Life

Our backyard -- beautiful mountains. . .

Our Christmas tree with my husband's train and village underneath.

We had a very nice Christmas this year. My sister was home, my little sister and her family stayed to visit with all of us. I love this holiday along with all the Christmas shopping, decorating the tree and feeling festive. I had such a sadness, though, for my sister's health. I want everything to be the way it was when she was well.

Today I started to take down all the Christmas decorations. I was kind of amazed that I didn't put up too much. Next year I'll do better, I hope. :-) I like putting away all of our ornaments. Each one has a memory. We have a snowman with my daughter's teeth marks on the brim of the snowman's hat. This was our very first special ornament when she was a baby. Then we have the ornaments I embroidered back in Idaho when our oldest son was born. I especially like the ornament with "all my children" on it that was taken back in 2006 -- so special.

And now a new year is upon us. Time goes by so fast. Life goes by so fast. I need to stop and thank God for all his goodness, for his many, many blessings, for my sister and mom, for my husband and children. And pray for strength and guidance because we can not do this by ourselves.

Happy New Year everyone!!

She is home . . .

My sister is home. She will begin chemotherapy next week. I'm so glad she is home because it makes her happy. She will be eating tamales for Christmas! So happy!

Christmas has always been a big celebration in our families. It always was for my parents, therefore, traditions have been carried down to the children. My mom still makes tamales. My daughter and I make tamales. Sisters and daughter-in-laws also make them for their families. Christmas Eve has always been about family and the eating of tamales, games, and laughter. This year my sister asked that we all keep with the traditions since this has always been her "holiday", too. We rejoice because she is home.

Postiveness and hopefulness and Faith. We need all of these. God bless our sister and all of us - and all of you. :-)

My sister . . .

Today I walked with my sister along the corridor of the hospital - a short walk. We looked at the snow on the mountains and thought how pretty it all looked. In my heart, I cry. Her doctor told us she has "incurable" cancer. I don't like that word - I hate that word. How dare he tell us that. She is my sister and I love her so much. We need to keep praying for a miracle. God knows our paths in life - I just hope he will let her path continue.

Yummy Cookies!!

Today I went to a Cookie Exchange Party for the first time ever. I had a wonderful time seeing and talking with good friends and especially seeing friends I had not seen in a long time. I am so blessed to have so many good people around me.

There were all kinds of cookies and the food was delicious!!!! Tamales, taquitos; a spinach, artichoke, parmesan dip, salad, salsa and chips and the best of all hot apple cider with caramel and whipped cream --- Absolutely delicious!!! I ate way too much, as usual.

I want to give you all two really nice scriptures that we heard at church this morning. I was so touched by them. Although I have heard these scriptures before, today they held more importance to me.

Proverbs 2:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Have faith in the Lord in all things.

Jeremiah 32:27 "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is there any thing too hard for me?"

No there is not anything too hard for him. We must have faith and believe.

Have a good week everyone. God bless us all. Don't forget your umbrellas!!!

From Your Father

A letter from your father in honor of your birthday. . .

The first time my daughter was introduced to me oratories were addressed to a child that I was finally able to see; Before it was small talk through the stomach of your mother. I had no visual response from you, not a hint of a soft smile or a touch of your hand. So I waited and continued to converse, sing and played my recorder (flute) for you. When you were born the baby sounds in " Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder danced in my head and will forever remain in my thoughts whenever I hear it. I don't care what your age may be, it is a song that is not dated. The song merely describes how proud and lucky I am of you then and now. Throughout the years and for the years to come if I do not say it to someone I would say it to myself, "Isn't She Lovely." Earth would not deny you as you flew kites using her wind. Water would lead you to the finest trout when you had it's permission to fish and although our dog Zora crazed to put out fires with more determination than a rhinoceros you enjoyed it's warmth by cooking the likes of marshmellows and hot dogs. To this day you still like to remain out side. You were never without friends. Books were your friends also. You read to all your animals and to your stuffed animals as well. These profound characteristics continue within the realm in which you walk; the beautiful flowers you and your husband grow. The career you have chosen is like those flowers you grow, planting seeds, nurturing and watching the majority of the lot blossom. Somebody the other day asked me, "Is that your daughter?" and I said,"Yes. Isn't She Lovely."

