Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas and Family Fun!
Miguel and I just got back from California for a fun-filled Christmas vacation!
The week started out with my parents driving here to Phoenix, surprising me by bringing my little brother Pablo and his puppy Mitch. I can't even say how excited we were to see him. The dogs got along really well, although there were some problems with Ava getting jealous of Mitch and Austin playing so much. The cats pretty much stayed in our room the entire time to stay out of Mitch's way. Basically, we ate, drank, and played hours and hours of rockband. It was SO MUCH FUN!!
On Christmas Eve, Miguel and I left for the bay area around 6pm and got to California at 7. We went straight to my brother-in-law Fernando's house to spend time with Miguel's parents, Fernando, and his fiance Lauren. We had some FANTASTIC salsa and just spent some good time talking and drinking some beer and wine. After that we left to our cousin Perla's house to say hi to Tia Chuy and Crystal before they left for their Christmas in Paris!! When we got there they were watching the Twilight movie. Seeing as watching this movie will be a huge event for me (after reading all 4 books in only 4 days and becoming completely obsessed in the process) I refused to watch the movie until I was here at home with Amanda. We went back to Miguel's parents house and completely crashed until 11 the next day. We spent the next couple of days celebrating the holidays Chavez style with the cousins and the rest of the family. We had a fantastic trip! For Christmas, Miguel's parents are going to give us our plane ticket to Europe for our graduation trip!!!! When we opened the envelope with the voucher we pretty much tackled Miguel's mom! We are so grateful for this help and are so excited for our trip to Europe! We plan on leaving May 18 and flying into Paris. After that, we will fly into Rome for a couple of days and then head up to Venice to board our cruise ship. On the cruise, we will visit Turkey, Croatia and Greece! We're hoping to fly out of Venice to return home May 31st. We couldn't be more excited for this trip!!! Lauren also gave me a nursing student's survival pack as my Christmas present. The pack contained chapstick (OF COURSE!) and a cute kitty cosmetic bag with a mirror. She also gave me the nurse's pro pack, an organizer that carries all of our various scissors, tape, alcohol wipes, safety pins, and my pin light. I couldn't be more excited to show off my gift at clinicals this semester!! Thanks Lauren!!
So now we're back in Scottsdale and Miguel is getting ready for work tomorrow. My in-laws and Tia Sandi and cousins are going to be coming here to Phoenix for the next week, so it will be another fun week of family time. Hopefully we can go see the zoo lights and other fun stuff around the area. We plan on spending New Year's with one of my best friends Debora and friends. I don't feel that well, so I will also be trying to rest as much as I can and then finally get back into my Bikram yoga routine.
Miguel and I are also getting really excited about the fact that we're coming up on our 2 year wedding anniversary on February 10. We will have been together for 4 years. Time flies when you're having so much fun being married and in love!
More posts to come now that I have time off from school!
The week started out with my parents driving here to Phoenix, surprising me by bringing my little brother Pablo and his puppy Mitch. I can't even say how excited we were to see him. The dogs got along really well, although there were some problems with Ava getting jealous of Mitch and Austin playing so much. The cats pretty much stayed in our room the entire time to stay out of Mitch's way. Basically, we ate, drank, and played hours and hours of rockband. It was SO MUCH FUN!!
On Christmas Eve, Miguel and I left for the bay area around 6pm and got to California at 7. We went straight to my brother-in-law Fernando's house to spend time with Miguel's parents, Fernando, and his fiance Lauren. We had some FANTASTIC salsa and just spent some good time talking and drinking some beer and wine. After that we left to our cousin Perla's house to say hi to Tia Chuy and Crystal before they left for their Christmas in Paris!! When we got there they were watching the Twilight movie. Seeing as watching this movie will be a huge event for me (after reading all 4 books in only 4 days and becoming completely obsessed in the process) I refused to watch the movie until I was here at home with Amanda. We went back to Miguel's parents house and completely crashed until 11 the next day. We spent the next couple of days celebrating the holidays Chavez style with the cousins and the rest of the family. We had a fantastic trip! For Christmas, Miguel's parents are going to give us our plane ticket to Europe for our graduation trip!!!! When we opened the envelope with the voucher we pretty much tackled Miguel's mom! We are so grateful for this help and are so excited for our trip to Europe! We plan on leaving May 18 and flying into Paris. After that, we will fly into Rome for a couple of days and then head up to Venice to board our cruise ship. On the cruise, we will visit Turkey, Croatia and Greece! We're hoping to fly out of Venice to return home May 31st. We couldn't be more excited for this trip!!! Lauren also gave me a nursing student's survival pack as my Christmas present. The pack contained chapstick (OF COURSE!) and a cute kitty cosmetic bag with a mirror. She also gave me the nurse's pro pack, an organizer that carries all of our various scissors, tape, alcohol wipes, safety pins, and my pin light. I couldn't be more excited to show off my gift at clinicals this semester!! Thanks Lauren!!
