Another Weekend

As I mentioned before it feels to me the weekends although welcomed with open arms just keep coming up too fast. I know the younger generation is probably saying "Are you nuts?" But when you get to be my age it just give the illusion that it will all be downhill from here. See, the way I see it faster weekends mean getting old faster.

With this in mind, I do try to enjoy my Monday through Friday week, but when it's so slow at work and the workday just drags then it is kinda hard to really enjoy it. My days are pretty structured anyway so I am looking for diversity during my weekends.

Our Arizona weather is just being too wonderful so I am trying to squeeze in some ridingand cruising. Wether it's a weekend ride or my Monday and Friday ride to work I just can't get enough riding. I have been ready for a long trip, maybe to California but I just have not made it a reality yet. But who knows, maybe soon.

The car club cruises are also popping out and I definitely want to do some of those too. Next week there will be a cruise to The Desert Rose in Arlington, Arizona. I good hour drive to some Arizona back roads. I have done this in the bike many times but this will be the first time with a bunch of Mustang enthusiasts. I am really looking forward to it.

Going to mass is also something I really look forward during my weekends. The days of being lazy and a procrastinator are hopefully over. In one more month I will be celebrating my first anniversary as a "choir boy", what a fulfilling and life changing experience this has been. The ministry has helped me understand so many things and made the otherwise hard times I went through easier to cope with. So keep cheering me on as I get closer to my anniversary. I love singing for the Lord.

With the great weather also come plenty of dinner invitations. (Sorry friends from back east, I know your weather is not so nice) The carne asada gatherings, pozole, menudo, and just good ol burgers and hot dogs days are here. To me there is nothing like gathering with my family to enjoy eachother's company.

So even if I think the weekends come to soon that I am getting old fast, I do appreciate the blessings I get on a daily basis and thank God for being so good to me.

What are your plans for the weekend? Your month? Your year? Your life? lol Just curious!

Tidbits

If this is what is to come then brace yourselves cause it may be a hot one this year. I took a bike ride last Saturday and the weather was so perfect for it that I only required minimum cold gear. Actually just my leather jacket and that was that and it's only January. I had been itching to ride, the bike had been in the garage unused for more than a month. Hopefuly this year I will be able to log more bike miles than I did last year. Riding is still my passion and something I enjoy doing.

Found this image of an old bike that resembles mine big time.
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My daughter in law posted this on her facebook page and I just had to "steal" it. These two beauties are my older grandkids. Tallyna and Brianna. How did this happen? Yesterday they were both babies and today one of them is already in the double digits while the other one is almost there. I feel young but in perspective I makes me feel old knowing my older grandkids will soon be teenagers. Arggggg!

Brianna and Tallyna,
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Trying to participate in more car club activities and cruises this year. Time to get back into the swing of things as I knew them. Really looking forward for this year's Fabulous Fords Forever Car Show. Not to mention that knott's Berry Farm will be loads of fun too.

Fabulous Fords Forever 2011

Oh yeah baby, I have been waiting for this date to be announced since the beginning of the year. This is my open invitation for all those that may want to attend this year trip to Knott's Berry Farm for the Fabulous Fords Forever car show.

I am excited cause this year I won't be taking the Fox Body, my 2007 is ready and willing to make the trip this year. We missed the show last year as most of us went on hiatus but after a successful snow day I want more of these family outings. Ducky may even be taller than the infamous height line for most of the rides.

Me and my trusty steed will make the trip this year. Will you?
So this is the first of more posts in reference to this trip. I want to start seeing raised hands to find out who wants to go. My hand is raised up already cause I am going, so speak up and let me know it should be a blast.

Traditionally this family outing has definitely been a favorite for everyone that has participated. As a rule we make a whole weekend of it with all of us going to the amusement park on Saturday while on Sunday the girls either hit the alleys, the nail shops, or just plain stay home resting while us guys go the the car show. Aside Mr Junior getting a ticket for tailgating me while coming back two years ago, it's always a smooth and well planned trip.

I will soon let you know ticket prices.

