Sanchez Stories

2009-10-26T06:24:00.004-06:00

Some pictures from early October...a trip to the lake. Hooray for outings with good friends!

Happiness

2009-09-05T22:43:00.003-06:00

Happiness is laughing uncontrollably while a two year old tries to tickle you or kiss you to death. Happiness is spending an evening chasing two and three year olds around a large park while trying to listen to the good music of John Schmidt.

Happiness is learning from the past and building a bright future. Life is Priceless.
Today, I found happiness is so many ways... Thank you Father in Heaven.

Mag Lab

2009-09-03T06:39:00.002-06:00

So apparently I am the new face of the Mag. lab RET program, the program I did this summer in Florida. They didn't use a great picture but it's still pretty neat!! I think I was mid-sentence explaining the work that I was doing.

http://www.magnet.fsu.edu/education/ret/

Birthday

2009-08-30T15:01:00.003-06:00

Thanks for a wonderful birthday, this year!

New Place

2009-08-27T20:25:00.003-06:00

Okay so this is the backyard...part of it..I will take more photos and post them soon.

The cat that lives in the barn and loves Jesus...and Jesus loves him..too bad he gives him allergies! He named it L.E. after my friend from work.

The swingset that I am ever so grateful for!
This truly is a piece of paradise for someone who will not be a homeowner anytime soon! How much we have blessed!

Everyday Excursions

2009-08-23T07:53:00.004-06:00

At Bear Lake a few weeks back with Auntie and Shawn. Jesus rode in the tube, behind the boat all on his own also!! This kid has no fear!

Playing in our new backyard...so much to explore!

Just showing Mommy some love! And busting a move...as he so often does.

I just love my son...he has SO much character! I seem to always leave my camera behind but occassionally I remember and snap a few cute photos...

Depressing Update

2009-08-13T08:08:00.004-06:00

As mentioned in my title this post may be depressing...Sorry in advance.

I have already had people confront me with rumors, questions, etc. I am here to give everyone facts at one time. I am not looking for pity or empathy...I just want to be straight forward and honest because I care about everyone that may read this blog.

Antonio and I are going through a divorce. It has been a very long time coming, not a quick, easy out by any means. I wont discuss details because that is between him, the Lord, and I.

I know it will be an extremely hard journey...but best for all of us, including our son who will not understand until he is older.

As I said, I'm not looking for pity, or people feeling sorry or judging us. It is for the best in our specific situation.

If anyone really desires to say something please do so through email to chrisanchez50@gmail.com.

Thank you for all of the love and support our friends and family have given us over the years.

God Bless.

Long Awaited Photos

2009-07-09T07:15:00.006-06:00

My new friends... Some of the most God-loving people I have ever known!

The pier...restaurant on the very top

View from the Restaurant at St. Petersburg Pier

At Clearwater beach

I love cyprus trees!

The BSCCO 2212 team of scientists and researchers

Our soccer team from the lab

The French friends

St. George Island beach

The ugliest ducks I have ever seen

The beautiful view...

Changing Times

2009-07-07T21:42:00.002-06:00

Right now in my life there are many things happening. Situations that I never thought I would pass through. In this time it has been easy for me to feel lost, alone, and hopeless. At perhaps some of my lowest moments though I have found God loving friends who are here to help me in any way possible. I feel faith in people and faith in God and Jesus Christ. I feel hope.

Thank you.

Congrats

2009-06-18T19:42:00.003-06:00

This is for my dad. You will be entering the temple this weekend for the first time. I wish I could be there to show my support, love, and pride. Our family has been a unique one, and I will never forget the experiences we have shared together. I love you so much Dad and I can not express in words how proud I am of you. I love you so much and pray for you! Good luck and know that I am there with you in Spirit. Right now in the trials that face me you are my strength and example. Anything is possible and you give me hope! I love you!! Congratulations!

Little People

2009-06-13T06:15:00.002-06:00

Here are some of my favorite little people! They are all so unique! I will miss them!

Culture

2009-06-13T05:06:00.004-06:00

So just another boring post... it will almost be like a journal entry. So, one thing that I absolutely love about science is that sooo many people are involved from different countries and cultures. I would venture to say that it is one of the most diverse fields out there! In the small building where I am working, in the small group that I am working with I have one German, three Russians, two Japanese, two Chinese, and one Wisconsinite as mentors and part of our team. Again, that is just my small group. We also have in the building people from Korea, Czech Republic, Lithuania, and probably more. I haven't met everyone there so who knows. In my down time I have learned some basic structures of Chinese, and furthered my understanding of Japanese (I have long remembered one sentence from my Sixth grade class). Also I reviewed the few words I know in Russian (thanks Svetlana! I have not forgotten!) I wish I could spend all of my time with these people learning more and more. Who knows maybe I will go into linguistics some day...or anthropology, where I have long had a passion.

