With God all things are possible!

My little Torito

2011-04-06T13:20:00.002-05:00

My little Torito had edema and has been diagnosed with a heart murmur. I hope that he gets better soon and he will have to take meds for the rest of his little life.

Blum Family 2011

2011-03-07T13:29:00.006-06:00

Well it has been 15 years together....WOW!

Our little princess, Missie

Our little familia

Our little prince, Torito.

The Blum familia!

Winter days

2011-02-02T13:24:00.002-06:00

Well it is February 2, 2011 and they are actually predicting snow tomorrow night. It is about 34◦ F right now and feel like 25◦F. Thursday will be rainy and a low of 28◦F so the snow may form. Woohoo!!!!! Friday will be the most miserable day 28◦F with 60% chance of rain. Thankfully we are not as bad of as say…Chicago. God bless and stay safe.

Michael W Smith "Welcome Home"

2010-12-13T09:31:00.002-06:00

I went to see Michael W. Smith Friday evening and I know that God wanted me there because when I heard this song my heart hurt so much but was put at ease and I am finally able to accept that my Ruly is gone and we will be together again some day. I will love you for the rest of my life....Welcome Home my darling. God bless!

Office birthday celebration

2010-11-19T12:50:00.002-06:00

Three of us celebrated birthdays, Lisa H., Adrienne A., and me

Tonya decorated my desk for my birthday and in my favorite color.

Tyra came by to help celebrate.

I Can Only Imagine

2010-11-17T10:28:00.000-06:00

I can only imagine

What it will be like

When I walk

By your side

I can only imagine

What my eyes will see

When your face

Is before me

I can only imagine

Surrounded by

Your glory, what will my heart feel

Will I dance for you Jesus or in honour of you be still

Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall

Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine

When that day comes

When I find myself

Standing in the Son

I can only imagine

When all I will do

Is forever

Forever worship You

I can only imagine

When all I will do

Is forever, forever worship you

I can only imagine

Missie and Torito

2010-11-05T11:47:00.001-05:00

My babies sure do love the blankeys that i made for Mike and for them.

My little man (nephew) AJ

2010-11-05T11:41:00.000-05:00

My beautiful flowers

2010-08-31T19:47:00.003-05:00

A wonderful friend created this masterpiece especially for me during my stay in the hospital after my surgery. Lisa and my sister Diana totally made my day.

Mini reunion...Class of 1979

2010-06-02T15:01:00.003-05:00

United Longhorns...such memories!

Diana Holstine (Bustamante), Cecy Blum (Oliva), Lupe Botello, Bobby McBride,
Cathy Chavez (McBride), Raymond Chavez, Liana McBride (Cantu),
Maria Elena Palacios(Salinas)

Saturday night in Montrose

2010-05-26T11:28:00.004-05:00

These guys were riding around all dressed up and no where to go so we decided to snap a picture of them. They look like wrestlers from Mexico.

Susie and my babies

2010-05-14T14:41:00.003-05:00

Celebrating Kelis' birthday

Celebrating Zhayla's special day too.

They sure are picture perfect. Woohoo!!!

Check ou the living room at home.

2010-05-14T14:38:00.000-05:00

Wow it is finished and what a color.

AJ at Rudy's BBQ in San Antonio

2010-05-14T14:36:00.000-05:00

My nephew AJ (my little man)

2010-05-14T14:31:00.002-05:00

AJ and Tia Ana in Laredo

There is my big boy AJ.

Check out my grand nephew....Isaac.

2010-05-14T14:27:00.002-05:00

Isaac and Grandma Ana

Bath time

I think he really loves the water.

Ooooo where are you?

Our family visit to San Antonio

2010-04-10T14:24:00.004-05:00

Issac taking a little walk

Vikki - Ana - Queli enjoying a good laugh!

Ok wake up CJ the fun is about to begin.

Luke is really enjoying his soda.

Mom watching Issac while he looks around.

Arturo, run to the light, I can not see you!

My little man AJ

2010-04-10T14:20:00.000-05:00

Wow he sure looks like a little angel huh?

Wow this was a LONG time ago

2010-03-11T18:54:00.002-06:00

This is a picture of me and mom and I was about a year old and not too long after getting out of the hospital after open heart surgery. Check out mom the is pregnant with Diana.

Holy smokes!
This is in Gary, Indiana and I was about 3 years old....what a cutie pie!

