It's a beautiful day

I got to see the inauguration of our 44th president today. I don't think I can quite put into words what I felt. Watching the people around me, it was inspiring. I think the last time people really gathered around their television sets, on the street, or in the cafeteria to watch history was September 11 (I might be wrong about that). We have come so far since then. I could feel the air lifting while watching his speech. I felt like President Oabama was speaking directly to me. Telling me, it's going to be ok. We will persevere...and we will.

I am going to print out his speech. I am going to hang it on the wall in our office. It will serve as a reminder to keep moving forward. There is truly change in the air.

Durango 2007

A very merry unbirthday to you!

Ah, birthdays. Last night we had the surprise, not really to much a surprise birthday party for my mom last night. How was it not that much of a surprise? Well, we had to tell her the night before that we were having a party at her house and did she mind if we rearranged her furniture. Apparently her reaction was one of...stress. Marge and Bob were the ones that broke the news to her and I guess she looked like deer in the headlights. Party day came and things progressed smoothly. She was surprised by all who came and it was really fun. Bob made this incredible lasagna, Marge made a great salad and yummy cheese bread, and I brought dessert (big surprise). It was so much fun!

Grandma, Carlos and Juanita were there from the Gonzales side of the family. Gram really let loose and had diet Pepsi with amaretto. I was shocked. Grandpa was unable to go because he had been riding his bike yesterday and hit a patch of ice. He is ok, but apparently he is very banged up. His face is swollen, his legs hurts, and he is just a mess. He had to call grams to go get him, and no, it was not so bad that he felt he had to go to urgent care (big surprise). I talked to grams today and she said that he is doing better.

At the party grams gave me an update on how Jessica is. It breaks my heart. The readers digest version is she has moved out of grams and gramps, she told them she did not want anything to do with them. Gramps told her she was no longer welcome in his house until she got her life together. Jessica told Carlos that she wanted nothing to do with him either. She believes that she is going to live happily ever after with the boyfriend that is supposed to get out of jail this coming Thursday. The whole situation is just sad. Jessica has pushed the people in her life away that love and care for her. Her self esteem is so low that I think she will do anything to hold on to this loser because he is all she can get. We all know he brainwashes her and she believes it all. Quite frankly, I see her as having all the behaviors as an addict without the actual substance. Doug and I were talking about Jessica last night, and it breaks our hearts because we have seen her as a responsible person. Deep down that person exists, but for whatever reason, she chooses to be My. Hyde and squashes down Dr. Jekyll.

In happier news, I am so proud of Joe. I wish him all the best as he begins his new adventure. If my sister could get a mammer approved job, then I would be proud of her as well, until then, keep chugging jen.

Today I am grateful for...

A few weeks ago I was in a stationary store that had some very pretty journals. I have always wanted to keep a journal/diary of some sort, but I could never get started. The store had this handout, "How to Start Journaling" and I snagged it. This evening, alone with the boys and finally having a little time to myself, I decided to start a blog and yes, I am using this handout. It is somewhat lame, but I feel disconnected from some of the people in my life.

I want the people I love the most to know what I am doing, feeling and I want you to see my life. I know I get caught up in the shop, my kids, my upcoming school, etc. I don't always call and my email skills are questionable. I believe with this handout, it will keep me inspired to keep a (somewhat) daily journal. I hope you all enjoy it.

Doug had 4 teeth pulled out Monday afternoon. Tuesday was rough and today he is so much better. The poor kids were pretty freaked out because Doug swelled up so bad and he was in so much pain. Of course I took the opportunity to scare the hell out of them and tell them that this is what happens when they don't brush their teeth very good or long enough. I never claimed to be mother of the year.

Bob and I are planning a kind of surprise party for my mom's 50th birthday. It's kind of a surprise because we are not going to tell her that 20 some people are going to her house for a party until the day before...SURPRISE! I know she will love it. I'll keep you all posted.

The kids are doing well. Matthew is still very much wrapped up with his superheros. I find it very cute and heart warming at the fact he looks up to them so much. I guess that is why they were created. Of course he takes very literal, but he loves all the good guys and wants to be a superhero when he grows up. I tell him he will be. Michael on the other hand is...he is his aunts nephew. They are truly cut from the same cloth, lord help me. He has a friend who is religious. Michael has been very curious about god (God? Is it a proper name?). He asked us the other day if god (see question above) created us, then who created god? Talk about a stumper. Then he told us his friend had been on vacation. We asked where, and he simply answered, "Europe." It was very funny. He said it so nonchantly, like Europe is just right around the corner.

I think I should answer what I am grateful for. I am grateful for the love and support of my family. I feel the happiest and safest when we are all together. I loved the trip to Red River and the time in Minnesota. I am grateful for all of you...I love you.