2009 Year In Review. Another year has come and gone!

Is it just me or did this year seem to come and go right before our eyes.. I heard someone say recently that as you get older that is what happens- the years just go by faster and faster. Not sure I like the sound of that! If that is the case we need to make the best of each day..
This year has had it's shares of both good times, milestones, and of course it's share of dissapointments and sad times. That is part of life I suppose. We gotta take the good times with the bad.. I think it's the bad times/rough spots that show our true strength and even make us stronger!
So let's see..
The boys turned another year older; Marc-16, Justin-14 and Ricky 10. Marc started driving and got his first car.. You know one of those milestones for parents that is more on the nervewracking side followed with a teeny bit of excitement for your child. Of course we see him less and less now because of this!
The boys have kept us busy as they all remained active in sports.
Marc played for his high school from Feb-end of April. He played throughout the year on several travel teams. He had a girlfriend- that I actually knew about! HAHAHA. Not sure how long the relationship lasted but I am glad it's over. Lets save the drama till he leaves high school please!
Justin loves all sports. He played basketball and football this year for the school. He also joined a select travel baseball team. As if we had time.. We had always shyed away from any team that involved travel and select- those two words combined spell MONEY. Thankfully we were with this team from it's foundation so with fundraisers,etc the expense has been bearable thus far.
Ricky played basketball and baseball this year. I'd love to put him back in soccer. It just conflicts with other sports. Acting classes are starting back up in January once a week so he will be back into that.
We've tried our best to keep them active in all these things and help keep them out of trouble.. Kids have their ways of making time to be kids- that includes being mischievous!
I managed to escape these children, husband included twice this year! How nice is that?! Went to Mexico in Feb/March and Miami in the summer. I definitely look foward to these getaways that is for sure!
We had our annual family reunion up at Lake Murray back in July. Always good times with the family!
Still plugging away in school. I'll let you all know when I will be finished though just going at it one class at a time it may be awhile!
We rejoiced in Ameli and Kevin having their firstborn in August, Henry Jackson. He is a very handsome little baby! Can't wait to finally meet him next week!
We also rejoiced in Maryann and Ryon having their firstborn on December 21st, Bella Renae. She's had a rough start in the world but she's a fighter and sure is cute. I get to see her this week.
We tried to end the year off with a bang.. taking a family cruise right before the holidays. Mother nature turned out to be our enemy. We got fogged in in Galveston which caused us to leave one day late and having to cancel a port. Then in Key West we experienced a massive flood.. The trip was quite memorable to say the least. All in all we still had a good time. I know for sure the boys did as they are hopeful we can go again over the holidays.. I'll leave that open and see what the year has in store for us reagarding trips. Dont think it will be anything elaborate this year- but I'm keeping the options open. I'm not one to sit around for too long without the need to take a trip somewhere!
Some of the year ending sad notes. Some of my closest friend's father suffered a stroke back in September. I was able to visit them in NY the beginning of this month, though I wasn't too much help on the caregiving end of it.. I am certainly not cut out for a nursing position that's for sure! It's soo hard to see loved ones experience this kind of devastation. At the same time the love and devotion they have given their father makes you smile..
To add to the true sadness, Little Bella Renae, as many of you know got sick shortly after her first day here in the world. She's still in the hospital fighting to get better. No doubt she is one her way to coming home. We all just wish it would be sooner rather than the "she'll be here for a long time" news the docs gave Maryann and Ryon.. When she finally comes home we will have a great homecoming celebration!
Soo there's my long/short recap of the year.. Ready to leave it behind and see what 2010 brings all of us.. I hope it is nothing but sunny blue skies and rainbows in 2010 after ending 2009 with rain/tears!
We all have alot to be thankful for! I am grateful for many things including good health and family!! God Bless!

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!!!!

Happy Veteran's Day to all those that have served or our currently serving our country. The military has surely blessed our family in these 16 1/2 yrs! GOD BLESS THE USA!!!