A personal boasting moment: I was speaking with the Grad Student that I am working with, TengMing, about where everyone was from the other day and he stopped me when I mentioned that I was right in my guesses about where our Aisian teammembers were from. He said, "You can tell the difference between Chinese and Japanese?" with quite the shocked tone. I told him that yes, usually I am correct because there are quite a few not-so-subtle differences in appearence and demeanor. He then said that he can't even tell the difference! Of course I am not correct 100 percent of the time, but still this made me feel proud of my efforts to pay attention to details!

Oops...I forgot to give props to my program team. There are 13 of us including an Egyptian, Frenchman, Puerto Rican, Nicaragan, Cuban, and some really crazy home-bred Americans of all shades.

God Bless America

Hello from the south

2009-06-10T15:41:00.002-06:00

Hey y'all. So here I am in Tallahassee. I have been set up with a laptop...unfortunately I can't upload pictures to it. At least I can post small updates of my experiences. I arrived here late Saturday night on June 6. I want to keep this short so I wont go into detail about my long and painful journey to and from the local grocery store, nor will I drag on about the near thirty mosquito bites that have miraculously appeared in the last two days on my arms and legs.

I will however give a rundown of my research progress. I am working with another teacher under and scientist/Florida State University professor in what is know as the Shaw building... which is part of the National High Magnetic Field Lab. We have an assistant scientist and two graduate students monitoring our work and results. This group of researchers and working the superconductor Bi 2212. I can't explain many details but I can say that his is a type of wire that we are trying to improve so that it can hold more current and withstand higher magnetic fields. If this product can be improved we can greatly reduce the amount of energy used by certain high level magnets. (Such as the 45 Tesla magnet they have here which is currently the largest magnet in the world.) We are mounting, grinding, and polishing cross samples of various stages of this Bi2212 so we can basically disect them and magnify them more then 10,000 times so we can look at the filaments and bridges that are beging changed during the melting and cooling process. Okay so that is the most simple way that I can put it. No, I don't understand every little part of it. Yes, I am learning and loving it!

I am working with undergrad and graduate students from mechanical engineering programs, as well as with post-doctrate physicists. This sure puts me in my place yet I feel so inspired to seek higher education. I am surprised at how much I have learned already and how much does really make sense! Only five weeks to go!

From what I have heard my family is doing well...I love them and can not express how much I miss them! I talk to Jesus every day and I can not believe how much he is talking and explaining things!! What a joy!

Farewell

2009-05-05T19:13:00.002-06:00

So here we are...today is our last day with internet so this may be the last post for a while. I will however try to make it to the library every so often to update with photos. Until then....feel free to email us at my work email crsanchez@graniteschools.org or by phone anytime!

Bye, ciao, adios, aloha, etc., etc...

Closet Monsters

2009-05-04T18:01:00.005-06:00

Chuyito has been getting really into hide and seek lately. This is a great moment captured the other night while avoiding his bedtime routine. He always shuts the closet doors and really knows how to be quiet. He has scared us too many times by hiding so silently! This time though, we won!

Captain Calzones our little luchador

2009-05-04T17:54:00.003-06:00

So the other day as a motivation for Jesús to do extra chores we promised him a surprise. It worked and he was thrilled when we took out his luchador (Mexican wrestler) costume. A friend from our branch gave it to him and at the time he was too afraid to put it on. Now however he loved being a moster in a mask!

Thanks Karina for these great pieces!

Update

2009-04-26T19:40:00.003-06:00

So here is an update on what I will be doing in Florida. I have come to find out that I will be paired up with a scientist at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Every morning I will be working with them on their research in and out of the laboratory. In the afternoons I will be taking pedagogy classes to help me use my experiences in my classroom. I have always wanted to be a scientist of sorts...maybe this will feed my hunger if only temporarily at least.

I just know this is what I should be doing and pray that Heavenly Father will provide and help me through!

Here we are again...

2009-04-24T20:08:00.003-06:00

Okay...so a random title for a random post. I don't have much time to blog...as is probably evident. When I do have time I rarely have photos...so I just thought I would share some of my best moments lately.

Obviously most of those moments are Jesús centered so just bare with me. First, he is just growing so much and I can't get enough of his acquisition of language. Not only is he picking up two languages but he interchanges them with little to no thought. Like if he says "por favor" and doesn't get what he wants...of course he goes to "please" and doesn't stop there throwing in the sign language! He has definitely picked up on which people speak which language...at least with the ones he encounters often.

His most recent additions: vibora and bichos. Snakes and bugs. As we drive to and from the sitter he tries everything in the book.... she snake has bitten him, it's in his pants, its attacking him! Then it's bichos all over him...in his hair, mouth, underwear, and shoes. They tickle him and bite him. He "smashes" them then asks for a wipe to clean their mocos (snot). It is quite amusing as his main objective is always to move to the front seat...which NEVER happens.

He loves dancing and singing and is slowing picking up on the Hokey Pokey and asks for it every night. Definitely a child after my own heart.

