December 30, 2008

Not The Mayhem I Had In Mind

SHOCKER! When I said that when the teen cousins got together, mayhem was abound, I didn't mean this! This morning the Eldora Mountain Ski Resort was closed due to a murder that took place at the same time my family pulled out of the driveway to go there for a day of fun.

To read about the tragedy, click here. Of course, we are sad about such a terrible act, but I am so grateful my family was not there. They ended up over at Loveland Ski Resort instead.

More later....I have shell-shocked, injured, altitude-sick, and hungry snowboarders on my hands. Please say a prayer for the folks in Eldora.

December 28, 2008

The Goods

Well, finally I get the pictures up. It has been busy around here, getting ready for my brother and his boys. They arrive tomorrow, so the next week will be filled with teenage mutant mayhem and lots of snowboarding!

Here are a few pics from our good, old-fashioned, GarzaClan family Christmas. We start off with the kids by the Christmas tree. They are too big now to actually be in front of the tree and they are by all means too cool as well. So, they opted to sit next to the tree. We don't dress up much around here. It's come as you are...
But that's not to say, we don't try to look our best! For those that remember last spring, Tony loves to maintain that "beach-boy-skateboarder-dude-look". And, well, now he can!
And, as for Marisa, we are thrilled she is out of the "black-beetlejuice-gothic-look". White does become her better.
But, that's not all for Marisa. This was where she sat to open her gifts. I think this says it all about my teenage girl. Let's see...makeup, Vera Wang perfume (not toilet water), Red Bull, and a small crystal bowl of candy. The hot chocolate in the Christmas cup is mine.
And, there you have it. Now, I look forward to taking oodles of pictures this coming week of the "Fab Four". On guard...

December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas!

For my 200th blog posting, I am wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! God's Blessing to all...

December 18, 2008

Teenagers Equal Grey Hair

Today was Marisa's last final and the end of her first semester in high school. Oh, heck! I can't believe it. So, of course, she wants to hang out with friends. I get home from work, it's starting to snow AGAIN, and I get slammed with requests to take her and a friend to the mall. I say okay.

Marisa gets on the phone and I hear, "Okay, Adam, my mom and I will pick you up in 15 minutes." I don't get a chance to even open my mouth, because the social princess has run upstairs to put on her makeup and her favorite hoodie.

We get in the car and I ask about Adam. He's just a friend, Mom.

We arrive at Adam's house and he and his dad come out to the car. We introduce ourselves and the dad says, "Nice to meet you, I'll pick them up about 5:30 or 6pm AFTER THE MOVIE."

We drive off and I say, as casually as possible, "So, what movie?" Well, neither have decided yet, but they are thinking about the James Bond movie or the Four Christmases movie.

On the way home, I stop off at Nick-N-Willy's for a pizza. Since it is snowing again, I text Tony to see if he wants me to pick him up from school. His reply was:

"No"...

December 16, 2008

Tis The Season

Every year I put out our Christmas dishes. Nothing fancy, just dishes that have a winter scene on them. (I would post a photo, but the batteries are dead). Anyway, the point is that I LOVE eating and drinking from my Christmas dishes. I could eat a bowl of cereal and drink a cup of milk from these seasoned dishes and the meal would transform to Christmas cereal and Christmas milk. Which means that the simple cereal and milk are now special in some way.

So, with that said, I think I'll nibble some of the goodies from our two-tiered Christmas candy dish!

December 14, 2008

December 13, 2008

Finals

Next week is Marisa's first round of (and experience with) finals. She spent the entire day working through study guides. At one point she acknowledged my supreme organizational skills and study tips. I've been ragging on her all semester to keep her notebooks up to date for this every event. I hope it pays off.

Meanwhile, Tony had his girlfriend, Rose, over this afternoon. They watched TV in the basement. Never fear....I was at my computer the entire time, watching but not watching.

We rented The Dark Knight, Wanted, and Get Smart to watch tonight.

December 10, 2008

Updated Family Photos

We took new family photos tonight. Fisrt one is Danny and me. We've been married almost 17 years now. Yes, we are a little older and a little wider...wiser...wider, but we are still productive members of society!
Next, is our baby girl, Marisa. She is 15 years old and LOVES high school with a passion. But, her favorite subject is not academic...it is boys! Heaven help up!
Because, this is our baby boy. He is Mr. Popularity. Girls love him. Teachers love him. We love him. He's only 13 years old.
And, here we are all together. Stunning bunch we are, if I do say so myself.

