My Birthday Princess ~ She's 3!

There's something I love about this little girl that I can't even begin to put into words. These past 3 years have been overwhelmingly perfect. The moment that I looked into her eyes I knew that I would love her and she would always be my little friend. I knew that she would fit perfect in our crazy, dysfunctional family....

and she does. She fit right in like a little puzzle piece. Watching her grow into the little girl that she's growing into has been pure delight. She's all girl, but can definitely take her brother down to the ground. She loves to do her makeup, paint her nails, and play with her best friend, Ruthie. She'd rather dig in the dirt than play with her toys, and I still can get her to snuggle with her mama.

She's everything I've dreamed of and more.

She's my princess, and she's made these past 3 years of my life amazing.

Dear Ella,

As I watch you grow into a little girl from a baby I find myself wanting to be even closer to you. I soak up every second and love to breathe you in as we snuggle. I know that these days where you're my little girl won't be here for long. Soon I'll no longer be the best part of your day, but just your mom. I want to treasure these moments that I have with you forever, because you'll never know how much they mean to me.

I love your personality. I love how your eyes literally light up when you are excited. I love how much you love your family, how much you look up to your brother, and your love for church. You are my little best friend, Ella, and I as you grow and get older I want to make sure that you always know that I'll always be your Mama and you will always be my baby girl.

Love, Mama.

Easter with a Wedding

This is our 2nd Easter having Alana with us. Last year was so much fun and the kids looked absolutely adorable. We headed to California and went to Grandma & Grandpa's house for some easter fun!

This year we're doing the same thing. Tomorrow we're packing up and heading to California to go spend Easter with my in-laws. It's honestly the best place to go for holidays. We have the family feel, and the kids love them. So I'm excited!

This year Jayden is 8 and he still believes in the Easter Bunny. I try to grasp to these little things, because they still show that he's a kid. While he might be growing up, he's still not grown.

Saturday we'll be heading to a wedding though. Gino's cousin is getting married and they asked me to be the photographer. I declined and declined again until I finally agreed. They really need somebody and have no problem being my guinea pig for a wedding. I'm nervous as all heck, but excited too. It will be a fun experience ~ and I've always wanted to take pictures of a bride.


So, I hope that everybody has a very Happy Easter!!

Valentine's Day ~ a little peak

Our Valentine's Day was THE BEST EVER!  I'm gonna do a little rundown here for ya ~

My husband proposed to me 9 years ago - the ring is pretty, but the diamonds are EXTREMELY small and it's a two toned ring and for some reason my finger breaks out ~ so, I don't wear a wedding ring.  I HATE it, because I always feel like when I go out in public people look at me like just another single mom. {not that there's anything wrong with that... I'm just NOT a single mom} 

My husband rocks... he bought me THIS for Valentine's Day 

Ever since the 3 stoned Past, Present, Future rings came out - I've wanted one!  And I FINALLY HAVE ONE!!!!!!!  On the inside it even has a P {diamond} P {diamond} F ~ I AM IN LOVE!!!!  I can't stop staring at my finger.  Gino, you are my heart and soul.  I just want you to know that.  I wouldn't have US any other way ~ so just always know that.

We woke up Valentine's Day and packed into the car and headed to Sacramento.  Where we saw my mom and my most favorite, lovable little niece Alana {P.S. SHE'S COMING TO STAY WITH US AGAIN!!!}

And then we headed to Arco Arena {where my Sacramento Kings play} to see Disney on Ice.  We had SO much fun!  Yes, I cried, because I always cry at these things because I am literally THAT excited!  Here's a couple pictures from our day there ~

I'm working on a little movie that has some video and pics of the kids and I'll upload that as soon as I'm done... cuz there's MANY more pics :)

We ended our Valentine's Day night with a little mask party with Grandma and Grandpa 

OH and a little tattoo competition between Grandpa & Ella haha 

Another Year... Another Decade... Another Recap

This isn't only the close of another year, but another decade. A decade that for me seem to fly by too quickly. Let's first do a breakdown on 2009:


Recapping on this year that almost seems like a blur, a few things stand out in my mind.

• Once again, we almost lost our precious Ella this time to a MAJOR accident. She overdosed on her heart medication, but thankfully right after she received her blessing from dear friends in our church she did nothing but get better. There was a horribly, scary chance that she wouldn't make it.

