Sunday, October 11, 2009

Nuts anyone?

Wow, our pecan trees are really full of nuts. I can't believe it! They only give every other year and this is their year to give. All 4 trees are full. I spent Saturday morning with John & Jacque and Belinda and Michael, picking pecans. Hmm, is that why my thighs are sore. Bend & Pick. Bend & Pick. Bend & Pick. OMG, talk about a workout. We only picked from one tree because the other trees have not opened their shells yet. But they are loaded and waiting for a really good hit of sunshine.

Today I'm spending the day kind of alone because mom went to bed after breakfast and has really been sleeping. I did the dishes, vacuumed, and am now in the process of washing, drying and folding clothes. Oh yea, I also baked a cake for Michael because he not only helped us pick pecans, he was our tree climber and also got on top of the house and not only shook the branches but also swept my roof. Now I just need to sweep my driveway.

Now I just need to get stuff ready to begin the day tomorrow. Hope everyone had a great weekend, too.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

WooHoo!!!

We are now the proud owners of a new washer & dryer. After 22 years our two have given all they had to give. It was hard to make the decision of not just getting them repaired but we did decide that it was time for a new pair. Besides after 22 years, they may not have parts for us anymore.

Our new pair arrives Thursday (tomorrow) between 4pm - 8pm. I'm so excited and I can't wait to begin washing without having to put a towel down on the floor because of a water leak or having to inspect every piece of clothin from the dryer for scorch marks.

I didn't get fancy and go for a front loader. Just stuck with the plain old top loader, white. Wow, now all I have to do tonight is clean out the utility room so they can have room to haul away the old and install the new.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Thank you to everyone!

I just wanted to say THANK Y OU to all my family and friends for giving our mom such a special day. She truly loved it. We gave her a surprise birthday party and she enjoyed herself so much. Not only did she enjoy herself but so did everyone who attended. It was just he right people for just the right occasion.

Good Lord willing we'll see everyone again next year!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Wow, animals really are sensitive to people's needs.

I took my mom to my brother's house on Saturday. He and his wife were throwing a graduation party for my niece Audrey. We had a really good time sharing and laughing with everyone. My sister-in-law Maria has a really nice family and she and my brother have some really nice friends, too.

One thing that stood out from the whole event was something that their American bulldog, Buster, did to my mom. Now mind you, Buster is full grown and weighs in at a good 100 lbs. Cito, my brother, and Maria had decided to put their two dogs, Raven & Buster, in their bedroom because it was just too hot to keep them outside while everyone was in the house enjoying the party. After we had all eaten and we were all just standing and sitting around talking we convinced Cito to let Raven & Buster come out and join us. Of course when they came out they were so excited to be part of the fun that they were going from person to person nudging and searching for caresses and such. When 100 lbs nudges you it more of a giant shove.

My sister Maria and I were standing in front of my mom who was sitting on the couch and all of a sudden Buster comes to see who is on the couch. What he did was so awesome I'm gonna try and describe it for you. He came over and of course nudged me and Maria and then he turned and saw mom sitting on the couch and I was waiting for him to be a little rough with her but he stopped dead in his tracks, looked at her, and then very gently walked toward her and then gently laid his head on her lap and looked up at her whild she caressed his head. He stayed there until someone called his name. He went away and then returned later and again, stopped in his tracks, as if to compose himself, and then gently wallked over to my mom and again, gently laid his head on her lap so she could caress him. This time, after a little caressing he put his two front paws on couch next to her and stoop up and put his head on her chest for her to caress him and then gave her two gentle nudges with his head. Of course then my brother Cito told him that was enough and so he got down and walked away. He came back while I was helping mom eat some cake and he just sat there patiently waiting for mom to share with him, which she did.

One more thing, by no means am I leaving out Miss Raven, but she has always been full of love and just a beautiful dog who will always be our Miss Raven.

