I absolutely LOVE the Navasota Rattlers!! I get the love of them from my Daddy, Julian Sanchez. (He worked at Brookshire Bros. and was the produce manager. He has been gone from this Earth for 23 years, so my love of the Rattlers goes WAY BACK!!) But I get the love of sports from both of my parents. A little bit of background about my family: My Mom is a Conroe Tiger. (Where our football team is playing today). My Mom is one of the smartest people I know. She was extremely smart in school, beautiful, and athletic! She was very involved in activities, including being captain of her basketball team.
She met my Daddy at a baseball game many moons ago. He lived in Navasota (thank God). So once they married, she moved here.
My Sanchez family was very involved in activities - since there were 13 of them suckers!! As my Dad became a parent and adult, he became very involved in Little League. I practically grew up on those fields! I remember chasing butterflies and running around those fields. He coached my brothers, uncles, and lots of Navasota folks. I love looking at old pictures of the good old days!
My Dad also played golf (was great at it btw - I still have some of his trophies). As my fat butt has begun working out, I enjoy walking and jogging at the old golf course in town. Being there seeing the huge ants, circling the last hole, coming around to the clubhouse brings back so many memories. As crazy as it is.......I can almost see and hear those old men again. I can hear my Daddy tell me to be quiet and drive the cart carefully.
My Dad also played poker (his poker room is behind our house now), went to Astros games often (I'm sure he's annoyed at how sorry they've been lately), and Oilers games too. We have old movies from when they went to the Dome - SUCH GREAT MEMORIES!!
Anyway - back to the Rattlers.........my Daddy was a huge Rattler fan!! My parents had season tickets to the football games. I remember we used to park behind the football bus (where the old gym at Intermediate is now)..........we would always wait after the game and congratulate the team, and I'm sure my Dad talked to the coaches about what they could do better. LOL. I LOVED BRULE FIELD - there is nothing like it!!!! Seeing those boys come down those cement steps pumped up, letting go of those blue and white balloons, catching countless footballs, etc. was so much fun!! Rattler Stadium is beautiful, but doesn't come close to the excitement of Brule!! It never will.
My two brothers played Rattler football, and my Dad also LOVED Rattler basketball! I used to go with him to some games. I remember seeing Cori Dacus play while her Dad coached. (While I'm mentioning the Dacus family, let me say one of NISD's greatest losses was when they left - they were FREAKING AWESOME on so many levels!!! I'll shut up about it now).
One of my Dad's closest friends was John Moody. They went to many games together and sat by each other. Oddly enough - Mr. Moody now sits two seats down from David and me at Rattler Stadium. I'm sure if my Dad were still alive, he'd have chosen seats right where David and I sit - which makes me smile!!
I remember so many road trips - we were the ultimate Rattler Backers!! We rode many times in Johnny and Minette Grice's RV!!! Now that's pretty dang serious - when you take an RV to a high school football game!! I also remember the long rides home after a loss. David and I still have those days, although it's been a while thank God.
I'm so glad my Dad got to see Navasota win a state championship in basketball. I remember going to Navasota's football state championship when we played South Lake Carroll and lost. If I'm not mistaken, we rode a charter bus. And it was a heartbreaker. In the past four/five years, our teams have deserved to win state. They have come so close and can't seem to get past a certain point. I hope this year is different. I have had the privilege of my daughter being a Rattler cheerleader and going far into playoffs watching her cheer. This year my JV Rattler son gets to travel and be on the field with the team, which is pretty cool!! This year is our best chance yet of winning. I hope we do and I'm going to eat so much before entering Jerry's World so that I can .......... oops, I digress. Sorry about that.
As I'm in the stands cheering with my binoculars around my neck tonight and every Rattler football night, I'm totally doing things my Daddy would have done and I couldn't be more proud to be his daughter. Not only do I get my good looks, AWESOME SENSE OF HUMOR, foul mouth (sorry Momma) from him, but I get his love of Navasota Rattlers, which is probably the one thing I'm most proud of!!! GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, November 23, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Marriage........The Most Challenging of All Things
Sorry it's taken me forever to update my blog, but I said my next post would be about marriage. And although it's taken me this long to actually write my post, trust me, I've thought about what I would write at least every other day.
As most people do, as a child, I dreamed about being married and having the perfect life many times. The perfect house, husband, kids, etc. Little did I know, marriage would be the most challenging thing of all things in my life! Going to college, paying bills, having patience, making friends, getting a job, (the list goes on and on), even having and raising kids is a walk in the park for me compared to being married. I believe I was born to have kids. I grew up with my Grandma Sanchez right next door to me and I absolutely loved helping her watch her grandkids. I have always wanted to be a Mom and it has been natural and pretty easy for me.
I grew up seeing most of my role models married forever. My parents were married for nearly thirty years, until my Dad passed away. My grandparents on my Dad's side were married for well over fifty years. My grandparents on my Mom's side were married until he passed away, and my grandmother never remarried. I saw and heard fights at times from marriages, but nothing they didn't overcome. My Dad was a true challenge to be married to (kind of like myself), but my sweet Mom made it work for many years. At the end of his life, we moved out for a while because he had become mentally ill and it was in our best interest to leave. But they never divorced. My Mom remarried and has been married to my Stepdad for many years. I have seen lots of divorces by others in my life - but not my close relatives. My experience with marriage is that you marry once and that's it!