Love you, Dad.

Happy Birthday to Our Daughter

Today is our daughter's birthday. Happy Birthday daughter!!!

When I found out I was expecting you, I was so excited! Your dad and I lived in the time of the flower children. We lived in a little basement apartment that belonged to a big old home. It had a huge front porch and sat on top of a hill overlooking the college campus your dad went to. Every day I walked to work -- about 5-6 blocks one way. Your dad built you a crib made from bamboo - it was a beautiful little crib for our little girl. We did not have t.v., but we had music. Dinner was sometimes a bowl of Raisin Bran, but when I craved a strawberry pie, your dad would get up and go to the nearest supermarket to buy me one. I remember one time your dad bought me veal because it was suppose to be good for me -- yuck! I did not like it -- too strong of a taste. I did, however, love oysters and crackers (still do!)

I remember we made a couple of practice runs to the hospital to see how long it would take us. :-) Dad and I even went to the Lamaze classes to learn how to breathe correctly --we were going to have you naturally -- no drugs. The morning of the tenth, I got up to get ready for work as usual when my water broke --- "Hurry!!!! It's Time!!!"

Your dad got me in the car and we made it to the hospital with plenty of time. You know the "no drugs?" Forget it -- after almost the whole day in labor, I said, "OK, give me something for this pain!!!!" You were born at 6:06 p.m. You weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz. and you were 19 1/2 inches long. You had so much hair and oh my gosh -- we fell in love with you in an instant.

I woke up and saw you in your daddy's arms. Since then you have been daddy's girl and mine, too. We love you.

Thank you for giving blood for your "tia" on your birthday. God bless you, mija. We are so blessed to have you in our lives.

Hmmmm ......

I'm back at work -- for three weeks -- then it's the "Winter Recess" formerly known as the "Christmas Break." For the last 13 years, our school taught on a year round schedule and therefore, I was off for six weeks right after Thanksgiving. I have not worked in December for all this time and here I am working. It is fun, I must say, because the children are so excited about Christmas, but at the same time it is hard to keep them focused on the learning.

Another downfall on working during this time is the decorating of my home. I used to take my time and put every decoration in its place. At this moment all my Christmas decoration containers are sitting all over our music room -- what a mess!!!

Ok, I understand that the majority of the working society works during this time, so I shouldn't be complaining, but I do need to figure out a way to reorganize and get things in order here at home and at work. When do you do the shopping?

Life is grand, isn't it? :-)

Tomorrow, my sister finds out when they will do the operation. I'm really hoping for a complete healing. With God, all things are possible.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! It's interesting to have a day like today when we are reminded of everything that we are thankful for, but more than that it is a day of good food and family togetherness. It's a good day to hear from friends and other family members, too.

We are blessed to have so much in our lives and we are thankful every day, not just today. But it's all good. :-)

Tomorrow is the beginning of the Christmas buying known as "Black Friday." What a somber name to call the beginning of this "rush." For years, my husband and I have been up early and off we go to join the throngs of people waiting in line to get into the stores in order to buy that one gift. Years ago, I stood in line when the "Cabbage Patch" doll was the toy to have. A friend of mine was way up front and as the doors open we all rushed inside. She yelled to me, "G., CATCH!" I lifted my arms and caught that box -- DARN IT~ my daughter would have a Cabbage Patch doll!! Ahhhhh ... good to have a friend with a good throwing arm.

Most times, however, we get inside and the product we want is gone! Bummer! I really believe they buy only a small amount for each store. They just want to get us in and buy other stuff -- no sir-ee -- not us - we turn around and walk right out, get in our car --- and --- zoom to the next store.

