Not Just Another Day

I remember my 16th birthday. I got a bathing suit from my mom. It was a one piece black suit, but it showed major cleavage. I loved that suit. Looking back, I don't see how my mom ever let me wear it.

I remember my 21st birthday. It was the funnest weekend, my friends took me out, we danced all night, then the following day, we went to a Jay Perez concert at UTA. I knew the bass player farely well, so they sung Happy Birthday to me... that was cool. We were sitting on the first row in the stands, and there were guards standing on the track not wanting us to get out of the stands. After much protest, and the ok, from the lead singer, I was the first to climb over the rail, soon others followed and we began Tejano dancing on the track. It was fun.

I remember my 24th birthday. I was graduating from College and I traded my 2 year old Honda Civic for a new Honda CRV, as a present to myself. I was also getting ready for my wedding in July.

I remember my 29th birthday. Just two days before I gave birth to Isabel. On my birthday, I begged the doctors to let me go home, even though I still had high blood pressure. They did, and I had a cake waiting for me when I got home.

I remember my 30th birthday. I was moving into my new house and unpacking. Not fun. I finally had a 80's party at my house in June. It was a blast. We had a costume contest, Limbo contest, and other games. Me and David (a friend of ours) did a rendition of Bohemian Raposdy for everyone, it was hilarious.

And now we come to today....

It's beautiful, simply beautiful

My mom gave me my birthday gift early yesterday. We went out to eat at my favorite restaurant The Cheesecake Factory. I got the name bracelet that I wanted (this was a gift from my girls) and I got four charms for my charm bracelet.

Thank You! I love it.

My Little Hurricane

2003 Hurricane Isabel hit the US. Earlier in the year, Isabel hit our lives. And it's been a whirlwind ever since. You have kept us on our toes. From late night feedings, almost chopping off your pinking (not literally), learning how to walk with the help of SMO's, teething, getting rid of the pacifier, learning how to talk, learning your abc's, learning how to ride your bike, POTTY TRAINING, and now you are 3. Happy Birthday.
Hope you have fun today at Pump It Up and at the Fort Worth Zoo. I pray that you will have a wonderful year and I'm so proud of you. You did a great job yesterday as you sang "He's got the whole world in his hands" and "B-I-B-L-E" at church for the special. You are such a big girl. I can't wait until your party on Friday. I hope you have a blast. I love you.

Bootcamp

Ready to get fit, try bootcamp. There is a bootcamp near you. Riverlegacy Park, in North Arlington.
Forget all that other stuff that I asked for for my birthday, this is what I want. This is what I need.

What to do at 4:00am in the morning if you are bored.

http://www.smalltime.com/dictator.html

Holding Pattern

It's 2:51 am Sunday morning. I'm at work. I arrived at 1:15 to help with the install of Interaction Client on over 200 machines. We started the install and each one only got to install about 4 machines, before it came to a screeching halt. Before then the electricity went out and we had been running on the generator for about an hour. Generator is back up and now a new telephony board is being installed on the server. Hopefully we can continue the installs within the next 10 mintues..... There is no plan B. So with a Mexican Coca-Cola in hand, and a snickers in my belly, I bid you adeiu, all you people out there in dreamland.

Spider, I'm gonna squish you like the freaking bug you are

Ok, it's that time of year again. All the bugs are coming up from under the ground. We've got worms, spiders, and june bugs. June bugs are staying outside, but the spiders and worms are coming in. These aren't just little spiders either, these suckers are huge. As I was taking clothes to the laundry room, one was crawing into the kitchen. Since I was barefoot, I couldn't step on it, so I had to call for back up.
This morning I jump in the shower and there is a worm on the wall by the faucet.
I let it be, since I really don't know how to kill it. I mean if I chop it up, it'll just mutate. So I take my shower. At the end of the shower I look back and it's gone. Holy cow, where the heck did it go? I can't find it anywhere. My hope is that it fell and went down the drain. My fear is that somehow it got on me or got in my hair. So I washed my hair again. Well after freaking out for about two minutes, I found it at the bottom of the wall. Great I'm safe.
I hate bugs. I wish they'd just go away.

It's Pinky w/ no Brain

The other day I put on mascara. Now I don't know how old this mascara was, but lets just say that it's been forever since I've bought mascara. Well since it was an allergy day, I got home and rubbed, rubbed, rubbed my eyes. Well life happened, and I went to bed without taking off my makeup. At 11:00 I woke up with pink eye. For the rest of the night I got up every 2 hours to put Vigamox in it. At 5:00 in the morning I called Jeff (my boss) to let him know that I probably wasn't coming into work. I tried logging, was successful, and then got booted out. So I went back to bed. I woke up at 7:30 and started my day, I was able to log back into work and worked for about an hour. By 9:00, my eye was clear, so I put in a fresh pair of contacts, loaded up the girls and went to work.

Note to self: Buy new mascara, take off mascara at night.

Congratulations Graduates

We have 2 people graduating in our family.

First I like to say congrats to Jacob Gomez. You made it through kindergarden with flying colors, you can write cursive, tell time, know all your numbers, and can read. This is just the beginning, I pray that you will continue to excel in school in the years to come.

Last but not least contrats to Lydia Valenzuela. Six years, wow they flew by fast, but your done with college. Wow, Magna Cum Laude, that is too cool. And not only graduating with honors, but you already have job. Wow, the principal wanted YOU, because her daughter was going to kindergarden! How cool is that. Those first graders are going to be blessed to have a teacher like you. This is just the beginning, I pray that you will continue to excel in school in the years to come.

Music by Evard Greig

I couldn't be more proud. Isabel watches Little Einstein, and on Saturday morning, I caught her singing one of the classical musical pieces featured on one of the episodes. On Monday, I was singing it too, which sparked a debate within the IT department on what the name of the song was. I swear, we'll do anything to take a break.

John 7

18He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth;

Just as Jesus spoke and worked only to honor the father, I should work to honor the Fahter and not to gain honor for myself.

Lord, thank you for giving me a job that I love. I pray that I will always honor you in the work that I do, and that I will give all honor to you. Lord when I finish this project everyone will know it was because of your wisdom that I was able to complete it.

Who is Jesus #1

What God says about Jesus: Jesus is God. His name Emmanuel means "God with us"

Hebrews 1:8
But about the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,
and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.

John 5:22-23
22Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

Who do you believe Jesus is?

Nightmares

In two weeks, Isabel will have her Princess Ball. She is starting to get excited about it. I'm starting to have nightmares about it. I don't know why. I just want it to be perfect for her, I can't wait to see her face light up when Cinderella walks through the door, and I hope she doesn't bust into tears whenever Cinderella leaves.

On Saturday, someone looked at our house. I got the call at 9:30, that they wanted to see it between 11 and 1. So for 1.5 hours I busted my butt to make sure that everything was in it's place. Do you now how hard that is to do, especially when you and a 1 and 3 year old wanting to "help you". At 10:15 I put Isabel in the car, and at 10:35 I put Emma in the car... they were listening to a saturday morning kid radio show, and I kept going in and out of the garage cleaning things. Finally at 11:05, I jumped in the car to leave. As I turned the key, the car made the sound like it didn't want to start. Heck it had been running on battery for 45 minutes.... So I started praying... please, please start... it would not have been cool, being stuck there when prospective buyers were on their way..... after 3 seconds it started... Yes! And off we were, for our fun filled day, with no showers and no breakfast, but a clean house.

I, I, Sir

Yesterday the kids and I were playing tag at the park. My 5 year old nephew and my 3 year old daughter were chasing each other. Isabel slipped and fell.

Jacob: "Come on get up, take it like a man"

Mother-Birth Day

Every year I get jipped on the gift thing. See my birthday is on May 10 and that either is near Mother's Day or on Mother's Day. So to make it easier on my loved ones, I have complied a list of the perfect gifts.

