The Ogaz Family

Old or New?

2012-01-29T12:53:00.004-07:00

I'm a sucker for old, what can I say?

But...I also love new.

The texture of old brick and the character of old thick moulding.

The smell of new carpet, the sharpness of new paint.

The only word for this is, LOVE!

Let It Snow!

2012-01-25T20:00:00.002-07:00

Just a quick outing in the snow.

In my next life...

2012-01-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

Carpet Tiles!

Word!

2012-01-24T23:02:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to register all of the

fun

new

words

we are hearing in our house.

We went to the Dr. for the girl's 15 month check up last week, where we were asked a number of questions like "do they do this, do they say that, how many words can they say, do they recognize the object that the word represents, etc". Well, as if on cue, words have seemed to stumble out of their mouths in the 4 days since that visit!

Although Bella has only officially learned one new word, she may have taken the cake, since her new word is "mah-maw", baby for Grandma! We were all surprised, since Grandma is probably Abby's favorite person on the earth. Oops, Checho just reminded me she also says "a-choo" and does the motion as if she is sneezing. She thinks it's hilarious when she actually sneezes. Too funny!

Abby has now spouted out "hi", which is accompanied by a Hitler "hi", bye, baa (for sheep), baby, me (anytime she wants something!), don't (with a finger shake at Bella), no, "boo" (while she jumps out of her hiding place) and finally, "tico, tico, tico" (for tickle, tickle, tickle), accompanied by her little tickling motion.

All of these are accompanied by their typical lion roaring, cow mooing, cat meowing, duck quacking, and Abby's continual "me, me, me"!

Dreams

2012-01-21T19:03:00.004-07:00

So Checho and I have this dream of someday having an outdoor living space. Yes, I know that term might be new to some of you, but essentially (to us at least), it means having a really fun, cool patio space connected to the back of the house with a fireplace (not a fire pit, mind you, a FIREPLACE), grill, and space to have parties and spend time with the fam. It must be covered, but I think that's the only real requirement we've come up with thus far.

Just so that I remember our dream, I have found a few pics that I like. Hopefully they will inspire you. You should plan your outdoor living space too!

This one is for Checho, since I think his dream might include a pool in there somewhere!

Yes, this is from the 2012 HGTV dream home. Big fan!

Funny Moments

2012-01-20T11:56:00.001-07:00

So I ventured out and actually gave the girls spoons to "eat" their breakfast this morning.

What do they do? Try to feed each other!

Too funny.

{this moment}

2012-01-17T20:04:00.003-07:00

{this moment}

A weekly ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

- Amanda Soule, Soule Mama

Pets

2012-01-17T19:52:00.004-07:00

Let's just get it out from the start: I am not a big fan.

They are messy, can't take care of themselves, take money and time, and just eventually die...right?!

Well, my 15 month old daughter seems to think differently. Bella LOVES animals. She is absolutely obsessed with her little animal puppets, Mr. Fox being her favorite. (With Panda and gorilla being close seconds) Every time she sees the puppets she pulls them to her face, giggles and cuddles them close to her. The moving, barking puppy she got for Christmas is even better...cause he makes sounds!!!

So you can imagine what it must be like when we go to the pet store...

About once a month we venture over, making it a family trip (they don't have carts, so it's impossible for me to keep the two girls by my side with so many fun things to see!)

Bella is unbelievable. If you've ever seen a little kid on Christmas morning, imagine that x 10!

She is in HEAVEN!!! She smiles and giggles, squeals and smiles more.

It's contagious...even for this non-pet-friendly mother.

I suppose that someday we will be getting a pet.

Checho is already trying to wear me down for a bunny!

Resolutions

2012-01-11T12:26:00.002-07:00

Just a quick reminder (for myself mostly) about resolutions:

President N. Eldon Tanner (1898–1982), First Counselor in the First Presidency, said: “As we reflect on the value of resolving to do better, let us determine to discipline ourselves to carefully select the resolutions we make, to consider the purpose for making them, and finally to make commitments for keeping them and not letting any obstacle stop us. Let us remind ourselves at the beginning of each day that we can keep a resolution just for that day.”

{this moment}

2012-01-01T23:12:00.003-07:00

{this moment}

A weekly ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

- Amanda Soule, Soule Mama

Thanksgiving 2011 (finally)

2012-01-01T22:58:00.003-07:00

Preparations...

Grandma's famous stuffing in the background. If you have StoveTop for Thanksgiving, you're missing out! Thanks to Shaunzi for helping this year!

And my favorite part of Thanksgiving. You must be part Olsen to know what this is. Thanks to Clark for keeping the tradition alive. Not sure what we're going to do when I have to cook Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey is definitely not an option.

"These mashed potatoes are so creamy."

And it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without those you love!

