Recipe for success

A few months ago, there was some holiday or other and Aaron's dad put in a request for me to bring cookies. It was last minute (Aaron was on his way to pick me up), but it just so happened that I had made Monster Cookies or something like that early that day. Coincidence? I thought so. I thought that maybe Aaron had mentioned the cookies, so being curious, I asked. Aaron's reply? "White people" usually have some sort of baked good sitting around, waiting for consumption. And I realized, it's generally true. Mr. Sanchez wanted cookies and his son's huera girlfriend had them.

I don't feel the least bit boastful to say that Aaron really likes my baking. He hasn't disapproved, yet. In fact, he wants to learn. So, we've been baking.

At Easter, we made my mom's sugar cookies. His family likes things that aren't too sweet and can be dunked (not too much frosting), so Aaron was content with naked sugar cookies. Half the fun of sugar cookies is decorating them and if I'm going to go to the trouble of making homemade sugar cookies, there will be frosting. We compromised by having a self-serve bowl of cream cheese frosting to accommodate either preference.





This past week was Aaron's mom's birthday. We were both little puzzled as to what to get for her. She likes practical, meaningful things. I found out from Aaron that it's been years since she's had a birthday cake....so, what did I suggest? Let's make her a birthday cake, of course! (Leave it to the huera, right?) From Aaron, I discovered that she loves yellow cake and strawberries. I started suggesting something like a 2-layer cake with strawberry filling, or maybe a citrus cake with strawberries. Aaron was a little miffed. "You mean I've been denied all these years? You can add stuff to the cake mix? You can change it? Why was I never told this?" I assured him that it's ok to think outside the (cake mix) box. He "helped" by cracking a few eggs and mixing the batter and complimenting my work. The final product--2-layer yellow cake with fresh strawberries and vanilla frosting. We filled inbetween the layers with fresh strawberries. The vanilla frosting was a cool whip and pudding recipe, so it had flavor but was light. I didn't have any almond slices, so we used some chopped nuts for a top border. It was so much fun and his mom loved it! We served it for dessert after a bbq for her on Saturday. (I helped in the kitchen and got to learn the secrets to her pico de gallo and guacamole). About the cake, Aaron's dad said, "We're not going to be able to eat this cake. She's going to keep to say "oh look at this cake Amanda made for me.' Three years from now, we'll still be looking at this cake, wishing we could eat it but she wants to save it." Haha.



I enjoying cooking, I really do, but I think my passion leans more toward baking. It links me to my childhood. It carries so many traditions. The handwritten recipe cards are how I have conversations with my mother and grandmothers. I bake when I'm happy. I bake for the happiness of others. I bake because it makes me happy that I have a talent to develop. I bake because having something homemade makes me feel industrious. I bake because it makes a house a home.

Whether it's because it's my huera roots or not, baking is part of my heritage and legacy.

The early bird can have the worm...

There's nothing more ominous (or obnoxious) as a ticking clock when you're running late. Take this morning...

I finally bought a clock for my bathroom because I hoped it would help me discipline my time better in the mornings. Nevermind that I've fallen into the terrible habit of walking up 30 minutes before I'm supposed to leave in the mornings (and have fallen into an even worse habit of leaving 10-15 mins past an already tight departure time). At the very least, a ticking clock mocking me with "late. late. late" sixty times a minute should help, right? This morning, it seemed to be and I was rushing to the kitchen to grab breakfast/lunch...some sort of sustanance...with literally 2 mins max to leave. I grabbed my Costco version of Slimfast, an extra for lunch, my purse, my book bag, and headed for the door. Grab keys, ID badge....is it cold out in the mornings? Maybe I need I jacket, I thought. Grabbed it, threw it over my shoulder....and, forgetting that I had already opened the can, somehow managed to drench my entryway in chocolate diet drink. Eww. It splashed a diagonal of chocolate from 4 ft high in one corner, down across to the floor, then jumped up and coated the front door. Oh, and don't forget the mirror and all behind the coats and purses I have hanging on pegs. How it missed the actual coats and purses and things, I'll never understand...but thank goodness! I stood there in a bit of shock, like I had just walked in on a scene in a slasher movie...(the victim would have of course been a chocolate cow, a thin chocolate cow). I didn't know I was so violent when pressed for time.

I got to work, late of course, and was hurrying to get to my room when the 1st bell rang. And, of course, today of all days, the principal happened to have a front row seat to my parade of tardiness...the late part hasn't been so unusual the past few weeks, but I can usually make it under the radar.