1. Dixie's (Corner of Randolmill and 360 across from Office Depot)
Name Bracelet
Number of Strands 2
Bracelet Size 7.5
Type of Bead Silver with Fancy Beads
Strand 1 Wording Emma
Strand 2 Wording Isabel
Strand 3 Wording

Total Price $45.00

2. Charms for my charm bracelet from Dixie's
"Jesus Loves You" charm
Your Price : $4.00

"I Love Scrap Books" charm -
Your Price : $8.00

Husky charm
Your Price : $6.00

Letter V charm
Your Price: $4.00

Pink Ribbon charm(enamel)
Your Price : $6.00

Taco charm
Your Price : $5.00

State of Texas
Your Price: $4.00


3. Products from Philosophy
footnotes set $32
rockstars $36

4. Monster iCarPlay FM Transmitter $79.00

How will a church family equip me for life?

Don't have a church to call your own? Afraid of making a commitment?
This is for anyone who isn't currently attending church, or who attends but is not a member.

How will a church family equip me for life?

1. Will help me focus on God
Ps. 34:3, Matt 22:27-38,

3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.

2. Will help me face life's problems
1 Thess 5:10-11, 1 Peter 3:8, Galatians 6:2, Romans 12:5

2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

3. Will help me fortify my faith
Hebrews 6:1, Ephesians 3:10

1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God,

4. Will help me find my ministry
Ephesians 2:10, 1 Cor. 12:5, 27

10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

5. Will help me fullfill my life's mission
Acts 20:24, Rom. 10:13-14, Colossians 3:15

24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

How do I become a member of a church family?
Acts 2:41-42, 46

41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

Grocery Basket Quiz

New Game... Guess what I was going to do with the items in my grocery basket.

2 Oranges
2 games of Dominoes
Vinegar
Tostito Chips
Mild Salsa
Coffee Beans
Coffe Filters

Date Night

Friday night is the big night. Eddie and I are going out on a date. It's been months since we've been out without our girls. I think it's very important that couples continue to date after they get married. Got this from Bowden McElroy

Dr. Scott Haltzman says … “Keeping a marriage thriving doesn’t require much more of you than when you were dating.”

Your mission, Mr. Newlywed, should you choose to accept it, is to direct all your attention to making your wife feel like the most beautiful, bright, and wonderful woman in the world, just like you did when you first met her. Here are some practical tips to bring back that lovin’ feeling.

First, learn to listen.

Second, spend time with your wife.

Third: Show you love her with words and deeds.

Fourth: Think: “long-term dividends.”

I hope date night this becomes a tradition.

A Day of Rest

So this morning I woke up at 5:00 am. Emma still had a fever. So I decided to keep her at home. This of course was wonderful news for Isabel, since she hasn't been wanting to go to "Hermana's House".
I thought this would be the perfect day to wash clothes. Lo and behold I as out of detergent. Great. So, I'm going to cook a pot roast instead. Working from home is a challege, because my NIC isn't compatible with our network, so in order to work, I have to connect straight into the modem, which is in the office, and my girls are upstairs. Besides it's slower anyways, and I hate moving slow. Well gotta run, pray that Emma will get better by tonight.

Cooking Out

For the past 2 weekends we have cooked-out at my in-laws house. Great food. Carne Asada, beans, rice, potato salad, guacamole salad, tortillas. Can't get better than that. This past weekend, my sister brought out the game UNO. The good old-fashioned one. Since none of us had played in a while, we had to read up. Once we got going we had a blast, you remember, Draw 2, Reverse, Skip, and the all powerful Draw 4.
I can say that even though it had been my 5 year old nephews first time, he won the first round. I love this game.
On Sunday, I went to church and dropped off Isabel with my sister. Emma was feeling under the weather. Low-grade fever, and vomitted once. We had a great time though. After 3:00 she awoke and we watched "A Bug's Life" together, played soccer, and played climb over mommy's legs. My mom was great, she brought Isabel home, so that I wouldn't have to get Emma out just to pick up Isabel. Isabel was exhausted. With no nap and a fun filled day at a birthday party, she was out like a light. So it's 8:30, and the girls are asleep. Will this will be the night that I go to bed early? In my dreams.

A Hotdog by any other name.....

A co-worker of mine was telling us about when he worked on a pig farm. I can't go into the details without sounding totally gross. But lets just say, I don't think I'll be eating another hotdog ever again..... One word. Afterbirth.

To go or not to go, that is the question

Eddie and I are debating wheather to go to Mexico in July or not. Well I'm the one doing the debating. See, I've never been to Mexico. It's not like we are going to go to Cancun, or Cozamel, or Puerto Vallarta. No, we would be going to a little bitty town outside of Guadalajara. And I don't know how far from the city it is, my guess 30 min to 1 hour. Anyways, Eddie is telling me horror stories of how when he went to visit his grand-parents in the 8th grade (13 years ago), they didn't have running water, and the toilet was out back. Today I think they have running water, but I'm not sure where the toilet is located. And of course no central A/C. I need more information before making my decision. It's going to be really hot in July. Money is another key factor. Round-trip airfare is $400 a person. We'd have to get 3 tickets, since Isabel isn't free anymore. Eddie keeps reminding me that it's not going to be a vacation. We would just be visiting family. His grandparents did make a trip down here when we got married in 99'. So I want to go, I just don't know for how long.... We'll see.

lin·ge·rie n. 1. Women's underwear

So I was trying to find how to spell the word lingerie. My first stop was the website of Victoria's Secret. To my amazement, I couldn't find the word anywhere. So what do they call their lingerie? Well they have different collections. There is the Body by Victoria Collection, Glamour by Victoria Collection, IPEX, Very Sexy, Angels by Victoria, and then there is The Emma Collection. Wow, they named it after my daughter, how thoughtful of them. I think I'll print out the page, and throw it into her scrapbook.

First Job

The question was posed to me yesterday by my sister-in-law who just turned 16.
"Where should I work?" Now that she's legal to work, she wants too and that is cool.
My first answer to her was "Putt-Putt"....You see when I was sixteen, me and my best friend Dixie went to apply at Putt Putt. The first question they ask is about transportation. How are you going to get to work? I had no idea, since neither of us had cars and our parents work, finding transportation would be hard. No job at Putt Putt for us. So we did the next best thing and that was modeling lingerie. Easy money. $20 for a hour. See, Dixie's furture sister-in-law would have lingerie parties at different womens' homes, and would use us as her models. Now, if my girls ever came up to me and asked me at the age of 16 if they could be lingerie models the answer would definately be no, and not just no, but HELL NO.

Memory.....

Just the other day, Isabel was upset because she didn't want to go home. So she cried and cried in the car. After ignoring her, she quieted down, then she said.

"Mommy, sing Barney to me, I'm sad"

So I sang... in case you don't know the song here goes.

I love you, you love me
We're a happy family
With a great big hug
and a kiss from me to you
won't you say you love me too.

Don't Leave Me

Isabel is starting to be more clingy. Now she cries when I drop her off at the sitters in the morning. So I've been making it a point to spend more one on one time with her. Last night before bed we read her "Little Touch LeapPad" ABC's book, read her bible, sang songs, and watch Diego. I can't wait until she starts pre-school, so that she'll have a more structured day where she is interacting with lots of other kids, and also learning as well. Pray that Temple Days will have an open spot soon (end of May), if they don't I'll have to put them in Children's Lighthouse, which is great just alot more expensive.

Easter 2006

Easter this year was good. We spent Saturday at my in-laws eating fajitas, rice, beans, potato salad, cake, just chillin out back and relaxing.
Emma found a dirt pile and started playing in it. With her two hand she was transfering dirt from the pile to the back door. After she threw a bunch in her face, we decided it was time for a bath for all the kids.
After the bath she crashed, and I wanted to crash too.
On Sunday we awoke, and headed off for church. The drama was awesome, especially since Eddie built the boxing ring that was on the stage. Afterwards we ate more fajitas, rice, beans, potato salad, cake. The egg hunt was a success.
Afterwards we went to eat at Spring Creek with my mom and sister. Before we met them, my mom was hit from behind while exiting I-20. The girls who hit her didn't pull over and just took off. Of course my mom and sister followed them to Razoos. When they got there, the girls had entered the building. So my mom, called the cops. Turns out that the driver had a suspended license. Wasn't going to get charged with hit and run, because there was no damage to my mom's car though. Idiots! Had they pulled over, my mom would have just let them go since there was no damage.
Anyways, the day ended with another easter egg hunt at my sisters, while Eddie attempted to buy some shirts for work. After going to 3 stores that were closed, and changing a flat tire, he came home empty handed.
All in all it was a great weekend.