So now we're back in Scottsdale and Miguel is getting ready for work tomorrow. My in-laws and Tia Sandi and cousins are going to be coming here to Phoenix for the next week, so it will be another fun week of family time. Hopefully we can go see the zoo lights and other fun stuff around the area. We plan on spending New Year's with one of my best friends Debora and friends. I don't feel that well, so I will also be trying to rest as much as I can and then finally get back into my Bikram yoga routine.
Miguel and I are also getting really excited about the fact that we're coming up on our 2 year wedding anniversary on February 10. We will have been together for 4 years. Time flies when you're having so much fun being married and in love!
More posts to come now that I have time off from school!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
It's been awhile
So perhaps it's been awhile since we updated our blog. Needless to say, we've both been busy with school and work, and just life. Miguel is a rockstar at work and with school as usual. He's working full-time right now as a temporary team leader, managing 7-10 people. He's so patient and good at what he does, so of course he's doing so well at work! On Tuesdays and Thursdays he goes to school from 6-10 and takes care of homework and various group projects on the other days and over the weekend.
As for me, I'm still doing the school thing and loving it. It's SO HARD though!! Summer semester was supposed to be one of the hardest of our entire nursing school process, and they weren't kidding. At the beginning of the summer I was doing clinical rotations at Mercy-Gilbert hospital. I rotated to almost every unit, including the OR, PACU, ER, electrophysiology, and the med/surg unit. I loved working in the hospital, especially the ER! Although I haven't worked in the ICU yet, I have a funny feeling that I'll end up working in either the ER or ICU. As long as there is plenty of adrenaline to go around! I can't say how much I am enjoying school and the friends I've met there. One particular special friend I've gotten close to is Amanda. She's just one of the coolest people I've ever met. She's been through a lot in her life, including surviving a coma and a liver transplant. She's great. Our semester ends August 8, and then we start again two weeks later for our OB and peds rotation. I'm really excited for the rest of the rotations, because our last semester we get to rotate to ER and ICU! Nursing is for me, I know it in my heart. Although lately I've had to eat, breathe, be nursing school, I can't say I've been unhappy about any of it. All of the sacrifice Miguel and I are having to do while we're both in school is going to be completely worth it, I know it and he knows.
Without Miguel's constant support and love, I have no idea how I would be getting through such hard schooling. It's hard to spend time together, but when we do, it's just perfect. Our favorite thing to do is to just stay around the house and just be. I probably don't tell him enough how special and important he is, or that he's just everything to me. He's an amazing husband and best friend. I honestly couldn't be happier with the way my life is going right now. Aside from being able to spend more time with Miguel, I wouldn't change a thing right now. I get to see my best friends and I get to see my family and spend time with my doggies and my kitties. Who could ask for more?
At the end of this semester we're going to be going to Mexico for a Chavez-Burrull fun-filled adventure. Miguel's parents were kind enough to rent a suite at a time-share called the Grande Mayan near Puerto Penasco to help Miguel and I celebrate our 25th birthdays. Thank you so much and it means a lot to us! We're both ready for a fun, relaxing break from school and work. Pablo and his girlfriend Ashley are going to come, which is awesome! I know it was really hard for both of them to get time off, as both of them are taking summer school classes, so I'm really pumped to have them be able to join us! I can't remember the last time we've all been on a vacation! I LOVE spending time with Pooky (what I've called my brother since high school) and I think Ashley is just fantastic. They seem to be doing really well! My dad owns a new AVIS as well, on the westside of El Paso. As hard as it is for him to be running both businesses, we all know it will be worth it and I can only hope this experience shows him how talented he really is. My mom is still working at the JCC and granting wishes for the make-a-wish foundation. She's already granted 10 wishes this year! Congrats on 10 successful wishes mom!! My mom spends so much of her time doing so much good for so many deserving people. I am so grateful that I learned from her the joys of giving what I can to those in need.
