Dinner & Dancing With My Baby

My little baby, Mateo.

The school music program's biggest fundraiser is a dinner/dance event held at our local Radisson Hotel. This is a fun event and although it was a lot of work for me, as a committee member, it is worth it to see how much fun Mateo has dancing up a storm. He definitely gets that from me!

Mateo and his friend, Malachi decided to wear fedoras.

Having a ball with his pals, Ricky, Malachi, and Noah

With Konnor and Malachi. Can you see my girlfriend, Anna in the background?
Hint: She's wearing Malachi's hat.

One of the biggest money-makers at the event are the gift baskets that we put together with donations that we get. They are auctioned off or raffled. Anna and I baked cookies that were put into a few baskets. Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of the baskets once they were made but here are the cookies that I baked. I had a lot of trouble with the Royal Icing this day. I just couldn't get it to the right consistency but I guess no one noticed because our cookie baskets actually had quite a few raffle tickets!

Speaking of the band music program, a few weeks ago Mateo participated in a Festival at his school. This is a completely voluntary event where the kids play in front of a judge (either in a solo or duet) and they get rated. Mateo and his buddy, Aaron played in a duet and they got a Superior rating (one level below the top rating of Command). We are so proud!

Congratulations Aaron and Mateo!

Don't be nervous, guys!

We did it!

I'm with the band (Alex, Noah, Aaron & 'Teo)

With Alex

Malachi's standard pose. With Vincent.

Tea with Veronica

How did you celebrate Valentine's Day?

We (the girls) celebrated the day of friendship and love with a fundraiser tea for our dear friend, Veronica. Veronica was diagnosed with breast cancer about 5 years ago and after a mastectomy and treatment she was cancer-free for a few years. Recently, her cancer has come back and it is now at a Stage IV. Veronica is a fighter and her determination and ability to remain graceful during this trying period of her life is an example to all of us. To know her, it is to know the Grace of God and His power to make even the most unfortunate circumstance pale in the light of hope. She is an amazing and giving spirit and we are all better for having her in our lives.

We decided to get together and raise awareness and money so that Veronica can attend a mind/body retreat and treatment center in Sedona, AZ. Our goal was to raise $2500 to cover the treatment program, which does not include lodging and food. I am ecstatic to report that we raised over $3,000! I am blown away by every one's generosity. We had checks pouring in the week before and they are still coming. It is amazing and it just goes to show that when people come together for a cause, anything is possible. Now our friend, Veronica will be able to go the treatment center sooner than she thought. Thank you so much to all of you for your support and for loving our dear friend this Valentine's Day.

The guests (donors) were treated to a variety of delicious imported tea, tea sandwiches, pasta dishes and desserts. We also ran a silent auction where they had the opportunity to bid on exclusive art pieces that were brought over by our friend, Yolanda Stern and a plethora of salon and beauty products donated by Ruth Calderon and Sylvia Leomali of Fascino Hair Salon in Downey, Juanita Valencia, owner of Casa de Bellini in Whittier, and Rebecca.

Lorena does a great job as auctioneer.

Tea, girlfriends, and good conversation. What could be better?

Some of the artwork that was auctioned.

For sale: french-milled soaps donated by Yolanda.

I made several desserts; silhouette cookies; lavender heart cookies,
marshmallows dipped in chocolate, and scones.

My silhouette cookies were displayed on several trays throughout the house.
Look for a how-to in a future post.

Lorena and I bought these adorable tea sets in Downtown Los Angeles a few years ago.
They've come in handy and look lovely when displayed.

Valentine chocolates were displayed atop the buffet.



Valentina, Viviana & Paulina
The only girls that love a tea party more than I do!

All of the donors' names where displayed on these heart-to-heart garlands.
These became a great keepsake for Veronica.

Maria Eloisa, Veronica, Yolanda, & Lorena.

with her cousin, Macy.

with Cari.

with Ruth.

You are looking at two survivors! Ederlen & Vero.

Priscilla and Jackie.

A friend of Veronica, Juanita, Maria Eloisa & Rhonda.

Paulina & Vero.

My mom made me these beautiful silhouette pillows.
I love the simplicity of the black silhouette against the decadence of the pink silk.
Thanks, mom!



And I made these little silhouette pillows which I hung on a branch over my bed.

I also made these silhouette frames from pictures that I traced.

I guess I went silhouette-crazy!

Thanks to all of our girlfriends and God, this event was a huge success. Beyond our expectations!