It's a horse, no a cow, no it's just Emma

The other day, after dinner the girls jumped into the wagon and I began pulling them around. The Isabel preceeded to pull Emma around as Emma kept moving back and forth between seats. Finally I was tired of the wagon, so I got Isabel's bike out, and she rode for a while, as Emma pulled the wagon. She's a strong girl, that Emma.
We played on the slide and then it started to get chilly outside.
That's when I started rounding up the girls. Isabel started to come in, but Emma headed straight for the grass. The tall grass. The grass that Eddie is going to mow this weekend. The grass that probably contains all kinds of bugs and spiders.
The grass that goes up to Emmas waist.

"Emma come here"... no response. She proceeds to sit in the grass, bend forward and take a whole bunch into her mouth and pull. Oh my gosh she's eating the grass. She does this twice as I'm telling her to "come here" At this point I go into the grass to retrieve her. And let me tell you how afraid of the grass I am. 1) I'm allergic to it. 2) Did I mention the bugs 3) I was wearing flip flops.

I can't wait until that grass gets cut.

Spring is in the Air

And so is all the pollen, mold, wagweed, and anything else that aggrevates our allergies. They started yesterday and haven't stopped. Last night I started having nasal drainage, which caused a sore throat. Today, I still have the sore throat, but now I also have a sinus headache.
I've got to get my Allegra and Singular for Isabel transfered over to this side of town so I can pick them up at lunch. Great another $60.
The bright side of today, is that I should get my van back from the shop, and Friday is only 2 days away. Friday, I'll get a free 10 minute chair massage at work, and the week will be over. In the words of Isabal "Horray! Horray!"

I'm no Rachel Ray

So yesterday I decided to cook. I wanted to try something new so I set out to cook pork chops, green beans, and fried zuchinni.

Step 1: Pork chops were easy, I just put some shake and bake on them and stuck them in the oven.
Step 2: Fried Zuchinni... Well not exactly fried. I found a recipe where it described how to bake them instead. I put bread crumbs on them and put them in the oven.
Step 3: Garlic Greenbeans. I opened 2 cans of green beans, since they were 2 different brands, one can was alot greenier than the other. I sprinkled garlic powder on them, and put lots of butter. I put them in the oven.

After about 15 minutes the chops and green beans were done, but the zuchinni wasn't. After about 45 minutes, they had been rotated, and still didn't look quite right. Then I remebered. I forgot to spray Pam on the cookie sheet. Oh well.

Out of the oven they came, and into our stomach they went.
On Saturday, I'll attempt to make home-made tortillas. Keep your fingers crossed.

Our little Brazillian Jiu-Jitzu Fighter

So I was telling Eddie that I might let Isabel try soccar this year, and then maybe tap and ballet next year.
So he suggests that he'd like to enroll Emma into a Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu class. He wants to train her to be the next Ultimate Fighter.(whatever) Well I found a studio in Dallas but they don't start until the age of 5, so she has 3.5 years to go. Actually, Jiu-Jitsu is perfect for girls, because it shows them how to fight in close proximity situations, ie. (someone grabbing you from behind, or someone getting you to the ground hovering over you)
Eddie was telling me on Saturday, they were discussing it a work, and as they watched Ultimate Fighter, one of his co-workers replies "Man, that Emma is gonna be bad"

Google SMS

You can now text message google with questions and get the results on your phone.

Example
Text the message: ice age 94110
The results you'll recieve back would be:

View more: 1 2 3

(1/3)Movies:
* Ice Age: The Meltdown
1hr 30min,PG,Animation/Comedy/Family,3.6/5

AMC Van Ness 14
1:15 1:50 3:30 4:30 6:00 7:00 8:20 9:30 10:30

Cool Huh!!!!

Or try these sample search terms:

Local : hospital San Jose CA
Phonebook : 2122269817
Driving directions : pasadena CA to santa monica CA
Movies : ice age 94110*
Weather : weather dallas tx
Stock quotes : tgt
Q&A : population of Japan
Glossary : define prosimian
Translation : translate coffee in french
Froogle : price mp3 player
Zip code : 94043
Area code : 650
Calculator : 160 pounds * 4000 feet in calories
Currency conversion : 5 usd in yen
SportsNew! : duke, detroit nhl, lakers, sf giants
Help : help
Tips : tips

SMS Quick Start

1. Start a new text message and type in your search query

2. Send the message to the number "46645" (GOOGL)

3. You'll receive text message(s) with results

Tip: For help send the word 'help' as a text message to 46645.

So Observant

Last night I was showing Isabel, the scrapbook pages that I had completed. As she looked at each page, she would call out the persons name of who she saw in the picture.

"Emma, Emma, Emma, Emma, Emma, Emma, Emma, Emma, Emma, Daddy"

Then she asked.

"Hey where's me?"

I had to pull out her book to let her know that she wasn't forgotten.

You give me fever.

Yesterday, Isabel came home with a fever, and continued to have one all night.
Eventhough she was sick, she played and played. While scrapbooking she sat on the other end of the table and was "cropping". I asked her is she wanted to go downstairs. She said "sure, but let me finish this first". I couldn't believe my ears. She talks like me.
As night time crept around, I went to sleep and around 1 in the morning, Isabel wakes up to go potty and then comes into bed with me. She was hot. Eddie gave her some meds and she went to sleep. Around four she wakes up again, I take her to potty and she reminds me that she is sick, and wants me to her hold. Wow, she hot, not so bad, since she is keeping me warm as well. I sure hope her fever breaks, and no other symptoms arise. I hate seeing me little ones sick.

Night Owls

Eddie and Isabel have started a nightly tradition. They both stay up until the wee hours of the night (which for me is 11:00pm) watching Go Diego Go or Dora the Explorer. That give me a chance to just lay in bed and catch up on General Hospital, and to fall sleep. I love it. I'll let them enjoy it now, because once Isabel starts school in the summer, there will be no more late nights.

Veterans Park

I just love Veterans Park in Arlington. They have walking trails, duck pond, japanese gardens, kids playground complete with swings, tire, and jungle gym, frisbee golf and hiking trails. If you've ever experienced Veterans Park, I urge you to go.

Corner of Arkansas and Spanish Trail

What'd you say?

So yesterday we are in Eddie's truck leaving the park. Isabel started mumbling something, but all we heard was f*ck.. We asked her to repeat herself "f*ck".
"What is that?" I asked
"You know fire f*ck"
"Oh... truck"
Eddie and I at this point could not contain our laughter.
"Say taaaaaaaaaa rrrrrr uck" I coach her.
"taaaaaaaa rrrrrrrr uck" she repeats
ok, good at least I can work with her pronounciation.

I remember when I was a kid I would say six but it sounded alot like "sh*t"
I couldn't figure out why older kids would laugh and ask me to repeat myself.
Lucky for me, I was put into speech thearpy, which corrected the problem"

Past vs. Present

Past: Lighters at a concert
Present: Glowing cell phones at a concert. (Smarter and safer choice)

First Day of Baseball

Starting at 11:00 this morning, the traffic was back up on 360 trying to exit to I-30. Then it dawned on me. Ranger Game. When I was in college, my aunt and uncle has seats 29 rows up in between home and 1st. So because of this, we'd go quite often. I remember the day that changed my view of baseball forever. I was sitting there minding my own buisness when out of nowhere, and I mean nowhere, this baseball smacks me in between the eyes, right where my forhead meets my nose. Of course I said "Awwwwwwwwwww" and then tears immediately came streaming down my face. I wasn't crying, but the tears were just flowing, cause it hurt so much. Before I knew it, people were all around me taking me to the baseball nurses station. This happened in the 4th inning.
Fastforward to the 7th inning... I just got back from having cold ice placed on my face, sitting in my seat minding my own business, where out of nowhere this ball starts coming towards me out of the sky. I immediately have flash backs, so I dived over my mom into the seat next to her. I was on the floor in tornado drill position, covering my head. When all of a sudden a friend who had gone with us, reach up right above my head and caught the ball. I wasn't crying, but the tears were just flowing, cause I was so scared.
Fastforward to the present.... I eventually got over my fear of baseball games, after at least 10 games, and other games where I sat in the 2nd balcony where I knew a ball couldn't reach me. It's been years since I've been to a game, and I'm fine with that.

