When we got there, the rest of the family had not arrived, so my son was not thrilled of going in by himself. As time seemed to pass, the coach said, “Okay, Vincent, it looks like they’re not here, yet, so we have to go out in the field, now.” I quickly turned away and slowly walked off as my son was led away.  Although, I was feeling his anxiety of doing something for the first time, I knew I should not look at him and see the fear or uncertainty in his eyes, so I non-chalantly turned around and let the coach take over.  All the while thinking, “That is my baby boy.”

Being today was the first day of practice, I felt like the first time I watched my daughter perform at her first dance recital. I was so thrilled that I felt my heart was just going to burst out of my chest. Although, with my daughter, I got all teary-eyed during her performance, watching my son out there in the little field was emotional, I could only imagine how a mom feels when her son is playing in the world series or superbowl.  Yes, laugh, but I could only imagine what they were feeling seeing their sons out on the playing field!

It looks like my son did good for his first lesson and that the session went well.  I was a proud momma bear! As a special treat, his brother invited him over to play with the boys. He was thrilled.  When I picked him up, later, he grumbled all the way home that he hadn’t wanted to leave, yet. 

Hmmm…..reminds me of his momma (me) when I called my cousin, many years ago, because I had been drinking at the dance club and didn’t want to drive home.  I asked her to come get me, “BUT NOT YET!” as I spoke through the loud music. Then, suddenly, I feel a tap on my shoulder and she’s telling me, “Let’s go.”  “What??? I didn’t want to leave, yet?? Waaaaa!”

Yesterday was full of promise.
Energy was put forth, without hesitation.
Still, it was all well worth it.

Cheryl Richardson talks to us this week about choosing our personal life theme. This got me to thinking about a challenge to myself to work towards becoming reconnected to God in every aspect of my life. I had many blessings in 2009 that I have the desire to thank Him by changing some of my habits that will be more pleasing to Him.  I want to personally set aside time to show Him by my spiritual actions.  “How do I start?” was the question I continually asked myself.  I like the idea of a personal theme to help keep me focused.

As I am reading in Facebook, I click on a friend’s link, that then leads me to another link that takes me to an article, “The Benefits of a Bad Year – Joel 2:13.” As I read on, God has placed the inspiration in my heart.

“This sets up the application in Joel’s message—that the people should use the hard times as an occasion to repent:

“Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
  but tear your hearts instead.
Return to the Lord your God,
  for he is merciful and compassionate,
Slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
  He is eager to relent and not punish.” (Joel 2:13, NLT)”

“Tear your hearts…Return to the Lord your God.”  What a beautiful message and how apropos; a response to which I was seeking this upcoming year.

Over the past months, I have been listening to La Luz Del Mundo radio and the message from my childhood church; God’s messages are calling to me. I need to not only hear them, but start taking action.

This year I want to “Live with an open heart.” I will be open and receive the spiritual opportunities that come to me. I do not only want to hear them, but practice them. I have already begun taking the first steps.

I pray and ask for prayer that the Good Lord guides me through this year, not only for myself, but with and for my children.

The celebrations just continued after the new year.  Grandbaby Jaiden Joseph’s birthday was celebrated at the kids’ all-time favorite, Chuck E. Cheese.  The older children enjoyed games at the midway, then it was back for pizza, with a special birthday song and dance by Chuck E. Cheese, himself, in honor of Jaiden.  When it was time to eat birthday cake, Jaiden especially enjoyed it! He wore it all over his face.  He was truly savoring every morsel of his cake.   

The nice thing about turning one and having your birthday after Christmas is that you get to get more presents! It was a great day to celebrate a baby’s first year surrounded by family and friends.

For the past month, I have been nostalgic with tears watering my eyes as I think back to the day I brought my baby girl home. The reason; yesterday, she turned 15. I have been reliving the memory of the day I received the call about a baby who was to be born in the next month. Soon after the call, things became a whirlwind. All kinds of emotions, anxiety, fear, disbelief, but, above all, a blessed miracle about to happen. 

I remember the call about the child being born. It’s a girl! Although it didn’t matter what sex it was, 51% of me wanted a girl! I remember holding her for the first time in my arms…a full head of dark black hair, so tiny, so helpless, but mine. I remember feeling a little jealous as her caregiver held her and played with her and dressed her. But, at the same time, being very thankful for the love her family and her had showered upon my baby girl until the time I could bring her home.

The trip home was one full of miracles. The trip through the mountains and past the federales on a cold night as we traveled towards home, being waived through at the border crossing and realizing, after we had passed the immigration station, that it had been closed; something that had never happened all the years we had visited the Rio Grande Valley.   God had heard my prayers and I soon had my beautiful daughter home with me.

I’m remembering her at 3 years old turning in circles in her “chonitos” and “chongitos”; dancing to Barney songs; dressing up in her own style. My little Pachis is now 15 years old. I thank God for my miracle child. She was born in my heart and God brought her to life.

To celebrate her birthday, Vincent, grandma Rodriguez and I enjoyed her favorite, pizza, at Gatti-town. She was totally surprised and happy when she saw the Aguilar family entering the restaurant. I had not told her they were coming. So, seeing them was an extra treat for her birthday.

Click on image for larger view.

God Bless you, my little Pachis! May He keep you safe as you continue through your teen years and into adulthood. Love, Momma.

I love snowmen. It’s that time of year when, brrrr, it’s chilly! Although in Texas we do not get snow (like Chief said we got all but 12 flakes!), I love snowmen graphics. When I used to pixel, I loved collecting graphics for my snowman page. I haven’t pixeled in a looooong while, but I wanted to show off my page if only annually. Click here to see my collection. Enjoy them as much as I do.

I’m also thankful to have made a full dinner, had mom and dad over and enjoy the comforts of my home with them, my family. We ate until we could eat no more. Afterwards, we went to the den to watch The Taking of Pelham 123. Great movie! Believe it or not, dad stayed awake the whole time! Mom napped off and on throughout the movie. Usually, it’s dad who naps.

As I said prayer at Thanksgiving dinner, I thanked God for the blessing of my home. I thanked Him for reuniting the Aguilar family with my children and me after a long separation. I asked for continued healing for all of us and to give us more opportunities to spend time together. I thanked Him for the blessing of having dad and mom still with me as I see them slowly maturing and it getting harder for them to move around because of age. I prayed that He keep them healthy. I am thankful that my children will have good memories with their grandparents. And, of course, for the blessing of the meal that was about to nourish our bodies.

I hope your Thanksgiving was spent among those near and dear to you and I wish you many blessings always.

Click image for larger view.

I’m listening to La Luz Del Mundo Radio. They played a beautiful song sung by the choir, Oh Jesus Creo en Ti. I remember when I first heard my cousin, Maria, sing that at church, many years ago. The words were so beautiful that portions of the song have remained in my mind, even now. I wish I could share the LLDM version; it is beautiful. Since I can’t, I found this version. The words are beautiful sung in any way. I hope you enjoy. I include the lyrics.