Thank you Cito & Maria for a great time and for loving your pets because the love really does flow through and from them.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Family Night at the Gonzales Household

Well, we had our first official family night at Mom's house last night. We couldn't all be there because Ramona is still recuperating from her surgery. Thanks be to God, she's coming along really good. Maria and her kids took her husband Tommy to San Antonio for Father's Day. So, it was me and my 2 brothers and my 2 sister-in-laws and Mom. We started the evening sitting around talking and sharing with each other. Then we all chipped in and ordered some pizzas. When the pizzas got here we went into the dining room and ate. After we ate we played Seinfeld Trivia. We ladies knew we were in trouble because both John and Cito are Seinfeld "fanatics". They can probably re-enact every episode, which they did each time a question was read and answered. To help lessen the handicap we ladies decided to help each other out by also playing cherades to help the other get the answer. It worked, Maria, my sister-in-law won the game. It was really fun. Mom really enjoyed seeing her two boys, John and Cito, having a good time.

After we finished the game Mom was ready to go back into the den so we all went in and Jacque, my other sister-in-law, had brought the dvd of "Madea Goes to Jail" so we made ourselves comfortable and watched it. It was really good and up to par for a Tyler Perry movie. His movies never let you down. Our cousin Belinda arrived and watched the rest of the movie with us.

I had bought some chips & dips for everyone to enjoy and of course the carb nap started wanting to kick in so I remembered that I had a bag full of chocolate candy in the refrig from our coupons. This of course brought everyone back to life.

Mom and I really enjoyed having everyone here just enjoying each other's company. Good Lord willing we'll be together again next month when we celebrate Mom's birthday.

One more thing, I noticed that Maria had her camera with her but I guess no photo opps this time around but hopefully we'll have plenty of photo opps in July.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Couponing

Wow, what a trip. We started our day by helping my cousin give a coupon class to a church group so that they could go out and purchase stuff for themselves and their church at very low cost. After class we (cousin, sister-in-law, & me) went to lunch and then went to do some shopping of our own. We went to several CVS stores because they had their L'oreal makeup on clearance and with our coupons it was gonna be really, really, cheap. Boy, did we make a savings. We bought $1,500.00+ and paid $80.00. I love coupons. We also went to some Albertons's stores and stocked up on the paperplates and bowls. The plastic cups were all gone but one of the store managers told my cousin when their next truck would be in, so, we'll be back. We also had some coupons for some SunSilk shampoos and conditioners but they were all out. Oh, well.

Today is Sunday and I'm just gonn chill doing some laundry and looking into my very, very neglected bedroom. Later in the day I'll be helping my cousin separate more coupons. We got a little bit behind last week and so, we have alot to do to catch up. But boy the outcome is so much worth the effort.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

It's times like these that I really miss my Dad.

Dad was the person I shared my thoughts with, especially when it came to work issues. We are creating a new position at the office "Liturgical Coordinator" and the beginning pay is $40,000.00. I really need to share my thoughts on this with him. I'm considering putting my name in the hat for the position and I know that he would be proud of me for doing so, but you know, sometimes you just need to talk to someone about it. Someone to discuss the pros & cons. Someone to fill you with encouragement. I know that everyone will say, if this is something you want then go for it, but you still need someone to talk to about it.

My brothers and sisters are so busy with their families and stuff and I know that they would be supportive of whatever I choose to do but the difference with Dad is that he would give me his full attention without being distracted. I've been speaking to him all weekend long and he's answereing me. I guess I just miss the hug he would give at the end of our discussions. OMG, it must be the weather. I can't believe I'm feeling so needy. Snap out of it, Juanita!

Mother's Day weekend

Wow, Mom had all five of her children with her this weekend. Sad to say Ramona & Tim couldn't join us for dinner but at least she got to spend time with mom. Saturday Maria took us to Sam Moon, we'd never been there, and what a mistake. I now know how to get there. OMG, all the purposes and accessories. We also went into this Sam Moon Home Decor store and they had some really nice stuff to decorate the house with and it wasn't expensive at all. Maria found some things to go in her kitchen and bedroom. She said she would have to go back when she had $$ to spend. Ramona said that she may have to come back up for some things. I found some stuff for mom's house, too.

I bought burgers for everyone when we got back and we all watched some TV and ate burgers. They all left (Tommy, jr and Andy were there, too) because Maria had to go buy some stuff for tomorrow. Tommy was cooking supper for his mom for Mother's Day.

