SUMMER VACATION

2011

I am blessed with an amazing family & was blessed this summer with the opportunity to take a trip to NYC & Washington DC! Our trip began with a long flight to NYC, we quickly settled into our Time Square hotel and began our adventure. Our agenda was packed, so days were long!!! Here are the highlights!

We hit Time Square first and it was amazing! The lights were brighter than VEGAS! the next few days, we mastered the SUBWAYS system. I felt like a really New Yorker!!! We saw the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, a Yankees game, and we were on GMA bright & early. The highlight for Jacob was the Broadway show WICKED, it was amazing! Lily's top was CAKE BOSS!! It was worth the 3-4 hour wait! Josh said Ripley's was his favorite. My husband would probably say his favorite was the Yankess. We were there THE game BEFORE Derek Jeter was to break his 3000 hit record! Sorry honey, ALMOST!

Soon we boarded an AMTRAK and headed to DC. For me, this was the highlight of my trip. From the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Capital, the Nazi museum, Air & Space Museum, Ford Theater where Lincoln was assassinated, the Arlington Cemetery was so moving! We also went to Mount Vernon, George & Martha Washington's home. It was incredible vi sting his tomb and I felt honored to visit such a historical place.

I am sure I have missed a some places a long the way, its a trip I highly recommend if you ever have the opportunity.

It was a PRICELESS experience and one I am so thankful to have shared with my children!

Rest in peace Joaquin

He always wore his best suit and tie when making his visits. This picture was at her last birthday and he made sure not to miss it. He touched her hand, he sat by her side and I imagine he reminisced about the years that had passed them by. I feel privileged to have witnessed his unending love for her. Now sadly only six months after her passing, he has passed away too. I like to think he held on just long enough to watch her go and then succumbed to age and illness himself. It saddens me he died alone, but then maybe she was there too. One can only hope to be loved like that and I feel comfort in believing they are reunited in heaven tonight. Rejoicing in the love they once shared. Celedonia passed away October 27, 2010 & Joaquin Riojas, passed away April 11, 2011. May they both rest in peace (and in love)......

Marathon Momma!

My wonderful 12 yearold son Jacob wrote me this beautiful poem about my first marathon! He knows how special this day was in my life. He captured the moment for me!

The distance
The endurance
The test
The struggle
The hustle
and the prize.
Thousands begin and thousands finish, though
Millins give up without even starting.
Few have conquered the fight, for the bragging right,
and those who haven't
can only watch with awe,
knowing that they themselves will never have the strenght
to conquer their bragging right.

SAYING GOODBYE

Celedonia Garza
MAR 3, 1922 - OCT 27, 2010

My dear grandmother, the only person on earth who never caused me any pain. She was a source of pure and sweet unconditional love that I hope everyone gets to experience once her lifetime. She loved with the innocence of a child.

At the age of 30, my grandmother was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. She suffered many hardships due to her illness and so did her children (my mother included). Despite years of treatment, in patient care, and loads of medication, sadly, with this illness no cure is to be found.

So, you see, she did have innocence of a child and she loved and cared for me with all her heart. I was blessed to have her pass at my home and will always cherish that she spent her last days here by our side.

I must admit, I felt a sense of relief with her passing. I rejoiced for her being free of her illness, free of the fog of the medication, and free of the years of mental illness. I imagine her in heaven rejoicing with Jesus. His earthly angel finally made it home.

LOVE YOU GRANDMA CELE!

Happy 15th Anniversary!

I chose this picture because to me this moment captures our love and our youth. When our future laid before us and we didn't know what life would bring.

I could have never imagined how good life would be. As our lives have evolved from young newlyweds to parents, partners, business owners, and friends I wouldn't change a thing.

All these years, you have loved me, supported me, encouraged me, embraced me, put up with me, and been by my side. You have never let me down.

Our life and marriage is blessed beyond comprehension. I only hope that our love and commitment will continue for many many years to come.

I love you Jaime! Today and always!

Summer Vacation 2010

Magic Kingdom Castle (Jake and Dad hit the golf course with Grandpa)

Josh meets Mickey Mouse and the rest of the gang!


The famous "Atlantis" chair, Bahamas. They don't fit in the chair like they did 5 years ago!

Waiting for the train!

Our family still smiling on a long hot day!

Josh, Lily, and their "crazy" grandma rode the "Leap of Faith" a 6 story drop!

The whole Rodriguez clan!

Iguana island ~ Bahamas

Yes it's a real shark, and she is smiling!!!

Waiting for shuttle at Altlantis!

We are so thankful to God for all his blessings! Sometimes I pinch my self and don't understand why our lives are so abundant. I pray I never take for granted ALL he has given us!!!