I personally don't think it's natural to stay with one person forever - I think it's possible, but takes tremendous work - every day!!! It's way easier to give up and move on to other things and other people.
When D (what I call David lately because it's short and sweet - lol) and I got engaged, we had a long engagement. We were engaged for about four years when he finally said "don't you think it's time we got married". I was happy he said that, but frankly - I didn't see the point. We were super happy and living as we were married anyway. There are many celebrities who are not married, but have been together forever and they seem to make it work. However, we got married and have been since. Being marrried to D has been a ton of emotions - happiness, sadness, heartbreak, laughter, tears, draining, hell, fear, anger, joy, disgust, surprise, amusement, appreciation, relaxation, patience, pity, pride, closeness, courage, but most of all love and HOPE!!! I could list probably a hundred more. D has been someone I have wanted to kill many times (literally). But he is my Mr. Wrong, as Mary J sings. That song is so us!! I like these too.......The song "Remember When" by Alan Jackson is an awesome song that reminds me of us. And of course the Alabama song "Then Again".
A few years ago we went through a trying time that only the closest people in our lives know about. I thought at that point that we would divorce. Divorcing would have been an easy solution to our problem. We attended a group through our Catholic church diocese called Retrouvaille and it truly saved our marriage. This group is worldwide and awesome! It's not counseling, just tips on making a marriage work. We attended about eight classes on Sundays through football season - so if that doesn't say commitment, I don't know what does!! lol.......We met some awesome lifelong friends through this group and still go back often to help other couples with their problems and give back to the group. The group always has over fifty couples that show up for help, and God knows there are so many more who need it and don't show up. When considering divorce, it would have meant a whole life change for us. Financially it would have been trying, spiritually it would have been very hard, but most of all, sharing custody of my son would have been torture. I would have been heartbroken not spending every second I could with him - having him crack a funny joke when he wasn't with me, me missing it, would have sucked!! My son is probably 98 percent of why we tried so hard to stay together.
I'm not saying every marriage can or should be worked out. I am not an idiot to think that everyone stays together forever. There are times when a divorce is definitely necessary. The main thing in life is happiness. I am just glad that at this point in time - our marriage has survived.
I see newly engaged couples nowadays and my advice to them is DON'T DO IT!! lol.......I also see newlyweds be so happy in love - little do they know what lies ahead. Their marriage may not be tested now, but it will be tested. When they least expect it, they will be knocked on their butts and it will be their decision to try and get up together and walk again.
I watched OWN the other day and Neil Patrick Harris said this about his relationship........"Once you're committed this far into it, I don't think breaking up is an option. It's just managing how to get through it together". I love that!
My wish for my kids is that they marry for love and work hard to stay married. They have seen D and I fight and make up. They have been witness to what it takes to stay married. I hope they have learned from us - learned what to do and what not to do.
Several years ago David and I renewed our vows. Witnesses to it were two couples from our church who combined I'm sure have over a hundred years of marriage between them. I think it's awesome to renew our commitment to one another and I think we will definitely do that again sometime in the future. :)
I thank God every night for having D in my life. Besides my two angels, being married and staying married to him is the one thing in my life I am most proud of. I am proud of how hard we have worked to keep our marriage together. When most others would have thrown in the towel, the two of us continue to work hard every day. We have come a long way. We have overcome so much. It has taken us both to work hard, learn to forgive, learn to listen, and learn to say we are wrong and apologize when we've hurt each other. And for anyone who knows us - doing all those things is not easy for us. We are not perfect - but pretty damn close to it, if I say so myself!! But it has taken years to get there. I hope we continue to grow together. I love you D!!
As most people do, as a child, I dreamed about being married and having the perfect life many times. The perfect house, husband, kids, etc. Little did I know, marriage would be the most challenging thing of all things in my life! Going to college, paying bills, having patience, making friends, getting a job, (the list goes on and on), even having and raising kids is a walk in the park for me compared to being married. I believe I was born to have kids. I grew up with my Grandma Sanchez right next door to me and I absolutely loved helping her watch her grandkids. I have always wanted to be a Mom and it has been natural and pretty easy for me.
I grew up seeing most of my role models married forever. My parents were married for nearly thirty years, until my Dad passed away. My grandparents on my Dad's side were married for well over fifty years. My grandparents on my Mom's side were married until he passed away, and my grandmother never remarried. I saw and heard fights at times from marriages, but nothing they didn't overcome. My Dad was a true challenge to be married to (kind of like myself), but my sweet Mom made it work for many years. At the end of his life, we moved out for a while because he had become mentally ill and it was in our best interest to leave. But they never divorced. My Mom remarried and has been married to my Stepdad for many years. I have seen lots of divorces by others in my life - but not my close relatives. My experience with marriage is that you marry once and that's it!
I personally don't think it's natural to stay with one person forever - I think it's possible, but takes tremendous work - every day!!! It's way easier to give up and move on to other things and other people.
