The "A" Family

The big day!

2010-06-22T18:18:00.001-07:00

This day was Amuleks birthday! Aracelis baptism! and Amalekias farewell! After the baptism we went to ihop to celebrate Amuleks birthday! They sang to Amulek.

Angeliques trip to the temple.

2010-06-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

May 2010 was Angeliques first time to go to the temple for baptisms for the dead. She did not realize I was going to go with her. Then she didn't realize she was going to get wet. I helped her pick out her clothes and witnessed her do the ordinances. I handed her the towel when she got out of the water. It was great! After the youth gathered around I volunteered to say a few words to the youth. I explained to them how I am originally from corpus christi and remember traveling days to get to the temple, then hours.. I told them of a spiritual eperience I had. I said my dad died when I was 11 and when it was time to go to the temple I prayed that I would see him. We wouldn't have the chance to go to the temple that often and everytime I fasted and prayed before I went. I told them I figured if I was going to see my dead father what better place then the temple. I told them i began to get really frustrated when I continually didn't see him. I went to my heavenly father in prayer and pleaded to know why? I said do i need to fast five days instead of two? Pray harder? what was it? And I heard someone say he can't visit you in the temple. What a testimony that was to me, of what goes on in the after life. That we have our freedom to choose. I don't know if my dad wasn't worthy or he hadn't been taught the gospel. But I did know my h.f. answered my prayer and made my testimony of his work even stronger!

Getting ready for the BIG DAY!

2010-06-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

There was alot of preperation for the big day! This was the day Amalekia was going to baptize Araceli and Amalekia was going to have his farewell. Amalekia only had to turn in his missionary picture to the stake. All his papers were complete. The reason I had everything in one day was I thought people from corpus will be able to save money and attend both the baptism and farewell. Here are the pictures we took for the invite.

Aracelis birthday!! 8 yrs old

2010-06-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

I got out of work early to pick her up and surpised her with balloons and gifts. We went to mcdonals just the two of us. She is so grown up!

Noemis Graduation

2010-06-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

Yeah!! Noemi graduated! We are so proud! My co-workers sister also graduated from the same university and same major. They are short and we are tall. Love ya sis!

Mothers Day 2010

2010-06-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

Amalekia had flowers and choclates delivered. Amerika also gave me roses. That was sweet of both of them. I told them about 3 days later that I don't like roses. I never have. That was funny.

Rising Stars Banquet 2010

2010-06-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

Mom and Noemi went to see me award my girls! I also recieved an award for taking care of 50 children and help organizing activities for them so that their parents could receive helpful information concerning college awarness and procedures. It was a nice night.

EASTER at moms

2010-06-22T17:34:00.001-07:00

Gents Celebration!

2010-03-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

This is the second time I have been invited by the Boldens to go to New Orleans to celebrate their sons Gents Party. This is a celebratoin similar to a Quin. but for a boy. Its his 16th birthday party. Last time I was able to take my whole family and wore the same dress. I am glad they kept it the same colors. Last year Celi and Angelique were the flower girls. I even had a speech at the church. They go to church first and then the hall to celebrate. Mrs. Bolden hadn't been out much becuase of health issues. I sang one day at a time and she loved it! This family has a heart of gold and hopefully will be at church to hear my familie sacrament talk at Melbourne Ward.

BEATS Feb. dance

2010-03-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

I was so excited that this was a success. BEATS through a campus wide dance, in order to be nominated for king and queen you needed to learn two country songs, two latin and two line dances. I showed them how the steps went and then put the music on and watched them go! The judges were looking at all the couples and they would get extra points for turning there partner! It was so much fun! They had never heard of the cotton eyed joe, Can you believe it! A couple of faculty members came and participated. I was really proud of the girls, they under direct instructions not to, made everything homemade. Cake, dip, homemade drink, veggie plates... They are an awesome group of girls and I am so happy to be their advisor!

Writing-Book-Manuel-Memoir

2010-02-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

I have decided to write. There are two projects that are on my mind. It comes from the dismay that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not have a course set up for divorced families. Like the temple preparation classes. I would like to produce one. Of course there is alot of legalities connected with that which gives me the idea that completion will not be sucessful... It seems a project that would be easier to write because it is a manuel and can be done within a shorter time limit.The other is maybe a memoir of my life. Because I am managing taking care of my five kids, going to work full time, taking three college classes, advisor to womens student org, going to six hours of church in which I hold a calling in each(choir director and primary counselor).. I have figured out a way to do it. I will have to work at a memory at a time, sort of like short stories and after all the memories are written and my life is a little bit more relaxed(after i get a degree) Maybe then I can compile it into a book. I will worry about that when it happens. I am telling you all so that you can keep me on track. Remind me once in awhile and ask how the book is going. The book is for myself. Because in writing you find out more about yourself then you had ever contimplated or imagined. You enjoy the journey. I really feel the need to do that. I am at a pivital time in my life I know this book is exactly what I need. I want to leave my kids with something to remember... to learn from my experiences. Writing helps you be truthful about my circumstances the one i am living through and past experiences.So watch out if you've ever done me wrong Alex in the 5th grade that called me a bad name.. i'll be writing about you Ha Ha

Ronnies Baptism(Jan 2010)

2010-01-24T16:45:00.000-08:00

ICE COLD

2010-01-13T15:39:00.000-08:00

This is a fountaion at the entrance of my subdivision. It has been pretty cold! BRR! BRRRR!

2009-12-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

My presents from Amalekia was the different types of massagers.One was a pillow that vibrated, a massager for my back and a flat contraption that heats and vibrates. He put it on my van seat so I could wear it as I drove to C.C. Angelique made a scrapbook full of pics. It was beautiful!