A Day In My Life

Well, here I am just thinking about family, love, church, friends, and life. Why? Because that's what my life revolves around and it all just comes natural to me. My family is my world, for sure my biggest asset, without it I am nothing and so they occupy a big portion of my everyday thoughts.

The same go for my friends. It's funny but as I have mentioned before 98% of my friends are virtual friends that I have met through this machine over the last few years. I have quite a few friends that I have been in touch with for well over four years and yet have never met in person. Friends that I can visit and hang around with are pretty much non existent, so this year I hope to meed some more of you out there, just like I met my dear friend Wanda last, or Betty and Lana two years ago. These are three of my dearest blogger friends which I met on line and had the pleasure of meeting in person as well.

One of the best decisions I made last year was to join our church choir. If my sister would have told me how time demanding and what a big commitment it was maybe I would have shied away but the truth is that I have enjoyed every minute of it. Of course it helps that our priest is by far one of the most eloquent and well educated around. There is not a service that I won't leave thinking wow I did learn something new today that will help me be a better person. God is good to me every single day and I am just trying to show Him that I am thankful.

Love, what would my life be without it? I have learned over the years to suppress hate. Hate is no good and has no room in my life. Think possitive and allow goodness in your life and you'll see how easy it is to find love even in all the wrong places. Let love in your life and you'll see how easy it is to show a genuine appreciation for it.

LIfe, we only get one of it so use it wisely. It is wonderful as it is fragile and once gone it will never come back. So as I sit here thinking how blessed I am I can't help but want the same for all of you my family and friends out there.

Love ya all.

Snow Day in Flagstaff!

The idea was to leave at 8:00 a.m. and head for the high country, it was 20 minutes to eight when my daughter called me to ask me if I was ready and to find out what time I was leaving. I said yes I am ready (which was a lie as I was still in bed) but told her I wanted to talk to Nikki to see if I could hitch a ride with her. Her reply was, "Oh no Daddy, we can pick you up". So 15 minutes later they were picking me up and yes I was ready to go. Being a man is easier than a woman in situations like this.

The leaving at the same time but driving on our own went down the drain immediately, my kids just love doing things together and so we all headed for my son's house where we all met. After a short wait for my daughter in law we finally hit the road. It was 9:30 by this time. My niece and her family were already half an hour ahead of us, they were traveling in two cars, later my sister in law called to let us know that her family was behind us by about 45 minutes too.

So off we went, all six cars and 27 of us. Traffic was good, no accidents thank God, no construction, no road blocks, it was smooth sailing all the way. We were blessed with great weather, I always take a bag full of extra jackets, scarfs, gloves, etc. As someone always get too cold or too wet up there, but this time the sun was shining nice and bright, some of the guys were wearing only t-shirts, and the coldness of the snow which by the way was plenty felt pretty refreshing.

I needed a new picture of me and my wonderful but crazy kids.
I am paying the price today because going up and down that slope with the grand kids took a toll on me, but it was worth every minute of it. As they are a bit older they now appreciated the beauty and fun of sledding down the hill. The "I'm having so much fun grandpa" statement came out of their mouths more than once. Even the toddlers loved it and actually got upset when we said we were leaving.

They just loved being dragged around on the sleds.
Last year most of our regular family outings were put on hold but I have bowed to get the wheels moving forward again and to engage in all these fun activities we so love doing together as a family.

The only downside was that the park was so packed that it took us forever to get in and actually the car that was 45 minutes behind us was denied entry to the park because I was full to capacity. Obviously they were not going to let this spoil their trip, they found a nearby play area were they too played in the snow and had lots of fun too.



We are so used to make the best of this situations and I for one am looking to our next family adventure.

And here is the whole gang except maybe the photographer.
Many of these images "borrowed" from Michelle's Facebook page. Thanks Michelle!

Retardment

Maybe one day but not soon I too will be retarded.

It's Friday, I have nothing so here is an email forward and I am hoping you will enjoy it. Oh I know I am still far from it (or so I hope) but this is definitely funny. Seems I am already living in the right state.

“RETARDED" GRANDPARENTS


Written by a third grader, on what his grandparents do.

