Dj is one of my hubbys boys in the troop and he recently recieved his Eagle. For his Eagle Project he did a blanket drive for the Salvation Army. It took lots of time and effort on his part and he did a great job. :) We are so proud of him. He is the first YM in our ward to get his Eagle in over 10 years. I am so proud of him and I am proud of my hubby for all the work he does with the boys. He has an amazing troop! :)

Its updated....

2011-02-27T19:42:00.000-08:00

so I've updated it....

:) Yay! I feel so accomplished!

Trike Ride Anyone?!

2011-02-19T18:57:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when you sell your bike to get money for your new bike but then when you go to the store the new bike is gone.... you have to borrow Sister Olivas sweet trike for your Saturday morning rides....

Elder Simmons trying to be cool...on the trike :)

We LOVE Last Comic Standing

2011-01-29T23:59:00.000-08:00

And the top ten from the Last Season came to Corpus on a Tour. We bough tickets and were super excited about going.

Here we are with Felipe Esparza... the winner and our favorite!

Felipe doing his thing...

3 years for the Hubbs and I

2011-01-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

For our 3 years Anni we were still in Las Vegas so after we dropped the kiddos off at school there was one place I wanted to visit. The Pawn Shop off the TV show PAWN STARS. Google It. So we headed over and spent some time looking at some awesome things.

Next we headed to downtown Vegas. When we walked by the Hard Rock Cafe, I took this Picture for Saskia :) We miss you.

The Hubbs and I - 3 years!

That night we headed to go see Marc Savard - a Hypnosis. We got the tickets free so we enjoyed the show. :)

Here is a picture of myself with the Man of the show... (Sorry about the crappy quality... hubby took the picture)

Overall we had a great time. It was nice to be out of town and be limited on what we could do. It was so stress less and that I really enjoyed.

Happy 3 Years of Marriage Hubby!

Las Vegas NYE 2011

2010-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

This year for New Years I flew out to Vegas to see Amber for a bit and then I was staying so her and her hubby can go on a cruise. We had this planned for quite some time and I was excited when the time came. I flew out around the 29th and Amber and Jake left the 31st and Gabe flew in the 31st to celebrate NYE with me and he stayed until the 5th.

It was so much fun bringing in new years with the best three kids in the world. What was the most amazing feeling was that those three kids were so grateful and happy to spend new years with me. Its a good feeling to bring new years in feeling so loved and wanted.

So Gabe and I allowed two 10 year olds and a 5 year old to stay up to midnight. I thought they would for sure crash early but nope, with a million pounds of sugar, movies, 3 games of monopoly, go fish, rockband, ice cream, sparkling cider & homemade nachos we all made it to midnight. I was proud of them for making it.

Here's Brom making his entry into our Monopoly Game....

Ms. Clara holding on with all might to make it to midnight.....

and two ten year olds.... wired as can be... YIKES!

WE MADE IT!!! Notice they were already in their Jamies...I'm such a good sitter ;) We watched the Ball drop on TV... too bad I googled it wrong and it was last years..... a few years ago I would have been able to pull a fast one over them, but not this year...Nedra caught me. Woops!?

The morning after...I don't know who was dragging more...the kiddos or us...

We will be back after the new year

2010-12-31T14:16:00.000-08:00

We are currently having issues because we are purchasing more storage for our Google account. We will have everything set up and ready to go after the new year! Sorry Ya'll! :)

Spurs Game

2010-12-26T19:00:00.000-08:00

For my birthday present Saskia gave me tickets to a Spurs Game on the 26th of December. So after all the Christmas parting we went to watch the Spurs kick some butt! :)

The Sspurs have been doing FANTASTIC this season... which makes me one happy fan! GO SPURS GO!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T23:59:00.000-08:00

Gabriel – I can’t believe it’s already Christmas time again. It sure seems as if the older I get, the faster the years seem to go. Christmas season always brings extra excitement and a little chaos. More importantly, however, I find it a time to visit with family and friends, and a time to reflect on the importance of the birth of our Savior and think on how blessed we are to be able to learn of Him and His gospel. I have been able to teach Sunday school at church to ages 8-11 this past year and have really enjoyed it. They seem to enjoy my class as well, but I think it’s only because I bring them snacks. I grateful that the electrical business has been good for us this past year and am glad for the flexibility running a business offers. In beginning of the year we had Hannah and were able to experience a bit of Korean culture and food, and we shared with her some of our ours as well. Jennifer and I have taken several camping trips with family and friends and love the outdoors together. We have been able to attend many concerts and make all kinds of excuses to take weekend trips out of town. We always have friends stop by and are always glad to welcome old and new friends into our home. During the summer I was able to attend scout camp and have been able to go camping several other times with the scouts as well. Because we felt like we are definitely not busy enough (j/k) we decided to host another exchange student, Saskia. Since Jennifer is originally from Germany, I was excited to learn more of the German culture and show her our culture. She introduced me to some German cooking and holiday traditions we will probably keep in our family. She has been a great joy to have around and I often tease her that she makes it seem like whatever she is doing is fun. I am looking forward to next year with optimism and gladness.