Dad's 77th Birthday

2010-03-10T13:23:00.004-06:00

Only the best for the Boss!

Since the Jefe is soooo fond of cookies and Snickers bars we had this basket custom made for him by a high school classmate. I loved it and so did dad.

This is the final product that was delivered...amazing what someone can do with a little imagination.

Life

2010-02-07T15:36:00.004-06:00

Life's a dance you learn as you go

Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow

Don't worry about what you don't know

Life's a dance you learn as you go

Snowing in Texas

2009-12-24T09:05:00.001-06:00

Our first Thanksgiving in our new home

2009-12-24T08:29:00.002-06:00

My 49th birthday celebration

2009-12-24T00:46:00.002-06:00

2009-12-24T00:17:00.001-06:00

Make your Stick Figure Family at FreeFlashToys.com

My 2009 Santa babies.

2009-12-15T09:34:00.001-06:00

This is Torito and Missie my beautiful little babies.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-08T13:06:00.008-06:00

These are my babies in North Carolina

2009-11-10T15:04:00.003-06:00

Mal, Zhayla, Isaac and Kelis my great nieces and nephews ready to go get Halloween candy.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T11:24:00.004-06:00

Happy Halloween

Alfie dressed as the Raggedy Man and scared quiet a few little ghosts and goblins.

Mike was the deadly surgeon ready for his next victim.

Comedy Night

2009-10-30T18:21:00.013-05:00

Well here we are a Night at the Improv with none other than:

The Original Latin King:

Paul Rodriguez

This was close to the end of the show when he got comfortable .

Mike and I waiting in line!

Ramiro (mi amigo) went with us to the show.

My NEW 2010 Toyota Corolla

2009-10-25T14:21:00.002-05:00

I finally did it, I bought a brand new car. OMG, I started weeping when I was approved. My new car is so awesome and his name is BORIS. Whoohoo!

Diana's update

2009-10-20T16:18:00.002-05:00

Well Diana had her surgery yesterday and she is recovering well. She is in pain but mom let me kn0w that she is walking and getting around slowly. The doctor told us that she will be in a high level of pain so we are looking after her as much as we can. Mom and dad spent the day with her and I will be going over after work. She is at University General Hospital in Houston and they have a great team of physicians and nurses looking after her. Keep her in your prayers.

Happy Birthday Gregg

2009-10-15T13:53:00.003-05:00

This is Mike's brother and today is his birthday. I hope he has a fabulous day!

Meet the newest member of the Oliva family.

2009-10-01T15:17:00.002-05:00

Mom and Dad were given this precious little girl by a friend. She is a 6 week old poodle. They have not named her yet so if anyone has any ideas please call wito and wita. OMG she is beautiful, of course not as beautiful as my Missie.

Jose Raul "Ruly" Cantu 1980-2005

2009-09-24T15:43:00.005-05:00

Today my heart is breaking all over again. My Ruly passed away 4 years ago.
He was the closest that I will ever come to knowing what it is like to have a son. When I first came to Houston I lived with his family. He was about 8 years old. His mom and I have been friends since high school. Things happen and we went our separate ways, but in 2003 we connected again. I had the best 2 years catching up and hanging out with him. We became close again and picked up as if we never lost touch. I miss him dearly and would give anything to have one more day with him. I know that I will be with him in the kingdom of God and until then I will love him for the rest of my life. I know that you are watching over me. I miss you and thank God for the time He allowed me to share in you life. Rest in peace my angel and until we meet again, I love you.

Meeshie, my sister's baby girl

2009-09-24T15:32:00.003-05:00

Today was a very difficult and sad day in the Oliva family. My sister Ana had to say goodbye to her beloved Meeshie. She has been part of the family for many years. She was the sweetest dog I have ever met next to my Missie. Ana got her when she was just 6 weeks old. Sadly she became very ill and she is now in heaven. I am so sad that she is gone but she is at peace now.

Rest in peace and we shall meet again baby girl.

Our 13th Wedding Anniversary

2009-09-20T21:17:00.004-05:00

Mike decided to take me to a winery for our anniversary. It was very nice. The people there were so friendly. They were also having a Polish Festival and serving polish food. It really was nice. We hope to return soon and maybe have dinner in the cellar.

OMG! Missie's daughter Lacie

2009-09-11T14:36:00.001-05:00

Look at that little face she is as sweet as can be.