December 8, 2008

Keeping Busy

...because Mom is back in the hospital. This time to treat pulmonary edema, at least that's what my dad is telling me. I have called Mom a couple of times and she sounds strong, but she is the classic silent sufferer. So, prayers are welcome!

Since I'm a basket case again with worry, I've managed to finish Christmas shopping, wrapping, and mailing. Danny keeps asking what I got him and my standard answer is a cigar case. Man, he will be surprised!

Yesterday, Danny and Marisa fixed the fence and put up the outside Christmas lights. We are expecting another snow storm tonight, so I'm glad they got it done.

December 6, 2008

CRASH! BANG! POW!

Came home yesterday to find a police card on the door that said "please call about the fence". My first thought: "Damn it, what did Tony do now?" (I know, poor kid!)

Then, I noticed another card that said, "I am the Dad of J** P** that slid into your fence. I would love you to call me so I can get our fence fixed or even fix it for you with his help. PLEASE CALL. Thank you, M***"

I honestly didn't notice anything wrong with the fence until I turned the corner and...

Apparently, this 16-year-old boy was driving down the street and slid into the fence. It was icy and snowy earlier in the day and he lost control of the car. He was honest enough to call his dad who met him at the crash site. They called the police. The police did not ticket him, however, according to the dad, "lectured him to no end". As a result, the kid and his dad are fixing our fence. Danny and I both called the dad to make sure the boy was okay and to arrange for restitution. The dad stated several times how he appreciated our understanding and kindness.

I didn't tell the dad this, but 1) we have a teenager almost at driving age, 2) our school had recently lost a teen to a driving accident so we have that on our minds, 3) nothing beats good, hard manual labor for a teenager doing restitution, and 4) KARMA...what goes around comes around.

December 4, 2008

Fotos

One of the best things about Thanksgiving is that we celebrate Marisa's birthday.

And, the "Fab 4" cousins get to hang out and chill.

And, they get to party at Main Event.

But, the sad part is leaving...especially with road conditions such as these through New Mexico.

Or, these through Colorado Springs.

Or, when the dog just can't take it anymore in the car with her humans.

It's only been a week and we miss our Texas family already! We also got to visit our little cousins, Ben and Nora, but those pictures turned out orange. Don't know how that happened. We're staying in Colorado for Christmas, but come Spring Break, we're on the road again.

December 3, 2008

Supper's Ready

It's so cold here today! So, we're having chili and homemade bread for supper.

In case you haven't noticed, I have no Thanksgiving pictures yet. Here's why: Marisa took 227 photos and her battery died as she was uploading. Danny is charging the battery now. Maybe in a couple more days I'll get some of those wacky kids' mugs up.

This weekend Danny and I are doing a marathon Christmas shopping trip. We've already finished the extended family's gifts, so this marathon is strictly for our kids. We haven't decided on a volunteer activity yet, but there are plenty to chose from. I'll start planning our Christmas menu soon. We are having company after all, so I'll keep them all well fed.

December 1, 2008

The Aftermath

Hi ya'll! (Sorry, had to do that...my kids said I sound "hick-y" when I come back from Texas.) Anyway, we had a great time with our families. And, of course, I have no photos yet. Marisa got a really nice camera ("the Ashon Kutcher" as she calls it). So, all pictures will be from the view of my 15-year-old-texting-is-boring-now daughter. That is, once we figure out how to get the pics off the camera without accidently uploading everything to Youtube.

We were able to spend time with both sides of the family. Once again, Marisa and Tony spent time with their cousins, Parker and Jaron. When they get together...brains leave and the havoc begins. More on that when the picutres come to fruition and you can "see" what I'm talking about.

It took us 17 hours to drive home. We ran into a blizzard in New Mexico and icy road conditions that had us to a crawl on I-25 in Colorado Springs for the 4 extra hours. Needless to say, I was a basket case when we got home. But, today, I get to pay bills, do laundry, go shopping for food, and go to the dentist.

So, bye for now! Marisa and I will work on those pictures for ya'll. Sorry...

November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, we made it to Texas. We've spent all day getting ready to stuff ourselves. Danny took the turkey out of the oven and some of the juice leaked onto the floor. Lucy was there in no time licking it up. Needless to say, the pan was still leaking turkey jucie all on Lucy's head. That was fun to clean up.

Today is also Marisa's birthday. She is 15 going on 30. Wait, wasn't that a movie? Anyway, she hasn't opened presents yet, so I can't say what she is going to get. (She is typing this for me on her iPod.)