Things that Make You Go "Hmmm"...

2012-01-01T22:33:00.003-07:00

I was going through Checho's pictures to pull some for these posts. What I found what a bit of a shocker...

Things that make you go..."hmmm"...

Faces

2012-01-01T22:28:00.003-07:00

These two girls are full of personality.

I think the pictures say it all!

Christmas Tree

2011-12-18T19:21:00.003-07:00

I love my Christmas tree!

{this moment}

2011-12-17T17:03:00.002-07:00

{this moment}

A weekly ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

- Amanda Soule, Soule Mama

Hair

2011-12-08T22:23:00.003-07:00

Just to clarify...

I have been looking at these recent pictures and had to laugh at Bella's hair in every picture. I really do make her look cute, but with those crazy curls, you never know if it's going to be half straight/half curly, totally curly, or just frizzy after rubbing it with her beloved blankie.

I guess I ought to take some pictures just out of the tub. It looks gorgeous and full of curls then!

Fall Leaves

2011-12-07T16:12:00.003-07:00

We have all been sick lately and it seems like it will never end, but the girls were feeling better for a few days so I decided it would be ok to take them out for a few leaf pictures. I've always wanted to have a huge pile of leaves to throw a little kid into...haven't you??? Well we have a big pile of leaves in the backyard and so it was my perfect opportunity.

It is so funny to see their different personalities come out when we do random things like this. Bella loved it; wanted to look at and touch everything; and didn't seem to mind the cold at all. Abby was not having it. She just keep looking at me as if she couldn't wait to finish. But we got some cute pics out of it!

Oops...lost a shoe in all those leaves!

Our Zoo Excursion

2011-12-07T16:05:00.003-07:00

Hogle Zoo has a free day the last Wednesday of each winter month. Some friends and I decided to go on a whim and were so glad we did. Since the weather was a bit cold, the zoo wasn't very crowded and we were able to see all the animals up close.

My two little bugs in a rug did rather well in their stroller together and enjoyed the animals! Abby waved "hi" and "bye" to every animal!

Frosting Christmas Cookies

2011-12-07T15:53:00.003-07:00

Frosting cookies...that's what good moms do with their kids, right?! They have fun little creative activities planned each week to entertain and teach their kids. So I thought.

Our "I'm going to be a good, fun, creative mom" activity didn't go so well.

I had it all planned. Have the dough ready to punch out the shapes and let the girls help me do that part. Pull up each of their chairs right next to the counter so they could see what I was doing. Give them a measuring spoon and cookie cutter and we'd be set. Well, about 3 minutes into our little activity, the girls decided they didn't want to sit in their chairs and they didn't care about the cookies!

So late into the night, after they had gone to sleep I put myself to work, cutting out cookies (doesn't it seem that sugar cookie dough never runs out!) and baking them.

I had to take a break the next day...being a fun, creative mom is a lot of work! So two days later we got on to the FUN part - FROSTING! Now this they loved! The sugar high might have helped!

Homemade Yumminess

2011-11-08T11:19:00.004-07:00

Do you ever have those moments when, for just a split second, you amaze yourself???

Well, it happened to me today. I've been in the process of cooking pumpkins, roasting seeds, and then deciding what to do with the yumminess. This in and of itself has been quite an accomplishment, since I have NEVER attempted to actually USE a pumpkin as food!

Well, I decided what to do with the yumminess. I made pumpkin pies...from scratch!

Yep, all by myself. It's one of those BIG GIRL days! I cooked the pumpkin straight from an actual pumpkin. I made the dough (instead of buying a pie crust like I usually would) and I made the pie filling with my pumpkin yumminess. I know, I'm amazing.

{this moment}

2011-11-02T17:29:00.003-06:00

It's been a while, I know...

{this moment}

A weekly ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

- Amanda Soule, Soule Mama

More thinking...

2011-11-02T17:24:00.002-06:00

I have so many random thoughts throughout the day now that I am home, so I've decided to start journaling them here. Today, this is what I have been thinking...Being at home is the best!

Today I was able to:

"bust a move" with the fam - to latin music, of course

Tickle Abby until we were both crying

Finish my long-awaited craft project

Keep up on my laundry!!! Yeah!

Thinking

2011-11-01T12:10:00.001-06:00

Just thinking...

I love being at home.

I love pajama days.

I love little smiles.

Stringtown Halloween Train

2011-11-01T12:09:00.006-06:00

Grandma took us on this fun little train ride for halloween. Good thing the girls don't know yet that they are supposed to be afraid!

Painting Pumpkins

2011-11-01T11:58:00.003-06:00

I honestly can't believe I even attempted this, all by myself. Checho was at school and I had been debating for a week if I was going to let the girls paint their own pumpkins...you all know how I am about messes! Well Halloween day came and we still hadn't painted out pumpkins. It was now or never, so we dove in. They actually did really well, and other than their bodies, the mess was fairly well contained. Here's to the start of two little artists....Happy Halloween to Bella and Abby!