Holidays with Johnny and Magda

2009-12-27T19:23:00.000-08:00

Johnny and Magdas house is the place to be! I remember Magda would make a bucket full of cookies. Oatmeal being my favorite. Magda can cook. Johnny can cook. They would invite the missionaries and usually the older adults that had no ones to spend the holidays with and we sometimes had homeless people over to eat. Football! It is so funny watching first ward sunday school lesson on a football sunday. No questions asked and sit back and watch all the men leave church go home and change out of their church clothes and put on their football jerzies and football caps. I love going to johnnies house to eat after church. I love discussing what we learned at church. Gospel discussion is always interesting at johnnies. Board Games: The kids love to play chess with Johnny and the rest of the gang. We played perfection and battleship.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-27T19:10:00.001-08:00

I came down to Corpus Christi for the Thanksgiving. The boys came with me and Magda cooked everything! It was yummy! The single adults and their families are treated every year to a thanksgiving dinner. Every single adult is scattered so they will not be with their own ward. A married couple is assigned to each table and is in charge of decorating their table and making dessert. They each bring real china to eat on. We all get entertained with tons of special numbers. We had a nice time.

2009-12-27T18:54:00.000-08:00

My birthday was wonderful! Araceli sang two songs for my birthday. Amalekia made my birthday cake and we went over to grandmas to eat it. Grandma and Noemi gave me a gift and Araceli made me the crown I am wearing. BEATS through me a surprise party. I got cake and they put mariachis on the computer and we had tamales. It was so sweet! They had a hard time getting me to the location. I was going to miss and was basically saying you guys can do this without me. I have faith in you guys. You don't need me and come to find out it was a party for me. LOL

halloween 2009

2009-12-27T18:44:00.000-08:00

The kids went around the neighborhood! Amalekia worked hard on making his mouth open and close. I wanted to take the time and brag on Amalekia. He is a real stephen spielburg! He knows every scary movie that comes out and all about the directors and how they filmed each movie. His major is media technology and has made a couple of movie clips and posted them on u-tube. He really knows his stuff! When "Zombie Land" came out he got all dressed up zombie style and went to see the movie. He actually roasted his suit on the bar b que pit for that special look he needed.

Front Seat Drama 11/2/09

2009-11-09T11:13:00.000-08:00

We had just finished eating chinese on a Monday night. AMS was at NH college in class. Amulek feeling the need to obtain the front seat, pulled Amerikas from her thrown. Problem being that her fingers where tightly gripping the metal bar at the bottom of her seat which resulted in the sliding movement of fingers against metal(sliced fingers) Amerika said it didn't hurt until she saw it and could see white which we both thought was bone. We called the ambulence and waited. She was bleeding real bad. Its funny but I can take stuff like this without losing it. But the emotional stuff hits me harder. Poor Amulek felt so bad. He was using Amerikas phone and his phone to call who know who. I told Angelique to make sure Araceli was o.k. Ambulance arrived and wrapped up Amerikas arm. I knew from experience that she wasn't going for the ride. She chinesse owners were so nice.They brought her ice and waited with us. I dropped off all Amulek, Angelique and Araceli at home and went to the hospital. I was amazed that they saw us so quickly. Because Amerika was 18 (an adult)they let her sign all the papers. How bought paying the bill? lol Amerika was super dooper brave. I have had stitches before and know that the shots that numb you are so painful. She did not hold my hand put she cried tears and curved her back in the air in pain. I gently corrected her when she was about to say OMG to OMGoodness lol Because of this we got to discuss child birth. She might not want to have children now. lol She is a brave, brave girl. She can take some pain. These pics are GRUESOME, hum! AMERIKA RECD 10 STICHES - FIVE ON EACH FINGER. 6 SHOTS TO NUMB EACH OF HER TWO FINGERS. YOU COULD SEE THE TENDONES! SHE WAS COUPLE DAYS LATE FOR HALLOWEEN! I love you Amerika! Amulek has rendured the front seat now and forever. We enjoyed taking all these pics. I remember being facinated when I would sprane an ankle or have an injury. This is a day that Amerika will hang over Amuleks head forever!

ScreamWorld

2009-10-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

I guess once you have given birth to five kids NOTHING CAN SCARE YOU! Me, a co-worker and Amalekia worked the LSC-North Harris table. At the end we got to go inside the scarey house. AMS had gone last year so it was two girls left alone. Pat kept on trying to reqruit kids in the scary house. I can now say I've been to one of Houstons scarey attractions. It took us about 15 minutes to get through the group we were with went fast. That had some neat stuff in there.

2009-10-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

BAKED A HUGE COOKIE AND LET THE GIRLS GO AT IT! Sugar Cookies, mm mmmm good!

Ten Things About ME!