When D (what I call David lately because it's short and sweet - lol) and I got engaged, we had a long engagement. We were engaged for about four years when he finally said "don't you think it's time we got married". I was happy he said that, but frankly - I didn't see the point. We were super happy and living as we were married anyway. There are many celebrities who are not married, but have been together forever and they seem to make it work. However, we got married and have been since. Being marrried to D has been a ton of emotions - happiness, sadness, heartbreak, laughter, tears, draining, hell, fear, anger, joy, disgust, surprise, amusement, appreciation, relaxation, patience, pity, pride, closeness, courage, but most of all love and HOPE!!! I could list probably a hundred more. D has been someone I have wanted to kill many times (literally). But he is my Mr. Wrong, as Mary J sings. That song is so us!! I like these too.......The song "Remember When" by Alan Jackson is an awesome song that reminds me of us. And of course the Alabama song "Then Again".
A few years ago we went through a trying time that only the closest people in our lives know about. I thought at that point that we would divorce. Divorcing would have been an easy solution to our problem. We attended a group through our Catholic church diocese called Retrouvaille and it truly saved our marriage. This group is worldwide and awesome! It's not counseling, just tips on making a marriage work. We attended about eight classes on Sundays through football season - so if that doesn't say commitment, I don't know what does!! lol.......We met some awesome lifelong friends through this group and still go back often to help other couples with their problems and give back to the group. The group always has over fifty couples that show up for help, and God knows there are so many more who need it and don't show up. When considering divorce, it would have meant a whole life change for us. Financially it would have been trying, spiritually it would have been very hard, but most of all, sharing custody of my son would have been torture. I would have been heartbroken not spending every second I could with him - having him crack a funny joke when he wasn't with me, me missing it, would have sucked!! My son is probably 98 percent of why we tried so hard to stay together.
I'm not saying every marriage can or should be worked out. I am not an idiot to think that everyone stays together forever. There are times when a divorce is definitely necessary. The main thing in life is happiness. I am just glad that at this point in time - our marriage has survived.
I see newly engaged couples nowadays and my advice to them is DON'T DO IT!! lol.......I also see newlyweds be so happy in love - little do they know what lies ahead. Their marriage may not be tested now, but it will be tested. When they least expect it, they will be knocked on their butts and it will be their decision to try and get up together and walk again.
I watched OWN the other day and Neil Patrick Harris said this about his relationship........"Once you're committed this far into it, I don't think breaking up is an option. It's just managing how to get through it together". I love that!
My wish for my kids is that they marry for love and work hard to stay married. They have seen D and I fight and make up. They have been witness to what it takes to stay married. I hope they have learned from us - learned what to do and what not to do.
Several years ago David and I renewed our vows. Witnesses to it were two couples from our church who combined I'm sure have over a hundred years of marriage between them. I think it's awesome to renew our commitment to one another and I think we will definitely do that again sometime in the future. :)
I thank God every night for having D in my life. Besides my two angels, being married and staying married to him is the one thing in my life I am most proud of. I am proud of how hard we have worked to keep our marriage together. When most others would have thrown in the towel, the two of us continue to work hard every day. We have come a long way. We have overcome so much. It has taken us both to work hard, learn to forgive, learn to listen, and learn to say we are wrong and apologize when we've hurt each other. And for anyone who knows us - doing all those things is not easy for us. We are not perfect - but pretty damn close to it, if I say so myself!! But it has taken years to get there. I hope we continue to grow together. I love you D!!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Thank God it's May!!!
Ewwww Weeeee - what a long, emotional month for many!! April is always one of my favorite months - because Easter is my favorite holiday. I love the beautiful pastel colors, eating Peeps, dying eggs, and most of all celebrating Jesus!
But this year it has brought heartache to so many people I care about. Many of my family and friends lost loved ones. One of close friends lost her little brother in a car accident. Friends were sick in the hospital. D, Djr., and I saw the Messiah at CFC. My mom had a great crawfish boil. A cousin got married. Our community ached for members lost - both old and young. My brothers celebrated birthdays :) . My new great niece was born. One of my bffs found out she's going to be an aunt. My daughter and I experienced a great trip to Cozumel - meeting awesome new friends. My brother was heartbroken. D and I spent time with our good friends. There's finally enough water for some fishing for my boys.**Just to mention a few things from this month!
One thing I love about facebook is that we are all allowed to share our emotions.......in good times and bad. I think it can be very therapeutic to be able to share our feelings with our friends. Each day I am reminded that we all struggle. Most of us manage to survive......even at our most trying times. I like to know that I am not alone. I love seeing everyone's celebrations and happiness. I get sad to see the pain.
I hope that May begins anew for everyone. For me it means saying goodbye to my little angels that I have come to love since August. It means my 10th teaching year in the books :) My oh my how time flies! May brings June, which brings our first big family trip with my possible future son-in-law. June brings most importantly my Kimberly's 21st birthday - she will finally be able to legally drink with us - whoo hooo! Although she probably won't. LOL.......Then comes July full of rest. Then August again where we gear up for football and school........all over again. God willing, of course.
Life is such a roller coaster. You never know what tomorrow brings, or if it will even come. I pray for peace, comfort, understanding, and most of all joy for everyone in the following months.