Everyone have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.

November 24, 2008

A Mom's Worst Fears

...have been realized over this last month with my kids in the neighborhood schools. Before they were in a bubble in a small town, small student populated private Catholic school (which turned out terrible enough). Anyway, the events that have happened, not to my kids, but to other kids in the schools is enough to send a mom directly to the psych hospital. Here's why:

At Tony's school: a 13-year-old girl has been missing for over 30 days now. Her posters are up everywhere. She was in Tony's grade. Suspicion is that she ran away and is "out there" somewhere. Her parents have put open letters in the paper to her. No responses.

Also at Tony's school: a 6th grade boy has been told that his leukemia has returned for the 3rd time and THIS time he needs a bone narrow transplant. Sad thing is that his family is not a match, so there is a donor drive at the school this afternoon.

At Marisa's school: This last Saturday night a senior, an 18-year-old boy, was in a single car accident on the highway. He got out of the car to run across the highway and was struck dead. Today, grief counselors are at the high school. This boy was on the soccer team and the student film news crew. Of course, Marisa is like me and lets tragic events overtake her. We had long talks yesterday and this morning about what to expect at school and how to stay faithful yet objective.

So, a mom's total nightmare: a runaway, a life threatening illness, and a tragic car accident.

Please pray for the kids and families in this community as well as your own. We don't understand the "bigger picture" in all of this. I have said the Guardian Angel, the Rosary, and the Our Father so many times of late. Please join me...

November 22, 2008

Lazy Saturday

Marisa slept until 2pm today. I went into her room several times, each time doing something passive-aggressive to wake her up: leaving the door open, opening the curtains, turning on the lamp. Then, it got more p-a: throwing off the covers, pulling her pillow out from under her. Then, it went straight aggressive: reaching for the cell phone. That did it!

The boys headed up to Fort Lupton to go orienteering. Not my bag, I can't even figure out Mapquest. How can I possibly figure out aerial shots of the earth and pinpoint where I am or supposed to be? Sorry, rhetorical question. Now, put Starbucks on the trailheads and I could possibly follow the scents of a Peppermint Mocha Twist or Chai Tea Latte...

Marisa and I went Christmas shopping. I bought the third book in the Twilight saga: Eclipse. Now, we are watching Alvin and the Chipmunks and wrapping presents. Oh, we stopped at The Happy Sumo for some sushi for dinner. When the boys are out, the girls play, and eat out, and shop...

November 21, 2008

Team Edward

Oh, yes! Marisa and I went to see Twilight this afternoon. I am so a fan of Edward. Well, I actually like all the vegetarian vampires, but Edward is my favorite. I've already started the second book in the series, New Moon. Thank you, Miss Kris, for getting me hooked!

November 19, 2008

Space Teens

...on bikes. I chaperoned the 8th grade to Career Day at the Denver Merchandise Mart yesterday. The kids were to go to different career pathways and interview folks for potential jobs, education opportunities, etc. One of the booths was for HazMat situations. Well, of course, the boys LOVED dressing up in the Tyvek suits. They got to keep them. The boys had to take them off for the bus ride back to the school, but after school the boys put them back on and rode bikes around the neighborhood. Here is Tony and one of his friends, two others already rode off down the street. Man, I can only imagine what drivers were thinking. But, if they live in our neighborhood, they know these boys and nothing surprises them. Tony's zipper broke on his, so he used duct tape to "fix" it. Very comical kids...

November 17, 2008

Thanksgiving Plans

We are heading down to Texas for Thanksgiving. Marisa's birthday is actually on Thanksgiving Day this year. I haven't seen my parents since August and I'm looking forward to visiting with them again. Considering...we didn't expect Mom to be with us this holiday, so we are blessed and very, very, very thankful!

We will be visiting with Danny's family as well. We are planning a road trip (like driving to Texas isn't a road trip aleady) to Canton for a huge trades sale! Marisa will probably play golf with her Papa, that is always special for the both of them. Tony will get to visit with his Confirmation sponsor. Even though it will be a short visit, it will be very meaningful for our families.

November 15, 2008

Volunteering

...makes you feel so good! Today, Marisa and I put together holiday and supplemental food baskets at the Visiting Nurse Association (where I work). These baskets are for families in the Denver area are homebound due to illness or accidents. Marisa really enjoyed herself and she also gets community service credits at school.

