Santa Time

Dear Diary,
We're so lucky to have Santa visit our South Bay streets!  It's been a fun tradition since Josette was a baby.  Seeing Santa never gets old.  He brings us lots of joy and smiles!

TBT 2002

Making my way to the Santa Maria Assunta in Positano Italy to marry Jeff.  My Mom, best friend Sherry and sister-in-law Allyson... by my side.

Spaghetti Tacos

I know what you're thinking, but they're actually good!  Your kids will love them and they're super easy to make.

Cook spaghetti pasta per box instructions

Mix in about 2-3 cups of jar sauce (I love Rinaldi's Original)

Stuff taco shells with pasta

Add a side

Serve on paper plates for easy cleanup :)

Enjoy!  Your kids will love it!

Thanksgiving Reflections

Dear Diary,
There are so many things I'm thankful for with the most important being family.  I have a big one!  Growing up in a family of 7, there was little time in my world for peace and quiet.  Although I crave it sometimes... I really wouldn't have it any other way.  With 4 kids, our home is always loud and lively.  When we all get together for the holidays, it's even bigger and better.  My Mom does a great job hosting.  There's anywhere from 30 to 40 people at our gatherings.  I'm very thankful to have so many loved ones in my life... family and friends and I love that our kids have a boat load of fun loving cousins.  When I say I'm thankful... I'm thankful to God for making it all possible.  God puts joy in my heart!  Making a habit of thanking God through prayer helps me realize just how many blessings I have in my life.  This Thanksgiving and all year long I will continue to be grateful for family, friends, health, safety, freedom, food, shelter, laughter and my loving and forgiving God!

Gigi and Jessie Joy

Michael and Cathy

Gene and Ginny

Cathy, Grams, Joe, Mom... and sadly missing Paul and Ann

The kids table :)

My sisters Cathy and Sylvie

James and Jessie Joy

Dance Party

Jeff and Josette

Clean up time!

To Grandma With Love

Dear Diary,
Not many of us have the pleasure of spending quality time with a grandparent well into their nineties.  I'm one of the lucky ones!  Grandma Furnare is 92, healthy, smart, funny and beautiful!  She came to stay with us for the weekend and had a blast!  We loved our time together and didn't want it to end.  She loves hearing the kids stories and they love hearing hers.  We cooked, shopped and spent an afternoon by the ocean.  It was a beautiful weekend and we all look forward to having her again!  Love you Grams!

My Favorite Brownies

Ok, they may not be from scratch, but these Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownies are my hands down favorite!  Easy and delicious... try them and you'll love em!

From My Heart

Dear Diary,

As I gaze at my world

Of abundance and love

I cherish the moments

Thanking God up above

My feelings are real

My heart open wide

To accept the beauty

Of family by my side

If it all ends tomorrow

It will be alright

I've been blessed with this life

Thanking God every night

Halloween Memories

Dear Diary,
We had 2 days of Halloween fun!  Dress up for school and trick-or-treating.  My 4 were adorable!

Van the Ironman

Josette the Pink Lady

Jessie Joy the Mad Hatter

Gigi the cute soldier

Bailey and Josette

With Dad

So much fun filling our bags!

A Little Throwback to Halloween '12

Dear Diary,
I love looking back at the Lewis Family memories!  And of course, always making new ones!

Mike's Birthday

Dear Diary,
Jeff and I spent last Saturday in Westlake Village celebrating Mike's 50th birthday with Heather & Mike and their close friends.  We're no longer attending 40th birthday parties but have graduated to the half century mark.  We met some nice people, enjoyed the Mexican cuisine and loved spending time with John & Sherry and Heather & Mike. 

 Heather and Mike

John and Sherry

Love my friends for life Heather and Sherry!