Halloween 2011 with the fam

2011-11-01T11:54:00.001-06:00

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T11:50:00.003-06:00

My two little peas in a pod. Inseparable.

These posts are not actually in the correct order, but you get the idea...

2011-10-19T12:21:00.005-06:00

I have been thinking lately that I needed to add a post to my blog. I even added it to my to-do list (and if it made my to-do list, it must be pretty important!) But then, there are a million other things to do. We have been busy with the girl's bday (pics to come soon) and school, so I keep putting it off, but not today. Today I am inspired by my baby sister's blog and the 50 things that make her happy. I am inspired by her sense of loving life and watching for those little things. I am inspired by her writing style...she is the writer I always wanted to be! And so, this is for Shaunzi...

50 things that i LOVE

1. Being the mom I always wanted to be

2. Fall leaves, I don't need to say any more

3. Sitting in front of the fireplace, drinking mate on a cold night with the man I love

4. Watching that man with our babies

5. The smell of fresh-cute lawn and the sound of the sprinklers watering it

6. Bbqs, especially at mom and dad's bonfire pit

7. Crisp, cold air that reminds me of so many places, people, and experiences (namely Ricks and Chile)

8. Spanish music

9. Rocking out to it with the girls

10. Checho's hugs from behind

11. Abby's funny faces

12. Bella's huffing and puffing when she thinks we are chasing her

13. Watching the girls chase each other

14. Camping

15. Chilean once

16. A good book; the kind you can't put down

17. Real, live, beautiful flowers

18. The excitement I feel when I walk into the cooler at the wholesale florist

19. Houses - looking at them, dreaming about them, designing them

20. Sleeping beauties

21. The gospel in spanish

22. Baking a special treat

23. The look on Checho's face when I ask if he wants another serving of the dinner he loves

24. A clean house

25. Straight sheets on my bed; no wrinkles

26. Drafting

27. Hot chocolate and any yummy bread (even better at mom's house)

28. Freshly fallen white, pure snow; NO FOOTPRINTS (stolen from Shaunzi's 50 'cause it's so true!)

29. A really beautiful Christmas tree

30. Yummy scented candles

31. Itty bitty things like toes and feet

32. Grandma's hugs...and her vocabulary (cracks me up!)

33. The fact that Checho always thinks he is funny

34. A nice, hot bath

35. Blankies

36. Summertime picnics

37. Learning

38. Preparing a special something for a special someone

39. Designing something with Checho

40. Seeing my family with our girls

41. Strong examples, just like my sister Shaunzi

42. Baby kisses; the open-mouthed, slobbery kind

43. The excitement of learning something new

44. Finding new yummy recipes

45. The Food Network and HGTV

46. Organizing

47. Checking everything off my to-do list

48. The smell of new carpet and/or leather

49. Salon hair wash

50. My family

Personality

2011-09-21T12:20:00.005-06:00

Sorry for all the posts, blogger won't let me load more than 3 of these pics at a time!

We had such a good time at our family foto shoot, if you want to see more, check out fb - Janneke Marquez Photography!

Bella, ever-smiling, teasing and fun-loving. And Abby, the picture says it all. Does this girl ever stop moving??? Besos, Kisses, and lots of hugs!!!

Bella and Abby, as always the STARS!

2011-09-21T12:06:00.005-06:00

Couldn't love these two little munchkins more! Just want to squeeze them every time I see the pictures!

Daddy's Girls

2011-09-21T12:03:00.002-06:00

Daddy's girls, more and more by the day!

Mom and the Girlies

2011-09-21T11:55:00.002-06:00

Yes, they really are this happy!

Us

2011-09-21T11:52:00.003-06:00

To the man I love,

You are the most wonderful thing that has happened to my life. Need I say more?

PS...you're not looking too shabby either!

Family Fotos

2011-09-21T11:34:00.001-06:00

Girls at 10 months, us...well, I'd rather not say!!!

Flower Fun

2011-08-31T09:49:00.003-06:00

I really enjoyed this wedding and it reminded me why I love doing floral arranging so much. It is such a good creative outlet for me. This was especially fun because we did a few new things that I had never done before. Enjoy!

I like to Move it, Move it

2011-08-25T23:06:00.003-06:00

Both girls are moving! Abby's first pull along the ground (which she still does 'cause it's faster) was on July 4. After an additional month and a half of Bella only being able to move backward, she finally figured out how to crawl, full-on crawl, on her 10 month anniversary. And it happened instantly...just decided to get up and crawl forward. That's my girls!

Curls, Just Like Her Daddy!