Danny and Tony voluteenered at Immaculate Conception making tamales with our spanish-speaking parishoners. The monies raised from the tamale sales will go to Sister Carmen to help those in Boulder County with electric and water bills and to our parish assistance fund for those in need.

The rest of the day is for us as a family now. So, after lunch which includes tamales, we'll probably 'hang-out' at the local movie theater. Later tonight, when it gets dark, Marisa and I will read Twilight.

November 11, 2008

I've Got Nothing

Nope...nothing new and exciting to report. So, I guess I could make some random statements. Let's see:
1) Marisa and I are volunteering this weekend at my work to put together holiday food baskets
2) Tony and Danny are volunteering this weekend at our parish to make tamales for a fundraiser
3) We are looking forward to our Thanksgiving trip to Texas, but the dog stinks to high heaven so we will have to bathe her before we get in the car for the 12 hour drive
4) Marisa's birthday is actually on Thanksgiving Day this year. She has morphed into a typical-15-year-old-know-it-all-and-I'm-entitled-to everything-I-ask-for-without-expectations-of-having-to-do-anything-in-return (oh, how we are blessed!)
5) We had frito pie for dinner tonight
6) Marisa and I are still reading Twilight
7) Tony's hammock broke because all his friends thought it was so cool to have a hammock in the bedroom that they all swung in it until the base broke
8) My uncle and aunt are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary this weekend
9) Marisa wants her lip pierced for her birthday...over our dead and decaying bodies!
10) I changed into my pajamas as soon as I got home from work, then got the sleeve of my pink fuzzy housecoat dirty from raking it across the frito pie AND I haven't bothered to change, I just wiped off the frito pie with a paper towel
11) I'm off from work on Friday and I plan to finish scrapbooking my 2007 album so I can take it to Texas and show everyone what good times we have inbetween crises

November 10, 2008

Last One Standing

When I let Lucy outside yesterday morning, this little leaf-soldier was hanging onto the tree branch. It was the last leaf on this tree. Note: this is also the tree that the resident squirrel hangs out to pester Lucy! Lucy sits by the back door crying and whining to go outside. She darts out the door and straight for this tree. The squirrel, hearing the door unlock, bolts from this tree and dashes across the yard to the evergeen (in the background) then scurries up the fence to the birdhouse! Lucy tries so hard to catch this squirrel, but never makes it. However, she has come pretty close at times, trampling the strawberry plants in the process. Since there are no more leaves on this tree, the squirrel hasn't been so brave to cross the yard again.

November 7, 2008

Colorado Country Christmas

...is going to be at the Denver Merchandise Mart this weekend! It's a holiday gift show and it's awesome! One year we bought everyone's gift there. I plan on doing that again. This year they are also hosting Colorado Cookin' In The Plaza! This is a bunch of local celebrity chefs, so I know there will be great food! I'll try to remember my camera...I'll definately bring an appetite.

November 5, 2008

World Of Work

Marisa took the EXPLORE test in school today. It is a mini-practice for 9th graders in preparation for the ACT test as a Senior. It asked alot of career questions. Marisa said she was most interested in finance-type jobs.

I remember taking those tests in school. I think I also scored "interested" in accounting and bookkeeping jobs. Now, I have one question: How the heck did I end up in social work then?

God has different plans...

November 4, 2008

Vote For Life

Election Day.
Pray for Life.
Vote for Life.

November 3, 2008

Twilight

Marisa and I are reading Twilight. We spend about an hour each day reading together. My friends rave about this book. And, I have to say, it is awesome. And, the fact that Marisa and I are reading it together is great.

This was my second week at be home on Mondays and I love it. I was able to do laundry, bake zucchini bread, scrapbook, and chit-chat with my cousins. Then, when Marisa got home, she quickly ate and finished her homework and we went right into Twilight.

November 1, 2008

Happy All Saints' Day

Hope everyone had a safe and fun All Hallo's Eve! We had a blast! We put a fuzzy spider in the foyer and hung a scarecrow out front. The kids had to walk by the scarecrow and when we opened he door, the spider dropped on top of the kids. We gave out quite a bit of treats and hand toys, but not as much as last year. I forgot to take pictures.

Our kids put on their Nacho Libre masks that they got from Mexico last year and hooked up with a bunch of other kids. Tony had a friend spend the night. When they got back from terrorizing the neighborhood, we ordered pizzas, then Marisa and I went to bed. Tony and his friend were up until 1:00am. I had to tell them to pipe down and when I opened the door the room stunk so bad! What is that smell adolescent boys have that is so putrid?

