Photo trips are my therapy....

Ohhhhhhh...the fun Marcia, Jessica and I have on our photo trips...We are LONG overdue for a trip and headed to the coast and then up to San Francisco for a sunset cruise under the golden gate bridge on Saturday....

Let me start out explaining who these fabulous people are....

 First there is Marcia...we met 14 years ago when I started working at Baker Cadra...I was 19...WOWZERS time has flown by.
She has an amazing husband and three incredible children...who she is immensely proud of.  About 3-4 years ago we started going on photo trips. We both realized that we had a love for photography and had so much fun hanging out.

We got our nickname (SRW) from an ex of mine...we were trespassing (shhhhhh...don't tell) to take some pictures when my ex called, when we told him what we were up to...he said, "You guys are like Secret Rangers." Thus the nickname "Secret Ranger Women" (SRW)
 We have been to so many amazing places and have seen some incredible things...She has been an amazing friend to me. Listens to me when I am having a "moment", accepts me for who I am...good and bad...and never judges me for the decisions...again good and bad....that I make. She brings out my inner child and I can just be ME when we are together! What else could you ask for?!?!?!

This is Jessica!!!!!

Jessica and I met about 13 years ago at Baker Cadra as well. Even though she no longer works with us...we stayed close friends. She is married to Ryan...and I am lucky to call him my friend too....and she has an amazing son Hunter who has been friends with Gabe since FOREVER~Jess and I love to golf together...ok ok...so we don't golf as much as drive the cart in the woods...drink a few and laugh at ourselves :) We have soooo many fun memories together I can't even begin to tell them all. Hey Jess....remember the Monterey Plaza hotel and removing all the "do not disturb" signs....or how about the drunk $100 breakfast room service bill. That's only the beginning to many many fun times that we have shared! She is truly a person that will give you the shirt off her back if you need it...always knows how to cheer me up and make me feel better after something tragic happens. She has a comforting spirit and I count myself blessed to have her as a friend!

Jess started going on trips with us last year....she went once and was hooked. LOL. In order to survive one of our photo trips you have to love to sing loud in the car...dance like no one is looking and talk in all kinds of accents. We spend our days taking pictures, eating junk food and laughing!!!!! It's the best therapy I could ever have....the three of us...seeing the most beautiful places in the world, letting loose and having fun!

I really do believe that life is short, we don't know how long we have on this earth and every moment should be used to it's fullest. I want to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way...want to share my greatest memories with the people that I love and love me. I won't live my life as a passenger...I want to drive my way through life...no regrets...only moments to learn from. No moments wasted...only moments enjoyed.

So....Saturday can't come soon enough....Thank you Marcia and Jessica for being awesome friends to me and creating all the memories we have together! Love you both!!!!!!!

Some people live life...others exist!!!

Each day is a gift...and because we have the power of choice, we control how we live our lives. I often look at people's lives and wonder if they are "existing" or "living". There is a huge difference and each persons definiton of living is different. That is what makes the world diverse and interesting. If we all thought the same or wanted to live the same type of lives...it would be boring and our minds would never be challenged.

Our lives have stages and changes....just like a butterfly. We start out so dependent on others...small and fragile. Our souls are pure and untouched by hatred and hurt. I often wonder if all our lives would be better if we could just find the soul that we had as a child....feel free to love others without the fear of being hurt...use our imaginations and LIVE LIFE. Children are great examples of people that really live life to the fullest!!! They have no worries and are sponges just soaking up the world. :) I try to act "child like" as often as I can..I feel like it keeps my soul young. I break out in dance at a moments notice if I feel the need...I sing on the top of my lungs and feel the music....I hug people....REALLY hug people, not those sissy side hugs. I want to enjoy life and laugh as much as possible.
 I want to work hard and play harder. I want to take advantage of every oppertunity that life throws my way, even if the end result is not what I anticipated. I want to travel the world....See all the beautiful places that God has created! I want to experience all cultures and learn a little something from each one! I don't want to leave any words unspoken with the people I love. I want my nephews to grow up with the "cool aunt" who did fun things with them and loved them unconditionally no matter who they become. Even though they live far away...I will never miss an important event like graduation. I want to watch Gabriel become a successsful young man and "change the world". I want to continue to grow as a person and better myself everyday. I want to become a successful photographer who's work is admired. I want to continue to capture the special moments in people's lives through a photograph....and bring that joy back to them for years as they look at the pictures over and over again.