Frazzled Woman

No need for many words in this post..



This is me now...trying to implement stricter rules around here..




This is what I will look like very soon.. LOTS of gray hair and stressed out! Let's hope we all make it through these teenage years in one piece!!

moody post..

update time...seriously gotta keep up with this..
Lots of stuff's been happening over here.. The boys are busy busy..

Marc- he's been working 2-4 times a week. Playing baseball tournaments on the weekends.. Not soo much time for the 35 plus geckos anymore- THANK GOD!! He was breeding their food as well which stunk up the whole room..and I was losing it.. I think he got sick of the nagging about it all soo he is selling them now.. :)))))))) Running around with his friends in his off time.. Some days I am thinking.. only 1 1/2 more years to have one less attitude in the house..

Justin- Busy with school. He won Vice President for his class. He is playing football on the freshman team and overall has mostly good days... He plays select ball and has a few tournaments lined up between now and November. Practicing for that Saturday and Sunday..

Ricky- enjoying being in the band for school.. he's been playing baseball for the local rec league.. games on Saturdays. sometimes two games which make for long days as they are not back to back. Practices once or twice during the week. This year has started LOTS of homework.. yuck for both mom and child..

Ricardo- wish he would travel more so I can fly somewhere at no expense but right now he is laying low. He's been busy taking a class for the military.. part of his requirements for an upcoming hopeful promotion. We shall see... He just informed me that he will be getting the follow on here at Randolph- so that Marc and Justin can graduate here.. He has really enjoyed working with his boss who has seen his hard work.. He recently received the company grade officer award for this command.
Back to moving status.. When we had talked about the possibilities of moving or staying he made it seem like a long shot to stay and asked me and the boys where we'd like to go next if we could move.. I would jump at the chance to move overseas. I've got a few friends stationed in Germany and one in Hawaii and I am just envious of all the pics they have posted of all the traveling they have been able to do.. I am seriously missing out on some good travel opportunities for the sake of the kids.. :((( Soo needless to say I have been a bit on the moody side lately.. The boys dont know we get to stay here, which Marc and Justin will be very excited to hear. Ricardo is going to trick them into thinking we got some really crappy orders like North Dakota or something like that.. Couldnt he have tricked me?!?!

me- still plugging away at the college degree. currently taking Anthropology.. most boring class so far. actually working backwards at the moment taking the five general ed classes I needed then back to wrapping up the criminal justice classes.. volunteering at Ricky's school once or twice a week in the library. meals on wheels- waiting for my training session.. dont think it will be too hard taking meals to the elderly.. currently feeling I am way underpaid and underappreciated for what I do around this house... planning a few trips/getaways from life- but they just can't come soon enough!

That's all for now.. Stay tuned for the next post.. pics to follow of the attitudes with cuteness that live here..

Life's little lessons.. Virginia..and more.....