Mother's Day we all got together around 3:00pm and had some KofC because Mom didn't want anyone to cook. We laughed and ate and really enjoyed each other's company. Mom really enjoyed having everyone at her house again.

I hope everyone else had a great Mother's Day, too.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Successful Yard Sale

Well, I had our yard sale. It was successful and I made some extra cash even though my prices were really cheap. I was practically giving everything away. My brother and his wife had some things to sell and they did really good in their sales. So did my cousin. Now it's back to regular weekends for me and mom.

Next yard sale on May 16, 2009 at John & Jacque's.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Happy Anniversary to Maria & Tommy

Yesterday was a great day. We went to my sister Maria's house and celebrated her 11 year wedding anniversary to a really great guy, Tommy Chavez. As a couple they have experienced their ups and downs but at the same time, they demonstrate how a marriage can surpass and achieve anything with the help of God. And now, they are sharing what they have learned with other couples about to begin the journey of marriage. No, now don't get me wrong, they are not the perfect couple and they will be the first to admit it but, if they can help other couples in any way by sharing what they have learned in their 11 years of marriage then they are more than happy to do it.

I am very proud of my sister and brother-in-law and I pray that they have eternal love.

Monday, March 23, 2009

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I wouldn't beleive it!

Sunday my cousin Belinda offered to go with me to return 3 of the 5 6-pks of Boost energy drink I had bought 2-weeks ago for mom. We were returning them because they had expiration dates for November & December 2008. They gave me a store gift card for $9.87. I told Belinda that with my card I could buy some new mascara ($8.49). She went over to the razor section and picked up 14 Bic Soleil razors and 14 refills (4-pks). She also bought two .99¢ eyeliner pencils. I showed her my mascara and she told me to throw it in with her purchases to cover some of the overage she was gong to have.

Long story short, the cashier rang up all her stuff and the total as $120.00, after Belinda's coupons it was $50.00, after Walgreen's coupon we paid out of pocket $1.15. My $8.49 mascara only cost me $1.15.

The man behind us in line asked Belinda if she had any coupons for his stuff (denture stuff) and Belinda said she was sorry but, no. I looked at my gift card and told him, "Here use this it will pay for it." Of course he said no, but I told him that I had gotten some store credit on some stuff I had returned. He was very appreciative and thanked me for the blessing. I thanked him and we left the store.

Back to the grindstone

Well, I'm back in the office and it's like I never left (hehe). All I know is that the day sure went by fast. I was so busy before I knew it the clock showed 4:00pm. One more hour and I would be on the way home.

I got home and chatted for a bit with Mrs. Alvarez, mom's caregiver, and after she left I asked mom if she was ready for supper. She said no. So, I changed clothes, opened the windows in the den and got my laptop and decided to do some work. I never can get much done at the office, that is much computer work done, because most of the time I am either returning phone calls, placing phone calls, tending to couples who come in asking for wedding information, setting appointments for the priests and lots of other things. So, once I post this blog I will start working on our Sunday bulletin for this weekend.

Hope your day was a good one.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Vacation is over.

Well, I spent Thursday morning at the dentist getting my teeth cleaned. Got home and picked up papers to renew mom's handicap placard. This time they gave me 2 so she will always carry one in her purse and I can keep one in my truck. From there I went grocery shopping. Came home and got right back on the computer to do some work.

Friday I got up and finished work. Fixed breakfast & lunch for mom and me then headed back out to the office to put together the weekend books for the priests. Got some great news from our Business Manager. She said that since I was actually working from home and did not really get to take a vacation I was not to count this week as a vacation week. We were going to count it as regular work time. Woohoo!!!

The diocese has started something new for all employees (including all church employees). Depending on your years of service you will be given a certain amount of days and it will be up to you as to how you choose to use them, vacation, sick time, personal time, etc. You will only be allowed to carry over 5 days into the next year. This will be great because I don't really use any sick time so, I will have more vacation days that I can use for mom's doctor appointments as well as my own.