Jennifer – This year has been a crazy one. Really crazy. I contemplated skipping this year’s letter, but when I thought about it there was much joy amongst all the craziness. So here are some of my favorite high lights of 2010. We have done a ton of camping this year. We have visited Goose Island, McKinney Falls, and Lake CC to name a few. But I think most of my free time has been spent at some amazing country concerts. This year I had the opportunity to see Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Howie Day, Willie Nelson, Cross Canadian Ragweed, and Kevin Fowler (a few times), Roger Creager, Rich O Toole, Ryan Beaver, and Eli Young Band. Throughout this year it is amazing to me how much music has helped me express myself. One of the coolest things that has happened all year is that I appeared in a Kevin Fowler Music Video. Still makes me smile when I think about it. We also had a few visitors my Aunt Judy and Family came for St. Patties, my sister for Easter, our friends Jonathan, Oscar, and Jacob with His Family all stopped by and most recently my Mama came for my birthday. Who herself had a great year, because she graduated from college and we are so proud of her. As every year we had a few hurricanes to watch for and although Alex gave us a scare we made it through safely. I had another year in Young Women’s and was able to attend both Youth Conference and Girls Camp with my amazing girls. I love how close we are and I could not picture life without them. Hannah left us in mid May and in July we received Saskia. We have loved having her every minute she has been a member of our family. She has been the biggest blessing we have had all year. She fits right into our craziness and adds a little of her own. This year we finally made it to the State Fair and were able to show Saskia some real Texas fun. We also added another family member, a hamster, which Saskia named TB – for Taco Bell of course. But most of all throughout this year and all the craziness, I have come to better understand the atonement of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for the role He plays in my life. And I know that without him I would have not made it through this year.

Saskia - The last half year, was probably the most exciting ever. It all started at July,18th,2010. I flew to Boston, Massachusetts and stayed there for two weeks and after that I flew to Corpus Christi. All excited I meet the Oliva’s and I directly knew we going to have an awesome time together. On my first night in Corpus Christi, Jennifer and I went to a Kevin Fowler Concert, it was awesome and the perfect start for a perfect time. We as a Family had so much fun together, we went up to Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, we went Camping, we‘ve been fishing, we celebrate mine and Jennifer’s Birthday together at the Beach and ah I think I can’t even tell ya’ll how much we did and what a big experience it is for me . Now we going to celebrate Christmas together and it’s kind of the ending for my Exchange Year. When I have to think of all this great time, I’m so glad and thankful that I got the opportunity to stay with this incredible, nice and friendly and funny family. I’m also thankful to be able to go to Church here with Jennifer and Gabriel. It’s always so much fun and the Youth are really nice. I’m also very glad to got to know Jasmin, she is so important here for me and also the Missionaries, which gave me an idea of the Church of Latter-day Saints . I hope that you all are going to have a great Christmas and want to thank you all for making my time in America just unforgettable.

Merry Christmas– Froehliche Weihnachten. ♥

We wish your family a Merry Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

With Much Love,

The Oliva Family

Stockings for the Elders

2010-12-24T21:00:00.000-08:00

For Christmas Eve we went and dropped off some stocking we had made for the Elders....

On the way home ding 1 and ding 2 thought it would be fun to jump on the front of the car..... they changed their mind quickly... :) Fun times!

this is what happens when you dont wake up ...

2010-12-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

.....after you told a 17 year old you would give her a ride....

yea, that would be honney, pepper and salt.... clearly she was making a point!

Kremer and Saskias Amazing Wonderful Fun Fantastic Birthday Bash!

2010-12-04T16:55:00.000-08:00

Since our birthdays are so close we decieded to have a joint birthday party...and well since she only gets one birthday here she wanted a beach party...so thats what we had. :)

Happy 17th Birthday Saskia!!!

Tynan... who deserves the biggest thanks ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for the great party!:)

Girls just wanna have fun...

Lori and her man :)

Our fire.... :)

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T16:43:00.000-08:00

This year it was my families turn to have us for Thanksgiving so we packed the car and headed to Kyle, TX where we celebrated Thanksgiving at my Aunts.

I didnt take alot of pictures... but I did get these of the kids in the hammock. :)

Tejas Rodeo

2010-11-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take Saskia to a rodeo while she was here in Texas...so while I was googlein I found this place that looked pretty cool. Tejas Rodeo. When I got there I fell in LOVE with it. I can not wait to go back and see more rodeos and bands in the spring when it reopens. :)

Here are some pictures from our trip. :)

Saskia all ready with her hat!

a Texas Longhorn....

8 second ride...

This band was good... they played some good Kevin Fowler Hits :)

Sassi and I

Gabe and I

Camping

2010-11-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

We set a weekend apart to go campin! Camping is one of my favorite things to do. I love spending time outside and sleeping under the star expecailly when its cold out... which it was! We went with the Smiths and thier two little ones. We had a good time.

Misty and Scoot

Saskia went as well....

and so did Jasmin...

Miss Macie Lynn made a friend very fast!

Macie with her Daddy

Saskia and I were brave enough to try to go boating in our little boats... which I got on sale for $2.50 after the summer....

We had a blast!

Misty with Hunter and Jasmin :)

Saskia would try to sleep and Hunter would tell her to wake up and play!

My cute hubby!

Beautiful Macie Lynn.

Saskia and I with our catches!

Jasmin and I

Jasmin and Saskia

Jasmin and Gabe

This was Saskias first time camping and she had a really good time. :) Overall I think we all did.

FHE

2010-11-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

We have FHE on a weekly basis with the W's. The young W's. Matt and Kat W. Its a good tradition. Sometimes its hard to keep the simple guidelines we are given because we don't have children in the home... like FHE. So we invited other couples over and its been working out great! I love that we have FHE on a regular basis and I love it even more that we have it with some friends.

This week Josh and Tiffany asked if they could join because they needed some more people for something Josh wanted to do.... so you wanna know what Josh wanted to do? That he would need 5 more people for?!?