In a few weeks - I will blog my most emotional blog yet - one I've been thinking about for a while - the most difficult thing for me in life.........marriage.
But this year it has brought heartache to so many people I care about. Many of my family and friends lost loved ones. One of close friends lost her little brother in a car accident. Friends were sick in the hospital. D, Djr., and I saw the Messiah at CFC. My mom had a great crawfish boil. A cousin got married. Our community ached for members lost - both old and young. My brothers celebrated birthdays :) . My new great niece was born. One of my bffs found out she's going to be an aunt. My daughter and I experienced a great trip to Cozumel - meeting awesome new friends. My brother was heartbroken. D and I spent time with our good friends. There's finally enough water for some fishing for my boys.**Just to mention a few things from this month!
One thing I love about facebook is that we are all allowed to share our emotions.......in good times and bad. I think it can be very therapeutic to be able to share our feelings with our friends. Each day I am reminded that we all struggle. Most of us manage to survive......even at our most trying times. I like to know that I am not alone. I love seeing everyone's celebrations and happiness. I get sad to see the pain.
I hope that May begins anew for everyone. For me it means saying goodbye to my little angels that I have come to love since August. It means my 10th teaching year in the books :) My oh my how time flies! May brings June, which brings our first big family trip with my possible future son-in-law. June brings most importantly my Kimberly's 21st birthday - she will finally be able to legally drink with us - whoo hooo! Although she probably won't. LOL.......Then comes July full of rest. Then August again where we gear up for football and school........all over again. God willing, of course.
Life is such a roller coaster. You never know what tomorrow brings, or if it will even come. I pray for peace, comfort, understanding, and most of all joy for everyone in the following months.
In a few weeks - I will blog my most emotional blog yet - one I've been thinking about for a while - the most difficult thing for me in life.........marriage.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Older & Thankfully Wiser
Oprah said many times that getting older was great. She loved her 30s. When I was younger, I thought she was crazy, but now all I can hear is Deana Carter's song Strawberry Wine and totally relate to the part "I still remember, when thirty was old"! And man - do I agree with Oprah. 30s are great - because I've become way more wiser than I was back in the day.
Some lessons I've learned over the years..............
Try not to say "I would......". Oh baby you may eat those sweet words one day. I made the mistake of telling someone years ago how "I would.....". Well until I was in that situation, I didn't know what I would do and the truth is - until you are in a situation you don't know. You think you do, but you have no clue!
Don't sweat the little things. I used to get so upset over spilled milk, broken glasses, dents in the car, etc. But nowadays I just laugh and move on to bigger things. Why stress over stuff that can be replaced and doesn't really matter? No need for it.
Trust in God always. I used to have OCD badly! Like be halfway on a vacation and have to turn around to come check that the iron was unplugged badly :( Poor D got used to it and poor Chelle ended up getting it worse than me. Luckily - one little trick has helped me in times of stress - I just say "Jenn, Jesus is handling it, chill out". And in that instant I'm relieved. Sometimes I have to repeat it several times, but it always eases my mind.
The only person you can control is yourself. I've been burned several times by human beings. By loved ones. By people I work with. By people I trusted with all of my heart. Sometimes in minor ways, sometimes in major life-changing ways. I've had the desire to kill people (not joking), leave people, get revenge, etc. But I've decided in most cases it's easier to take the high road - not stoop to their level, and simply be myself. I can't worry about others' choices, decisions, or thoughts. I am only in control of ME.
Learn from yourself and others. One of the reasons I miss Oprah so much is because I learned so much from her shows. I love true life situations and listening to people who have been there, done that - and survived! I love documentaries. I LEARN DAILY from others. Be it good or bad.
Don't stay at work too long or bring it home. A few years ago D and I went through some pretty trying times. I was never at home........was at work, at my kids' schools, at church, at community things, etc. I got so caught up with trying to help everyone else, that I forgot what and WHO really mattered. It took us almost divorcing for me to realize that although I love my job, my community, and my church that my family came first. It's a hard lesson to learn and my kids and D probably still think I'm away too much. Chelle will say I'm on my phone too much. But I do my best to refuse to put other things before them. It's super hard. But I have seen friends lose kids and spouses and I will do my part to make my time with them as worthwhile as possible.
I could go on, but will stop for now. I am so grateful to learn from my mistakes as well as others'. I am learning daily. I'm glad I am older and wiser in my thirties.
I will say again how fortunate I know I am. As I read fb posts, blogs of my friends, newspapers, watch tv and news, I am quickly reminded that my simple life is not so damn bad. I absolutely love living in Navasota, Texas, U.S.A, in my little house in the hood, driving a Ford, being fluffy, having a busy life, awesome kids, a crazy husband , and a job that is sometimes tiring!! I know for sure that someone out there would love my life for just five minutes - and I am so thankful that they can't have it - because it's all mine!!!
Some lessons I've learned over the years..............
Try not to say "I would......". Oh baby you may eat those sweet words one day. I made the mistake of telling someone years ago how "I would.....". Well until I was in that situation, I didn't know what I would do and the truth is - until you are in a situation you don't know. You think you do, but you have no clue!