I don't quite know our strategy for tomorrow. Last year, we got there when we got there. I think we will do the same tomorrow. Breakfast sounds good, too.

Again, we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, a good beginning of the Christmas season, good health, good times with family and friends.

Good

My sister's doctor is a good doctor. She is really happy with him. He is being very thorough and she likes that. I think a good doctor helps a patient to be more at ease with the situation. I can hear my sister's energy and a "lilt" in her voice. And all that is good. :-)

Yesterday my teenage son came home with a bracelet that said "YO TENGO ESPERANZA" (I have hope). They were being given for a 1.00 donation at his high school by parents whose children have cancer. I thought it was a nice gesture on my son's part to get this bracelet because I know how much he cares for his "tia."


When I stop and think of my life and the lives around me, I am so blessed. Thank you, Lord.

Sisters

So much goes through my mind -- cleaning the house, work, on vacation -- where would I like to go? Do I want to go anywhere? Sometimes I think yes, other times I think it is not necessary at this time. My mind is mostly on my sister. Her health and her imminent operation. We are five sisters. We are all different, but the same in many respects especially in the way we love and care for each other.


Our oldest sister has always been our cornerstone, our blessing, second mother to most of us. And she is sick once again -- with cancer.

I tell her we can overcome it once more. We will have faith and believe that our good Lord will again heal her body and make her well again. Miracles . . .

When one of us is sick, we all come together to help and support each other. We are five sisters and we are so blessed. Thank you, Lord.

Sister

We were once young. . .

Veteran's Day

God bless our soldiers today and everyday.

Veteran's Day

Today we took a little detour from our day and ventured upon a Veteran's Day celebration downtown by my husband's old high school. One of the first McDonald restaurants has been turned into a museum and we had never gone in there. It was very interesting because of all the historical pictures and newspapers that went way back. I like looking at things of days gone by because it helps me to remember how it used to be. Not that I grew up here, but I like listening to my husband tell me about his chidhood. The picture above is of the train yard the way it was. It has long since been torn down and the metro link has replaced the grandeur of this train yard.

Ah... McDonald's -- not my favorite place to eat, but those cheeseburgers are tasty!! My husband remembers when they used to cost 15 cents. :-) It was fun to see this museum and all its relics.

Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead

This is my daughter's alter for Dia de los Muertos in honor of loved ones who have passed away, but still dear in our hearts - her grandpa (my dad), her great grandma, her "nino" (godfather) and her uncle, my husband's brother. It was beautiful to see and study all the small details that she includes to symbolize our family members. She has done an alter in her home for some years, but this is the first time she has displayed it for all to see.

An artist painting on the sidewalk.

A tribute to "Mrs. Garcia" from her students. This was a small paper "pop-out" at the base of a much larger alter.

I thought all these magnets were cool. They made me smile.

Mija's alter in the daytime when we first got there. She is so creative. :-)

I'm Done!!!!!

Report cards are done! Wow, what a chore! It's like a sigh of relief when the Principal signs them and returns them to you. It's a major accomplishment. I grade EVERYTHING which is exhausting, but I want parents to see how well their children are doing, therefore, giving me an overall consensus of their abilities. Ok, maybe I don't grade everything, but the majority. I need a break!!!

Parent conferences are next week, am I ready? For the most part, yes. But I could do with a little bit of organization. Tomorrow.

Remember, my niece had a Halloween party here at our home last Sat.? We had the most fun! I love to dance and the music was great. Her husband is a DJ and he did an amazing job. People were always dancing. My son was a gorilla after all and his girl was a Go-Go dancer -- so cute watching them dance -- A big gorilla with a very cool, sweet Go-Go dancer in white boots. :-)

There were so many people and lots of good food. I'll see if I can post pics later.