Personalizing my bedroom.

2009-08-31T16:02:00.004-05:00

This is my newest project. Alfie bought the letters to hang over my bedroom entrance and I painted them. I had fun now all I need to do is add the varnish so they can be shiny.

Our little bundle of joy

2009-08-25T14:25:00.003-05:00

Look at that face. Isn't he delicious.

Issac Andrew Mehaffie

My adopted soldier is coming home

2009-08-19T19:01:00.004-05:00

This is Don Wolski, the soldier that I adopted through an organization that supports the US military branches that have sacrificed family, friends and their very own lives to guarantee us our freedom. After spending months and months in Afghanistan, he is returning home to the USA. We have been in touch for about a year and have become good friends. He says he is thinking about coming to Texas for a visit. Maybe someday he will drop by. I hope to adopt another soldier soon. If you are interested go to http://www.adoptaussoldier.org/ I am so happy for him as well as thankful. He has helped in keeping my family, friends and this country free. Remember, if you do not back a soldier then perhaps you should stand in front of them! Thanks for everything Don and God bless you today and everyday.

The last day with my grand baby

2009-08-11T10:34:00.003-05:00

The family decided to name her Lacie. They came to pick her up on Saturday and it was really hard to let her go. These were the last picture we took of Lacie. I will miss her terribly btu she is going to a wonderful family and who know we may turn out to great friends.

Napping before her new adventure

Awww. My little baby girl is going away.

Look grandma, I just got a bath. I want to be pretty for my new family.

Please don't look at me like that, I promise I will come and visit.

Yes my darling you are and will always be number one grand baby and princess of this house.

Date night with Mr Blum

2009-08-11T09:09:00.007-05:00

Well Mike listens to a Sports Radio station in Houston and he won tickets to watch the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) matches on a big screen (pay-per-view). They provided pizza, beer, popcorn, trailmix and desserts. I personally am not into the cage fighting but it was a chance to get out of the house. I was actually off this weekend so we took advantage of our time together. I did put up a fight about going out and not going home to bed, but eventually I had a good time watching all these people get so rowdy. We got home late and I actually slept in on Sunday. Something I rarely do.

The winner by knockout was getting ready for the interview. Preparing for the main event. Everyone was so excited about the main event.

Long awaited update

2009-08-08T15:48:00.004-05:00

Well it has been a while since I last posted anything new on our blog. I have been so busy working 3 jobs. My goal is to be completely debt free by December 2009. I plan on buying the car of my dreams a Blue Dodge Charger (fully loaded): I also have found a wonderful home for my little furr ball. She went to her new home today and I was so sad to see her go but I also helped make 3 beautiful children very happy. So needless to say it was sort of bitter sweet.
Mike and I are getting ready to paint our bathroom a really cool green. The bedroom is the next project. I am so excited.
I was able to get in touch with some friends from high school. I got to have dinner with my girl Diana Bustamante-Holstine. It was so great to see her. We had a nice time but we really need much more time to catch up and have some private time to talk about things that have happened and what we are hoping for the future.

My little fur ball

2009-07-22T15:54:00.001-05:00

Baby Blum

2009-07-10T11:17:00.004-05:00

June visit

2009-06-18T19:59:00.002-05:00

My nephews visiting from Laredo

2009-06-15T17:22:00.001-05:00

Dominic, AJ and CJ

Missie and her little baby.

2009-06-07T21:12:00.002-05:00

Tony Munoz and Colin Powell

2009-06-02T11:04:00.002-05:00

I was looking at the photos my sister in law Cynthia has posted on Face Book and found this picture of Tony her husband with Colin Powell. How cool is that?

Paging Services Staff

2009-06-02T10:58:00.004-05:00

Well these are the ladies that I work with at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Our Supervisor, Debbie Wright presented us with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Tonya Collins Tyra Ray Debbie Wright and Me

The Climb

2009-06-01T09:50:00.006-05:00

I received this song in an email from a friend I have known for about 32 years and I found it so inspirational. I hope you do as well.