After Christmas, a teacher asked her young pupils how they spent their holiday away from school.
One child wrote the following

We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live in a big brick house, but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Arizona. Now they live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on their bicycles, and wear name tags, because they don't know who they are anymore. They go to a building called a wreck center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all okay now, they do exercises there, but they don't do them very well. There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with hats on. At their gate, there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out, and go cruising in their golf carts. Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And, they eat the same thing every night - early birds. Some of the people can't get out past the man in the doll house. The ones who do get out bring food back to the wrecked center for pot luck. My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and, says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too. When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house. Then I will let people out, so they can visit their grandchildren.

Ramblings!

Ummmm Pozole... Que Rico!
Grrrrrrrrrrr! Missed a Mustang cruise to Black Canyon City and then back to Scottsdale Pavilions for the Russo & Steele Annual Collector Car Auction preview. Why you ask? Well because I got sick! Yeah it sucks but I hardly ever get sick and with mass on Sunday and my sister and niece away for the weekend I could not afford to not be there, so I stayed home all day Saturday which payed off since I was able to sing, my voice was not there 100% but at least it was there.

Cruising was not to be this time.
After church, my mom invited me to eat some tacos and of course I has happy to accept such an invitation. Back at her house after an hour nap I headed to my sister in law's for pozzole and family time. Nice to be with all my kids and grand kids at the same time. The little ones are already crawling all over the place. How fast. I also delivered some of the Chirstmas presents that I had left at this time.

This one not too in a hurry to get anywhere yet. Taking her time.
This one on the other hand sits, stands, and is almost ready to run. She hates to be carried.
They grow so fast.
Then it was back home and back to bed, little did I know that I would stay in bed until early Tuesday. Yep, Monday finally took me down and I had to take a sick day. But today I feel good and will start recharging my batteries cause Sunday is "Snow Day" and I must be feeling good by then.

Another New Year!

5, 4, 3, 2, 1, zero, ignition...

And here we go again, a new year is here and I have no clue as to what it's going to bring but I am sure that it will be good things for one and all. My new year resolutions are many so I won't even bother to post them here, my resolutions remain with me for safe keeping and careful execution. OK, you twisted my arm, I will share one resolution with you and that is that I intend to continue being the best person I can be to the best of my abilities without going overboard or undermining the effort. Being a plain Joe works for me so I will probably continue to be one.

I am still having a totally different outlook on life, trying hard not to take it for granted, realizing that life is a gift not to be wasted is giving me a new direction and a new sense of being so 2011 let's see where you take me, all I ask is be kind to me and I will be kind to you.

So I have lots of plans on doing fun things with my family and as you all know this is where I highlight and share my family adventures, so stay tuned for some stories and lots of pictures soon.

We will start with "Snow Day" next week. Looking forward to it, should be lots of fun.

Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Snow Day!

Hola Familia,

So, for the third time in four years we will be going to the snow. This year everyone agreed on Sunday the 16th since the following Monday is a holiday for the kids and there will be no school. We have always had fun at the snow and I think this will be a good experience for the little ones that have not seen the snow, but not for the three tiny little ones.

I am thinking that like the last time, everyone will travel on their own or on small groups two or three cars together because trying to stay together as a large group proved to be a nightmare. As long as we all leave at around the same time and stay in contact via cell phones we should all get there at around the same time. Last time somehow we all managed to get together in Flagstaff without even trying. That worked out pretty nice. I say use the buddy system, one or two cars together in case someone needs help.

We will be going to Wing Mountain Sledding and Snow Play Area again. For those of you that haven't been there here are some directions that will help you get there:

An Easy Drive Just North of Flagstaff, Arizona.

From Interstate 40, follow Hwy 180 north 2.8 miles past Snowbowl Road to mile marker 226 (approximate), turn left onto Forest Service Road 222B. The exit is clearly marked as “Wing Mountain Snow Play Area.” You can find a map here.

Their fees are as follows: The parking and use fee for the Wing Mountain Snow Play Area is $12 per car. No re-entry is allowed. All children under 16 must be accompanied by and supervised by an adult.

I suggest we all bring food "pot luck" style. so we can all share. And please, buy everything here in town so that we don't have to be wasting time up there in Flagstaff on the actual day.

If you like to visit their website just click here!