Easter

2009-04-12T20:53:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone had a chance to watch the video of Elder Holland's talk. There is something even more moving when you see visuals with the message.

I decided that my focus for this Easter was being grateful for the gift of the Jesus Christ. (I know not very original) I related giving a few little gifts to my son (a coloring book and sidewalk chalk) to the greater gift which Heavenly Father gave to all of us. I cannot even imagine giving up my son. I don't have the strength. Heavenly Father's love for the rest of us is so immense that He did just that. I know that Jesus Christ was crucified and rose again for us. The only way that I can show my sincere gratitude is to practice faith in this principle, and to not procrastinate the day of my repentance. I love the Gospel and I bare my testimony that Jesus Christ lives and loves all of us. Only someone with an immeasurable tremendous capacity to love could endure what He did.

Many blessings to all of our friends and family. We love you!

Dancing King.....

2009-04-10T09:36:00.005-06:00

I tried to get him to perform as he regularly does for us...he screams ole ole and hot hot hot but instead he only wanted me to take a picture of him...hence the "cheese" multiple times in the video :)

Man how this kid loves to dance!

Decisions

2009-04-03T19:50:00.002-06:00

Thank you to all of you who gave thoughts on my Florida situation. As a family we decided it was an opportunity that I shouldn't pass up. I will be headed out the day after school ends. Yes, I know I'm crazy. I will miss my family like no other...I can't even begin to imagine how it will feel to leave my son, but I know that this is what I am supposed to do. Now how do I pack for six weeks?

Old Time Fun

2009-03-21T06:29:00.002-06:00

Dad and his last living sister, Barbara

Mom, Dad, Tim, and Anna....Wow how everyone has changed!

Dad's Mom and Dad and their Hudson....I never knew them but can image what fun they were!
I love my family and am grateful for the times we shared and pray for many more!

Family Fotos

2009-03-21T06:22:00.003-06:00

First family photos for us...and first professional photos for Jesus which were spontaneously taken...hence the drool factory..but he's still cute!

I love how this captures Jesus' laugh so well!

The kids and grandkids minus Jarrek... who was living it up in Cali while we suffered the cold of New York

Should I stay or should I go now...

2009-03-17T05:46:00.002-06:00

Well I have been accepted and invited to attend a six week summer program in Tallahassee, FL.
Check it out here: RET Summer Program

Now the only question is should I stay or should I go? Six weeks of intense research in the field of science...perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity. However there goes a month and a half of precious time with my son in the summer. (Who honestly would probably have more fun with his friends at the sitter's house.) As stated above the only question that remains is to go or not to go.

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-18T05:14:00.002-07:00

We decided to have an early birthday party for Jesus while we had the entire family together. His Aunt Lisa gave him a Chihuahua that signs "La Bamba" and it was a hit!

Grandma and Grandpa gave him dinosaurs....always a good idea for this kid!

Then, due to the fact that we were all so stuffed from a three day feeding frenzy we decided to pass on the cake and Jesus blew out two candles from a Dunkin Doughnut instead! I really don't think he minded! He blew the candles and was taking a bite before we finished singing!

Happy early Birthday Jesus!!

Tibble Nibbles

2009-02-17T20:46:00.005-07:00

Here are just a few highlights from our recent trip to New York.... Meet Tibble. He was found near Tibble Fork, Utah fourteen years ago. He is our kind, playful, now old and arthritic puppy. (Not so small though). He would become best friend my little man over the short stay...

Known for his famous "Tibble nibbles," he held nothing back with Jesus and Jesus LOVED every nibble, tickle, lick, and attack!

Tibble even got fiesty enough while playing to chase Jesus up onto the couch to his Auntie... We all shared endless laughs!

Warning: Graphic photos

2009-01-11T17:23:00.002-07:00

Notice the fat bottom lip.

So the last two weeks have really opened my eyes to the not so fun aspects of parenthood. It began with a week of canker sores on a toddlers tongue... Then the day after he began eating again...twenty minutes before church my cute kid stuck his tooth right through his lip.

I had no idea that mouth wounds bled so much...soaked through not only his buy my church clothes also.

A few days after my panic wore off we were able to get a few photos...but understand they do not do the wound justice.

Feliz Navidad

2008-12-27T15:19:00.007-07:00

Thanks Aunt Anna, I love being with you, but please no more ribbons ;)
So the camera died early in the day, but I did get a few cute pictures in...more to come.

New protective gear for his cool new scooter (photos to come), and new dinos!

In this economy, we feel more blessed than ever to have this handsome young man in our family. The true meaning of Christmas has touched our hearts and homes. Family is the best gift Heavenly father has given to His children.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Handsome

2008-12-23T14:00:00.002-07:00

Even with banana stickers on his forhead....

I can't help but think that my son is soooo handsome!
Must be a mom thing....

The Ginch

2008-12-22T08:29:00.002-07:00

So many have heard that Jesus is very much into the Grinch. He puts it into the VCR (when we have it down for him), turns his crib around (we end up helping but he always starts on his own!), and plops down to watch.

