Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration for me. Not because I'm Mexican. Not because I know Spanish. Not because I need a reason to drink a margarita. Nope. It's because I'm the sponsor of our school's HOLA -- the Hispanic Organization for Leaders of America!

As most of you know, I'm a high school teacher. When our school opened 5 years ago and I started teaching, a few students came up to me asking if I'd like to sponsor their club. According to them, they were in HOLA in the school they transferred from. In HOLA, they would dance and compete. They'd also have some fundraisers, such as car washes and bake sales.

I had a different idea. To me, the Hispanic Organization for Leaders of America was a title that said, "Service to our community to show that Hispanics WILL be our future leaders." It didn't say, "Hey, let's dance." So that first year, we only did community service projects and fundraisers. It was a blast!

We also started a great tradition: we registered to be in LULAC's annual Cinco de Mayo Parade in downtown Houston.

Now, five years later, I still sponsor HOLA. It's one of the biggest clubs in our schools. We added a dance section to the organization (because not all my students can or want to dance), and we still participate in the parade: just like we did yesterday!

I'm very proud of HOLA. I'll write more about it and my students in my blog. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures!

Papi's Been Approved for Medicaid!!!

Gracias a Dios!

On Friday, we went to Austin to visit with Mami and Papi. Aiden was so excited to see his little cousins again. He really loves Matthew and Joshy.

Well, Mami had some great news for us: Papi had (finally) been approved by Medicaid!!! Our prayers, once again, had been answered. I'm happy to say that my faith never quavered. I always believed in this result. The power of hope and faith are strong and good to have. Believe!

We were able to spend time with Papi at his nursing home. (The picture was taken in the lobby near the aquarium.) He's really doing well. We fed him real well on Saturday for lunch. Todd, Aiden, Matthew, Mami and I rolled Papi down the sidewalk to a restaurant. He ate like he always used to eat: A LOT! He even ate a slice of banana cream pie for dessert, and downed it with some of Mami's coffee.

[On a side note, I'd lately been wondering why Aiden eats so much. We always blamed it on growth spurts, but now I think it's hereditary -- from MY side of the family. Thanks, Papi.]

We're revving up plans to get Mami and Papi moved over here to Houston. Keep us in your prayers as we begin a wonderful new life together!

He's Three!!!

What a Week!!!

Aiden was so excited about his birthday. He knew he would be turning three, and he'd remind everyone about that fact: teachers, friends, us, strangers in the store, his teddy bear.... He invited a few friends to go bounce with him and have fun. Daddy and I loved this idea because we wouldn't have to clean the house after throwing a big fiesta. (Daddy didn't like to cost, though.)

We bought a Cars cake. Aiden love that movie. (So do we, along with his Nana and Paupi. To quote Paupi's favorite line, "I'm happier than a tornader in a mobile home park!")

Aiden did end up hitting his face during dinner. The family went out to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants after the party. Aiden started falling asleep at the table and bumbed his nose on the edge of the table. His cousins and Tia Lily were exhausted, too.

Since his birthday, I catch myself looking at my little baby so fondly. I can't believe I have a big boy! He's growing up too fast! Maybe it's time for another baby. But when I ask Aiden if he'd like a baby brother or a baby sister, his answer is always, "No, thank you." (Such a polite little man we're raising. And honest, too!)

Thank God for Aiden. Todd and I are very lucky. Thanks to all who came over, who called, who sent a card, who emailed, and who said a little prayer for him. We're blessed to be surrounded by such great family and friends. Amen.

The 50 States

We're proud parents. Aiden learned the song of the "50, nifty United States and the 13 original colonies."

He starts with the states beginning with the letter "A".. . and goes all the way to the letter... "H". Okay, so he's got a ways to go, but WE are VERY impressed. (As were his teachers!) Just give him one more day, and I bet he'll get all 50 memorized! Place your bets.

Things we're working on: wiping after "pushing" in the potty. Yeah. Todd's almost has it down. Aiden is a great and patient teacher. (just kidding)

So, who's coming over to hear the song?

Thunder Storms

It rained last night. BIG storm. Lasted two hours. The thing is, the storm started simultaneously with Aiden's bedtime.

Aiden and I have talked about lightning "not being scary," and how to tell the thunder to "not be so loud because we can't hear the rain." These tactics didn't work well enough. It's not easy being logical when you're scared.

Aiden cried. Asked for Daddy. Daddy said, "Let's go to Mommy and Daddy's bed tonight."

We usually don't do this. Aiden knows that he's to sleep in his own bed like a big boy. We're lucky in this. But last night was an exception. It was a BIG storm, for goodness' sakes!

The thing about Aiden, he's just like his Daddy: starts sweating with the move of a toe. Since Daddy is too warm, Aiden snuggles close to me. [awwww] So for 9 hours, I get kicked in the head, stomach, ribs; punched in the eye, nose, chest; but I also get my hand held by the sweetest little boy. [awwwww]

Thunder storms: I need to thank God for such a memorable night.

My First Blog

I feel that blogging will be part of my new way of living. I'm getting my thoughts organized. It's nice.

We're currently talking about major life changes at home that will be facilitated through organization. Mami will be moving in soon. We're hoping to move into a bigger home. We're in negotiations for having a second child. We need to orginize our lives and home in order to make these changes smoothly.

I just watched a TiVoed episode of Oprah where an organization specialist helped families get their lives back into order by helping them organize their homes. I see that happening in our lives. http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200702/tows_past_20070207.jhtmlOrganization.

I really need to take advantage of my spring break. Get rid of the old! Don't add any new! We are blessed with quite enough, thank the Lord. I'm excited to get ready for the future.

http://www.oprah.com/foodhome/home/housekeeping/clutter_quiz.jhtml