An Early Christmas Present

This is the Canon Power Shot SD1400IS

We needed a new camera for a while now. Our last camera that we bought at the end of 2007 only lasted a little over a year and stopped working. So we had been using an old digital camera that we bought back in 2004.

I wanted a camera that takes high quality pictures and also has video. The reviews are great and it came highly recommended to us. I am very happy with it! This is our combined christmas gift to each other. Now we can finally take pictures that don't look crappy.

A Long Journey That Has Finally Ended

After seven years, Jaime has finally become a United States citizen. When I first got married I thought Jaime getting citizenship would be as easy as it was portrayed in the movie "Green Card." I think a lot has changed since September 11, 2001. We had to hire an attorney to work on his residency and then had to wait three years in order to apply for citizenship. We applied for Naturalization in July and he had his interview in September. We were expecting to get an answer of approval at the end of the interview and were disappointed when we were told that we might have to wait another 3 months to get an answer if they would approve his citizenship. We just got the letter in the mail last week scheduling his Naturalization Oath Ceremony. Yesterday, October 27th he was sworn in at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
There were 5,298 people that became citizens yesterday with him. They showed a video with the song, "Proud To Be An American." Part way through the song they showed a group of people standing up to take the oath right at the part of the song that says, "So I proudly stand up next to her and defend her still today.." at that point I lost it and started crying.

All the people who were in the military were the first ones to receive their certifates of citizenship. All the guests had to leave while the new citizens picked up their certificates. We anxiously waited down in the lobby area for Jaime to walk down the stairs with his certificate in hand. Jaime got a professional picture taken next to the American flag and the seal of Los Angeles.

The ceremony was scheduled to start at 8:00am so Jaime and I and my parents stayed in hotels that were near the Convention Center the night before. We did not want to be late to the Oath Ceremony. We got their at 7:00 am and the ceremony didn't start until 9:00am due to thousands of people that were checking in. Some people dressed in shorts and flip flops which is very disrespectful and some people showed up an hour late to be sworn in.

We are excited that this long journey is now over. The hard work has definately paid off. Jaime missed the last day to register to vote by 9 days, but he definately looks forward to voting in the next election.

7 Years

I took a week and a half off from work to celebrate our 7th anniversary. We went to Universal Studios yesterday and had a blast!
We ate dinner at the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant. The whole day we pigged out on great food! I can't go anywhere without having cotton candy!

My vacation has been filled with great memories with friends and family and it was finished with my best friend Jaime. I truly know him as my best friend. Corny or not, it is the truth and he says the same for me. Our lives together have been an adventure and I can't wait to find out what is in store for our future!

Exercise Regrets

Okay, I have to admit that I have not been going to the gym for a while now (it's been over a year). Don't get me wrong, I do keep busy with day to day things. But, my flabby butt and thighs don't show how active I think I am. So my dear husband encouraged me to start working out with him in the evenings after dinner. So Monday night was my first night working out. Of course I decided to nip it in the butt (literally) and start with all the machines that focus on firming and tightening in my problem areas. The only problem is that I always do too much on the first day back at exercising and these 2 pictures are the source of my current issue...
I can't even sit down right now without holding onto something due to the pain in my inner and outer thighs. I love these machines and know they work miracles, but I can't even fathom using them again soon until all the pain goes away. I think Jaime has enjoyed watching and commentating on me getting up and down like an old woman with arthritis. With all the moans and groans you would think something is seriously wrong with me. So, here's to all you courageous women out there who exercise like a maniac and then feel it the next day(s). I definately understand.

Jaime's 31st Birthday

Jaime ran out of his favorite cologne, Chrome about a year ago. I love the way it smells and to me that's the way I remember Jaime by it's specific scent. He has used it since before we met. So I got it for him for his present.
It came with a "gift with purchase," a game set. Which actually ended up being a really nice one.

Jaime looooves Tiramisu! So for as his birthday cake I made it with pero instead, which is similar to postum, but better and tastes just like coffee. It turned out great!

We went over to my sister, Jessica's house and shared it with her and her family for dessert. I had made it once before and altered the recipe to make it taste better.

Jaime turned 31 on June 27th. On Saturday June 26th he wanted to go to Dave & Busters for his birthday. They didn't take reservations so we went to Rain Forrest Cafe for dinner instead. It was great and they accomodated our group of 17.
The food was excellent and the majority of everyone that was invited showed up.
After dinner we then went to Dave & Busters. One of my friend's said, it is just like Chuck E Cheese, but for adults. Thanks to everyone who came. It was great to see so many people that we haven't seen in a while!

Jaime, I am glad you had a great birthday weekend and here's to many more!!!!

Update

It's been a while since I have posted anything. I just didn't feel I had anything to post about!!! Things have definately changed. We have had so many blessings that have poured down on us. First, Jaime's mom got married the end of March to a wonderful man who she and Jaime have known for years. Then my sister Jessica and her husband Peter gave us their car when they bought a van for their growing family. We have been sharing one car for over a year and a half. Then a week after we got back from Utah from the wedding, Jaime found out that he got a job and he starts tomorrow. There have been so many people to thank for their prayers and encouragement. Life is great and there is nothing else to say!!!