I really am fortunate to have all that I have in life, and to have all the people that are so supportive of what I love to do and who I am. So....I choose to LIVE life....to the fullest!!!!! I hope that whatever your defintion of living is...you do it to the fullest as well!

The adoption

April 7th....I consider it Gabriel's other birthday now. The long journey that brought us to April 7, 2011 was full of ups and downs....tears and smiles...so many emotions that can't even be put into words. Gabriel is an amazing young man. Already 11 years old....it feels like yesterday he was 9 months and I was meeting him for the first time. He was a chunky baby...did not smile much...there was a bit of mystery behind his eyes. Who knew back then that, that moment would be the begining of a life that I had not planned for. That is the beauty of life...we are not in control of our lives...God is...and his plan for us is so much better than the one that we plan in our mind for ourselves. I would not change anything in my life...its all lead me to where I am today...

Wouldn't it be nice if I said that Gabriel was always this sweet, loving child that was so easy to care for...I would love to say that but it's just not true. Taking care of him for the first few years was a challenge...to say the least. Gabriel is a victim of abuse and neglect and has left him with some disorders that makes life difficult at times. But no matter the challenge...I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. Even through the difficult times...we had GREAT times. He is the best cuddler in the world...is thoughtful and kind to others. He is a thinker...always planning. He wants to be the President of the United States when he grows up...but says that he will also be a NBA player and a photographer...I think he can do it all too :)

He has always not only loved sports of any kind but played well...learns fast and always gives 100%. I admire that about him. When things get tough with learning a new sport...he listens well and gives it his all until he perfects what he is doing. That is a quality in him that I hope he carrys with him always...Last summer was the first year that he played soccer at a camp. He was honored with "Camper of the week". They said he was the best listener, tried his best, and never gave up. That is the moments that make all the other moments worth it...

Its weird to look at the pictures of him at 3 playing tee ball...and then seeing him now. Where has the time gone? How did he grow so fast?

Gabe is always making me laugh....in this picture he was practicing his yoga :)

Gabe was so excited and nervous for the adoption ceremony...because he has never been to a court...he did not know what to expect. He was afraid that the judge would yell like Judge Judy on TV....
I asked him what he wanted to ask the judge...he said he thought he might ask if she wanted to go out to lunch....Gabe is one of the sweetest, funniest people I know. What a blessing he is....

Gabe invited Pete, MaryLee and Jack to the ceremony. People that are very important in his life...people that he considers family!

Gabe has made an impact on people's lives...he cares about the people that he loves from deep in his soul...another quality that I find admirable. He is thoughtful and loving...worrys about people that he loves when they are sick, injured or have been through tough times. At such young age...to already have such a deep emotional impact people is amazing to me...

Now that the adoption is final...it feels like a huge weight has been lifted. You will now be safe forever...in a home where you are loved no matter what you do in life...no matter who or what you become. That's what family is...

My nephews!!!!

You know moments pass in life...you forget after a week, month or year. But there are those moments, good and bad, that will forever be like a picture that was taken in your brain. I think everyone knows just where they were when they found out about the 9/11 attacks, or where their spouse propsed to them. Certain memories never leave our minds. That moment means so much to you that you can't forget even if you tried.

My memory...I was sitting at home when my sister-in-law, Kristen, called. She asked if I could come out to visit them in October to help them paint a room. I told her no problem and asked what room we would be painting...she said, "The Nursery". I was so excited. I was going to be an Aunt!!!!! The next nine months seemed to take FOREVER!!!

Adam and Kristen decided to wait to find out what they were having....so the sex of the baby was a surprise until the day he was born. In my family, if my brother did not have boys...the family name would end. Even though I would have been happy no matter what the baby was, I was REALLY hoping for a boy.