Today (Saturday) was a beautiful day. I washed some towels and sheets and hung them out on the clothesline to dry. My cousin and I took my mom and my doggie Gia with us on a trip to Walgreens. I had bought some Boost drinks for mom, they were on sale, but a week after I got them home and was about to give mom one I noticed that 3 of the 5-6pks I bought expired last year in November and December 2008. So we took them back to the store and they gave me a gift card with $9.57 credit. While we were there my cousin Belinda pulled out her coupons and she went over to the women's razors and found the Bic Soleil razors and refills on clearance sale. She got 14 razors and 14 refills, took them to the counter and added in 2 eyeliner pencils. I had found my mascara and was ready to use my gift card on it to purchase it ($8.49). Belinda told me to put it in with her stuff and sit back and watch the coupons do their thing. So, the checker rang up her stuff and it added up to $120.00. Then Belinda gave her the coupons and it came down to $54.00. Then Belinda told her to ring up the Walgreens coupon on the razors and refills and her final out-of-pocket was $1.15 which we paid with my gift card. Wow!!!

As we were leaving the gentleman behind us asked how she did that and Belinda told her it was with coupons. He asked us if we had coupons for what he was purchasing (some denture stuff). We said no, but I offered to use my gift card for his purchases. He of course said, no he had the money to pay for it but I insisted and he thanked me for the blessing and wished me a very blessed day. I told him thank you and I wished him one, too. He said he hated to let this blessing go without doing something, I told him to just pay it forward and we would both be blessed again.

Hope everyone has a "Blessed" day tomorrow.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Day 3 of vacation.

Well, it was another beautiful day. I got up early, made breakfast for my mom and got ready to go to the office for my Safe Environment Training and staff meeting. Got home and clipped my little dog's hair and gave her a bath. Now I'm just kicking back. Mom is asleep, Gia is asleep, Juan Diego is asleep...

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Day 2 of Vacation

I might as well be at work. I have had more calls from the office in these past two days than when I'm there in person. My sister said I should not answer my phone but one of the conditions of my being off for a whole week with such short notice (1 week) is that I would work from home and be available if they needed me. I guess I just didn't realize how much they need me. I'm not complaining! I know that some people would be glad to have my job or any job. I'm just saying that working from home is definitely not what it's made out to be. As soon as I start to try to do some type of housework I get a call which requires me to log on to my computer. Today I even got a call while I was on the road to do a favor for my brother. They had to wait until I got back home for me to be able to answer them. Oh well, at least it's not been boring.

Tomorrow I have to start my day early because I plan to buy groceries before I have to go to the office for Safe Environment Training (I work for a church) 10:00am - 11:30am. I'll stay at the office for the March birthday luncheon because at 2:00pm we have our staff meeting and I'm the one who keeps the minutes. At least it's usually only an hour long. My luck this one will be longer. At least I know that my cousin's daughter will be staying with my mom while I'm gone. I asked her if she would like to earn a little extra money during her Spring Break by staying with mom when I have to be away from the house for such a long time. She's also gonna be here on Thursday because I have a dental appointment in Richardson at 10:00am.

I did one good thing done. I was able to wash some towels and hang them up outside to dry. I love hanging my linens outside to dry. They feel so good when you bring them in.

Well, that's it for today. Let's see how my "plans" go for tomorrow.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Wow, I'm off next week!

Yes, it's true. Next week I will be home on vacation. I'm hoping the weather forecasts stay true and give me a great week and weekend. I'm hoping to take this opportunity to clear out some stuff in the house and have a yard sale. Whatever I don't sell I intend to give to charity. My cousin Belinda said if I needed, she could come over and help me pull things out for the sale.

One of my objectives is to go through all of my dad's tools and toolboxes, and believe me he had plenty, and sort them out. Then I'd like for my brothers to come by and pick what they want so that I can sell the rest. Not all of what's left but some. I may need some tools, too. It's just a thouht because I'm not sur my brothers can come by before Saturday since they both live so far away. Oh well, if they can't make it I'll just sell a portion of the tools.

Wish me luck.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Just kicking back!

Today started with me going to get my taxes filled out. Now all I have to do is mail them. Yea, I'm getting a refund. So many things I could do with it but I think I'll just put it savings until Mom & I decide what we'll do first.

