With Love, Lu

Her first recital.

December 16th was finally here… like she called it, “The Maya Show” was about to happen.

She worked so hard for it. She practiced at home and waited patiently

We all went shopping together for the perfect dress

Mommy and daddy were there half hour before to make sure we got a front row seat (of course!)

When I dropped her off at her class room, she turned back and asked me to clap for her at the end of each song.

She was so happy.

Such a special morning for the three of us.

Last minute practice before we left home

Such a little singer

There she was… my baby girl ready for her show. Matt and I were taking deep breaths

So proud!

Daddy almost melted…

She did a great job.

We are so proud!

♥

Breakfast on the patio, Christmas songs, walks at night to see all the Christmas lights, champagne with Kimmie, great food, delicious coffee, movies by the fireplace, red wine, Disneyland (first ride on the Space Mountain), fluffy slippers all day, Christmas scent candles, lots of snuggling on the couch, sleeping bags on the living room floor with pillows and warm blankets to watch E.T., some Black Friday deals, a beautiful Thanksgiving table with my family and a Thanksgiving  prayer made by our daughter…

Last weekend, we gave thanks and enjoyed each other.

♥

and extremely sweet!

When I saw the thanksgiving board that Ms. Lura made on Maya’s class room… my heart melted.

Those are the things my little Maya is thankful for and I couldn’t be more proud.

Very sweet!

This Thanksgiving, I have a lot to be thankful for.

Of course, we are all healthy, strong and happy but I’m also very thankful for hope. For having a chance to dream, making plans for the future. We should never take hope for granted.

I have some dreams to work for and for that I will be very thankful.

…………

I am volunteering as a photographer for Maya’s school and am having an amazing opportunity to share and enjoy Maya and her little class mates on some special days and celebrations.

Yesterday, they had their Thanksgiving lunch and I was there to capture their celebration.

All of them had their handmade turkey placemat and they were so excited about sharing their special meal together. So cute!

As I was snapping some shots I overheard the conversation…

They were talking about being thankful and about their grandpas and grandmas coming for Thanksgiving. I just wanted to get a plate myself and be part of their world for a little bit

This little girl came to me and said,

“Maya’s mom. She has a really pretty hair!”

Aww. So sweet!

Partners in crime. They ALWAYS sit next to each other.

Mmmmm… Pumpkin pie with sprinkles

They were so well behaved,

Served themselves their own food and drinks,

Put their plates and plasticware in the trash when they were done…

When I finished my photos I came to Maya and whispered

“Mommy is all done ok? I will be back to pick you up later”

She said. “Sure mommy, 3′oclock!”

When I left, I took one last peak at the classroom.  What an amazing feeling I had, to be able to provide to my daughter that room filled with friends and a teacher that I absolutely love. We are very fortunate that Maya is there. I feel blessed and am thankful for great education and caring teachers, at this school and everywhere.  Thank you.

Today, I will be in the kitchen sipping mimosas, cooking some yummy food with Matt, watching the Macy’s parade with Maya… It will be a relaxing day for us and this itself is something to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Gobble Gobble

♥

Paninis!

I Love my old fashioned panini maker.

So far, Maya’s favorite is the banana and peanut butter; I get that request a lot for breakfast.

Mine is the turkey, brie cheese and cranberry… so good!

Yesterday, I made swiss cheese and ham with some oregano sprinkled on. It was so good. I made a delicious salad with spinach and arugula and  some bleu cheese, bacon patato salad from Albertson’s. Next time you go to Albertson’s buy some, it is SO good!

Spiced apple cider

Dear Trader Joe’s,

Thank you for bringing a little piece of heaven to my home every fall!

This is the best cookie I’ve ever had! Simply delicious!

 ♥

Last weekend was a blessing for so many reasons.

Life felt normal again.

The house was filled with loud music, mostly the Adele station on Pandora, we ate Matt’s pancakes for breakfast, watched movies (8 Seconds and Burlesque) – by the way, Cristina Aguilera was so good -  Maya and I did our nails and put together the solar system puzzle, we cooked yummy food… nothing big but just what we like to do without plans. It was a chilly and rainy weekend and we stayed in for most of the time.

Best part of all… snuggling with him by the fire with a great wine last night.

Life is good!

Happy Monday!

♥