To make burgers..... Don't they look yummy....

but not just ANY burgers.....

2.5 pound burgers!!!

The cook with his amazing burgers :)

For the Month of November.....

2010-10-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

I got this from Stace and loved the idea to do it for the month of November... :)

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3-Your first love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite TV shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

***** I have moved this to a sidebar.... check it out... :)

Halloween Festivities

2010-10-31T23:00:00.000-07:00

The first of the Halloween Festivities that we had was the Halloween Social for the Ward. Gabe and I got a last minute costume from my friend Misty and Scott. Super cute though!!! I was excited because Welma is taller than Fred so I was able to wear some high heals. :) And we won Funniest Costume at the Ward Party!!! Whooo hooo!!!!! Saskia was a Police Officer for the Ward Party.

We (and by we I mean I) helped (and by helped I mean did all the work) for the Spook Ally for the Young Men. Here is a picture of the "outside" of the structure. It was really good this year. Seems like we inprove it every year :)

Jasmin and Saskia at the Ward Party

Our next Halloween thing to do was Carve some pumkins. :) :) :) We went to the store and bought some last minute punkins.

Here is everyone "gutting" their pumkin :) YUCK!

And everyone just about half way through...

and tada!!! The finished projects :)

All light up :)

After we carved some pumkins we had some friends over for dinner and go to trick-or-treating on the famous Delmar "Halloween" Street. :)

Hunter and Macie Lynn were Mr. and Mrs. Potatoe Head... how cute!!!

The girls wore their Crayola Costumes :)

After we did some trick-or-treating we ate some ice cream, played some games and had a good time. Hunter and Macie got a quick bath after the ice cream and then played some naked guitar. :)

Out of the blue...

2010-10-28T18:00:00.001-07:00

its been 5 days and I have not taken pictures of anything to post on the blog about!?!?! Wow. Wanna know why?! Its definitely NOT because nothing has been going on. I have been ubber busy with some things and not so busy with other things and well, since this blog is 60% so the further has something to look back on, 25% to help inform the family and friends outside of Corpus and 10% for me post my ideas and thought and 5% for me to vent and take a stab at others who frustrate me at the moment. (Yes only 5%, and Yes this is one of those 5) so I guess I better record this.

So I am no longer working for my old employer. I have been FIRED! Yes, I did not quite. (Only because someone was talking me out of it) I was fired. The BIG F word. You would think that I would be very upset over this and being honest I am not. I feel a huge sense of release by no longer being tied down. It feels nice not to constantly have the fact that someone gave you a job be held over you. I am very unhappy with the way the situation was handled...not on my part, because I am a mature, responsible adult.

I could take this moment to mention on how low and pathetic and rude and disrespectful and mean and retarded I think she is, but I wont. I am a mature, responsible adult.

Oh, by the way, I dont care what you think of me, because I know your only mean because your unhappy! Sad.

For now I will enjoy my time off.

Stake Conference

2010-10-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Stake Conference :) I love Stake Conference! I especially love the adult session the night before. It always seems like a huge multi date night. I love it. I love seeing all the couples. I love the extra quietness that is there. I love how when the speaker mentions how much he loves his wife/husband all the couples scootch a little closer. I love how it is such a time for couples to grow. :) I love it!

Some things I picked up with I was sitting next to my hubby:

1. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. I don't know if you have heard that before, I haven't. I fell in love with that. What a true statement that is. That is really something I needed to hear. It reminds me of our of my favorite songs, The Dance by Garth. "And now I'm glad I didn't know . . . The way it all would end . . . The way it all would go . . . Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain . . . But I'd of had to miss the dance!" I love that. Sometimes after you go through a trial you think of all the things you could have avoided to avoid the trail. Now I am talking about a Trail... not a test, such as a consequence for a choice you made. (Which yes, it was come in to play also when its a test, but then you would want to avoid those things.) But with a trail you wouldn't want to avoid them.. I don't know if that makes any sense. I guess a good example I was thinking of would be when Joseph Smith was killed. The saints had that trail to go through and they did not know that was going to happen or could they have stopped it. So the main phrase "It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark" the saints could have avoided the pain of loosing the Prophet if they would have not chosen to be a member of the church. But ya see some trails are worth it. It was worth for Noah to build the Ark - and in that case it had a great outcome. As in the song by Garth there wasn't a good outcome, but in either case I think it was worth it to go through the trail. The speaker who mentioned the phrase, related it to Faith, which yes, I see also, but I guess that's the job of conference you get that personal message.

2. Everyone has there own trails. A fb status recently read - if everyone were to put there trails all in the same pile and you where to see everyone elses, you would quickly take yours back. We all have trails and they are all different but yet the way to solve them is always the same. It reminds me of math. The equations are always different but the formula to solve them is always the same. I see the Gospel the same way. No matter what you do or have to go through, the way to overcome it is the same. Whether its a healing process or repentance process the Gospel gives us basic steps we can take to get that end outcome. When I really think about it, it makes me so happy because I know that the knowledge is there. Its not a big secret or a big mystery. How lucky are we?!

3. Healing, Help, Hope - I think that's going to be my new YW motto. There is a whole lot of thinking behind this quote, but that may take another post. :)

4. As long as we keep our temple covenant our eternal salvation is sure. Again, the simpleness of the Gospel blows my mind. I am so amazed how the pieces of the Gospel all just fall into place and make sense. We are constantly striving to make sure we can return to our Heavenly Father, and I know at times I think and think and boggle my mind what the exact path way and then we are reminded that if we simple just do what we promised to do we will be just fin. Amazingness!

