White Rock Marathon

This Sunday, my friend Diana ran in her first marathon! She ran in the White Rock Marathon which she had been training for these last six months. Her wonderful husband, 3 boys, Tia and I cheered her on at few points throughout the rugged 26 mile run. I didn't realize how painful it was for some runners. You know at the same time...it seemed like a such a rewarding experience to see the runners finish such an exhausting race. I am extremely proud of Diana for having accomplished her goal in running in a marathon. I'm proud to be a part of this special moment in her life which I know she will remember for many years to come. Way to go Diana!

Artic Blast

We had a good freeze this morning. It was too cold to go out for recess but it didn't stop us from going out for short time...YES...3 minute walk! The kids loved the idea of a walk!! As you could see the kids were extremely excited about the white stuff that was on the ground. I had one child ask if we were going to build a snowman. We just laughed and told him that there wasn't enough snow for a snowman. The little snow that was on the ground was enough to make a couple of small snow balls!

Grandmother---with granddaughters & great grandchildren

Joni and her two girls Jasmin and Jayden are pictured here with Mami Albina.

Michelle and little Sean came from North Carolina to join us this Thanksgiving. Michelle was telling me when she came from Germany that she was really looking forward to our Thanksgiving gathering.

More Thanksgiving pictures!

Thanksgiving 2006!

Once again we celebrated Thanksgiving in Colorado City! Thanksgiving for the past few years have been really big! Our Gonzalez family is growing!! This past year I believe there were 6 new babies! As far as I've counted...My grandmother, has 13 children, 53 grandchildren, 42 great granchildren, and one great great grandchild. That is not including the spouses!!

First in line!

The first person in line is actually sleeping in the tent, he has been there since early Tuesday!

Standing in line for what?....PS3...?

So...i was talking to Carmen on the phone on my way back home from work yesterday. We were discussing PS3 thing that is coming out on Friday. I don't know a thing about video games? Sorry video game fans!
Anyway, she wanted to know if I would like to wait in line for one of those! As we were talking, I was on the service road off of 67 and could see Best Buy building. On the sidewalk, I could see several people bundled up protecting themselves from the cold and windy weather. As I drove up closer I saw a group of 18 people and one orange and gray ten! Yes, a TENT! These people are serious about this video game! Wow!
I thought it was rather funny and thought I'd stop and ask them if I can take a picture. One person actually asked me who I worked for since I had my camera in hand. As I laughed...I thought...theses FOOLS waiting outside are crazy! Okay, maybe they're not fools...I was wondering who in their right mind would stand outside for a silly video game? I didn't realize that Sony makes a limited number of these systems and stores don't stock up on these as they do other merchandise. Another thing, I didn't realize ...most of these people are not going play the ----thing...they are going to sell in on e-bay! Now---crazy.... goes to the people who actually pay a good $2,000 + for theses video game systems! Makes me...think? Taking off of work a few days to make a couple of thousand dollars....nah...Hey, come on...in a couple of years they will make the PS4, then .....?

Frankie J

Kaitlyn

Also joining to meet with our grandmother was Christina and Zeke with their newborn Kaitlyn Jordan!

I'm sad to say that on their way back from Abilene, Zeke, Christina, and Kaitlyn were in a car accident. Zeke and baby Kaitlyn are doing fine but Christina has a broken jaw and is in a Lubbock hospital. I found out this afternoon about the accident. All I know now is that surgery is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. I don't know why they are waiting for tomorrow! I just think it's quite a long time for a broken jaw. I guess I use my too much to go without it! On a serious note once again...We pray for Christina, so she may have a speedy recovery!

Meeting half way

This past Sunday, Angie, Tevis, Julian, and I took Mami Albina to meet up with my mom, Mary Grace, Dolores, and Antonio for lunch in Eastland. It was great seeing my Mami and my aunts and uncle. We had a nice lunch at a Mexican restaurant called Jalapeños! There was nothing hot about that place.
Well, we visited for a couple of hours and then we headed back home as so did my mom and her sisters/brother with my grandmother to Colorado City. Look at that lady with the cell phone (grandmother)!! We told her we were going to take a picture! She didn't care...she wanted to keep talking!

Grandmother is home...her 2nd home

My grandmother, Mami Albina (which I call her) flew into DFW today from Guadalajara, Jalisco this afternoon. Angie and her family picked her up from the airport. My grandmother has been in Villa Guerrero for the past six months, where she has a house and spends a few months out of the year. Unfortunately, she doesn't have any children living over there but she loves to be in Mexico. She has her sisters, brothers, neices, nephew, and many friends in Villa. She loves to be here too...to see her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and she even has a great great grandchild! We are all glad and blest to have her here with us!