2011-08-25T23:03:00.003-06:00

At about 8-9 months, the curls appeared!

The ChEEser

2011-08-25T22:57:00.002-06:00

9 months and cheesin' it!

Cousins

2011-08-23T21:03:00.000-06:00

See the cousins together...

http://chadandbekah.blogspot.com/

One Step Forward

2011-08-23T20:53:00.002-06:00

Amazing how one step forward instead of one step backward can completely change a person's outlook on life. Bella has been crawling backward for weeks now, backing herself into a corner and getting frustrated when she couldn't move into another position.

Then...suddenly she figured out how to crawl forward. She took off and so did her attitude. She is a completely different girl; happy, laughing, smiling more than ever.

Just a little thought for my own life...take steps forward and move ahead rather than taking steps backward and not being able to move!

Living the Dream

2011-08-10T21:31:00.003-06:00

So it hasn't come about exactly as I had planned, but it has happened nonetheless. I always wanted to be home with the girls...to play, take care of them, hold them, feed them, love them. And have been somewhat frustrated because although I can work from home (which has been great, don't get me wrong), it hasn't been quite the picture I had in mind. I was always receiving phone calls, trying to fit work in between the girls naps and bedtime, frustrated that I couldn't really BE with them, but wasn't getting any work done either...until, we came up with the perfect plan. Yep, you got it. Have someone else do your work!!! Luckily I have a very talented husband who does a better job than I do when it comes to the graphics part of my job. Just in time to save my sanity, sales dropped off for the season and the graphics portion of my job kicked in. We were able to convince my bosses that having Checho on board was as good for them as it was for me! So...now I get to play with the girls while he does the work. Doesn't get any better than that!!!

I love you, Sergio Guillermo Ogaz Vasquez!!! Thank you for understanding, for being willing, and for being so talented! Besos!

{this moment}

2011-07-26T20:59:00.007-06:00

{this moment} A weekly ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. - Amanda Soule, Soule Mama

Thoughts about New Background

2011-07-23T15:16:00.003-06:00

so I know this new background has nothing to do with the pictures on this blog, but it DOES have to do with me. I love old buildings...love the way they look, love their character, love the way they make me feel. And, ps, don't you love the iron work???

{this moment}

2011-07-17T20:56:00.005-06:00

{this moment} - A weekly ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. - Amanda Soule, SouleMama

4th of July

2011-07-17T20:45:00.004-06:00

i LOVE the 4th of July. I think I owe that, for the most part, to my grandma. She has always loved the parade, the hot air balloons and the fireworks. It is because of her that we have gotten up early every year to see the balloons, and I am so grateful now that we have done so! (I probably wouldn't have said the same every year through my teen years!) Now that we live close, I look for the balloons as they start practicing weeks in advance, and often get up at 5:30 or 6:00 every day the balloons are flying, just to watch them from the house. Thanks, grandma, for the traditions, and for instilling a little part of you in me!

4th of July Surprise

2011-07-17T20:34:00.004-06:00

We go to see the hot air balloons every year, yes EVERY year...and have since I was little. So this year, when the sky was dark and it was a bit windy, we were all surprised, since we never remember that happening before. When we arrived we were informed that none of the balloons would actually take off due to the weather, but that all of them would inflate and be tethered to the ground "for the show". Shortly after inflating, though, the wind kicked in and we found ourselves hidden under a massive balloon. I must say, after having attended every year for so many years, it was a new kind of adventure! Checho was able to help one of the balloonists put his balloon away, and he had a great time doing it!

Guaranteed we will be back next year, at 6 am to see if the balloons take off...or if we will have another type of adventure!

4th of July with the Girls

2011-07-17T20:22:00.002-06:00

What could be better than spending the 4th of July with these darling little girls??? This year was a memorable one, since Abby did her first army crawl across the blanket to get to those glow sticks Grandma brought to the bbq! She hasn't stopped since!

Simple Moments

2011-06-21T09:57:00.005-06:00

On our way home from mom and dad's house on Father's Day, we saw an incredible sunset. We pulled over to take a few quick shots...along with about 4 other cars. It was one of those quiet, serene, memorable moments.

The Final Product

2011-06-13T21:30:00.006-06:00

i LOVE the smell of NEW carpet! What more can I say??? I really love it. Since the remodel is now complete, I could sit downstairs on the floor all day, just to smell the NEWNESS. (Yep, I probably just made up that word). But I really do love it. It's one of those small things that makes me happy. Actually, I'm not sure why I haven't thought of it before...I should go into carpet stores more often.

Slate floors still need to be sealed, but you get the idea...

Remodel - The Mess!

2011-05-29T21:57:00.004-06:00

Here is the first phase of the remodel. Now it just looks like a mess, but soon...