After conference Lori and Sarah and I got together and had some FBI fun :) It was ubber nice having Sarah in town and having Lori make some time to chill. We are three hotties! :)

Strides for Breat Cancer

2010-10-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

2010 Stride for Breast Cancer.....

Lori needed to get some volunteer work done for work, so she talked me into doing the Strides for Breast Cancer. It wasnt a big deal since I didnt have too much to do this Saturday Morning... So I got up at 6:30am to find a text message that Lori was sick. WHAT!?!??! So off I went by my self.

But I did have a team to meet up with. We were the Bonnie Bood Brigade team. In honor of Bonnie. She is Cocos boo's Mom. So I was glad I had a team to join :)

As the morning went on the crowd grew up to 7,800!! Way to go Corpus Christi!

CoCo doing her thang.... and SMILING while doin it....

The Statistic of Breast Cancer is one out of every eight.....

Some shirts I saw that made me really grateful

The Ribbon for those who have overcome or lost their battle

Getting ready for the walk....

Here you can see the line go all the way up to the Holiday Inn

They had 1/2 the street marked off for us, but it just wasnt enough. :)

Making sure we didnt get lost ... since the 8,000 people wasnt a big enough hint....lol

The turn around point was the circles on the T-heads

After our team headed over to Brewster Street - MY FAV!!! For some lunch! :) YUM!

Heres CoCo and I at Brewster

Mrs. Bonnie herself :)

Group Picture :)

I am extremly grateful I got to go and participate. :) Thank you!

Chicken Coop

2010-10-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

This is the chicken coop.... THE CHICKEN COOP! When I was living in 3rd Ward I used to "Hang Out and Do nothing" (as the Elders would call it) all the time. If you ask the sisters....we were doing some mad missionary work and actually had lots of success. :) But whenever that bitter sweet time came for one of the missionaries to go they would get to sign the chicken coop before they left. It was a great thing, and it has lots of memories on it.

The other day I received a call from Elder Wetherell - who used to be in the ward but now is in 3rd Ward... and he found the chicken coop... he found my name on the back and asked if I wanted it. I was hesitant at first... thinking it should stay in the apartment and start it up again.. but it now being silly elders... that wouldn't happen...SOoooo now its up in my home :) Right smack clear in the hall way!

It was so fun to read all the names and think of all the fun memories :)

Incidental - that same day was Elder Haskell's last day here in the Area. Hes finally getting to go down to the valley! Whoo hoo. Were all happy for him. So as he came by to say laters... we were talking about the Chicken Coop. :) And he asked if I was going to start it up again... so yea! Why not. The chicken coop is now back in business.

Saskia wanted a picture with the Elders before Haskell left... haha, Gabe kept popping his head in front.....

Then as we were talking we discovered that it was Saskias 1/2 way mark on her visit here...so since the missionaries where over...it was only right that we burned something. I know it was suppose to be a shirt...but we didn't have one....so a sock it was. :)

YAY! 1/2 way there. Again Bitter Sweet! :(

It was a fun day. I am glad I got the chicken coop, wished Elder Haskell a good farewell, and got to celebrate with Saskia her 1/2 way mark :)

TB = Taco Bell NOT tuberculosis

2010-10-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

You remember Willardina?! Well lets just say that didn't work out to well......

Even though we no longer have Willardina we have kept up this cage... I mean come one.. that is the coolest cage you have ever seen or what!?!? I didn't mind having up an empty cage at all but our kid thought differently. She has been talking Gabe and I into buying another Hamster for quite a while now. I knew I didn't want to get another dwarf hamster.. those things are just to mean and fast, so we went to the pet store to look. My only rules where that it had to fit in the cool cage. So we were informed of a teddy bear hamster... and well....

here she is. For only $7.99! Cant beat that! So we packed her up and took her home.

She about double the size of the dwarf hamster at about 4 inches long and she will continue to grow to be 6-8 inches long. Shes not mean at all, and easy to handle. She is fairly young, she had only been at the pet store for one day. :)

On the way home I told Saskia to name her pet! After a short discussion it was decided... on TB short for Taco Bell of course.... So there you have it. Our newest member of the family Ms. TB.

Saskias next goal... to get some fish in our cool looking bubble fish bowl.....

Ever been tp'in?!?!

2010-10-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

So while we were running around getting ready for homecoming - and by we I mean I. My friend Misty called me and asked if we - as in Gabe and I - wanted to come over and chill that night. I told her maybe after we get the girls off to the dance. After the boys come and pick em up we head over to the Smiths. Little did we know that the reason we were being invited over was so our house would be empty because we were a target of some red and blue team across the bridge - we wont mention any names.

So we get home to find this!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT?!!?!?

This. Yea! This!!!!

and believe it or not ... the hit the money maker...

We got lots of stickies...all over! ALL OVER!

So we had a decision to make.... and of course we decided to go to bed and sleep like angles.

Now SOMEONE decided to be on our team and have our back.... now with the limited time THAT PERON had... I think they just went for the simplest option... a good ole TP'in job! :)

and this is what came of that....

even the next morning it looked beautiful!!!!!!!

so... the moral of the story...my team is always bigger than your team. :)

You mess with the bull you get the horns.

If you aint first you last...

Just sayin...

lol.. We love yall!!!!

Ray Homecoming 2010

2010-10-16T18:06:00.001-07:00

Homecoming 2010.

Here are my amaing, beautiful, wonderful, smart, pretty, funny, caring, outgoing, nice, loving, dear, giving, talented girls.