Counting My Blessings

I am blessed with the most amazing kids and they year has already started off BIG for them!!! Our Saturdays are spent traveling between games. Usually 4 games on Saturdays, (3 basketball & 1 baseball) unless Jake has a baseball double header. What can I say about my amazing husband who either coaches or assts with ALL the teams. His commitment to our family is one of our GREATEST BLESSINGS.

Josh started CYBL (Christian Youth Basketball) at our church. He is on the far left with a red undershirt. He has really developed (age 7) to be a tremendous basketball player. I really think this will be his sport. On the court, he is dominating, quick, and never gives up. However, off the court his is a loving sentimental child. Who easily gets his feelings hurt. My husband says he is just like me in that way.....

Lily also started CYBL. She is in the center (the tall one). Even though this is her first year in this age division. She has really bond with he girls on her team. I can see her developing lasting friendships. They laugh all through practice and dominate their games. They are fabulous to watch and are so far UNDEFEATED!

My BIG JAKE! He managing playing baseball & basket ball. He has really shined during the season as a 1st baseman and the center in basketball. All this while manging his Straight A's. I don't want him to grow up, but I can't wait until he is playing high school ball....

Pena Family - 2009

FIRST LOVE

It is beautiful to witness a bond so strong that is surpasses despite many years of separation, long forgotten memories, and life's struggles. What is it about a first love that keeps my grandfather coming back to visit his first love, my grandmother Celedonia. My mother was born in 1944 and was raised in a single parent home because my grandparents separated when she was just a few weeks old. Their lives paths took different roads and each went on to eventually remarry and have other children.

Despite living less than a mile down the road from my childhood home, my grandfather Juaquin never really developed a relationship with my mother (nor her children). However things changed about 1 year ago when at almost 90 years old, something in him changed. My grandmother had fallen ill and was hospitalized for several weeks. During these weeks, while attending his adult day care center, Juaquin insisted to the staff that he just had to see my grandmother. He said he knew, he felt that something was wrong. He was right. He made contact with my mother who arranged to have him visit her at our local hospital.

My grandmother who now suffers from Alzheimer's and Schizophrenia rarely remembers anyone. However, when he walked into her hospital room the love between the two of them was so evident. There was not a dry eye in the room as he looked at her with so much love and compassion. You could sense her joy and peace with his visit.

His visits continue to this day. Every few months, he makes arrangements for the adult day care to bring him over to a visit. Juaquin arrived on 18th street this morning with his shuffled gait and weak with age, with a Christmas gift in hand for his beloved Celedonia. He doesn't come to see my mom, or me, or the great-grandchildren. He comes for one purpose, to spend a few quiet moments with his first love.

Her mind may not remember, but I believe somehow her heart & soul does.

PERSONALIZED CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

My 7 year old Joshua decided he thought it was best that our Christmas stockings should have names on them. So he took a black sharpie and "neatly" wrote his name plus Jacob and Lily's. At 7 he seems so grown up sometimes, he plays sports, gets excellent grades, and keeps up with the big boys, and this gesture just goes to show he is a true child at heart. He made these gorgeous sating stockings-priceless and they are an item I will cherish forever. Love you Josh!!!

Surprise Thanksgiving Guest

My sisters surprised me during our Thanksgiving lunch today here at my house with a surprise guest. My grandma Cele. As I've blogged before she is 87 and has Alzheimer's. I am blessed with an awesome house that has two small apartments where she lives with my mom. The problem is she can't sit for very long. She is getting older and weaker over the years and weighs only about 90 pounds. Somehow they managed to put her in her wheelchair, and carry her up my entry way (stairs). I got choked up seeing her in my home. She didn't stay for long, but she was able to join in our Thanksgiving lunch and for that I am so grateful. Blessings abound in my life and I am so grateful for all the wonderful moments with her and my family. She doesn't remember my name, but I do believe somehow she knows, she fells the love I have for her. I don't know how many more years she will be around, but for now I will savor every moment with her.

(Mom, Grandma, Lily, & Me)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2009

I have never been able to understand why My God continues to bless me beyond comprehension. I had a rough childhood growing up, but who didn't right??? I sometimes wonder if this is why My God has given me soooo much. I may not be able to understand why, but I definitely want to be grateful every second, of everyday for all that God has blessed me with. Here are some of the blessings I am so thankful for:

• My Faith
• My wonderful, faithful and loving husband
• My 3 amazingly smart kids
• My mother and her legacy
• My sisters
• My brother
• My extended family (many nieces and nephews)
• My lessons of compassion since the loss of my father
• My home and that I am able to share my home with my mother & grandmother (in their apartment next door)
• Grandma Cele & Rosa her caretaker. She is a true God sent.
• My in-laws who are like 2nd parents to me.
• My sister in laws as we grow together as women and mothers
• My dear friends
• My running partner Yvett (even though I've let you down the past few weeks)
• My knew "retirement". So grateful to God and my husband for allowing me this time off of work. I am enjoying this way more than I imagined.
• So thankful that I am able to purse my "creative" ventures

I pray that My savior continues to work in my heart and my life. I pray for more compassion, more willingness to serve, more commitment, and for him to soften my heart in those deep dark places that are hard and stubborn. I continue to walk in faith, in the little things and the big. I pray for thankfulness in all things both good and the bad. Thank you Lord for you abundant blessings!!