We spent the fourth of July with Amanda and some other friends at the Tempe Town Lake, ,which was a blast! We definitely needed that 4 day weekend and break from school.
There's not much more going on. The last weekend of break we're heading to El Paso for Danny and Cynthia's wedding. I agreed to help Cynthia set up the reception area for their big day, so that should be exciting. Danny has been a dear friend to me for a very long time, so helping make his day special means a lot to me. Of course, I also volunteered Miguel to help me with the decor....he gladly accepted the request, because he's just a swell guy =)
I want to end this ridiculously long post by saying that being married is so fun! Miguel and I continue to learn so much more about each other and all of the amazing things we can do as husband and wife. It's hard to believe we've been married for a over a year and a half and that we've been together for over 3 and a half years! I'm so grateful to have him in my life and so grateful he chose me to spend the rest of his life with. I love you Miguel =)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Thoughts on life
Last week was SPRING BREAK!!! Miguel and I went to El Paso, and then I visited some friends out of town.
While we were in El Paso, my parents cooked some great food and invited the cousins and some of my high school friends over for some fun! We had a BLAST!! We played some "golf" and a round of kings, and then just sat around at talked. It was really great seeing everyone after such a hectic week at school. We drove back from El Paso, and spent the rest of the week relaxing, until I met up with some friends.
The week before spring break, I had 2 exams on Friday: one in nursing theory, and one in pharmacology. Thankfully, I still have an A in pharm and a B in theory, which makes me very happy. I feel as though I do nothing but study these days. I had no idea how hard school was really going to be. I wake up around 6, go to school all day, come home from school, read, read, read, read, eat, do some more reading, and then go to bed. The next day is the same thing all over again. I know it's going to be worth it though, because I'm going to be able to care for so many people!
We just got back from our second round of clinicals today. Our first round was in a preschool, and we got to come up with a lesson plan and teach the students all about the importance of exercise. I didn't imagine how hard it would be to keep 17 4-5 year olds still and ready to learn. That was our third and final visit to the nursing school. It was a pretty bad neighborhood surrounded by poverty. We were told by the school nurse that many of the students come to school in tattered clothes and shoes, so one of the most important donations to the school was clothes for children of all ages. Our particular class was state funded, and only for students whose parents make below poverty level income. The school nurse also stated that the majority of the kids don't even stay at the school for a whole year, because they are evicted from their homes many times a year. They have parents that are scared to give their real names, due to the immigration policies. I really don't feel like bringing up politics (I AM A DEMOCRAT!!!) All I will say is that with all of the publicity that surrounds immigration in our country, I feel that the devastation it can cause the children and families is definitely not emphasized enough. One of the students, a 4 year old little girl, had her parents deported back to Mexico. But not her, because she was born here. Her parents wanted her to have the best life possible, and that wasn't in Mexico. She now lives with an aunt, and talks about missing her family constantly. Who speaks for these kids? Who stands up for the broken families that are brought about by the HORRIBLE immigration policies. I'm not one to say that all people should come here without contributing to our country. But honestly, it's human nature to want the best for you, your family, and your kids. With everything I know about Mexico, who am I to say I wouldn't do the same thing. There's no doubt in my mind I would. Who are we to say these people shouldn't have the same chances, especially if I KNOW her parents were honest, hard-working, good people. For the record, NOT ALL IMMIGRANTS ARE DANGEROUS, GANG-BANGING CRIMINALS. Some just want to raise their children in the best environment possible.
I can honestly say it was one of the hardest things I've had to do since the start of nursing school. The teacher told us that many of the kids come from very broken homes, and were exposed to horrible, horrible things, including drugs, gangs, parents in jail, and abuse. She gave some background on the kids, which was very VERY hard to hear. Knowing that horrible things happens is one thing, but seeing the effects of it first-hand is another. There is one particular student that really stands out to me. For confidentiality, we will call her Jane.
Jane was born in a drug house, and was finally forced away from her parents into her grandparents house. According to the teacher, her grandparents did not want her to move in, and do not act as if they do. The first time I met her she was all smiles, ready to hug any person she saw. She was outgoing and excited about life. She and I immediately connected. The next time I saw her, however, she was throwing a temper tantrum any time I gave attention to any other student. The teacher let me know that she was having a rough time at home, and probably needed a hug. That's it, just a hug. No candy, gifts, traveling, a car, toys, new ipod, computer, TV, playstation, or bike....nothing but a hug. I picked her up, put her on my lap and gave her a huge hug. She hugged me so tight back I can't even explain. I kept her on my lap and read her a book, and for that moment, she thought she was on top of the world.