A bit of good news, Danny's blood test came back normal. The docs want to put him in a cholesterol and potassium pill. And, he has to eat bananas. Okay, we can live with that. Oh, and Danny won first place at work for his "most scariest" costume. He was Darth Vadar. He got the mask when we went to the thrift store a couple of weeks ago. His prize was a bunch of candy, handheld toys, and a Target gift card.

So, plans for this weekend:
-clean up the Halloween stuff
-rake leaves in the backyard
-laundry
-help Marisa finish her Booker T. Washington report
-entertain the kids at the mall probably
-eat Halloween candy
-spend Danny's Target gift card
-other things as the opportunity strikes

Thank you family, friends, and fellow bloggers for the prayers for Danny!

October 30, 2008

More Stress

Danny got a call back from the doctor. He saw "something" on the EKG that caused concern. So, Danny had to go get a blood test to rule out heart attack enzymes. We just can't handle anymore stress in our life right now.

October 29, 2008

Honeymoon Nerds

Puerto Vallarta 1992
No one needs to say a word!

October 28, 2008

Getting Back To Normal

Bite my tongue, but things have started to settle down around here. I worked 5 long hours today and accomplished alot! I'm learning a new McKesson computer program and with each patient, the process gets easier. Hopefully, I'll get to go to the laptop soon, which means I'll be mobile and can work from home.

Marisa called me from the library...yes, I said the library. She was actually doing research on Booker T. Washington. She asked me to come pick her up at 4pm. Hey! At least she WENT to the library.

About 4:20pm Tony and his friend from his new school waltzed in the door and went straight downstairs to play guitar hero or PS something. Tony sure has adjusted well. He confided that he was "just a public school kid at heart".

Then, Danny walked through the door. He had a doctor's appointment today because he was experiencing chest pains. We thought it was from a cold, but since he is over 40 years old and overweight we thought it best to have it checked out.

Leftovers for dinner. After dinner, Danny and Marisa went to the store to get salad fixings. Yes, I volunteered to provide salads for the parent/teacher conferences at Tony's school tomorrow. I just couldn't help myself.

Now, I'm in my pajamas waiting for Dancing with the Stars. Night to all...

October 27, 2008

Multi-Tasking

I picked up Marisa from school today. She was in a good mood, chatting all the way home. She had stopped by the cafeteria and bought a Subway sandwich to eat when she got home. So, after lunch, she went upstairs to her room to do homework. I thought I heard her talking, and this is what I found...


She was on the phone with her friend William. All the while, she was doing math homework, actually computing on the graph calculator, never missing a beat. Then, she pulled out her biology homework.

I have no idea if the homework is correct. At this point, I'm not complaining because the work is getting done. I'm glad she is doing the homework in the first place. I can't figure out how she can do anything in that pig-sty of a room. UGH! It is her room....it is her homework.... (repeat)

October 26, 2008

Our New Parish

Immaculate Conception
Roman Catholic Church
Lafayette, Colorado

October 25, 2008

On The Road To Better Days

Today was my last day of work at the school. I am now among the ranks of a WAHM! Well, after another 2 weeks of orientation, that is. I'm still learning how to access voice mail and the computer program. Danny works at home every Wednesday. I can't decide it I should schedule my patient visits on Wednesday or stay home that day? Hmm....

We went to the last high school football game of the Marisa's 9th grade year. I don't know where we failed as parents, but our kids just aren't into high school football as we were. Maybe it's too cold. As you can tell, the kids are in their Lightning hoodies. Marisa is a squirt next to Tony now. At half time, the cold got the better of us and we headed over to LODO's for a bite to eat. It's a Sports Bar & Grill. I know Tony is growing up because he commented that he was going to bring his "dates" there. Get a job first, son!

Later today Marisa is working "trick or treat street", a high school art club sponsored haunted house for little kids. The halls of the high school are decorated and candy is given out to the little kids. She actually gets volunteer service for this. Danny is going to help out.

Oh! News flash! Danny and Tony are planning on finishing the basement. They are starting with the bathroom (just something else for me to clean up). Danny priced out that it will take about $500 to complete it. I should take before and after pictures, but the before pictures will fade out by the time the after pictures are taken. Remember, we've been "finishing the basement" for 4 years now...

