Tyler and Justine's Wedding!!

May 18, 2013

Big Congrats to Tyler and Justine... they got married last weekend. 

We were so glad we got to come up for the entire celebration!

They had a beautiful ceremony.

Picture with my parents... Ty's Grandparents.

Due to weather, they ended up with their reception inside... but you would have never guessed it wasn't their original plan... because everything looked fabulous. It was nice to see family both immediate and extended. 

There were so may beautiful flower arrangements, all in these same flowers as her bouquet. 

Her color scheme was adorable teal, and coral. 

They had a a yummy waffle bar at their reception... fantastic idea!

Justine is super adorable and so nice, happy to have her as part of the family!

I loved little David... who had his superman t-shirt under his dress shirt. He was excited to show everyone. What a fun and festive celebration they had... so glad we got to come.

Hooray for Weddings!

~~~~~~~

I also did their wedding announcements for them... 

Lots of fun designing these.

Front of card.

Back of card.

Back of both Wedding Dinner Card and Temple Card.

Wedding Dinner Card.

Temple Sealing Card.

So, happy everything worked out with the printing and such.

Again Congrats to the two of you.

Love ya!

Visiting Emma Girl!

My Brother Alan and his wife Lisa had the opportunity to go to Pebble Beach on a all expenses paid vacation for two! So, they asked if I could come up an watch Emma. I was more than happy to come. Plus I really wanted them to be able to go. :)

Oh, and did we have fun!!

We had lots of adventures. 

Including: doing her hair in curls, and with her request a braid (because that is what Grammy does), scooter rides, park visits, shopping at Target. (She kept saying she wanted to go there.) and just hanging out together. She loved playing on my phone, and was a good sport when we had to go into the office.

It was fun, we were able to meet up with lots of people who I hadn't seen in a while.

Wednesday we hung out with Jennie... and her super cute little boy. We went to the discovery park in PG.

Thursday while Em went to Pre-School I met with Marg for lunch to talk work and just to catch up.

Em even came to the office for a bit, so I could pick up some work stuff. 

Also on Thursday we got to the park with Gerald and his two cute kid-os. They have got so big since last time we played. It was cute to see Em and David be friends. We had a little picnic, then played.

Friday we went to Brad and Karlee's house to celebrate Joel's birthday. It was fun to stop in as a surprise! Em was a good sport, she was the only kid except for baby Wayne. She took lots of pictures with my phone, most were not very flattering of anyone... so I didn't post any. She also took about 30+ of herself, which crack me up. 

Saturday we went to a BBQ at Brian and Pilar's house. Em LOVED it there... they had lots of toys and a swing set, so she was on cloud 9. Lexy also was able to join us. So good to see all of them.

After we stopped in at Grandma and Grandpa's... where we hung out for a bit. 

Then we had to get something for her Mom for Mother's day. Em had made the hand print picture at school, and said we needed to get something with flowers. Oh, and a treat. ;) 

Emma is in such a fun age. She would say super funny things all the time. 

She liked to sing in the shower, and in the car. 

I would often hear her whispering to herself... so cute.

She often told me "that is not how Mom does it."

She is learning to say prayers, and one night after I got done praying she said I forgot something...

I said what...?

She answered CRUZ! Which was really cute. 

Sunday I headed home, with a quick stop at my Mom's to say HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to her. Then I was off to St. George.

when I arrived home he had this little set-up for me.

A welcome home and a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to me.

I guess technically we do have a baby now. :)

Staying with little Em, made me even more excited to welcome our own little girl into the world. 

Thanks Em, for being so fun. Hugs and BIG kisses to you.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Cruz's Parents Visit SPRING 2013

The same day we returned from our HAWAII adventure we picked up Cruz's Parents from the airport.

 We were all very tired from all the flying that we just did... so it was a quick trip to see the flowers at the Bellagio, and some delicious dinner before we headed home. Seriously... I was exhausted, we had flown all night... and I didn't get much sleep.

 The next day we had all sorts of adventures. My boss, from Covenant was getting MARRIED... (see pictures below) and it was in St. George... so we went to her beautiful wedding. Sadly I forgot my camera, and so only got cell pics, but it was so fun to see her walk down the isle. Such a HAPPY day for her. LOVED it! Afterwards we took Cruz's parents for a little adventure around St. George, what a pretty place we live in!!

It was really fun to see Margaret get married, I am so glad we were able to attend!!! She was gorgeous.