Follower of Christ

Just spent the entire weekend at Acquire the Fire. A conference for teens orgainized and produced by teens. This years conference was of course cool. The theme was "Battle Cry". Basically it talked about how the world is in a battle for our teens hearts and minds. MTV, TV, Music, the Internet, My Space, Zanga... are all becoming the center for teens to get their information. What struck me most about this conference was that the speakers focused on calling us "Followers of Christ", instead of "Christians". See many people can call themselves a Christian, but are they a true Follower of Christ. There were many people in the bible who wanted to follow Christ, but didn't want to give up their worldly things in order to do so. See Jesus says "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34)" Deny yourself, that's a hard one. What does it mean? It means to consider others, even if no one considers you, Christ considered you when he died on the cross for your sins. It means quit being selfish, quit thinking about yourself. It's not about you and what you can get. It's about God, and why you are here on earth. Everyone was made to worship and serve Him. Now wheather they choose to do so, is another issue. Anybody can say they are Christians, but are they Followers of Christ, our Lord, our God, our Savior who lived a perfect life and paid for your sins on the cross, who rose from the dead, who is alive today, and who will come again. When you stand before Him, will you hear the words "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matt 5:21) or will you hear the words "I never knew you. Away from me..." (Matt 7:23)

"My heart pounds within me, I cannot keep silent. For I have heard the sound of the trumpet, I have heard the Battle Cry" Jeremiah 4:19

Personal Injury Warning System

Check out this website, some guy chronocialized all his injuries using street warning signs. It's quite amusing. It's funny that about 10 of them have happened to me.

Curious George

Isabel went to her first movie with my sister on Saturday.
I asked her if she liked it. Her reply

"It got dark. I got scared. There was a monkey. I liked the movie."

Enough said.

The "American Dream"

"No one should pretend that immigrants are threats to American identity because immigrants have shaped American identity. No one should claim that immigrants are a burden on our economy because the work and enterprise of immigrants helps sustain the economy." Bush said.

Although I'm not an immigrant and neither is my maternal side of the family. I do have alot to say about this issue. See my family was born in Texas all the way back to my Great-Grand Parents. My family was here when it was Mexico.

Eddie on the other hand was born in Mexico. He was brought over in a plane when he was 1. He became a citizen at the age of 18. Now he is a Fire fighter/Paramedic for the City of Richardson. Voted Rookie of the Year in 2000, and well respected among his peers.

I go to a all-Hispanic church. Many of our members are "undocumented", but to say "they are a burden to our economy" is ignorant. In a country where there is every opportunity to work, and succeed, these people are trying to do just that. They want the "American Dream". It saddens me that people who are born here complain that "they are taking all of the jobs". Well then get off your lazy butt and go work. It amazes me to see how many homeless people we have (who are citizens), but people who are not citizens manage to find jobs, get housing, and transportation. It saddens me that many students who are "undocumented", honor students won't get the chance to go to college. But there will be millions of students who are citizens that will throw the chance away.


If light of this I sure hope that our Senate will pass a "Guest Worker" law and the "Dream Act", so that people who want that dream will be able to fullfill it.

Gnishmer Farms

Saturday, we went out to Gnishmer Farms in Arlington. Right now they have strawberries. Here's the deal, you show up either Saturday or Sunday, between 10 and 5pm and they hand you a box. It's $2 a pound, and if you fill up the box it's between $10-12. We had lots of fun, I wish I had pictures, but left my camera at home. The girls loved picking the strawberries. Yesterday I took the box with me to church, since I had the 2-3yr old last night we washed the strawberries and distributed them to the other toddler classes. They are a big hit.

Gnishmer Famers
From I-20 exit Bowen. Take Bowen North, pass Pleasant Ridge.
It will be somewhere on Bowen in between Pleasant Ridge and California. It'll be on your left.

Poor Ryan

I was driving down Park Row on the right hand lane. Three cars were at a stand still in the left hand lane. As I passed them up, there was a boom. "Oh crap, I immediately stopped" A kids gets out of the Tahoe who just hit me. (See he was the middle car of the three, and became a little impatient).
We surveyed the damaged, and my bumper had popped out. I popped it back in and just asked him if we could move to the car wash so that I could get his insurance. He looked young. I asked for his driver's license, and it was one that was verticle.

"Ryan, how old are you?"
"17"
"Is this your first accident?"
"Yes ma'am" (great now I feel old)
"Ok, Ryan, becareful"
"Yes ma'am"

I felt so bad for him, cause now he would have to go home and explain to his dad, why the tahoe was scratched up. Poor kid. I sympathized, because as a young lady, I had my fair share of accidents, (too many to count) and you already feel bad, but then having to tell your parents is worse. I'll be calling Allstate today, to start the process of getting the car fixed. What a pain.

Book of Questions # 120

Would you accept $10,000 to shave your head and continue your normal activities sans hat or wig without explaining the reason for your haircut?

My Answer: Depends. If I needed the money to pay for an operation for my child, then yes. If it were just to get 10 grand for no reason, other than to pay bills, then probably not.

WARNING: For Women Only... Men read at your own risk

Please tell me this has happed to you.

I had a OB/GYN appt. today. I remembered I had it this morning at 8:30. At 10:25 I arrived in the parking lot, and did a quick check to make sure I had everything before going inside the building. "Insurance card? check. Debit card? check." Great, I locked the doors and headed for the door.... "Shaved legs? Oh crap, I forgot to shave this morning. And let's just say, I needed to shave badly. So there I am, walking back to the car, getting into the car, and leaving. Where to? I don't know. All I know is that I can't go in there with hairy legs. "Ok, I'll cancel." No, I've waited months for this appt. "Ok, maybe my electric razor is in the glovebox." No. "Ok, I'll go buy a razor." Great, there is a CostPlus just a block down. I run in and the only thing they have are disposible razors. Seeing that razor burn is a factor, I grab the shaving cream. I stand there looking at the can, contemplating how I'm going to smuggle it into the doctors office so that I can shave. "In my purse" I say to myself. Then I proceed to put it into my purse and walk to the checkout stand.. "What the heck are you doing?" Crap I grabbed the can out of my purse seconds before arriving to the register, and put it on the belt to pay for it.
I checked out and head back to the dr's office. 10:32 am. Ok only 2 minutes late. I put one razor into my purse and also the shaving cream. I grab about 5 wipes, just in case there are no paper towels in the bathroom.
I walk in. I check in and head to the bathroom, hopeing they don't call my name while I'm in there.
I proceed to shave my legs, from the ankle up.. seeing that I was wearing boots, I was not about to take them off.
Done.
I look in the mirror. Ok, I've got shaving cream on my shirt and a speck on my hair. Don't ask me how that happened I don't know.
I wipe it away, and leave the bathroom.
Mission Accomplished.

Michelle needs...

So, I decided to google "Michelle needs..." after reading "Shelly needs..." and here is what I need.

Michelle needs every advantage possible to attain this goal.
EMMA project at work

Michelle needs constant proof of love.
This is so true

Michelle needs to just shut up
This is probably true too

MICHELLE NEEDS YOUR HELP
Yes, definately in prayers

Michelle needs money so she can travel...
I do need money, doesn't everyone? And Disney World is first on my list.