Got home and helped Mom got to her bed so she could take a nap. Then I folded some clothes and took a little nap myself. Then I woke up got me and Mom a late lunch early supper. When I finished eating I swept and mopped the kitchen floors and bathroom floor. That over, I sat down with my computer and logged in to see utility bills that I need to pay. Gonna total them all up and see how much I'll have left after making the payments so that I can go buy some groceries.

All in all it's been a pretty quiet day and night. Not much else to say so, I'll say goodnight to all.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Don't you just love coupons?!!!

Wow, what a morning! Belinda, Jacque & I went out last night with coupons in hand and stocked up on tuna fish, foil paper, paper towels, and soft soap. I was also able to get a new blood sugar meter for free and in my favorite color, blue. Yea!

We left at 11:30pm to start at Kroger for the paper towels and soft soap. While we were in Kroger, Belinda noticed that they were running a sale on the star-kist tuna pouches. She told us that we also had coupons for those and with our coupons we could each get 6 packets of tuna for $1. So, with the amount of coupons we had, we each got 18 packets of tuna. Then we left there and headed for Walgreens where they had the foil on sale for $.89 and we had a coupon for $1 off. Ok, here is the run down of what we got Saturday:

Foil paper (20ft) - Free
Bounty Paper Towels - .25 each
Toilet paper (4pk) - .30 each
Star-Kist Tuna - 6/$1

When we finished we got home about 3:00am. We had a fun time together and it's really fun learning how this all works. I don't think Jacque and I will be making any more midnight runs again soon, but I know that we both enjoyed ourselves with Belinda. Now I think I'm gonna take a well deserved nap.

Friday, February 20, 2009

So, when do the endophins kick in?

Well, it's official. My sister and I along with our cousin have begun an exercise program. Now, before I describe our first night of exercising to you, please go to the bathroom and get the tissues ready to dry your tears from so much laughter. Ready? Here we go!

First of course we start the night by putting in a DVD of Lisa Rhinna Dancing with Stars Dancing and Exercising. She shows you dances they did on the show and you're supposed learn them while exercising at the same time. We stand in a line in front of the TV and mind we watch her go over the steps. Ok, we've got it. Then we can choose if we want to work out at a slow, medium, or fast pace. Of course we pick slow and of course we decide that this is too slow so we go with medium. And that's when it begins. Why is it that the moves we were doing looked nothing like the moves she and the other dancers were doing. I mean we were all three moving but neither one of us were moving in the same direction. Oh did I fail to mention that we were supposedly dancing the Rumba, the sexy, sultry dance. Believe me when I say that there was nothing sexy or sultry about the way we were dancing.

After deciding that this was just not the right dance for us we moved on to the Jive. Yes, you read it right, JIVE! Again we watch her go over the steps and no problem, this is just dancing, right? Wrong!! Have you ever tried jumpin' and jivin' with at least 50 -100 extra pounds on your shoulders? Then you know that there ain't no jumpin' or jivin'. So, again we decide that this one is not good either.

Then hey, we have a brainstorm!!! Why not just do the basic exercises we learned in elementary school starting with the jumping jacks. We also had the brilliant idea of not stopping between exercises. O. M. G! We ended with crunches and then with the toughest work out of all, getting up off the floor.

Once we could all breathe again we decided to do this each Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evening. Please keep us in your prayers.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Family ties.

My mom laid to rest her baby sister yesterday (2/14/09). It has been an emotional week for her. The worst part of it is that she has not been able to really cry because of her illness. If she lets herself get too emotional her lungs will tighten up on her and it becomes difficult for her to breathe. She also develops a very strong tremor. That's how Parkinson's Disease reacts to emotions. So, the stress of not being able to cry has really had a tiring effect on her little body. I gave her a Tylenol last night so that she could relax and get some rest.

While we were sitting and relaxing, watching TV her other sister, my Aunt Julia, called to see how she was doing and if it would be possible for her to come by and visit with her for a short time. I noticed that there was a sadness to her voice so I said, of course. I told mom that it sounded as if Aunt Julia needed her older sister. Mom said, really!? So, sure enough when Aunt Julia arrived I hugged her and she hugged me hard then she asked where mom was and I led her to the den. She went straight to mom and hugged her really tight and they both had a very good cry in each other's arms. It was what they both really needed. The saddest moment was when mom told Aunt Julia, we're all we have. It was sad because in reality they have 2 other sisters but those 2 other sisters decided about 30 years ago that they wanted nothing to do with their family. One went as far as to say that she was not to be contacted whenever one of her siblings passed away because she did not care.