• Jayden started 2nd Grade! The teacher that he started out with was absolutely WONDERFUL! But budget cuts made it so that there were over 30 kids in his class, so the school made a decision and some kids went to a 1st/2nd grade mixed class.... Jayden was chosen and went back to his 1st Grade teacher!!! I absolutely LOVE Mrs. Roberts and even though at first this change was a little irritating, we all adjusted well.

• Gino has dedicated himself to going to the gym EVERY, SINGLE DAY! I have to say I am beyond excited for him.

• Gino and I partnered with a company that is exploding in our life! I can't even begin to describe the success that we now have at our finger tips. We are with a telecommunications company that only continues to go up during our economy. We feel EXTREMELY grateful that this was placed in our lives. If you are currently unhappy with your current JOB (you know, Just Over Broke) or are open to making extra income VERY PART TIME then get in touch with me. My goal this year is to get as many moms and dads out of the corporate world, home with their families, and having financial freedom.

• Last but definitely not least.... we have learned in the last month of this year that we will be welcoming a new baby into our family in 2010!!!

Now on to the decade.....


2000: We met
2001: We had our first son
2004: We got married
2006: Our marriage was tested, but we prevailed. We got pregnant     w/our 2nd baby... only to lose
her before she was born. Then got pregnant with our 3rd baby... Miss Ella
2007: Welcomed our baby girl Ella into the world. Discovered how precious life is as we almost
lost her to her heart problem.
2009: Partnered with a multi-billion dollar company that is changing our lives. Found out that we will be having
yet another little Garibay in our world


This past decade has definitely been based around our family. Learning who we are. Growing together instead of apart.


This decade that we are entering into is going to be the decade that we make a bang! It's going to be the decade where we focus on personal growth. Where we gain complete financial freedom. Where we change not only our life for the better but the lives of all our children and their children to come. And I'll be blogging my way through it all.

Giving Thanks of THANKSgiving

This day sometimes gets rushed with people, food and food..... did I mention FOOD? Don't get me wrong, getting together with family, eating deliciousness is definitely a wonderful aspect of this day.  Right now I sit at my inlaw's after finding a WiFi signal I am relaxing and reflecting on the meaning of THANKSgiving.  This Thanksgiving wasn't rushed with people.  It was so laid back, relaxing and just downright what I definitely needed.  I have been so rush here rush there, do this do that, that I really need TODAY to just sit and let the meaning of this day shine through....  Giving thanks....

I am Thankful

First and foremost for Jesus. I am definitely not in any way, shape or form a perfect person.... and sadly {real weeping tears here} I will never be. I am so thankful for the atonement and for the opportunity to be forgiven.

My husband.... he's my rock. I love this man so much. I'm thankful for him putting up with so much of my crap. No matter what this man loves me.... and I love that about him.

My children... I have learned so much about myself through them. They make me want to be a better person in this world. They have shown me what unconditional love is. They make me smile, giggle, and feel joy every, single day of my life!

The miracle of Ella. I am so thankful for the miracle of her surviving the most scariest time in our lives this past July. Having her overdose on her medication was overwhelmingly scary. We almost lost her sweet little soul. I truly feel Heavenly Father took her in his arms and helped pull her through this.... and answered a few hundred prayers :)

I am so thankful that I have been shown the most amazing company I've ever seen in my life.  That this company is literally the answer to all of our prayers and that I will continue to stay home with my kids and that my husband is right behind me!  

I'm thankful for Garibay Soup.  It honestly is one of the most special things ever to me.  It's my life.  It's my kids' life.  It's my mark in my own little universe.... and I couldn't imagine life without it.

I am thankful for every, single day that is given to me on this earth.  I truly love my life, no matter how hard it gets at times... it is the most precious gift.

Probably the worst Halloween EVER... we survived though

Our Halloween DEFINITELY did not go as planned. It was just a straight up catastrophe from the get go. I woke up feeling absolutely HORRIBLE. That's the first bad thing, then....