And then --- my daughter, my artistic and creative daughter, has been asked to display her "Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) alter at a museum in the next city near us. We are very excited. She does an elaborate display in honor of my father, her grandma, and her "nino" (godfather). She makes sugar skulls which we help decorate and this year we will be decorating on Halloween night :-). She also makes "pan de muerto" (bread of the dead) which is delicious. I will definitely take pictures and post them.

Vacation is around the corner. Sweet.

A Party!!

Halloween is back among us once again. Usually it is not a big deal at our home since our children are now grown. My youngest who is 17 has long since retired to the sofa getting up occasionally when the doorbell rings. He used to wear a mask that when pushing on a hidden button would cause make-believe blood to flow down inside his mask-face scaring many a small child. He would rig up a skull with a hidden microphone that he would use to speak from around the corner. "Hello ...... ooooooo!!! The skull's mouth would open and close as he spoke and its eyes would light up in bright red colors. Oh, and I mustn't forget the big black rat that he would position right inside the door and the spiderwebs hanging in the foyer with big black spiders reaching down to scratch the top of our heads. That was a while back. Last couple of years, we have opted for the candy bowl on a side table and no decorations.

BUT this year, my niece has asked us to allow them to throw a Halloween party at our home. Ok, we said, thinking it will be a few friends and family. But from what I am hearing it has expanded. We will have a DJ, potluck, prizes for best costume and, for sure, lots of dancing. I'm excited!

I'm not sure what I will dress up like -- I'm trying to talk my son into dressing like a "flower child" since his girl will be a go-go dancer.

Now I need to begin the cleaning of the house. Regardless, if the party is outside, we always have someone ask to see our home. It makes me feel good, but I worry about how tidy and clean it is. I can do this. No problem -- just get busy! :-)

Tina Turner!!!

Monday night, 6:00 p.m., entering the area of the Staples Center, Los Angeles Convention Center and the Nokia building -- Amazing! We were going to see Miss Tina Turner!!!!! I was so excited!

Yay!!! The Staples Center!! We are here!!!! Can you believe it? Tina Turner!!!!! Oh, my gosh!!!

No cameras were allowed so I downloaded these two pics from images (google). She wore the same red dress Monday night and those legs -- she is gorgeous!! The concert was the BEST! I was so excited to see her in person -- I never imagined that I would. Her voice is amazing and her dancing -- for being older -- was so much fun to watch. Ok -- I think I want to look like her when I get older! :-) When she did Proud Mary, the audience went wild, including me -- how exciting it was. She said, "I don't think this next song needs an introduction" And we started screaming! So very, very cool -- the ultimate.

This is the exact poster that was hanging on both sides of the stage. Isn't she beautiful? Thank you, son, for the tickets. What a wonderful, super-fabulous birthday present. I love you. -- Mom

Dad

Today was my father's birthday. He would have been 81 years old. I loved my father very much. He was strict when we were growing up, an authoritative father, but he was also fun to be around. We used to play baseball with him - with 8 or 9 children at one time, we had quite a baseball team. In the winter, he used to pull us on a sled tied to the back of his pickup truck over mounds of snow. It was so much fun. I remember Sunday mornings Spanish music playing as we woke up. I remember dancing with him. I remember him singing all the old "rancheras." I remember fishing and camping. After I got married, I remember his visits to our home for a cup of coffee. We would sit and talk for a long time. He would tell me all his stories of long ago when he was growing up and I began to understand him better. As he grew older, he became sick with diabetes and heart problems. He also changed from the strict disciplinarian to a kind, gentle soul. He loved his grandchildren and he loved us. The day he died, I told him I loved him. "Do you love me, too, Dad?" And he nodded "yes." "I'll be back soon, Dad." My sister called to tell me he had died in the half hour after I left him. I returned to hug him one more time and fix his hair. My dad.
I miss him. We all do. Happy Birthday, Dad. We love you.