Light switch is now INSIDE the bathroom, not out in the hall. Yeah!

Opened up the living room and the kitchen.

Cabinets are going to be black. They look great! Checho's doing such a good job.

The hall is now about 4 feet shorter than it was before.

Love, love, love the slate.

Rediscovery

2011-05-29T21:51:00.003-06:00

I have realized that once you become a mother, you reach a point where you have to rediscover yourself...you know, the person you are outside of being a mother. My first moment of realization happened a few weeks ago when we decided to remodel the basement. I made some rough sketches...a few "dreams" and a few that could become reality...then I converted those sketches to actual drafting drawings in illustrator. Of course, that is not the ideal application for house plans, but it is all I had. I was reminded how much I LOVE drafting. I know that sounds awfully boring and dull, but I really do love it. When I was in school, I hated selecting fabrics and dreaded the fluffy part of design, but give me something technical and detailed, and I could spend hours. My love was renewed when I completed the simple sketches and drawings of our remodel. Now the remodel is in process and since we won't be doing another remodel anytime soon, I'm out of creative outlets. Any ideas of how I can practice drafting and continue to rediscover myself???

{this moment}

2011-05-29T21:30:00.001-06:00

{this moment} - A weekly ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -Amanda Soule, SouleMama

{this moment}

2011-05-21T21:50:00.004-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -Amanda Soule, SouleMama

Small Joys

2011-05-21T21:41:00.003-06:00

I love our little corner of the world and have decided there isn't much better than working hard in the yard on Saturday morning, then enjoying your hard work Saturday night while you relax in the yard. Oh, and I also love our garden, playing in the dirt, the smell of freshly-mowed lawn and the sound of sprinklers!!!

Talent

2011-05-17T21:17:00.003-06:00

Just a quick credit to my talented hubby...

Our Chunky Monkey

2011-05-17T21:12:00.004-06:00

I know you're thinking that you can't believe we call her chunky monkey, but you must understand that the culture in our house is half chilean. Some of you may not understand why that would make a difference, but it does, believe me. She's our little chunky monkey, and we say that in the most loving manner. Who doesn't want a little chunky monkey around to squeeze? (Especially when she laughs and giggles and can't stop smiling when you give her a big squeezy hug!)

My Little Itty Bitty

2011-05-17T21:06:00.004-06:00

Yep, she's an itty bitty. Some people even ask if we feed her! Really??? And then there's always the typical...oh, she looks smaller than the other one. Ok, so she's smaller...but that doesn't mean she's not as fiesty as the rest of them...and her sister has had plenty of marks to prove it. She can also be sweet, mellow and cuddly. She's my Abby!

The Blog

2011-05-17T20:54:00.003-06:00

I used to love to write. Sure, I was lengthy and drawn-out, but I enjoyed it...and I might dare say that my writing wasn't too shabby. Then I got busy. Life got busy. Oh, and I had twins. Seems that there isn't time for almost anything else. Still, there needs to be time. I am recommitting to write. And, I've decided that just because I have kids, I do not need to limit my posts to their pictures. This can also be my creative outlet. So there you have it, my new goal...oh, and I am going to get back to Friday Moments too!

Inspired? Yes, by Shaunzi Byron and Ashley Furness. Thanks for your simple, sincere, non-pretentious blogs. I enjoy reading them!

Sweet Music to My Ears

2011-03-29T21:03:00.005-06:00

I had put the girls down for bed last night and was straightening up their toys when I heard the sweetest sound...daddy singing to the girls in spanish. It brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. How I love my little family!!!

5 Months and Growing...

2011-03-29T19:18:00.005-06:00

While I have the memory card in the computer.....

We have now tried "real" food (ie rice cereal and oatmeal) 4 times now, and each time we have the same results: 2 upset baby girls with tummy aches. Looks like we will just have to wait it out a little longer.

{this moment}

2011-03-29T19:16:00.002-06:00

{this moment}

2011-03-18T22:47:00.004-06:00

A quick explanation: every Friday I am going to savor a moment from the previous week. This week it is a serious of photos trying to capture Abby's smile, but getting something very different due to a camera flash!

Loving my girls

2011-03-17T20:47:00.008-06:00

So the girls will be 5 months old tomorrow! I can't believe it! I will post some pics soon, but for the moment I just wanted to write a quick list of some of the things I love about them, to do with them, to see them do, etc:

Bella's cheesy smile that makes her so lovable - (and serves her for being in someone's arms so much...no one can resist that smile)

Abby's squeals - and just how loud they really are!

Bella's "clicking" noise - which I am proud to have taught her, I must say.

Abby's ever-moving body. That girl never stays still, even in her sleep!

Bella's frog position - she came out sitting like a frog with her feet touching and hasn't changed that position yet

Watching both girls hold hands when they play together

Watching the girls notice each other!