I can almost see it that dream I'm dreaming but
there's a voice inside my head sayin,

you'll never reach it,

every step I'm taking, every move I make feels
lost with no direction my faith is shaking but I
got to keep trying got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move always going to be an uphill battle,
sometimes I'm gonna have to lose, ain't about how fast I get there,
ain't about what's waiting on the other side it's the climb

The struggles I'm facing, the chances I'm taking sometimes might knock me down but no I'm not breaking I may not know it but these are the moments that
I'm going to remember most yeah just got to keep going and I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on, cause

There's always going to be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move always going to be an uphill battle, sometimes I'm gonna have to lose, ain't about how fast I get there, ain't about what's waiting on the other side it's the climb

Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It's all about
The climb
Keep the faith
Keep your faith

Missie

2009-05-25T16:52:00.002-05:00

Elizabeth's Baby Shower

2009-05-25T16:25:00.004-05:00

Getting AJ ready for baseball

2009-05-25T16:01:00.000-05:00

I am going to be a grandma!!!

2009-05-18T10:10:00.005-05:00

Just look at her, she is soooooo chunky.

Missie is trying to look cute and very pregnant.

She thinks she runs this household. Okay well maybe she does but she is with children and we must be extra careful with her durning this delicate time.

2009-05-11T10:23:00.004-05:00

We went to the Improv in Houston on Sunday to see comedian Gabriel Igelsias. He was hilarious! We also got the opportunity to take a picture with him and get an autopgraph. We had a great time.

These were the two comedians that opened for Gabriel, Martin (left) and Noe. They put on a great show as well.

Noe took a photo with me and he all about the short people because he is only 5'2" and hilarious.

My friend Eileena in Nashville

2009-04-29T10:39:00.004-05:00

Well there you have it no one can ever say that she was never at the Grand Ole Opry. Go on girl belt out a country tune, maybe "After Midnight" by the fabulous Patsy Cline. You look marvelous!!!!

April, 2009 Update

2009-04-28T14:24:00.003-05:00

OMG! I can not believe that a month has almost passed me by and I have not posted anything new. First let me apologize. Now let me begin with the update. Okay let's see. We are still enjoying the house and I am trying to coax Diana into sending me pictures since we moved in, but no dice. Thankfully with this economic crisis Diana, Mike, Alfie and I are still employed. The lay offs have begun at MD Anderson and God willing it will not affect Mike or I, but if it does then I know that God will open another door for each of us. I may have to take 6 months off then look for another job, I just have not decided. I feel confident and have given it to God to show me where I need to go today, tomorrow and always. My little Missy is with puppies and is due the last week of May. I am so excited! Mike and I had a car accident a couple of weeks ago and so the Corolla is in the shop and we currently have a rental. Diana's car died the other day and it is also in with the mechanic and we had to rent a car. Mike's car is dying, so we are looking into selling the Corolla and the Grand Prix and buy one good car to share. It has been pouring down rain the last couple of weeks causing so much flooding. I am sure that you are all aware of the Swine Flu and the multitude of people that are being exposed to the virus. Let's all pray for a speedy recovery. Alfie is building his herb and vegetable garden in the backyard. Mmmmmmmmmmm! Ana is recovering from surgery. Alfie and mom went to spend some time with her while she was hospitalized, nothing to be concerned about. Isaac is growing so much,keeping Luke and Queli busy. Susie's babies are so grown. I can not wait to see them. AJ is also growing so fast. CJ and Dominic are already taller and becoming young men. We are hoping to have a family reunion at our new house in December, for Christmas. Well I think that is all for now. I will do my best to keep updating more often but as you have read there has been so much going on I barely have time to sleep a full 8 hours. Hugs and kisses. I love you all see you soon.

Mom and her Laredo Broncos Baseball Team

2009-04-12T15:57:00.001-05:00

Dad's beautiful garden.

2009-03-31T14:17:00.001-05:00

AJ's 3rd Birthday party in Laredo, Texas

2009-03-31T11:03:00.005-05:00

Luke and Queli Mehaffie

2009-03-12T16:19:00.003-05:00

Aren't they just a lovely couple?

Arturo and Antonio Jose

2009-03-01T10:00:00.002-06:00

Awwww they look so like father and son. Love it, Love it!!!

Valentine's Day 2009

2009-02-18T11:47:00.003-06:00

Mike brought me lunch and roses for Valentine's Day

A close up of my beautiful flowers!

Beatiful Boy

2009-02-18T11:31:00.004-06:00

Close your eyes,

Have no fear,

The monsters gone,

He's on the run and your daddy's here,

Beautiful,Beautiful, beautiful,

Beautiful Boy.