An Art Festival in Celebration of Us

My little ones created a mural for our school's Hispanic Heritage Art Festival. I was so proud of them since I watched them carefully paint their 8x10 canvas using water colors. After putting it all together like a puzzle, the results was this beautiful work of art.

I liked that it depicted children walking to school. When I asked my students what they saw in the mural, one of my girls said, "I see the world." This was so cool. :-)

Beautiful sun, beautiful flowers . . .

My first graders did a really great job. From what I understand, this mural is displayed in East Los Angeles by an artist whose name is unreadable. Thank you artist for a wonderful inspiration. I have always wanted to do a mural with my students. Happy celebration for us Latinos!!!

What to do?

Ok -- this was our day. . . Son's "girlfriend", sister, and father came to visit. They are a very nice family.

Got up early to tidy up although I feel like the Roadrunner cleaning as fast as I can. Made a cake and strawberry lemonade, just in case.

Let me give you a little bit of history. "K" (girlfriend) and her mom just got back from Houston where they had been since early August because K's grandma was on her deathbed -- to this day she is still very much alive, thank God. Nonetheless, grandma had many kittens, cats that she had rescued. To better take care of her, they decided to bring her back to California. They were able to place many of the cats and kittens, however, they still had to come back with some. As they were preparing to leave, the hurricane hit (Houston, TX). They spent a week after with no electricity, fresh water, or gas. Her dad finally arrived to bring them all back with the extra cats in tow. What to do?

Well, my son asking around to his friends found two homes for three of the kittens. So today they brought them in two carriers. One is a small little kitten, a soft gray. The other is a manx (I think that is how you spell it). And the third is a gray stiped big kitten. So sweet.

Tonight they will spend the night with us and tomorrow my son will take them to their future homes. . . little kittens that survived a hurricane. Now I'm tired -- tomorrow is another day.

My Nephew

Camarones al mojo de ajo -- this is what I hope to learn to create in time for a family dinner in October for my nephews and nieces.

My nephew is about 39 years old. He is near and dear to our hearts.
I met him when he was 4 years old. He was very attached to his uncle, my husband. We used to take care of him for weeks on end. We would take him to the beach, shopping, and my husband would take him to his college classes where he sat quietly coloring or drawing to entertain himself. I loved that boy. He was precious to me. At one point I thought he would live with us forever. As he grew up, he would often babysit for me and became very close to our daughter. Those two are a pair when they get together! You would think that they are brother and sister.


He has grown up to be a kind hearted young man. And it warms my heart when he is in town and calls to ask if I can make him dinner. This time I got an e-mail asking me way ahead of time. He is coming for his high school reunion. I just think that it is so cool that he remembers us.

So I will make camarones al mojo de ajo, carne con chile, arroz, frijoles, y una ensalada.

Wish me luck that I can learn and that it will taste DELICIOUS!

Relax . . .

It's the weekend and finally time to sit back and relax. It's been a long -- long week. Found my little parakeet a home, my senior son finally got his schedule worked out, and now I can just sit back and relax (for a few minutes, anyway).

Then I stop to think of all the things that are happening around us. A metro-link train crashed into a freight train near San Fernando -- so sad. People were killed. That lady McCain is running with is untrustworthy -- do not want her for VP. We don't know enough about her, therefore, why in the world did McCain pick her? They will just throw us into another war. Then there is the hurricane that is hitting Texas. Poor people. Today on the news I heard that Galveston will be very much under water. Amazing how much power a hurricane can have.

I'm just tired. Need to sleep. Tomorrow is another day...

Adios Pajarito

Great News! I found this really nice lady to take my little bird!