Sneaking a peak at my two little bugs in a rug

Watching their reactions to their daddy - they are both such daddy's girls!

Getting on the floor and playing!

Bella's love for her bottle...already.

The girls immediate smiles when I go into their room for their mid-night feeding. Can't beat that!

And a million other little things, but that is what I came to mind at the moment.

I love these little girls so much and can't imagine life without either of them!

4 month random pics

2011-03-01T19:38:00.007-07:00

Little miss smiley!

Big girl in her little chair.

Daddy did the mohawk!

Checho said she looked homeless with this hat on, but I loved it!

Once again, just some pics I found on the camera. 4 months old.

Suggestions needed...

2011-02-08T19:20:00.003-07:00

So I just took a minute to glance/read through some of my friend's blogs, which is something I haven't done in quite some time...and I am feeling like a terrible mother because I am not keeping a record of the cute things the girls do and when they do them. Help! How do you keep up?

Just some random pics I found on the camera...

2011-02-08T18:23:00.004-07:00

All 3 month pics, just so I remember later!

Sisters at 2 1/2 months

2011-01-22T15:55:00.005-07:00

Love these little footsies!

Blessing Day - Isabella Marie Ogaz Vasquez

2011-01-22T15:50:00.003-07:00

Blessing Day - Abigail Julie Ogaz Vasquez

2011-01-22T15:45:00.004-07:00

Just some random girl pics...

2011-01-22T15:39:00.004-07:00

Bella at one month

2010-12-10T16:46:00.006-07:00

Well Bella has always had chubby cheeks, but they are getting chubbier by the day! Her favorite hobbies are well, eating and sleeping...and rarely doesn't much of anything else! She loves to cuddle and rolls into a little ball. We love squeezing her!!!

Abby at one month

2010-12-10T16:37:00.005-07:00

Abby is now over 5 lbs. and able to use her carseat! Yeah! Mom and Dad are so happy about that! She loves being held and is very attentive. Gotta love those big brown eyes! It's funny - she's so tiny, but actually has chubby cheeks and a double chin in these pics! Besitos!!!

Month old family pics

2010-12-10T15:56:00.004-07:00

I know I should actually be writing something, but it seems all I can do it take a minute or two to upload pics...and am grateful for those few minutes to be able to do it!

The girls are doing so well...growing and starting to interact a little. After a long night with little to no sleep, a sweet smile from either of them seems to make it all better! How I love them!!!

The Photo Shoot...Featuring Bella!

2010-10-30T11:01:00.005-06:00

Our little sleeping beauty!

The Photo Shoot...Featuring Abby!

2010-10-30T10:57:00.005-06:00

Teeth and all!!!

The Shoot...Featuring Abby

2010-10-30T10:52:00.003-06:00

Dressing Up!

2010-10-30T10:48:00.005-06:00

Yep, the girls have already had their first fashion show and foto shoot, thanks to daddy! Since Abby was having her teeth pulled on Monday (one week old), we thought we better get in some pictures so that when she is all grown she will actually believe us when we tell her she was born with teeth! Here are our adorable little ones together...

Isabella and Abigail's Arrival!!!

2010-10-30T10:26:00.007-06:00

So we didn't have to wait long after that last post for the girls to arrive. Early Monday morning, Oct. 18 my water broke and we were headed to the hospital. I have to laugh, looking back on it. There I was sitting in the bathroom, hollering to Checho that "this was the big day". He jumped out of bed and immediately started into a bit of a panic mode. "What do we need, what should I do?", he asked. I giggled and said, "Well first off, you ought to get dressed!" This new daddy did a great job getting our things together, calling family, and letting everyone know that our big day had arrived! We checked into the hospital at about 4 am and met with Dr. Woolsey shortly thereafter. By 5 am my c-section had been scheduled for 6 am. All we had to do was prep and wait for Dr. Reese to arrive. To my surprise, the epidural (which ended up being a spinal tap) really wasn't bad and before I knew it, I was strapped down, watching nurses and doctors scurry around in preparation. Soon daddy arrived and we were ready to go!

Baby "A" - Isabella Marie Ogaz Vasquez arrived first at 6:39 am and to our surprise, was the BIG baby, weighing in at 5 lbs. 5 oz. All along we had thought that the "bottom" baby, as we lovingly referred to her (both babies were transverse) was the small one being squooshed by her big sister. Little did we know that Bella had been just fine!

Baby "B" - Abigail Julie Ogaz Vasquez then arrived 2 minutes later at 6:41 and weighed in at a mere 4 lbs. 8 oz. She was tiny! But her daddy was so proud...she had taken after him and was born with 2 full-grown teeth! The nurses were shocked and some said they had never seen such a thing. Don't worry though, daddy informed them that he had been born with 4 teeth and that she must have her daddy's genes! Abby was checked quickly because of her low weight and the dr. found that her umbilical cord was only 2 vessel instead of 3...a minor detail that had never been discovered in ultrasounds because we never could get a good pic! Little Abby would never be still enough!