Michelle needs to find her style.
Yes, just the other day, I changed by hairstyle, I just let it stay curly, when asking Isabel if she liked it she replied "It's a mess!"

Michelle needs to improve her communication
According to Eddie, he can't understand a thing I say, and is always trying to get my friend (who is a speech pathologist) to fix me.


Michelle needs to be in good shape and give it everything she's got.
So true... ok ok. On the days I get home early and Eddie is picking up the girls, I will exercise

Michelle needs a few more years to become a really sexy young woman. ...
I guess if I work on the one above, this could happen. :)


This was fun.

Perfect Pet

The guinea pig. My nephew has one, and Isabel loves it, and he loves her. They just sit together. He doesn't run away, and loves being cuddled.
I'm thinking about getting her one for her birthday.

What do you think?

Great Buys at Costco

2 leather scrapbooks - $14.00 (Anywhere else 19.99 ea)
320 sheets of multicolor cardstock 12x12 paper - 14.00 (Anywhere else .50 each on sale)
2 Nautica umbrellas (1 large, 1 Golf size) - 16.00 (Anywhere else the Golf umbrella alone would be at least $40.00)

Mr. Mom

Eddie stayed home yesterday with the girls. He'll do this every once in a while if he has a day off. Because of this I took his truck to work.
When I got home, he had washed and cleaned out my van, and had washed, and folded almost all of the clothes.
I was impressed.
Thank you Eddie for all that you do.

House For Sale

I been busy. House hunting, house selling, kids, work, church... you know the works.
The house is officially on the market. Not all the pictures are up yet, and we still need to do the virtual tour. The MLS# is 10492744.

Living Room

Workshop

Kitchen

Front of House

A great curving drive-way leading to a two-story 5/3.1/4 custom home on 1 acre featuring custom trim and cabinets through out, CAT 5 wiring, wired for security cameras, surround sound and multi room sound. Wonderful covered p orches and a detached 2 car garage/workshop (30x40) featuring an up-stairs area partially finished out (insulated, sheet-rocked, wired). Up-stairs other room can be study/work or private retreat.

Property Features
Bedroom(s) 5
Bath(s) full 3
Partial bath(s) 1
Style: Traditional
Fireplaces: Wood Burning
Cooling: Central Air - Electric
Heating: Central Heat-Elec
Garage: Garage Opener
Floors: Carpet;Ceramic Tile;Laminate
Roof: Composition
Sewer: City Sewer
Foundation: Piered Beam Slab;Slab
Water: City Water
Year Built: 2004
Sq. Ft.: 3437
Lot Size: 1.00 acre(s)
List Date: 03/11/2006
Days on Market: 5
MLS#: 10492744
Type: SFR
Status: Active
Amenities
Laundry: Dryer Hookup-Elec.;Washer Hookup
Parking: Attached;Detached;OverSized;Rear
Addl. Room Type: Library/Study Room;Unfinished Bonus Room
Lot Features: Large Backyard Grass;Interior Lot;Subdivision
Community Information
County: DALLAS
Subdivision: LAKE RIDGE SEC 21
School District: CEDAR HILL
Elementary School: LAKERIDGE
Middle School: PERMENTER
High School: CEDARHILL

House Hunters Part 1

Well we found a house on .5 acres in Arlington. 2200 sq Feet and it has a shop. Perfect. The house is older and we would totally remodel the inside. Paint, laminate wood floor, tile, new kitchen cabinets, new bookcases..... The backyard is huge, and it's on a street behind the Target on Cooper. We still need to do a walk through to see if there is any structural damage. If the price is right, we might buy.
Our house is officially on the market. I don't know the MLS# yet but when I get it I'll post, who everyone can take a look at the pictures.

A Special Guest will arrive.

Well guess who is coming to Isabel's Princess Party......drumroll.... CINDERELLA
She is going to be so excited. Cinderella will arrive with music a interative story a treasure hunt, face painting, balloons, and specials prizes for everyone. I can't wait. Isabel will have her Cinderella dress on, with slippers, tiara, and wand. My mom will make the cake look like Cinderella. It's going to be a blast. If anyone want's more information about Princess Parties, go to Jessica's Princess Parties.

Smokers, You're killing me....

Dana Reeve passed away from second hand smoke induced lung cancer. Trageic!
The other day I was in the womens restroom, and a girl walked in who reeked of smoke. I got so nausiated, I wanted to throw up. Inconsiderate!
Yesterday, I was in the gas station, and a scene from the movie "I'm gonna get you Sucker" flashed before me.

Guy: "Can I have 2 buffalo wings"
Attendend "What?"
Guy: "Can I have 2 buffalo wings"
Attendend "They are 4 for $3.49"

I was waiting for him to ask "How much for 1 rib?"
but he looked at the change he had in his hand and walked away.

I felt sorry for him, and I breifly thought, I'll buy his lunch.
Then I look in his hand and there was a brand new pack of cigarettes.
Forget it, I'm not buying you lunch. If you'd rather spend $4 on cigarettes than eat, that's your problem. Stupid!

Book of Questions #18

If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one ability or quality, what would it be?

My Answer: The ability to finish my dotnet project in 1 week.

What about You?

My New Personal Trainer

I got a personal trainer yesterday. Since I have a room that has all my exercize equipment in it, my personal trainer encouraged me to use it.
She laid on the yoga mat and did some sort of leg lift, and told me to get on the gazelle. I didn't have on any shoes, but she didn't care, she wanted me to exercize on the gazelle. She then proceeded to go to the trampoline to jump. After about 5 minutes I told her that I was tired, and asked if I could stop. She allowed me to stop but then told me to jump on the trampoline.
As I started to jump, she said "Isn't it fun, Isn't it fun"...
No it's not fun, my calves are starting to hurt, and I'm starting to sweat.
"Faster, Faster" she yells. After awhile I stopped and proceeded to the yoga mat. I tried to remember some of my stretches. I bent to the side to touch my left toe.
"Other side" she says... and on we went. Next was situps.
"1, 2, 3, ...... 22, 23, 27".....she skipped some numbers. That's ok, it makes me feel like I did more that what I actually did. All in all I had a good workout, and went straight to bed. If anyone of you wants to borrower my personal trainer, she is avaliable on Tuesdays, for a small fee of "candy and a surprise". But if you feel you want to give a donation, she is saving up for college.

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

I just finished my study for church tomorrow. I was about to go to bed but I have a screaming 2 year old wanting to play on the internet, so I needed to escape. We moved her bed upstairs to fill the empty bedroom. It's a huge bedroom. It's all decorated with princess stuff, since she's a princess, and thinks she's Cinderella. I remember my first bedroom. We lived in a little bitty trailer. There was a hallway between the kitchen and where my mom's bed was at. The hallway was the length of a twin bed. To the left fit only a twin bed and the the right was a built in dresser. That was it. My room was a hallway. I remember in the 3rd grade my aunt gave me her compter, a TI99-4A. I would sit on the edge of my bed, pull out a drawer from the built in dresser and then I would take our chalk board and turn in around and place it on the drawer. I now had a desk. The keyboard would sit on the "desk" and I small tv would sit on the top of the dresser. The keyboard/pc would connect to the tv and I would write simple "Basic" programs. Even at the age of 8 I knew I wanted to be a programmer like my aunt. I graduated high school, in 93' and worked and paid my way through college. It did take my 6 years, but I finished. It's so cool to see that I fullfilled my dream.