October 22, 2008

Transitions

We have had our share of transitions the past couple of weeks. Here is a brief rundown:

-I started a new job, all the while continuing my current job.
-I was asked back for a second interview at a PRN hospital job, which I'm thinking about doing.
-We left our parish and joined a new parish.
-We pulled our son out of Catholic school and enrolled him in our neighborhood school.
-We enrolled our son in Confirmation classes at the new parish.
-I turned in my notice to fully resign from my current job (not the new one or the PRN one).
-We changed phone services.

So, as you can see, we have had a few transitions in our family. Why? Well, several things have come together, or COLLIDED, I should say for these things to happen. I want to thank you that have supported us. I want to ask others to pray for our family. We are in need of prayers and a few lit candles. I feel like we have been through HELL!

October 19, 2008

Blessed Are The Peacemakers...


...for they will be called children of God.

October 18, 2008

Finally!

The pictures are uploaded! My portion anyway. I'm still waiting on Meg and Lori, but I have a year, right girls?!? So, here is the outside of Traditions Mountain Lodge. B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L! It was so peaceful and relaxing as we drove up the mountain drive.


Next is ONE of the views from my bedroom. My room had a walkout sliding door. We actually saw a deer scurry around. It was SO peaceful (sorry, did I say that already?).


Here is another view from the bottom porch. I had to walk around the way by the mudroom to get this one. Directly above me is the kitchen. And, let me tell you, we ATE well! The food was great, homecooking, right out of Paula Dean's magazines. Our hostess was marvelous!


Now for the interior. This is the downstairs sitting room, just off my bedroom. In the morning, I was the first up (surprised?) and I would start the old-fashioned perculator, sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee and relax..oh, there's that word again!


I have to show you this one...this is the bar in the downstairs sitting room. If you look really closely, you can see the old-fashioned perculator. That's it! That's where I got my coffee each morning. I love sharing!


Now for the good stuff. This is where we cropped all weekend. This room is massive in size! It is located directly above the sitting room and bar where I would wake up early and start the old-fashioned perculator. However, this room was far from relaxing. It was hoppin'! We were Croppin'! My station is the closest to the front. If you look closely, you can see Marisa and Tony on the chopping block.


And, here is my dear, dear friend Lori and Creative Memories consultant extraordinare! She and Megakins (Meg) baked me a German Chocolate Cake from scratch! And, they brought it up in a moving box that I thought was a box full of unorganized photos! The little, sweet, thoughtful sneaks!


It's been one week and I WANT TO GO BACK! I had a fantastic birthday with my friends, buried away in the mountains, working on one of my most favorite hobbies. I recieved phone calls from all my family and friends. It snowed! We ate! We cropped! We laughed! Yes...and it was my birthday! Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who took part! I love you dearly! My schedule is open in the spring for another girl trip!

October 15, 2008

St. Nicholas

Tony has chosen St. Nicholas as his Confirmation saint. I thought it was because of the secret gift-giving at Christmas. He told me it was because St. Nicholas is also the patron saint of the falsely accused. Hmm... I love you, Tony! This photo shows St. Nicholas in Russian iconology.

October 13, 2008

Playin' Catch Up

I'm still trying to get caught up with stuff from my hiatus from life this past weekend. Bear with me, please! I'm looking for my thumb drive to upload my pics. I would probably find it faster if I put down the German Chocolate Cake that my friend Lori made for my birthday. Muah...

October 12, 2008

Birthday Weekend

Sorry it's been a while since my last entry, but I've been in the mountains and I'm still here! I am at a friend's wonderful mountain home. It's been a scrapbook marathon! And, to make it even better, yesterday was my 45th birthday. FORTY-FIVE. Yea, that's right, sometimes I still feel 30ish and other times I feel more like infinity and beyond. Anyway, I'll have to post pictures later because I left my thumb drive at home. I got phone calls from all my family and friends. I've worked on my 2007 scrapbook, made Christmas gift tags, and made a card for Marisa. I've eaten until I grew a third chin, so you know the food is great! My friends made me a German Chocolate Cake from scratch and it was delicious! We saw deer walking in the front yard, watched the snow fall, listened to 80's music, cropped in our flannel pajamas, talked, and laughed all weekend. We leave this afternoon...bummer. Tonight, I will return to reality for tomorrow I have another job interview for a PRN (per diem) Social Work position at the hospital. Happy Sunday, my friends!

October 8, 2008

October 7, 2008

Always On The Go

Today my class went to Cottonwood Farms. As always, we had a blast. I love getting to know our Moms (and Dads) in a setting outside of the classroom.

