The Mexican Wife

Good Changes

2011-05-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

Is it really Memorial Day weekend? Wow, time flies when you're having fun! The ninos are so excited to be getting out of prison, er, I mean school next week. We've been on countdown since March (yes, really, we have!) as GiGi has tremendously looked forward to this time. "Only 52 days until school is out..."

They have been so ready to do whatever they want, which usually involves getting “bored” by exactly three days into summer break! Today is an especially fun day, as our community pool finally opens up, and they can swim to their little heart’s content. Even Sophi , who is constantly asking to go to the beach, so she can “dig,” is happy about the pool. Bunch of fishy kids – they could live in the water.

The Mexican Daddy got home safely last night from his crazy short and stressful trip to Sierra Vista, and we are so glad to have him back. Probably a good thing he has not been called to travel at this time in our family’s life, as we are all far too clingy and needy with him to handle it well. We are believing for the job he interviewed for there, even though he has other upcoming interviews. This job would put the move at mid to late June.

I have been slowly weaning off my busy and beautiful life here in Katy, out of preparation for the clarity we have in time frame now, and just in wisdom for the “rush” of final move prep. I am no longer working at Autumn Grove, or volunteering with the wonderful people of God at the Chuckwagon ministry. Oh, how I will miss those beautiful feet!!!

My business is growing, mainly online through the website, skype, social media, etc. It is exciting to be working with clients now, as I know this program will impact their lives for the better. I am in permanent training as God has placed powerful mentors in my path to teach me the way of the internet business/ministry, and to pour into my life personally…oh, how faithful He is!

Be blessed,

This Mexican Wife is!

The Best Weekend Ever!

2011-04-22T11:20:00.001-07:00

My kids are so happy to be off for the holiday today – with the extra stress of cramming for the upcoming TAKS test at school, today came just in time! The weather is so perfect here in Katy today, warm and toasty, but with a cool breeze blowing through. So we started our three day weekend off right, out in the garden and front yard, adding colorful impatiens to our growing collection of spring beauties. Then we planted the rest of our herbs, adding dill, cilantro, and basil to our “edibles” garden. After some fun in the early morning sun, we started breakfast.

Breakfast on the weekends at our house is always a big deal, since there is time to not only create, but enjoy, a fuller spread than on rushed weekday mornings. So as I prepared yet another version of my “healthy” iced coffee for us, and started flipping low-sugar pancakes, my seven year old daughter GiGi exclaimed, “Mom, this is the best weekend ever!”

She has been looking forward to this weekend for many reasons (she knows there will be an egg hunt on Sunday!), but the simplest reason has already been the most rewarding for her – I promised her iced coffee! She asked for it all week, but I just didn’t think it would be right to send her off to first grade, hopped up on full strength coffee. So I told her to wait until the weekend, and now we’re here, and her craving is satisfied. Her proclamation of the “best weekend” is also tied to the fact that she doesn’t love school right now, so she realized this morning that she’s already having this much fun, and “it isn’t even Saturday yet!”

That is what I love about kids, and the way they see life – all it takes sometimes is pancakes and iced coffee to make their day. The best things in life really are free – when you’re seven! These are the things that really matter, aren’t they?

The Eyes of the World

2011-04-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

My distaste for technology may be due to the fact that I grew up in the country, no access to the outside world through telephone, internet, or television. My kids are aghast as I tell them the story of Mommy’s techie-less childhood, pity filling their eyes as I speak of a life isolated. Even as I try to reassure them that I liked it that way, they shake their heads in disbelief, appalled that their grandparents would submit my siblings and I to a life without the windows of the world looking in.

That’s correct, you heard me right – no TV, no WII, no DVD player, a Blueray thingamajig. No internet access, no cell phones – heck, no phone at all! We lived in the “boondocks” as Dad lovingly called them, dry, harsh desert lands just north of the Mexico – Arizona border. Eight siblings, we were each other’s best frenemies. We were fierce kids, smart kids, and always healthy kids. The outdoors was our playground, and living in the country, there was plenty enough for everyone! We ran, built forts, kept pets, caught lizards, and rode our bikes everywhere.

Then one year, our innocence was interrupted, and we became the new owners of a much-loved Nintendo game console. It came into our lives when I was about thirteen, and from that point on, we suffered from “Mario addiction.” I can still whistle the theme music…doo doo doo, doo doo do doood! After a couple of weeks, though, the novelty of it wore off, and we were soon back outside – running and romping and creating.

That was my only brush with technology and its power as a child – and I sometimes envy those innocent days of ignorant bliss. Fast forward to today – I run a full-fledged internet business, happily most days, frustratingly on others. I continue to believe in the usefulness of Facebook, Twitter and texting for communication purposes and business networking – though NONE of those programs are my friend. I am unceasingly surprised at the openness of folks on the internet, and especially appalled at what comes out of the mouths, err, keyboards – of “Christians” across the net, especially on Facebook! Call me old-fashioned, and you bet your bippie, you’d be right. Call me a prude – right again! Chalk it all up to growing up in a home where our mother’s jaw would drop if one of us said “deodorant” in “mixed” company!

I guess my point to all this jibber jabber is that I wonder where the personal discretion has gone. Yes, I get it – technology is here to stay, it’s a good thing for business and growth, yada yada. I am finally getting pretty excited about that opportunity, too. My question is just this – with the eyes of the world upon us Christians in a more highly exposed way than ever before, what are we going to do with this opportunity?

I’m not by any means suggesting we put a Scripture on every Facebook post, or use Twitter to put 140 character mini-sermons into cyberspace! I am merely questioning the usage of what is before us as a tool to reach dozens, no hundreds – actually, thousands for Christ! Not just in a “Holy” way, but in tangible ways, too. What about just being a positive encourager on the web? Maybe just keeping some “moods” and anger issues at “you know who’s” at bay, or even privately deal with them before God rather than on the world-wide web! I don’t know, I’m “just sayin!”

I guess I have to realize that my kids are growing up in a time very different than my own childhood. I don’t fear for them though, they serve the same God I did! I just want them to use what is before them as a tool for Kingdom purposes, rather than a stress buster or mood releaser for themselves. I just want them to realize that there are consequences for everything we do, including for what we know to do, and then choose not to do! I guess I just want them to remember, online and off, that the eyes of the world are upon them.

Outside Fun in Katy This Spring

2011-03-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

Getting outside in Katy this spring has been easy, due to the gorgeous weather and lack of offensive insects. As the grass and trees are turning green and “coming alive” again, the instinctual internal urge in some of us to get out and get dirty has taken over. Both Juan and I are nature lovers, and I guess the kids inherited our love (or adapted to it.) They are outside everyday now, leaving the long, dark days of winter behind them.
Riding their bicycles, catching frogs, blowing bubbles, playing with sidewalk chalk, and helping us garden are the activities of the day now. The hillbillies that my kids are, bare feet and comfortable is the dress code. I’m soaking it up. My fondest childhood memories are wrapped around similar activities with my parents at the farm in Illinois. We caught frogs, too, and ran wild in the green grass, dug in the dirt with my gardening mama, and re-entered a warmer world every spring, just free to be.
So this weekend, when I rallied the family lawn crew to help cut, trim, sweep, and plant, the kids squealed in delight and argued over who got to do what. We were all out there, our man Daddy pushing the mower and manning the trimmer. Jovanni was master yard cleanup foreman, and the girls just giggled and swept. Even Sophi had fun “helping.”
It is fun to see last year’s bulbs reappear as fresh new spears of potential color. The new flowers are settling in, and their blooms are vibrant pinks, purples, and oranges as they have begun “liking’ their new home. The grass is thick and beautiful, and the new avocado and lime trees are sprouting new growth and even blooming. The hyacinth is the queen beauty, showing off her big, tropical pink-orange blooms.

