Simply Delicious

Inspired by a dessert we recently devoured (actually ordered one, ate it, then ordered it again) Joe and I wanted to recreate the dessert that was intended to be a homage to Elvis Presley (complete with chocolate dipped bacon---I'm so not even kidding). Hopefully Joe will get around to writing about that event, I will allow him that honor. So we set out to bake a banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting. We actually ended up adding some nutella to our frosting to give it that chocolaty taste. Oh my they are good, so I thought I would post a pic.

Pardon my poop-esque frosting skills. I am a newbie at applying frosting. Oh, and the fabric you see (which I love) is my inspiration for an apron that I plan to work on. Wish me luck. Much love to all!!!!!!

MON

"Look!!! We're Kids!"

So Hazel Rei exclaimed as we snapped photos of her and Jade at the Washington DC Residence Inn.

My baby sis....

I used to really love airports! I love to travel so going to the airport meant I was about to embark upon an adventure, whether it be travelling to Europe with my bff after graduating from college, heading out to San Francisco, going to Italy with my new husband, visiting family in Kansas, it was always joyous, exciting, and generally a happy experience. Now my feelings about airports are bitter/sweet. I love picking up my friends and loved ones from there, but really hate dropping them off. I guess it's because I'm the one being left, and everyone I love is always saying goodbye.

The previous two weeks have been so wonderful for me. I had my beautiful baby sis, and her wonderful husband here with me. We were like a bff team, we went to Starbucks everyday, hung out in the city, hung out at home, went to Target like 5 times, and visited DC. Ally & Aaron, thank you so much for your visit, we were blessed to have you here.

I was so depressed when they left. As I dropped them off at the airport I couldn't hold back my emotions. I began sobbing, like a complete dork. I was just so dreadfully sad. As I gave my sister a kiss on the cheek and a huge hug, she slipped $5 into my pocket and gave me instructions to go to subway, and to sing the "$5 foot long song"! (I could not stop talking about how I love subway and that song, for two whole weeks) Baby sister, I love you so much, you are such an amazing woman with so many talents and a tenacious yet sweet spirit, you are a great wife, and mommy to your dogs. You are so talented at sewing, baking cupcakes, crafty stuff, and so many other things. I want to be just like you when I grow up! I just love you so much, you are truly one of my BEST friends in life. I am counting the days till I get to see you guys again!!

Our final trip to our favorite place on earth...Starbucks.

I love you, love you, love you two, the time we had with you was so great. I have had trouble bringing myself to write this blog about you guys because I would always start to cry, and give up. I miss you guys so much!! Love you!!!

The big cry baby,

Mon

**more blogs on our wonderful visit!!!

Party in da House.....

Birthdays have always been HUGE in my family. Comparable to a national Holiday, no school, no work, eat whatever you want, we were always made to feel ultra special. April 29Th 2003, April 29th 2006, and January 3rd, 2008 were three of the most beautiful, exciting, wonderful, special days of my life. Those days mark 1) My marriage to the most wonderful person on earth, my best friend JOE, 2) the birth of my beautiful Hazel Rei, and 3) the birth of my little cuddle bug, Jade Anise.

Most recently, we celebrated Jade Anise Montgomery being born into the world, on January 3rd!! We wanted to make the day extra special for her so we thought we would incorporate a few of her most favorite things into the day. We wanted there to be food, dancing, family..and so I made a cheesy dance floor, my sister Ally helped by bringing my vision of a disco ball into fruition, we had mini food (easy for her to stuff in her mouth--it was very successful), and delicious cupcakes made with love by Auntie Ally. Auntie Ally, Uncle Aaron, Ney Ney and Grandpa Bill, Uncle Ross, Uncle Peter, Auntie Heather, and Josh...were all in attendance. We had so much fun...Jade loved every moment.

I just love Jade and I am so thankful to God for bringing her into our lives. She is beautiful and to see her lovely smile just makes every moment of my day worth it all. I love seeing Hazel grab her and hug and kiss her, and seeing what an amazing father my husband is. I am thankful, thankful beyond measure for Jade. She isn't quite walking yet, however she is a gold medal crawler...so I believe her philosophy is "why walk, when I crawl so dang fast!!", and she loves to shake her head from side to side and say, "NOOOO", she follows Hazel everywhere, she loves to kiss momma, and loves to say, "Dada Dada". She waves like a pageant queen (uhhh ohh), she loves to clap, and my heart just melts when I hear her say, "Yeaaaahhh" when she is excited. She wakes us with a smile! She will eat anything you put in front of her, and loves to drink milk from her sippy cup, and loudly exclaims, "MMM MMM MMM". Every moment of your life has been cherished Jade, you are a blessing, a joy, and so important to our family. You were created beautifully by God, and given to us as a gift! We just love you to pieces little Jade....Happy Birthday our sweet little girl!

Love at first sight...

Thank you Abuelita, she is in love!!!

Hazel Rei & her American Girl Doll!!!

Jade is numero uno!!!!

1 year ago she came into our lives. She was very peaceful and beautiful, not crying too much as if to just complacently say, "yeah, I'm here...what up!" She has been a joy to us this year. Since she has been around all but 2 days in 2008, I completely equate 2008 as the year of Jade. We have seen her grow so much this year and have been blessed by her as the newest member of the Montgomery clan...and challenged as well. Hazel is so protective of her, Joe just loves to hug and kiss "little bear" and she is just my most precious cuddle bug. Today WE PARTY!!!!! We have a dance floor, a disco ball, mini burgers, tots, and family to celebrate our most precious Jade Anise....pics to come soon!!!!!!

"That's MY Christmas!!!!"

As I put the lid on my 30 gallon green/red storage container, which contained all of our Christmas decorations, ornaments, etc...Hazel cried out, "NOOOO, that's MY Christmas". She had huge tears streaming down her face, she really did not want to say goodbye to the holidays. Joe took her aside and explained to her that Christmas comes only once a year, and that's why it is so very special...it was sad...it was hard for her to understand why our house couldn't be decorated that way....all the time. I must say, I was sad too...our house looks so plain and empty without our tree and all.

Well, I wanted to post some pictures of what was the best Christmas for me. Why? I didn't have my family? Which was very, very hard for me! I wasn't in California! Then how could it be the best? Well folks, it was the very 1st time I had my beloved husband with me on Christmas. He didn't have to dash off to work once we opened the presents, he was with US, the whole day and it was wonderful. That coupled with wonderful family...and we had the most delightful day...complete with a gingerbread house (made by yours truly), delicious food, and even a snowman!!!!!! I know this may be the 1st and last of a "normal" Christmas for us but I am thankful to God for this blessing. It was the BEST Christmas present I could ever have received (even though my new sewing machine is pretty stinkin' cool too).....

Christmas Eve at Joe's Aunt Penny's party (Shhh don't tell the girls that "Santa" is really Grandpa Bill)

Christmas Day at Ney Ney's and Grandpa Bill's house

Christmas in Philly! Celebrated the Saturday after Christmas!

I would also like to say that we were so humbled this holiday season. God is always so good to us and takes care of our needs. Each day the UPS man showed up with packages, from GG & Auntie Roselyn, from Abuelita, The Escalantes, The Cooks, Auntie Susie, Auntie Ginger, Auntie Nads, Auntie Kebs, the cards from friends and loved ones, the txts, etc. We have such amazing people in our lives. I would like to say thank you!!!!! You are all so precious to us, thank you for showering us with your love!!!!!!

Love,

MON