Don't sweat the little things. I used to get so upset over spilled milk, broken glasses, dents in the car, etc. But nowadays I just laugh and move on to bigger things. Why stress over stuff that can be replaced and doesn't really matter? No need for it.
Trust in God always. I used to have OCD badly! Like be halfway on a vacation and have to turn around to come check that the iron was unplugged badly :( Poor D got used to it and poor Chelle ended up getting it worse than me. Luckily - one little trick has helped me in times of stress - I just say "Jenn, Jesus is handling it, chill out". And in that instant I'm relieved. Sometimes I have to repeat it several times, but it always eases my mind.
The only person you can control is yourself. I've been burned several times by human beings. By loved ones. By people I work with. By people I trusted with all of my heart. Sometimes in minor ways, sometimes in major life-changing ways. I've had the desire to kill people (not joking), leave people, get revenge, etc. But I've decided in most cases it's easier to take the high road - not stoop to their level, and simply be myself. I can't worry about others' choices, decisions, or thoughts. I am only in control of ME.
Learn from yourself and others. One of the reasons I miss Oprah so much is because I learned so much from her shows. I love true life situations and listening to people who have been there, done that - and survived! I love documentaries. I LEARN DAILY from others. Be it good or bad.
Don't stay at work too long or bring it home. A few years ago D and I went through some pretty trying times. I was never at home........was at work, at my kids' schools, at church, at community things, etc. I got so caught up with trying to help everyone else, that I forgot what and WHO really mattered. It took us almost divorcing for me to realize that although I love my job, my community, and my church that my family came first. It's a hard lesson to learn and my kids and D probably still think I'm away too much. Chelle will say I'm on my phone too much. But I do my best to refuse to put other things before them. It's super hard. But I have seen friends lose kids and spouses and I will do my part to make my time with them as worthwhile as possible.
I could go on, but will stop for now. I am so grateful to learn from my mistakes as well as others'. I am learning daily. I'm glad I am older and wiser in my thirties.
I will say again how fortunate I know I am. As I read fb posts, blogs of my friends, newspapers, watch tv and news, I am quickly reminded that my simple life is not so damn bad. I absolutely love living in Navasota, Texas, U.S.A, in my little house in the hood, driving a Ford, being fluffy, having a busy life, awesome kids, a crazy husband , and a job that is sometimes tiring!! I know for sure that someone out there would love my life for just five minutes - and I am so thankful that they can't have it - because it's all mine!!!
It's My Birthday Week!!!
Happy Birthday to ME!!! I won't give away my real age. Some of my kids think I'm 22 - so I'll go with that! Some think I'm in my 60s. :/ This week D has been on nights for the first time in many, many years. But it has given us a break from each other (and made me realize how much I need this man in my life - to help with errands, cooking, cleaning, and just being here to bug the crap outta me!) Not to mention me bugging him - I live for that. :) I now think God put him on nights this week so that he is not super mad that I've been gone almost every night on dinner dates with my friends.
Saturday I had a great day watching Lil' D powerlift - that child's strength amazes me! He doesn't even practice or try and he's super strong! I am so proud of him. Then we were fortunate enough to go to the HLSR Cook-Off with the Flores's. Val and I have been friends since diapers - we share lots of history - our Gmas were bfs, our moms are super close friends, and we were as well. Her hubs Paul is my cousin. We went several years without talking, but thank God reconnected a few years ago :) . We have many secrets we will take to the grave and I'm loving making new memories with that crazy girl! Anyway - we had a super fab time at the cookoff.
Sunday I slept all day and loved every second of it! My body requires lots and lots and lots of sleep.
Monday my awesome friend Shannon planned a bday dinner for me. I love how she is so thoughtful although I get annoyed with her plans that revolve around me. The reason is - I hold grudges and if someone doesn't come and I find out - I get mad. LOL - it's the truth. So I'd rather not do the whole Jennifer's dinner. But she insists and everyone knows -what Shann wants, Shann gets! Thanks Shann and all my other friends who showed up - I LOVE YOU!!
Tuesday - watched Lil D play soccer, then my BFF Shelly took Maura and I out to Chuy's and then we had dessert at Spoons. I need to buy stock in Spoons. Anyway - Six years ago God put Shelly in my life and I am so blessed He did. I can talk to her about anything and everything (and I have). We have so much in common and laugh everytime we're together. I thank God for her. She has a heart of GOLD and she is one of the hardest working, most caring people I know. And having my other BFF Maura there was icing on the cake! If you don't know her - you are missing out. She is one crazy white woman! Dinner with the three of us nuts was OFF THE CHAIN!!
Wednesday - Cleaned house, napped, read some blogs, caught up on some shows.
Thursday - God willing will be dinner with JCW folks :)
Friday - soccer again and then resting the rest of the weekend!!
I am blessed...........got super cute jewelry, a shirt, B&B stuff, flowers, dinners, giftcards, cards, notes, broccoli, phone calls, fb wishes, hugs, and still have my gift from Chelle. Thank God for another year - I promise to make it better every time!
