CHRISTmas Day

We start the day off bright and early - actually, Alli woke everyone in the house to see what Santa brought her. Mom stayed the night before, by the time we finished wrapping all of the gifts - it was far to late for her to drive.

Christmas is not the same without laughter from the children (and adults) - family is so important, I can't think of a better way to spend it! There are plenty of gifts to pass around - and although we say that we'll only give gifts for the children, the adults can't help but buy stuff for each other. After all, it's the season of giving.

mga pinsan (cousins, the next generation)
Alli, Jordan, Kennedy, Justin, Kellen, Alliyah

Liyah and Nana

Tina, me, and Mom - just noticed that we all match!

What started off as a nice and peaceful X-mas

Before the madness

Madness in Progress

The boys and their lightsabers - I called them swords and was corrected by a 4 year old, Ha!

Kennedy is under there somewhere

Alli finally got the curling irons she wanted

Charger colors!

Can't believe how much damage these kids can make!

Alli & Aaliyah

Matching Robes

Cousin Christmas Dinner - an Annual Tradition

Every Year, the Schaefer/Tolentino/Toledo Family has an annual Cousin Dinner, and this year it was my turn to host. We've gotten so busy with life - I'll admit we've neglected this annual ritual for some time - but  it's safe to say we were all delighted to bring it back. We started the evening with a welcoming cheese platter and wine, started the dinner with beet and goat cheese salad, Rib-eye steaks with roasted potatoes and green beens, and of course dessert.

2010 - from beginning to end!

Twenty-Ten has been an amazing year, and I still can't believe everything that has happened. A year is only 12 months long - 365 days, and yet it included some unbelievable highs and lows.

1. Allison Started Middle School
2. Theory Weddings and Events - New Office in La Mesa
3. Moving from the Spring Valley to La Mesa

Allison started her first day of Middle School at Parkway Middle - and she came home with a 4.0 GPA. How proud we are of her accomplishments, and how excited we are of the young lady she is becoming.

Alli is growing up

Finding a new office wasn't very easy - but when I found it, I knew this was it.

Office in La Mesa - Completely decorated! 

We looked everywhere for the perfect home; and believe me - it wasn't easy to please this family. Alli had a list of what she was looking for, Angel had his list, and of course I had mine. We looked at only a few homes  (ones that made the first cut at least) and we stumble upon this gem. It had similar features as the home on Crystal Clear, but more importantly - when you walked through the front door; It felt like home.

As we celebrate the holidays (over the next few weeks), I'll be keeping up with the postings.

Our new home (the backyard at least)

In closing - this has been a ridiculously insane year. But I am grateful for my family and loved ones near and far, who have helped encourage and inspire us throughout this emotional roller coaster of a life.

-v-

Almost a year!

It's been almost a year since I've updated this blog.... more to come about our crazy life!