Sometimes She's Just Too Cute

Sometimes she's just sooooo cute I have to share her. Especially when she takes awesome selfies!

 

First to go on a Mission

Juan Marcelino Sanchez III was our first nephew and grandchild born. He's my brother's first born. I was 12 years old when he was born and I adored him since the moment he arrived. We were inseparable. I babysat him and he called me Tia Ati. I was his favorite aunt. We would sit together at church, I would play with him and hold him all the time.

 

 As I grew up and not made very good choices, I separated from him for a couple of months. Actually from the whole family. I was 17. I remember missing him the most. I remember wanting to see him. I remember my brother calling me and telling me that Titin (his nickname) asked for me and cried for me. After a couple months of separation it was his birthday. I remember buying him a gift and asking to come see him. When I arrived and saw him to give him his gift he was shy. He wasn't as opened with me anymore and I remember feeling so hurt. That motivated me to want to fix things and come back. I wanted to be a part of his life again. For that I thank him.

 

I feel so old saying that I saw him grow up. Every year getting bigger and bigger. Than I got married and had my own children. And that aunt and nephew bond seemed to fade. He got older and I got busier. But still in my heart he was my favorite! I have to admit that as I saw him grow I was sad to see some of his choices. His behaviors were not the ones of that sweet little boy I grew up with. And many times I prayed for him asking Heavenly Father to guide him. I have to say that I even doubted that he would make it to his mission. Not because he was doing mayor bad things, but his spirit was lacking.

 

I didn't think I would cry, and I didn't think I would be so affected by him leaving. As they finished setting him apart and we stood up to congratulate him my tears just starting flowing out of my eyes. I just felt so many emotions. I kept picturing my little Titin. The little boy I had sleepovers with in my room. The little boy who I dropped so many times. I hugged him and I didn't want to let him go. But I knew he was trying to be tough. He never really was the type of guy to show any emotion at all so I didn't want to overwhelm him so I refrain from telling him how I felt. How much I loved him. How proud I was of him. And how much I was going to miss him. How happy I felt to see him making this decision.

 

As I took this picture I kept thinking about how I wouldn't see him next Sunday in church again. How he wouldn't be at all the family parties. And I knew he was going to something good, still I couldn't help but be sad that he would be gone.  

 

 

As a couple of days passed his dad, my brother, sent me an e-mail he had received from Elder Sanchez. I couldn't believe how excited and different he sounded and it had only been a few days in the MTC. Then as the days went buy my brother shared pictures he had sent and there was such a change in his face and smile. It had changed. It was genuine and pure and the light of Christ radiated from his face. I can't explain how happy and blessed I feel to have my nephew serving the lord.

 

Heavenly Father has blessed our family so much. Lately I have sat and pondered as I sit in sacrament and look at my family. I feel so blessed to have parents who are not perfect, yet have been active in the church since they were baptized. Never doubting, never letting go of the iron rod. Always being an example of church service, tithing, and temple attendance and so much more. And because of their faithfulness they have their 4, also not perfect children, active in the church following their examples. And now they have the blessing of seeing their first grandson going on his mission. It fills my heart with joy to see the promises of Heavenly Father coming forth.

 

I bare my testimony that God lives, that Jesus is our Savior. That The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church. That the gospel of Jesus Christ is the key to happiness on Earth. That if we follow his teachings and the listen to our Prophet and his leaders we can and will be safe from the adversary. He will give us strength to endure and will protect and guide our children through this world and it's temptations. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

A little white dress.

Sophia is 3 months short of being 2 years old and this dress finally fits her right. The funny thing is her Gramma Flor bought her this dress for her blessing. For those that aren't LDS, a baby's blessing is usually at 1 month old. So can you imagine how big this dress was on her. I chuckle everytime I remember how she was swimming in the dress. I kept it all along and decided to pull it out again. It finally fits her right.

 

 

 

 

The Budweiser Clydesdales

Last Thursday we were driving to the store to buy some tortillas. When we turned into the parking lot of the store we saw a crowd standing around across the street. We realized they were looking at horses. Upon further looking we realized it was the Budweiser Clydesdales. We couldn't believe it. So I tell the kids lets go see them. To which Natalie, my oldest replies, "But Ma, aren't they the Budweiser horses. Isn't that the beer horses?" I couldn't help but chuckle. I said yes but we just want to see the horses, we're not supporting the beer. So we went across the street to see these beauties.

 

We also got to see this beautiful dalmation dog. I don't think I had ever seen such a gorgeous dog. The spots were mesmerizing.

 

The horses were spectacular. They were huge and just beautiful.

I'm so glad we got to have this experience and have my children see such wonderful creatures. God's creations are truly amazing.

Mother's Day Surprise

Yes, I know that we are in August and that Mother's Day was in May. But I barely got around to uploading my pictures and videos and I found this gem. My daughter loves singing and this is the first time were I realized how good she actually is. I also was surprised for the fact that she wrote me this song too all by herself. Enjoy. You might wonder why I have two videos. Well watch carefully and you will notice that in one video my husband comes out in the background being silly. So I had Natalie sing again, this time without any video bombers in the background.

 

Girls On the Run

This past May my daughter joined Girls on the Run at school. I don't consider myself to be an emotional personal or one that cries over everything, but ever since my kids have started to get older and experience new things I find myself fighting back tears more often. And sometimes for any little old thing such as the kids having a wonderful time at the park. This was no different. I felt so proud for my daughter, for her accomplishment, for completing her goal. It was a wonderful and fun day for the whole family. I live for these days.

 

Natalie at the starting line with her mentor/coach.

Jaimito even got to race too. And to our surprise he won every time. I guess someone else has talent for running. After all he does say he's Flash.

 

We were waiting for her at the finish line for so long waiting to capture her on video. But of course she ran past by like a lighting bolt and I didn't even notice. See if you can spot her.

 

Summer Trip to the Fair

This summer we went to the Lemont fair.

 

There were rides. Some which were too hot, like this one. Poor Jaimito couldn't stand the hot seat and had to get off.

 

   They also had a historic wood engine.

 

        And Mr. Lincoln.

     And cool cars.

        What's a fair without the flying chairs.

       Even Sophia got in on the action.                                         
  

Brookfield Zoo trip of 2014

Summer isn't complete until you have a trip to Brookfield Zoo. The weather was wonderful! Not too hot, not cold, not too humid and not too sunny. It was perfection.

 

Love my family trips to the Zoo!