Super Heroes Birthday Party!

For Diego and Ramon.



Can somebody explain to me how this happens? How is it that in one more year Diego will hit the double digits and Ramon is already two? How did that happen? I know it's cliche but I could start this post with "Wasn't it just yesterday...?" The fact is that last Saturday we celebrated just that, Diego's ninth birthday and Ramon's second.

To see them grow is nothing short of wonderful, it's like each time I see them I see changes. They are just getting too old too fast and that only means one thing, that I am becoming a dinosaur of sorts.

My daughter Michelle has the best ideas for parties and this was no exception. They erected a metropolis in their dining room and every so often the buildings started falling but on this particular occasion no one feared the danger as the house was filled with super heroes.


Here, Super Grandpa leaped from the hot dog machine to hold this falling high rise building, I think one of the many batmen in attendance knocked it in error but Super Grandpa's sharp reflexes prevailed and saved the building placing it back in place.

It was like the super hero convention at the Duckworth's abode. Batman, Captain America, Superman, Bat girls, Super girls, and many other heroes made the party and fun was had by all, specially the mini heroes which were running and jumping all over.

Batman, Superman, and Captain America.
Batgirl and an older Captain America.
Birthday boy Ramon with his super daddy.

I think you just have to appreciate who you are and hopefully they can see what a superhero is about. ~ Lucy Liu

As you can see, super heroes come in many sizes and shapes.
As always, we had a blast. The food was delicious, the super nachos were the BOMB!, the hot dogs had a POW! once all the toppings were in place, and the PUNCH! well it was refreshing. I even had me a care package which I gladly ate the following day. Ummm que rico!

Well, in a couple of weeks Ariele and Atalie will have their birthday party and I heard it through a very reliable source that Ariele a.k.a. Rapunzel will be hosting a formal party. I guess if you are invited to a ball it has to be formal, and in our household with so many princes and princesses around formal attire will be required. Oh and Ariele says that when the tea is served our pinkys have to be sticking up.

Michelle's 80s Party!

Michelle and I.
The other day my daughter Michelle turned another year so without divulging her age I will just say that she is only two years away from the age that most women get stuck in for a looooooooong time.

To celebrate she threw an 80's kindda party complete with 80's music and we were all asked to get with the program by dressing up very 80's too. I went early 80's with a replica of one of my many outfits that I used to go to the disco, of course back then the beard and hair were brown and not mostly white. lol

My daughter Nikki and I.
Ha, ha, gag me with a spoon! Look at those outfits.
I think stores don't carry Aqua Net anymore, or do they? lol


Thee people had the wrong phones for the 80s.
All in all it was a nice fun party, everyone enjoyed it, we ate some good food, had a few drinks and to we even danced to the tune of some 80s music. Something about dancing to the Wii that kept every one laughing and going.


Wouldn't you know it, they had us dancing to some girly song.


At the end of the night fun was had by one and all. Happy birthday again Michelle! Oh wait your birth month is gone. lol

The Quinceañera X3

So we left for La Puente, California on Friday at around 5:00 pm and by 11:30 we were sitting at Rambo's enjoying some very delicious tacos. It's cooling down some in Phoenix and the humidity which is common for this time of year has not shown up yet, yey! So I was expecting the same for California. Actually it's usually cool at night but when we got there it was still hot. I slept on the couch with a fan pointing my way and the ceiling fan going as fast as it could.

The next morning we were greeted with hot temperatures and high humidity. The shower actually felt like a sauna, I had taken a white shirt for the party but when I tried it on I started sweating big time, I don't know what material it is made of but it wouldn't breath so I had to change it and wore a black polo type shirt that actually felt a lot better. We Phoenicians can endure extreme heat but for us it is a dry heat. The humidity there is more than I can take, I love visiting but I wouldn't want to live there.

The party went on as planned, there was a good turnout but apparently freeway closures due to a big accident may have prevented for more guests to show up. If that was not the case then they missed a good party and a great time.