Between the kids and the plants, I guess you could say we’re all one happy, growing family!

Trying to Plan as God Laughs

2011-03-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

If you have been missing my regular weekly postings on here, I apologize. I’ve had a little bit more excitement than I like in the Blanco household lately, and am looking forward to some down time soon! We are in a weird phase of our lives right now, as we wait on the Lord for Juan’s job situation (no word yet on anything!), the sale of our home (we’re still hoping we won’t have to sell and move!) and potential move. It’s so strange to not know anything.

It’s been real growth for me though, as I tend to want to know where, when, and how constantly! I want to plan (are we supposed to plant our citrus trees, or do we wait?) and I want to enroll the kids in activities. I want to know where the kids are attending school this fall, and…

Well, as I try to plan, God laughs. No, He’s not laughing at me, necessarily, He’s laughing softly with me. He’s amused by my innocent bewilderment, and as I surrender (again and again!) to His will, His plan, and His desires for me, I cry. I cry tears of relief, for He really does have it all under control. I cry tears of anger at myself for losing my way again. I cry tears of joy, for He brings me joy. I am once again found by Him in the middle of the wilderness, and He plucks me out of it and sets me down in the oasis for a cool drink of water.

Wow, He’s good. All the time. Even when I’m not! He’s always good.

Just a couple of days ago, when the emotional pressure of the above issue and a few others that come with running a home based business while raising four kids was growing unbearable, I broke. I was in my bathroom, and I was having a talk with God (at the sink, in case you were getting grossed out, although the bathroom does tend to be my place of sanity and the ONLY place I can get alone!) Anyway, he was so loving to me as I had my mini-breakdown. He spoke to me so softly.

"Bess, why are you worrying?" That was all He said, and all He had to say, because that was enough as the conviction rushed over me. Scripture came to me, reminding me that I was not supposed to worry, but be in faith and trust Him. Oh, that was a good moment with Him!

How has He been good to you this week? God bless you, my dear friends and family, as you journey this never dull, and always rewarding road with our God!

Our Prodigal Puppy

2011-02-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

We call Lacey our miracle puppy. Our family has loved this dog since the summer of 2009, and she is officially a member of the Blanco family. She was a treasure to find, and has been a blessing to keep, but those aren’t the real reasons she’s our miracle.
Last month, she was not wearing a collar and name tag, and she did the inevitable. She ran out while one of us was putting out the trash, and none of us noticed. We didn’t notice the rest of the night that she was gone, either. We didn’t even notice the next morning (a Saturday) until Daddy asked us where she was. After calling for her and whistling (which usually brings her bounding to us within a few seconds) we began to realize with horror that she was gone. I began to panic as I realized the reality of the situation. It had been a hard freeze the night before, and I hadn’t even noticed my puppy was gone! Because she was not wearing a tag, if someone did find her, they couldn’t call!
I was in tears by the time my son Jovanni and I were driving the neighborhood in the mini-van. I was an emotional mess, due to my sadness, panic, and tremendous guilt that I hadn’t even noticed she was missing the night before. After a few moments of trying to console me, my mature son straightened up in the passenger seat and declared, “OK, Mom, you can cry. I’m gonna pray that God helps us find her.”
That’s exactly what he did. He prayed a heartfelt, passionate prayer in full belief that God would honor his request. Then he told me, “Mom, let’s go back home, I feel like she’s close to our house.” I kept quiet, but obediently turned the van around, all while mentally picturing my Yorkie, dead, in one of the neighborhood bayous.
Jovanni and his sister Isabella took off on their bikes, stopping and knocking on every door close to our house, while I made a “wanted” poster with my puppy’s picture on it. I began to tape it up to the street poles, stop signs, and mail boxes in our neighborhood. Three cul-de-sacs down from our house, as I was taping up a sign, I heard a shrill bark form the garage of the house right in front of me. Could that be Lacey? No, I must be imagining it! I called out, and whistled. Now she really started making noise!
That kind lady had put Lacey up for the frozen night in her garage, but now willingly gave her back to me. I took my shaken puppy home, and yelled for Jovanni and Isabella to come see. The prodigal puppy was found, and as we tousled and played with our baby again, I gazed with pride on my son. He looked at me, grinning, and now I cried healthy tears in appreciation for a son who acted in faith.

Living With Intention - A Call From God

2011-02-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

This post is for the precious few people who read my blog and faithfully support me! I am writing today to let you know what Juan and I have been working on for a while now, and are ready to launch into cyberspace soon! It is a new interactive website with opportunity to grow and involve more resources and individuals as time goes on.
It has been impressed on our spirits recently, more and more to "get ready." Ready, not just for Christ's return, but He has been teaching us how to ready ourselves for our life here on this beautiful earth he has given us. We’re learning how to pursue His best for us; in body, soul and Spirit. He has been talking to us through His Word on letting go of our "stuff," downsizing our previous priorities, and tightening our belts in our finances and food!
We are on an exciting journey of training - for His call on our lives as a family. I used to think only of MY call from Him, like it was just something special for me, and the kids would figure theirs out when they graduated high school! Juan and I have had some major revelations recently, as we're realizing that our children ARE our calling, that this life in this place right now IS our calling, and that what He has us doing today is as vitally important to our journey as anything else. Even when that is eating healthier, spending less, clearing clutter, learning how to give... REALLY give, and exercising more! I'm learning to give up my time, my efforts, my creativity for Him - it's all His, anyway - I didn't give these gifts to myself!
So we invite you to join us on this journey. Join us as we get ready for more with Him. As we ready ourselves in strength and health, clear minds and spirits, clean homes and hearts - an all around lifestyle change for Him! We're calling it The Intentional Lifestyle. It is a fresh take on the classic instructions found in the Bible for how to live our lives; with purpose and passion and walking in His love towards others. There is so much He has for us, we just have to step up and receive it - in faith.
Please visit our new website, sign up for our newsletter, browse our articles and ideas. There will be new material posted almost every day, as the ideas flow and the inspiration hits! Are you ready to fulfill His great calling for your life? Do you want to change anything about your current lifestyle? Then join us at www.theintentionallifestyle.com and walk the road with us! There is so much to come, and we cheer you on in faith as you strive to live with more intention!
We love you all, and thank each of you for your support over the years - you are truly a blessing to us!

Change Happens, Might as Well Embrace It

2011-02-22T04:29:00.000-08:00

My three-year-old daughter likes routine. Her schedule runs pretty much the same for her every day; she gets up at seven, she watches cartoons for a couple hours with her juice cuppy, she eats lunch at noon and naps afterward for a couple hours – life is good for Sophie. Until her routine gets interrupted by…well, by life! Then the moods elevate, the irritability grows, the impatience kicks in…you know what I mean!

She’s a lot like me. She is in a great mood as long as things are going her way, but the minute her way is interrupted by someone else’s need - or, way - then it’s all over. I’m coming to the realization that I am more than my children's mother; I am them, just older and with a little more self control. I throw tantrums sometimes. I get sleepy and irritable when I’m not rested. I need hugs, kisses, and cuddling to reassure me. I am my children!

So as much as possible, I try to keep Sophie’s routine for her. Not only will her day go a lot smoother, mine will too! There are days, though, where change is inevitable. We may have to leave our house to run an errand, go visiting, or – gasp! – got to preschool! Sophie is learning that despite her resistance to change, change still occurs.

As time goes on, she will get older and have to release me - and her routine - from her iron grip. Hopefully her life will become more about embracing change, instead of merely tolerating it.

Our Family's Healthy Pursuit - An Update

2011-01-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

The last three weeks of being on a low-sugar lifestyle change have been eye-opening, to say the least! Saying no to the old way of eating (mindlessly, mostly) and bringing in the new way (completely, constantly mindful) is not easy. It’s even more difficult when feeding four snack-addicted youngsters, and to further complicate the transition, we’re doing it all on a tight budget! Well, at least we’re figuring out that it can be done.