I am sooooo blessed to have these two amazing girls in my life. They both bring so much to my life and I could not imagine life without them now. I will miss them dearly when they are all grown up.

Silly picture with Andrew, Saskias Date & Gabriel, Their friend from School

Andrew and Saskia

Tynan

2010-10-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Tynan - hes a good friend of mine. He invited us over for dinner at his place. Hes a great cook...he cooked us some chicken cabanara ( I think thats how you spell it ) some homemade garlic bread and Saskia made a salad to go with it. After we had a dlish chocolate cheesecake that Tynan made from scratch!!! It was fantastic!!!!

After we ate we played some Wii.... talked some trash....and laughed alot. The usual.. ya know?

We played 100 pin bowling on the Wii...

Saskia bowling

Gabe thinking he has some mad skills :)

Overall we had a great time. It was nice to be invited over and be the guests for a change. :)

Youth Haloween Dance

2010-10-09T21:31:00.000-07:00

We had a youth halloween dance this weekend.. and for the longest time now the girls have been talkin about being Fairies. They were pretty excited. Found their costumes, got it all together, but then word got to them that another ward was planning the same thing.... So we had to change it up :) This is what we came up with!

If those arent the cutest 4 crayons you have ever seen or what!?!?!?!

Tyiesha was Blue:)

Jasmin was Purple:)

Christiana was Pink:)

Saskia was Turquoise:)

All the youth at the dance... We had some great costumes! :)

Austin!

2010-10-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

After we left the State Fair, we drove back to Austin and crashed at my sisters so we would not have to drive all the way to corpus. Aint that nice of her?! Ya! So while in Austin we went to the Captial to show Saskia!

Here are some pictures I took while walking the Capital grounds :)

I loved these Chairs... I want them in my house...

The Republic of Texas... no better place to live!

I told Sasquatch the Elevators were made of Gold :)

I feel in Love with this old stair railing...

Here is Saskia... on the beautiful stairs.

Check out these door hinges... I so want some in my house that Say... "OLIVA FAMILY" how sweet would that be..... WAY!

Outside they had the original gate :)

After we left the Capitol we drove around Austin to find Austin Daily Press...

While driving we came across some sweetness....

But the coolest of em all......

I so wanna live on this street!!

I dont know if yall followed the Show on the Food Channel... but Gabe and I loved it. The Great Food Truck Race... Google it. (I'm to lazy to post a link) We were rootin for em since there from Texas and all, but they didnt win it overall.. I believe they got 4th place :)

Texas State Fair 2

2010-10-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

Saturday we spent the day at the State Fair. It was also the day of the UT vs. OU game. And the game was at the Cotten Bowl which is right in the center of the state fair grounds. Lucky us!!! We did not go into the game... I will not pay $150 for football tickets! But that was ok because there where big screens around the whole fair that had the game on. Because of the game the place was SO crowded. There was barley walking room.

Heres the OU side..

and the Texas side! :) Hook em!

We also went and saw some more shows. This one was Jump the Ultimate Dog Show.

This dog was a 3 legged pup who holds the record for jumps. :)

We also saw the Amazing African Dancers... check that out!!! Crazyness!

The USMC Bugle and Drum Corps was there.. they put on an awesome concert!

We went and saw some pig races....

I was going for #4 hahaha...

Me and Saskia :) AWESOMENESS!

Gabe :) Yummy Turkey Leg!!

Saskia and Gabe!

I bought some awesome pins to go on my hat :)

And before the night ended - We saw the Eli Young Band. YAY YAY YAY!!!

The stage before the show...

Mr. Mike Eli himself :) :) :) :)

All of us at the concert.

The Young Part of the Eli Young Band. :)

and last but not least the drummer...

I also got Mike Eli and James Young to sing my Kevin Fowler Hat :) Yea!!!!!!

Hard Rock Cafe

2010-10-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

Saskia collects Hard Rock Cafe T-shirts from all over the world. So while we were in Dallas we stopped in and picked one up.

Texas State Fair 1

2010-10-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

So for a very long time now I have been wanting to go to the Texas State Fair. For the last few years we have gone to the Yorktown Western Days which have been a blast but I have still wanted to go to the Fair. So this year when I was looking up the two, Western Days fell on Homecoming weekend. So, off to the Fair we went! We had a GREAT time. It was General Conference weekend so we were able to spend the whole weekend out in Dallas. I was excited for all the things the fair would have, in my mind :) and I was excited for Saskia to see the fair. We left corpus early early Friday morning. We got to the fair around 1pm and spent the whole day there.

A shoot of the state fair,

Saskia with Big Tex.

Saskia and I

Saskia milkin her first cow : )

On of the booths they had was for toothpaste. We all got a new toothbrush, paste, and travel container. :)

One of the shows we went to was Amazing Dobermans. This little pup could do a lot of tricks.

Another show we caught was the BMX show. I was super excited to see it because I have always wanted to capture pictures of BMX'ers. I was happy with the next picture. :)

This is by far the best Opa ever!!!!!!!!!!! I blurred out the rest of the picture so you could see. This is the best idea ever!!!!!!!!

The carnival ride came straight from Saskias home town... Dusseldorf!

Saskia waiting for the Parade to start!

at the carnival part of the Fair

Saskia eating her first Funnel Cake!

We ended the night with a Light Show that came out of the building. It was fantastic!

2010-09-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

After I got home from Las Vegas the girls and Gabe came to pick me up from the Airport. Since Saskia had not been in San Antonio we thought we would make it a night.

