A Bunch of Becks and Beyond

It was the best weekend in a long time. The cousins came from the north west the south east ans the north east and even from the neighboring town. As we all landed at Aunt Honey's house the fun began. The meet and greet was fun on Friday night. We joined together to eat at the local sizzler and filled a table of love. There were about 20 of us there. After that we shredded meat and went to the hotel to get some sleep. The next morning as we met in the hotel for breakfast the laughter began, so through out the day we laughed on. We started out making cleaning the husks for the tamales and getting pans out, the aprons were beautiful and fun. Aunt Honey called us all in the kitchen to see the chili. what a hoot. As we worked to get tamales put together and ready to steam. Lisa and I set up lunch and the living room for the games. We played Diaz Family Bingo and everyone was quite serious about the game. Maybe they just wanted to win the prizes. We gave away gifts for those who came th

All about Fall: The fall season is in full swing, First Halloween, this year we didn't get any trick or treaters and we even had candy. We had left Aunt Honey's house to be home in time for them. But what we really needed to home for was Ryan he had been laid off from his job. Times are tough. At this point he is still job hunting. He is teaching dance and picking up side jobs just nothing that will pay the rent. Ernie is finishing up his 90 days on his new job. We most grateful that he was able to find a job so quickly. We shared Thanksgiving with the Lowry family. There is always a good time with them. The food was yummy and the friendship was priceless. As we start to go into winter and the Holiday season we look forward to be with family and friends. The cousin reunion is the next thing on our plate. And then I have planned a jingle and mingle. This is really a wrap and chat. A reason for us to get together and eat and wrap up gifts. More to come as the season moves along.

As the summer wines down and there is a chill in the air fall is on its way here. I started out the season by attending the "Time Out For Women". It was a wonderful, informative and spiritual time. I was bless to be with Alisi and Betty. The speakers were amazing and the music was both uplifting and fun. I will always remember that time. Ryan was in a car crash in late September, Yes he is fine. He was a little banged up. His car is so dead. He was blessed by our friends the Teyskos who gave him another car. He is working hard and building his photography business. We are so proud of him. We were able to share some time with Stacy as she belly danced her way across the stage. We were blessed to attend the San Diego Mormon Choir perform ace. Our Friend handsome Jim was singing and did a great job. What a night. We have enjoyed another birthday party for our friend Bob. Have seen baby Carlos get baptist. Our lives are truly blessed and we are grateful. Maxine our sweet and wond

I am feeling the Holidays and wanted to get a head start. So I would like to share these recipes with you. Enjoy HOT SPICE PUNCH: Ingredients- • 5 Qts water • 3 Cups sugar • 3 sticks cinnamon • 2 Tbsp whole allspice • 2 Tbsp whole cloves • 1 Lg Can pineapple juice • 1 can frozen orange juice concentrate • 1 can frozen lemonade concentrate Method: Bring water and sugar to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes with cinnamon sticks. Add juices. Fill 1 tea holder with allspice, and 1 tea holder with cloves and place into punch. Simmer for 15 min. Serve warm. ALMOND ROCA: Ingredients- • 2 Cups Sugar • 1 lb Butter • 1/3 cup water • 2 cups sliced almonds • 2 Large (8 oz each) Hershey milk chocolate bars broken into pieces (or 3 cups milk chocolate chips) Method: Spread sliced almonds out evenly in a jelly roll pan. Mix sugar, butter and water in a large saucepan. Cook over high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until carmel color (276 degrees, or 285 degrees sea level). Immediately p

It has been a cool summer in San Diego. However as I thought the sun is now out in full force for Southern Ca. Ernie and I have taken advantage of the cool weather and walked around the zoo. One of our favorite places is the bird aviary. What a nice time we had checking out the birds. In our zoo the birds fly wright over you and beside you. We learned that the zoo has over 7 thousand different kinds of plants. This zoo also grows as much of the food for the animals as possible and is totally green. The benches at the zoo are make from recycled materials. This is one of our favorite places to have Friday night date. After we left the zoo Ryan joined us for a quick dinner. Even though he is all grown up,(I know what a Mom) Its nice to be able to see him often and visit. I am thankful that he lives in San Diego. Our dear friend and neighbor has passed away in the past week. She was a most amazing woman and full of compassion for others and always gave service to all. Our family has been b

This year Ernie and I took our dear friends Gini and Jim Nutz to see Smokey. What a fun night. The opening act was Gladys Knight and she sang all the old hits and then came Smokey. When we first arrived at Harrah's it was 109 degrees Hot hot hot. So inside we went for a small dinner. We came out after the sun went down behind the mountians and it was much cooler. We had wonderful seats thanks to Traci. Fourth row from the front. Anthony and Ana came along for the show. After the show we went back stage and it was picture time. (see below) Every year it is one of our blessings to be able to see Traci dance for Smokey. Ernie loves that Traci, I guess since we have so many young men in our lives, I have to let him have a few girls. Traci is on that list. We are so blessed with so many kids. Ryan may of been an only child, lucky for us he is okay to share his parents. It seems that they come into our home and our hearts. Everyone needs some love and I guess Ernie and I are no diff