It has taken a large amount of creativity, little dose of patience, and a well-deserved and strategically planned cheat or two to make something like this work for the whole family. For example, tonight my thoughtful husband got us out of the house and over to McDonald’s, one of our family’s favorite haunts “pre-low-sugar diet.” I had a sugar-free cappuccino, which curtailed my annoying sweet tooth, and the girls and I shared frozen yogurt sundaes. Not too much damage done, while my growing obsession with something sweet is quenched.

Gigi, my bread lover, still gets to eat her carbs, just less of them. She is finding the transition smoother than she first thought it would be when she stood horrified as I threw all the “crap” that was in the pantry into the trash three weeks ago! She is relieved that I am finding creative solutions to meet her bottomless need for all things carbohydrates, even as I sneak more protein into her previously sugar-infested diet.

The variety in our diet as a family has not been eliminated; in fact, we are finding that we are getting more creative with the foods we are allowed to eat. We eat more “colorful” food now, beautifully full salads and soups, loaded with such delicacies as avocado, cheeses in all forms, and crisp, fresh nuts. I was also so happy to get guiltless permission to enjoy my occasional bacon again, and the once a week red meat serving in the form of a juicy steak is always a pleasure!

So, as we are finding, in the deprivation there is reward, similar to walking closer with Christ, right? As we die to the flesh, we find less really is more, and the small things matter more. The taste of some pure chocolate now, in a small bite, is more fulfilling to my palate than a full size candy bar used to be; that sinful treat always leaving guilt as an aftertaste.

As we enter our fourth week as a low-sugar, low-carb eating family, we have renewed commitment and an excited expectation as our waists are shrinking and our energy levels increasing. No more rise and fall all day long, of sugar levels and emotions! More stability, less irregularity. We can do this!

New Habits, New Health

2011-01-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

Frankly, I am shocked at my “progress” with this brand new health and lifestyle change my family and I have implemented this year. I emphasize the word progress because the scale doesn’t say anything different than last year’s weight yet. The clothes I yearn to try on without popping the front button off don’t fit me – yet. No, nothing has visibly changed as of now. On the outside, that is. Inside, however, there is change – and it’s good!

We began a low sugar, carb counting regimen early last week, and we are already noticing substantial improvement in energy and sleeping habits. Right before I began this plan, I was not sleeping much at all, averaging just four or five hours a night, due to a busy mind, and restlessness. I also was dragging all day, napping at least three days a week, and always off balance in the “regularity area!” The funny thing was, I wasn’t concerned about any of these symptoms, or how to improve them, because I had gotten so used to them and was assuming they were the norm!

So when we cut our sugar intake down to 15 grams a day, and carbs down to six or less servings a day (a serving is 0-20 grams per helping), we thought we would have withdrawal or something. Nope, nothing. Not even a headache! The tiredness and drag disappeared almost immediately (maybe two days in?), I have no bloating, gassiness or any other digestive malady (I had forgotten what it is like to “go” normally!) I’m sleeping like a baby every night, getting up with alertness (that’s before my coffee!) and going all day, no dragging or napping. It’s weird, feeling this good, I feel young again! I had heard that saying before, but never really knew how much it meant until now!

I have also been exercising –and if you really know me, you know that I DESPISE exercising! So, what I told myself was, if I just do something active for twenty minutes or more every day, then I could do it. I couldn’t just come out of the resolution gate, “working out” three times a week, I had to convince myself just to get up, get out, and move for a few minutes every day, and it would be better than nothing! So the first day, I rode bicycles with my kids around the block a couple times, the next day, I walked fast for twenty minutes with my husband, and by the third day, while walking with my friend, I was starting to get excited. I could do this exercise thing! We pounded the pavement for an hour, and I didn’t even realize it!

So, I am on the road to improvement, twenty minutes at a time. 15 grams of sugar at a time. One day at a time. That’s the moral of the story, really – just start some kind of an improvement , any improvement, and take it one step at a time! That will put you on the road to success, and that’s a road we all can travel in 2011!

What about you? Are you tackling a healthy new lifestyle too? Tell me what you're trying, and how you're feeling! I want to share in your success with you!

Christmas in Mexico

2011-01-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

Freshly made tamales stuffed with spicy beef, menudo steaming on the back stove, too many kids running underfoot shouting and playing, an excited air of anticipation to the house. You wouldn’t guess it’s an apartment in northern Sonora, Mexico – it’s just Abuelita’s house to us. Warmth, joy and family was what Christmas in Mexico was about this year. A last-minute excursion all the way from Houston, Texas – we drove fifteen hours in one day to save time and money – we spent precious time with the family we left in the southwest when we migrated to Texas sixteen months ago. After building more memories, eating way too much delicious holiday food Mexican style, and visiting Nana Antonia’s gravesite, we headed back home. Another fifteen-hour drive straight through.

It was on that drive home that I realized how hard this trip had really been. Not for the kids, they had the usual “too much fun, candy and fireworks!” But for Juan. And his siblings. And Zenon (Abuelito), and everyone else who loves Kikey (Abuelita) and her family. This was the first family Christmas in Mexico in twenty-two years.

She lives in that apartment now, located just a few yards from the fence that towers over the border between Mexico and Arizona. Just a few miles on the other side of the fence sits her ghost-like house, empty of her matronly spirit, no mouth-watering smells in her kitchen. No more sitting under the cool, expansive porch next to the rosebushes, watching the kids play baseball. There is no one swinging quietly on the porch swing, spitting out sunflower seed shells while the bees cruise the garden.

I realize that this is a familiar story for too many in this country now. There are far more tragic stories out there, children separated from their families, spouses forced apart by the law. But when it happens to your own, and you live a moment in their struggle, and experience just a glimpse of their pain, it changes perspective a bit. Just a bit.

So we accept this new trial; anyway, what can be done? We stand by our Abuelita and try to give her enough hugs, enough love, to last until the next visit. She does have family there, thank God. They take good care of her and are truly holding down the fort. So we pray for them all; for strength to get through this, creativity to find a better way if there is one, and most of all, that God keep everyone safe and healthy, as He so graciously does.

Our Journey to Bethlehem

2010-12-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

This weekend, the Blanco family experienced Christmas in a new way. We went to Current Church on Saturday night, which hosted a live Biblical experience, called “Journey to Bethlehem.” From the time we entered that church, we were treated like part of the production, and we loved it! We were placed in the “Abraham family,” and ushered outside into the frigid air after refreshments and a brief overview. Soon, the reality of what Mary and Joseph and all the other Israelites experienced on their way to be “counted” in Bethlehem, began to sink in! The girls and I held hands nervously, but with a twinge of excitement, as we experienced firsthand the evening of a traveling Jew from our various hometowns to Roman-led Bethlehem!

Everyone was dressed in the garb of that day, complete with beards and sandals, and though we were “tourists,” we were participants in the adventure! As we followed our guide, Benjamin, and his wife, Hannah, we not only met horses, sheep, camels, donkeys, and goats along the way, but we also began hearing the word of the coming Messiah. Not only was He prophesied to come to earth, but He was going to save us from Roman rule. As we were stopped along the way and checked by the dreaded Roman soldiers, we began to see why relief from their cruel rule would be miraculous! Later on, we came upon the traveling Maggi, who graciously showed us the gifts they were bringing the new King – they were so elegant and royal in their wealthy robes and headpieces!

We passed shepherds in the field, who spoke excitedly of the rumored Messiah. Just then, angels appeared in the far field and in the incredible glow of light, prophesied the coming King! Moving on, we shivered in the cold, and at another checkpoint, our money was taken for “taxes.” Benjamin was livid, as we were told about the census, but not about more taxes! There was just enough money to find a place for the family to stay somewhere in Bethlehem, and to give each child a shekel to spend at the town market! The kids excitedly held their shiny coins, and as we entered the market, vendors began their sales pitches, “Ten shekels for this plump chicken!”