We ran into this crazy man names the birdman. He has these two birds and did the craziest things with them. It was funny to watch and when we left he handed us a card stating he did birthday parties... Move over clowns Birdman is in town! :)

First stop was the Wax Museum.

I had LOTS of things to discuss....

Gabe thought there was some reason behind me making him take this picture :)

The girls with Forest! :)

Saskia and Micheal Jackson :)

The girls being silly!

Gabe got super excited when we saw this.....

and super disappointed when we saw this....

Next stop was Ripleys Believe it or Not?!

Jasmin :)

Saskia in the cool little crawl space. We spent alot of time in here. I thought it was super cool. Inside it had even more things to do and read.

Jasmin and Saskia inside the crawl space.

Goofin around!

This phone drove me nuts. It was super low to the ground and kept ringing. ALOT! I answered it like 50 times thinking it would finally say something, but nope. Nobody there. :) I'm such a sucker!

You should have seen her eyes when she saw it... A part of the Berlin Wall. We were trying to climb over...Crazy Germans!

Scott and Misty - this ones for you :)

My Pretty Girls :)

Tallest man in the world!

Saskia and her new man!

Bug eyes!

A crazy tower made from toothpicks!!!!!!

World Largest Boot... How cool is that!?

Can you do it... Eat your nose?!? Forget touchin it with your tongue... eat it!

A little scary how close he got?!

Try it! You know you want too.

And before we left... Saskia infront of the Alamo. :) Everyone needs a picture of them at the Alamo! :)

Highlight from Las Vegas

2010-09-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

1. When I saw Clara outside the patio door looking as if she wanted to get in, I asked Mitchell to unlock the door because Nedra had my hair in a do, but before I could ask Mitchell twice, Clara informed me that Broms door works just as well. :)

2. Nedra was trying to take a picture of herself up-side-down so it would look like her hair is standing straight up, but instead I found this picture. I think she looks so pretty I had to post it!

3. Amber, Jake, and I went out for Sushi one night! It was delish! Amber really wanted to take a picture with the cat!

4. Mitchell and his cool tricks on the trampoline. :)

5. When we went to the park. Nedra with the scooter.

6. Amber and I kept making Brom "Smile"... haha. Poor dog by the end of my stay he was wearing flowers in his ears and all.

7. This is what I found when I walked into the kitchen to check on the cookies that were in the oven.... :) To be 5 again!

Overall it was a very needed R&R trip. Nothing too fancy nothing to stressfull... just right! Thanks Amber & Jake!

My BFF!

2010-09-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

After my greating from Brom... my BFF came home. Shes the best of the best of the best! :) I love her. Shes better than the rest!!!!! :)

We spent the morning together and waiting for the kiddos to come home from school

Mitchell (10)

Nedra (10)

And then we went to go pick up Clara from a friends house.

Clara (5)

Overall the kids were super suprised that I came to visit! :)

Meet Brom

2010-09-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Brom is my bff's non-human bff! :) I got to the house a little before she did and this is who meet me. He looks ferocious.. but don't let him fool you....

this is the only thing he does all day.... haha. Hes such a sweetie..

At the Airport.....

2010-09-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

so I figured while I am sitting here wasting time waiting for my plane to LAS VEGAS! Woop Woop.. to go see my BFF Amber... I thought I would learn something new...so I decieded to download some new photoshop actions....

Original Photo.....

I will try to update the whole time I am in Vegas... so keep checking :)

all packed and ready to go :)

2010-09-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am a tad bit excited about this trip? Can ya tell?!

I'm ganna miss these guys...

2010-09-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

as I am getting ready to go and pack for my trip... I was feeding the pups some left over rib bones. They LOVE them. Theyre are soooo cute. I had to take a picture!

Hurricane Hurricane Hurricane

2010-09-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

X3!!! There is lots of excitement going on in the water right now. Hurricanes are one of the many wonderful things we must put up with while living in Corpus Christi. :( Although luckily I believe all three of these are not a threat to us. YAY!

Craft Time...

2010-09-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

I was soooo thrilled when I was invited over to my friends house for Craft Time!!!!! I have always wanted to go when I hear about craft time here of there... but I was never able to with my crazy full schedule. But this day fit right in. I was excited about it all week. And when the day came, it was great! We made a perfect craft that I love on my mantel and we had good friends with lots of good conversations! Thanks yall!

Here is the front side.... PEACE

And the back of the blocks - taking out the nativity scene - FALL

I love it! It looks fantastic on my mantel... Thanks!

My 3 seconds of fame...sort of!

2010-09-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

Ok this is it! Remember this?!?!?! I was super excited about it... heres why!?!?!?

During this concert they were filming the music video to the new single #sign. (#?*!) Its one of my favs! And this morning I recieved a text stating that the new video was ready and up at CMT.com.

I am SOOO excited. I am in the front row, green shirt, next to Saskia and Lori. Check it out below!

Kevin Fowler More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

Is this not the coolest thing ever.... I am in a music videa... yes, one more thing of my bucket list! Whoo hoo.

When you leave your camera.....

2010-09-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

....in the YW's room on a Wednesday Night...

This is what you find:

So this is what is goin on when I step out the room?!?

Thats my basket I use to carry all my church items... I guess its his style?!

I have no idea.... ?

I was told this is a Hes Her and Shes Him picture...

Boys?!

And on the way home.... My pretty girls!

Friday Night Football

2010-09-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

Friday night in Texas means HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL! The girls have been having fun going to the games with some of the boys from church. They get a small group together and they seem to have lots of fun!