Saturday I had a great day watching Lil' D powerlift - that child's strength amazes me! He doesn't even practice or try and he's super strong! I am so proud of him. Then we were fortunate enough to go to the HLSR Cook-Off with the Flores's. Val and I have been friends since diapers - we share lots of history - our Gmas were bfs, our moms are super close friends, and we were as well. Her hubs Paul is my cousin. We went several years without talking, but thank God reconnected a few years ago :) . We have many secrets we will take to the grave and I'm loving making new memories with that crazy girl! Anyway - we had a super fab time at the cookoff.
Sunday I slept all day and loved every second of it! My body requires lots and lots and lots of sleep.
Monday my awesome friend Shannon planned a bday dinner for me. I love how she is so thoughtful although I get annoyed with her plans that revolve around me. The reason is - I hold grudges and if someone doesn't come and I find out - I get mad. LOL - it's the truth. So I'd rather not do the whole Jennifer's dinner. But she insists and everyone knows -what Shann wants, Shann gets! Thanks Shann and all my other friends who showed up - I LOVE YOU!!
Tuesday - watched Lil D play soccer, then my BFF Shelly took Maura and I out to Chuy's and then we had dessert at Spoons. I need to buy stock in Spoons. Anyway - Six years ago God put Shelly in my life and I am so blessed He did. I can talk to her about anything and everything (and I have). We have so much in common and laugh everytime we're together. I thank God for her. She has a heart of GOLD and she is one of the hardest working, most caring people I know. And having my other BFF Maura there was icing on the cake! If you don't know her - you are missing out. She is one crazy white woman! Dinner with the three of us nuts was OFF THE CHAIN!!
Wednesday - Cleaned house, napped, read some blogs, caught up on some shows.
Thursday - God willing will be dinner with JCW folks :)
Friday - soccer again and then resting the rest of the weekend!!
I am blessed...........got super cute jewelry, a shirt, B&B stuff, flowers, dinners, giftcards, cards, notes, broccoli, phone calls, fb wishes, hugs, and still have my gift from Chelle. Thank God for another year - I promise to make it better every time!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Favorite Things about My Favorite Person (Me!)
Not sure why, but I feel like telling you my favorite things in life!
Music - country - ALABAMA -I'm not 100% sure, but I believe my Daddy took me to see them at the rodeo when I was a kid. Regardless, I LOVE them and am super pumped they're back together! I like Tejano as well, reminds me of my parents dancing when I was a kid, and now my Mom and stepdad.
Shoes - flip flops - I think my feet and toes are pretty even though in reality they're just chunky sausages :/
Place - my house - I live on the land where my gparents lived, my parents lived, uncles and aunts lived, and brothers lived - I love it here! I also love being on our boat on the lake - I love the peacefulness a day of fishing brings - just ask David - I fall asleep pretty quick on that water :)
Sound - kids laughing - Lil' David playing his game, Kimberly and me being silly, Hilda Mable's grandson, children on the playground - all these sounds make my heart smile :)
Smell - Old Spice reminds me of my Dad, my boys' cologne, David's cooking, Chelle's lotions
Food - was once shrimp - but now fajitas - I once tried becoming a vegetarian - but David waving a beef fajita taco in my face was all I needed to kiss that idea adios
Day - Friday - I feel a sense of accomplishment from working all week; I also love the days before school where we prepare to welcome a new group of kids
Flower - carnations! Roses are so ordinary and typical - B O R I N G & W A C K - I also like wisteria (not sure on the spelling)
Color - PURPLE!! Is there really any other color? Nope - didn't think so!
T.V. Shows - Oprah - reality shows - documentaries - I love to learn from real life human beings
Movies - horror and suspense - I love to be scared (and thank God my kids do too)
Moments - I love the feeling of security and pride when all four of us are at church together; I also love the peace I feel while driving or riding in a car when it's raining (scary for most folks) - but I remember laying in the back seat of my parents' car while my Dad drove and watching the droplets fall down the window - it's so soothing to me :)
Pictures - my kids' pix - nothing makes me cry like looking at those memories - where has the time gone? I can go right back to that moment when I look at those pix; I also like looking at old family pix - once again, where has the time gone?