From the marketplace, the kids left with wooden tops, handmade necklaces and other goodies. We moved on to find a place to stay, and soon realized there was no more room! The man at the inn told us about the stable around back that maybe had a little room left, but to keep quiet, as a young woman had just given birth to a baby boy there earlier that night. As we rounded the corner, a trio of village worshippers sang greetings to us. And there, in the back of that humble shanty, a young mother held the Savior in her arms, gently rocking him as her husband looked lovingly on. A donkey stood just feet from them, calmly chewing. Tears came to my eyes as this experience came to a close, and I realized that we had lived just a moment in the real experience of Jesus’ first night here on earth.

Did You Know?

2010-12-07T15:10:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW?

As you walk up the steps to the building which houses the U.S. Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world's law givers and each one is facing one in the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view ... The one in the middle is Moses and he is holding the Ten Commandments!

DID YOU KNOW?
As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door.

DID YOU KNOW?
As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see on the wall right above where the Supreme Court Judges sit, is a display of the Ten Commandments!

DID YOU KNOW?
There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington, D.C.
James Madison, the fourth president, known as 'The Father of Our Constitution' made the following statement:
'We have staked the whole of all our political Institutions upon the capacity of mankind for Self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to The Ten Commandments of God.'

DID YOU KNOW?
Every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since 1777. Fifty-two of the fifty-five founders of the Constitution were members of the established Orthodox churches in the colonies.

DID YOU KNOW?
Thomas Jefferson worried that the Courts would overstep their authority and instead of merely interpreting the law, would begin making law an oligarchy, which is the rule of a few over many.

How then, have we gotten to the point that everything we have done for 220 years in this Country is now suddenly wrong and Unconstitutional?

(This is borrowed from a mass mailing, and I would give credit to the author, but no author was stated.)

2010-11-30T06:43:00.000-08:00

25 Things the Blanco Family Experienced After One Whole Year in Texas…

1. Camped with the alligators in the rain (almost!)

2. Accidently picked up a baby water moccasin (viper) in the backyard

3. Seen too many dead armadillos to count, but no living ones

4. Bumped into an opossum with the van (Daddy!), and knocked it silly (it’s alive!)

5. Rode a camel – Jovanni , Bess and Gavin

6. Drove through fog so thick you can’t see the car in front of you

7. Swam in the ocean with jumping fish and diving birds (which were eating the jumping fish!) One fish slapped Bess in the face with its tail before it fell back into the water!

8. Fell in love with Texas Land and Cattle Restaurant (best chicken fried chicken in the state!)

9. Drove back to AZ to visit family and friends, then drove back home to Texas (You ever driven across the entire state of Texas?! Oh yeah? With two vehicles, six kids, two dogs and three semi-grumpy adults?!)

10. Picked bluebonnets near Brenham (which we later found out was totally illegal!)

11. Learned the Texas state pledge

12. Lived first in an apartment, then in our dream two-story home – now the kids have to help us clean, but they really don’t mind!

13. Played on the beach of South Padre Island, Texas, with Tio Byron and Tia Illiana, where we truly enjoyed the sun-drenched island and all there was to do there.

14. Worked at a nursing home with wonderful Grandpa’s and Grandma’s who have Alzheimer’s – where there is NEVER a dull moment! (Bess)

15. Drove to Tulsa, Oklahoma to visit Grandpa Corky and family. Took six kids, three adults and two rambunctious puppies (Cagney and Lacey!)

16. Rescued a tiny baby kitty, then promptly gave it away – NO CATS!!!

17. Went to the Houston Zoo, where the kids were prairie dogs for a moment!

18. Swam and played at Schlitterbahn Water Park in New Braunsfels (with Tio And Tia again!), the largest water park in the world. (Mom stayed in the kiddie section with Sophie – we burnt up, but loved it!)

19. Went to Dallas for a whole week without ANY family (Jovanni)– Youth For the Nations Camp – Jovanni hated the food, but will be forever impacted by the worship, fellowship and training he received there!

20. Mom and Dad flew to Alabama (gorgeous state – at least northern AL, which is in the Tennessee River Valley.)

21. Made some really good friends who have helped us feel at home here!

22. Ate at Cheddar’s for the first time. We really enjoyed the nachos (Jovanni) and crescent rolls (Bess).

23. Got promoted for a long-worked-for position, Project Manager! (Juan)

24. Found a church where “Everyone is a minister!” and settled into the church family

25. Missed our friends and family back in sunny AZ – Have a wonderful holiday season and joyous new year!!!

This countdown's purpose is to generate questions! Ask us anything about these fun stories, we'd love to tell you!

What Do You Have To Be Thankful For?

2010-11-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

It's 2010, and it's Thanksgiving Day again this Thursday. I'm so excited, the turkey is thawing, the pie ingredients sitting in my pantry, ready to be beaten, tossed, rolled and baked into scrumptious goods for our bellies, devoured with family and friends around a warm, cozy kitchen.

Thanksgiving Day is my absolute favorite holiday, hands down. Especially since about three years ago, when our life as the Blanco family was looking up again after the hardest time of our lives! Anyone who doubts God's goodness and provision should just let Juan and I tell you even ten minutes of our story, and you will know, by the gleam in our eyes and the wide smiles on our faces, how good our God is! Life can be tough, and unfair, and flat out miserable sometimes. God knows that, and He always give enough grace and love and strength to get us through. And not just through it, but better for it!

So I have ALOT to be thankful for this holiday. My handsome, godly man and the integrity he lives every day by. The way he holds me every day, kisses me every night, and values me as his wife and mother of his children. My strapping young son and his tender heart, the way he cares for his sisters, even when the estrogen levels reach "overboard" in this house! At twelve, he has a sense of God's call on his life, and holds an incredible heart for God. My oldest daughter and lifesaver, Isabella. At nine, she is "little mama," nurturer, family cheerleader, Sophie's life teacher, and everybody's friend. Gigi, in her six year old innocence, is very wise, too loud and wonderfully humerous! She lights up any room she enters, and her charm is endearing, even right after she's made you steaming mad! Sophie, our "baby" at two, (almost three) is gorgeous, delightfully stubborn, and never boring! She has the voice of an angel, and is painfully shy outside of the house. She has many admirers, as she sports the favor of the Lord on her and her life!

You see, the most important things in my life are not things at all. I know what it is like to lose those most precious to you. I've lost them before. God in His mercy saw fit to restore me my family and future. And I'm so very, very grateful for that.

I'm thankful for the family of God, His people who embrace eachother, share in life with eachother, correct eachother and cheer for eachother. Without them, we would be weak warriors in this battle we are in! No one in the body is perfect, or should pretend to be. We're meant to be different, to complete eachother and strengthen eachother for this walk.

I'm thankful for you, my readers, as I tred this troubled ground of being a wordsmith for the Lord. It is not ever easy, not always rewarding, but so necessary. He has put me here, at this time and in this place to wield the Sword, His word, and do battle for His kingdom. I am so thankful that He gives me the testimony, the words, and the stubborness to fulfill His call on my life in this ministry of writing.

So I just have one question for you, my friend, what do YOU have to be thankful for this year? God bless you as you take inventory of all His blessings in your life!

Thanksgiving is coming!

2010-11-16T18:52:00.001-08:00

Turkey in the oven, something boiling on the stove.

Cranberry sauce shining bright red, the scents through the whole house rove.

There’s dressing, and sweet potatoes, rolls and pecan pie on the side,

Gravy’s smellin’ good now, let’s take a crisp fall ride -

To Mom’s house on Thanksgiving Day, flavors plenty we’ll enjoy.

We’ll eat too much and fellowship, we’ll drink a little, oh boy!

