Happy New Year!

So yesterday my mom got here at like 8am and we dressed the girls and took them down to East LA to this mexican deli that makes awesome Tamales. I know, I know, most people make their own this time of year....but we are just not Tamale makers to put it bluntly and in my opinion....who wants to do all that work when you take a short drive and buy these delicious tamales for $16 a dozen! Then of course we made a detour to this amazing mexican bakery (El Gallo on Caesar Chavez) It has actually been featured on Food Network and in a few magazines, which I think is hilarious since it is this hole in the wall that seems to be about as big as my family room.

The girls thought it was so fun to see all the mexican pastry and pick out a special cookie. Being as fair as they are, they got a lot of looks from the locals and many sweet comments about how beautiful they all are. They were chatty with everyone,as always, wishing anyone who would listen a Happy New Year and hello! The thing they were most impressed by was a 1/2 life size Santa standing by the front door who sang songs and spoke when you pushed a button. We actually had to go there twice since one of the types of bread we wanted would not be ready for 30 minutes, so we went back.

Anyway, after our foodfest through East LA we came back home. I asked my mom along the way if it was just me since I don't drive a lot anymore....but the roads just seemed chock full of terrible drivers making really stupid decisions! The icing on the cake of the day.....we are in the parking lot at the bakery and some guy in a Chevy Silverado parks behind me and blocks me in! The parking lot is super narrow and only has maybe 6 spaces plus one handicap spot. So this guy and another blue truck arrive after me and park along a wall and block me in! Then a HUGE van conversion comes in and blocks some other lady in. Luckily she had a Honda Accord and was able to get out after like 8 attempts at a 3 point turn . Poor woman. she was really a good spot. Then the van guy backs into her spot. Meanwhile I am sitting in my Expedition watching this all go down while my mom is in the bakery. (this was the 2nd visit there). Finally, my mom comes out and we sit there trapped, waiting for the truck guys to come out and move their vehicles. About 5 minutes later the Silverado owner comes out and gets in his truck. So I get into position and think, okay, here we go.....I wait....and wait.....and wait.....and turn around and HE IS EATING in his car. I can't control myself anymore and I lay on my horn! The wife of the driver of the Van comes running out to make sure all is okay and probably to be sure nobody has hit her new van, but also to be sure that nobody is ticked off because her hubby parked between two spaces. Finally, the Silverado guy backs out of the parking lot and I can back out. As I am backing out I notice that someone else has pulled in next to me and has left their TWO KIDS in the car in the backseat in their carseats ALONE! I look at my mom and say, oh my God, are those kids alone? "I'm done, we need to get back to Orange County!" As I continue to back out I see another car that has a sticker that says..."I'm tired of stupid people" I just had to laugh.

All in all, it was a fun adventure for the morning, but we were ready to be back home. On a side note when we got off the freeway, I was talking to my mom about the city planning of LA vs OC. It's so odd, our streets are wider and homes are further apart. They are all just crammed in small spaces and my next question was....why are West LA streets so clean and East LA street not? They are all part of the same LA city? When we got out at the mexican deli, Emily asked why there was trash on the ground and Abby said "the sidewalk is dirty Mommy"..out of the mouths of babes.......I'll get off my soap box now....

When we got home, we rode scooters and played outside for a few hours and before we knew it, it was time for dinner and bed. New Year's Eve has never been a big party situation here. With 3 kids under 4, we are all fast asleep by 10pm since they are all awake again by 6:30AM.

They woke up right on time this morning and I forced them to watch the pre-parade highlights and then the 120th Rose Parade. When it ended and started again Sarabeth said, "Mommy, there is something wrong with the TV, it's on again" I told her that on New Year;s Day they show it all day....her answer......"Why?"

Happy 2009 Everyone! We hope this new year is full of fun, laughter, good fortune, love and peace for you and your family and friends.