2009-10-12T19:12:00.001-07:00

1)Symbolism- Everything on my wall besides pictures has to mean something,down to my jewelry. I still wear my young women medallion and I also wear a tree necklace that represents geneology,family etc. thanks mom for finding that for me and buying it for me.I love quotes on the wall to remind me of how I need to be living.
2)Love to collect Rocks! I love how each one is different and how the river of life has shaped them and molded them. Its very symbolic to me. I don't like china figures things you put on the mantel and collect dust. It doesn't mean anything. I love to look up at the stars. I use to have the urge to sit on the roof of my house and lay on my back and look at the stars. They were immovable and beautiful. My fav. animal is a penguin. I like the way they wobble and they seem never be alone.They always seem dressed up in a tuxedo. I rather have a meaningful gift then a bought gift.Of course unless there was some meaning behind it.ha ha
3)I like to shake my leg. I don't even realize I am doing it and it annoys some people that are sitting beside me. I can be listening to a talk... in fact im doing it now Ha ha. I will shake my leg to rock myself to sleep and shake my leg to wake myself up.
4)Jack of All Trades Master of none. I love to dance-hip hop, salsa, country, folklorico. Play piano, conduct music, quilt, use to cake decorate but I am burnt out.... Been a defensive driving instructor, model, teach alcohol awareness classes, been in charge of a stake cultural night with over 300 in attendance. etc...NOPE I don't really excell at anything I just mentioned.
5)I see the potential in others. Very often, thats all I see. People seek me out because they know I am geniune and it is fufilling to me to help.I want my kids to know their opinion matters and there creativity is appreciated.
6)I can sense the emotions of those around me. I can feel what they are feeling as though they are my own. I share their perspective. I don't necessarily feel pity though. That would be sympethy not empathy. I don't condone the choices of others but I understand them. I anticipate the need. I help others give voice to their emotional life.
7)I love planning creative things for my family to do or go. I like to do things that are free we will up and go 40 minutes away to a festival i've never heard of just for the experience and because it was free.
8)Death somehow fascinates me. I think i've counted 8 funerals that I have attended since I was 11. my funeral-Hymn"Battle Hymn of the Republic" I want white roses,I want all my kids to dress in white and to speak at my funeral, I promise to be at my funeral watching. I want my casket at home not in the morg. Death, journal writing, geneology. Its all connected.. you are who you are because of your past and you live for your future and to leave something worthwhile to others.
9)i'm patient and have a strong belief that sets a pattern of core values that are enduring. I value responsibility and high ethics-both in myself and others.this gives me meaning and satisfaction. Provides me with direction, guiding you through temptations and distractions toward a set of priorities. friends say im dependable because they know where I stand. my work must be meaningful.
10)Backbone- Being single makes you develop a backbone. I am a soft discipliner at home but the rath will be mighty if they do something wrong.. example-stealing, at school.They know if they steal and end up in jail i will leave them there. Until the third day so they can think about it. they know not to call me. the right and wrong line is heavily set.
ok, im done!

2009-09-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

I always wanted to take the kids to a Astros game and I was able to get free tickets, thanks to my friend at work. Believe it or not the girls were the only ones who went. The boys stayed home. If the baseball ever hits the yellow chick fil a pole everyone at the stadium gets a free chick fil a. Also everytime the astros get a homerun the train you see moves and blows his whistle. Every friday they have a firework show at the end of the game. It was awesome!! The best I've ever seen! The girls loved it!!

Melbourne Service Project

2009-09-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

My boys are awewsome!! Thanks to their dad they know how to refurbish a house!! No one had to give them much direction, they just took off and did what they had to do. Victoria, TX. I got to say hi to my best friend, SIS ARIAS!! I love victoria, I have a street named after me.

B.E.A.T.S.

2009-09-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

I am an advisor for a new womans organization! It was my invision from being a student at the college and having to restart college classes over and over because of abuse at home. I looked for assistance and being able to talk with other ladies in my same situation gave me hope and english class papers. The Groups name is Building Each others Achieveents Through Sharing. We share lifes experiences, share our talents and share with the community. It is kind of like YW. The theme song is As Sisters In Zion. Except the first line goes, As Sisters in college we'll all work together...... We are going to have quest speaker teach us about rape prevention and another on come and teach us how to change a tire or oil. We are also going to do crafts like quilting etc. This was our first meeting.

Fernando and Veronica

2009-09-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

What can I say, Veronica and Fernando make such a beautiful couple! The wedding was fun, Eddie played the music so felt truly like old times. The only thing that would of made it complete was hearing the cotton eyed joe. I think I heard something like it was Naomis fault.. don't know.... These Houston folks probably wouldn't of ever heard it before. It was so much fun hanging with mom and rosalinda. I got to see angie and shon too. Almost felt like being in Corpus. Rosalinda and mom were glowing in some of these pics, we don't know why. I was the only one that didn't glow. Whats up with that? Dudoo dudoo. (twilight zone theme muic playing)

Poster Boy!

2009-09-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

Amalekia has joined SAAB and will be featured on the college website and brochure. The definition of SAAB is as follows. SAAB-This highly structured and organized program targets the conditions facing African American and Latino male college students as well as several retention initiatives and models with emphasis on enhancing the experience for males. More than 160 college and universities in 27 states have established SAAB chapters. I was there when they took the pictures for North Harris. I have worked with this group and truly feel like the SAAB mom. We are a community college in which comes a class of students that are most definately stuggling financially and through some real life challenges. Its a big group and the Advisor even got me to get in on the picture. I didn't include that one. Everyone see my son!! Hes the cute one in middle. :)

SOAR Birthday Bash!

2009-09-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

It is always hard to get (SOAR) together for lunch much less an official meeting. We are an active little group that totally enjoys every minute of what we do. We wanted to celebrate our most recent birthdays: Pat , Trina and Sheldon. We made it happen and relaxed and enjoyed eachothers company. Aw! It was a nice retreat. Go! Team! Go!
The second pic will be on our website.

Co-Ed Baby Shower!

2009-09-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend me, Noemi and Mom went to a co-ed baby shower. It was so so much fun! the guys were more into the games then the ladys. They were competative. Everyone knows the saftey pin game where the ladys can't cross thier legs or another lady can take away their clothes pin. Well, the guys don't cross their legs so they rule set for them was to always drink with their left hand, if you caught them drinking with their right you could take away their clothes pin. The baby shower king took it away from mom and when he was getting ready to put it on his shirt he switches hands and mom took her pin right back. He rejoiced in is victory only about three seconds! Ha! Ha! It was the best baby shower I had ever been to.

Divorce

2009-08-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

The ink isn't even dry on our divorce papers and Adolf announced to the kids that he is getting married. Hes known her for five months. He told me as soon as they lift his excommunication and gets baptized a member He will take her to the temple. This is about his third women since our seperation. I cried and cried. Maybe because of feeling the unfairness of it all, the fear of the future, the ugly feeling of having to deal with my kids having another mother and the love i still have for him. But after all the crying, I prayed and this what the spirit whispered to me "This is NOT YOUR SIN quit paying for it! How profound! It was a wake up call, to move forward. Im going to put this on the wall to remind me. I was fighting against all that was taught to me in the gospel. I don't remember any YW lesson that gave me permission to erase my temple covenants if the other was unfaithful or physically harmed you. Blind obedience is my strength and my curse I guess. I was holding on to those covenants cause that is all I knew to do,I didn't have any direction in the church manuals that told me what to do after that. I want everyone to know the difference relatives and friends make with there spiritual insight. I know the blogs are used mainly for happy family memories and this i a little sad but I just thought I would share my spiritual experience.