Some days you just go through... very mundane day to day routine.. then there are others that just give you a wake up call or remind you of why you were created, why you are alive, and what your purpose is here or to just simply be grateful for what you have..period. My reasoning is to just be grateful!
You know sometimes it is really nice to have those reminders to somewhat bring you back to the simple non-materialistic ways of life.. something I think some of us all get caught up with from time to time... Over the summer I had a dream.. dream of moving back to the great capitol our United States... You know I went back to Northern Virginia not to long ago and it was wonderful. I got to see some old friends, family, beautiful scenery, the high life that includes nice cars and gorgeous homes... and then really had to really regroup after that trip... I would give everything to be back near the big city, near family, near friends, near the best schools in the country, BUT we would sacrifice.. I would probably have to go to work.. what is work outside of the home?????... living far away from Ricardo's job, and I am sure more. I am sure there is more adjustments that would be made, and we would adjust accordigly, BUT it is become a fact the the kids have adjusted well here and do NOT want to move.. As crazy as it sounds we have the opportunity to move back to Ohio where they absolutely LOVE but they do not want to be in a 2-A school.. LOL.. It is soo much more excitement to be in a school that is all about sports and winning.. something they can relate to and want to be associated with...
Marc and Justin will do everything they can to stay here until they graduate.. Its a tough battle for me because we have the perfect opportunity to move next year.. and could land some great orders.. BUT instead we have children! that do not want to move! that we are doing everything in our power to stay in the great state of Texas!.. even if it comes down to Ricardo taking a one yr assignment alone.. just to stay here... I hope they realize how much we love them!! If it were up to me alone we would pack up and move tomorrow.. Hey why not!! I am living vicariously through friends right now that are stationed in Hawaii, London, Berlin, and more... Another SAHM friend of mine are trying to visit our friends but so far we can manage to meet up once a year for our annual cruise meetup.. Our first meetup is this December! woo-hoo!!
Ok so getting to the reason of my actual posting.. I was in Walmart today around lunchtime buying items for our barbecue.. and witnessed the cashier manager going to talk to each cashier about different sales they had... Anyway when she got to my cashier she told her-- You know I am not trying to be snappy but I have been working my butt off here, then going to BAMC and spending 10hours there, then coming back to work... She must have had an accident in her family.. Not good.. But I felt for her and wanted to tell here but I was at a loss for words...
Next week though it is time for CHANGE!!!!! Since I am soo fortunate to have the TIME to give back that is what I must do.. while I am striving to get my degree on the side... My goal is 2-3 days a week volunteering, and 1-2 days school work.. I think that is a great start! Meals on wheels.. here I come! Then one other juvenile detention center which takes in kids who are actually remorseful-- still looking for that one~~ kids these days seem to think they can avoid the system... After doing my research I think there is no such group available!

Almost to forgot to add this blog.. one I check daily and for a good reasoning why it is such a great feeling to be alive each and every day!! It is alot of time to go back to when their crash happened.. but oh it is soooooo worth it!! That is a love story that is worth a book!!

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Summer is almost over... and the way we spent out time..

Only 3 more days until the boys go back to school.. It has been a real laid back summer so to speak.. No big summer trips as we have done in the past. I will say I have this feeling of letdown as you all know we usually take a nice family summer trip every year. This year it just seemed we had too many conflicts with Justin and Marc and their sports. I did not miss out on traveling that is for sure. I'll make sure that we get in one family trip outside of Texas next summer. After all we only have one more official summer until Marc graduates! Holy crap! Speaking of that.. The summer Marc graduates we are taking a cruise more than likely out of Puerto Rico with some old friends. Yes, this has already been confirmed!!! The wives are planning this. Of course family and other friends are invited. So mark your calendars for June 2011 if you want to attend a super awesome celebration!
Marc got his license so you know he was always out and about. His summer days were filled with hanging out with his buddies, baseball and more baseball, little bit of work, and of course cruising in his new ride. He is just loving his new mustang and even though he only has to pay for gas he has starting asking us for gas money.. Go figure! When we weren't so willing to fork over $$ for that he decided he should work a little more. Is it too much to ask to at least pay for gas?! The beauty of him finallly driving is running errands, taking his brothers places such as the movies, picking up from practice, you name it...
Justin has kept us going with his sports. He played for the rec league of Cibolo which ran into summer for their all stars.. He made the Cibolo Owls select baseball team, which is brand new. He has some really awesome coaches. While I can say this is not his true sport, I think is well-rounded athlete so the areas he is lacking he will pick up in no time.. He is now a freshman, meaning I have two boys in high school now.. Damn! He is playing football right now which has kept him super busy these last few weeks. I feel like I always said he is overlooked for his size, because he sure has the talent. This boys lives and breathes football! He says over and over again he will have a career in something sports related, and I have no doubt about that. Personally I can see in something with sports advertising/marketing. Maybe even a sports agent/lawyer. We will see in time what the future holds for him.
Ricky.. My little baby.. He has has the most laid back summer of all.. staying up late into the night.. sleeping until nearly lunch time. He and I went to Six Flags quite a bit early into the summer. We also went to the movies quite a bit, one of my favorites being G-Force. He has surely been anticipating the arrival of little Henry, Ricardo's sister Ameli's son. I have somewhat let him down by not letting him get the chance to meet him.. He will soon though.. I promised him! On this note Ricardo needs to start seriously traveling more so I can take advantage of those miles!~
Reasons why I am not looking forward to school are more due to ME.. This should be my final year in school.... After all I have perfected how to make going to college a career.. I should be in the phase of being able to double up on my classes so I can graduate next November.. I have run into backlog of funding issues.. The joys of playing the waiting game! The postive note is that I can finally use the GI Bill $$ and not have to take out any more student loans. I am feeling the push to hurry up and get a job. The family fails to realize that I am feeling a true protest coming on for when I actually do graduate... I will not be able to give the daily rides to school, the rides from school, the homeade meals made promptly by 5pm.. the rides up to school for items that were forgotten then need to be delivered asap or it will be a deducted grade, special lunches,the list is endless... Yeah you can say I feel soo under-appreciated and some days ready to forget my kids and get to work!!
Who would have ever thought I would be a stay at home mother. Not me!
Well Ricky and I were sure hoping things would pan out for finally getting to adopt our little girl. Things were just not meant to be and I don't really want to go into detail. I am still torn up about it but like I said... maybe it just wasn't meant to be... The good thing is my sister found out she is having a girl so I can spoil her, along with Steven's little girl and then send them back home.. That's about it for the update. I'll add pics this afternoon..