While Cruz's parents were here, both Cruz and I had to work... so during the days they had to find their own hobbies! Cruz's Mom made lots of things for our baby! Booties, and a dress, hair band, some hats... she is very talented!! They also love to shop, they spent hours at home depot, wal-mart, and other places. Great time to stock up on things that are A LOT more affordable in the states. It was fun that we had our ultrasound while they were here. 

Cruz's parents are both super excited to welcome their 3rd granddaughter.

 We went to the Tuchan street fair... and then went to the Kayenta Street chalk art festival. Lots of fun, stunning works of art drawn on the ground! They also had yummy Mexican tamales... which were fun to have the in-laws try.

 Weekends were all about adventures while they were here... ZIONS! Cruz's Moms personal favorite. :)

From Zions we went straight to BRICE. So pretty and though still chilly there... we loved the view! We didn't visit here last time they visited... so it was all new for them!

 Cruz's "Uncle" was in Vegas for the weekend... so it gave us the perfect excuse to go there.... AGAIN! It was really nice for us to just have some fun with each other. We had dinner with him... but didn't take a picture.

 Hoover Dam! Wow, it's been forever since I had been there! They have totally revamped the visitors center etc... This was a great adventure, and Cruz's Dad really liked it. Nice to have something new to show them.

We had a great little weekend in Vegas... and then went back just 4 days later to take Cruz's parents to the airport! What a great vacation they had. We are so glad that they like to visit us! Cruz's Mom is always so nice and she cooks delicious meals for us while she is here. We are excited to have them come back when our little baby is born.

We had such a FUN time, I think we were all worn out by the end. :)

YAY! For lots of adventures!!!

Hawaiian Babymoon

Once we have a baby, we know our vacations will never be the same. ;) Not in a bad way, but they will just be different. So, we really wanted to be able to take advantage of the time we have before baby girl comes. What better way to spend it than on a BABYMOON. 

We debated on a lot of options....

and decided on Hawaii!

I think we went perfect timing. Half way through my pregnancy. 

I felt great, and we were able to enjoy our get-a-way with comfort.
Though it was kind of funny to try and lay on the beach, being that you aren't suppose to lay on your back. :)

Since both of us had never gone to Hawaii, we decided on going to Oahu.

We stayed in two different hotels 1st was just across the street from Waikiki beach.

So fun to be that close to the beach. This gave us lots of time to relax and rest on the beach.

 Cruz loved our view from the hotel. Even at our 2nd hotel we had views of the beach... and it was only a block away. 

We were lucky enough to meet up with our friend Amy to score some great military discounts... which took us to the Polynesian Cultural Center. I loved this!!! I think it was one of my favorite things we did. What a great program, and seriously beautiful place. I loved the night show... "Ha, the Breath of Life" fantastic performances all around.

We were able to run over to the temple, and so glad we did. It is gorgeous. We thought we would have time to visit again, but it was closed that day... so this was our only chance. So, pretty.

I tried really hard to get a picture that was awesome of the whale watching, and didn't luck out. The  best I got was the tail peaking out. I needed my bigger lens. 

We got to see tails of the whales popping out, but we also got to see the head too. I didn't have my camera ready and ended up with a picture of the sky. ha ha ha. But this was fun to see. What amazing creatures. 

Waikiki beach was busy but we loved every second. We had a lot of fun. 

Top left picture, is with Amy our cute friend who hooked us up with some great deals. We had some lunch together. It was fun to see her, and hear how things are going. Thanks AMY!! Always nice to have someone let you in on the most fun things to do, and also give you some ideas of where to eat etc...

Cruz tried paddle boarding and loved it. He didn't recommend it for prego me... so I watched from the beach. Looked like fun. 

Cruz went exploring and came back with a fancy pineapple drink in a pineapple. Festive don't you think?

Dole Plantation... what fun to see all those tropical plants and flowers. We tried the famous DOLE WHIP, and Cruz thought it was so gross. It cracked me up, and also left the rest for  me. Yum! He thought it tasted like the smell of finger nail polish. Honestly I loved the juicy slice of pineapple they gave us after the tour the best. Yummy, fresh, and sweet pineapple!

We rented a convertible while we were there and took a journey over to the North Shore.

We enjoyed the beaches, turtle bay, and treats from ted's bakery and then later giovanni's shrimp! All so delicious. 