And, the big news is that I got a new job with Visiting Nurse Association as a Medical Social Worker! I glad to be back in my field and looking forward to this new position! I'm still working part-time at the school, then in the afternoon working for VNA. My kids want me to resign from the school all together, but I can't right now. I really love the kiddos too much. Working in two career fields: education and social work, I will definately have a variety to keep me busy.

Tony wants to be able to hang out at the library longer each day: granted. Marisa wants me to be able to pick her up from school: granted. Danny wants me to make more money: granted. I want to be able to meet everyones' requests and still do what I like to do: GRANTED! So, at this point...win, Win, WIn, WIN!!!

October 5, 2008

Silent Sunday



"I will let fall a shower of roses.
I will spend my heaven, doing good on earth."
St. Therese

October 3, 2008

Combing

Never a dull moment at the GarzaClan household. That's what I was told by a very sweet co-worker when I showed her the pictures of last night's latest escapade. Now, I will share it with my bloggy friends...


I was watching the Palin-O'Biden debate and twittering political comments when Marisa came downstairs to tell me that she got the comb stuck while blowdrying her hair. What? I couldn't understand what she was telling me due to maniacal laughter. How on God's green earth did she manage that?


I tried to unwind her hair, but to no avail. So, I thought I would cut off the bristles. My thinking was that making the bristles shorter would make it easier to unravel the hair. Nope...wasn't working.


So, Danny came over to help out. He could do it because he can do anything. You know..."the favorite one" and all. Marisa was getting a little worried.


FINALLY! After cutting the comb into tiny little pieces and allowing Marisa's hair to partially dry, Danny was able to save her long, lop-sided bangs. The comb is completely trashed. You can't even tell she had a comb stuck to her head. I was able to photo journal the event, listen to the debate, and twitter at the same time.

Marisa: "Mom, are you gonna blog this, too?"
Me: "Yep...never a doubt in my mind."

September 30, 2008

Homework, Homework, Homework

It's a broken record: Tony NEVER brings home work and Marisa ALWAYS brings home work. Somehow, Danny and I end up at the table helping the poor girl. Danny covers Math and Biology, I help with American Studies and English.

As long as we are done by Dancing with the Stars, I'm good! Have a great night everyone...

September 28, 2008

iluvpie.com

Four pies for $1.70. Available at Big Lots. I luv Pie! Oh, whatever...it's been one of those days.

September 27, 2008

S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night!

And, I've spent my entire day with kids again! Tony met a bunch of his friends at the movies and Marisa and I went to see Eagle Eye. Turns out that Tony et al were at the same movie. Tony has a friend spending the night. I ordered pizza and the kids watched Disturbia (another Shia LaBeouf movie). Then, the boys headed downstairs to play on the Playstation. Marisa and I watched The Breakfast Club...one of my favorite movies of all time.

I plan on sleeping in late, then start job searching. Wish me luck!

September 26, 2008

Therapeutic Intervention

Well ladies, it's another Friday night at our house and I'm beat, physically and emotionally. Why I do this will take years of therapeuic intervention to unravel, but...

I chaperoned my son's middle school dance this afternoon. He was the DJ. I was in charge of guarding the back door. All was going well, I think. Tony was asked to dance by Christina. He said no. Then, he wanted to ask Sierra to dance, but chickened out. Two 7th grade boys snuck out the door, then decided to "flip off" other kids who were looking out the window. I caught them! They tried to re-enter the hall, but were stopped by our front door monitors! Due to their "gestures", they were not allowed in and their mommas were called. Lovely...

Marisa's homecoming was tonight. Dmitri did not ask her to go (Marisa's first choice). Then, she was planning on going with a couple of girlfriends. Well, that didn't work out. So, she ended up going to the mall with William. As I pulled into the garage from the middle school dance, Marisa was waiting for me to take her and William to mall (his mom is bringing them home). She took no money with her. Oh yea, she passed up on a babysitting job in order to hang out at the mall.

Where's Danny? CAMPING! Yep, camping. So, here I sit, looking through job announcements, listening to Tony laugh at Larry the Cable Guy, eating a bowl of noodles, texting my BFF Jayme for moral support, and sipping on a watered down Pepsi. Heavy, heavy sigh...

September 25, 2008

Johnsonville Signature Bites

I participated in a market research study for Johnsonville Signature Bites. They were really good. My kids loved them. The best part was that I was paid $100!!

September 23, 2008

Wasup?

I can't stand that "wasup" lingo, but, hey, when in Rome....translation....I have a high schooler that likes to be cool. We had a really busy weekend.