We had some great tasting birria with rice "frijoles puercos" and an array of different salsas, I am sorry to say but I had to have doubles. The food was super tasty. To wash it all down some water, sodas, beer, wine, and tequila, and believe I tried it all, but no, I didn't get drunk, I spaced them out throughout the whole afternoon to where I actually enjoyed each drink.













The dancing and entertainment came via ourselves as we started the karaoke machine and we sang mostly all night.


A peaceful moment for reflection was provided by Father Adolfo as he blessed Chely, blessed the moment, and pray for all of us.


We had so much fun, ate great food, had some liquor, sang some songs, and basically just enjoyed a good party. At the end of the day, the birthday girl the quinceañera X3 was happy with the outcome and that's all that mattered.

Here is the Quinceañera X3

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The Weekend In Review

We are scheduled to have another scorcher of a day, the forecast said 110 high for today, however I had another very enjoyable drive to work. No traffic and beautiful weather for top down again.

I'm back on my allergy pills but I think it would really help if I didn't forget to take them. Yesterday in the afternoon I meant to take a nap and winded up sleeping for like five hours, then woke up and caught up with my recorded shows before I went to bed again. Today I feel good and ready to tackle anything that comes my way.

Yesterday was my granddaughter's birthday celebration, I can't believe she is now eight years old. We had a nice time but most importantly the kids had a great time. It was a swimming pool party and the weather was perfect for it. Nachos, punch, and cake were served and I kept seeing people go back for seconds. Can't really go wrong with Nachos bathed in cheese and topped with ground beef and sliced jalapeños.

My six year old grand son Diego was hired by me to take pictures of the event, so the following are all his captures.

Nanni's grandma makes the coolest looking and most delicious cakes.

Happy eight birthday Brianna.

Not my favorite of traditions but done time and time again.

Birthday girl!

When you are a kid this is the most exciting moment... the presents!

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Over The Hill? Moi?

The weather is starting to cool down, yes it is still a little hot but not as much as before, the trade will be that in the next month we will experience a little more humidity and our skin will get a little more moisture.

I don't think I have mentioned this before but I think today is a good day to do it. Next month I will join the coveted "Over The Hill" gang, the big 5-0 is upon me like nobodies business and mi chica and daughter Michelle have been working on a big birthday bash with DJ, plenty of food, and drinks.

They have chosen a Mexican motif for the fiesta and everything is revolving around anything and everything Mexican, from the food to the drinks to the decor. Of course I don't know Jack about what they are planning or doing, I know what I know because realistically it was impossible for them to keep this completely secret but I'm supposed to be in the dark about things.

Invitations have been sent all over the place, to my biker buddies, to my fellow Mustang club members, to my coworkers, to my karaoke clan, and to all my family and friends, heck one of my dear friends from Mexico may even make the trip to come and join me, to say I am excited is a total understatement.

I'll keep you posted on stuff as more information gets leaked and comes to my attention.

Then the following week right after my fiesta my little sister will also celebrate a milestone birthday (I think it's her 29th... again!) We had been talking about her hosting one of our Photo Exhibitions at her house in California and she came out with the idea of having it on the very day of her party. As most of her friends will be there she feels the frames will get total exposure and I agree. This way even if I don't sell a frame at least we will party hardy.

More on the exhibition and birthday party later on as well.

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Arielle and Danny Turn One

And so just like that Arielle turned one. I remember as if it was yesterday we were going to Tucson as Michelle told us she was ready. Time do fly and it doesn't ask for permission. Her fiesta was pretty nice, pretty much all the family attended and she got a lot of presents. A Dora themed jumpy was rented by her nino and some chairs and tables too. Typical to Mexican families we had the party in the front yard away from the swimming pool. There were just too many little ones and the water isn't even warm yet so we didn't want to be jumping in after the little ones.

The cake was most excellent, I don't have pictures yet but I may add some later on. My daughter in law's mom bakes the best cakes. Last week she did the pirate theme for Diego, this week it was a colorful cake with a separate little cake just for her in the shape of a teddy bear. The frosting was all pink with a second tier cake in the shape of a yellow butterfly. Instead of sugar she uses Splenda and low fat low sugar frosting. I am not a cake eater but hers are really so good that I may eat a slice or two.