She was waiting with her daughter, one of my students, this morning and she was the first one I asked. "Quisiera un periquito?" She looked at me like I was out of my mind. Then I said, "Es que volo un periquito a donde estavamos afuera de nuestra casa y lo meti a una jaula, pero no lo quiero porque tenemos un perico grande -- no queremos tener mas pajaros." And she said with a smile, "Si, me gustaria." "Ay! Que bueno!" I answered. So there you go. I found a home for my little parakeet, a very nice home with a very nice family. I have known this family for quite a few years now and I was so happy she said yes. Tomorrow I will take him. I think he will be a happy little camper to live with a family that has more children. They can talk to him more.

Bye-bye, little bird.

El Periquito

Ok, so this little lost "periquito" practically flies into my hand on Labor Day as we are enjoying a dinner of barbequed ribs and veggies. I quickly get some food from our parrot's bag of goodies and this little famished bird starts eating. What to do. I don't want another bird. Our parrot, Harley, is enough. In fact, he can be a handful, especially right now that he tears up the newspaper at the bottom of his cage in shreds -- a nesting habit or stress -- we don't know. It can't be a nesting habit because he's a boy (or at least we think he is). And what does he have to be stressed about? He has a big cage, lots of attention, good food and water.

When we were growing up, my parents had a parrot, too. Except that this parrot talked. He would say "Cotorita, cotorita!" And he would whistle like a construction worker whistles at a pretty girl walking by. He would also say "Meow -- meow." And he would laugh! He was such a character!

Harley is still a baby -- he is probably about 2-3 years old. He is beginning to say a sound that to me sounds like "Hello." But then he'll say it for everything! Ha!

So back to the little periquito -- I've asked everyone in my immediate family -- no one wants him. He sings beautifully :-). I'm going to ask the "moms" of my students and see if anyone wants him. I don't know -- I think I'm getting a little bit attached, but I don't want to.

Beautiful little bird.

A Crossroads

How many times have we've been here -- at a crossroads? Where do we go from here? What options do we have? Are we making the right decisions?

When I hear that "Parenthood does not come with a manual" I always think -- you are so right. It is not easy being a parent, but we've been here before and we know. Ahhhhh.... children.

It's only for a moment.

Have faith that we are leading you in the right direction because we've done it before. We are not rookies, we have seen too much of life already and with God's help we are steering you in the right direction. It's always been about you. . . always.

God bless us all today.

My Son

Where has all the time gone? It seems like yesterday that my children were small.Today I went to order the Senior photo packet for my youngest son. Next fall he, too, will go off to college and then what? It will be just me and their dad -- what to do? Oh my gosh, what am I talking about? I should be rejoicing in the fact that our youngest is almost there! One more year of high school.

My youngest is different from my other two. My oldest was a social butterfly--the Belle of the Ball, the hockey player, the actress, the Princess. My middle son was the jock, the football player, the politician who wrote many stories. And my youngest is a little of both, but much like his father. He is pensive, playful, talkative, and also a wonderful writer. He is so ready to be done with high school and move on with his life. "Change your attitude," I tell him. "Enjoy your last year -- make it fun." He responds, "Are we talking about the same high school?" And he laughs.Today I ordered his senior pictures -- pricey, yes, no doubt. But he is my last one and his picture needs to hang right next to his brother and sister's.

Honey, we've done good. God has blessed us.

Where's my antibiotic?

Oh my gosh! Did I mention that I was sick this week? I do look forward to retirement. More and more my immunities have declined and I catch anything my little ones have. My daughter said, "Mom, you don't touch their pencils do you?" My response was, "Yeah, I do." Oh darn! I don't think I had been this sick in a long time. Right now I am exhausted. So much going on around me, but I'm going to put it all on the back shelf until tomorrow morning or midmorning or better, around noon! The moral of this story is -- buy -- is it Prell?

Family

This is the area where I grew up. It is called the Hagerman Valley in southern Idaho. From what I hear Hagerman has grown by leaps and bounds. New people have moved in to replace or add to the old families that used to live there. When we were growing up, I don't think we thought beyond tomorrow. We lived for the day and had our good and bad times. My favorite thing to do beside going to school was fishing. Every year - I don't remember what season - we would wake up early with our fishing poles ready to go. We would go out to the lakes along with many of the local and visiting fishermen (and women) to cast our poles at the designated time. It was so much fun! As soon as we caught our limit (there was quite a few of us) we would head home to cook our trout. Delicious!