We never tire of this holiday, for the warmth and friendship fill –

Our house with bodies, big and small, and laughter; until –

We can’t move off the couch ‘cuz we ate and ate and ate.

Cuz the turkey is all gone now, and the pie was so darn great!

by
Bess Blanco

2010-11-09T07:30:00.001-08:00

I’m loving my life today. Not that today is any different than other days. I’m just feeling overwhelmed with thankfulness today. I am so blessed. Sitting here in my beautiful, safe home at my awesome computer working on a book that is glorifying God here on earth. This project has been incubating inside of me for a long time now, and the urge to tell this story has risen up in me like a flood. I’m ready to bare open my heart and soul for the sake of other Christians who are looking for hope and Word knowledge on who they really are and why they are here.

I am so blessed with the family I have; my healthy, beautiful kids and their incredible daddy. Jovanni is my little man, loving, tender and on fire for the kingdom. Isabella and her thoughtful ways, Gigi and her contagious joy, and AnaSophia and her energy, spark and delightful hugs and kisses every day.

Juan is the best man I could have ever asked for. I wouldn’t have thought to ask for someone like him, and I’m so glad I was young and stupid when I said yes! He loves me and these kids with agape love, and he teaches me every day. By his example of faithfulness, and constancy, he teaches me. He is my rock.

Do you ever get a little scared when life is really, really, good – almost like in a “I don’t deserve this” kind of way. I used to feel that way, until I realized that this is the life our Father wants for us, the good life. When we are healthy and balanced, we can give to and do for others. We can disciple the nations, just like He told us to do.

Life isn’t perfect, that wouldn’t be realistic, but I have joy. I’m not “happy,” I just have a joy because of Christ. Thank you Lord, for Who you are – make us more like you!!!

Autumn Delights

2010-09-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

I love every season in its time, and try to enjoy it accordingly. Summer in southeast Texas, however, is difficult to enjoy. Its too hot for too long, with no respite in the evenings or mornings, and even when it rains, the air doesn't cool off. It just hangs heavy with even more humidity.
So today, when the promised "cold front" blew in and chilled the morning off considerably, I was not sad. The girls were excited to dress in long sleeved blouses and pull out their new sweaters. Sophie wore leggings and a fall dress to Miss Mimi's house, happy to be bundled in the new chill.
I have decided autum is my new favorite season, with it's chillier air, and savory smells of pumkin candles and baking bread. The cooler temperatures stir up my innate desire to bake all kinds of goodies, and the kids get excited about the trip to the pumkin patch. It's a wonderful season, with warm memories being made and preparations for the holidays that are coming 'round the corner. It'll be great weather, fun times and cool autumn community events. Great weather, that is, until the cold front blows over and out and the temps hit the 90's again, with the "feel" being in the hundreds!

What's Ducks Got to Do With It?

2010-09-08T04:37:00.000-07:00

The weather was gorgeous Sunday evening when my husband and I decided to get our exercise at the local park. It was Labor Day weekend, so many families surrounded the lake with their fishing poles, picnic baskets, and family dogs. Squirrels scuttled down hundred year old oaks, and babies squealed from their strollers as we breathed in the changing early autumn air! Our youngest, Sophie, rode in her stroller, happy to be out and about, observing the active scene along with us. As we walked and talked, she began to get restless, so we decided to stop and let her run off some energy near the water.

She immediately ran up to the edge of the water, as a group of ducks was busy scrounging through some algae, gulping it down as if it was their last meal. I squatted down near them, as Sophie chattered to them, trying to get close enough to pet them.

It was then that I noticed that there was a larger duck, quacking out orders to a group of about a half dozen medium-size ducks. “Oh, Babe,” I called to Juan, “It’s a mama duck and her teenagers!!!” He laughed, as we realized I was right, and then we really started watching the young family. The mother duck paddled off towards the center of the lake, commanding her “kids” to follow her. Only two of her young ones followed closely, while four of them continued to scrounge frantically at the lake’s edge, muttering quacks out to her. I narrated their duck language for Juan. “Look Babe,” I told him, “They’re telling her, ‘We’re coming, we’re coming mom! Just gimme a minute’!”

We laughed at the ducks, as they treated their mother’s concerns as annoying and unnecessary, much like my pre-teen son sometimes does! It occurred to me that animals in nature are often similar in behavior to us humans. We’ve seen the same ducks, as tiny hatchlings, stay constantly close to their mother, tumbling after her at all times, desperate for her reassurance and approval! Then, as they grow, they slowly gain confidence in themselves and their own capabilities. I noticed that the mother duck didn’t insist on the “teenagers” coming with her at wing’s distance, instead, she gave them their necessary freedom. Soon, due to her innate mothering skills, those “teens” would be ready to take complete care of themselves, and eventually, their own “kids!”

We walked away from the ducks feeling that we had learned a real lesson from a good mom. We must let our children grow, giving them enough discipline to help them choose wisely, but yet knowing when to give them that necessary freedom. Oh, and by the way, I don’t think that duck mama was hung up on any past regrets or mistakes, either!

Rain is my Favorite!

2010-09-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

Rain is my favorite. There is no such thing for me as too much rain. Yes, it's bad for some business, bad for traffic, and around the Houston area, really bad for flooding. I love it just the same. Rain inspires me, comforts me, and refreshes me.
Coming from the desert, there is never enough rain to make me happy...
So today it's raining solid. It's been raining since early this morning, and it hasn't stopped all day. The sky is a beautiful color grey, there is a thrilling chill in the air, and I, for one, am enjoying the respite from the previous record-breaking heat we've experienced all summer. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for autumn.
Today is most likely just a cruel tease, though, since the rain is the run off from Tropical Storm Hermine, but I'll take it. I'm ready for sweater tops and boots, dresses with leggings, and early mornings on the back porch with my coffee, meditating on the coming day. I've decided that September is my new favorite month, with the bearable temperatures, fall veggies, and gorgeous sunsets.
So I'll enjoy today, tease or not, as I ready myself for yet another change in life's ever-changing face.

Early in the morning...

2010-06-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

The house sits hushed, even the very earliest birds in the trees outside are singing quietly. I grab my decaf coffee (I know, what’s the point then, right?!) and look back at my beckoning bed, sitting there, empty and lonely. Ohhh, I don’t want to be up right now, sleep sounds so delightful… Sighing, I turn away with new determination to climb those stairs and start a new life. I know God has been telling me to do this.

I cruise through each kid’s bedroom (I love to look at them when they are sleeping!). Smiling, I silently thank God as I watch Sophie, her lanky body and strawberry blonde hair. For how quiet she is when she is sleeping. Bella looks like a princess, snuggled up in her fluffy comforter, freckles visible even in the early morning light. Like the princess that she knows she is. The next room over, Giana sleeps with vigor. That’s just like her. She’s probably plotting her next move in her dreams right now. Jovanni has his hand against his angelic cheek, like the Thinker. That’s just like him, too, always thinking. Lacey lies next to Jov, curled into the crook of his legs, happy to be her.

I wonder, what do I look like when I’m sleeping? Am I pulling my hair out then, too?!

As the computer comes to life, I realize…It is so quiet! I had previously thought that too much quiet could be a problem. How could I write without breaking up an argument every few minutes? Or without hearing “Appuh joosh, Mommy!!!” in scream form ringing in my ear.

I’ve decided, however, that I like this quiet, strange as the theory is. To think, I wanted to go back to bed! No, I’m ready now, I believe (yawn). Ready to use these precious moments of early morning, where no child roams this house yet today, and heed the calling I have to promote the Kingdom of God on paper!

For the first time in a long time, I click on my program first, resisting the natural urge to check my email or go on facebook. I’m like an addict refusing to turn back! Wow, I’m excited now! Ready! Going forward…oh, how beautiful – the sun just popped up over the horizon, and I had to watch it…Haven’t seen that in too long. Yes, Lord, I’ll obey.