new toy..

After reading reviews and shopping around for a nice dslr I have decided on the new Canon Rebel t1i... This camera is awesome!! Got the best deal on it through amazon.com so just have to wait for it to be shipped.. Can't wait!! This was a long overdue investment as I like to put it.. Have to justify the cost somehow! With the boys in all their activities I want to be able to get good quality pics and good action shots..

last of the pics...

Getting pampered before the wedding..



lovely couple with parents of the bride... my parents of course!~



Scott, Steven, Anne and Abby.. and of course me!



Jackie and I.. friends since the 6th grade..



beautiful view.. taken from the Arlngton National Cemetery..

Enjoy!

more pics..

Marc celebrated his 16th bday!


Justin celebrated his 14th bday!


Sara and Ari..


Norma and I...


Averi and I..

a few more to post...

oops.. long time no blog.. time for an update!

I haven't kept up with this blog since May so I suppose I should update on the happenings in this crazy house! Since I last updated.. let's see..
The swine flu touched down here in our small city.. We made national news! hahaha.. The boys were out of school for almost two weeks. Ricardo went to Korea in May. I am hoping I can accompany him on one of his future visits there.
Ricardo and I went to a wine festival in Austin, which unfortunately got rained out. We had a great evening together anwyays, finding a new favorite restaurant.
The boys got out of school the first week of June. Justin and Ricky headed off to their camps; Justin to the University of Texas football camp and Ricky to Camp Cullen for a week. Marc had baseball all week.
I had the privilege to head off for almost two weeks to spend time with some wonderful friends and family. My sister got married June 22nd, part of my reason to travel. The wedding was beautiful! It was small and sweet just as her and Ryon wished. I am really happy for the two of them! I wish them both lots of happiness to last a lifetime. Maryann is expecting in December. Pretty exciting! I got to meet my little niece Abby, Steven and Anne's daughter. She's a real cuite and resembles Steven alot!
Ricardo celebrated his 36th bday.. What an old man! hahaha..
We've had lots of baseball games throughout the summer so far. Justin and Ricky had all-stars. Marc's league lasts throughout the summer. He plays on two teams right now so that keeps him busy. He starts back to work next week.
Big news- Marc got his licence on Wednesday. Ricardo was out of town so Marc happily took the truck cruising around town. We are car shopping this weekend.. Fun! Not sure exactly if this will be a car for Ricardo or Marc. He really wanted the truck- as it has the nice rims that he really likes.. We'll see..
Baby news- yep gotta add that in somwewhere. Adoption is still HEAVY on my mind as some of you know. I am still holding out some hope that god might bring a little princess into our lives.. This year would be nice! I am trying not to let it consume my thoughts, but that's hard to do sometimes.
more baby news- Ricardo's sister Ameli is nearing the end of her pregnancy. Little Henry Jackson will be here the beginning of August. We are all excited for her and Kevin. I believe they both will be awesome parents!
Ricardo and I took Ricky to the circus recently. It was the first time for Ricky and he's 10. Bad parents we are! LOL.. Every kid should go once in their life.
Summer trip- I am trying to come up with a little summer trip for the five of us. Thinking either the beach for a week- that would mean a road trip to maybe South Padre, Destin,Florida, or maybe Disney World. Of course I am looking into Mexico as the flights are very affordable right now.. We'll see! Need to make a decision quick as I am looking at the end of July/ first of August to travel.
My family reunion is quickly approaching. We are headed to OK next weekend. Looking for a good time at Lake Murray. That's about it for now. Hope you all are enjoying your summer! Pics will follow...