Friday...so long ago I forgot.

Saturday...Broomfield Days! This was our 10th year to attend. It's like a city fair. It's alot of fun, but I always get a migraine, probably from eating frito pies, turkey legs, funnel cakes, and cherry snowcones. Okay, I didn't have the funnel cake this year. I'm cutting back. WAIT....did I say this was our 10th year to attend? I can't believe we have been in Colorodo for 10 years now. Where has the time gone? Momma, I want to come home to Texas!

Sunday...filled with church activities: Luke 18, Mass, Lifeteen dinner, Confirmation parent meeting. And, let's not forget those COWBOYS!!!!!

Monday...well, it was Monday. Lots of homework. I started looking for a new job. I think I have decided to return to the social work field. And, let's not forget Dancing with the Stars! I don't know who I'm "going for" yet.

Today...I got a call for a job at a healthcare staffing company. I had a terrible, no good, horrible day at work. I had to run kids all over the place. Danny and Tony are at a city council meeting for Boy Scouts. Marisa and I are about to take off to eat Teriaki for dinner, then settle in to watch Dancing with the Stars and eat ice cream.

That's "wasup"...peace out!

September 19, 2008

Friday Night Lights On Thursday

We went to the Legacy High School football game last night. Usually, the games are on Fridays, but there was no school today. These games bring back lots of memories, but my high school was the Arlington Colts. The school colors were green and white.

But wait! Marisa's high school is the Legacy Lightning and the colors are navy and gold. What is it that I'm recalling? The band playing, the student body screaming, the autumn weather, the football players, boyfriends, my BFFs. Yep...it's the atmosphere, the comradery, the fellowship.

Legacy won! Good times...

September 17, 2008

I Heart Blogging

I received this very special award today from DeeBee @ Rain or Shine. I have been following her blog for some time and vise versa. And, she is a fellow Texan! I'm very grateful to her for this award. When you get a moment, go check out DeeBee's blog.

As a recipient of this award, there are rules to follow. I have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I must pass it on to seven others!

The questions are as follows:
1. Where is your cell phone? Charging
2. Where is your significant other? Eating
3. Your hair color? Blonde
4. Your mother? Better
5. Your father? Silly
6. Your favorite thing? Kids
7. Your dream last night? Alarming
8. Your dream/goal? Happiness
9. The room you're in? Kitchen
10. Your hobby? scapbooking
11. Your fear? Loneliness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Texas
13. Where were you last night? Colorado
14. What you're not? Fake
15. One of your wish-list items? thinner
16. Where you grew up? Texas
17. The last thing you did? McDonalds
18. What are you wearing? jeans
19. Your TV? on
20. Your pet? Lucy
21. Your computer? laptop
22. Your mood? worried
23. Missing someone? Jayme
24. Your car? Aztec
25. Something you're not wearing? socks
26. Favorite store? Kohls
27. Your summer? busy
28. Love someone? children
29. Your favorite color? Browns
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? movie

The seven bloggers that I'm nominating:
1. Aussie Coffee Shop
2. We are THAT Family
3. What is it NOW?
4. Oh My Stinkin Heck
5. Boo Mama
6. I'm thinking....
7. I'm still thinking...

Now, for you recipients of this award, here's the deal:
* Display your award.
* Link back to the person who gave you the award.
* Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
* Put links to those blogs on yours.
* Leave a message on the blogs of the people you've nominated.
* Enjoy your award!

My Baby Boy is Shaving!

Yesterday, Tony asked me to ask his dad to teach him how to shave. Tony has about 4 long hairs on his chin and a "waxable" mustache. This means that the hairs on his lip are getting fuller, but not spikey-er. A good waxing would remove those mustache hairs.
So, today Danny showed Tony how to apply shaving cream. Tony, not yet finesse with the cream, gave himself a "Santa" look. He will get better with experience. (They couldn't start until Marisa ran to get my camera to mark the event. I can't wait to scrapbook this!)
Next, Tony starts shaving! Danny told him not to shave above his nose, but once again, he will get better with practice. At this point, he will need to shave once a week or so.

One more close up. I'm in tears. I thought I was upset when Tony lost his first tooth. That pales in comparison to this event. Literally, I'm a basket case. I'm quitting my job tomorrow. And, did you notice the t-shirt Tony is wearing? It's my commemorative tee from the Jack Tar in Puerta Vallarta when Danny and I got married. I have heart burn, I'm going to bed.