Times have passed. Memories are good. We all went our separate ways. Two of us stayed in Idaho - the rest are scattered across the U.S. -- sometimes when I am at the store during a holiday, I hear people talk about who is coming over for dinner and everyone I listen to has family here -- we are too scattered.

BUT we love each other and do try to get together once in a great while. :-)

Now our children are growing up and making their own ways in the world. We celebrate their accomplishments which are many and share our sadness when there is a misfortune or poor choices made. I have heard that people say sometimes you have to hit rock bottom in order to see the errors of your way and I believe this. As parents, however, our hearts hurt when our children hurt.

Again we are here for each other.

Little Sister

Happy Birthday, little sister! I love you.

Let me tell you about my little sister. I am 2nd in line and she is 5th. There is a lot that I remember when we were growing up and a lot that I do not remember. I left home when she was still very young.

Now that we are older, she is my closest ally -- I can tell her anything in confidence and she in return. She grew up to be a tall, beautiful young woman. She dresses in styles of the fashion world. She is soft-spoken and kind. Her husband and sons love her and hold her in high regard. She is blessed. And I am happy for her life. I am proud of whom she has become.

Happy Birthday, little sister. :-)

Simple Life

Where have the simple days gone? Yesterday I had a child (first grade, mind you) who told his partner "f-you" but used the long version. I could not believe it. When I asked him why he said that he shrugged his shoulders and said "I don't know." ok. Then this morning I had a child who twisted another child's arm for the third time and I had to send him to the office with a referral. I'm at a loss right now.

Growing up in a small town back in the 60's and 70's, it was unheard of to use vulgar language. I don't even think I heard it till I moved to California. Children were very respectful of their teachers. But I do realize the problems that exist today for our school children - don't get me wrong - times have changed.

I was telling my husband yesterday how my mom used to make all our lunches from scratch. Our bread was homemade (the best you ever tasted). She would make hamburger patties or egg salad. It was a treat for us when we actually got a baloney sandwich in our lunch -- I think that's why I like baloney so much now. A good baloney sandwich with a cup of coffee is the best! mmmm....

We also used to spend a lot of time outside -- gardening, fishing, working on the farm, playing with each other since there were 8 of us kids at one time. We didn't watch tv too much. I remember watching shows like Lawrence Welk, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Car 54 - Where Are You?The Three Stooges. Later on we would watch Laugh In! Loved Goldie Hawn!

The picture up above is my old school gym. We were the Pirates! Going to basketball games was the highlight of our town-- that was the best time of my high school life. As a reward about three times a year, we got to watch a movie on a screen set up on the stage. It was so much fun since we had no movie theater in our little town. We watched The Guns of Navarone with Gregory Peck. We also watched To Kill a Mockingbird -- also with Gregory Peck. Don't forget Where the Red Fern Grows and The Yearling. Good all-American movies :-).

Yes siree -- life was simpler . . . then.

For My Friends

To my dearest friends,

Sometimes I hear a scripture that really hits home and I think how blessed we are to be able to hear God's word and to know how much He loves us. There is so much strife in the lives around us that our hearts hurt for them and I always pray for God to give me the words that he would want me to say to them.

Here is a scripture that really hit home yesterday -- My first thought upon hearing it was -- Wow! How amazing!

Psalm 30:5 Weeping may endure for the night,

But joy comes in the morning.

Seasons come and go, the pain becomes easier and the burden lighter with God's help. I, too, need to remember this scripture. We need to have faith and believe that He will help us through the "night" for "joy comes in the morning." Everything will be alright for those who believe in the Lord and pray.