Wine Fest


Miami!


Maryann and Ryon- great looking husband and wife!


Ameli and Kevin.. expecting a boy in August.



Ricky at the circus!

drinking and driving

Some sad news flashed on the tv screen yesterday morning. While we were sitting down for breakfast a picture of this lady appeared on the tv. The tv anchor announced she had been charged with manslaughter. I took a second look and realized it was somone we knew. It was one of our painters. The charge was initially intoxication assault and was upgraded last night to involuntary manslaughter as her husband had died wednesday night due to his injuries.
We had hired these painters whom I had met actually last summer but waited until last month to actually have the work done. The job was a little more drawn out than we thought but the end result was outstanding. This husband and wife team really did quality work. They brought their girls over one weekend when they came to paint. They were both very respectful and polite. While this couple werent some of our closest friends we had some great conversations over the course they were at our house.
The husband's (who died) father is a retired colonel in the Air Force and is very repected individual in San Antonio, volunteering much of his free time to Habitat for Humanity. His father had just won a big teaching award here in San Antonio. Louis has mentioned all this to me as he really admired his father. He and his wife were the ones who took care of any military people that wanted their service, rather than sending out any of their hired help.
This suddent tragedy was just a huge eye opener that it is really not worth it to think you are ok to get in a car and drive home after having one too many drinks. This family is forever changed because of lack of better judgement. These girls have really lost both the mother and their father as the mom will be in jail for a good while and rightfully so. I am sure in her sobering moments these days she is sitting there with regret, wishing she had not been behind that wheel. I'll speak for myself that I have driven on occassion after nights out on the town. It is just NOT worth the risk of losing your life or taking another's life. I don't ever want to be in this family's shoes!

proud momma

Marc is turning into a fine young man.. soo very proud of him.. Wanted to post a few pics of him playing baseball.. Of course everyone knows this is baseball season.. So here's the story. Marc has been in baseball class since the beginning of school. He narrowed it down to the one sport he truly loves and has focused on that. He was so excited for the season to get going. Ok fast forward to the season starting. Coaches decided they would not be cutting anyone and instead making 3 jv teams.. A, B, and C. The C team is a new thing- more of a freshman team. The season has been going since February and it has been frustrating to say the least. The coach for the B and C team is just horrible! Marc was/is on the B and C team.. The boys have not played so well together. Alot of it has to do with not practicing together like they should be. Marc was at one point thinking about quitting. That was tough to hear since he loves this sport so much, but that decision was entirely up to him. Ok so some of his best friends who made the A team kept telling him to just show up for practice. Marc felt weird about that. Finally last week he just started showing up for the A teams practice. The coach never said anything about Marc being there. So come game day the coach starts counting heads and Marc said he was quite nervous about what the coach would say. Not too sure about this coach here! The A team is very good by the way. Marc did outstanding at all the A practices that he showed up to and coach pointed out that they needed Garcia for the game.. Yeah! I know Marc was very happy about that.. He did great in the games.. I think the coach made a big mistake from the beginning putting Marc on the wrong team-- but in the end his efforts and determination really paid off!! Way to go!