My oldest-When he was told said thats dumb uve only known her five months and your gonna get married. Ams rejected the invitation to dads wedding. Ams asked me later What kind of lds women wants a excommunicated man. I hadn't thought about it in that way. That is good insight coming from my 19 year old.

Amulek- Had the same reaction as AMS. Adolfo got mad. I think my boys hurt more cause they don't have that daddy figure and they need it. The girls didn't have a quick no reaction.

Angelique is undecided. Amerika isa yes on attending.

Amalekia is doing good in college and has joined like a all guy faternity.Minus all the bad stuff. He loves his classes. I just have to keep him focused on a going on a mission. I knew if he took classes and got involved in NH student activities hes would love it so much that he will have a harder time leaving.

They will meet there step mom for the first time at the wedding ifthey go. Wow! Amerika said he was getting married on a weekday. The wedding is scheduled for the end of this month.

Dentist Visit

2009-08-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

In Preperation for a mission, keeping my fingers crossed, Amalekia went to the dentist. He got all four wisdom teeth pulled. The dentist was good, AMS said he didn't feel anything. It took just 30 minutes. I had barely gone to the Nauvoo book store when he called me to pick him up. He had two cavities on his wisdom teeth so we decided we might as well get rid of them all. Amalekia is taking a couple of classes in the fall while he still prepares to go on a mission. He will always be my baby.

Birthday Bash!

2009-08-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

Decided to celebrate all the kids birthdays all in one day! We went to Main Event! We stayed 51/2 hours.They played laser tag, bowled and played several arcade games. The price was right and we were all so tired when we got out.

DIVORCED

2009-08-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

TWO YEARS, NINE MONTHS.... December 21,2006-September 11,2009 I don't know what to say, I can't think of anything profound. I made sure to put a morality clause in the decree since I am dealing with a dad that has none. All I care about is that my kids don't believe silly things like "kissing isn't cheating." It's over and now that I have been at the lowest of the lowest,there isn't anywhere to go but UP! I'm trying to be positive, help me out here. :) I am blessed! My future holds challenges but I can do anything with the lords help. Thank you for your prayers! Old theme:One Day at A Time New theme:?? who know's

Willie Wonka Party!

2009-08-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

My co-worker had a willie wonka party! I think that was a cute idea! She is the one in purple with the huge glasses.She had a table full of candies and so so much food! We played games and had alot of fun! she has a amazing voice and her cuzins play the quitar so it was a whole lot of fun singing along with them. Another co-worker is in yellow and everyone else are students in our department.

2009-08-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Celi is deathly afraid of sharks. While dad took them to Fiesta TX for the weekend I went to the texas aquarium friday for free latin night.It was an outside event. It was nice to watch old and young dance. There was a preformance from a 9 time world champions. They were awesome to watch. I took a picture with the shark and texted it to the kids. I told them to show celi and mention, "see sharks are friendly" to see what she said. Angelique texted back her response as "sharks are friendly to you but not to me"

Are you bored this Summer? Quilt!

2009-07-26T18:39:00.001-07:00

O.K. I was invited to a quilting show by another ward in another stake and it got my juices flowing with an idea. I asked the girls whether they wanted to make a quilt this summer. They of course have been bored all summer so said yes! They are each making a quilt and a pillowcase to go with it.

Callings

2009-07-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

Amerika was assigned to be a Sunbeam teacher> She is peared up with a teacher that is about to have her baby. So after the delivery she will take over the class. She was half excited half not. She liked to be in Primary instead of Relief Society but admitted she isn't patient with little kids except for her one an only baby sister.

The counselor of our ward called me to the office and asked me if I would accept the calling of 1st Counselor in the Primary. I DIDN'T see that coming at all. I stood silent for a while and I think the counselor to the bishopric felt I was contimplating whether to say yes or no and began to explain the process of how they call someone. I stopped him and said i accept the calling and that the pause was pure wow! I am going to miss my 11 year olds! They are awesome kiddos! I also gave the confidence that the lord knows that I am at the end of this trial and can give me bigger responsibilities! O.K. I expect all those who are in the primary or every have been in a primary calling to call me! I have to really try to jog my memory with primary ideas.

Amalekia is a Assistant Scout Master and is getting things ready to recieve the Melk. Priesthood. Since I believe things have changed were you can't personalize the farewell of a missionary during Sacrament, I hope to ask if I can do a special fireside for him. It will be awesome! Hopefully every member of the family can speak or contribute in someway. I have to make him a quilt! So much to do ... so little time....

Congrats Amerika!

2009-07-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

O.K.O.K. I know that it is July but Amalekia and Amerika chose not to walk the stage to get their diploma, but I at least made them take graduation pictures so that I could brag! I can't believe I took that long to post it! She is enrolled in three classes in the fall at North Harris College of course! She is heading toward a career in architecture.

Camp Constantine

2009-07-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Although girls camp lasted three days. Boys camp lasted a whole week! They left on Sunday and came back Saturday. I was so afraid they would get sunburn considering the heat index was up to 105. Amalekia was going as a leader for the first time. They had a great time and Amulek caught a fish. He was the only one in his troop to do that and Amalekia pointed out that it was caught with the cheapest fishing rod. Amalekia did an awesome job calculating and constructing a river rafting float and it paid off because his troop won the race. I am so thankful for the leaders of our ward. It was fun buying the cool caamping gear. I bought them a cool leather water pouch it looked like something the indians used.They also got whistles and a cool flashlight that was conected to a headband. Boy they didn't make anything like that when I went to camp. O.k. that statement just made me feel old!