I got moody. Moody Amanda is no good. Especially on a holiday! Gino was scheduled to get off at 6, so my job was to get the kids ready. I couldn't even do that right. Orginally Ella was going to be a lady bug, since she already had the ladybug fairy dress. Well, the in-laws bought her a really cute Witch outfit, so I figured I go with that. She wore that to Jayden's school party, then for Halloween I couldn't find where I put the dress. UGH! I had just seen it and btw, it's still MIA. So, I thought... okay... she can go back to being the lady bug. NOPE! We could only find 1 ladybug boot... WHAT THE HECK?!?!??!?! I thought they were both in the car, but only one was there.... GREAT. So, I can't believe I did this, but I grabbed leggings, a tutu & her wings that she wore for her 1st birthday and put glitter on her face and told her she was a butterfly. Problem SOLVED.

Weather sucked and was all rainy, so we decided to head over to the mall for some safe, warm trick or treating.  Ella caught on to Mommy's nasty attitude of the day (honestly it was only because I FELT LIKE CRAP!) and decided to adopt it as her own attitude.  She was actually kicking people that were in front of us in line!  I couldn't believe it my precious, cute little butterfly was going around kicking people.  She did say thank you after she got her candy though... made me so proud.


And for the record... we didn't carve pumpkins, we didn't decorate, and all in all it was a crappy Halloween.... next year I am promising myself and my kids that it will be a GOOD Halloween to remember :)


Life isn't always about roses.

8 Years Ago Today I became a Mom

8 years ago today I learned what it truly means to have someone in this world grasp and cling to your heart in a way that nobody has ever done. I learned so much about unconditional love, understanding and striving to be the best I can possibly be.


8 years ago today, a beautiful baby boy came out immediately peeing on his mama. I fell in love the minute I looked into his sweet, sweet face.


Over the years watching Jayden grow into such a respectable, beautiful, stunning young man I can't help but Thank God for blessing me with probably one of the sweetest souls I've ever met. If you've had the privilege of meeting him, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

Jayden,


I just want you to know that you are the most special little boy in the entire world. I know that you were put on this Earth for something big, and I can't wait to figure out exactly what it is. I love you so much, and am blessed to be able to call you mine. I love you forever and always!  Happy Birthday, my baby boy.


Love, Mama

Just a Cutie Ridin' her Tot Rod

I posted these all over at my {photography blog} too, but I guess they belong here since they're of my precious baby girl! Enjoy!!!

Dear Ella, You're 2... Oh my

Dear Ella,

I will begin this letter to you letting you know that you are extremely special to me. You make my heart smile (actually grin!) all throughout the day and I'm so thankful for every moment that I have with you. From the day you were born I knew there was something special about your sweet, sweet soul. From the beginning you have been a little girl that turns heads, and puts smiles on people's faces. There's times where I just stop and stare at you and think to myself 'Wow, what a beautiful girl.'

You definitely have not had the easiest 2 years that a normal little girl gets, but although you have faced death a couple of times, you are still here to continue making me want to be a better person. Ella, I couldn't imagine my life without you, and I am thankful for every tear, every smile, every frustration, every moment that you give me.

This past year you've grown into this little girl with this strong personality. You are no longer a baby, although I still rock you to sleep almost every night. I treasure those moments, and hope I get many more! You love girl music, you love to dance, you love to sing, you love to order your brother around. You love babies, and act like a little mama. You talk more than I've ever heard a toddler your age talk before. And laughing lights up your eyes. You try to open your eyes as big as you possibly can and oh my, what an adorable sight.

You've become a little best friend of mine.

I can't wait to see what this next year brings us, I pray it brings good health and lots of smiles. I love you my little princess, you hold a huge part of my heart in your tiny hands.... Happy Birthday!

Love, Mama

3 Days Old... now, that's beauty!

10 1/2 months old

2 years old.... my little lady

I'm grateful that I am your mom. Thank you for choosing me ~ I love you my princess... now and forever.

Just a Motivating Monday - Embracing my years

Welcome to the 3rd edition of Just a Motivating Monday ~ If you are just joining us here's the scoop:

-Write a blog post about ANYTHING at all that inspires you, or something you feel will inspire others.

-Please link back to Garibay Soup

-Please snag my Just a Motivating button on your post.

-I hope that we can all go and visit each other's blogs and read what everyone has linked up ~ I hope that this carnival can bring more traffic for you :) So, spread the comment love!