Who knows what it is he likes about the film...but he never tires of it! Our favorite part of his addiction is how he says "GinCH" with major emphasis on the ending 'ch'!

Molly Ringworm

2008-12-22T08:16:00.003-07:00

So I'm a little behind in blogging, teaching doesn't really have the benefit of a lot of extra time for anything... So anyway a while back I went to a Murder Mystery Party themed "Murder High Reunion" Eighties high school reunion basically. I was the drama queen in high school and a successful actress about to film a Disney movie with me in the lead... so here I am.

Oh yeah, turned out that I was the murderer. It was fun and drama queen wasn't so far off...a very enjoyable role!

The Lion and the Lamb

2008-11-22T17:48:00.001-07:00

Well, you are probably thinking I am giving my review of the film here. Well, I have decided that until some close friends have seen the movie my lips are sealed. I am a fan of the Twilight books and I am excited to read reviews. So far I have read 4 reviews from friends, all posted today. I'm comforted to not be the only one into the series, and look forward to more reviews. I will post my thoughts within the next two weeks I'm sure.

Seen Twilight? What did you think?

Boots

2008-11-08T11:01:00.004-07:00

With winter approaching Antonio had to pull out his HUGE steel-toe below 0 deg work boots....the results can be seen above

Beautiful

2008-11-07T18:31:00.001-07:00

Perspective

2008-11-07T18:21:00.001-07:00

I'm borrowing this from a friends blog...I thoroughly enjoyed it and whole-heartrendingly agree.

This is a guest post by Matthew Lorenzen, a history teacher originally from Arizona. His historical perspective is particularly valuable:

Barack Obama was criticized during his campaign for being a risky prospect-untried, inexperienced, etc. I have always agreed with that statement and still do because it is still true. Mr. Obama is relatively new to the world of politics, especially compared to a life-long politician like John McCain. Additionally, he will not take office for nearly 3 months and until then we can only speculate about what the future holds. Only time will tell if America made a wise decision last night or not.

Despite that whole debate, which only time will resolve, as an American history teacher, I wonder if we understand the magnitude of what has just occurred in our country. In my opinion, it is something that every American ought to be proud of, no matter who you were supporting during this election. While peaceful transitions of power from one political party to another have occurred plenty of times in this country's history, I am not sure that a transition of this magnitude has happened in some time, if ever. Right now I am teaching my students about the election of 1800, in which John Adams and the Federalists gave up power to a rising political party and their leader: Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans. John Adams and the Federalists had had a miserable 4 years in office and much of the nation looked forward to the termination of their time in office. However, Adams and the Federalists still had a considerable amount of support throughout the country. The fragile new nation was bitterly divided along party lines as Jefferson and the largely untried Democratic-Republicans took office. When Jefferson was inaugurated, he made a statement, a plea, to the divided nation. He said, "We are all Federalists, We are all Republicans." I think it ironic, though not odd, that emerging from a very similar election last night, Mr. Obama repeated a plea, a statement, that he has been making for some time now: "We are not as divided as our politics suggests."

Now is not the time to cling to dogmatic party lines (on either side). Now is not the time for the Liberals to boast, nor is it the time for the Conservatives to damn the next 4 years and resign themselves to the doom that some may believe must beset America as a result of Barack Obama's election to the presidency. Yes, there may be a considerable Democratic majority in the Congress now, but I do not believe that Mr. Obama is so irresponsible and unreasonable as to allow that to turn into a liberal free-for-all. True, there may be some fairly dramatic policy changes, but I believe we ought to give those changes the benefit of the doubt until they are proven ineffective.

Last night was also historically significant for another reason that I am sure we are all already abundantly aware of by now. While the civil rights movement climaxed some time ago, the civil rights movement is not over but also a contemporary movement and a struggle today. Unfortunately, some Americans still foster racist feelings and tendencies, however latent they may be.

However, I am proud of our country today. Prejudice and racism have not vanished, but it says something about our nation when a majority of our population votes a man of color into the pinnacle of American politics. Now, that is not by any stretch of the imagination a statement saying that McCain supporters are racists, etc. I do not believe that for a second. I only think it a small miracle that we as a nation have come as far as we have.

When John Winthrop and the Puritans came to America in 1620, Winthrop told them that their community, indeed their country, ought to be a "City Upon A Hill" shining as an example and a "Model of Christian Charity." That American myth has lasted throughout the centuries of American history, being repeated perhaps most recently by Ronald Reagan, and I think it applicable today. I am proud of America today. I believe that we are shining unto the world, at least in this moment and situation. No matter how much some Americans may or may not dislike Obama and his policies, the mere fact that he was elected ought to make us all feel good about ourselves, our country, and what we ought to stand for.

Welcome

2008-11-05T05:30:00.003-07:00

....to a new chapter in United States history! We could not be happier!!