Weather - cold and rainy
Feel - hugs at school from kids who see the good in me :) - best feeling in the universe; cozy beds (not that I've been in many - lol)
Tastes - fresh cherries, peaches, and watermelon - and of course anything my mom cooks! (Danny Meekins' cheesecake is pretty good right now too)
Sights - happy kids, goofy faces, Rattler and Aggie games (of any sport) - I love the sound of the band, fans, whistles, everything! A CRUCIFIX (enough said)
Animal - dolphin - I remember doing science fair in jh and we could write a paper - and researching dolphins interested me so much - I have since collected dolphin things, my first tattoo was of a dolphin, and lots of dolphin jewelry
Possessions - a garnet ring my mom had made for me when my Dad passed away - it was a stone he had in a ring that he bought in Mexico on vacation - and she had it put in a ring for me - coolest idea ever! A silver rabbit piggy bank that my parents got in Kansas City on vacation for me - I can still see them driving up in the back of our house and unloading things - the rabbit being one. Pictures of course, baby books of course - but most importantly - a possession I have told David I would divorce him over if it was ever destroyed - a Raggedy Ann and Andy chalkboard my Daddy bought me - I can still remember the day he brought it home and had it on my front porch as a surprise with a box of chalk and an eraser! Oddly enough - in my years of teaching - never got a chalkboard - I could choke the person who invented white boards :/ - I don't care if dust is everywhere or my slacks got white - I WANT A FREAKIN' CHALKBOARD! lol
Last, but certainly not least - person - JENNIFER RENEE SANCHEZ RAMIREZ - that's right ME!! I love me some me! I love family and friends - but the fact is that the only person anyone can count on all day every day is themself. Others will let you down. Trusting completely in someone else is a mistake. (my opinion of course). I read posts from several people daily (some are close friends of mine) who strive for attention, who apparently are unhappy with themselves by the things they do and say - I see it, as so many others do. They want to "fix" things about themself or their life - and in the meantime they are missing out on seeing the big picture - on living fully, on enjoying today, on embracing who they are. God knows (and so do you) that I have many flaws. I screw up big time on a daily basis. I could sure stand to lose weight, iron my clothes, brush my hair (yep, I admit some days I don't), speak nicer, see the good in others, be more positive, etc. etc. etc. But one thing that I am so proud of - is the fact that I LOVE ME. WITH ALL MY FAULTS AND FLAWS, I LOVE ME. Just Jennifer - that's all I need :) and of course Jesus Christ to be with me along the way.
Music - country - ALABAMA -I'm not 100% sure, but I believe my Daddy took me to see them at the rodeo when I was a kid. Regardless, I LOVE them and am super pumped they're back together! I like Tejano as well, reminds me of my parents dancing when I was a kid, and now my Mom and stepdad.
Shoes - flip flops - I think my feet and toes are pretty even though in reality they're just chunky sausages :/
Place - my house - I live on the land where my gparents lived, my parents lived, uncles and aunts lived, and brothers lived - I love it here! I also love being on our boat on the lake - I love the peacefulness a day of fishing brings - just ask David - I fall asleep pretty quick on that water :)
Sound - kids laughing - Lil' David playing his game, Kimberly and me being silly, Hilda Mable's grandson, children on the playground - all these sounds make my heart smile :)
Smell - Old Spice reminds me of my Dad, my boys' cologne, David's cooking, Chelle's lotions
Food - was once shrimp - but now fajitas - I once tried becoming a vegetarian - but David waving a beef fajita taco in my face was all I needed to kiss that idea adios
Day - Friday - I feel a sense of accomplishment from working all week; I also love the days before school where we prepare to welcome a new group of kids
Flower - carnations! Roses are so ordinary and typical - B O R I N G & W A C K - I also like wisteria (not sure on the spelling)
Color - PURPLE!! Is there really any other color? Nope - didn't think so!
T.V. Shows - Oprah - reality shows - documentaries - I love to learn from real life human beings
Movies - horror and suspense - I love to be scared (and thank God my kids do too)
Moments - I love the feeling of security and pride when all four of us are at church together; I also love the peace I feel while driving or riding in a car when it's raining (scary for most folks) - but I remember laying in the back seat of my parents' car while my Dad drove and watching the droplets fall down the window - it's so soothing to me :)
Pictures - my kids' pix - nothing makes me cry like looking at those memories - where has the time gone? I can go right back to that moment when I look at those pix; I also like looking at old family pix - once again, where has the time gone?
Weather - cold and rainy
Feel - hugs at school from kids who see the good in me :) - best feeling in the universe; cozy beds (not that I've been in many - lol)
Tastes - fresh cherries, peaches, and watermelon - and of course anything my mom cooks! (Danny Meekins' cheesecake is pretty good right now too)
Sights - happy kids, goofy faces, Rattler and Aggie games (of any sport) - I love the sound of the band, fans, whistles, everything! A CRUCIFIX (enough said)
Animal - dolphin - I remember doing science fair in jh and we could write a paper - and researching dolphins interested me so much - I have since collected dolphin things, my first tattoo was of a dolphin, and lots of dolphin jewelry
Possessions - a garnet ring my mom had made for me when my Dad passed away - it was a stone he had in a ring that he bought in Mexico on vacation - and she had it put in a ring for me - coolest idea ever! A silver rabbit piggy bank that my parents got in Kansas City on vacation for me - I can still see them driving up in the back of our house and unloading things - the rabbit being one. Pictures of course, baby books of course - but most importantly - a possession I have told David I would divorce him over if it was ever destroyed - a Raggedy Ann and Andy chalkboard my Daddy bought me - I can still remember the day he brought it home and had it on my front porch as a surprise with a box of chalk and an eraser! Oddly enough - in my years of teaching - never got a chalkboard - I could choke the person who invented white boards :/ - I don't care if dust is everywhere or my slacks got white - I WANT A FREAKIN' CHALKBOARD! lol
Last, but certainly not least - person - JENNIFER RENEE SANCHEZ RAMIREZ - that's right ME!! I love me some me! I love family and friends - but the fact is that the only person anyone can count on all day every day is themself. Others will let you down. Trusting completely in someone else is a mistake. (my opinion of course). I read posts from several people daily (some are close friends of mine) who strive for attention, who apparently are unhappy with themselves by the things they do and say - I see it, as so many others do. They want to "fix" things about themself or their life - and in the meantime they are missing out on seeing the big picture - on living fully, on enjoying today, on embracing who they are. God knows (and so do you) that I have many flaws. I screw up big time on a daily basis. I could sure stand to lose weight, iron my clothes, brush my hair (yep, I admit some days I don't), speak nicer, see the good in others, be more positive, etc. etc. etc. But one thing that I am so proud of - is the fact that I LOVE ME. WITH ALL MY FAULTS AND FLAWS, I LOVE ME. Just Jennifer - that's all I need :) and of course Jesus Christ to be with me along the way.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Got to Let Her Fly, a.k.a. (God to Led Her Fly)
Tomorrow, 01-06-12, my baby girl Kimberly will move out into the big, scary, real world for the very first time. I will gladly kill anyone who tries to harm her.