If being late is tardy, then is being repeatedly late re-tardy? Today, it felt like it. This night owl has got to find a way to get the extra 30 mins of snooze on the other end of the mi-mis.

Lunch, Laughs, and Mexican Ballads

Friday, again. I started the day out with my kinder kiddos for SIC (Speech Improvement Class). My preschoolers didn't show up today for various reasons (sad day!), so that left a window of time for me to go to lunch with my Aaron. He finally got to meet one of the other SLP's I work with (Sasha), we stopped by the nurse's office to say a quick "Hi" to Sandra (Aaron, Sandra and I all worked together at Desert Hills Residential Treatment Facility--and Aaron is the only one left there), then it was off to lunch. We went to a nearby Mexican market that also has a taqueria, etc and dining area. It's soo good! It's close to work and it's always an interesting experience.

Today, we decided to try the tortas (a type of Mexican sandwich). We ordered the torta con carnitas, which was amazing! While we were eating, I was trying to interpret the epic Mexican ballad blaring overhead. I asked Aaron, "What did that part just say?" His response? "Oh don't even try to understand those songs. It's worse than the saddest country song you ever heard. When you play these songs backward, you don't just get your house, dog, and wife back...you get your kids, your grandparents, maybe a village, half of Mexico...you get your long lost brother who's become a drug lord back--and he's all cleaned up....the kid you had with your wife turns out to really be yours, again..." Oh how I love that he can make me laugh!

A Concept Finally Takes Root

Yesterday, one of my 1st grade kiddos learned a fantastic lesson for following all the directions.

On March 1, he learned that seeds need sun, soil, water, and air. We filled a cup full of potting soil, selected a seed, and then he was supposed to poke a small hole (not too deep), put the seed in, and cover it. Then, add water. We labeled it and put it near the window to get plenty of sunlight.

Every few days, Ms. Lewis has taken care of his little cup of dirt with the seed inside by watering it.

Every week, my little kiddo has patiently waited for his bean to sprout.

Yesterday, my little kiddo asked when he would be able to take his plant home. We checked on his barren cup of dirt and I decided that we should investigate to see what happened to the seed. My thought was that he may have buried it too deep. We rooted around in the top layers--no seed. I dug a little further--no seed. I finally dumped the cup out on the table and we spread out the dirt to search for the seed--no seed.

We laughed when we realized that Ms. Lewis has been watering a cup of dirt for a month.

I think he understands the principle of following all the directions a little more clearly now...

A Good Friday

Today has been frustrating. I don't feel well and I have TONS to do. My cable went out and when I called the cable company, I discovered that my last payment hadn't been received, so...not only was I late, but the bill was much larger than expected. In the course of figuring it out, the sales person kept saying something about "your 2 cable boxes." After asking about this and promising that I've only ever had one in my apt, I was put on hold for a duration that I'm sure sucked away my anytime minutes. It was worth it though, because it turns out that the reason my bill has been so high is because I've been charged for 2 digital boxes for the last 7 months. I now get $104.65 credited to my account. It couldn't have come at a better time.

After I hung up, I made sure to say a prayer of gratitude because, despite the frustration and the worry I've had over these bills, I had been blessed with a small but much needed moment of reprieve.

I'm especially grateful that my cable is back up and ready for General Conference this weekend. I love Easter! It brings fond memories of my childhood--homemade Easter baskets, fuzzy duckies and bunnies, family, and lilies. It refreshes sweet memories I have with my mother. But most of all, I have become more appreciative of the fact that General Conference and Easter occur together. I'm excited to renew and strengthen my testimony through the pure and humble testimonies of our Prophet and Apostles. Although I love bunnies and dyeing eggs, I look forward to the added focus on the Savior that this weekend will bring.

The sorts of traditions that take root in families and cultures around widely celebrated holidays is something that I've been given an opportunity to explore more often lately. I think I took for granted the enthusiasm and effort my mom put into times like Christmas, birthdays, and even Easter. Her special touch and exuberance for family time and celebration is something I've dearly missed these last 5 years. My dad has done a wonderful job in keeping on with most traditions and introducing new ones. But, nothing is quite the same as opening a gift given specifically with a mother's love. There's something satisfying to the soul in sharing a meal prepared by your mama. Sometimes I've worried that amid all the chaos of the Cancer Years, I didn't take good enough mental notes, like I'm missing bits and pieces of our family traditions that only my mother could fill in. I'm desperate to gather these in and shelter them from the decay of time and distraction, to preserve them for myself, my dad, especially my sister, and one day my children.