Little Haunts

2008-11-01T08:39:00.004-06:00

Jesús really got the hang of trick or treating and by the end of the night he was saying "Trick or Treat" and "thank you" with out any prompting. Unfortunately now we have a ton of candy that I refuse to give him all of...nor do I want myself...so what to do?

He couldn't help but laugh after he put about 5 pieces from this bowl into his basket!

Before we left he had fun getting ready with his cousin's (who is almost 18) very first Halloween costume...a yellow M & M.

The night before, Christina's school had their Halloween carnival and Jesús was joined by his favorite friend, Marcela...or shall we say Dorthy? (Isn't she the cutest!!)

His father couldn't help but get him all decked out as a little cowboy...he has been practicing is gallop for about a month now and did not disappoint. He spent most of the night galloping through the school and cafeteria.

Yee Haw!

Home Run

2008-10-29T19:34:00.002-06:00

To everyone: Please get out and vote...we are the VOICE of America and our Future!!
Vote for hope and change!

2008-10-28T10:29:00.001-06:00

A friend of mine got her site up and running...check it out for some cute products for little girls!!!

Fall Time!!

2008-10-25T09:34:00.004-06:00

So for our third year in a row we traveled south to the South Ridge Farms for a fun day out with good friends. Check out the last two years: 2006 and 2007

Thank you to the familia Balls for introducing us to this place again we love you guys!!

Jesus still loves his tractors!!

Eyes closed, wind blowing, and all I still think we look good!

Dreams and Dreams

2008-10-22T06:03:00.002-06:00

So few of you probably know that I decided months ago that I will, in my lifetime, write a book. It has become a goal, or rather dream of mine. Not to publish, but for my own enjoyment and challenge. I also figured that my plot and characters would probably originate from one of my dreams. Seeing as I don't sleep well and every night is filled with countless dreams, I figured it's a great place to start. So I have just been waiting for another one of those dreams to spark my interest, I didn't expect it to happen so soon but it has. I now know very little about my plot, but my main characters are in place, I am beginning and will just wait and see where they take me!!

Do you have any good books to recommend? I want to do more reading for inspiration and for fun!

Intellectual absence

2008-10-12T18:53:00.002-06:00

Over the past few weeks with presidential debates on the forefront of everyone's mind I have realized something lacking in my life. Intellectual stimulation. I could never complain about being a wife and mother, I want that to be clear. However, I have found that as I ponder over words from our Presidential hopefuls, as well as over the conversations of those around me, or online, I feel a yearning. A yearning for knowledge, the same yearning that I had entering into my first and last semesters of college. So much of my time is devoted to ABC's, and basic rote memorization of so many different things, not only at home but in my job as a teacher. So much of my time is tied up in planning and prep for school, or church or family, that I rarely get to sit and have an intellectual conversation. Again, I wouldn't trade my role as a mother or wife, but I just wish I could fit in those conversations often enough that I don't lose the vocabulary, or abstract thinking that used to challenge my drive and interests. I wish there were time, and money for me to get the six or seven different doctorate degrees that I would so love to pursue!

I suspect this is life though, at least as a teacher supporting her family. I hope and pray that some day soon my husband will be granted the opportunity to pursue the education he so badly desires. That someday I can have these conversations with him without him looking at me like I'm crazy and he has no idea what I am talking about.

For now though, I will continue to post all the fun pictures that document the growth of my handsome son and the progress of our small humility-seeking family and leave the boring babble to my very patient, understanding journal. Enjoy!

Random Photo dump

2008-10-12T12:24:00.006-06:00

Snow Snow Snow

2008-10-12T12:05:00.003-06:00

We awoke this morning to our first snow fall. So at 7 in the morning I got Jesus ready and strolled outside to the "frio" as referred to by the kid. (That means cold)

Such a happy kid just strolling along, tasting the snow....

He even cleaned off our car!

Then inside for some breakfast cocoa, good for us...bad for him!

I don't know what I will do with a child who loves the cold and snow so much...I hope he grows out of it!! (For those of you who don't know me well....I am so not a cold or snow person!!)
But still...there is something very cute in this sad, pouty face!

Sneaky

2008-09-28T17:26:00.003-06:00

A cute kid enjoying his fruit snacks... or is he...

He stuffed them all into his mouth... at one time and managed to offer this smirk

Sugar overload? We aren't sure how he made his lips do this but it sure was funny!

Just a cute Mommy-son moment
I still can't believe how much love one can feel for a child!
What a blessing!

A Tragedy

2008-09-28T17:16:00.003-06:00

Today was a sad day as my one remaining piece of stoneware retired. Not sure what happened but I set it on the counter every so carefully and was surprised when is split into two!! I dropped my pizza stone probably a year ago now so this has been my one reliable friend for baking...anything from cookies to pizzas and potatoes! Now I have nothing....ahh, wo is me!