Chili's I-30 & Collins

Yesterday we went to Chili's to eat. We got there at 11:15. At 12:15 our food arrived. 1 hour later. We asked for the manager, boxes to go, and checks... We only got a rude manager. So as I was putting a fork of salad in my mouth, I hear the words in slow motion "I don't think we should pay for this, we've been here for an hour" Then before I knew it, everyone around me was getting out of their chairs. I did a double take at my sandwich and reached for it. But I left it there. Man that sandwich sure did look good, since I hadn't even eaten breakfast that morning. Oh well. When we got back to the office, I got online at Chili's website to complain about the incident. If they send me some gift cards I will not use them at that Chili's..... I'll just use them down the street at On the Border (they are owned by the same company :)

Reality Check

This is what happens when you get bored. Yesterday my sister was looking up old high school classmates just to see where they are now. She looked up Joseph Roy Ewen III, son of a former city councilman of Arlington. He was her boyfriend in high school. Do you know what she found. DECEASED! I couldn't believe it when I heard it. After much digging, she found that he had passed away of cancer Nov 2004, and was only 27 years old. Wow, so young.
Needless to say, when someone you know dies and is about your age you start to wonder "who will be next, and will it be me"
Well in light of this my sister and I have vowed to get mammograms as soon as possible. See breast cancer runs in my family, and it does not discriminate against age. A woman that works with my sister who is 35 has stage 4 breast cancer, she's only 5 years old than me. I can not stress how important it is to get a yearly checkup, both men and women, and for women I encourage you to get mammograms yearly.

Moving from the red into the black

The phrase I used to say to Eddie, whenever I would bring a purchase home would be "It was only $10 dollars". Which I thought if I could get something for $10 that was a bargain. But as we all know, all of those $10 can add up to $100.
We'll we've been on a get out of debt budget, and needless to say my $10 days are gone.

Well yesterday, I went to Dixie's to buy a charm for a friend, it's her birthday this week. See her birthday falls on the 29th of Feb, and since there will be no 29th this year, she celebrates all week long.

Anyways.. back to Dixies.. I bought her a charm, it was like $5, then I bought me a charm it was like $4, then I was looking for a chain, cause mine broke a while back. So I found one only $4. Isn't that good? I mean $4, not $65 which I would have paid at Zales. Granted the one I got is silver and not white gold, but it looks the same. And did I mention only $4.

Well I showed it to Eddie and he said something to the effect of needing to pay off credit cards... I don't know, wasn't really paying attention, cause I had a new chain, and it only cost me $4.

I think I'm getting better, heck I cut down my favorite phrase down more than half. I think that is real progress.

Eddie's all around me

I don't remeber the day that we met, we had mutual friends, who were dating each other. He knew my sister. They both worked at "the pawn shop", First Cash Pawn to be exact, but at different locations. At first glance, not the type of guy I would think of dating. He as 2.5 years younger than me, had a fade, and worked at the pawn shop. I had my eye on someone else, my age, and taller. Also named Eddie. To make the story smoother we'll call him Eddie H.
I remeber being at a party dancing with Eddie H. After the party we all went to eat at Wendy's. Eddie H. on one side of me, and Eddie V (my future husband) on the other side of me. Eddie V, just one of the guys. Eddie H, ended up being too conceited. He was fine and he knew it.
As the months passed Eddie V and I became friends. We also became dance partners, we had a blast. We hung out more and more until he met another girl. That is when I started looking at him in a whole different way....

Magical Moments

Isabel having fun with her Daddy.


Emma being Dora the Explorer

Book of Questions # 6

You discover that your wonderful one-year-old chld is, because of a mixup at the hospital, not yours. Would you want to exchange the child to try to correct the mistake?

My Answer: No, I would not exchange. But I would investigate to see if the child is in a good home, if not, then I would try to get custody.

A Day of Rest

Normally on Wednesday's I leave work, pick up the kids, go to the dollar store to buy stuff for my Mission Friends class, go to my sister's or in-laws house, feed the girls, pick up a someone, and head to church where I set up for class and get ready to teach about 6-9 two-three year olds. This is all in a 3 hour time span.
Well yesterday I was exhausted. After all my running around, my sister informed me that Emma had pink eye. Sad to say, but a wave of relief washed over me. I've got plenty of pink eye medicine at the house, so I made some phone calls, and one more trip to drop all my class material off and headed home.
My mom was there to greet me. Isabel was asleep, and stayed asleep. Emma was being spoiled rotten by my mom as I made chicken quesadillas. We watched American Idol, and I dozed off to never never land. I got the much need sleep that I needed. It's so nice to have a day off every once in a while.

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. Psalm 116:7

Pobresita (UPDATE)

The apartment complex that she was staying in moved her to a different complex in an other area of town. The new place is managed by Christians, who shared with her that they pray God will lead people to them that they can minister to. They are going to contact Mission Arlington, to furnish her apartment, and also help her with daycare. A program that works with victims of crime is paying for her hospital bills, and offering other aid.

God is so good.

Pobresita (Poor little one)

She has been through alot and she's only 21. Sunday night,as she locked the car door, with her 15 month old little boy in her arms, and diaper bag and purse thrown over her shoulder, she starts the long walk towards her apartment on the 2nd floor. The night was cold, scary, dark, the beer store is only 50 feet away. This is not the greatest part of town for a single young mom to be living.
She is not even 10 feet from her car, and out of nowhere three black guys rush to her, attacking her from all angles. The baby slips out of her arms, smacking face first to the ground. A beer bottle comes crashing on her head, and in a matter of 10 seconds her world is shattered yet another time.
Back in Cedar Hill, 30 minutes away from her, I get a phone call. She was so hysterical, I could only pick out a few words. I wasn't even sure who was calling. At first I thought it was my sister, but no.
"Attack...beer bottle, head, took purse, bible bag, keys"' My first response was "Did you call the cops"... "Are you in your apartment? Stay there I'm on my way"
Well, that was a lie... I couldn't leave... I didn't want to put my two girls in danger, so I called someone else.
"You gotta help her"....
I called her back and the paramedic on the other line said that she was fine, but that she was being transported to the hospital, and the baby would be with her.

It makes me sick to my stomach that there are people who have no value for life. They prey on defenseless women and children..babies.

Yesterday, I was going driving around a parking lot at a grocery store, and saw three black guys. They were dressed thuggish, and I couldn't help wondering if they were the ones, who shattered my friends world.

1988 - 1996

August 1989, I made my first entry in a diary. I found that diary the other day. I was in Jr High, High School, and College. I was boy crazy, had low self-esteem until I reached college, and then I had a blast. Why did I stop writing in 1996? Well that's when I met Eddie. I think I have a few entries in other journals, I just have to locate them. But here's a synopsis... It's been a roller-coaster ride. Lots of ups and downs, more ups than downs. Well now it's 2006 and I've started writing again, only this time it's online. Blogger needs to figure out a way where we can print out all our entries with a single click, just in case they ever shut down. I would hate to loose all this history. One day I want my girls to read my journals so that when they say "you don't understand"... I can point to page 5 in my journal and recant my experiences as a teenager, and say "oh but I do"

I have the best Daddy in the whole world

He owns everything, my picture is on His refrigerator, He loves me no matter what I do, He makes me laugh, He always surprises me with gifts. My daddy is God, the only daddy I've ever known.

Just Friday, I checked the mail and there was a refund check from my OB/GYN in the amount of 455.00. Wow what a gift.

Tag Your It

4 Jobs I’ve Had In My Life:

Indoor Grand Prix - Got to ride go-karts for free.
Bell Helicopter - Got to ride helicopters for free.
PSC - A web development company. I got to wear shorts to work
Motherhood - I work 24 hours a day.

4 Goals I Set For This Year:

Exercise daily. - I walk twice a day
Get into the Word more. - I do my devotional daily
Debt Free - We're selling the house
Scrapbook more - Doing this at least once a month.


4 Movies I Could Watch Over And Over:

Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Who doesn't envy Ferris?
Top Gun - There's just something about men in fighter jets.
Breakfast Club - Classic 80's
Clueless - Every girls dream, big house, fast car, and lots of clothes



4 Places I Have Lived:

Odessa, TX
Hurst, TX
Arlington, TX
Cedar Hill, TX


4 TV Shows I Love To Watch:

General Hospital
House
Extreme Makeover Home Edition
Grey's Anatomy


4 Places I’ve Been On Vacation:

Los Angeles, CA
San Antonio, TX
Oden, AK
Odessa, TX


4 Websites I Visit Daily:

Bloglines
Bank of America
Blogger.com
Yahoo


4 Of My Favorite Foods:

Mexican - Taco's de Asada
Mexican - Sopes
Mexican - Posole
Mexican - Ceviche

4 Places I’d Rather Be Right Now:

Home watching TV
A beach
Disney World
Playing at the park with my girls

So Now I’m Going To Tag…

Shelly, Jeff, Jeremy, Tammara, Paul

There is a time for everything....