2009-06-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I have been to a Astros game. I went with a couple of friends and it ws quite an experience! It was 8 something in the arena and it looked like daylight. I wouldn't of been able to afford it so thanks to friends they paid. I got there about the seventh inning. Every friday they give fireworks after the game so this picture is when they are opeing the roof of the Minute Maid Park. You can see the moon shining through. Awesome experience! Astros won and fireworks were out of this world!

My Department

2009-06-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to have a picture of my department. My boss is the nice lady to the very left.I'm kind of tall hum?

Sunday Talk

2009-06-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

Amalekia, my wonderful son, remembers Saturday afternoon he has a Sacrament talk. After allowing him to simmer in his ill planning I helped him get things together. His talk was on Missionary work and he related the tree of life to it. He admitted he was not the motivated type as he moves like molaces to get things done in trying to prepare to go on a mission, but he knew that the gospel he has been taught all his life is true. He ran off the different scenarios of the tree of life dream and related it to those we see all around us. He thanked his ward for the commitment to the gospel he has seen in them and gratitude for helping our family. He stated that the tramma of his parents breaking up during his senior year in high school has made him reflect on his role as a big brother and his role in the gospel. He did a good job and we actually got to church early enough to get a good seat!We took a nice picture afterwards.

Youth Conference 2009

2009-06-28T18:03:00.001-07:00

This is Amerikas last year at youth conference. She is even with limited excitement attending Relief Society. Every youth conference they do a service project and this year it was held at the Houston Food Bank where there stake packed three tons of rice! It was alot of work but alot of fun! They had a good time with the friends from the old ward they use to go to. Of course there was a dance at night.

Girls Camp 2009

2009-06-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

This is Angeliques first year at camp and Amerikas last year of camp. It was nice for them to be able to have one year together. It lasted about three days and Angelique had fun. Heat is not Angeliques friend. She sleeps with a big fan about three feet from her head at home and I knew that would be a challenge. But all went well!

Cooper Visit

2009-06-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

I love my job and one of the events that I sponsored was getting together with our SAAB student organization and setting up a visit with the fifth graders at Cooper Elem. I saw the need that these elementary kids had to see there race actually attending college.SAAB all came in suits and the kids clinged onto them like glue. They truly looked up to them and got every members autograph, even mine. They remembered me from when I use to work in the library at there school. This is what I love about my job, being able to influence the lives of potential college students. Giving the vision that they can attend college.These are kids that see so much yuckiness. Loving every minute! All that attended were on a high that lasted for days.

Aracelis Splashtown B-day

2009-06-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Araceli is now 7 years old and counting. Me, her and Angelique went to splashtown! Angelique was brave enough to go to the tallest slide. It was fun! We got Araceli a cake and sang happy birthday. Grandma got her favorite: My little ponies and rug to put them on. She was counting down to her birthday and had a blast at the pool on the different slides and superwave pool.

me and my cuz

2009-05-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

This is my cuz on my dads side. I never really kept up with him until I heard he was going through the same yucky stuff as me. He has been a great confidant and we were really able to understand each others love stricken, broken hearted divorce drama. Whenever I think of my longsuffering, his situation is so much worse. I don't know how he does it. I have so much more then he does to keep me from going insane. I have family, friends and the understanding of the gospel. Through all this yuckiness the lord has delivered blessings. I see them! It's like drowning and having that small moment where you come to the surface and get a big gasp of air before going under again. For those who have put me in your prayers I am forever grateful. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I still have alot of spiritual growing to do. I pray I can know what to say and how to act when it comes to Adolfo. What to say and how to act when talking to my kids concerning this mess. My emotions are many and I know I can do this with the Lords help. Thanks again to all and if its not to much trouble would still appreciate my families names in the temple and prayers on our behalf. Love you guys!!

Admin. Assist. Day!

2009-05-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

I was having such a bad start of my week. Monday morning I heard on the radio that two kids that I use to teach at Cooper Elem.died over the weekend. There father was driving five kids in the van an was drunk and doing drugs and kills all the kids in the vehicle. These same kids two years ago saw there teacher die right in front of there eyes. I was so angry. These kids had already been through so much! Tuesday morning my boss lost her baby. She had such a hard time getting pregnant. I couldn't imagine her pain. Things started looking up with a couple of stress relievers. We had a cino de mayo celebration at the college and my co-workers sent me flowers for Administration Assistant Day. I was so surprised. I didn't even know there was such a day. There is so much bad in the world, little surprises make a world of difference.

Happy Birthday Mommy and Minnie! SURPRISE!

2009-05-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy! This was the best party ever! Mom had know idea and cried at the sight of everyone, at the mariachis, at Noemi singing and laughed at the powerpoint tribute. These are two special ladies that I am so glad we were able to express our love and appreciation to. LOVE YOU GUYS!! Thank ya Blanca and Dela for all your hard work on putting this together and for those who contributed to the video. I hope this doesn't mean we are expected to do this for every uncle and aunt! LOL! Well, its going to be hard to top this party!

Fun with our Income Tax Return

2009-05-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

Purchases: Amulek is awesome with is hands. He is better then "Bob the Builder" I remember when he was little he said that he helped the lord build this earth and I believe he did! This is the bunk beds we bought with the income tax money and he put it together. Buying him a fancy tool box kit was another purchase. Amalekia got a bar-b-que pit cause he loves to bar-b-que! Some lady is going to be lucky to get him as a husband. Amerika wouldn't have a prom dress if it wasn't for tax return money. Lucky timing Amerika. Our van got a uhaul, all four brake pads and all four tires were replaced. Camcorder and camera are essential for all memories of the heart. Thank You Uncle Sam!

Amerika's Prom!

2009-05-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Amerika Sanchez went to the prom!! I texted everyone I knew saying: MY BABY IS ALL GROWN UP! I'M GONNA CRY!She looked so beautifuol and had a blast. She did the graduation lockdown and was exhausted the next morning.