Come on gang, let's get together and let's have fun. And please take plenty of warm clothes as well as extra clothes for the kids as they may need it. Do not take them in tennis shoes cause they will freeze and won't enjoy their time up there. We've been there before so everyone should now know what to bring and how to dress.

Let's stay in contact and hope to see as many of you there.

On The Road Again!

OK, so I lied, last months trip to California was not the last one as I thought, the one coming up this week will. Seems that I will be receiving the new year there. I will be leaving Thursday right after work. For the record, I am being abducted, taken, kidnapped by a wonderful woman and I just couldn't resist and in my weakness I had to say take me, take me. lol Seems to me it will be a great way to start the new year.

Without letting old chapters in the book of life fade, I am ready to try and start writing some new ones. As life goes on it is my duty to make sure it is not wasted, we have only but one life and as I learned last year a fragile one at that. So as my sister in law stated the other day, I am ready for 2011. I am ready to see what adventures it brings, I am ready to enjoy it with my wonderful family, I am ready to open up myself to new horizons and to shoot for the stars if possible.

Life goes on and so do I. Being a "choir boy" at church has given me tremendous help in getting reacquainted with my faith, my church, but most importantly with my God. As crazy a fool that I am, I realize that without God we are nothing and being close to him made 2010 easier for me to handle, all of a sudden things were not as obscure as I thought they would be, and every day as I wake up I can totally see that there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel because no matter what the sun continues to rise every morning.

So it is with new expectations that I welcome this trip, going with my BF, one that has been a very important in my life throughout this year makes it so much sweeter. Now if she would only like to stop everywhere while traveling like I do it would be a big plus, but alas it seems that there won't be any detours or unscheduled stops because while I am a "the getting there is part of the experience" she is "the let's get there already... and fast". lol Ummmm!

Soooooo... I wish you all my family and friends a very Happy New Year! May it be full of nothing but good things, fun, health, love, peace. Let's pray for the economy to get better, and for the people to unite. Stop the hate, promote good will. In my experience these are key elements to having a good and happy life.

Love you all and have a terrific but safe New Year's celebration.

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In many ways 2010 was a slow year for me but if I had to get a theme for what's to come, I think it would be this:

On the road again
Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again

On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again
And I can't wait to get on the road again

On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world keep turning our way and our way

Christmas

This is what makes my Christmas happy.
I did have a Merry Christmas, I am blessed to have my mom, my kids, my grand kids, and pretty much my entire family here with me. It is inevitable that as the family keeps growing customs change, right now the one pillar that continues to keep us together is my mom. She is fundamental in my life and I for one have been enjoying her as much as I possibly can.

If I think back, I cannot remember a Christmas without my mom. Yes there were a few during the time that some of us were here in Arizona and she still remained in California but that would not last because my parents made the wise decision to move here to be closer to us.

It is said that parents have kids and that it's our responsibility to raise them good and to eventually turn them lose to make a life of their own but no where it says that we have to be apart so I too continue to enjoy them as much as I can while I have them close to me. I know people that aren't as lucky as I am in that their kids and grand kids leave miles and miles away and they only get to visit once or twice a year if they are lucky.

Thank God and some very smart people for the Internet, at least now they can stay in contact through pictures and even through video. Still, not the same as having those little bodies so close to you that you can hug and kiss them at will.

Although I spent Christmas Eve with my family Christmas Day I spent by myself, something I had not ever done before.

I hope your Christmas was as blessed as mine was.

Granpa and Arielle.
Grandpa and Atallie.
My beautiful niece Marya and I.
Here I am with my sister Elena.
Michelle and I sandwiching Diego.
Here I am with my nieces from Church and fellow choir singers.

Santa and Sarah

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at the Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a picture of a little girl. "Who is this?" asked Santa, smiling.

"Your friend? Your sister?'" "Yes, Santa,' he replied. "My sister, Sarah, who is very sick," he said sadly.

Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her dabbing her eyes with a tissue. "She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!" the child exclaimed.

"She misses you," he added softly.

Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy's face, asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas.

When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted.

"What is it?" Santa asked warmly.

"Well, I know it's really too much to ask you, Santa, but ..." the old woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa's elves to collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors.