Embracing My Years~

I turned 27 on Friday. I cannot believe that I am 27 years old. I'm almost to the point where I'm not going to be in 20's anymore and I just can't believe that it's gone by this fast.

I know a lot of people, especially women, dread each birthday. They're getting older, and they don't want to. I'm the opposite ~ I love growing older. Every year I discover a little more of who I am inside. I can think back 5 years ago and it's shocking to see what a different person I was. I am pleased with the person that I have become.

I worry less about things that seemed to be of so much importance back then. I treasure things I didn't care about before. I've become a much better mom, a much better wife and I think I am much better person inside.

I embrace each year, because I think with each year I grow; I mature. I learn a little bit more about life, when I thought I knew it all the year before. I learn a little bit more about my husband, when I thought I knew him inside and out. I get to see what beautiful people my kids are slowly turning into. I love each year, I love my Birthday and embrace it all ~ because this is life and instead of dreading we need to be grateful and live it up to its fullest.

Every day to me is a gift, and I treasure every year granted to me just the same. I hope to see 100 and I hope that it's all documented right here on Garibay Soup.

Here's to another fabulous year ~ and hopefully many more. I can't wait to see what I learn and become along the way.

Here's my sister and me celebrating another year of my life!
I'm the one on the right if you're just joining me here @ Garibay Soup
OH and don't mind the quality - it was w/a camera phone :)

Our Fourth

I hope that everybody had a wonderful and safe 4th of July. We kept our's pretty low key this year. We didn't have a big family get together, we didn't do a BBQ, but we did enjoy the day with our kids and my husband's brother, Rocky.

We went to Ashland and enjoyed all the delicious food and craft booths. I was kinda bummed that I didn't set up a Wildtree booth there, but honestly I don't think I would have last.... it was HOT!

We headed over to the church to watch the fireworks, and I must say I was disappointed. When you come from a big city where the fireworks are amazing to a small town where the fireworks look like a 5 year old is setting them off you get kinda bummed.

I took a moment yesterday to reflect what this day really means, and I know that a lot of us take what we have for granted. We have the luxury of being free, being able to choose what religion we want to be a part of, who we want for our president, what laws will go into effect. I know our country is a MESS right now, but "I am proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free."

I think my highlight of the whole day was watching Ella play in the petting farm ~ she LOVED the animals!

A peek into my heart.... on Father's Day

Unfortunately, Father's Day was never an important day for me. I have a dad, but growing up I refused to refer to the man as that. I am now older and have tried to accept him as my father, but continuously don't feel it in my heart.

My father was 16 when I was born. That pretty much sums it up right there. He was never there, went on to conceive 3 more daughters with 3 different women. Each one I'm sure has their sob story about the man, and I still cling to mine every, single day. I want a dad. I want a dad that cares enough to call me at least once a week and see how I'm doing. I want a dad that can put me first for once... not always focus on his youngest 2 daughters. I want a dad who cares enouch about being a grandpa that he asks how they're doing, or wants to see them. I just want a dad.

I have a couple of memories that stab my heart, and I think it's time I talk about them. The first Father's Day that I spent with my father was in 2006. I was newly pregnant with Mya. We drove all the way up to where I now live just to spend Father's Day with the man. In addition to him, it was also the first time I was going to meet his 2nd daughter.. dysfunctional, unstable Britney. I know, I have hate issues.... I told you Garibay Soup is the ingredients to a dysfunctional family.... which is EXACTLY what I have.

Anyways... continuing on. I had mentioned to my dad that he could play catch or baseball or fricking something with his grandson {Jayden} that he never sees and the man actaully had the nerve to say to me, "Well, I have Tiona too... it is Father's Day." Wow..... this man is a loser.

My dad married his 4th daughter's mother who is a whopping 2 years 11 months older than me. SICK! At the wedding in the middle of the ceremony they had her come up and be a part of it and even gave her a ring.... I was his only other daughter at this wedding. I felt {AWKWARD}

His 2 youngest daughters are his everything, I am nothing. For this reason alone I have not care for Father's Day all that much. The 2 situations above are just a couple of things that have stabbed my heart.... there are many, many more, and I need to learn how to let go and be grateful that my children will never have to feel the way I have felt.