Well we're going to do it. We're going to sell our gorgeous home. Why? Because we can make at least $100,000 from the sale. Do you know what we can do with that money? Pay off debt, and put the rest on a house that's in Arlington closer to our family, friends, and church. Eddie will be able to quit his part-time jobs, and I'll be able to put my salary in the bank and mutual funds. Then the Valenzuela household will be in balance again.

Gone will be the days where we are working for CitiMortage, or American Express. We will be able to serve our community more, spend more time with our 2 beautiful daughters, take family vacations, and secure a future for their college funds.

Pray that God will just open the doors for us that this will go according to his plan.

I'm so excited!

Better late than never

If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven't you told them yet?

My Answer: Nothing I would regret. I tell my family each day that I love them.

Cute Sayings #1

Every so often my kids will say and do things that crack me up. So I decided to log these little moments.

Scene: Target, Emma and Grandma using one basket, Belle and I using another basket.
We are in different parts of the store.

Me: Isabel, where's grandma?
Isabel: I don't know
Me: Isabel, we lost grandma.
Isabel: I didn't loss grandma. You loss grandma.

And the Oscar for favorite princess goes to........

Cinderella (Of course)

So Isabel (2 yrs) is asking me if she can wear her Cinderella dress (It's actually Belle's dress), but Isabel likes pretending that she's Cinderella. So she puts it on and I grab the ladder to get her crown off of a shelf.

"Can we dance to my song Mommy?" She's talking about Cinderella's song "A Dream is Wish Your Heart makes". So I put it on and we start to dance. Emma of course wants to join us. So there we are the 3 princesses dancing in the living room.

After the song finishes Isabel is standing there and says

"I want to thank everybody for..." I'm not sure what else she said, but it sounded alot like she was giving her speech for best actress.

Bare-Naked Ladies

Well not quite, but I feel that way. I left my purse at home. What does that mean you ask? Well for starters, I have no makeup on. More importantly no lipstick. My nose is shining and I've got dark circles under my eyes.
Of course the logical thing would be to run up to Walgreens and buy some more.
Did you not hear me? I left my purse at home. What does that mean you ask again? No money! Can't even go to the ATM. Nothing. So I'm just sitting here, kicking myself, thanking God that I at least have my gas card. You see at the Chevron on Post and Paddock there is a Quiznos attached and they take Chevron cards. Yeah. So I won't starve today, thank God.
Hey I wonder is they sell lipstick?

Book of Questions # 2

Do you believe in ghosts or evil spirits? Would you be willing to spend the night alone in a remote house that is supposedly haunted?

My Answer: "Yes, I believe in evil spirits. No way would I spend a night alone in a haunted house, I can barely be alone in my own house"

T.H.I.N.K

Was listening to a broadcast this morning, talking about how to divorce proof your marriage. On thing that was mentioned was an acrostic on thinking before speaking.

T - Truthful Is what you are saying truthful?
H - Helpful Is what you are saying helpful?
I - Inspiring Is what you are saying inspiring?
N - Necessary Is what you are saying necessary?
K - Kind Is what you are saying kind?

THINK before you speak.

Kids say the darnest things

We were at Mc Donalds this weekend, the kids were playing in the McPlay Place. There were 2 other little girls playing who were cousins. Here's the conversation as I heard it.

"Madeline, can you come with me, cause I might see a stranger, and he might get me, and then I won't get to be your cousin no more"

We were at church, playing Hide and Seek in the dark, we are hide and a 4-year old was seeking. I hear.

"8 - 9 - 10..... (then some crying)"
I came out and asked "What's wrong?"
She replied "I lost myself"

Me and the girls were playing outside behind the garage. Isabel says

"I want to go home"
"We are home."
"I want to go in there" she says pointing to the house.

Last night at church, a kid runs up to me

"Hma. Michelle, Mikey has a iPocket"
"A what?"
"iPocket"
"What's that" thinking somehow I'd lost my iPod
"You cut with it"
So I went to see what it was, and lo and behold it was a pocket knife.
I think what he was saying was a knife pocket, I heard iPocket, and what he meant was pocket knife.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

There are many times that we go through trials and wonder what good will come out of it. In the past several weeks I have seen God work in our lives.

The Bad
Two weeks ago Emma was sick with rotavirus. She had a lowgrade fever and diahrea.

The Good
Of course she and Isabel stayed home all week with Eddie. This was good, cause it allow the girls to have some alone time with their Dad, and to also give us the chance to get Isabel potty-trained.

The Bad
We've been living with debt for about a year, since Emma was born. I hate it. We struggled to get our tax money on time, but did it.

The Good
We totally have changed with way we look at money. We have become savers and not just excessive spenders. The Lord has now blessed Eddie with more cabinet work, and 2 part-time jobs apart from his full-time fire-fighter position. Now we will attack the debt with a vengence

The Bad
I have goals to meet at work. I'm stressed about one of the projects, which I have doubt that it will be completed on time.

The Good
I'm learning a new programming language. I feel that I'm growing in my education.

I'm in Pain....

I woke up this morning with a terrible stomach ache. I even changed into some jeans that weren't as tight, just so I could have a little bit of comfort. As I was driving, my stomach hurt so bad that I had to completely undo my jeans, and I though I was in early labor. I hope it goes away. Eventhough I'm exhausted, tense, and would rather be in bed, I don't want to take a sick day. I'll try to suck it up.

To my children, with love - Part 1

Colossians1
9We have not stopped praying for you since the first day we heard about you. In fact, we always pray that God will show you everything he wants you to do and that you may have all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives.

10Then you will live a life that honors the Lord, and you will always please him by doing good deeds. You will come to know God even better.

11His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything, and you will be truly happy.

12I pray that you will be grateful to God for letting you have part in what he has promised his people in the kingdom of light.

13God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son,

14who forgives our sins and sets us free.

The next face-off

CINDERELLA VS. BATMAN

Isabel play fighting with Jacob my nephew.
Isabel: You Batman, I Cinderella.

The the fighting began.
Cinderella is a lot stronger than I thought.

What kind of bra are you?

You Are a Flashy Red Bra!

Outgoing, friendly, and fascinating. You're a charmer, with your pick of the men. But you want a man who's as magnetic as you are. You need someone who can keep up with your all night gab fests!

What Kind of Bra Are You?

I will not cross the picket line....

Day 3 with only wearning panties and no accidents. Yeah! Although she hadn't had a BM either. Right before she went to be we went potty and had a little B.M. so I was happy. I put on her "night night panties.. aka pull ups" and away she went. About 1 hour later Eddie comes to inform me that she pooped in her pull up.. Oh well poor kid had been holding for 3 days.
Hopefully tomorrow at church will go well. Even if I have to leave service to take her to the potty, I will not put a pullup on her. I have officially drawn the line. No more diapers.

We'll call her Stan... we'll call me Fed Up

Someone I used to consider a friend, (we'll call her Stan, (names have been changed to protect the innocent))I no longer do. I think our relationship started fading away at least 1.5 years ago. She used to take care of Isabel as an infant but when Isabel turned 1 yrs old I started having someone else take care of her. Let me just tell you it was the best decision ever. Isabel was a happier baby, and I was a happier mommy. (Never mix business and friendship....it doesn't work at least not for me). Anyways... needless to say we stopped hanging out. Not that I haven't tried to restore the friendship. She's made comments like "Tracy is my only friend" (she's your cousin, she has to like you)...that's strike number one Or when I say "Hey we haven't hung out in a while, we should get together" the reply was "WE don't hang out"....Ok strike two. Or the times when she's being Stan (Shoot that ain't nothing), you know always trying to one-up me on everything. It gets old.
So I've just stop talking to her altogether. I only talk to her when I need to,
other than that I don't even utter a "hi".