This weeks theme was Superheros! The girls wanted to make some t-Shirts to go with the theme - this is what they came up with:

Jasmin had Batman and Sasquatch had Superman

on the back it said Ray Senior and a 11 for class of 2011

They took the camera with them...here are some pictures:

Saskia with Michael Saskia with Andrew

DJ and Jasmin

#?*!

2010-09-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

Have you heard Kevin Fowlers latest song? #?*!.... its fantastic.. and when I came home to find this when looking for some ice cream.... that what came to mind:

I posted the lyrics below:

"Pound Sign #?*!" Lyrics

Dog-tired Yeah, I'm wired uptight-er than an a-string About to break

Tail-draggin' A little ragged Hangin' by a threadThat's startin' to fray

Just in case there might be Little ears around I won't say it I'll just spell it out
I feel like pound-sign, question mark Star, exclamation point Don't give a blank And a whole lot of other

Choice words I can't say Today I feel like Pound-sign, question mark Star, exclamation point

Hung-over A lot closer to ringin' death's door Than I was yesterday

Head-achin' Hand-shakin' Badly in need of a shower and shave

Yeah, I know I'm lookin' A little rough The least I can do Is clean my language up

I feel like pound-sign, question mark Star, exclamation point Don't give a blank And a whole lot of other

Choice words I can't say Today I feel like Pound-sign, question mark Star, exclamation point

I think I partied A little too hard last night Let's see here now How do I put this right?

I feel like pound-sign, question mark Star, exclamation point Don't give a blank And a whole lot of other

Choice words I can't say Today I feel like Pound-sign, question mark Star, exclamation point

Don't give a blank And a whole lot of other Choice words I can't say Today I feel like Pound-sign, question mark Star, exclamation point Percentage sign, at symbol Back-slash, squiggle-thing

Pound-sign, question mark Star, exclamation point

BSU

2010-09-06T22:44:00.000-07:00

This is for you - Shawn and Kathryn!!!

We were invited over to the Smith home to watch the BSU game vs VT. It was a super good game - really kept us on our toes toward the end! Kathryn and Shawn also made lots of yummy food. We had a good time. It was really nice to get out of the house and have fun!

The best part...well one of the best parts - the personal cheer team!!!!

I love this little boy! Hes my friend. I cant get enough of him!!! :)

Puppy Walks

2010-09-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

while on a walk with the pups I took this picture of Saskia and Abbi.

Its not the best quality.. but I really like it!

Saskia with Abbi and Gabe with Lou

how do you eat a coconut?

2010-09-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

1. Randomly buy a Coconut at the store.....

2. Call your uncle and have him tell you to use a screwdriver and hammer to drain it

3. Take forever to drain all the coconut milk....

5. After its all drained... crack it :)

6. Get some help to finish prying it open

7. Shell it.....

8. Wash it... and ENJOY!

Great Day At The Condo

2010-09-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day weekend we went out to the Condo and spent a day in the sun! We had a blast. Gabe cooked some yummy bbq and us girls sat around and talked. The girls did some swimming, and then we headed to the beach for some fun in the water....and mud :)

Me and my girls!

Mom and Saskia

Jasmin and Saskia

The condo at sunset-ish

Jasmin

Saskia

Some of the fam!

Gabe and the girls...playin in mud!

Clean Puppies!

2010-08-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

Bathtime.... Abbi LOVES bathtime... She stits the whole time and just smiles! :)

Lou on the other hand ... no way! He tries to get away from you to shake the whole time!!!!

But he loved being able to come inside all fresh and clean afterwards!!!!

Cleaning.....YUCK

2010-08-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

If there is one room in the house I HATE cleaning....its the office :/ Yuck. Its the messiest, most cluttered, mismatched room in the house. I hate it. It has the laundry room in it also...even more of a reason to hate it. It reminds me of all the work I need to do and never get done :(

But someone had to tackle it....so I did. I took before and after pictures. :)

It wasn't complete done.. but a heck of a lot better. :) Notice our ghetto floor ... one day.... I hate this room!

Tribute to the Oldies

2010-08-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

This month for the Ward Activity we had a "Tribute to the Oldies." Every axillary did a scene/dance and it turned out to be lots of fun. The YW preformed "I will Survive." They did a FANTASTIC job! We practiced for a few weeks and it came together great! The YW also sold come concessions to raise some money for next years YW Camp.

Jasmin . Christiana . Saskia . Kayla . Amber

Saskia . Amber . Kayla . Christiana . Jasmin

I dont know if you will be able to see this video.... does anyone else have problems with uploading them!?

Ray Football

2010-08-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

So Sasquatch was excited to go to her first Texas High School Football Game. She went with Jasmin and some of their friends from school. At school before the game they bought these really cute matching t-shirts.

Here is Gabe and the girls before he went to pick up their friends :)

to be 16 again

2010-08-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

when the only thing that matters is getting to school, having lunch with your friends, talking about boys, and getting excited about the next football game.

....and being able to live like this.

Its nice to be back ona routine with the kiddos, even if it means messy rooms. :)

I miss those days. . .

Friends... yes we have some.

2010-08-24T08:12:00.001-07:00

We have friends over at least 2 days a week, if not more.. Every Monday we have MW and Kat over for an unofficial FHE. We usually eat and play a game or two. Its a fun routine. This Monday we had a treat though. Our friend Oscar was in town on business and stayed here with us. And to top it off my old friends Jacob and Shantell and their three kiddos came in town. Also, Shantells sister came along. It was great fun. We had a house full. Jasmin and Sasquatch did a fantastic job entertaining the little ones while we all caught up on life.