My children have a father who loves this both so much and distributes it between the two equally. They will never, ever have to feel the feelings I have felt growing up, because their dad would do anything in this world for them. I am proud to say that this man is my husband.

{Gino}, I know I tell you a lot, but I'm going to say it again....... you are a wonderful dad. You have made choices and changes that they will someday be so thanful and proud for. I just want to thank you for being a dad to my children, I couldn't have picked a better guy. You make their eyes light up, you put smiles on their faces, and it all makes my heart melt.

My Mother's Day...

Mother's Day.... HEAVEN! I absolutely love being at the coast. It's gorgeous, peaceful, and it's a place I'd honestly like to see myself living at one day. I don't know, it may happen... it may not. That's the beauty of life. The only thing truly stopping me from packing up and picking my new home is the fact that there's no Home Depot on the Oregon coast.... and Home Depot is a necessity in our life, because that is our source of health insurance... cardiac baby MUST have health insurance.

We camped literally right in front of the beach. We were in my Grandma's RV and I'd sit in the passenger seat and watch the whales blow the water up and flip their tails (or fins... whatever) out of the water. It was absolutely amazing to me!! I can't believe how close those whales actually get to the shore! What a great experience!!

So, here's a picture of the view from the RV



Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures with my Grandma, but she was there. It was a nice little get away for us all... much needed! We really don't live too far away from the coast, but we rarely go... usually just once a year. I want to start going more often. I want to take advantage of the beauty that's just around the corner. I'd LOVE to take a trip up 101 for a couple of weeks and get to see all of the Oregon coast... it's just so beautiful.

Of course I have a few pictures to show. I'm not going to overwhelm my blog with a million pictures, but these are a few of my favorites

I haven't talked much about her, but this is our love Sophie.... I actually love her - shocking! I know, I know, she looks like a pit, but she's NOT! She's an Olde English Bulldog :)

Jayden FINALLY got to make smores, which is something this kid has been wanting to do for a REALLY long time. Jayden picked out a little chest for me, I'm thinking I might be keeping things he makes me in it. It's special, because he had to get it for me.... there was no talking him out of it, and that's the best!

I'm so thankful to be a mom, and I'm thankful to have 2 of the most special little souls I've ever encountered. I love my life, I love my children, and I love my husband.... I'm forever grateful for the way things have turned out for me.

Friday Favorites

Been a while, but I want to get back into this.....

My favorites of this week are as follows:

• Jayden finally made it to the dentist for the first time and did AMAZING! My 7 year old doesn't even have a cavity. I'm so proud of him :) I highly believe that this is because I never let him go to bed with a bottle or anything to suck on, but it might just be because he's a super star brusher.

• My superstar husband helped me to start clearing out the clutter out of our garage. We have one section completed and a shelving thing in its place. I love organization, even though I suck at it, and am glad we're on an organizing mission. He also cleared off our old kitchen table and carried upstairs so that it can serve as a return on my desk. I LOVE IT!!! We were actually going to spend money on a new desk and now I really have no reason. I can even use my table as my sewing area.... THANKS WONDERFUL HUSBAND!!

• Ella has begun potty training and to my shock and surprise is doing amazing with it! My little girl isn't even 2 and is telling me when she needs to go potty and even held up on a 2 1/2 hour outing of the house!! WTG, Ella!!

• We got to bring in my husband 28th year with him. Thursday was his birthday and we got to go as a family to dinner. Amazing thing is - we got together when he was 18. We've last almost 10 years together and 5 years of marriage. I love him. Here's to another year of his life that will be spent with ME!!

• Jayden tested for another belt in Karate. He got called on in Karate class to give a Code of Ethics and he said, "I will forget my mistakes and concentrate on the future." That made me proud. He makes me proud. I sure was blessed with a special little boy. I can't wait until we find out if he earned his belt!! I think he did a great job.

That pretty much sums up my favorite things of this week. I love my life. I know sometimes I can complain and get overwhelmed and discouraged, but at the end of the day....I love my life, and I'm so thankful for it and the many blessings that are poured on my family. I'm excited for the next week to come and to talk about my favorite things.