My brother's baby also turns one year old today, his party was on Saturday. I tell ya they just never end, even skipping some of the parties there are still so many birthdays and when you are about to hit the big 5-0 kids parties get harder and harder to attend. So far we still make an appearance in most of them but we will let the younger generations have a ball at this fiestas while us grown ups can stay home and enjoy some much needed peace and tranquility.

Click on the button for pictures on Michelle's blog.

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Christmas Party Review

Thanks to all that were hoping I would win one of the two trips given away every year during our Christmas party but alas it was not to be. We did have a lot of fun at the party though. We got there a little late as mi chica did the best she could to get off work fast, considering she traded shifts and got here almost at six our getting there at around 7:30 p.m. was not too bad.

Our Christmas Party is always in a pretty nice place, the food is always good and for the past six years it's had a DJ which for us makes the party as we love to dance. Matter of fact the DJ was the same one we used in July for our Summit and he recognized us right away. He immediately told us that he was prepared to play some Cumbias and Salsa. He even threw some Merengue in the mix so that was pretty cool, however we taught he had some sort of deal with Michel Jackson because he played quite a bit of his music.

One of my co-workers is a professional photographer and he has always been hired to take portraits at this event. Granted they won't be ready until late February but hey they are also free as the company picks up the tab. This year I took an additional portrait with my two sisters that were there in attendance too.

But what's a party without a little drama. Turns out that one of the quietest employees we have there, you know the one that keeps to himself and pretty much works his butt off without ever messing with anyone. Well, he happened to be dancing with his wife and to tell you the truth most of us didn't think he would have it in him to dance. Anyway, as I said as he danced some of the co-workers of the female kind thought it would be a nice gesture to cheer him as he danced. Harmless right? Wrong, his wife whom strikes me as a "homegirl" got super jealous and wanted to start a rumble there. Now the girls were young and having fun and bottom line being friendly towards a coworker, the jealous one is already an older woman nearing the half century mark.

I, for some reason that will not disclose here to protect the innocent and along with my brother in law whom also works there got dragged into this dramatic situation and had to a certain point become the party police. You know the mediators as if we were back in grade school to try to keep things under control. I am happy to say that after a while the older woman calmed down and probably knew that if she wanted to rumble it wouldn't happen that night so finally left. Which was kind of a relief to my brother in law and I as we have to work with this innocent coworker that unfortunately was ridiculed by his wife in what should have been a joyous occasion.

I know comes Monday he will be full of apologies, but anyone that is smart will tell him that he has nothing to apologise for. Then again he may not say absolutely anything and just eat his pride and let life go on. Either way, I for one am cool with him and proud to be his coworker.

I guess the moral to these last three paragraphs is, if you happen to attend your spouses Christmas Party be aware that all his/hers co-workers both male and female will be there and will show camaraderie, and two if you can't hold your liquour then don't drink. While you can make an ass of yourself you won't have to face them again until maybe the following Christmas Party and that's a big maybe. However, your spouce the one you so willingly embarassed at that company event will have to keep seeing all these people at work every day.

All in all we had a terrific time, mi chica and I danced a lot and came home pretty tired. Luckily for me I could stay in bed the following morning, however mi chica had to go to work.

Now as I write this we are preaparig for tomorrow because we are hosting my grandson "Ducky's" fourth birthday, but that will be another story.

Quiceanera

Tonight we leave for the Los Angeles area, West Covina to be more exact. My sister's younger daughter will have her "Quinceanera" celebration this weekend. As always most of the family will make the 5 to 6 hour trip depending on who's driving if you know what I mean.

A "Quinceanera" to us is a very important celebration, only second to a wedding. Lot's of money is thrown into this event (no, nothing like the distorted idea of a party shown in the MTV shows). From the very expensive dresses to the hairdos and limos, we try to make this the most memorable event in a girl's life within reasonable possibilities although sometimes we over do it a bit and get ourselves in debt.

Mi chica and I will be taking my daughter, her husband, and their three kids. The youngest one is only about a month and a half old so it just may be an "interesting" trip. We will be back in Phoenix on Sunday so it's going to be a "flash" trip.