Just musing while in Arizona

2010-06-18T05:19:00.000-07:00

The best part about Southern Arizona is the cool breezes after the sun goes down. No matter what the high temperature was that the unending sunshine brought on by the day, the sunset brings refreshment and rest. Oh, how I miss the crisp evenings. I’m sitting out here writing, at 8:00, no mosquitos in existence here, on mi suegra’s back porch. In fact, I haven’t slapped a leg or arm once for any kind of biting creature!

The second best thing is the sky. Oh, what a sight! The clear, open, friendly sky. Reds, pinks and purples spread in gorgeous harmony across the mountain ridges as the sun and its heat slowly disappears behind them. The stars, one by one, appear in clarity in the deep blue heavens. As the sky gradually grows darker, the stars multiply and soon, the Big Dipper sits in its regal majesty mid-sky. The Milky Way glistens, and the sliver of hopeful moon smiles sideways at me, happily back in my desert, at least for now.

Growing up, I either had to develop an appreciation for the desert, or be miserable in the ridiculous heat that overtakes this land with no reward. Dry, thirsty shrubs spread over the dusty landscape, with a cactus here and there amongst the stones and brush. The mesquite trees provide the respite from the harsh rays, and even then the shade is a tease. But I found the beauty here – beauty I still appreciate. The way the dry, sandy soil would smell after a fresh summer rain, and the rocks would shine because the dust was washed off their surface.

As kids, we had overactive imaginations (my husband would argue that mine has never faded!) and when the monsoons came, our front porch became a pirate ship in a raging sea storm. In drier times, we built forts on the ridges of the arroyos. We were John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. We were cowboys and Indians, ranchers and outlaws, scientists and inventors. It took no money and even less effort on our parent’s part for our imaginations to invent days, weeks, and then years worth of fun and fulfillment! On those long summer days that we would lounge in front of the air conditioner, our bodies lazy from the draining heat of the Arizona sun. Then, when the relief of the evening came, out the door we would go, enjoying the desert and all its hidden charm.
Sometimes I'm sad for today's kids, who seem to need to spend money or have all the newest gadgets and electronics to be entertained. I wonder where their imaginations have hidden!

2010-06-03T09:23:00.001-07:00

GiGi, at the ripe old age of six, has it all figured out! Why does she have to go to school these last few days, when all they do is play and do projects? “We’re not doing anything school, Mom.” She huffily pointed out a couple of nights ago. “Why can’t I just be done with school NOW?!” She’s right, they’re not doing anything academic. She’s done – done with school for this year. She’s been fed up since a couple of months ago, when she decided she didn’t like Ms. Brasier, the poor young woman who has to teach my six-year-old!

It’s been an adjustment this year for her, and her siblings, as they went from their much-loved elementary school in Arizona to two different schools here, since we moved twice. Once to get here to Texas, another to our new (and hopefully permanent for at least five years!) house. We’ve only lived in a house for three years at a time. Here, I’m really ok with not moving for a while.

So, back to GiGi. While I’m writing this, she is attending her LAST day of school for the year! She’ll have exactly 11 weeks with NO school! She thinks she’s excited, but she is a high-maintenance firecracker of a kid, and keeping her from the b-word (boredom) this summer is my greatest challenge! So far, on the roster is our vacation (we leave later today!) camp (only one week ), VBS, swimming, camping, day trips to Houston, swimming, time with friends, swimming, and more swimming. Thank God we have a community pool and splashpad! It is going to save my tushie this summer.

Time to say it!

2010-05-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

So I have decided that I’m now a full-time serious writer. I know, that’s what I believed I was doing in the last couple of months, right? Well, yes, but not the full-time part. And not the serious part. So, I guess I wasn’t doing that at all! I’ve started a couple of blogs, had 2-3 ideas for a book, even wrote the outline for one. I haven’t committed to this goal exactly like I know how to. That all changes write now. I mean right now!

I am giving myself, Lord willing, two years to make it. What do I mean by make it? To actually pull in an input to the income. To get a demand for the skill and talent that God has placed in me from editors, not just my family members! To invest my time wisely, plan my life accordingly, and be a witness to the world through the written word of God’s immense grace and love for us all. And ultimately, have published several articles in magazines, and a book (or two!) would be exciting!

Forget failure, that is not how I live! Stopping is not an option. Giving up for any reason is not an option. Neglecting the work necessary is also not an option. The only option is to write in His will, bless the work by His authority, and watch Him work through me in a way I only dreamed about before!

So faithful fans out there, say a prayer for me when you think of me, and I look forward to telling your testimony someday. As well as my new one!

God bless me an’ you!

To my brother Rich

2010-05-12T11:39:00.001-07:00

To my brother Rich,

What the enemy meant for harm…

We understand each other as siblings so deeply, always have. Through all the years of our childhood, we held a bond in our hearts. We had a love and closeness that our other siblings envied…

We were moved away at a young age from everything and everyone we knew, from the lush green landscape of Northern Illinois to the dry and dusty desert of Southern Arizona…

We were not even allowed to say goodbye to our closest friends from school and play…

We were moved from a two-story farmhouse to a fourteen foot trailer we called our “house” for the next two years…

Our home was in constant turmoil, leaving us stressed, burdened and bitter. Our parents taught us Christianity with their words, and whole other way of living with their actions…

The abuse we suffered at the hands of those who were most trusted, and in authority over our young lives…

The isolation was draining, especially on us naturally social siblings…

There were good times, though mostly hard times…

Both of us married young, both of us lived through a divorce, brought children into this world, and both of us now walk with our Savior daily!

We made so many mistakes, sinned and fell short of Him so many times…

We’ve disappointed each other, momentarily hated each other, betrayed each other…

We are, however, RESTORED, REDEEMED, REBUILT, RIGHTEOUS IN HIM, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL, EXCITED TO BE HIS MINISTERS, and FABULOUS PARENTS (Just ask our kids!)!!!

We are all these things through the unfailing, incredible grace and mercy of our Father and Friend, GOD!!! He brought us back to Him, He blesses us now, and I am so glad I get to share this journey with you, Rich. My stubborn, strong, fiercely loving, kind, faith-filled, and just overall, fantastic brother!

So what the enemy ALWAYS means for harm, Jesus has turned for our good! I love you, Rich.

Spring in Southeast Texas - Beautiful!

2010-04-21T08:27:00.001-07:00

Humidity can be a good thing, in a small amount. As April is progressing here in Southeast Texas, that small amount is growing! As a gardener and nature lover, I love it! The lettuce is already forming small bunches, and I’m salivating at the thought of homegrown salad! My parsley, basil, chives and dill are turning into miniature herb fields, and the okra, peppers and tomatoes are all growing nicely. The flowers here…don’t get me started! My gladiolas are about to burst into bloom at any moment, the deep pink impatiens have become weeds, and the geraniums in red, white and pink are brilliant in the front yard.

So, humidity and I get along just fine. Without the rain, moisture and mist, my garden and flower babies wouldn’t look the same. Trust me, I’ve lived without it! The roadsides in town are amazing, lit up with rose and violet azaleas, which grow like roses here. Further out of town, into the countryside (my favorite place!), the wildflowers grow in abundance, like a flag spread over the meadows.

The critters are also coming out, saying hello to a new year, a new season of warmth and growth. Some are wanted, some are not…like the young cottonmouth we found in our backyard last week! The birds sound like life to me, with their tweeting, whistles and sometimes, songs. They are little pests, as in stealing the first fruits from my strawberry plants! I love them and the perky spirit they bring, though, just the same.