Do you know what's sad? We are both teachers in our church. And we are both acting like kids. Last night as I was leaving she was standing in the doorway, I said "excuse me" she moved and I passed through as I heard her say "Gosh I'm just standing in the doorway, relax"...

That did it. It's not like I said "Move! you're in my way"... all I said was "excuse me", I didn't shout, in fact it was in a very monotone voice.
Well she called and left a message saying "Hey wanted to talk to you to see if eveything is ok".... whatever

I asked my husband what should I do.. cause I'm not good at confronting people or being confronted. I either try to avoid the confrontation completely or if confronted I'm either very passive, won't say anything... or I go into complete attack mode.

He said I sould return the call, realizing that satan is at work, and would like nothing more to bring division in our church...
He's right, but I still don't want to call.

It is well with my soul

A guy that works with my father-in-law just lost his 2 year old in a drowning accident. The question I have for myself was "How would I feel in that situation?"
My first thought was "I'd be mad at God".... But after thinking about it for a while and reading an excerpt of a book called "In the arms of God", my perspective changed. In my mind I know that God is in control of all things, and that "all things work for the good of those who love Him, and who are called according to his purpose". In the words of my father-in-law "Kids belong to God, He just lets us take care of them for a little bit" So another question arises "Do I love God, more than earthly things or another human being?" Abraham did and he was counted as righteous.
The answer to the questions above. YES! I do love God more than anyone or anything. He has never foresaken me, and no matter how bad things may seem He has always been there to see me through. So I pray that through life's struggles and tragedies I will be able to say "It is well with my soul"

P.S. Please pray for Emma as she is sick right now with Rotavirus. Not too bad though as she's only thrown up twice since Sunday and the diahrea isn't that bad. She seems to be in good spirits.

That was a big check....

Well not exactly, since I don't write checks anymore... I paid my property taxes online on Friday. Whewwwwwwwww.. I can breath now.
My how times have changed. I remember when I was in the 6th grade my class had a lesson on how to write checks, fill out a register, and balance a checkbook. I haven't done that in ages. I wonder what the class would be like now.....
create a bill pay account, send a payment online, check your bank account to see if the draft went through....

Reciprocity

It so pays to be nice to others without expecting anything in return. Through our friend Vanessa, Eddie got a part-time job where she works. He'll be working there some while he's not at the fire department. Yeah!!!! Eddie is just not one to stay home and do nothing, so this is a good thing.

Surprise

Yesterday I told Isabel that her Wuelita had a surprise, and that the surprise was a puppy.
Well when we met Eddie at his mom's house, he told Isabel.
"Wuelita has a surprise!"
Isabel replied "No, it's a puppy"

Smarty pants!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I'm so overwhelmed right now. Work is my biggest stress. Enough said.

Spider Man = Web Developer

What kind of super hero are you? I'm Spider-Man. I can understand that, since he created webs...and I create WEBsites...

Your results:
You are Spider-Man

Spider-Man 85% Supergirl 70% Catwoman 70% Hulk 60% Robin 55% The Flash 55% Superman 50% Green Lantern 50% Batman 45% Iron Man 45% Wonder Woman 40%

You are intelligent, witty, a bit geeky and have great power and responsibility.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

10 Months from now

10 months from now Emma will be 2 years old.
10 months from now I'll get another tax statement
10 months from now we'll be preparing for another "Celebrando Jesus"
10 months from now I'll be asking Eddie to hurry up and finish my dinning room table.
10 months from now our friend Josh will come back from war in the Philipeens (? spelling)
10 months from now I will have implemented something in ASP.net
10 months from now I would have almost finished the entire bible.
10 months from now is not that far away.

Where will you be 10 months from now.

Book of Questions #1

For the person you loved deeply, would you be willing to move to a distant country, knowing there would be little chance of ever seeing your friends or family again?

Things to do with your kids.

Yesterday in Mission Friends we did some cool stuff... you can do this at home with your kiddos.

I bought the paperplates that are shaped as different animals.
I taught about sneezing and saying "God Bless You", and covering your mouth when you sneeze.
I had the kids glue the corner of a kleenex on the nose of the animal. On the back I wrote God Bless You. This craft is called a "Kerchoo"

Another craft is ediable art.
On a paperplate spray whip cream and let them spread it around with their fingers. When it's all spread out, they can then draw different pictures on it like a magnadoodle. Then you can give them colored marshmellows to create another picture on the whipped cream.

Why do you go to church?

Why do you go to church Mommy?Isabel asks.
Well we go to church to worship God. We sing to God, and we read the bible and we pray.
We sing to Jesus too? she asks.
Yes we sing to Jesus.
Then she breaks out singing the song "Happy Birthday Jesus"

This conversation repeated about 4 times in the car.
I'm so glad God gives me those teachable moments with my children.

If you were a cartoon.... who would you be?

Isabel is convinced that she is Cinderella. And if you tell her that she's not, she gets mad. The other day she was getting ready for her bath, got completely naked and yelled "I'm Cinderella". I busted out laughing. It was the funnies thing.

By the way according to her..
I am Swiper
Emma is Dora
Eddie is Boots
Jacob is Batman
Grandma is Sleeping Beauty

Why am I the sneaky fox? I want to be Inspector Gadget.

Aurora Heredia Garcia

Bori was my mom's counsin.... A prisoner in her own body and in her own home for many years. I wrote about her 4 months ago. She had the stomach bipass surgery and her health got worse ever since then. I'll greatly miss her sense of humor and kind heart. I will forever keep the huge blanket that she crocheted for Isabel. Bori I'll miss you, but I know that you are in heaven and that I will see you again.

Aurora Heredia GarciaCrane Aurora Heredia Garcia, 52, of Crane, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2006, at her residence.
Wake service will be at
7 p.m. Sunday at Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home Chapel. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at Good Shepherd Catholic Church with the Rev. Nilo Naluogon officiating. Burial will be at Crane County Cemetery.
She was born in Monahans and was a member of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
Survivors Daughter, Neomi L. Garcia of Crane; father, Ismael V. “Pete” Heredia Sr. of Crane; brothers, Ricky Heredia and Guadalupe “Wally” Heredia, both of Crane, Ismael Heredia Jr. of Andrews and Johnny Heredia of Phoenix.

Faithbook 2006

Well I started my faithbook yesterday. "Faithbook 2006: Gifts from God A-Z"
I'm as so siked up about this. I went and bought a book and pages for it yesterday.
My scrapbooking partner and close friend Chachi decided to do one to. So that's cool.

A: All things were made by Him. John 1:3

I have a picture of Isabel at 3 weeks naked with a bow that says Gift from God. It's so cute.

B: Bones of Bones, flesh of my flech. Gen.2:23

I'll put a picture of Emma at birth... she's my second gift from God.

I can't wait until the end of the year when this book is complete. It will be something that I can pass down to my daughters when they grow up.

Goals

Spiritual

1. Complete a faithbook from A-Z
2. Read the entire bible

Family

1. Do one load of laundry a day
2. Read a book each night to the girls

Physical

1. Workout for 30 minutes on Saturday mornings

Work

1. Brush up on my OO Analysis and Design (took a class 7 years ago at UTA)
2. Take a VB.net class
3. Clear out my que daily
4. Complete the rest of the goals outlined by my boss

Bathroom Talk

Ok, something weird happened to me yesterday. I went into the ladies bathroom, and there was only one other person there, who was washing her hands. As I was in the stall she asked
"Have you been outside?"
I stayed quiet, cause I didn't know if she was talking to me or not. Granted I was the only one there, but she could have been on the phone. It was just weird having someone talk to me while I'm going to the bathroom. Anyways, I stayed quiet. Then she said,
"Do you speak English?"
I was offended? Of course, weirdo, it's a requirement to work here. So I replied,
"Are you speaking to me?"
"Yes"...
"I'm sorry, didn't realize you were speaking to me. The weather is wonderful"
"Great, have a great day"

People, unless you know the person in the stall, don't talk to them, it's very weird.