Jacob & Shantell & Baby Austin

MW & Kat

Oscar & Gabe

The kiddos playin in the lliving room

First Day of Senior Year!

2010-08-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

My Pretty Girls!

Oh the joys of .... nope no joys.

2010-08-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

About 5 years ago I was eating at a restaurant and there was a piece of metal in my food. Not quite sure what, but I bit down and it cracked one of my teeth right in half. At the time I was a poor college student and didn't have any insurance to get it fixed. So I let it be.

Well 5 years later, I have been struggling with this tooth for ever. It constantly gets infected and swollen and hurt. I finally went to the dentist to hear the great news that I would need to get two root canals and two bone things and some of that and some of this. The total amount costing me WAY more than is affordable. That's because I do have dental Insurances now, but still way over anything in my budget. So... after a week of being on some strong pain meds, two different anti-biotic and some extreme pain I decided to just have the two teeth pulled for now. I know, its not the best way to go, but financially it was the only thing possible. YES! I tried all my options. :( So I forked out the money to have them pulled. You cant see that I have mission teeth, but I know! And boy do I feel ghetto. So, here we are saving money to put in some nice gold fake ones... haha. Just kidding....maybe. :)

Of course you didn't think I went through all this without pictures?! No no, beware.. some of GROSS!

The holes!

My nasty 1/2 cracked teeth... super gross I know.. thanks

haha... my mouth i was trying to smile, but it was too numb and swollen I thought it was funny!

2010-08-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

The whole family was sitting around on Sunday and we were all bored out of our mind. So we got in a suites and jumped in the car and headed out to the beach. We went to the condo, the beach is always cleaner there and we could also swim in the pool. Great way to spend a lazy summer Sunday as a family :)

Here is a picture Sasquatch took while we were out there... shes learning how to do the camera stiching

And our walk on the beach we found this washed up gator :)

2010-08-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

Remember THIS well its only natural for something like that to have something in return :)

(Disclaimer... I don't know how these pictures got to me, but i figured since I had them, I might as well post them)

The Prep:

Victim # 1

Who doesnt Love Pink Flamingos Green Unicorns and Alarm Clocks!?

Victim # 2

Smile for a job well done!

So after all the fun... I had to drive to Sinton to drop of this:

...which I made for a friend who just had a new niece born... and when I come back this is what I find.....

I guess when you teach them and tell them no one is an exception they take it literally :)

Oh the joys! I loved it! Thanks Ladies! :)

Blast from the Past

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

Jonathon Lopez - So when the hubby and I were dating, the hubby lived in CC 2nd ward and I lived in CC 3rd ward. We were "together" (as my youth call it now a days) and Elder Lopez was a greenie in CC 2nd ward. Him and the hubby become good friends and Elder Lopez swore the hubby was NOT going to be my hubby but go on a mission instead. We would joke about it every week when we would all meet at the hubby's house for dinner. After a few weeks Elder Lopez got transferred and we lost touch for a while. Well... for his last transfer he was moved back to Corpus, but instead of going back to CC 2nd he ended up in CC 1st. CC 1st is the ward the hubby and I have lived in ever since we got married. So you can imagine Elder Lopez's expression when he showed up in CC 1st Ward and there we were as Brother and Sister Oliva. Soon after that he went home, but we have kept in touch ever since. He is now working for an alarm system company - which RM isn't? So when his company sent him down here for a week to do some sells he stayed with us along with his friend Justice. We had a great time while he was in town.

One night we were playing with the pellet gun.. and we found this "target"

It took quite a few tries... lol

Soon Jamsin and Sasquatch got into the fun...

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

2010-08-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

something you would only understand if you were ever in YW's. Its called a ♥ attack! Its the nicest thing that could happen to you... and I was the lucky recipient last night! :)

But unfortunately I wasn't asleep when they struck.. so they were busted. :)

REAL German Goulash

2010-08-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

Sasquatch was super excited to make us some homemade goulash for dinner tonight! But I think I was MORE excited about eating some homemade real German goulash! It was so dog on Delicious!!!! I ate so much! It was fantastic! :)

Amazingness...

Sasquatch with the whole meal :) YUM!

The Wonderful Things of AMERICA!

2010-08-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

Well, tonight Saskia came home after going to a yoga class and asked me if there was anything sweet in the house. We looked and decided to make some cookies. All I had was items to make sugar cookies... and by items I mean pre-packaged cookies in a box! :) So we added the stick of butter and the egg and walllahhh! There were our sugar cookies. I then told her she could ice them if she wanted.... she kinda gave me a weird look when I remembered there is no such thing in my mother land. :)

So out I busted the icing. All the flavors I had in my pantry - which was only two.. we must stock up!. She loved it! :) So of course I took a pic! :)

Oh yea, don't let Gabe know I let her eat on the couch! :) Thanks!

YW - Made Picture Frames!

2010-08-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

So for young womens I wanted to do an Art and Craft. I thought about it and I decided it would be fun to make picture frames to frame some camp pictures, or for those who didn't go to camp, just pictures of their friends. I was really doubting my idea when I was in Hobby Lobby prepping for this.... but they turned out amazing!!!!

Here are two I made with some Camp pictures as Examples!

These two Saskia made for some pictures of her Family and Friends she brought!

Phase 10

2010-08-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite card games is Phase 10! I love it...and I am quite good at it :)

Its the first game we taught Saskia how to play...she quickly caught on that Gabe is the cheater at the table...