This is just one story of many I could tell from the preschool. She was one of hundreds at that school that shared the same experiences with other nursing students in my group. I know it is a hard story to hear/write about/read. But I feel that it is important for me to share my experiences in order to make it known that sometimes, things aren't as they appear. She wasn't throwing a temper tantrum for selfish attention. All she wanted was to feel loved. It cost me nothing to sit down with her, and the rest of the students, and just show them love for the time I was there.
Hopefully this will serve as a reminder that we ALL need to do our part to help those in our country. Turning a cheek is NOT the answer. A simple smile, handshake, nod of recognition is sometimes all somebody needs. No person is better than any other. I don't care what color, race, sexual orientation, etc anybody is. EVERYONE IS A PERSON AND JUDGING/TURNING YOUR HEAD IS NOT THE ANSWER.
Remember, a hug costs you nothing, but can honestly make somebody's whole world. We can all use a break in our busy lives to help those that don't ask for much.
I wanted to take time also to say that I am thankful each and every day to those who are fighting for us overseas. It is because of them that I am here and have the freedom to help those in need and speak freely as I do. Those men and women and their families are in my thoughts and prayers always.
While we were in El Paso, my parents cooked some great food and invited the cousins and some of my high school friends over for some fun! We had a BLAST!! We played some "golf" and a round of kings, and then just sat around at talked. It was really great seeing everyone after such a hectic week at school. We drove back from El Paso, and spent the rest of the week relaxing, until I met up with some friends.
The week before spring break, I had 2 exams on Friday: one in nursing theory, and one in pharmacology. Thankfully, I still have an A in pharm and a B in theory, which makes me very happy. I feel as though I do nothing but study these days. I had no idea how hard school was really going to be. I wake up around 6, go to school all day, come home from school, read, read, read, read, eat, do some more reading, and then go to bed. The next day is the same thing all over again. I know it's going to be worth it though, because I'm going to be able to care for so many people!
We just got back from our second round of clinicals today. Our first round was in a preschool, and we got to come up with a lesson plan and teach the students all about the importance of exercise. I didn't imagine how hard it would be to keep 17 4-5 year olds still and ready to learn. That was our third and final visit to the nursing school. It was a pretty bad neighborhood surrounded by poverty. We were told by the school nurse that many of the students come to school in tattered clothes and shoes, so one of the most important donations to the school was clothes for children of all ages. Our particular class was state funded, and only for students whose parents make below poverty level income. The school nurse also stated that the majority of the kids don't even stay at the school for a whole year, because they are evicted from their homes many times a year. They have parents that are scared to give their real names, due to the immigration policies. I really don't feel like bringing up politics (I AM A DEMOCRAT!!!) All I will say is that with all of the publicity that surrounds immigration in our country, I feel that the devastation it can cause the children and families is definitely not emphasized enough. One of the students, a 4 year old little girl, had her parents deported back to Mexico. But not her, because she was born here. Her parents wanted her to have the best life possible, and that wasn't in Mexico. She now lives with an aunt, and talks about missing her family constantly. Who speaks for these kids? Who stands up for the broken families that are brought about by the HORRIBLE immigration policies. I'm not one to say that all people should come here without contributing to our country. But honestly, it's human nature to want the best for you, your family, and your kids. With everything I know about Mexico, who am I to say I wouldn't do the same thing. There's no doubt in my mind I would. Who are we to say these people shouldn't have the same chances, especially if I KNOW her parents were honest, hard-working, good people. For the record, NOT ALL IMMIGRANTS ARE DANGEROUS, GANG-BANGING CRIMINALS. Some just want to raise their children in the best environment possible.
I can honestly say it was one of the hardest things I've had to do since the start of nursing school. The teacher told us that many of the kids come from very broken homes, and were exposed to horrible, horrible things, including drugs, gangs, parents in jail, and abuse. She gave some background on the kids, which was very VERY hard to hear. Knowing that horrible things happens is one thing, but seeing the effects of it first-hand is another. There is one particular student that really stands out to me. For confidentiality, we will call her Jane.