All the babies signify that the winter is through, new birth is here! Driving home just a couple of days ago, the kids and I saw four little calves romping in the field together, leaping and frolicking while their mothers grazed calmly nearby! We’ve seen more foals this spring in Texas, in front yards and on neighboring ranches, than we have in a lifetime elsewhere. Baby ducks, baby chicks – they’re everywhere. Watching babies never gets old!

New life – that’s what spring means to me, and I appreciate every minute of the season. Is spring a favorite time of year for you? Do you have any spring babies to talk about? I’d love to hear your spring story!

Martine - Dauntless Diva - My Sister

2010-04-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

Just a musing on my younger sister, Martine, and her impact on my life. There are eight siblings in my family, I fall third oldest, Martine, second from youngest. There is seven years between us, and as you can imagine, this left quite a considerable gap in our relationship. She was the pain-in-my-butt sister, always “in the way” and if I didn’t prep her with plenty of threats in time, she was our “mole” to mom! What I failed to recognize out of my teenage intolerance of her, was that she really adored me, wanted to follow me in most things, and just had the innate desire we all do - to belong.

Martine is one of those people who is impenetrable in Spirit. No matter what occurs in life, she thinks the best of the situation, the people, the circumstances. She was like that as a girl, she’s even more like that now. She would sing all the time, sing in the bathroom, sing over cooking dinner, sing getting ready for bed. No wonder she loves opera, and she’s good at it because she was in training all those years!

She always enjoyed everything so much – riding in the “bus” of a van as kids, crowded, so many different moods at play. “Oh, what a lovely day to be going to the mountains!” she would state, breaking into song for all of us to hear. Having lunch during a hot, dry day of homeschooling, “Oh, this tastes sooo delicious!” (Peanut butter and jelly.) Her favorite words, “marvelous,” “lovely,” and “wonderful.” The sky was always blue, the sun always shining to Martine.

Despite her contagious joy, I was a bully to her for years, waving her unimportant self off with my “dominant” hand, ignoring her pleas for attention and value, and generally in a state of annoyance toward her for most of her first eleven years. Then, after I left home, starting my own family at the ripe young age of eighteen, I softened. Towards her free and youthful Spirit, innocent wide eyes, and cup-half-full outlook. Not only did she forgive my roughness with her tender-heart, she pretended (or unbelievably really did not hold grudges!) all those mean things I said, or rude ways I treated her. That my critical spirit hadn’t really impacted her. Whatever the case, we don’t talk about it. We’ve had many sister-to-sister talks since, and she is always supportive of my dreams (some faded as they are) and life happenings. I worry for her, because she is much too innocent for this harsh world we live in. She is an adult though. Wiser for her hardships, hopeful in her sufferings. I am proud of her, a writer, an opera singer, an actress, a model, a beautiful young woman who lives life in joy, compassion, hope and truth. She is a victim magnet because she is an over comer. They want to feed off her, learn from her, break into the secret of her inner strength that shines like a beacon in a wanting world.

If you would like a taste of the inspiration this young woman has to offer, check her out on her website at dauntlessdiva.com. May she continue in her path of positivity, growing every day into the purposeful woman she loves to be.

I love you Sis, and I’m glad you’re in my life!

AnaSophia - never a dull moment!

2010-03-30T09:26:00.001-07:00

I just realized that you and I are getting to know each other some now, and I haven’t really shared with you much about my family! So, I am going to introduce to mi ninos, one at a time! We’ll start with Sophie. AnaSophia is our baby who is two, and she is a fierce individual. Fiercely loving, and fiercely strong. She is also one of the most stubborn children I’ve ever met. She tries to run the house, her siblings, and her father and I. And most of the time, she succeeds!

I love her absolutely, but she makes me tired! She and Bella have a strong bond, and she uses that to its full potential. If I am yelling at Bella over something, she comes up to me and says “Mom!” – like, “Stop picking on Bella!” Lately, she has grown closer with her nemesis, GiGi. It started just a few days ago when she started calling her sister by name “DeeDee.” “DeeDee this, DeeDee that!” So now, I can’t yell at “DeeDee” either. THEY can fight and argue, but the minute I discipline her sister, she’s at her defense in jibber jabber talk!

Sophie is our singer. She sings in the car, she sings in her bed before nap, she sings in the kitchen while I prepare dinner. And every song is to the tune of “ABCDEFG…” Some words are recognizable, like “Daddy,” however. Most are not! So, you hear “Gagaga jibber jabber Daddy! Dooo doo baa baba Mommy doo!” It is adorable!

She is a happy little girl with sunshiney eyes. She reminds me of my Grandpa, and his eyes. They sparkle when he is happy, and when he smiles, he lights up the room! Her eyes are a green-blue, and she has a large dimple in her left cheek that’ll knock your socks off. She was our surprise and every day, she brings new surprises to our family’s life. Never a dull moment with Sophie around!

Yesterday, she was eating her sandwich at the lunch table, when I noticed her talking to Lacey, our “doggie.” She was putting her half-eaten sandwich down towards the dog, then, just as Lacey would longingly head toward the food, Sophie would jerk it back, and say “No, doggie!” Then she laughed hysterically, as Lacey tilted her little head quizzically at her. How funny! (She can be a little mean!)

She loves dresses, and swirls and twirls in them to see if they flare in the breeze. Her Abuelita sent her some new ones recently, and she gets excited just to put them on. As cute and springy as she looks in them, she is a pure hillbilly like her Mama, because she absolutely refuses to wear shoes! She turns down just about every pair she receives, and we have a heck of a time getting them on her. She has really large feet (she’s gonna be tall) and shoes are just NOT comfortable! Pobrecita!

So that is a little about Sophie. You’ll hear more about her as time goes on, for sure. She is never boring, and brings the final spice to complete our family recipe!

Sometimes it is Good to Get Away

2010-03-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it’s good to just get away from it all. That’s what our family did this past weekend, we went to visit family in San Antonio. We met a cousin we’d never met, and got to know one that we hadn’t seen in almost three years. We played at a country park in the warm spring sun and sand on Sunday, and later on, we were tourists for a day at the Riverwalk and Alamo.

No computer, no work, just play, play, play! Papi Juan even got down in the dirt with the little ones, and I seesawed with mi ninas. Tio Jeff and Tio Byron grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, and los ninos “spanked” the Spongebob piñata until lots of candy fell out! Sophie cuddled with Tia Iliana while Spongebob was getting tortured, because she is afraid of the loud noise, and everyone yelling “Dare, dare, dare!” (“Hit it!”)

Later on, we parked in a downtown parking garage on the sixth floor, and our adventure was started! We rode the boat up the river and got to hear about who killed who back in 1852! On the boat, we met two very beautiful girls who are from China, but have American mommies and daddies. They are five and six, but they said they are sisters, and share a birthday. I know, it was confusing to us too! The girls had been adopted out of China, and even though their individual families live in Nevada and Pennsylvania, they keep the girls connected to each other and their roots through trips like these. I’ll never forget those girls and those incredible parents who gave them an opportunity at life.

We toured the Alamo, and took lots of pretty pictures, as everything is already in bloom and green there! The kids got so tired of me saying, “OK, stand over there, in front of that purple tree, now, smile!” They would go, “Oh, mom!” But out came the smiles anyway. Bunch of hams!

Then we bought some cotton candy from a street vendor, and everyone’s fingers and faces were sticky. Later, we saw baby ducks with a mommy duck in the River. They were so tiny and cute! You know it is officially spring when there is baby ducks!

Tired, sticky and dusty, by nightfall we were headed home through the scenic drive between San Antonio and Katy. Green fields, tractors tilling up the hay fields to get ready for planting, and plenty of cows greeted us from the roadside. It is a beautiful life, and we are grateful to be living it!

