Florida

Last week Owen and I took a trip to Florida for my cousin's wedding.  We were looking forward to lots of fun in the sun, but instead we had almost constant rain!!  The week we were there, Florida got more rain than they have in the past three hurricanes combined!  Go figure.  But we still had a great time, anyway.  There were a few moments of sunshine, and we definitely took advantage of them going on boat rides and playing in the backyard at my grandma and papa's house.  Owen got to meet relatives for the first time and was a great sport on the plane ride there and back.  We had a great time, but we definitely missed poor Daddy who was home all alone.  He had to stay behind because of finals and job interviews.  Here are a few pictures from our trip.  I'm a a little "picture happy", so I tried to narrow it down.  Enjoy!

Sitting on Great-Grandma's swing

Dancing at cousin Aaron's wedding

Going for a boat ride

Sitting in front of the old outdoor brick oven

Feeding the fish with Uncle Jon

Standing in Great-Grandma's hose barrel

The following pictures are my attempt at being a professional photographer.  My grandparents have the coolest backyard.  They live on a lake and have so many beautiful "picture spots" in their backyard.  I really wish I had a better camera, but I think these turned out all right.

And the award goes to...

Rick!!!

On Friday night I had the honor of escorting my husband to the 

2009 Center for Insurance Studies Scholarship Awards Ceremony 

at the Marriot in Fullerton.  We got all dressed up, dropped Owen off with Aunt Tawny and Uncle Donovan (thanks again!!!) and headed out for the night.  Rick received not one, but TWO scholarship awards.  First, he won the O.C. RIMS Insurance Scholarship and then the Cargill Insurance Innovation Award.  Out of the 40+ recipients that night, he was one of two people to get more than one award.  I am so proud of him!  He has worked so hard to finish his degree and go to work so that I can be home with Owen.  I cannot think of a man more deserving of these awards then him.  Congrats!!

Us 

(In case you were wondering, I did NOT cut my hair short - it just looks like I did in this picture.)

Rick receiving one of his awards

Rick showing off his awards

(We took this at the end of the night when most everyone had already gone home, hence the stage skirt halfway off)

One of the centerpieces from the event - I got to take it home!!  

A sweet lady at the event offered me this beautiful bouquet, 

and I just couldn't resist.  I've never seen those flowers with

 the purple and turquoise together before and I just fell in love!

Here he is in action...

Umm.....

I think it's time to baby proof.

Mother's Day!

A late Happy Mother's Day to all of the women out there.  Hope you had a wonderful day!  I started my day at church and then spent the afternoon with family. I couldn't have asked for a better day.

First, Owen left me this message.  He has become very skilled with his blocks.

Second, Rick gave me a sewing machine!  

**Disclaimer** I have been wanting a sewing machine for months now because I have always wanted to learn how to sew.  I bought fabric a month or two back to recover our throw pillows but couldn't because I didn't have a sewing machine.  Earlier this week, I told Rick that there was a sewing machine on sale and that mother's day was on Sunday. *hint, hint*  When I got the sewing machine on Sunday, I was super excited and told Rick that I wanted a picture with my sewing machine.  (yes, I am cheesy.  I know this.  I embrace it.)  This conversation followed:

Rick: "Wait, are you going to put this on the blog?"

 Me: "Yes.  Why?"

Rick: "You can't do that!  Getting you a sewing machine on Mother's Day is like getting you a vacuum or something.  They're going to think I'm horrible."

Me: "No they won't.  I'll be sure to explain that I've really been wanting one."

So there's my explanation.  For the record, my husband is not horrible and I think it was so cute that he was worried.  :)  I LOVE my sewing machine and am so excited to think about all of the crafts, halloween costumes, blankets, ballet costumes, etc. that I can make for my family.

Thanks, honey buns!  You're the best. :)

Here are pictures of Owen and me.  

I am so proud to be his mama!

He is the sweetest little boy in the whole world.  He has brought so much joy into my life; I don't know how I ever lived without him.  He just gets cuter and cuter every day. :)

Rugrats

Bigger and Better Things

A lot has been going on at the Araiza home... 

  Rick has been studying like crazy and will be graduating from CalState Fullerton with a degree in Business Finance in just 2 1/2 weeks!!!! We are SO excited to put school behind us (at least until it's time for a master's!) and move on to the next phase in our lives.  Rick is actively looking for a job (preferably in the insurance industry), so if anybody has any connections, please let us know.  :)  Rick was also recently awarded a scholarship from CSUF's Insurance Association - way to go! We are so proud of you!

I have been busy chasing after Owen - yes, I said chasing.  Funny story: On Sunday, Rick had been helping Owen practice standing up on his own. His balance was quite good and he was really getting the hang of it.  Rick then helped him stand on his own and said, "Come here, Owen!"  And then it happened - Owen took THREE PERFECT STEPS and then crashed into Rick.  We were completely floored!  I mean, Owen hadn't even CRAWLED yet at this point.  

So of course, we had him try again.  

Sure enough, he stood and then took one step before crashing. (And when I say crashing, I mean that he started to lose his balance and Rick caught him.)  

 

Owen was on such a roll, we decided to put him on his tummy and see if he'd crawl.  I guess he was really in a showing off kind of mood because lo and behold - he crawled!!!  He moved his arms and legs together and crawled to the computer on the floor.  Again, we were completely floored because he's been struggling with crawling for quite some time now. 

 I guess there was something magical in the air on Sunday.

So now we have a mover.  Yes, it's true - my baby is mobile.  He's not very quick yet, but I know it's just a matter of time.  I guess I'd better baby-proof the house.  :)

No post would be complete without some pictures, so here are a few recent shots.

This was right before bedtime.  He was so tired! 

 I love how sweet he looks in this picture.

He's a very good eater!

He loves his toys!

Nothing makes this boy happier than 

to be independent and on the go!