Got Rocks??

Here is a great blog I found and fits my moods right now and needing to see things in a positive way.. I have read similar article on seeing your life as half empty versus half full.. Good message..


I have to share this story...I read it recently in my "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" book and found it online to share because I think it is so applicable to all of us and every situation or "rock" in our life.

One day an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget. As he stood in front of the group of high powered overachievers he said, "Okay, time for a quiz." Then he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed Mason jar and set it on the table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?"




Everyone in the class said, "Yes."

Then he said, "Really?" He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the space between the big rocks. Then he asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?" By this time the class was on to him. "Probably not," one of them answered. "Good!" he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar and it went into all of the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?"


"No!" the class shouted.

Once again he said, "Good." Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?" One eager beaver raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit some more things in it!"

"No," the speaker replied, "That's not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all." What are the 'big rocks' in your life? Your children; Your loved ones; Your education; Your dreams; A worthy cause; Teaching or mentoring others; Doing things that you love; Time for yourself; Your health; Your significant other? Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first or you'll never get them in at all. If you sweat the little stuff (the gravel, the sand) then you'll fill your life with little things you worry about that don't really matter, and you'll never have the real quality time you need to spend on the big, important stuff (the big rocks). So, tonight, or in the morning, when you are reflecting on this short story, ask yourself this question: What are the 'big rocks' in my life? Then, put those in your jar first."

Posted by Stephen C. Ehrmann to the POD listserv, August 21, 2000, Ehrmann@tltgroup.org

TLC 11/00 http://www.csub.edu/TLC/options/resources/handouts/teach_strat/putinrocks.html


Like the blogger who posted this, I constantly dwell on the little stuff, some things beyond my control (gravel, sand) and want to put more emphasis on the big stuff- my rocks. (family, friends, school)

Trips for the year, update.

Ok I just posted this to someone but just in case anyone might be interested in coming along- please do!! The more the merrier! Ricardo is perfectly happy with just one trip a year- which in his mind was the cruise in December (this year 2009).. He had NO complaints when I booked the next one while we were on the last one! Sooo anyways everyone knows a small trip here and there throughout the year and I am a happy camper!

So this is the 1st definite in case you guys want to join up.. The plan is to stay at the carribbean beach resort- we have 2rooms boooked... room for 2 to stay with us and 1more room booked at 40% off if you are interested..

2nd trip- cruise.. Yeah!!! December 13-20.. Sails out of Galveston and goes to Key West, Fl, Freeport and Nassau, Bahamas.. Got my excursions already picked out!! The kids and I.. and of course Ricardo are seriously looking forward to this annual trip.. I always hated pulling the kids out of school when they already get soo many days off.. but this trip sold me.. Why pay more for the same trip that will be happening the following week for double the price! Thankfully my kids make good grades otherwise I would NOT consider doing this. On top of the fact that one of my good friends and her family are committed to coming on the trip makes it even better.. Believe me- if you go not knowing a sole- its easy to come home having made lots of friends but it's just great already going with peeps you know!

Ok... sooo a small update on the boys... After all this is what this site was meant for right?! ALL boys are in baseball as of now.. Marc plays for his school and Justin and Ricky play for our city teams.. Between all three our days off are Sundays... Its ok with me though because I love the game of baseball.. I am sure to write about the goods and bads about the sport in my own blog.. When I get it up and running I'll let you know...

As you all can figure out that Marc is soon approaching age 16~ Yikes! Another milestone...