The Blancos and the Mystery of the Unseen Alligator

2010-03-10T06:56:00.000-08:00

It was almost immediately apparent to me when we arrived here in southeastern Texas last fall that we live in a swamp. Now, it’s not the Everglades by any means, but it is a swamp! Keep in mind, I am a desert rat who spent most of her life on the Mexican border of southeastern Arizona, amidst mesquite bushes and cacti! This is a major change for me, one that I am enjoying immensely. Mi ninos and I were walking in our neighborhood park yesterday, just as the sun was hovering over the western horizon, sending gorgeous pink and orange rays across the sky, when I stopped short.

In front of me, in the grass on the edge of the pond stood a very clear sign. “Beware of Alligators!” Alligators? Right here? In the middle of a suburbian housing development? The kids were excitedly pointing, then peering into the water, hoping to catch a glimpse of an alligator nose. OK, I’m used to lizards the size of my thumb, even rattlesnakes and scorpions don’t scare me. What would I do, though, with an alligator?!

We continued on, and as Jovanni and I pushed Sophie in her stroller into the gazebo on the water’s edge, he yelled “There’s something in the water!” I followed him to his perch, and I saw it too! The water swirled a little, then a nose came poking up into the air! A turtle nose! So maybe we missed the alligator this time, but if you know my kids, you know they’ll be the ones to spot him. Maybe he’ll be sunning himself tomorrow on the big hill behind the waterfall!

Our Girlie Girl

2010-03-03T18:51:00.001-08:00

Our girlie girl, mi Princesa, Bella, is quite the character, let me tell you! She is prim, but not so proper. While I write this, she is watching her favorite show on TV, Dog the Bounty Hunter. She wears pink and purple everyday, but her favorite show is Dog! Her headbands have to match her outfits and her purses have to match her headbands (and believe me, she takes a purse EVERYWHERE!). She is our compassionate and loyal firstborn daughter, full of affection most of the time. The other part of the time, her siblings run for cover from her Mexican temper!

OK, so she doesn’t get all her temper from her dad.

The weather is definately changing around here

2010-03-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

The weather is definitely changing around here, (no, I’m not talking about mi ninas’ constantly altering moods!) I mean, that spring really is in the air, and I, for one, am excited! I can sniff out a good “planting day” with the best of them. We had a guy come by the house today who wanted to know if we needed our lawn mowed. Uhh, let’s see, I’ve been using a machete to get through our backyard to my garden for weeks now! Seriously though, Juan and I are not used to this grass thing. For years until now, we would carefully tend our beautiful yard of multi-colored stones that also had a few splashes of flagstone and a struggling shrub or two. Hey, it may have been a rock garden, but maintenance wise, let me tell you, it was a pinch. Those rocks don’t grow near as fast as this grass, even when we did get a couple inches of rain!

Anyway, so this nice Hispanic gentleman helped to meet our need. So, the yard looks fantastic, and smells like my farm raisin’ (childhood), I looovvvveee it! He also was available to help with my obviously-less-than-clean enough house, as he indicated at the end while I was paying him, by holding up a business card for house cleaning. I smiled politely, thanking him for noticing mi casa’s mess, and saying sorry, but we didn’t have the money for it. He laughed sarcastically, waving his hand, indicating the house, and saying, right, ok, you don’t have the money! I just thanked him again and sent him on his way, smiling to myself as I thought about my Hispanic friend’s earlier comment. “Yeah, he was so excited when he got here, thinking, oooh, a gringa with money. Then he realized, oh, a gringa with a Mexican husband.” We both laughed. It takes a Mexican to know a Mexican. (it’s a cultural joke among the Hispanics, for those new to this culture – Mexican guys generally [disclaimer] can be tight with money.) Maybe you had to be there for that one to be funny!

The girls just got off the bus, so I’m going to get off of here before they raid the pantry. By themselves, I mean. They’re not allowed to leave me out of that! Besides, Bella has something really important to tattle …I mean, tell me about. She had half the accusation out of her mouth the second the front door swung open, I mean, the girl’s timing is impeccable. I swear, she’s got the whole thing so immaculately planned, that she knows it will take her exactly twenty-two point four seconds to make a full statement before I rudely cut her off, so she watches carefully as the doorknob twitches…go, its opening!!! Ahhh, I do, I do love my life! Til’ next time…

So many good intentions!

2010-03-02T18:28:00.001-08:00

I had so many good intentions for today, like getting through an entire day’s worth of Jovanni’s school work, or actually cooking a real gourmet dinner for my family. Maybe even submitting an actual query to an actual editor for one of the articles floating around the vast space on my computer! I knew it was off to a shaky start when I went upstairs to wake up the girls with my rendition of “Good morning, good morning, good morning, it’s time to rise and shine!” and Bella sat up, complaining of a sour stomach before she was even fully awake. GiGi, my constant sunshine girl, loved my song, and helped me sing it to Jovanni to get him up. While I was making the kids their breakfast sandwiches, Bella was working her sales pitch on me to stay home from school. So I called a Blanco family official hookie day.

The girls and I scrapbooked, visited with company (my friend V and her two beautiful babies!), and ate all day long. (Bella’s stomach miraculously settled within five minutes of the hookie day announcement, by the way.) Poor Jovie tried to knock some curriculum out, complaining about his math…ugghhh!!! I don’t blame him, I never loved math either.

I did get something done today, though, I loved on my chamacos, and they loved on me. The kids and I goofed off really, but that was ok today. Sometimes we just need to break the monotony of our daily regimen.

No Ordinary Day

2010-02-22T18:52:00.000-08:00

That day was no ordinary day. It was familiar December weather for southern Arizona, calm, almost warm, and very clear blue skies. I was scrambling to finish getting myself ready for this important and emotional day. I had been praying for and waiting on this day for over a year now, and my heart beat faster as I realized what I was about to do. “ Moooooommmmm!” my reverie was broken with a shrill squeal for help. Bella was in need, and whether it was truly important or not, to my Bella, drama queen extraordinaire, it was life or death! Her hair was still not done, and she did not like the shoes I had picked for her to wear. As I calmed her down, I could hear the girls’ father working with GiGi on her outfit. We were getting married today. Again!

A while later, as we stood before our Pastor and exchanged our vows for the second time in our young lives, I couldn’t help but choke up. It didn’t matter that I was in a black and white dress, and he wasn’t wearing a tux. It didn’t even matter that we were not on our way to an exotic honeymoon somewhere in the Carribean. All that mattered was that he was promising his love to me again, in front of God, our families, and Pastor McDuffie. I looked at him, he looked at me, and we both knew…this time really was forever. By the grace of God we both meant it.

This blue- eyed Norwegian from farm country in Illinois had met my Mexican man thirteen years before in a dried up border town in southern Arizona. How God brought these two opposites together years ago is still amazing! Juan was twenty-three, through college with his bachelor’s degree, goal –oriented and sharp. I was seventeen, naïve, perky and dream-oriented! I was in love with life, and soon Juan was in love with me. We laugh about it now, because there was never any “real romance” between us. That is, we were mutually falling for each other as friends. Friendship is a wonderful basis for love, because though I haven’t experienced romantic feelings myself, I have heard that romance can fade with time. Our friendship, however, has never ended.

So we married early the next year, for more than one reason, which I will indulge you on only after you and I have become friends enough for you to treasure as much as we do. Not long after we were expecting our first child, our only son, Jovanni. I would like to say that we lived happily ever after, but that wouldn’t be a very fun story to read anyway. I think at some point we have to “grow up” and realize there is no such thing as happily ever after! We’ve seen some sorrow in our past together, but we have also seen triumph, success, and many reasons to celebrate what God has done in our lives.

Fast forward to today, just an ordinary day in a hectic, but precious, life. The life of a Mexican wife, mother of four chamacos, and probably as most stay-at-home moms out there, too much to do in one day. I am grateful for my life, as I was once on a path to a very different life. This is the diary of my family’s stories; most funny, some sad but inspiring, all, worth the while. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy telling them!