The day came...it was St Patty's Day. AWESOME, we would have a baby in the family born on St Patricks Day...but Cooper had other plans. He did come but after a very long night of labor for poor Kristen. I could not sleep that night, kept looking at my phone hoping it would ring with the good news that the baby had arrived. I finally got that call the next day at work....Cooper Frederick Hess was born on March 18 :). I cried...at that moment I knew that I loved that baby more than he would ever know. I have wondered in the past how people say that they loved a family member the moment they saw them. Well, I then understood what they meant. I had not met Cooper but was already in love with the little man.

I finally flew out to see him a month later...wow...he was even more amazing in person than I imagined.

He was so long and small...so sweet and cuddly. Adam and Kristen were nautral parents....and I loved watching them with Cooper as well.

Cooper turns 3 on Friday. It's hard to believe that he is getting so big so fast. I love watching him grow and being a part of his life.

What can I say about Cooper as a person...he is smart...so smart. You can always tell that he is thinking about something and absorbing all around him. He has a mischievious side. He has a smile that would make ANYONES heart melt. (It makes mine melt all the time) He is so funny, only 3 years old and has a great sense of humor. He comes up with some of the funniest things sometimes...always keeps you on your toes and laughing.

He is a busy kid...always on the go and moving....but loves to watch Toy Story and Scooby Doo and cuddle on the couch with his chocolate milk. He loves ears...he rubs his own, or anyone close enough to him to reach. He is genuinely concerned for others...that's a quality that I think all parents want their children to nautrally have, and Cooper certainly does.

As Cooper grows and learns new things, I enjoy being a part of his life. I feel honored to be his Aunt. He is an awesome Kid...Happy 3rd birthday Cooper. I love you more everyday and can't wait to see you grow.

Now....I have Alex....sweet adorable, wide eyed Alex.  Last April...on Earth Day..Adam and Kristen brought another little one into the world. Again, they did not want to find out ahead of time what the sex of the baby was. I was excited either way. My gut kept telling me that the baby was a girl, but I was going to be excited either way.
So, the moment that I found out Marica and I were on the way to Yosemite for a photo trip. Adam called and said the baby was born but wanted me to guess what I thought the baby was. I again said I thought it was a girl...but it was surprised and happy to hear that they had another boy. And BOY OH BOY did I cry. I was so happy and excited, the tears just started flowing. Again, that instant love for someone that I have never met. His name, Alexander Thomas.

My first visit with Alex was  great, I could not take my eyes off of him...he was such a beautiful baby. Perfect big brown eyes, long eyelashes and beautiful dark hair. He was AMAZING!

Even though he looks like he was looking at me like, "who the heck are you?" in this picture, I think he loved me too :)
Alex has a great personlity too!!! He has an easy going way about him...he is so sweet and gives the best hugs for such a little guy.

He is going to be a knock out when he gets older. He has the most amazing eyes....they have a sparkle about them....and those long eye lashes that every girl hopes for...he has!!!!

I think that he might even want to be a photographer like his Auntie when he grows up. He is always curious about things, but careful....he puts everything in his mouth to chew and like his brother has his ear fetish, Alex loves hair. :)

We took him on the carousel when I was there this month and he laughed and squeeled the whole time. He loved it...and I loved to watch his excitment as he rode around in circles. When he feels an emotion, he really feels it and lets everyone else know too! Those are the moments that really matter in life...the moments that you will remember forever.

I can only hope that my nephews will remember the times that I share with them, that I will make enough of an impact on their lives that they will later have those long lasting memories that include me in them. I love these 2 boys more than words could ever say...I am blessed with many things in life....but the most imporant is my amazing family!!!!!

Oh...the love for FOOD...Mexican food :)

I LOVE FOOD.....
But I really love Mexican food. If I had one type of food to eat morning noon and night, it would be Mexican food. My favorite thing to cook at home is chicken enchiladas....Oh, it makes my heart happy!!!!! So, I am here to share my recipe for green sauce chicken enchiladas.
First let me apologize because I don't measure ANYTHING....and I never use my timer either...so bare with my "recipe".