Water

2008-09-26T08:19:00.003-06:00

So here is what happened.... As is the nightly routine, Antonio began filling the tub, then called for Jesus to come to the bathroom to bathe. Well, in the few seconds that it literally took for him to turn around and blow his nose Jesus had slipped into the bathroom unnoticed and gotten himself into the tub....Isn't he adorable!!

Of course he was extremely proud of his sneakiness and grand accomplishment!

I think after a few minutes he realized that it was quite as enjoyable fully clothed!

Making up for lost time...and blogs!

2008-09-26T08:13:00.002-06:00

Here are some older photos to amend my blog on summer camping. I recently was able to get my photos from my phone to the computer...thanks Anna! so I have some pics from our fourth of July camp out with our branch.

Who would of thought he could get so dirty by early morning!

His favorite activity was picking up the gravel and either giving it to everyone around, or throwing back to the ground. You would think he had never been outside before lol.

He also loved stealing others' toys!

We were camped at the bottom of a Dam...it was actually quite scenic! (Again forgive the poor quality)

State Fair

2008-09-26T07:53:00.003-06:00

We went through a fun day in the life of a farmer...Jesus being the farmer! He gathered eggs, planted seeds and harvested veggies and he even milked a cow! (granted everything was plastic or wood he still loved it!

This guy however...was not made of plastic or wood.

Oh yea...He pulled hay in his "tractor" too!

A few weeks back we went to a fair with our good friends, Jess and Brady. Jesus loved the cowboy hat that he got...so did mom actually because they share near the same size head!!

Please excuse the poor quality as these are cell phone photos!

Saved!!

2008-09-23T20:13:00.002-06:00

Hallelujah!! After a near-death experience for my blog I hacked back into the system and retrieved my old layout, but unfortunately lost all friends' blog addresses.... again. Good news...I'm back! Bad news...I need to spend countless minutes or hours tracking down all friends and family!

Viva Los 80's!

2008-09-07T11:57:00.002-06:00

So...remind you of anything? I know I was a wee little girl in the 80's, but come on the early 90's were near a bad and I definitely remember those years! We had an awesome flashback party (flashbacks for most others...fun for me!) last night....lets just say I'm sure we would have turned some heads out in public!

The boys had a great time!

I won best costume....hooray!! I would like to thank the academy... okay well mostly my sister for the hours she spent on my hair...and helping me costume up! I really think this may have been the era I was meant for.... *sigh* oh well on to the year 2008!

Give Me Your Blog!

2008-08-13T20:01:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone, I just realized that in changing the layout of my blog I lost all of my links to friends Blogs!! If you don't see your site on our list I couldn't find it!! Please comment and leave your web address so I can add it back!!

All Grown up

2008-08-11T11:01:00.003-06:00

So, just another Sunday, off to church....

Nothing can go wrong when your day begins with a big kiss from a cute boy!

I felt all grown up with a straight skirt, button-down blouse, stockings, and solid colors...I enjoy looking and feeling "my age" however...I can't wait until the day I can afford more creative prints and textiles to adorn my adult look!

So what exactly does "dressing your age" mean to you? I would love to hear others' ideas on example ensembles and ideal looks!

Elmo's World

2008-08-05T12:56:00.004-06:00

La la la la....welcome to Elmo's World...now appearing daily at the Sanchez' House!

Are you distracting me?

I will have to think about it...

We fought....
He won!

Photos from Aug. 5, 2008. He is looking more and more like his father...whatever will I do!

Memories

2008-08-03T17:33:00.003-06:00

We recently acquired some photos from past outings with friends...here are some captured memories

Jesus' first camping trip just three months old.

Some pre-baby memories at Rowley Farm with some of our best buds...the Balls!

So I am struggling with formatting my posts...I can't get the pictures to all line up but I'm sure you can tell which is which.

If anyone has advice please pass it on!

A hairy tale

2008-07-28T14:14:00.002-06:00

Hey y'all! I cut and colored my hair. What do you think?

Girls Camp

2008-07-19T20:03:00.004-06:00

The second camping trip for our family was on the Fourth of July. We all joined our Branch for a campout at up near Rockport Reservoir. Unfortunately I forgot the camera yet again, and am still awaiting photos from others!

So far my third experience in the great outdoors was girls camp with our Mujeres Jovenes. We went to Reid Ranch in the Heber Valley.

Our trip included canoeing, paddle boats, archery, and horseback riding.

It was an extremely trying time for me as the Presidente, but I came closer to the Lord through prayer, and I truly saw his hand in calming my heart.

I love the Gospel, and I know without a doubt that it is true. I have learned in this life that all we can do is trust ourselves, and do the best we can. If others don't do their part that is on their shoulders, not mine. I need to be more of an example and stay strong...only the Lord can help me through these times.

Yeah....three days, no shower, no sleep, and bug bites from head to toe...lets just say these photos capture the essence of camping.

Trek

2008-07-19T19:38:00.002-06:00

As most of you know this summer has been full of the great outdoors for our family!

It all began with the pioneer trek at Martin's Cove, Wyoming in June.