Wow, I just can't imagine not wanting the love of my family. I will be the first to admit that my brothers & sisters and I do not agree on everything and we are far from perfect but I know that I will always be able to count on them to be there for me when I need them. That is how we were raised by our parents. Dad always told us that it doesn't matter who you marry, where you go, or how much you stay away from your family, your blood will never change. You will always be part of this family and that is the one thing that nothing and no one will ever be able to change, not even you. When it seems that no one else is there, your brothers and sisters will always be there. They will be a part of you and you a part of them even after you die because you all share the same blood, mine and your mothers.

His one piece of advice he gave to us all was, don't ever stop talking to each other. That would be the one way to truly dishonor me and your mother. And if I die and see that you all are not speaking to each other, I will come down from heaven and kick some butts. Always remember that each time you begin a new day, you represent the person your mom and I created. You never want people to say, "Oh no, here he/she comes again." you want them to say, "Hey, here he/she comes." Be as proud of yourselves as I and your mom are of each and everyone of you and never, ever, stop loving each other.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Ok, now I know I'm old!

First clue: My doctor had me schedule my first colonoscopy. Woohoo!! I'm scheduled for Tuesday 2/3/09 at 9:00am. Pray for me.

Second clue and most eyeopening of all: My sister and her husband borrowed my truck because they are in the process of moving into a house from their apartment. So, my sister picke me up from work. On the way home we were listening to some pretty good music and I asked her what station she was listening to. She said, "Oh no, that's Milton's (Tommy Jr.'s friend) IPOD. It was playing music like, "Hey Jude", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", etc. The reality of my age set in when she added that Milton told her that it was his "OLDIES" music. O. M. G.!!!! I am now an OLDIES of the 60's, 70's, & 80's. I couldn't believe it. My music isn't OLDIES, it's Rock & Disco. Kids, what do they know. The OLDIES are the DooWop groups etc.

Please somebody, tell me it isn't so. Has our music now become Their OLDIES!?

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Ouch!!!

Well, it had to happen. After 11 years of service at my job I fell. No really, I fell. Well, Ok, so I didn't really fall so much as the chair broke. We have some really flimsy chairs at work in the dining room. We were celebrating our January birthdays and a farewell to Fr. Orlando. I had already finished eating and we were all sharing stories about Fr. Orlando when all of a sudden I felt the chair begin to bend at my right hip. Before I knew it I was sinking then, plop, I was on the ground and I landed on a metal portion of the chair. Ouch!!!!!

My injury is right at the point where the cheek meets the thigh. I'm ok as along as I'm standing or lying down. It's when I sit or stand that it hurts. It's that bending motion that kills me.

All of the maintenance men were right on the spot to help me up but I was soooo embarassed that I told them I'm ok, just let me get up. Well, easier said than done because my butt began to hurt so, I had to take them up on their offers. Then our Children's Choir director who is also a marathon runner brought a ice pack (ice in a ziplock bag wrapped in a towel) and told me to sit on it to stop the bleeding on the inside from my pulled muscle. So there I am sitting on an ice pack. We all get up to leave and she tells me to take it to my office and continue to sit on it for a little while longer. Well, you guessed it. Ice melts, the bag sweats, the towel gets wet and so do my pants. Now not only does my butt hurt but I have wet pants and no dryer. Finally my pants dry and now I'm cold. Can I please just go home!!?????

I get home and when I get off the truck Ouch!!! I go to change clothes and have to sit to take off my compression hose, Ouch!!!! I have to stand up to go into the kitchen to fix supper for my mom, Ouch!!!! I fix supper and need to sit down and prop my legs up higher than my heart, Ouch!!!! I now have to get up and go to bed, Ouch!!!! I get in bed, Ouch!!!! I lie down, Ahhhhh!!!!!!!!! Goodnight!