Father's Day brunch was wonderful out on the patio. The boys enjoyed the time with Ernie. We had great food and it's always a good time when we are together. The boys took this opportunity to play on the wii. There have been Disc Golf games. Ryan and I had a wonderful Mother and Son night out at the Blue Water Grill. We are getting ready for summer guests. it seems when you live in San Diego you have lots of guests. And this year will be no different. Dante has been down almost every other weekend. Which means we get to see more of Bizz. And Tiger is coming for the 4th of July. We have alot planned for that weekend, The San Diego Fair, Bolba Park, The beach and even a pancake breakfast. May he will get to play sonme Disc Golf. It will be a big difference from Arkasnas for sure. More to follow...

Hello, The month of may has gone by quickly. We had a wonderful Mother's Day brunch. The boys can really cook. We shared a great afternoon of games. Now that we have fallen for the wii and are in the game hole. This is the money pit of fun. I thought when I bought it for Ernie that it would save the couch potato. Now we have rock band and rock climbing and the fit plus. Ernie is always on the look out for more things to do and play. Maybe losing weight might happen. Ernie is enjoying his new job. Working 10 hours a day and only 4 days a week. He really enjoys rubbing that in on Friday mornings as I am leaving for work. As I see it, he now works for me on Fridays and no pay. the family got together for snacks and games over the weekend. Yes I will post pictures. The girls at the table and the big kids on the wii . We are taking a trip to Tucson and then to LA to help out Aunt Honey. I will fill you in on the news when we return. Ernie's little brother Darrell

We have taken another cruise. Ernie really likes this as a vacation. The sleeping, food and the best no driving or flying. We gave Ryan and Dante cruises as a gift for Christmas. The sail away date was April 19 Th . Since this is their first cruise we planned a short one. The first day aboard the ship was fun of course the food was great. We took a tour of the spa and gym with Dante. Then off to the safety check. Then to dinner. While we were sailing away the boys found them some friends. Ryan even had a past student on board. Ernie and I had the Carr Family join us on this cruise. This will be a blessing to all the men, since I will have someone to hang out with. (while Ernie sleeps) Of course our boys thought we would be in bed sleep before the Dance Club opened at 12:00 midnight. Much to their surprise we are not only awake but dancing. After all we are on vacation. The next day (day at sea) We played little name that tune, hung out by the pool the weather was good

The flowers kept coming in the door. As our family was missing one of our most amazing flowers. As we said Good-Bye to Carrie and shared stories of her giving heart. I am so thankful for the love that our family has for each other. Carrie was a teenage when I was born, however even though we were years apart in age. We were always close in spirit and crafting. I can remember being a teen and visiting Carrie and Ollie and then Baby Loren. The years have sent our family to many parts of the United States, I am ever so grateful for the Internet that has brought us all closer then ever and into each others daily lives. My love is always with you all as are my prayers. I know that as Carrie reunites with her Parents that one day she will be waiting on the other side of the veil to hug me.

February 20Th and Moe and I took off for Tucson. We drove along ahead of the rain and had a wonderful time just catching up. The road had nothing see as it was a dark night. We got into Tucson about 3:00AM After a few hours of sleep off we went to see my Dad and Ma. And a wonderful Mexican breakfast. Then to the quilters market, one of my favorites spots in town. We picked up my parents and off to the Birthday party. I have to say that Moe really enjoyed seeing the snow on the mountains. And it looked so close. Really about 2 hours away. There was loads of laughing about that. So we enjoyed good food and friends at the party. ( pictures below). We had a wonderful time with Coleen and Family. It was a foodie weekend, with all the goodies we don't have in California, like Eggees, and date shakes. we drove back home the next day in the crazy rain. Moe did most of the driving, as we drove through a cloud in the California mountains. The next weekend Ernie and I too

Well we ended the year by saying good bye to our Sweet Aunt Fannie. She is so missed and so is her cookie jar. She is enjoying see the love of her life Uncle Mac, I am sure. After Ernie and I left Santa Barbara we had a wonderful Breakfast with our friend Ricki. It is always good to see her and Chuck. We arrived back home and Dad was there. He had tickets for the Holiday Bowl. Ma and him enjoyed the game (but with his team losing and the mist of rain) They left early. They spent the rest of the week with Ernie and I. Hung out with Uncle Billy and of course went to OB. We are looking forward to wonderful things happening in the New Year. Ryan is doing well and going back to school to work on his Masters. You can find his latest projects on you tube under garage seventh wave or garage chess. He goes by Orionocean there. No we don't get it. Dante is well also and you can find him on you tube also under Dante7 dance. Both boys will be joining us for a cruise in April. Something to loo