Before you go to sleep,

Say a little prayer,

Every day in every way,

It's getting better and better,

Beautiful,Beautiful, beautiful,

Beautiful Boy.

Out on the ocean sailing away,

I can hardly wait,

To see you to come of age,

But I guess we'll both,

Just have to be patient,

Yes it's a long way to go,

But in the meantime,

Before you cross the street,

Take my hand,

Life is just what happens to you,

While your busy making other plans,

Beautiful,Beautiful, beautiful,

Beautiful Boy,

Darling,Darling,Darling Isaac.

Houston Texas

2009-02-15T18:32:00.004-06:00

Although I will always consider Chicago my home, I think Houston has an awesome skyline. I have been a Texas resident since 1976 and a Houston resident since 1984, I guess I can say that I am more Texan than Yankee.

Sparky

2009-02-05T07:59:00.000-06:00

My Navy Man

2009-02-05T07:21:00.004-06:00

This is one of my dearest friends, Osvaldo Caballero. I have known him since he was about 12 years old. He is a career Navy man, is married and they are expecting their first child. It is funny how time flies. Through the years we have never lost touch. He is family in my eyes as in my family's as well. I hope to see him and meet his wife soon.

The Mehaffie and Oliva Families

2009-02-02T09:47:00.001-06:00

Thought for the Day

2009-01-30T10:35:00.001-06:00

Tony, Cynthia and Little Kaitlyn Munoz

2009-01-27T15:02:00.001-06:00

The Mehaffie Men

2009-01-14T15:37:00.007-06:00

Little Isaac sure is growing fast.

Look at the two Mehaffie men, awwwww!

Look at me I will soon be sitting on my own.

Our little ones

2009-01-13T12:05:00.003-06:00

Missy was really tired!

Okay just look at her looking like a Diva ready for her nap with mommy.

Mike and Torito were bonding!

HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER

2009-01-13T10:28:00.007-06:00

You say: It's impossible
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: I'm too tired
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: Nobody really loves me
God says: I love you (John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: I can't go on
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: I can't figure things out
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: I can't do it
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: I'm not able
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: It's not worth it
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: I can't forgive myself'
God says: I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: I can't manage
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: I'm afraid
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: I'm always worried and frustrated
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: I'm not smart enough
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: I feel all alone
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Welcome to the Oliva-Blum home.

2009-01-12T10:24:00.002-06:00

Our new kitchen as of January 9, 2009

2009-01-09T16:48:00.003-06:00

Isn't it all so shinny! Look the dishwasher matches too!

Wow we even got a new nuker and a matching stove. Woohoo!!!!!

Our house as of January 3, 2009

2009-01-07T12:39:00.002-06:00

Welcome to 2009

2009-01-01T16:06:00.021-06:00

And so the new year begins:

We begin by remembering all the great blessings we have been given for 2008

So I begin with Diana finally coming home from Saudi Arabia and making Houston her home.

Dad and Mom finally paid off her Toyota Corolla

Arturo made the first connection with his son Antonio Jose.

Dad finally had his surgery to repair his damaged shoulder.

Ana bought a new house and a new car.

Mike and I celebrated 12 years of marriage.

I finally celebrated 15 years of service at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Alfie came home. OMG! He is really home.

Susie and the babies are bigger and more beautiful.

Luke and Queli celebrated 2 years of marriage. They were also blessed with a beautiful baby boy.

Arturo and Vikki also celebrated a year of marriage. They also bought a new car.

Hurricane Ike devasted Houston and Glaveston.

Finally; Diana, Alfie , Mike and I began the process of buying a brand new home.

2008 ends and a new beginning is just around the corner.

2008-12-31T22:48:00.003-06:00

Well another year comes to an end. We have had many blessings and adventures throughout 2008. I know that there will be many many more blessings from God. So much has happened this year. So many surprises that I do not even know where to begin to recap all the happenings of 2008, but I will attempt to briefly go over this year and also layout some goals for 2009.

GOD BLESS! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

Keep checking back for the recap of 2008, I should have it done no later than January 1, 2009.

The Mehaffie and Oliva Familia

2008-12-30T10:33:00.016-06:00

Isaac looks so ready to go out and stay bundled up and warm.

Awww mom please do not slick my hair; I want to look cool.

This is my nephew, Luke with Isaac aren't they both soooo handsome!