"The girl in the photograph... my granddaughter well, you see ... she has leukemia and isn't expected to make it even through the holidays," she said through tear-filled eyes.

"Is there any way, Santa . any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That's all she's asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa."


Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave information with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see what he could do. Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon.

He knew what he had to do.

"What if it were MY child lying in that hospital bed, dying," he thought with a sinking heart, "This is the least I can do."

When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening, he retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was staying. He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children's Hospital.

"Why?" Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face.

Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah's grandmother earlier that day. "C'mon.....I'll take you there." Rick said softly.

Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa.

They found out which room Sarah was in. A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall.

Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and saw little Sarah on the bed.

The room was full of what appeared to be her family; there was the Grandmother and the girl's brother he had met earlier that day. A woman whom he guessed was Sarah's mother stood by the bed, gently pushing Sarah's thin hair off her forehead.

And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah's aunt, sat in a chair near the bed with a weary, sad look on her face. They were talking quietly, and Santa could sense the warmth and closeness of the family, and their love and concern for Sarah.

Taking a deep breath, and forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the room, bellowing a hearty, "Ho, ho, ho!" "Santa!" shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed to run to him, IV tubes intact. Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug.

A child the tender age of his own son -- 9 years old -- gazed up at him with wonder and excitement.

Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore telltale bald patches from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when he lookedat her was a pair of huge, blue eyes. His heart melted, and he had to force himself to choke back tears.

Though his eyes were riveted upon Sarah's face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing of the women in the room.

As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept quietly to the bedside one by one, squeezing Santa's shoulder or his hand gratefully, whispering "Thank you" as they gazed sincerely at him with shining eyes.

Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him excitedly all the toys she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she'd been a very good girl that year.

As their time together dwindled, Santa felt led in his spirit to pray for Sarah, and asked for permission from the girl's mother. She nodded in agreement and the entire family circled around Sarah's bed, holding hands.

Santa looked intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels. "Oh, yes, Santa... I do!" she exclaimed.

"Well, I'm going to ask that angels watch over you." he said. Layingone hand on the child's head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed. He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease.

He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And when he finished praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing, softly, "Silent Night, Holy Night.... all is calm, all is bright..."

"The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and crying tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed at them all.

When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed again and held Sarah's frail, small hands in his own. "Now, Sarah," he said authoritatively, "you have a job to do, and that is to concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing with your friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at Mayfair Mall this time next year!"

He knew it was risky proclaiming that to this little girl who had terminal cancer, but he "had" to. He had to give her the greatest gift he could -- not dolls or games or toys -- but the gift of HOPE.

"Yes, Santa!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room.

Out in the hall, the minute Santa's eyes met Rick's, a look passed between them and they wept unashamed.

Sarah's mother and grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and rushed to Santa's side to thank him.

"My only child is the same age as Sarah," he explained quietly.

"This is the least I could do." They nodded with understanding and hugged him.

One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for his six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do.

Several weeks went by and then one day a child came up to sit on his lap.

"Hi, Santa! Remember me?!" "Of course, I do," Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down at her. After all, the secret to being a "good" Santa is to always make each child feel as if they are the "only"child in the world at that moment.

"You came to see me in the hospital last year!" Santa's jaw dropped. Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed this little miracle and held her to his chest. "Sarah!" he exclaimed.

He scarcely recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her cheeks were rosy -- much different from the little girl he had visited just a year before.

He looked over and saw Sarah's mother and grandmother in the sidelines smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.

That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus.

He had witnessed --and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing about -- this miracle of hope. This precious little child was healed.

Cancer-free. Alive and well. He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered, "Thank you, Father. 'Tis a very, Merry Christmas!"

Tribute To a Most Wonderful Woman

...Wife, Mom, Daughter, Grandma, Godmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Friend and everything in between.

I wonder if she still uses the name "Sancha Melchor" up there in the celestial FaceBook network and still doesn't want to be found? Ja, ja, too late because we all know where she is and we all continue to "bug" her with our endless requests and to rely on her and her always wise advice.