Pearl Harbor, I was really excited to see Pearl Harbor. Not sure why, but stories of heroism and bravery  fascinate me. Lots of lives lost that day, and lots of stories of amazing people who saved others.

Reminded me of how lucky I am to live in the United States of America, and that we have willing men and women who go out and protect our country.

The memorial was peaceful, and also made me think of the Hiroshima Peace Park. I felt love for both. Thankful that we were both able to recover and rebuild... but also to honor those who lost their lives in both places.

KoOlina area is beautiful!

We ended up spending two days in this area we liked it so much.

Paradise Cove was a fun night.

I loved making the flower wrist band, and the performances were amazing too.

It was kinda cloudy so we couldn't really see the sunset, but it was still really pretty there.

Before we returned our car we took a little drive around the Island. Such great views, and fun to see a little more of Hawaii. I loved all the tropical flowers.

Our last day we decided to head over to Hanauma Bay. So glad we did. Awesome snorkeling place. Amazing fish swimming in that little area. 

Oh, and thanks to friends giving us some good tips we also got to eat some yummy malasadas which are portugese donuts without a hole. We had the filled kind. So warm and delicious.
Always hard to go back home to normal life. Vacations we love you, and you are always so good to us.

Hawaii, you were a fantastic vacation... we can't wait to go back!

Once we arrive back on the main land... we picked up Cruz's parents from the airpot. So, I feel like our vacation is still going!!

it's a girl!

We had our gender revealing ultrasound yesterday.

And... Baby Marcano is a 

little girl!

I have to say that I was surprised. Cruz had all but convinced me that it would be a boy. But I was really feeling like I had no idea. I actually was a little nervous that maybe something was wrong because I haven't felt the baby move, yet. But there she was our little dancing baby girl... doing a little yoga actually... flexible little girl she is. ;) Kicking and wiggling all around. So fun to see those blurry little images, and to know she is growing just as she should be. 

Tomorrow, we have our follow up appointment where the doctor goes over the ultrasound results. Making sure everything is in check. But the tech said that things looked good.

Now, can it be the end of August?? I am so excited to hold this tiny one...
even if I an nervous about having a newborn, but who isn't... for their first baby.

For now, we are just so happy... and excited about her.

Yeah, for babies!

Happy St. Patty's Day ☘ 2013

We celebrated St. Patty's day with full heart this year! 

Lucky the Leprechaun came for a visit this year. He brought us some Lucky Charms for breakfast. As well as Cruz a new St. P day shirt. See Cruz hates green... and doesn't own any green. 

After Church we had a traditional St. P day meal of corn beef and cabbage with Irish soda bread.

We also jazzed it up with some other GREEN foods such as guacamole chips, green jello, and a electric lime green drink. For dessert we had pistachio ice cream. 

Not sure I am a fan of green jell-o or electric lime drinks... but all in all it was a fun dinner!!

I saw that Irish blessing online, and I thought it was a perfect wish for St. P day. So I had to make it into a little tag, for the lucky charms. ;)

Hope you all have had the Irish Luck with ya this month.

☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘
We have had pretty fun St. P day's celebrations over the years...
2012
2011
(2011, probably the most festive)
2010
2009

Snow Canyon

Randomly on we went for a little HIKE. We were out and about doing some Saturday errands and when we were done, I was wanting to go and do something fun. So, we grabbed some Mexican food at Casa Dona Maria... delicious!!! And then decided to go for a drive. Ended up at Snow Canyon. Not a long drive... so we went on a little hike. It was the middle of the day, so it got really warm... but we loved the views, and it was nice to get outside in the sunshine!

Valentine's Day 2013.... LOVE

Some people think Valentine's day is dumb. But we LOVE it.

A good reason to think of the people you love, and mostly your spouse.

We keep it pretty simple... 

This year I had been in Orem working at Covenant's Office helping train people.

I came home on Valentine's day. It was a treat to just be together. 

When I arrived home, our place was spotless, and finally our Christmas tree was out of sight. (It had been in the corner empty for over a month.) This was a present in itself... but there were also a lovely vase of flowers on the table.

I started getting a cold... and didn't feel that great, so I asked Cruz if he would just pick up some take-out on the way home.

Which was perfect because restaurants were going to be busy. Cruz worked his connection at the Mexican restaurant down the street and they put his take out order ahead of everyone else!!! Awesome for us... sorry for all those waiting. He also had a surprise box of Belgian chocolates for me; and of course a card. (I really like cards from the husband-o!)