Jane was born in a drug house, and was finally forced away from her parents into her grandparents house. According to the teacher, her grandparents did not want her to move in, and do not act as if they do. The first time I met her she was all smiles, ready to hug any person she saw. She was outgoing and excited about life. She and I immediately connected. The next time I saw her, however, she was throwing a temper tantrum any time I gave attention to any other student. The teacher let me know that she was having a rough time at home, and probably needed a hug. That's it, just a hug. No candy, gifts, traveling, a car, toys, new ipod, computer, TV, playstation, or bike....nothing but a hug. I picked her up, put her on my lap and gave her a huge hug. She hugged me so tight back I can't even explain. I kept her on my lap and read her a book, and for that moment, she thought she was on top of the world.
This is just one story of many I could tell from the preschool. She was one of hundreds at that school that shared the same experiences with other nursing students in my group. I know it is a hard story to hear/write about/read. But I feel that it is important for me to share my experiences in order to make it known that sometimes, things aren't as they appear. She wasn't throwing a temper tantrum for selfish attention. All she wanted was to feel loved. It cost me nothing to sit down with her, and the rest of the students, and just show them love for the time I was there.
Hopefully this will serve as a reminder that we ALL need to do our part to help those in our country. Turning a cheek is NOT the answer. A simple smile, handshake, nod of recognition is sometimes all somebody needs. No person is better than any other. I don't care what color, race, sexual orientation, etc anybody is. EVERYONE IS A PERSON AND JUDGING/TURNING YOUR HEAD IS NOT THE ANSWER.
Remember, a hug costs you nothing, but can honestly make somebody's whole world. We can all use a break in our busy lives to help those that don't ask for much.
I wanted to take time also to say that I am thankful each and every day to those who are fighting for us overseas. It is because of them that I am here and have the freedom to help those in need and speak freely as I do. Those men and women and their families are in my thoughts and prayers always.
Monday, February 11, 2008
1 year anniversary!!!
Just yesterday, we celebrated our 1 YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!! We can't believe it's already been a year since our big day!
Looking back, there are soooo many times we would just look at each other and think,"I can't believe we're this lucky...." We're still so in love and so happy to just be together, as husband and wife.
There's nothing either of us would change about our first year of marriage. We've been through some huge things together, including applying and getting into ASU! Without Miguel, there's no way I would have had the courage to apply to the ultra-competitive ASU nursing program. Because he was here with me, telling me I could do it and that he would be here for me every step of the way, I decided to apply, and then got in! At the same time, Miguel applied to the ASU business school to get his Masters in Business Administration. Of course he got in. We've learned that there's so much we can do together, because we believe in each other and we believe in us.
We spent our anniversary doing nothing here at the house but enjoying each others company. The evening ended with a wonderful dinner at T. Cook's restaurant that is located in the Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale. The food was amazing, the romantic atmosphere was amazing, and of course, being there together after a whole year of being married was amazing!!
We're so excited for many, MANY more anniversaries to come. How many anniversaries are there in forever?
Looking back, there are soooo many times we would just look at each other and think,"I can't believe we're this lucky...." We're still so in love and so happy to just be together, as husband and wife.
There's nothing either of us would change about our first year of marriage. We've been through some huge things together, including applying and getting into ASU! Without Miguel, there's no way I would have had the courage to apply to the ultra-competitive ASU nursing program. Because he was here with me, telling me I could do it and that he would be here for me every step of the way, I decided to apply, and then got in! At the same time, Miguel applied to the ASU business school to get his Masters in Business Administration. Of course he got in. We've learned that there's so much we can do together, because we believe in each other and we believe in us.
We spent our anniversary doing nothing here at the house but enjoying each others company. The evening ended with a wonderful dinner at T. Cook's restaurant that is located in the Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale. The food was amazing, the romantic atmosphere was amazing, and of course, being there together after a whole year of being married was amazing!!
We're so excited for many, MANY more anniversaries to come. How many anniversaries are there in forever?
Monday, February 4, 2008
It's times like these....
There are some times when you just have to stop and reflect about things that have happened in your life. For me, this is one of them.