Written with my kids in mind but meant to be shared will all of you my family and friends.

One year has passed and swooshed over my head. Where did it go?

Last year after attending Ducky’s birthday party, weak as she was, Sylvia decided she wanted to have her nails done, so together we went to the Salon and not only did she get her nails done but she also got a pedicure. I sat next to her getting a massage while we commented on how lucky we were.

We were all broke and some of you were already saying you felt bad for not having presents for us. The funny thing is that I remember both of us telling you how we were getting the ultimate Christmas present from all of you, and that was the fact that as different and weird you all are in a nice kindda way we just loved how all of you get along with each other. Yes, we know there are conflicts once in a while but for the most part you always conquer them and then move along.

I am sure she is still very happy because you guys continue to be nice to each other, and rely on one another, which is what being a family is all about. One thing I can assure you is she always thought of family being first otherwise she would not have helped you all as much as she did, and yes sometimes even behind my back if it involved money. Sneaky woman wasn’t she.

Today marks the first anniversary of her passing to a better life, and let me tell you that I personally think she is doing an awesome job as an angel. I hear she took care of three wonderful kids before sending them to us. She manifests herself through the rain every 22nd day of the month (except maybe last month as she took a day off cause it was her birthday month) and to date has come to visit many of you through your dreams.

This only tells me one thing and this is that GONE SHE IS NOT, her body is but not her heart and soul. She is as present today as she ever was, not a day goes by that I don’t see her photo and say goody bye as I go to work, I practically quote her everyday, thank her for teaching me how to cook so I don’t starve, see her when I see Nichole and Michelle, specially Michelle whom at times is like a mini her, and sometimes even when looking at Kika, spooky yes I know, but so true. And I won’t say anything about the correlation of Juan and Diego, but you all know what I am talking about.

Regardless of what the future may bring for me one thing is for certain my past will never ever change, that is documented and archived and filed in my memories so that I can always carry it with me wherever I go and yet have readily accessible as needed. And trust me I have 31 full years of those memories, which I know will last me for the entire rest of my life. Yes, in my life new memories will be made but the old ones will never die.

I ask of you to think of one little word, one that was on top of Sylvia’s list at all times. She thought of this as the most important part of life as she told it to me repeatedly. So please think of it, disseminate it, think it, talk about it, and then live it. Of course I am talking about the word “FAMILY”. I present you the word, but you guys have to give it meaning by your actual actions. I am hoping that you will find out that “family” is more than just a word in the vocabulary.

This morning I attended the 7:00 a.m. mass at St. Vincent de Paul as it was intentioned for Sylvia and as much as I like al padresito Jorge as Maryita calls him I was pretty happy that it was Father McCaffrey whom presided the mass. I thought it was only fitting.

I won’t lie to you I too miss her dearly, I miss her voice, her food, her jokes (which were few and far), her dancing, her scent, but most importantly her presence. But I have also accepted this as God’s will and I won’t question his judgment. So I made the decision to somehow have her with me every day in my thoughts, in my heart, and in my soul, this has worked for me and has kept me sane.

Sylvia and I had vowed to return to our church and to be a part of it. We initiated our bible studies, she had agreed for me to be a part of the choir and to get involved. She said she would even go back to St. Vincent de Paul. Wow, those were tough decisions for her and yet she knew it was time for us to do it. She told me she felt the importance deep in her soul. I intend to honor her by continuing what I am doing, and I invite all of you to join me. The Christian formation our church offers is not only necessary for our family but it is essential. It defines who we are in our faith in God and in Jesus Christ.

By the way the 8:00 p.m. Christmas Mass on the 24th at St. Vincent de Paul will also be for her. Those of you that can and would like to attend are cordially invited. Plus our choir will be singing so that night I will dedicate my singing to Baby Jesus and to her. Last year she made it a point to invite all of you so this year I carry her wish by doing the same.

So today as we all reflect and feel sad for her absence honor her by celebrating her life, a life that was full of great advice, of good wishes, and plenty of love towards every single one of us and imitate her to the best of your abilities. I am sure she wants her legacy to be carried on and passed to all her grand children, nephews, and nieces. Don’t miss her but carry her with you, and if you have the need to cry let them be happy tears as she is now resting next to God in a way better life, and just let her do her job from up there. As I said before so far she has made an exceptional job and I don’t foresee her stopping any time soon.