I decided to get Cruz some of his favorite treats for his little Valentine's gift....

Chocolate covered almonds.... yum!

Movie Theater gift card, with a drink cup for the megaplex... which is only $1.00 to fill when you go to the movie. 

(The movie we eventually went to was... Jack the Giant Slayer... which was really good.)

We ate our dinner and then watched a cheesy chick-flick on Netflix.

It was a perfect little Valentine's day for us. 

Love you Mr. Cruz Armando Marcano!

oh, BABY!

We are super, super excited to announce that we are expecting a BABY! 

due date: August 21st 2013

(Joining the August birthday club with my family! We already have 4 birthdays in that month.)

We are just over 12 weeks!

Last doctor appointment we got to do an ultrasound. Which was fantastic!

And with that they measured the baby and moved my due date up a week... which was awesome. Skipped right past 11 weeks and onto 12 weeks. 

I have been feeling pretty good. 

I am counting my blessings on that one.

I have been really tired. Especially in January.

So our little lime (that is about the size the baby is...) is growing strong.

Cruz thinks it will be a BOY.

For me I am not sure. Boy or Girl feeling neutral about it.

Only time will tell.

We told our families the other day, and it was fun to hear their reactions.

So, nice to have such a awesome family with lots of support.

Cruz's Mom said "about time" which made us laugh.

Cruz's Sister Josmery squealed with excitement.

My Dad was the 1st to know after Cruz, and it was when I was super sick with the flu over Christmas. We were trying to decide what medicine I could take. He said "Bless your heart" which made me laugh a little. But his face was filled with excitement. 

My friend said, I can't wait to see what a little Marcano looks like. I couldn't agree MORE.

Yay!! 

Celebrating my BIRTHDAY!!

For some reason this year we have been awful at taking pictures... which is so unlike us. 

But doesn't mean that we haven't been having a good time! :) And the few pictures we took of my birthday were on Cruz's phone and he deleted them... except for the one he posted on facebook.

This year I celebrated my birthday at a delicious restaurant just before you enter Zions NP. Oscar's Cafe was so delicious!! YUM, I am drooling as I type this. I decided to get a steak which is so not me. I guess the baby was craving it. lol. It was so good, and one of the best steaks I have ever had. Cruz had a burrito which was also very good.

After dinner we were too full for desert, so we waited until later that night.
We had yummy treats at the Bear Paw in St. George. Again, delicious.

Cruz is always good a surprising me for my birthday and he did just that. He bought me a kindle, and a book to go with it of my choice. I downloaded "TEN YEARS LATER" which has been a good read. It is amazing to read about people who have hardships and turn them around to be gifts. He also go me a armband case for my phone so I can take it exercising. I had no clue what he had got me, it was a complete surprise. I loved it!!

We also celebrated with some friends and had yummy sandwiches, and red velvet cake on the Sunday after my birthday.

Then when I was up north early February we had a family get together, with lots of laughter and good times. 

Always fun to have another birthday, and a great excuse to celebrate!!

Cheers to being 32!

CHRISTMAS 2012

 Above is in Vegas. Cruz and I decided that when we took his Mom and Dad to the airport to go home we would stay an extra night just the two of us. We mainly just relaxed. Slept in, and saw a few of the sights. We go to Vegas ALL THE TIME. Too often for me actually. ;) But Cruz is a big fan. He loves the buildings, and all the hustle and bustle. So, glad we enjoyed this time because little did we know we were going to be SO, SO Sick for Christmas! They had this amazing mini show playing on the street. It was so fun to watch. I loved the dancers who were on stilts. The costumes were incredible. Ironically these were the only pictures we took. :)

Christmas was on a Tuesday this year... which was extra nice because we went to Orem on Saturday and didn't have to return until Tuesday evening. That was the plan....

Saturday, my Mom went to the hospital with a strange pain. So we rushed down. Lucky for her and us... she was ok. They did keep her overnight and she was able to be home for Christmas. She has a lot of different health problems, and I won't go into it here... we were just glad to have her home and on the mend. 

Sunday, we were able to go to Church and relax with family and friends.

Monday, Christmas Eve. It snowed a lot. We had some plans to have lunch with Joel and Lexy. We decided to go to BLUE LEMON since it was near Lexy's BF house who we picked up along the way. I started to feel sick as we were driving. Sort of like car sickness. It was weird. I brushed if off. (At this point the only person who knew I was pregnant was me! I was waiting to tell Cruz on Christmas.)