I could talk forever about her (and I will later)......but for now I'll keep it short and sweet........like she is.
Many years ago I was a VERY young teenage pregnant girl. I know many people thought "man - that girl will never take care of that baby". Well thank God my most awesome mother Lupe supported me (with a broken heart I'm sure; I always think I'm strong - but there's no way I could be as strong as she was and still is - I WOULD DIE if my daughter did what I did) and I did take care of her (while accomplishing my own dream of becoming a teacher I must add). I have never for a second regretted her, I have loved her with all of me, since I knew she existed. I was always a mature teenager and LOVED being a mother (maybe I get it from my Gma Sanchez who had 13 kids).
I am so proud of what my Chelle has accomplished so far. To be honest, I'm a little jealous of her - she's pretty much got the cutest body - from head to toe, has a great personality, a crazy sense of humor, a cute car, more money in the bank than me, a great job, the best mom that ever gave birth, and is pretty much living her dreams out with no regrets. Her heart and head are what amaze me the most. She is very giving, loyal, and caring. But at the same time - she is brilliant with the way she thinks about things - people, problems, friends, foes - life in general. I will never worry much because she's so strong and speaks her mind - sometimes too much! Independence at its best! She is so open with me and I love it! I love our talks that last for hours. And Iove when she still needs my advice every now and then.
She moved in with her paternal grandparents about a year ago because she has a dog (and we are not dog people where I live).
I just texted her the following message......"I know this is weird, but I think God planned you moving out to your Gmas so that I could let you go slowly. Because if you still lived here, I would be an emotional wreck. LOL. In less than 24 hrs. your life will be changed. So proud and happy for you :)"
I hope that the world is kind to her. I know she'll be kind to it in return. I trust that God will be her protection when I'm not.
I know I must let her fly.............and she will be great at it! I love you my Michelle. I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I will love you forever and always.
*please forgive me for lying about this post being short*
I could talk forever about her (and I will later)......but for now I'll keep it short and sweet........like she is.
Many years ago I was a VERY young teenage pregnant girl. I know many people thought "man - that girl will never take care of that baby". Well thank God my most awesome mother Lupe supported me (with a broken heart I'm sure; I always think I'm strong - but there's no way I could be as strong as she was and still is - I WOULD DIE if my daughter did what I did) and I did take care of her (while accomplishing my own dream of becoming a teacher I must add). I have never for a second regretted her, I have loved her with all of me, since I knew she existed. I was always a mature teenager and LOVED being a mother (maybe I get it from my Gma Sanchez who had 13 kids).
I am so proud of what my Chelle has accomplished so far. To be honest, I'm a little jealous of her - she's pretty much got the cutest body - from head to toe, has a great personality, a crazy sense of humor, a cute car, more money in the bank than me, a great job, the best mom that ever gave birth, and is pretty much living her dreams out with no regrets. Her heart and head are what amaze me the most. She is very giving, loyal, and caring. But at the same time - she is brilliant with the way she thinks about things - people, problems, friends, foes - life in general. I will never worry much because she's so strong and speaks her mind - sometimes too much! Independence at its best! She is so open with me and I love it! I love our talks that last for hours. And Iove when she still needs my advice every now and then.
She moved in with her paternal grandparents about a year ago because she has a dog (and we are not dog people where I live).
I just texted her the following message......"I know this is weird, but I think God planned you moving out to your Gmas so that I could let you go slowly. Because if you still lived here, I would be an emotional wreck. LOL. In less than 24 hrs. your life will be changed. So proud and happy for you :)"
I hope that the world is kind to her. I know she'll be kind to it in return. I trust that God will be her protection when I'm not.
I know I must let her fly.............and she will be great at it! I love you my Michelle. I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I will love you forever and always.
*please forgive me for lying about this post being short*
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Why Blog in the NY?
I have been an Oprah lover for many years, and she has always encouraged journaling. I journaled for a while, but it's hard to make myself sit down and write without my hand getting tired. Fact is I am a very fast typer so it's much easier for me to type. I want my children, family, and friends to know about me - the real, whole me. I want my babies to look back when I'm gone and read my thoughts to their children. I plan on blogging at least once a week. I'd like to thank Yolanda Fultz for having an awesome blog and inspiring me to do this. I hope that I bring some insight into who I am - Just Jennifer.......and the loves of her life!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)