A very dear friend of my mom and dad, Mr. Rudy Vega, passed away last night, after a long, hard battle with cancer. We knew it was going to happen, as he had been in and out of ICU for the last month or so, but for some reason, it doesn't make anything any easier. First of all, I want to comment on how strong of a person he was. He made it through a round of chemotherapy, which is extremely difficult. I've never been there, but from what I have heard and learned, it is a very painful and long therapy. My parents went up to Albuquerque a couple of weeks ago after his wife called them to let them know he wasn't doing well. From what my mom said, he wasn't in any pain, and his two kids and wife were doing as well as can be expected. My mom said that although he didn't seem to know who was and wasn't there due to his medications, she felt a special connection with him right before they left through a special gesture he gave. There is no doubt in my mind that he knew my parents were there and that they love him very, very much.
I am very grateful that I got to see Rudy, as well as his family, at our wedding. They made the trip down to El Paso to be there for my parents and I, which was very special. I remember all of the times (probably in the thousands) we would go over to their house when they were in El Paso, and just hang out. The adults would drink and be merry downstairs, and us kids would play upstairs. There wasn't a single, not a single time, he didn't greet me or anybody else with one of his big bear hugs and warm smiles. He was just so happy, and it was contagious. He was an amazing friend to my parents, and I am very grateful for that as well.
Because of my faith, I do know that everything happens for a reason, so I have learned to not question why things happen. My first instinct is to ask why he was taken at such a young age and why such a good man would have such a horrible disease, but I know that is something I will never know. He fought as hard as he could against such an awful disease. I am not going to say that he lost the fight. He left peacefully and pain-free and with his beautiful kids, wife, and family by his side.
Although I am very sad, for his family, my parents, and myself, I choose to instead be very grateful that my family did get to have him in our lives. I am very grateful that he knew how much he was loved, and that those who love him had the chance to say good-bye.
It's times like these that remind us that we need to be grateful for each day that we have. We have show those we love how much we love them and that we appreciate them every single day and that they are special every single day.
I will miss you Mr. Vega. We will miss you Mr. Vega. I can only hope you are healthy, happy, and know without a doubt how much you are loved.
Dragon tales and the "water is wide"
Pirate's sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you
Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams
The rocket racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight moon, will find the mouse
And I love you
Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams
God bless mommy and match box cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God hears "Amen," wherever we are
And I love you
Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Godspeed
Godspeed
Sweet dreams
~Godspeed (Sweet Dreams), Dixie Chicks
A very dear friend of my mom and dad, Mr. Rudy Vega, passed away last night, after a long, hard battle with cancer. We knew it was going to happen, as he had been in and out of ICU for the last month or so, but for some reason, it doesn't make anything any easier. First of all, I want to comment on how strong of a person he was. He made it through a round of chemotherapy, which is extremely difficult. I've never been there, but from what I have heard and learned, it is a very painful and long therapy. My parents went up to Albuquerque a couple of weeks ago after his wife called them to let them know he wasn't doing well. From what my mom said, he wasn't in any pain, and his two kids and wife were doing as well as can be expected. My mom said that although he didn't seem to know who was and wasn't there due to his medications, she felt a special connection with him right before they left through a special gesture he gave. There is no doubt in my mind that he knew my parents were there and that they love him very, very much.
I am very grateful that I got to see Rudy, as well as his family, at our wedding. They made the trip down to El Paso to be there for my parents and I, which was very special. I remember all of the times (probably in the thousands) we would go over to their house when they were in El Paso, and just hang out. The adults would drink and be merry downstairs, and us kids would play upstairs. There wasn't a single, not a single time, he didn't greet me or anybody else with one of his big bear hugs and warm smiles. He was just so happy, and it was contagious. He was an amazing friend to my parents, and I am very grateful for that as well.
Because of my faith, I do know that everything happens for a reason, so I have learned to not question why things happen. My first instinct is to ask why he was taken at such a young age and why such a good man would have such a horrible disease, but I know that is something I will never know. He fought as hard as he could against such an awful disease. I am not going to say that he lost the fight. He left peacefully and pain-free and with his beautiful kids, wife, and family by his side.
Although I am very sad, for his family, my parents, and myself, I choose to instead be very grateful that my family did get to have him in our lives. I am very grateful that he knew how much he was loved, and that those who love him had the chance to say good-bye.
It's times like these that remind us that we need to be grateful for each day that we have. We have show those we love how much we love them and that we appreciate them every single day and that they are special every single day.
I will miss you Mr. Vega. We will miss you Mr. Vega. I can only hope you are healthy, happy, and know without a doubt how much you are loved.