Easter on the beach!

2009-04-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

O.K. I lived in Corpus Christi how long and never gone to the beach? We arrived Friday April the 10th at 7pm paid for my $12.00 3-day permit and we found a spot to sleep. Boys stayed to put up tent while i get last minute groceries. We slept till 5 in the morning.Amalekia woke me up sayin give me the keys I need to move the van before it ends up in the ocean. The wind had really picked up and the boys were trying to reinforce the tent. Amerika was knocked out until the flap on the tent kept on hitting her in the face. Needless to say we all had to get up and pack everything. Instead of callin and waking up my relatives at 6am we stayed at a hotel. We all slept like a babies.It was raining in the Sat. morning so we couldn't go back to the beach. Araceli had woken up early and had a hard time understanding why we couldn't go back to the beach. Saturday was all visiting relatives and cousins. Went to help abuelo sell Easter eggs and boys played with there sling shots. Sunday morning I had to take Araceli to the beach or I would never hear the end of it! Araceli would never forgive me. So 7am Sunday me, Araceli and Angelique left for Mustang Island. It was so much fun! We made sand castles and burried eachother and got in the water. Just our legs of course, it was to cold to go any more. We had a blast! Then we returned to motel 6 and all got ready for church. We went to first ward and got to see everyone. Then it was off to Rudys house to eat. Rudy made Ribs and Brisket !! Hum! Hummm! It was so good! We took off to Houston from there. I think I was so full that it was hard to stay awake for the drive home. It was so much fun!

Christmas Cookies and Hot CoCoa!

2009-01-20T17:53:00.000-08:00

Angelique accidently deleted picture and comments. So these are a little out of order. We enjoyed making these cookies and we look so cute too!

Donny Osmond! (look a like)

2009-01-20T15:21:00.000-08:00

I went to a duel rock n roll piano show. It was so much fun! First time I went I was by myself, second a co-worker and the third time with Noemi my sis. When I went with my co-worker I said look look its Donny Osmond and she said " Donny who?" Oh my goodness it was so not fun not having a Mormon beside me. She could not understand my excitement. I walked up to the look a like and asked " Do you know who you look like?" He said YES! I said "if I walk all the way to my car and get my camera, Will you take a picture with me?" So, I did! I texted a couple of mormons friends that of course didn't believe me. So here is my proof. He really looks like him if he doesn't smile! You know how picky I am about pictures I was going to ask him to not smile, but Donny seemed a little annoyed after the second picture. So not like the real thing!

New Years! 2009

2009-01-13T07:41:00.000-08:00

I have no pictures because it was too too dark outside. Mom and Noemi came and spent time with us. I forgot to mention ams bought rockband for all the family for Christmas. Everyone loves it! We have two guitars, microphone karoke, and drums. He had bought it early December because it was on sale. Amalekia spent alot of money on Christmas gifts for the kids and fireworks for the kids. I think he shot two hours worth of fireworks. It was fun!

Freshman at North Harris College

2009-01-13T07:36:00.000-08:00

My baby is going to college! Amalekia signed up for English and Basic Animation for his first classes. He will be going to school Tues., Wed.,and Thurs. and working Friday, Sat.,Sunday and Monday. I feel really blessed to have this job right when he is starting college. We car pool to wk in the morning and he goes to class. When hes done he drives back home. Its about a 6 minute drive. I was able to show him were things were at and where I am located in case he needed to stop by. He got his haircut the night before and looked really sharp for his first day of college.

Movie Tavern!

2009-01-13T07:28:00.000-08:00

This is catch up! Amalekia and Amerika now have found there dream jobs! Amalekia got in at the Movie Tavern and got Amerika in after that. This is right up Amalekias alley. He is majoring in Media Technology and excelled at his Career based High School he attended. He had made a couple of mini films etc. Now, he has even been recognized as a hard worker. Since Amerika has been working there they even made the comment that since her arrival he has left early when normally he would work as many hours as he could. He doesn't let that happen very often though.I am glad he is doing great! They made quite a hunk of cash over the holidays and each are in charge of a bill or two. It is funny, now that Amerika is in charge of the light bill she gets after anyone that forgets to turn off the lights. Ha!Ha! Welcome to the real world!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

Amalekia and Amerika worked hard the two weeks everyone was off. Dad had the other guys and they sure didn't want to wait till they came back to open presents. Then when Dad came back from Corpus at 3:30am Amulek, Angelique and Araceli couldn't wait to open presents.

Christmas Lights!

2009-01-13T07:01:00.000-08:00

Me, Amalekia and Amerika went to see the christmas lights. This one neighborhood upon moving in has to sign that during this date to this date they must put up there christmas lights, if not they get fined. Every street has a different theme. One street has a candy cane theme, the other a disney them the other had the nutcraker theme and so on... It was so, so packed! We just followed the trail of cars down every street. We even saw Santa Claus riding his bike down the neighborhood. All the other cars were yelling Merry Christmas. It was fun!

Work Christmas Bowling Bash

2008-12-17T07:04:00.000-08:00

This Is My Departments Ward Christmas Party. Tuesday is 5.00 to get in and 1.00 a game 1.00 shoe rental 1.00 hot dogs etc. They have Karoke and pool tables. It was a whole lot of fun! I took Amulek, Angelique and Araceli. Amalekia and Amerika were working. This the second time we the family had been here. These are college students from North Harris that wk in our Department on there off hours. We all had a blast!

Zoo

2008-12-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

The day after thanksgiving we get a free day at the Zoo. It has become a family tradition. So here we are with the animals.

Let is Snow! Let it Snow!

2008-12-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Dec 10 the snow came pouring down! Everyone called everyone on there cells and I had to quickly go to Wal-Mart and buy gloves for all the kids. It came out of nowhere and the next day was sunny and in the 60s. Man, this is crazy Texas weather. The kids had YM/YW combined and went ice skating outside the Woodlands Mall. Crazy LDS Youth hum!