I really am alive.... I promise

Hi blog, if you forgot who I am since I neglect you I'm still Amanda. I still have cute kids, hard kids, funny kids, family drama and I'm still selling food.

Life for us has been wonderful. We've had an extra toddler with us for now 3 weeks. I can pretty much say that I hope God never blesses us with twins.... EVER. In fact, my husband has informed me that we're no longer having any more children.

My niece Alana from Sacramento came to stay with us a few weeks ago, because she comes from a horrible home. A party home, she's been neglected and the whole sad sob story that you can come up in your head probably happened to her.

She's going back to her glorious life she came from tomorrow. Sad... I know. But there's not much I can do about it... besides informed CPS, which will be done.

Here's where the bad part comes in. I'm relieved that she's going to be gone and I hate to say that, but I have been going INSANE. I haven't been able to get my work done, she's very clingy, and I'm EXHAUSTED. I wasn't going to let my brother know that I have her.. he lives here, but I needed a break. I needed my family back even if just for a day. I've realized this week as much as I want to save her, I can't. It is a fight I don't have in me. I wouldn't just be fighting her mom, but I'd be fighting her mom's horrible mom... which would get her over me. I just hope that either her mom cleans up her act or my brother does.... somebody needs to for this poor baby girl's sake. Ella and Alana are only 6 weeks apart.

So this has all been going on with us.... which is why my blog has been neglected. Here's a couple pics I took at Easter..........

THIS IS ALANA

Our Easter was wonderful!!! We went to my inlaws and got to see my husband's grandparents. Definitely enjoyed myself..... as did the kids.

Taking a trip for Easter

We're taking a trip to the inlaws tonight!! We're heading to California to go and spend Easter with my inlaws and my husband's grandparents. We won't be going all the way to Sacramento ~ they only live about 3 1/2 hours from us... which is nice. We actually were planning on just leaving in the morning, but decided it would give us a little bit more time with everybody if we came tonight... we will be home tomorrow night.

Ella's Easter dress is adorable. I actually bought 2 and haven't decided which one to put her in. Pictures will definitely be coming when we return. The property that Gino's parents live on is beautiful and I can get some great pics there... they even have an old barn!!

I talked a while back about changes happening in our lives here and they're still going on. I wish I could talk in detail on here about it, but for the safety of others it's best I don't. Just keep us and our family in your prayers.... you can contact me via email if you're really curious LOL. I do talk about it on Facebook since Facebook is private.

I hope everyone has a very beautiful and wonderful Easter!! Don't forget that it's not just about bunnies and eggs... but it's about Jesus and what he did for us, his ressurection, and that one day we will have the opportunity to have eternal life thanks to what he did for us. I'm sad that we won't be able to attend church this Easter, but he definitely will be in our thoughts throughout the day.... I'm still trying to figure out something I can do with the kids so they remember (well, Jayden at least LOL)

Tiona's 10th Birthday

My littlest sister, Tiona turned 10 on Friday. Friday night we went out to dinner with her and had a pretty fun time, but yesterday we went to her birthday party and had A BLAST! I honestly can't believe how much fun I had. It was at the skating ring and when I showed up I had no intentions on skating. I finally caved, put the skates on and took Jayden out. He actually was doing really well for it being his first time.

It really had me thinking while out there skating with my little man that it saddens me that we don't do a lot of things with just the two of us. I think it's important for him and me that we do something with just the two of us at least once every two weeks. He needs that. I need that.

Ella was great, which was shocking. My sister Britney took care of her while I spent my quality time with Jayden. She was cute and everyone oooooed and ahhhhed over her, and she loved the attention she got.

Picture time...... oh... my sister's date on the pics hasn't been set - so don't mind the date :) It's pretty wrong.

My cute little man sporting his new haircut

Ella looks intoxicated, maybe too much ice cream???

Jayden was really enjoying the bubbles.... you'd think the kid never seen them before

Ella holding her brother's new recorder - she was all smiles

She caught me... a picture of me I didn't know was taken.

This is Ella with my dad ~ this morning while snagging these pics off my sister's myspace Ella saw this pic and said, "Papa." I was kinda shocked that she remembered since we're not around him too much, but I thought it was kinda neat - so I thought I'd document it. So, Ella with her Papa.