Dragon tales and the "water is wide"
Pirate's sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you
Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams
The rocket racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight moon, will find the mouse
And I love you
Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams
God bless mommy and match box cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God hears "Amen," wherever we are
And I love you
Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Godspeed
Godspeed
Sweet dreams
~Godspeed (Sweet Dreams), Dixie Chicks
Friday, February 1, 2008
Too long since my last post!
So it's been a long time since we've posted on our blog. Partly because we've been lazy, partly because we've had so FREAKING MUCH TO DO!
Some key points of the last couple of months:
Our California family, including Miguel's parents, Fernando, Perla, Eddie, Anthony, Crystal, Tia Luz, and Lily came down to celebrate New Year's. We had such a great time that weekend, and of course on New Year's! We ate GREAT food, had FANTASTIC drinks, and played some nice rounds of continental. It really was a great time.
The weekend after Miguel's parents along with Miguel and I went to Houston for a family gathering. Our cousins Christina and David came as well. It really was so much fun. We had a blast playing spoons, and just hanging out and talking. Yaya was soooo happy to see us, which was great. One very special thing that happened was that Yaya gave the three granddaughters some of her very special jewelry. She divided it all up and placed all of the pieces in three beautiful wooden jewelry boxes. When she gave me my box, I didn't know what to do. I was just so touched. She gave me some beautiful rings, some bangle bracelets, and earrings. The most touching gift, however was a charm loop filled with charms she had received in her life. One in particular was a stop sign shaped charm that said "I'll never stop loving you" that my grandfather had given her. Wow, I still don't know what to say. SHE had to tell ME to stop crying, which was such a change! Anyway, it was a very special moment that I'm happy I got to share with her. I love you yaya!
Lets see, some other stuff that has happened. I had my last day at work and I started nursing school! GEEZ....it's so hard!! I don't think I've ever been this tired, but I'm still loving it! Next week we go to an independent living center and a preschool to do some health assessments, and then off to the long-term care center we go for the rest of the semester. The professors are FANTASTIC! They all like to hug and be so supportive! We as students can really tell how much they care and want us to pass. As hard as it is, I know it will help me be the kind of nurse I really want to be. 3 weeks down, 10,000 to go!
My mom came down to Phoenix for my "lighting the lamp ceremony" which was an induction into the nursing field. It was really touching. I'm so excited to be starting this career.
Miguel starts school tomorrow! He's all ready, and super excited. I will keep you posted!!
Love you all!
Some key points of the last couple of months:
Our California family, including Miguel's parents, Fernando, Perla, Eddie, Anthony, Crystal, Tia Luz, and Lily came down to celebrate New Year's. We had such a great time that weekend, and of course on New Year's! We ate GREAT food, had FANTASTIC drinks, and played some nice rounds of continental. It really was a great time.
The weekend after Miguel's parents along with Miguel and I went to Houston for a family gathering. Our cousins Christina and David came as well. It really was so much fun. We had a blast playing spoons, and just hanging out and talking. Yaya was soooo happy to see us, which was great. One very special thing that happened was that Yaya gave the three granddaughters some of her very special jewelry. She divided it all up and placed all of the pieces in three beautiful wooden jewelry boxes. When she gave me my box, I didn't know what to do. I was just so touched. She gave me some beautiful rings, some bangle bracelets, and earrings. The most touching gift, however was a charm loop filled with charms she had received in her life. One in particular was a stop sign shaped charm that said "I'll never stop loving you" that my grandfather had given her. Wow, I still don't know what to say. SHE had to tell ME to stop crying, which was such a change! Anyway, it was a very special moment that I'm happy I got to share with her. I love you yaya!
Lets see, some other stuff that has happened. I had my last day at work and I started nursing school! GEEZ....it's so hard!! I don't think I've ever been this tired, but I'm still loving it! Next week we go to an independent living center and a preschool to do some health assessments, and then off to the long-term care center we go for the rest of the semester. The professors are FANTASTIC! They all like to hug and be so supportive! We as students can really tell how much they care and want us to pass. As hard as it is, I know it will help me be the kind of nurse I really want to be. 3 weeks down, 10,000 to go!
My mom came down to Phoenix for my "lighting the lamp ceremony" which was an induction into the nursing field. It was really touching. I'm so excited to be starting this career.
Miguel starts school tomorrow! He's all ready, and super excited. I will keep you posted!!
Love you all!
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