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.