These are my thoughts this Thanksgiving. Hope everyone has a blessed day!

WORDS TO LIVE BY

My beloved Grandma Cele. She is 87 and lives with Alzheimer's and schizophrenia since age 30. She has lived a lifetime battling mental illness. I love her none the less and she has always loved me unconditionally. If she could, I think she'd share the same advice with me....

STOLE THIS FROM A FRIENDS BLOG... I LOVED it! Makes so much sense.
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will stay in touch

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36.. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood..

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time.. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

She did it, again...

My beautiful, brilliant, daughter did it again! She placed 1st in her campus, 5th grade Science Fair. I was told by her teacher that the competetion was fierce this year as there were over 140 individual projects. She won last year too-amazing....I am so blessed to have her in my life. She has a passionate helpful heart. She is strong willed and very determined. She excels in sports, playing softball (in a division with girls 2 years older than her), baseball (with the boys), basketball (looking forward to an all girls team now, in our church league, and golf (praying for a golf scholarship). She also excels in academics, she takes advanced math, competes in UIL spelling, and is a straight A student. Last year she won 1st in her campus, 2nd in the entire district. She has her own blog now too and is a little computer genius. She is a fighter, she is sweetheart, and I am so proud!!!

HARVEST NIGHT

Harvest Night 2009

Decided I would attend Harvest Night despite my husband being out of town! : ( I was really bummed he had to fly out to Houston for some continuing education classes. I decided to attend with my sister Yoli. I had to beg, bribe, and beg some more to get her to go, but we had donated some items from our boutique and I conviced her that is was good "NETWORKING".

She caved and joined me for about an hour and a half. Then she was off to her motherly duties! I was thrilled that my BFF Yvett was there too and she kept me company. Thanks to me she ignored her husband the whole night!! She is my running partner and knows me inside and out! It was nice to hang out with her out of our running clothes. The night ended up being a really great time as we were joined by so many wonderful and very fun ladies.

Looking back, I am proud of myself for just having the self confidence to pretty much fly SOLO because it is definitely a couples event. Look forward to next year when my honey can attend too.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Mari, Yvett, Me, Essie

Can I start this Saturday over???

I really would love to start this Saturday over! Super disappointed I had a nasty head cold and didn't do my long run with Yvett. She ran 12 miles w/ out me. So sad! I could have hung there with her for at least 9 ~ I know it! Real bummer now have to run alone tomorrow since I am feeling a little better now. Some how have to be ready for the half marathon we are running in 4 weeks!
We headed over to Lily's game which they won. (Wouldn't do that part over). After I decided to go to Home Depot to buy an edger/trimmer. Then, to HEB for some pumpkins and cold medicine. I had some "desperate landscapes" and over grown Lantans that needed trimming, so off I went.
I popped some cold medicine and head outside. The weather was perfect! I am enjoying my afternoon, trimming my Lantanas, when my psycho dog decides she wants to dart in and out of traffic on our street. She is supposed to be trained, but NOT by me, so of course so she didn't listen. So off I go chasing her in my purple and white graphic tank top (way to tight now) and my husband's work out shorts, rake in hand, looking like an idiot. The faster I run, the further she goes. UGGHHHH. End up in an empty lot with tall grass and I get attacked by mosquito's in places I couldn't reach to scratch! I finally catch her and drag, yes drag, our precious Ginger back home. I am now furious because I am Sweaty, Itchy, Dirty, and smelling like Ginger! All while my husband and children watch the longhorn game on TV.
I decide to jump into the shower. As I am shampooing my hair, I arch my head backward to rinse and and it happens. My back freezes! I am literally frozen! Can't reach conditioner, can't reach my towel, and TV is blaring so no one can hear me yelling for help! I start banging on the wall which my husband thinks is someone knocking at the door and he goes outside to look for me. Yes outside, while I am still frozen, still screaming for help in my shower!!!! Finally my husband finds me-gives me a towel and I somehow crawl into bed. I am so freakin sleepy?!? I sleep like 2 1/2 hours, wrapped in my towel. I finally awake in a haze, my back has now unfrozen. PRAISE GOD! So I am able to move. I walk over to my kitchen and look at the cold medicine I bought. To my surprise its a NIGHTTIME formula!!! UGGHHH
The day did get better. I made "sick" self, homemade chicken soup. Made my husband help with the dishes and the rest is history! Lets pray tomorrow is a little less adventurous!!

MY LILY!