Ricky is still in acting and is really enjoying his class, though the session seems very short. With only having the class once a week I am sure the final performace April 18th will be small. Nevertheless, Ricky is happy to know 3/4ths of his lines already.

Spring Break 2009. Six Flags

Adding a new blog

Ok I was thinking about adding a new site, one for just ME.. I have alot on my mind ALL the time and like to write it all down.. So this new site will just be about my thoughts in a variety of topics.. It could range from my everyday feelings, which get deep.. as you should know, being a stay at home mother- (with all the kids in school I have ALOT of time to think) to politics, which I also enjoy a good debate from time to time.. I am still keeping this site for updates on the kids, family, etc... I made a calendar tonight.. I had several goals for the year. I had great intentions but I must say things went downhill. and fast! I say it's not too late to get back on track.. let people know whats going on over here.. and if you should desire a womans perspective on living with a house full of boys-- click on my site!

inspiring blog site..

this person is remarkable.
when you have time go back to the beginning and read the whole story..
I promise and updated blog soon.. real soon! Yes I am way overdue..

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Our cheers to the cruise..



Before our elegant dinner for all you can eat lobster- one of the selling points for me on this cruise!!!!!!!



Ricardo,Marc and Justin at dinner.. We had three lobster tails each. Next year we will try and save room for more...




Justin and Marc at Margaritaville



The boys at the market.. We have NO plans to go back there next year.. We won't be going there anwyays but still.... they were HOUNDS! Still we can say we've been there done that. I will go back to Jamaica again..just not to the market.. Doc's cave beach was great!

wow an update!!

Ok ALOT has happened since my last real posting.. Let's see Ricardo came home and had alot of time to readjust with his family.. We went on a cruise and it turned out to be one of our best vacations ever! As a matter of fact it was soo much fun that I booked the next one. We are choosing to sail again December 13th out of Galveston and it goes to the Bahamas this time, to anyone who is interested in joining us. My brother's fiance had a little girl in November.. They named her Abby Kay and she is the cutest thing!! I will get to Virginia by this coming summer to meet her in person.. Ricardo's sister Ameli found out she is expecting in August. What a shock that was but a great one nonetheless! We are all anxious for this upcoming arrival. The boys are doing great.. As with having multiple kids, some days are better than others. I long for vacations- almost daily... Some wonder what I do all day and tend to think I get a break daily.. I have to laugh at those comments though I do feel a bit lucky not to have to answer to anyone on what I am doing at any given moment. I might have to speak my mind and tell them to kiss my a$&! Ahh such is life.. I am in school full time and loving it.. Each class is five weeks long and what I would call intense. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed all my classes in the criminal justice field and am looking forward to using all the knowledge I have gained in this field upon graduating next year. As I mentioned all the boys are doing well, making good grades, etc.. If we could only get their attitudes in check at home life would be GRAND!!! Marc is doing well- sophmore, almost straight A's and plays baseball for the school. Justin is doing well also, almost straight A's and is currently playing basketball for his school. His team has done outstanding. He also plays for the base on the side- which means alot of extra driving for mom and dad.. Oh well- its for a good cause.. Ricky is doing great in school- A/B student. He is enjoying his acting class once a week downtown. He is signed up for baseball. Hope that goes over well this season. He is finishing up his basketball season with one more game left. He sure would love to play soccer as well, but mom and dad made him pick just one sport this season.. Having three kids we need to give them limits here! Ricardo finally is managing a program I think he really likes. He'll be traveling to MD/VA quite a bit. I am happy about that as he is accumulating lots of miles/hotels points which I will be using of course... Hey-someone has to put them to good use!!!
Ok guess that about wraps it up for this update.. Next one I will post some pics!

Back to blogging!

Ok I am getting back to maintaining this site and keeping everyone updated on the happening's in the Crazy Garcia Household. So be watching out for a nice lengthy blog tomorrrow!