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?

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

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!