I've been especially aware of these feelings and the lonely places in my heart now that I've come back to Albuquerque. My dad and I (and my sister, too) are closer now than we've been in a long time. It's made me a much happier person. The instances that dredge up those feelings of loss seem to come when I'm most surrounded by family and love. It's an odd place to be in one's mind. One particular instance that I've been thinking about today happened with Aaron's mom. She has taken me in like a daughter and it's been a very sweet experience. She's told me several times that she wants to pass on the "secret" family, traditional Mexican recipes (posole, tamales, chile red & green, menudo, rice, etc) to me (the huera). I'm pretty excited about this! This morning, I was on the phone with Aaron, and his mom (from the background) wanted to know if I wanted to come over for breakfast (even though it was noon...). She's been preparing traditional dishes that their family eats during the Easter season. It's quite an array. After Aaron relayed the invite, he told me, "I think she just wants you to come over. She enjoys your presence in the house." It really touched me. Since my mom died, I've had several wonderful women step in, and in there own way, fill in the mothering that my sister and I miss. They've loved us, counseled us, and encouraged us. But amid those blessed women, there are a few who have stood out in the influence and healing they have brought to my heart. I realized today that Aaron's mother has become one of those close to my heart. She's a 5 ft spitfire Mexican woman, but I have always been welcome and cared for by her. She sends me soup when I'm sick, speaks highly of me to the relatives, gives me thoughtful and personal gifts at Christmas, and is always quick to invite me to be with the family. Aaron says she has a soft spot for me because she knows what it is to lose a mother. She also thinks I'm a good person. She's genuine in her affection for me. I've never felt like I had to be anyone but myself to be impressive. Aaron's mom, along with a very few others, collectively bring that element of motherhood into my life.

So tonight, I gladly will be sharing in the Sanchez Easter traditions of family and food (whose names I can't always pronounce..food or family!). My heart if full of the blessings the Lord has so abundantly poured out to me. Despite the frustration and worry that at times seems to consume my life, the Lord remembers me. He knows me and sends me exactly the right people in my life to uplift me and remind me of the Lord's love for me. And when I put in the effort, he sends the $104.65 when I need it the most.

Happy Easter! May you remember the our Savior and His love for us, especially in what the Atonement and Resurrection mean for us.

"Have you never heard such a mangaling of the language which we are speaking?"

4 year old as quoted by his mother: "Le pregunte 'quien es tu maestra?' 'maestra Amanda.' 'le gusta ella?' 'si, ella es buena genta. y tambien ella tiene cabello.' 'tiene cabello?' 'si como papi. ella tiene cabello en su brazo." Translation: 4 yr old went home a told his mom I'm good people and I have... hairy arms like his dad. awesome.

Overheard: teacher-"scientists say that the global temperautre has increased by 1 degree. Doesn't sound like much but it's like taking a popsicle out of the freezer. It takes 1 degree more to start melting. ..(later)methane gas can contribute to global warming. We make methane gas when we fart." student "so if i fart on a popsicle, i could melt it?"

SLP: "let's talk about our book. Who's the author?" students-"judy blume." "and what's the title? What's the name of this book." student-"oh! Uh uh...Fecal Juice!"

Aaron came to my school today to drop off some things that I needed (such an awesome guy!). I was with a kinder student who jumped up & followed me to the door to find out who this man was who came to visit. Student: "Quien es el?" (Aaron & I panicked...) Me: "Quien es?" Student: "Es tu... papa?" (after much blushing) Aaron: "No, ella es mi novia." haha!

(Looking at a picture of the solar system) Me: "Aqui tenemos los planetas. Donde vivimos?" My kinder kiddo: "En el planeta Earth." Me: "Si. Hay otros planetas. Miralos cerca del sol." Kinder kiddo: "Cual es esto bien pequeno? El rojo como se llama?" Me: "Eso es Mars." Kinder kiddo: "Donde viven los aliens?"

Me: "We've been learning about lots of different animals and now we're going to review some vocabulary." (mammals have fur, live birth, babies drink milk, etc. reptiles lay eggs, etc) 2nd grade kiddo: "So...the mom mammals have babies and feed their babies milk and the mom reptiles lay eggs...so what do the boy animals do?"