I thought maybe it was morning sickness or something... but tried to ignore it.

We had a fun time with our friends and chatted as we ate delicious food. I only ate a little of mine cause I just wasn't feeling right.

After we went to Joel's apartment. I felt so sick, I had to leave abruptly. 

Got home just to run into the bathroom.

I HAD THE FLU.

I DON'T THINK I HAVE EVER FELT SO MISERABLE. 

So, while my family all celebrated Christmas Eve with a dinner and white elephants etc... 

Cruz and I BOTH spent it running from the bed to the bathroom. 

I did manage to sneak into the living room where the family was gathered for a few minutes. Emma was opening her gift from us. She had the cutest little surprised face. It was so fun to watch her. I love kids a Christmas. Also, David and JJ were overly excited with batman toys and backpacks. Em, also wanted to come and sit on my lap. Her Dad said she couldn't and had to come grab her. I said "Em, I am super sick... you don't want to get sick." She cried. It was so sad. Stupid flu!

I have to say it was the yuckiest Christmas EVER! 

Tuesday, we felt ok enough to drive home on Christmas day.

That was the end.

I was so sad that I didn't get to even enjoy the holiday. 

Though felt lucky that we did so much during the entire holiday season that we still can look back at it with good memories.

We had celebrated our own little Christmas early. We decided to update our phones to iPhones. So, nice and easy to use. We are loving them. Just reminds me to celebrate the moment... because plans do not always go the way that you want.

We felt completely better by Wednesday.

But both decided to take a sick day to make sure. Probably a good choice since we were still exhausted.

Hope your Christmas was better than ours!

Cruz's Parents Visit Part 3!!!

I really love San Francisco!! It has been so fun to visit there. This was our 3rd time visiting there since we have been married. :) Good memories all 3 times.

 We went to the Japanese Tea gardens. So pretty there. It was a nice way to start the morning.

We took lots of pictures. These were just a few. The gardens were very pretty this time of year. Other time we went was in the winter... and still pretty but this time it was even better! 

Golden Gate Bridge. One of the many icons of San Fran! 

Lombard Street: Took us forever to get there... ended up driving down it... which totally freaked Mom out and put her on the edge of her seat! Then totally illegally parked and ran and got a few pictures. 

Coit Tower: Pretty picture before sunset

Transamerica Pyramid: Came across it as we were driving back to our hotel.  

Tiburon City: Such a cute little town. Reminds me of the artsy feel of Park City... but with water. :)

 Alcatraz Tour: We almost missed it. We were stuck in traffic and missed the tour we had purchased but were lucky to get on the next boat. So glad we made it, such a great tour and neat to see. Cruz's parents loved it. We were glad we got to see them. Ironically on the way back we sat at a table with a couple who were originally from Venezuela. Small world. :)

Pier 39 and Fishermans Wharf! I LOVE THESE PLACES... such yummy eats here. We had lunch at this little place were you could see the sea-lions out the window. They provided lots of good entertainment as we at lunch. Felt nice to sit and relax a bit. We showed them some of our favorite shops, including the salt water taffy place. Yummy.

We had a wonderful time there, we walked our feet off... and had some good laughs.

 I thought we can't leave San Fran with out riding the trolley. Little did I know that it would take FOREVER TO WAIT IN LINE!!!!! The parents were FREEZING, and to be honest miserable. But look at their smiles before we got on the trolley. And what a experience we had. A car pulled out in front of the trolley. We were in the back, but I guess it was kind of a miracle that we didn't smash it. Then we couldn't get up the hill... so a truck came to push us. But we were stuck. The trolley was so packed, I think it was too heavy. Then they sent a semi-truck to give us a good push and up the hill we went. SO CRAZY!! We ended getting off at China town and had dinner. Always fun in China town.

We had the most wonderful Salmon dinner at Cruz's uncle's house. His wife Kristina made a delicious meal, that we gobbled up. Lots of fun to have time to spend with them. So nice that we were able to make the trip and visit with them. Cruz's Dad and Enrique were good friends/cousins growing up and it had been several years since they had seen each other. They always make us feel welcome when we visit San Fran.

That was our trip, and the next morning we drove home, to Saint George. Slept and parents began packing. They had come with one suitcase each and went home with 3 each. WOW! The following day we took the to the Vegas airport to go home. They had a wonderful time while visiting us. We are so happy they came. It was so fun for me to get to know them better. It was so nice for Cruz to have time with his parents. We loved having them and can't wait until they come back in the spring.