Times Change

Where are the days when counselor's use to help fill out all the necessary paperwork for seniors embarking on their future college careers? I don't get it. My son and I have sat in front of this computer for probably an hour filling out the very lengthy, detailed form for the darn ACT. I don't remember doing this for my two oldest children. My daughter told me her AVID teacher helped her and my son's counselor helped him -- so back to the question -- where are those days when counselors did this for us? No more? Then I should be a counselor and help, especially our Spanish speaking parents -- how do they do it????

Nevertheless, it's done.

Now, changing the topic: Coming home today from taking our parrot to get his claws and wings clipped, we saw some boys waiting for the change in the traffic light in order to walk across. One boy had his pants hanging past his hips with other shorts underneath, and then his "chonis." Now come on, he must surely know that his "nalgitas" were showing through those skimpy "chonis" -- does he not realize how STUPID that looks? Ay! Estos jovenes!

On another topic: Boy that Edwards blew it, didn't he -- Que cochino! Who did he think he was? What a jerk!

Ok-- I vented. Thank you very much. Now I'll go water the garden and calm down. ;-)

Music to Our Ears

There's something about listening to a good jazz band. I'm not a jazz enthusiast by any means, but my husband is and I like to go for the ride. When we went to San Diego last week we ventured upon a farmer's market. It was fantastic. So many "puestos" of fruit, vegetables, jewelry, trinkets, odds and ends. We had already had breakfast, but the smells emanating from the stoves and grills were delicious! We wondered why our own city didn't not have a farmer's market such as this. Tonight our city has it's interpretation of a farmer's market so we decided to go check it out. Why not? Let's help our own economy while we shop for organically grown food. And to top it off, a jazz band was scheduled to play. Upon arriving we were a bit dismayed. It was small, but ok. The jazz band was playing and they sounded great. We bought a banana-strawberry smoothie with whipped cream and found some chairs to sit while we listen to this very nice band. Ahhhhh.... we may not be San Diego, but we have our own little corner of the world, too, and it's beautiful.

Our Fun Vacation!

Last weekend, we went to Comic-Con in San Diego for the first time. I had no idea what to expect, but it was so much fun! The above picture was taken on our last night there. It's amazing how people can actually live on these boats with minimal possessions. I don't think I could do that -- I love my house :-).

Traveling down the escalator -- one of many.

Spiderman, Spiderman! (That's all I know of the song).

Cool shot of Arnie and Sarah Conners!

These girls were cool! I think a lot of these people in costume practice posing at home before the convention. I just tapped them on the shoulder and asked if I could take their picture and they turned around in unison with a ready pose. So cool! They love the Joker!

Good aim!

We had a blast! It's a huge convention and if you consider going next year, plan on being in shape, cause we sure got tired. I'm looking forward to next year. :-)

Vacation At Last!

As we prepare for our first real vacation in a long, long time, I am becoming more and more excited at the prospects that exist out there. We will be attending Comic-Con this year with our teenage son and his best friend (Mom, he says, You and Dad are not hanging out with us on Saturday, are you? I say, Sure, son! It will be fun hanging out with you both! NO! he says. I laughed because I knew what his reaction would be.) We have a one-day pass. They have a four day pass. I think I can only handle one day- HA! But I'm excited for him. He's wanted to go for so long. My honey and I will visit museums, Coronado Island, and maybe go down to Rosarito or TJ - not sure which one yet. Ah, life - love it, love it!!

Time for ?

There's a million and one things to do. But I don't feel like it. I have been feeling really lazy lately about things. I'm energetic about getting my classroom ready and then I stop and think, "Ok, I'm ready to go home now." Then I come home with every intention of cleaning, but I don't. Ok, I must be in a rut. A house-cleaning rut. But, by golly, I will get out of this rut and clean - tomorrow :-). Teenage son is vacumming stairs, maybe I'll get inspired . . . no, doesn't work. Ha!
I think I'll go read a book. Tomorrow is another day.