Antonio and I were called as a ma and pa for our stake youth conference. The trip was amazing in every way.

As some of you may already know as part of trek all of the women participate in the women's pull. This symbolizes the sacrifices that women made in crossing the plains with their husbands and sons either being sick, deceased, or called away to the Mormon Battalion.

We had to come together and pull our cart up a very steep, extremely rocky hill while the men watch on and were not allowed to come to our aide. Many of us gained profound respect for pioneer women in that experience.

All in all we were bonded together through many trials and Spiritual experiences, yet can still not imagine how anyone stayed faithful in such adversity.

Just a few extras..

2008-06-20T10:09:00.004-06:00

I just can't believe how big he is getting...every day he seems to grow a few inches!!

I am so proud to be the mother of such a fun child...even though he sure can be stubborn and definitely knows how to throw a fit...he is still my pride and joy!

I did it!

2008-06-20T10:05:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, Jesùs conquered his goal of climbing onto our kitchen chairs. He has been mounting the couch for a while but the chairs were difficult.

But, by removing the cushion..it was all to easy!

Summer days...drifting away

2008-06-20T09:49:00.006-06:00

I once thought that I enjoyed the water and swimming. I have since realized that I only have a "fondness" for the pastime...and Jesùs truly loves it!

Over the past week we have gone to our pool daily...sometimes more than once a day...because it is just too cute when Jesùs pulls his towel and floaty into the living room, grabs my keys and goes to the door. I can't resit!

Random

2008-04-27T16:28:00.003-06:00

A mask that mommy made...

Daddy's sock....
Mommy and me...
Nosotros......

A Musician is Born

2008-04-27T16:25:00.002-06:00

He loves my recorder...you should see him play and dance to his own music!!

Ready For School!

2008-04-27T16:20:00.002-06:00

With a kool kid backpack...

a fridge full of food.....

And a cool new vintage lunch pail....

I'm ready to go to school!! Wahoo!

First Easter Egg Hunt

2008-04-27T16:02:00.003-06:00

Okay, okay... I know it has been ages since Easter, but better late than never!

We enjoyed eating Easter Egg cookies from Auntie Anna, Jarrek, and Eric!!

Just have to love this face!

It took a while , but eventually he figured out how to put the eggs in the bucket. Yum Yum!

Feliz Cumpleños Jesus!!

2008-04-24T09:40:00.004-06:00

I can't believe I haven't posted these yet!! Sorry to all of you who may have been waiting for some birthday photos!!

We had a small, humble, Birthday party for Jesus on the 27th of February with the three of us, and a quick visit from Aunt Anna and Cousin Jarrek (neither of which would not allow photos).

With Young Womens, a teaching job, and a family to take care of, time is rare and sacred...I did however find time to make a small cake for Jesus to destroy...

and though he was slow to start......

As soon as he tasted the chocolate he went to town!! I believe this is because he doesn't get many sweets of this nature....so he was living in the moment!

Daddy and Jesus always share a lot of laughs and fun!

Sanchez Look-alike Meter

2008-03-28T08:52:00.001-06:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Ancestors - Genealogy research

Sueños y Gozo

2008-02-23T09:25:00.002-07:00

Two Christmas cuties....all for me!

After so many years I finally have my own classroom...and they at least APPEAR to like me :)

There is something about this kid who just loves to wear his mommy's glasses!

Isn't he the cutest kid ever?? No...I am not biased!

Giving Thanks

2007-11-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

What am I going to do with this?

Hm....It's really big...but oh it is so good! I love Thanksgiving!!

As mentioned above I was blessed to make it home in time for Thanksgiving dinner and I was there to see Jesus enjoy his first Thanksgiving turkey...he tried his best but in the end it was just too much for even him!

A long week

2007-11-24T12:39:00.001-07:00

As most of you probably heard, I spent a good deal of Thanksgiving week in the hospital. After being sent home from one hospital on Sunday I proceeded to a different one for help with my gall bladder. This was my worst attack yet and no meds would help the pain nor the nausea.

Monday night the doctors realized that my liver was very inflamed and on the verge of shutting down, so an operation took place in which they removed my gall bladder and a gallstone that had passed into the common duct. I was supposed to be released tuesday morning, however as 8 pm tuesday night rolled around I was told that there was no discharge written up for me, however the nurse was kind enough to call the doctor and get me out of there.

Bad move! 5am the next morning I was back in the ER with uncontrollible vomiting and the worst nausea yet! Oh..and more pain! My liver was still in very bad shape so they decided to do an endoscopy and found and removed another gallstone. So late thursday afternoon I was released from the hospital...finally beginning to feel better and in time to enjoy holiday dinner!

Spending five days in the hospital is not my idea of fun...but it wasn't all that bad...check out the view!

