The Appreciation for good Work

My favorite!

Rene's favorite!

Arizona is such a beautiful state in the winter. I continue to enjoy the red sunset's. As the rest of the country is dealing with miserable winter weather, we continue to deal with never ending sunshine. Day after day, the sun comes up and then goes down. No rain or clouds, just pure sunshine. I hardly ever have to wash our cars. You can plan an outdoor birthday party here without ever having to worry about rain. Oh well, I have to admit I do miss the occasional cloudy days and the smell of a storm coming in. Most of all I appreciate the crisp, clean air.

This weekend we were busy with winter ball as Renie continues to train for baseball with his high school team. After the games ended, we headed to a Native American arts and crafts show. It was pretty neat to see the artist at work. Usually you buy products online or at a gallery and never meet the true craftsman. There was so much jewelry, pottery, and art. I love Indian art, the colors and work that goes into a beautiful canvas. So out with the old and in with the new. I added two beautiful paintings to my collection.

Happy MLK

What a wonderful weekend we had just chilling, eating out, and watching movies. Waking up late each morning, cooking a big breakfast, jump starting the Jack Lalanne power juicer is what family time is all about. It would have been fun to head out somewhere for the weekend, but Rene is still not 100%. Oh, and did I mention our family competition of the Wii Dance 2 marathon. Love weekends like this......

The Healing Begins

I think this note said it best, referring to Congress Women Gabriel Gifford.

As Tucson begins the healing process, it seems the community has begun to come together in a very touching way. I had the opportunity to visit UMC yesterday with Rene. It was time for his follow up appointment, so we drove there together. The cluster of media and visitors was so touching. I sat outdoors above the memorial and appreciated the peacefulness and beautiful day as I watched people come and go. The cards, flowers, and smell of candles brought tears to my eyes.

Tragedy

Here is Rene receiving his meritorious metal for all the hard work he did at Yokota. They sent it here and he finally received recognition.


Well what a week it has been here in Tucson. Saturday, I got up, did my run, then got dressed. The morning quickly turned crazy as I had to make a quick run to the sports store to buy Renie a new pair a baseball pants (zipper busted minutes before he had to be at the field). It was a that time that all hell broke lose with devastating news of the shooting. I managed to re-group everyone as we headed to the field, then to see the Broadway show WICKED. It was difficult to enjoy the show since so much was going on. People kept checking their phones for news. Was she alive or dead? I also had Rene at home with some anesthesia side effects after having sinus surgery on Friday. I can't help but picture how the OR area must have been like just a day after I had sat waiting for Rene to get out of recovery at the very same hospital Gabrielle Gifford's and other victims were taken to. Chaotic, I'm sure. The news is never ending. I only hope the families can find peace. Life is so precious. This could have happened anywhere, but it happened here as people just went about their mornings and headed to listen to such a wonderful and caring lady. At that moment their lives and the lives of their families changed forever.

The End of 2010

Mr. & Mrs. Oliver Saenz Jr. We wish them happiness. The ceremony was a traditional Catholic wedding. It was nice to spend some quality time with the family.

Larissa dancing with her Uncle Oscar.

Mi Familia

Rene, Oscar, and Grandma Rosa

We had such a blast dancing the night away.

My dad's South Texas Ranch, total acres 300

Larissa climbing the blind. We sat up there for about an hour, saw one buck and just admired the scenery.

Well here I am blogging again after a two week vacation in Texas. We had a great Christmas vacation with family and friends. Going home is always special. We enjoyed hanging out with family at the wedding, hunting at the ranch with the kids (although we don't really hunt to kill). It is nice to have some quite time in the woods away from the hustle and bustle of the city. All in all, by homesickness was quickly cured. It is nice to be back home again and enjoy the comforts of my own bed. Come Monday, we will be back to our normal routine. This past year was filled with both happiness and sadness. My sister-in-law was sent to heaven and our lives took a rapid change as we headed back to the states for the start of a new chapter. I have faith that 2011 will be a great year. I will continue to focus on living a healthy lifestyle and drag Rene along with me. Sometimes he can be a bit resistant. We wish everyone a great 2011.................................................