Both girls did an amazing job and were never even admitted into NICU. Blood sugar levels and body temperature were monitored closely for the first couple of days, but miraculously (we believe) neither had any other problems, including respiratory, even though they were born 3 1/2 week early. What a miracle and blessing!

Final pics of the Girls Room

2010-10-16T23:13:00.003-06:00

So everyone thought I was crazy to decorate a GIRLS room in brown, taupe, and cream, but I must say, I absolutely LOVE how it has turned out! It really was a work-in-progress and some of the ideas just popped up (not really being planned at all). Now that it is complete, I often find myself sitting in the rocker, happy that the girls have a calm, serene room (knowing life with them will rarely be calm or serene!), and happy that we did just what we wanted, in spite of what others were saying! Can't wait until the girls are here!!!

And still more of the Girl's Room

2010-10-16T23:10:00.002-06:00

More of the Girl's Room

2010-10-16T23:06:00.000-06:00

Yes, Checho did all the artwork freehand!

The Girl's Room

2010-10-16T23:01:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Checho for doing all the work...and for making the room look even better with his amazing photography.

Quick Udpate and Week 32 Pics

2010-10-16T22:51:00.000-06:00

Bekah (my sister-in-law) and I at her baby shower...yes, she's only 4 weeks behind me!!!

And I thought I was huge at this point...just wait!

A close up, in case you didn't see it!

Oh my! I haven't posted since July! Just adds to the realization that I really am not an organized, got-it-all-together kind of person... Speaking of, I went to a friend's baby shower a month or so ago and the girl putting on the shower just seemed to have it all together. I seriously wanted to ask my friend if she was always like that...and how???

Anyway, that's beside the point. We are getting close now and I haven't posted the pics that I should have. Here are some pics from week 32...

23 weeks and still growing!

2010-07-26T22:35:00.001-06:00

So we actually took these pics a week ago, but I haven't gotten around to posting them. The girls are still growing, and it shows!

Family Trip to Nauvoo

2010-07-06T13:12:00.000-06:00

Just playin'
Really??? (At the Red Brick Store)

Soon to be Twelve

Pretty cool typography back then!

The girls at the Red Brick Store

Nauvoo too!

2010-07-06T13:05:00.000-06:00

Nauvoo temple at night

The Fam at the Nauvoo Temple

Mississippi River at Nauvoo

Adam-ondi-ahman

More pics of our Nauvoo trip. We had such a great time! Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Boys, Girls, or a Pair???

2010-07-06T13:00:00.000-06:00

We have been thinking all along that we would have to plead, beg, or bargain with the doctors to let us have an early ultrasound. Then, at about 15 weeks, the doctor asked when we had our previous ultrasound. When he heard we hadn't had one for about 6 weeks, he proclaimed that it was about time for another! Yeah!!! So we anxiously awaited the date...would it be 2 boys, 2 girls, or a pair of each???

Well, our first little one decided to cooperate and announced that she is a girl...but the second, well, that was another story. We just couldn't maneuver around that first little girl to see the second. The nurse finally posted "It's a girl???" on the picture, but we still aren't quite sure.

Our next ultrasound is coming up in about 2 weeks, so hopefully we will be able to tell then!

Also, another fun tidbit - we got great pics of both baby's faces. Our little girl (for sure) has Checho's round face and our little girl (maybe) has my longer face. It will be exciting to see how they actually look!

Tummy Pics - Week 19

2010-07-06T12:55:00.000-06:00

Just looked at our blog and realized I haven't posted since March! How does that happen??? Oh - LIFE!

So I finally got around to taking some tummy pics at 19 weeks. I know, I'm huge, but what do you expect??? There are 2 of them in there!!!

Doin' it Double

2010-03-24T15:39:00.000-06:00

Thanks so my sweet husband for pointing out this passage of scripture:

"And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."

During our long journey to pregnancy, I often felt that I was doing something wrong or needed to learn something that I just couldn't seem to understand, that the problems we were having were "my fault", or simply that the Lord didn't trust me to be a good mother. The feelings were sometimes overwhelming and hurt almost more than I could bear. And yet, through it all, we knew that the Lord was with us. We knew that as long as we did our part, He would do His!
And, He has. He has more than blessed our lives not only one growing baby, but with two!

As I mentioned before, we truly feel that this blessing has come because of the prayers and fasting of so many...and as the scripture states, "the works of God [are being] made manifest in [us]. Thank you all so much for your kind words, prayers, smiles, and hugs! We love you all!!!

