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...