Concierto de Don Vicente Fernandez

El Legendario Rey de la Música Ranchera estuvo presente en Dallas este pasado sábado 28 de octubre. Por 5a vez…tuve la oportunidad de verlo en su concierto. En verdad no pensaba ir este año, pero Antonio decido comprar boletos y tuve que acompañarlo!
Desgraciadamente perdimos la primera actuación de Paquita la del Barrio. Pero Antonio se perdió! Bueno, nos perdimos en el tráfico por el interestatal 35 rumbo al centro. No creo que fue por el concierto, tal vez un accidente que siempre ocurre en esas ciudades de tanta gente.
Llegamos pocos minutos antes de las 8:00. Para esa hora ya estaba cantando Don Vicente! Rápidamente, llegamos a nuestros asientos que estaban ocupados por un par de borrachos! Si, en serio, ya estaban borrachos. Los asientos a lado de los señores, estaba uno disponibles para nosotros.
El Señor Vicente canto sin parar...tras copas de vino y unos cuantos cigarrillos entregaba sus corazón, alegría, y sufrimiento con sus canciones. Cantaba y no se le iba la voz. Esa gran voz incomparable, cantaba éxitos tras éxito, de sus viejitas y claro las de hoy. Las canciones que mas alegro al público fueron las canciones las vejitas que fueron éxitos en su carrera y claro las canciones del fallecido y gran compositor de México, José Alfredo Jiménez. Todos disfrutaron cantando las canciones y otros brindando. La audiencia no tenía edad, yo vi desde los 5 años hasta los 70!
Vicente, a sus 66 años de edad no se le acababa su gran voz que tiene para la música ranchera. Ver a Vicente Fernández es ver EL IDOLO de la música Ranchera y el mejor intérprete de ese género de música que hay y tal vez habrá! Para la música ranchera, no ha otro como Vicente Fernández! Espero que siempre cante Volver Volver y que nos de muchos años mas y vuelva a Dallas como siempre dice en sus conciertos!

Spooky!!!

The children weren't the only ones wearing costumes! Uncle Levie joined in the fun dressing up. Or...is that really a costume and wig or is that your real hair Uncle Levie?

Trick or Treat

Trick or Treat were the words repeated over and over as we walked through the neighborhood on this chilly Halloween night!
Halloween is NOT one of my favorite hoidays or celebrations but I do have to say I had a great time walking through the streets with the children and seeing other children dressed up in their costumes asking for candy. The children you see in the picture are Diana's two boys. One as a Ninja Turtle and the other dressed as his favorite character- Sponge Bob. Tevis is dressed as the Scream character. Last but not least is Penny's daughter, dressed as Minnie Mouse! Isn't she cute!

Mr. and Mrs. Valenzuela

Mi amiguita de siempre, Nadia , changed her name on Saturday, October 21, 2006. Well, I'm not sure if she changed her name or just added one but now she is the new Mrs. Valenzuela!
For many years, long before she met the man of her dreams-- Ulisses, Nadia would say, "Girl, when I get married you are going to be in my wedding!" Gosh she didn't forget! It was a great honor for me to be a witness in their wedding ceremony. Nadia looked so beautiful in her dress and of course next to the handsome military man she married! Nadia's wedding was a long awaited event that I would never have missed. It was wonderful to take part in a special event in their lives! Congratulations and great wishes to Nadia and Ulisses! Abundant blessings as they begin their life together!

Great hospitality

Mr. and Mrs. Najera are Esme parents. This lovely couple kindly opened the doors of their home for me while I was in Amarillo. I can't thank them enough for the wonderful hospitality...they made me feel so at home!

So serious....

What can I say about my friend Esmeralda? Such a unique individual, sometimes so serious and yes...Mean looking! She is not quite the friendliest person when you first meet her! But she is a genuine person that just tells it how it is!
See...Look at her in this picture, she should be smiling! After all, the party was for her and baby Paquito! I'm not sure if it is the Air Force Captain in her or what?
Honestly, behind that serious person, is a SMILE! Esme is a one of a kind friend. She is a TRUE FRIEND with a huge heart! I've known her for several years now and admire her great concern for others, her hard work, and many accomplishments! I appreciate the wonderful friendship we have shared throughout the years and miles! (Thanks for keeping in touch Esme!)

Amarillo, TX

When people think of the Panhandle of Texas...no doubt you think of AMARILLO and of course the song by George Strait...Amarillo by Morning. Other than the song, Amarillo is known for is the Cadillac Ranch (unique bumper crop) and for Palo Duro Canyon State Park and I believe that is all I know. Well, last weekend I was in Amarillo not to see the famous attractions but most importantly for a dear friend's baby shower. There was no way I was going to miss seeing my friend, Esme, pregnant! Esme and Paco reside in Tucson, Arizona but call Amarillo home, since both of their families live in Amarillo. Paco and Esme are anxiously expecting the birth of their son Francisco (Paquito). The approximate due date is December 12...I think they should name him GUADALUPE! !

Parents

Here is the reason I LOVE to go to Colorado City so much! And at times I believe I don't go enough! Yes, My parents! I recently took this picture; actually Sunday morning. We were north of C-City on a few acres my parents own, where they have a few cows, calves, and a mare. I enjoying driving out with my mami and daddy, chatting as my dad drives 20 mph in an old pickup truck. It is so relaxing to see the animals and breathe fresh West Texas air. Wait, it is relaxing until my dad finds something for us to work on or a calf to chase if there is one out! I strongly recommend you not wear shoes you don't want to get dirty!
The best thing of all is spending time together!

Playing Taboo

Many of you know that I'm a stick in the mud when it comes to playing board games. (Just ask Angie!)Especially when it comes to playing Taboo! Taboo happens to be one of my family's favorite game to play at family gatherings. Those of you that are familiar with the game know how it goes. If you don't, it is a think fast, say fast, and don't say a taboo word or you lose a point--game. The reason I really don't like to play maybe...well many, many years ago, I was playing with a group of friends and...I got the word tentacles and testicles a little mixed up! Or did I get my drinks mixed up that night? The margaritas didn't help my thinking in that game! Ever since then...I don't enjoy playing games that require fast thinking! Anyway, this past weekend I played Taboo with virgin margaritas! Really, we did drink virgin margaritas! My tia Dolores didn't have tequila! Let me say I played because they needed an extra player in order to be even. I actually had great fun that night! Maybe it was the great company and plenty of laughs! This time the laughs weren't because of me!!