Oh Queli you look just like a mommy but Isaac is stealing the shot!

Zhayla, Mal, Isaac and Kelis all together with their new little cousin and Susie is a new aunt.

My Christmas Project

2008-12-29T14:55:00.003-06:00

Well Christmas has come and gone. It seemed like we were barely enjoying the thought of writing 2008 and now we must get used to writing 2009. This year I got an idea for a Christmas that was different and personal and this is what I wrote to my whole family:

I would like to try a little something different for Christmas this year. I hope that you are up to it. I need you all to understand that this year will be a very poor Christmas, with Alfie's career change, Ana's new house, Queli and Luke's new baby, Susana and the babies re-re locating and Diana, Mike and my new house. I got an idea but I will need your full cooperation. I think we as a society have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. It is not about the gifts but about Jesus Christ and family. So here is my suggestion, I would like everyone to join in the special gift exchange. It will not cost you any money but maybe some brain cells. I will create a list of all of the family names and each will have a number assigned to them, then each of you will send me an email with a number that you have chosen (for example: 1-20 and you choose 7) I will match that up with the name on my list and tell you who you chose. You will receive an envelope in the mail with three cards:

The first card will say:
My Holiday wish for you.... (you fill this part in for your secret Santa)

The second will say:
What I love about you........(you fill this part in for your secret Santa)

The third will say:
Thank you for.....................(you fill this part in for your secret Santa)

You will also receive a self address stamped envelope to send (before Christmas) to your secret Santa. That is all that is required. This will give you time to reflect on the impact that family has made on you and your life. You can also write a prayer, a poem or even forgive whatever wrong has been done to you. The idea is that we need to connect as a family because that is all we have in our lives that is a guarantee. Life is too short to dwell on the bad times and we must look at all the blessings that we are granted by God. I hope that you will all join me in accomplishing this task I have challenged each of you.

So now I wait for the cards that each person received from their secret Santa and the final part of the project. I will bring you all the updates as I complete this project.

My famous Jell-O dessert

2008-12-29T14:11:00.006-06:00

Ingredients:

2 large boxes of Jell-o mix (your favorite flavor)

1 can of Eagle brand condensed milk

1 cake pan or 8 individual containers

Instuctions:

Follow the instructions on the box an make the 1st layer of plain Jell-O. Chill until set then begin the preparation of the second layer. Take one box Jello-o mix and add 2 cups of hot water to dissolve the grains of sugar. When the Jell-o liquid is clear slowly whisk in the can of condensed milk (this will produce a milky liquid). Slowly add to the Jell-o already set. Chill until the second layer is set. Serve and enjoy.

Yeild: Number of servings depends on the size of the serving

Note: Fruit or marshmallows can be added to either layer as desired.

Our message for the Holiday Season

2008-12-29T13:26:00.005-06:00

We are One nation under God and should think of all of the men and women that are risking their lives to guarantee our freedom. Whether this war is for the right or wrong reasons our troops are only doing what they do best, defending this country that they love so much and would die for. The least we as a people of the USA can do is fully support them and pray for their safe return. Pray for the families and friends that they have left behind to do their duty. Pray for those that have lost their lives and the families and friends that mourn them. Demand that they get the best medical treatment and benefits that are due to them for a job well done.

Thank each and every military person that you may come across in your life for they have guaranteed your freedom.

God bless!

Arturo and his family!

2008-12-29T10:17:00.012-06:00

Arturo and his trusty companion, his Harley Davidson

Well here is Arturo and his wife Vikki just hanging out with friends. .

Vikki and Arturo cuddling.

This is CJ my oldest nephew trying to look athletic. You go boy!!

I am wondering what my younger nephew, Dominic is up to?

You look like a man with a practical joke on his mind.

Our New House

2008-12-27T07:47:00.003-06:00

OMG! Just to think that we will be in our house by the time Diana's birthday is here. We have the first walk through on January 9th and the final walk through and closing on January 16th. I do not know if I can actually wait any longer. So much packing to do, but we will get it together and we will get it accomplished. Thank God for all of his blessings.

Wholly Majolly our house as of December 20, 2008

2008-12-20T14:54:00.005-06:00

What a landscape job.Look at the size of the back yard. OMG!!!!