Moving on Up! (Jeffersons Theme)

2008-11-20T10:58:00.001-08:00

Some of you know I was applying for two jobs. One was the Border Patrol in which I had already passed the test and was onto the physical fitness test. Technically I was hired for Border Patrol pending the rest of the requirements. I was doing my sit-up and push-ups... This job was $45 a year without a degree. I was really excited about the dollar amounts and being able to provide that to my kids. Of course kids did not want to move!

The other position that I was going for was North Harris.I got hired for Lone Star-North Harris and my first day was Monday the 17th of November. I am so excited! That was the best birthday present ever! Monday first day of work and Tues my birthday! My title is Department Assistant with the Retention and Recruiting Dept. I really love this Department. I use to get money per semester for working with them in recruiting and when the mess with Adolfo happened I had to stop. Then even when I wasn't going to school I would stop in and volunteer to wk for free by speaking at a school or set up a presentation table at a High School etc. In the back of my mind I always hoped to work here and wanted to get to know and volunteer to increase my chances of being hired hired. Well, my wishes came true when I popped in to say Hi one day to say hi! and they said they had a opening and encouraged me to apply. and WaLa! I get paid double what I get paid with SISD and to top it off I am just about seven minutes away from work! Neat hum!
Click on this link to see me and my co-workers at the Xmas HoDown!!

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-11-20T10:54:00.000-08:00

Lets hop! I had a few friends over to celebrate my birthday at the Hop! The Hop is a 80s club. They allowed you to bring food and provided the place with balloons and table clothes. It was neat we had cheesecake, shrimp, tortilla rolls, grapes and cheese. We danced to michael jackson and cindi lauper! It was fun! My b-day was Tues the 18th of November.

Hurricane IKaramba!

2008-11-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

Boy, I was smart and left for Corpus ASAP. It was adolfos weekend with kids. They texted grandma too with all the details of the storm. They texted around 3am about the strong winds and they 6 am with details of the scarey quietness. Adolfo had them for a whole week because I didn't want to return to Houston because my electricity was still off. Adolfo had his on pretty quickly. After the storm the kids were in Corpus for two days and spent most of the time his Houston. His girlfriend went with them to C.C. and then returned and stayed with adolfo and the kids in Houston all that week.

When I returned to Houston you should of seen all the trees that fell down! My oldest son Amalekia stayed alone in the house with no electricity and with other members of the church helped cut down my tree and put in the front yard. My tree fell on the fence in the backyard and broke it. I was so so grateful it didn't hit the house. Trees were down like crazy! There were some people that took longer to get there electricity on.

I felt good because as I was in Corpus u could see all the people trying to help galvestion and houston. Just awhile ago we were rallying to help them when we thought it was going to go in that direction.

The house that is in the picture is not mine! But thats is what you would see all overe town. Trees down all over the place.

17th Birthday Celebration Continued

2008-08-06T21:57:00.001-07:00

Amalekia felt bad because we didn't even get a cake or sing to Amerika. He on his own made a cake with jam for the filling. He made the HAPPY B-DAY AMERIKA sign that he hung and bought her, with his own money ,two cards (one from him and one in behalf of the family) and also bought a basket full of candy. I bought her the latest Stephanie Meyer book: Breaking Dawn! It was on sale at Kroger for $13.50 Oh, we waited till she came home from work to celebrate. That would be at 10:30pm. We only had a little cake, so that we wouldn't gain so much around the waist. Ha! Ha!

Amerikas Bowling Birthday!

2008-08-06T21:57:00.000-07:00

Amerikas birthday seems to always fall on good times. It is before school starts and mom feels guilty about not doing anything fun for the kids all summer. It also gives me time enough to save a little bit so ... drumroll please! We went bowling! At the bowling alley Angelique and Araceli got to Karoke and we all sat and ate pizza. The kids got to play in the arcade and then bowl(which they had never done before) It was neat!

Amalekias 18th Birthday!

2008-07-06T20:29:00.001-07:00

His birthday was this Sunday the 6th of July. He is now officially in the Elders Quorum. Hopefully pictures will be forthcoming! Anyone seen my camera?

JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!

2008-07-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

There are three people in this house with a new job. Amalekia was hired in the produce dept. of Kroger. Amerika was hired at Dairy Queen and I was hired at Aracelis school that is 3 min. away. I will still be working in the library and will be able to walk to and from work. I am excited since gas prices are so hi! Araceli will be in first grade so that will be neat to be right there in case she needs me. Iwould even be able to come home for lunch, eat and put something in the crockpot for when the kids get home! Neat hum! (There will be no pictures for awhile since I CAN"T FIND MY CAMERA!)

Amulek's 15th Birthday

2008-06-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

This is Amuleks 15th birthday! We ate mole and had cake! It was fun! Oh, and today we actually got cable in which I have already put parental blocks.

Amalekias Graduation Picture

2008-05-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

My oldest son has graduated!! I am so proud of him!! He plans on going to North Harris Community College and hopefully his mission. I never thought he would even have to think about going on a mission but I guess I never thought all these changes would be a part of my life either. He opted not to walk the stage but he did go take graduation pictures so I could at least get to brag to all my friends. I hope to be able to take the whole family to disney world in the summer to celebrate and get a brake from all our troubles for awhile. My son will try to get a job, a drivers license and catch up on medical and dental appts. He will be the first to do everything so I am sure the other kids will be watching his every move.

2008-05-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

We moved out of our apartments and into a home! Our apartments were getting real dangerous to live in. The Lord helped us get this neat rental home. It has three bedrooms, bay windows and wonderful tall trees. We moved into a wonderful ward, we still go to the same building. Now we go at 8:30am! I have already met with the bishop to let him know I need a calling. I am ready!