I am so proud of my Lily! You performed a small solo with the choir at school today and my heart just burst listening to you! You have such a beautiful voice Lily and it brings me so much joy to watch you. You are a beautiful, gifted, and loving daughter. You are my heart and my life. You are my only daughter and my heart aches for you as you grow and will be facing the world. I see you growing up so fast and turning into a beautiful young lady. I wish I could protect you forever, but I know that isn't possible. Just know that God is always with you and so am I. Don't ever doubt my love for you and His love for you. I would go the ends of the earth for you baby. Love, Mom : )

SEPTEMBER 23

September 23, 2004 ~ It has been 4 years since my father, Rolando Pena passed away. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday I was just a kid running around without a care in the world. Amazing how fast things change. I'd be kidding myself, if I said we had a fairytale life. My relationship with my father was far from perfect and he died at the age of 62. I spent way too many years fighting him, hating him, and resenting him. I am just so grateful to God & to my mother for teaching me about unconditional love, forgiveness, and compassion. I only wish I had learned that lesson way sooner. Then I wouldn't have wasted so many precious years.

September 23, 2009 ~ Mom had her retirement party today. She is retiring from her job after 27 years. She had always looked forwarding to retiring and traveling with my dad, as she has said, it wasn't meant to be that way. I know she misses him most. My mom is an amazingly strong person who has overcome so many obstacles. Now she devouts a lot of time and energy serving others who face similar experiences to hers. She is beacon of light & a tower of hope. One day I will write her life story and it will amaze you!

Leap of Faith!

I did it! I reasigned from my full time job as a school nurse. It was a tough decision since my children are still at the school, but for many reasons both personal and professional-I decided to go for it! I am happy to say that it has been such an awesome experience. I can't say that my days are packed with excitment, but I find myself in such a good place. For the first time in a long time I was finally able to slow down.

I was able to slow down long enough to:
1. Make breakfast for the kids on a school day
2. To pack their lunches when they don't like the food
3. To deliver their favorite fast food carry out
4. Show up just in time to sign that darn paper, we forgot to sign this morning
5. Have coffe with a new friend & Sister in Christ
6. Unhurried lunches with my husband
7. Afternoon visits with my grandmother
8. Have some quiet time-Just for me.

God is so Good! I am so grateful for this time and look forward to so much more.

I did it! I took the leap of faith and resigned from my full time job as a school nurse.

SUMMER VACATION 2009

SEDONA ARIZONA

GRAND CANYON

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

LEGO LAND, CALIFORNIA

SAN DIEGO ZOO

PETCO PARK in SAN DIEGO

The Rodriguez's on 18th

Well, I have finally done it! I am creating our family blog. I have been working hard on my Joy Marie's blog for sometime, but just couldn't get my self to blog my families memories. I have been an avid scrapbooker for years now and feel somewhat guilty for leaving that behind, but I guess its time to go digital!

So here I go, on a new adventure, a new form of self expression. I tend to have an addictive personality so I may just get carried away here! I have a way of taking something I love and running with it-big time! One evening 6 weeks post partum, I went out for a run (like to the end of my block) and thus my addiction to running began! Many 5ks, 10ks, 2 half marathons, and 2 triathlons later, I still LOVE to run. Then there is the scrapbooking. Started basic scrapbooking 11years ago, and now, low and behold, I have an entire closet dedicated to that hobby too! I ahve so many wonderful memories stored up in my albums. Then, a few years ago, I learned how to make jewelry and that has lead me into JOY Marie's! I am certainly NOT a master at anything I do, but I LOVE trying!!! However, front and center in my life, is my AMAZING family.

• Jaime is my husband. Fell in love from the moment I met him. He was the nicest man I'd ever met and he hasn't let me down since. He says I hit the lotto when I met him and we aren't talking money here. He is a wonderful husband and a dedicated father.

• Jacob 11: By far the wittiest, most gifted kid ever. His 5th grade teacher gave me the ultimate complement last year. She said, "I have been a teacher a long time and he is the BEST student I have ever taught, and I've been teaching a LONG time". WOW!
  
• Lily 10: The most creative, passionate little girl. A total care taker, a sports enthusiast. She excels at EVERYTHING she does including softball, golf, basketball, and school


• Joshua 6: My math phenom, sports maniac and my little heartbreaker. He is a cutie pie! I will be fighting the girls off of this looker.

I have SO MUCH TO SHARE about all of them and to them I dedicate this blog.

I named my blog, The Rodriguez's on 18th because we are so blessed to live in the most amazing old house. It has the largest most gorgeous oak tree's in the front yard. I feel this house defines a lot about us and who we are as a family. I look forward to sharing MY FAMILY with you!



Thank you Lord for blessing us so abundantly. Thank you for giving us so much more that we deserve. I pray that you open our hearts so that we may attempt to live in Your image. We pray you keep us rooted in faith.