I start out with 2 large chicken breasts...I cook them on my George Foreman grill. As they are cooking I cut 1/2 of a yellow onion, grate lots of cheddar cheese and heat up the small corn tortillas.
Let me get on my soap box for a second and tell you how much I LOVE my Presto salad shooter. Every kitchen should have one. It will grate cheese in seconds, cut up cucumbers...really will do anything. Next to my kitchen aid mixer..its my favorite kitchen friend :)

After everything is cut up and prepared, mix the chicken and onion together, put a generous amount in each tortilla and some cheese as well. Roll each up...Pour a small amount Herdez green salsa over the bottom of your Pyrex dish, place each enchilada in pan, pour the rest of the salsa over and top with more cheese and some olives....

Bake on 375 or 400...for about 15-30 min....again I never time anything, I just keep checking the over and when the cheese is bubbly its alllllll good :)

This is how it should look! YUUUUMY. This recipe will make 8 enchiladas....so you can adjust the recipe depending on the size of your family.

While I was preparing all the dinner goodies, I was baking some bread for dessert....yummy pumpkin cranberry bread, will have to share that recipe another time...

Time to EAT!!!!!!!!

Working past my fears!

This year I am going to work past the things that I am afraid of...things that hold me back in life. I think that it will make me a better person. One of my TOP fears is heights. I am TERRIFIED of being on a ladder. I shake, my heart pounds, I can feel a panic attack coming on. I despise bridges....I think I will pass out one of these times going over a bridge cause I don't breath. So....that's what I worked on getting past on Friday... My fear of heights.

Jessica, Marcia and I went up to Moaning Caverns to zip line. The set up is a 1500 foot cable from the top of the hill to the bottom. You only go from the top platform to the bottom. (which was perfect for me since I was already afraid I would pee my pants LOL) The harness they put you in is as comfy as your jammies...(can you feel the sarcasm) and the bright red helmet they give you to wear is the BEST accessory a girl could ask for :) 

Sooo....we head up the hill in the Land rover as the tour guides tell jokes about us flipping over up the hill and telling us how fun their jobs are.

Then I see it....there it is...THE TOWER. The tower that was going to make me fly down the hill. All I could think about was, REALLY???? Am I REALLY doing this? I think that I might throw up....EICK?!?!?!

Time to cross the bridge...the swinging bridge...Don't let the smile on my face fool you....ITS THE LOOK OF TERROR!!!!!! I notice now in the picture that my fist is clenched in fear : /

 And what's up with that sign?!?!?!? Is that supposed to comfort me in my time of panic?????

We made it on the other side...me and my SRW Marcia....What in the world would I do without her????

OK...so here we go, the "zip line dude" (his name was Brent but I would rather call him the "Zip line dude" :)

hooks us all up and tells us to just hang there for a minute to get our picture. I think that was the most terrifying moment, the moment that I let my feet up from the ground...I trusted the "zip line dude", he seemed to know what he was doing and he had my harness attached to the flat form...but this was the most terrifying moment of all. I did it....I lifted my feet and there I hung....in the zip line dudes trustworthy hands. He took our picture and then off we went!!!!!!!

All the sudden I felt like a bird flying....felt free....free of that fear of heights...free of anything. IT WAS AMAZING. I was no longer afraid...I felt like I was moving forward in life...understanding that taking chances and experiencing new things is the only way to grow as a person....

Moving forward in life, challenging yourself and pushing the limits is what life is about. God does not want us to sit back and watch life pass us by...he wants us to take a deep breath and BREATH life in...enjoy it!

So.....I moved past my fear of heights....jumped off into the air and flew down the mountain. Jessica was  our photographer and got some great shots of us going down the hill....will post those when I get them :) I am so blessed to have such amazing friends. Jessica, Marcia and I have so much fun...we dance like noones watching, sing like noones listening and enjoy all the beauty that God has given us!!!!! Since I think that life is about breathing it in and taking every moment and experiencing it....I am going to keep taking that deep breath of life :):):)

P.S. All photos are by Marcia Duso, Jessica Bonar and Zip line dude :)

A balanced dinner????

I have a secret love....Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.....ohhhhh they are amazing! Since I am single...sometimes my dinners consist of oatmeal cookies and a pepsi or cheetos and a glass of wine. Balanced meal, right? Oatmeal is good for you...there were eggs in the batter...BALANCED....as for the cheetos and a glass of wine...well that is even better for you. Cheese and grapes!!!! WHOOT WHOOT. So... i just thought I would share my favorite meal.....:)