all that jazz

This past weekend, I crossed another goal off my 30 before 30 list. My family and I drove many miles to see my little sister debut in the top jazz band and jazz choir at her college!

This goal was so near and dear to my heart. It was so special to see her performing on stage. I've heard her play piano many times but there's nothing quite like seeing someone you love completely in their element living out their dreams.  Watching her on the stage, she looked like she was just completely filled with joy.  I'm so happy for her and this musical journey she has embarked upon! My baby sister is all grown up!

Day 23 – a youtube video

day 23 - this is a youtube video of my sister singing at her high school graduation this year. Yeah, I totally cried.

day 7 - a photo that makes me happy

photo by rockstar jenny j

day 6 - a photo that makes me happy is from our wedding day.  My family is my rock; we are there for each other no matter the miles and I'm so happy they've welcomed my husband with open arms.  Now, we just have to teach him Spanish and he'd be able to understand what they are saying half the time!

walking for a cause

There are two organizations that are very dear to my heart: Susan G Comen for the Cure and National Multiple Sclerocis Society. I try to get involved with both in any way I can but so far, it has only been through donations. All that changes in April when my husband and I, along with our aunt, uncle and a few close friends will be participating in the WALK MS 2010.

We've chosen to do the 5-1/2 mile route through our scenic local park and are having t-shirts made in honor of our loved one affected by MS. We are all very excited to get the details ironed out and are really looking forward to the actual event. I imagine it is going to be a fun walk for all of us. Plus, one of our team members is going to have those yummy lemon bars we had served at our wedding baked and ready for us to enjoy at the finish line!! I simply can't wait!

What are some causes or organizations that are important to you? How do you get involved in movements that are important to you?

birthdays and cookies

Thanks to SplurgeBakery and Jersey Bites, I won a set of personalized cookies and had them sent to my dad for his birthday! They were 12 individually wrapped sugar cookies and tied with a choice of color ribbon. SplurgeBakery was really great to work with, and extremely patient while I had my sis find and scan the photo in for me when my dad wasn't around! These cookies were tasty and looked beautiful! They were a hit with my family and I bet would be great for wedding favors, holiday parties, or even company logo cookies!

This is the picture I sent (circa 85 or 86, so not a very good quality photo):

And this is how the cookie turned out!

18

After 2 trips to the hospital and a very long day in the waiting room with my cousins, my dad came out of the double doors holding a bundle of joy in his arms wrapped tightly in a blanket. Not knowing if it was a boy or a girl, I stood on my very tippy toes secretly hoping I would see a baby sister rather than a brother in his arms. 18 years ago today, with a sweaty tank top and a glisten in his eyes he proudly leaned over and introduced me, "Mireya, this is your new sister Kathryn."

Happy Birthday Sissy! I love you!

More Sisterly Love

Remember I mentioned my sissy was growing up way too fast and was having her senior pics taken last month? They were featured on Jenny's blog this weekend and boy-oh-boy are they hot!! I wish my senior pictures would've been this cool. Mine were the lame, "go lean on the fence and cross your arms" kind of pictures.

photo by Jenny Jimenez

Sisterly Love

Sissy came to town recently and we got dressed up and went to see Wynston Marsalis. It was just lovely to spend time with my baby sister (psst...I'm the one on the left :)

Did I forget to mention, I chopped it all off ;) Yep, I donated 2 ponytails, 10" each to Locks of Love. Ah, and was it ever so liberating!!

All growed up

This is my baby sis on her 1st day of kindergarden.
Tomorrow, she will be taking her senior pictures with the incredibly talented Jenny Jimenez. Where does the time go?