The News!!!

2010-03-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

So many of you have already heard, since it has been hard to keep it on the down-low with Checho posting this photograph on his facebook page... After a very long journey, we are EXPECTING!!!

For those of you that don't know, we have been trying to add to our family for quite a few years now, without any positive results. About a year ago we finally decided to visit an infertility specialist, since the regular doctors didn't know what to do with us. Quite a few tests were run, and the results showed that Checho and I were both "normal" (we laugh at this...what is normal, really?!) and that our infertility problem was "unexplainable". That obviously didn't help the situation any, since we still weren't getting pregnant. We were advised to try a few things, then a few months later started artificial inseminations. After 5 months of them, and being on clomid for 3, I said I just wouldn't do it anymore. The emotional rollercoaster was too great and I couldn't continue living on 2 week intervals.

So, in November we went to our doctor to find out what our next option was. InVitro was the answer. We decided to go for it but due to insurance changes, etc. had to wait until January to start the process. We were accepted into the February invitro "batch" at the Reproductive Care Center in Sandy. And can I just say how wonderful they are???!!! If you ever need to see an infertility doctor, or know someone that does, I would definitely recommend the RCC.

In February I started on shots and multiple doctor's visits while my body was prepared to go through the process. I have to thank my wonderful husband for being so gentle with the shots and doing an awesome job! Maybe in the next life he should be a nurse!

I'll spare you all the details on the invitro process and skip to the good part...the picture above is of the 2 embryos that were placed back in my uterus on February 24. Then the wait began...almost 3 weeks of waiting to find out if the invitro cycle worked!

Then 3 days ago, on March 10, we found out that it had indeed worked and that I am pregnant! The flood of emotions was overwhelming and we immediately had to fall to the ground to thank our Heavenly Father. This baby truly is a miracle, given to us by a loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers prayers, even if it is in His own time. We truly believe that this miracle has been brought to pass by all of those who have been praying and fasting for us. May He bless you as greatly as He has blessed us!

Out of all of this, I have learned that the Lord truly knows each of us on a very personal level and he knows each situation and trial through which we are passing. He is in control and will not abandon us. In our darkest moments as well as in our brightest moments, He is there!

For those of you still wondering because of the two embryos in the photograph, we don't know yet if there are one or two babies...another week's wait to find that out!!!

LOTS of new updates!!!

2010-01-27T20:54:00.001-07:00

Finally, I have posted pictures of the past two months. Scroll through the next few posts to see what we've been doing!

Byron Family Weekend Vacation

2010-01-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

If you have not seen these amazing ice sculptures at the Zermatt Resort in Midway, you MUST go see them! Truly amazing and beautiful pieces of art!

Byron Family Photos

2010-01-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

The January Family Tubing Trip

2010-01-27T19:54:00.001-07:00

Christmas 2009 at Mom and Dad Byron's

2010-01-27T19:40:00.000-07:00

Cheesin' it!!!

Sophisticated

Our tree at home - I am in love with my tree and actually put it up BEFORE Thanksgiving this year! I so enjoyed having it up!

Christmas Blankees

The famous eskimo hat - possibly the most popular gift this year (for Checho, not dad)!

Thanksgiving 2009 at Grandma Olsen's house

2010-01-27T18:37:00.001-07:00

Lovin' the camera man!

My best friend and I chillin' after the meal.

Worn out after chowing down on all that good food!

Just about ready for a nap too...

Poor grandma...always smiles, but didn't look so great this year. We love you!

Being all "domestic"

2009-11-08T14:35:00.001-07:00

So we are in love with the REAL Italian pizza from this cute little shop in Midway - you know, thin crust, minimal toppings, pure flavor. Unfortunately, it's just a little too far to run over and grab some when we get the craving. So, last time we were there I told Checho that I was determined to learn how to make this pizza for myself. Last night was my first attempt, and I have to say, it didn't turn out to bad. (Between us and some friends we devoured 2 pizzas and were wondering where it had all gone.) The only thing that was missing was a real wood oven to cook the pizzas in, because for some reason pizza is better when it is a little charred on the edge and has ash on the bottom. We made do with our fireplace and cooked one of the pizzas right there. Yum! That was the taste we were looking for!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-03T19:24:00.001-07:00

Ward Party Halloween Fun

Fun Fall Walks

2009-11-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

So I haven't posted for quite some time! The next few posts will be "catch up"...
Fall has seemed to fly by this year, and I felt like I almost missed the leaves (one of my favorite things about fall), but thanks to our little walks we were able to experience the crisp wind and falling leaves first hand.

Labor Day Weekend with the Olsen's

2009-09-11T20:33:00.001-06:00

Seriously nothing better than hanging with the fam at Grandma's cabin!