Fall Family

2007-11-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

We had a great afternoon taking pictures for our family in Mexico...We had Antonio, Jesus, and I. Also Jesus (hermano de Antonio) and Mayra with her three children: Gordo, Ileen, and soon to be Edgar. And last but not least Fabian Javier (Antonio's cousin. The lighting was great and the attitudes also helped to make it a fairly successful shoot!

Halloween Night

2007-11-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

With such a little guy it is sometimes hard to get out for Halloween...but we did make it to Trunk-or-Treating at the church for a bit.

Fall Day

2007-10-27T20:32:00.000-06:00

On such a beautiful fall day we had the opportunity to go on a family outing to the South Ridge Farm in Santequin...It was a great release for all of us!

Jesus especially enjoyed the 600 lb pumpkin that weighed in as the biggest in the area!

Jesus definitely takes after his mom with his tractor skills...I can see it now champion tractor puller!

After all the hard work of driving a tractor and picking out a pumpkin a cold apple beer really hit the spot!

2007-10-23T09:31:00.001-06:00

Hey folks, just wanted to give everyone the update on the little guy. He is a week shy of 8 months and is 20 lbs, 31 inches long. He has been crawling for over a month now and pulls himself up on EVERYTHING! He loves to stand and play and can stand alone (not leaning or holding anything) for more than a minute....yea he will walking pretty soon here!

He was also a very big helper at Parent -Teacher conferences...the kids shared their frosted cookies too!

Random

2007-09-28T11:43:00.000-06:00

Some more random pics!!

Can you tell I'm obsessed?

Yep...I still think I am handsome!

Enjoying the new view of his toys

Nature..isn't it amazing!

HE CRAWLS!

2007-09-24T18:05:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone! Just thought I would let you know he crawled today for the first time!!

PS the first place he crawled to was the wall outlet and unplugged the TV! Is it a sign?

some photos

2007-09-23T13:04:00.000-06:00

Here are just some random pictures I finally got onto the computer...Enjoy!

Just saying hi!

4th of July outing...silly faces!
Man I'm cute!
Going...going...
Gone...notice the puddle!

Ready for the water!

It's never too early to eat carrots!

Smiles

2007-09-23T12:57:00.000-06:00

So another few weeks have passed and we are still surprised every day at how big the little guy is getting!

Now that he is sleeping "out of the burrito" he has been getting either too warm or too old and thus waking up every hour at night, so for our solution we got him big boy pjs! These ones are size 12 months and he loves them!

What a joy he is!

Can you tell I'm obsessed??

2007-09-09T20:09:00.000-06:00

We are hoping for another little Aggie in the family!

Well here I am again with a few photos from a private shoot with Daisy again! Too bad the little guy would hardly sit still and smile..but there were a few cute ones....enjoy!

Labor Day Retreat

2007-09-09T19:20:00.000-06:00

So this past weekend was a nice break. We had the opportunity to have a nice picnic up Mill Creek Canyon with some friends who in turned provided some great photos for our family! Jesus is definately an outdoors kid and I can only hope that as he grows he continues to enjoy nature and activities over the television. I suppose we can only lead by example!

After feeling roasty toasty all day and one really messy diaper change we decided to let the little guy enjoy the great outdoors like a true man... with wind on his chest...boy did he love it!

2007-09-09T19:19:00.000-06:00

I can't believe the joy a child brings. Jesus is so very innocent and yet so very mischievous. There is a surprise around every corner.

Big Boy

2007-09-04T14:01:00.000-06:00

Hey ya'll. Well just a short little update on the little guy. Jesus is now just over six months old and has been rolling all around the house to get around...though just in the past few days he has started to get up on his knees, though cannot quite crawl but he does launch himself forward from his knees. He is learning so fast!!

Also, he can sit up on his own now which is great for all of us!

To make an even more eventful week his first tooth broke through yesterday...although he was in screaming pain the night before he seems to be doing great now. :)

I'm still working on figuring things out with this thing and I will have more pictures up soon! Bare with me!

Good Eats!

2007-08-22T13:00:00.000-06:00

Hey folks! per request here is a super moist super yummy banana bread recipe:

2 med bananas (or if you are me 3 or 4 bananas)
1/4 cup butter
1 egg
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sour milk (1/2 Cup milk + 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice-let sit for 2 minutes)

Mix all ingredients above adding the milk last, then pour batter into greased loaf pan. Bake for apprx 1 hour at 350 deg.

Personally I like to add coconut and fresh pinapple but you can also add nuts or chocolate chips to taste. Just have fun and ENJOY!

Summer Fun

2007-08-20T15:27:00.000-06:00

Hey! So I'm still exploring things with my blog, and trying to get things figured out so have patience with us! I just have to say though that this summer, though short, has been great in so many ways. We haven't done anything exciting or extra special, but just spending time with our son has opened our eyes and hearts to a new love. We have made and strengthened new friendships, and visited old friends. It has been a special summer thanks to the simple things.

2007-07-07T07:46:00.001-06:00

Wow...okay so we are finally stepping up to the tech world we live in....welcome to our BLOG!!