Me: "What's the capital of New Mexico?" 4th grade kiddo (after a thoughtful pause, and with all sincerity...): "uhh..M?"

(first grade kiddo looking at a birthday calendar): "Look! Someone's birthday is on Halloween (October) and they have one on Christmas (December). And which one is St. Patrick's Day because did you know that one time when I was in pre-school and it was St. Patrick's Day it was gross because in the bathroom there was green pee in the toilet because the Leprechaun didn't flush the toilet."

vocab lesson: perch. "From his perch behind the clock, Hugo could see everything." me:"What does perch mean?" boy:"Like a type of fish?" me:" Yes, but does that fit our story? He's watching the old man, waiting for a chance to steal the toy. How could a fish help him?" boyt:"Well...he could slap the man with the fish. It would work better if it were a really cold fish so he could slap him & get away."

me: "What state do we live in?" 2nd grade kiddo: "United States?" me:"Actually, we live in a state called New Mexico." kiddo:" Oh ya. Hey, I wonder what happened to Old Mexico..."

"Ms Lettuce? I mean...Ms. Lewis?"

(1st grader): "Ms. Lewis, you wanna here my joke now?" "Sure!" "K. Do you know the difference between the bird flu and the swine flu? Well anyway for the bird flu you get a tweetment and for swine flu you get a oinkment."

overheard...teacher: "Who takes care of animals?" kinder: "vet!" teacher: "Who takes care of us when we're sick?" kinder: "doctor!" teacher: "Who takes care of our teeth?" kinder: "The toothfairy!"

lesson: seeds. me-"Peas are seeds. They grow in something called a pod." 1st grader: "Like an iPod?"

4yr old: "Oye! Tengo 10 dedos." me: "Puedes contarlos?" (counts ten fingers). me: "Puedes contar mis dedos?" (counts 1-10) 4yr old (looking amazed):"Tu tienes 10 dedos tambien! Oye! Puedo contar mis dedos del pie, tambien!" me:"Cuantos hay?" 4yr old (1st ft):"1,2,3,4..." (2nd ft) "... 5,7,8,9,10,11,12,14,16, 40,41,42,4...3,44,45,46,47,48,49... 40! 41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49..40!..." & so on...

(overheard during a test) SLP-" Finish this phrase -Roberto worries about a lot of things. His friends say he is a _____" student-"Weirdo!"

2nd grade boy" Hey! Can you pull my tooth?" me"That's a job for your mom or dad." boy"Why can't you do it? It feels funky." me"That's not why we come to speech. Maybe you should ask the toothfairy to do it. Leave a note that says if she wants your tooth, it's still in your mouth." boy"What?! She takes them, not pulls t...hem. Anyway, she's not strong enough. She's too tiny. She's not human."

2009-2010 Season Review, in 15 minutes or less

Has it really been since August '09 since I've updated my blog? Wow! So much has happened since then...but instead of totally describing every minute detail, how about some Cliffnoted catching up?

Moved back to Albuquerque at the end of August.
Started a job with Albuquerque Public Schools as an Apprentice SLP (while I finish thesis). I work at an elementary school providing bilingual speech therapy.
Aaron bought me a hamster. I named her Scout (To Kill A Mockingbird...)
Turned 25 in October.
Dressed as the "Princess and the P" (carried a giant letter P) for Halloween at work. Read to groups of parents and kids.
Celebrated 1 year dating Aaron in November.
Christmas with the fam was awesome.

New Year:
Tried menudo. Survived.
Became addicted to Glee.
Got 6 new Spanish speaking Pre-K kiddos. Adorable!
Aaron shared my addiction to Lost. Countdown to the final episode commenced.
Joined Netflix. Turns out, this enabled our Lost addiction. Found some interesting foreign films.
Got a gnarly sinus infection.
Spring Break. Went to Gallup. Came home.
Gnarly sinus infection, part II....or continuation of the first. Plus, double ear infections and bronchitis. Insurance is awesome. So are antibiotics.


I've been sick a lot more this year, which has put a damper on being productive. I also discovered the depressing reality that I now weigh the most I ever have. Good thing my apartment complex has a gym.

I absolutely LOVE working with my students. I'm definitely in the right profession. I've learned a lot about the professional world, the SLP world, and myself.

I miss my friends in Utah, but I'm happy to be where I am.

It's been great to be closer to home. My family and I have needed each other. It's been nice to spend more time with them.

Aaron and I are doing wonderfully :) And I'll leave it at that, for now...