Love you all.

P.S. On her behalf have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

No Santa Claus?

My son sent me this and I really love it. I still believe in Santa Claus and his magnificent power to make children and grown ups alike happy.

I believe in Santa!

What? No Santa Claus?

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma.

I was just a kid.

I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been.

I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me.

I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so.

It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" She snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun.

"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars.

That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car. "Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself.

The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church.

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.

Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!

I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."

The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it.

Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.

Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk.

Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes.

That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.

May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care....

And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!

Blessings

It's sad to see how we take things for granted. Because God is being good to us we don't realize how fortunate we are, but then you sing up to sponsor a kid or a veteran for Christmas just so that they can have a present to unwrap and it kind of put things in perspective. When you get your "star" (in this case a sheet of paper) the first thing you see is a number, mine was D133B, and yes after that there is a name, my veteran's name is Joe but weather it's easier or more convenient I would hate to bee files as D133B and would prefer to find my file under "J" for Jose or Joe.

Another year is gone. Another Christmas is here! And I can't help but wonder where did the year go? What happened to it? It slipped right through my hands in what seemed like a blink of an eye. I have mentioned this before, now that I am older I don't like my years to disappear quite this fast except they do not ask me for permission. The days just come and go it seems at will.

So hopefully this sweatshirt/long sleeve t-shirt my veteran chose will be easy to find.

In the meantime, this is the best time to reflect on all of our blessings, on our families, on our health, and on those things that we don't want in our lives, like unemployment and poverty. Let's pray that things change for the better and our politicians finally see the light and do as they are expected.

Otherwise, we will become a number in the long lines of poverty. A lot of us can probably live with the essentials but it's gotta be hard to live with nothing. So do your part and if you are one of the lucky ones working as I am do not complain about your work conditions, about not getting a raise, about how not getting along, because even with all that many of us are probably way better off than most. I prefer to look for the positives and not the negatives, it just makes my life so much easier.

Through The Years

So I finally started a YouTube page to post some of the song vides my friends and family as well as myself record. Here I attempted to sing the Kenny Roger's classic "Through The Years.

I also intend to record as many songs as I can from our church choir and I will upload them little by little as they are available. Yes, the choirboy has been very active and is heading to his firs anniversary as a choir member.

If you want to visit my you tube page follow the following link and put it in your favorites so you can visit often, trust me I am trying to add something everyday so that there's always something fresh and new to be found.

http://www.youtube.com/user/MrJoeCool918?feature=mhum

South Mountain Park

This is what you see as you enter the park.
The other day on a lazy Saturday afternoon with nothing better to do we decided to cruise down to South Mountain Park. I been living in Phoenix for the past 20 years and I had never been there. Sure I see it from the freeway every single day but for the first time we actually went into the park and up the hill to see Phoenix from an eagle's eye.

Almost at the entrance you will find The Ponderosa Stables, for some $35.00 an hour you can take a horseback ride into the park. I'm thinking this definitely may be something to do in the near future.



Scenes from Ponderosa Stables at South Mountain Park.
Going up to the top takes a while. The road is nicely paved but it's narrow and with lots of curves easy to go down the cliffs if distracted. It is also a nice biker destination but again me being a biker I rate this ride as a ride for experienced riders, no rail guards on the road can easily spell disaster.

Ride carefully and this is one heck of a good ride to take.
Now these are my kind of horses
Once up the top you can see the whole valley. Phoenix is a pretty city that really isn't too big. If you are driving on I-10 you can enter Phoenix and leave it in less than an hour. You'll have a clear view of Downtown Phoenix, the Phoenix Airport, the West Valley and even Scottsdale. Really a nice view in every direction.



The view from the top of the mountain is breath taking.
Can't believe one misses so much without even thinking about it. I had been missing this for 20 years and it's only a 20 minute drive from my home. I wonder what other interesting places I am missing. I think I will start a list of places to visit around me.


Looking at the horses and just plain looking pretty.




Scenes from South Mountain Park.