We should have a wonderful time, with all the food and dance our parties are always very enjoyable and fun. Hopefully I'll be able to share some pictures next week.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is a very special day because my mom reached her 75th birthday. To say she is excited is an understatement. Last night she was telling me that she never thought she would reach such a milestone.

Well, my mom is still here and is the axis of our family unity. I have mentioned before that my dad and mom came to the US in hopes that they would give us a better life that what we could have had in Mexico. It all started as the two of them here, leaving us all behind in Mexico until one by one they brought us all here.

Well, the days of just the two of them are long gone, the family grew, and grew, and grew to what it is today. On any given major occasion there can be as many as a hundred of us, and it is thanks to them that our whole family is united.

My father passed three years ago but I know tonight he'll be with us to celebrate my mom's birthday.

Looking forward, I know my mom will continue on her journey just as God has it planned for her. Hers is a story of success and good examples as to how life should be lived. However we all know how easy it is for her to also be abrasive and how easy it is for her to argue. Oh yes, she will argue until you give in or at least pretend to give in. Her rule number one is probably the one that says "Mom is never wrong".

So I invite you to join me to congratulate her and to wish her a very happy 75th birthday.


Me and my mom on Father's Day 2006

When they all say I'm your favorite
It fills my heart with such joy
And my face displays a big grin
That they all fear it'll explode.

Who am I to be so lucky?
Why you never tell me, no.?
What has bonded us together
I don't really want to know

All I know is that in this life
I better enjoy you now
I won't leave it for tomorrow
Cause tomorrow may not come

Yes today I count my blessings
And I thank our God above
For you reached another birthday
His present for us no doubt

75 years ago
In a little country town
You started your wonderful journey
What a great life you've had

You have tought us to be noble
You have tought us to be wise
I don't know why we don't listen
But I promise I will try

Today I thank you for bringing me
Into this wonderful world
That allows me one more time
To tell you Happy Birthday dear Mom


Happy birthday mom, I love you with all my heart and soul.

4th of July Tibits.

Well three more days and I'll be on my way to Mexico City, the anticipation mounts and the excitement continues to grow. I don't know what we'll be doing or where exactly we'll be going but all I know is that it's going to be a fun experience that will stay with me for a long time to come.

Packing will begin tomorrow, I have to make sure to take enough stuff to last me for two whole weeks, yikes!

On a different subject, my "Arizona... but it's a dry heat!" photo blog will be a year old on Saturday, be cool to Joe Cool and come visit and show some love. Saturday's post should be the last one until I come back from Mexico.

A big shout out to my son and his wife, they treated us to a great 4th of July "carne asada" at their house. We spent the day swimming and eating, the thermometer marked 115 degrees, yes my friends it was hot, hot, hot.


Last but not least, a Happy Birthday wish to my niece. Today was her birthday and we spent the afternoon with her eating some more and drinking coffee.

Road Trip

We are officially broke, we went to California at the beginning of the month, then "mi chica" had to go the following week, then we went to Rocky Point and this weekend here we go again. Our niece turned 18 and since she didn't have a "Quinceanera" party and since she graduated with honors she will have her celebration party tomorrow. So even if our van runs on the gas fumes and even though our pockets are pretty empty we are going. We always manage, this time won't be different.

This is road trip number... hell I lost count how many road trips we've taken this year.

Mr. Manuel from "Manuel's View" commented once that since we go so much to California why don't we just move there. Just so you all know, we lived in Southern California most of our lives and moved to Phoenix back in 1990. We love Phoenix and we intend to stay there. Some years we only go to California twice but for some reason this year has been full of celebrations that we can't miss and this is already our sixth or seventh time going there. Oh well, it's not like we don't enjoy it.

So this afternoon, as soon as I get home and pack we will hit the road, and again we will make this a flash trip and will be back by Sunday night.

Oh, and did I mention that I am going to Mexico City next week on a two week vacation, well that will be a whole different story so stay tuned.

In the meantime I wish you all a nice weekend.