Araceli hospital stay

2008-03-22T09:37:00.001-07:00

I took Araceli to the doctor on Friday because she seemed to have the flu. The doctor wanted to do a swab test to see if she had the flu. Well, when they put a q-tip up her nose they started a nose bleed. This was around noon.They couldn't finish the test so they assumed she had a flu and prescribed medication. Tamiflu which costs me 50.00! Well, we went home and she had another nose bleed around 3pm. Then around 10:30pm Angelique was playing around and hit her in the nose with a care bear. Araceli and Angelique then fell back to sleep when the nose bleed started again. Angelique is such a heavy sleeper so it was hard to wake her up. It was funny because she finally got up and instead of waking up Amerika she went to the restroom and layed back down. I had to shake her awake again, then she woke Amerika. Amerika sat with Araceli while I called the hospital to get a confirmation that this was pertinate enough to go, then Amerika said Araceli had just coughed up some blood. That was enough to convince me! Of course, I hung up the phone, and took off. We go to the hopital and signed in, when the nurse called us in to take her blood pressure and weight, Araceli threw up blood all over her clothes and floor. They immediately put her on the stretcher and when they were inserting the IV she just calmly asked "Why are you doing that?" She was admitted and they suctioned up the blood and stopped it with a powdery substance. She had to stay over night to make sure it was not anything internal. She could only have soup and popsycle. It turns out that she was swallowing her own blood and therefore her body rejected it by throwing it up.

Gents "Thank You" Dinner and Limo Ride

2008-02-03T06:53:00.000-08:00

We were wondering why the Bolden Family picked a Golden Corral that was 40 min. away. We got there and started eating and the food was the best! Cat fish, Bar-B-Que ribs, Steak, shrimp, salads, cakes, ice cream... It was worth the drive! Then the Limo arrived to pick us up from Golden Corral. We drove half way home and then we stopped at a game place. They had bowling, fuzz ball, pool, boxing game a virtual roller coaster, row your boat virtual game..... It was fun and then they took us home. They had music playing in the limo, a fireplace and sodas for everyone. There were about 28 people in the limo. Another night sponsored by the Bouldens! A night to remember!

Hannah Montana

2008-02-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

I surprised the girls and took them to Wal-Mart to buy Hannah Montana shirts and told them to try them on and I would take a picture of them outside of Wal-Mart. I then recorded telling them that they were about to see the Hannah Montana Concert Movie. They were excited! It was neat because it was in 3-D. The lines were long but the wait wasn't to bad. We got in the 9:45pm showing. That is all that was left. They were girls there with t-shirts and wigs of Hannah Montana. We had a blast!

Candelight Gents 16

2008-01-27T21:45:00.000-08:00

One of my dearest friends Mr. Boulden invited us to his sons Gents Party. Mr. Boulden is a man that volunteers at our school everyday from 8-3:15pm It has been two yrs that he has been doing that. He is like my Dad. Heck he is a Dad to the whole school. Half the kid at my school don't have a father and consider him one just like I do. Mr. Boulden is a father of 7 kids(two girls and five boys)and is a Katrina survivor. All the boys are named Michael Boulden. We were able to see evidences of Katrina and hear stories.

Angelique and Araceli were asked to stand up in it. Angelique held a candle and Araceli dropped flower pedals as she walked down the church aisle. I was even asked to speak at the church. The speakers were Mr. Boulden, me and the preacher. Even though I was at a Baptist church I was to share the story of the Anti-Nephi Lehis who buried their swords and the 2,0000 Stripling Warriors who fought for freedom.

The food was all made by Mr. Boulden himself. He made red beans and white rice, homemade potatoes, gumbo, chicken, spicy meatballs, cajun rice, ham, meat in gravy....... The list goes on and on except I don't know the names of these dishes. It was yummy!! We all had slushies that were so, so good. They had a DJ and then a famous raper. Of course I didn't even know who he was . The famous raper had two dancers with him and they danced a little that was fun to watch. He didn't allow them to do any ugly moves because this was a family event. I thought that was nice. Then to our surprise a live jazz band entered the hall. Boy was that awesome!! Everyone was dancing and having fun! We were given a cake to take home. That was also yummy!! It was about a five in a half hour drive to and five in a half back.

I was happy I went and these were the nicest people you would ever meet! Great Food and Entertainment!

MLK Parade

2008-01-25T04:25:00.000-08:00

Amulek , was in the Martin Luther King Parade on Jan. 21,2008 It was a little cold and rainy but we all went out to support him. Amulek is the cute short one in the middle holding the red flag. They were the first group in the parade. They have won competitions and were the largest JROTC High School there. Amuleks best friend who is LDS is David( first person to the right holding a flag) We were so proud of him!! and of course screamed his name!! We had just got to the parade and they were the first up so we ran and ran to catch up and take these pictures. Amulek didn't know were coming, SURPRISE!

Update on the KIDS

2007-08-10T13:02:00.001-07:00

The Gamer: AMALEKIA

Age:17

The Talker: AMERIKA

Age:16

The Tech. Guy: AMULEK

Age:14

The Finder: ANGELIQUE

Age:9

The Princess: ARACELI

Age:5

Araceli Singing "Cuppycake Song"

2007-08-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

This is Araceli Age 5 singing the "Cuppycake Song" She loves to sing and dance and this is such a cute song that we found on the internet.

NEW CAR

2007-07-29T18:57:00.001-07:00

WE GOT A NISSAN QUEST!!! it is black and shiny and it is sooo beautiful!!! the kids love it, especially amerika. she named it johnny quest. it is very roomy and suprisingly still clean. we traded the surburban for it, and it is the best decision ever.

We're Moving

2007-07-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

We're moving from a spacious 5 bedroom, 2 story house, to the bottom floor of a 3 story, 3 bedroom apartment. Everything pretty much stays the same, The schools, the ward-Olde Oaks, and the same zip 77014. We are about 5 minutes from our old house. The kids love it...for now,because they are near 4 of their friends.