The house as of December 14, 2008

2008-12-18T12:06:00.013-06:00

OMG it is actually coming together. This will be our house very soon. Everytime we go see it it looks bigger and bigger. I can not wait to move in.
Front view.

Wow is all I can say

Diana's master bath.

Check out the kitchen.

The living room and fire place.

The kitchen is almost complete.

Get a load of the HUGE backyard. Hmmmmm, I'm thinking a pool!

Awww Baby Isaac is growing more everyday!

2008-12-17T07:57:00.004-06:00

Wow! Everything is soooo interesting. Isaac is processing his surroundings.

What a beautiful picture of baby and daddy.

Mommy I love the little green mittens. You are so beautiful.

Alfie is finally home!

2008-12-15T11:28:00.005-06:00

Well Alfie is finally back home. He brought the snow with him from Baltimore and so the snow fell upon us in Houston.

WOW! It is snowing in Houston!!!! WooHoo!

2008-12-11T09:59:00.003-06:00

This is how the evening began. The skies were looking pretty cold and full of winter.

The the SNOW began to fall. Oh my goodness, it is really snowing.

This is the rose garden at MD Anderson Cancer Center and the snow kept coming.

Introducing the newest member of the Oliva Family

2008-12-11T09:49:00.007-06:00

This is Arturo's son Antonio Jose

He is 3 years old and growing quick.

The resemblance to Arturo is uncanny. He is so delicious you just want to grab him a squeeze him.

Baby Mehaffie

2008-12-09T20:35:00.004-06:00

Here is Tio Alfie, Tia Diana and Mommy with Isaac Andrew. What a great photo.

Thanksgiving Day 2008 at the Oliva house.

2008-12-07T10:00:00.012-06:00

Alrighty then I did not mean to take so long in posting the Thanksgiving photos, I have just been sooo busy. So here we go with the events of the holiday at the Oliva house in Laredo, Texas.
Hey check out Arturo, he is eating and watching TV and can barely turn away for a photo because in the background; the Dallas Cowboys are playing the traditional Thanksgiving game.
Final score:
Dallas Cowboys - 34
Seattle Seahawks - 9

Well here we are finally enjoying the turkey and all the fixings that Diana, Vickie and I prepared. Mom just coached us.

In a hilarious moment Diana and I are reminding Vickie that she is a LOSER!(Just a joke.

Mike and I just smiling away after a terrific dinner.

Arturo is still coaching the Dallas Cowboys all the way from Laredo, Vickie and Dominic can not be bothered all they want is to eat eat eat!

Well there you have it Mike stood in line at 5:30am at Target just to get me my Birthday/Christmas present. Okay Mike you are really raking in the points!

The day after Thanksgiving we took Dad and Mom to one of their favorite seafood restaurants. See mom she is listening closely to either Diana or Vickie.

Dad can not be bothered he is enjoying seafood soup.

The Mehaffie Family

2008-12-07T09:54:00.003-06:00

There you go; a very proud new pappa! How beautiful.

This is the family in a picture perfect moment.

Awww look he is in peaceful slumber.

Wow look at those big eyes. Hmmmm he is already trying to see mommy and daddy.

Introducing Isaac Andrew Mehaffie

2008-12-03T07:05:00.006-06:00

This is the addition to the Oliva and Meaffie families. Queli gave birth to this beautiful baby boy! We are so happy for them and their little one. God bless you.

Baby's Stats:
Born:December 3, 2008
Time: 2:23 am
Weight: 8 lbs. and 6 ounces
Length: 21 inches

Well there you have it, Mommy, Auntie and Little Grandma with Issac Andrew. Wow three generations. How great is that?

My little baby

2008-12-01T20:51:00.004-06:00

Strike a pose.

Missy is ready for her close up.

I think she is ready to be on the cover of Vogue.

Our house as of December 1, 2008

2008-12-01T20:46:00.001-06:00

Time to open gifts.

2008-12-01T20:26:00.001-06:00

Cecy's 48th B'day

2008-12-01T19:59:00.005-06:00

We celebrated my birthday at Las Alamedas and had a champagne brunch. Diana and I were loving every minute of the day.

Joyce came out to enjoy the food and the day with me.

She is a very nice friend I have made at work.
Pam and Peter are my oldest and dearest friends. I was so happy that they came to join me as I celebrated another wonderful year in my life surrounded by family and friends.

This is my Ramiro; my brother from another mother.

My beautiful Joey; need I say more?