Esther Santillan Corral
Suegra,
I imagine you looking like this when Jesus says, “Tell me about your family.” I see you pointing to all of us and saying, “Take a look for yourself.” proudly then putting your hands on your hips just like in this picture.
This is one of my all-time favorite pictures of you and such a fun day. This is the way I remember you. Always full of life and love. You knew no definition for “stranger”. You spread comfort and care. You touched the hearts of all those you came in contact with. You were “Small but MIGHTY”. I’m glad you are on my side.
The tough times are fading and my memories of love, life, and laughter are taking over. You are infectious, caring, loving, fun, smart, witty, wise, and crazy about all of us… the fortunate people that had the chance to know you.
So many wonderful people seem to be coming out of the wood work. They have come to show the same love to us, your family, that you showed them every chance you had. They are here with us and I can’t help but feeling like you will walk in any minute — late as usual, but that you will walk in any minute with some tasty treat and steal the show. I loved when you would seemingly make up some word and say, “That’s what we say in Spanish”. I miss you with all my heart.
Gabby and I thought about how happy Chase and Butler were when you walked into Heaven and it made us smile for a minute or two. Just think, no one there will get on to you for giving them too many treats.
You are loved and missed.
~ Yerno
[ That's how we say "son-in-law" in Spanish 
]
Reduce Stress, Improve Results, and Gain Respect
Reduce Stress, Improve Results, and Gain Respect
I was reading a Blog Post from Tony Schwartz on the Harvard Business Review this week titled “No is the New Yes: Four Practices to Reprioritize Your Life” and it got me really thinking about a New Years Resolution I made this year.
RESOLUTION #4:
Learn to say no gracefully and earn respect while doing so.
Tony used this quote and I began to really reflect…
“A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.” ~ Gandhi
What “Yes” Gets You
In my experience, saying yes solves problems. Saying yes puts out fires. Saying yes can also Read the rest of this entry »
Sunday Walk
Sunday Walk
Gabby is learning to make home movies to preserve and document the fun things we do as a family. Frankly because I need help keeping up with our crazy family and she likes to help with the cameras.
I let her use my camera and she wants to play with it but she doesn’t know what to film. We made this little film of a Sunday Walk near her school, Cedar Ridge, to show her that anything we want to remember is worth taping. I think it is cute because she is so outgoing… until the camera gets to rolling! She will get over her “Camera Shyness”. I did. Come to think of it, the way I overcame my “Camera Shyness” was by taking hold of the camera. Hmmm, how about that?
How about you? Are you camera shy? Have you ever overcome it? How?
Leave a comment tell me how.
Auntie Pulled My Tooth
Auntie Pulled My Tooth
Gabby is racking up when it comes to the Tooth Fairy. She has complained for 2 weeks about that tooth that was flapping in the wind hanging from her top gums! Until today…
Auntie snatched it out without any pain. In fact, without any feeling at all, apparently. Gabby didn’t even know it was out.
These days will end one day. These days of losing teeth, learning to ride bikes, and having “play dates”. I just hope the days of totally trusting Mommy and Daddy, loving her brother, and staying true to her heart never end.
Karate, Kung Fu, or Taekwando?
Karate, Kung Fu, or Taekwando?
We’re thinking of putting the kids in Karate or something similar. I know that Evan is too young right now, but Gabby is anxious to get started. What do you think? Offer some suggestions on types of Martial Arts that are good for kids (and grown ups) to learn together.
My favorite is Kung Fu, but that’s because I watched too much T.V. as a kid.
Leave a comment and let me know.
A Great New Friend
Pickles (Pee kels) A Great New Friend
For a dog that we found as a stray, she is turning out to be a great friend. I know that somehow, Chase and Butler sent her to our family. The boys knew how much we loved them and I think that’s why she’s here.
Whether you call her Pickles, Ahh, Dog, or Peekles, she comes running. She loves attention and walks. She meets me at the door after a long day at work. She’s an amazing little friend.
Linky is Counting The Days
Linky has been a part of our Christmas Tradition for only 2 years, but that doesn’t stop him from being as crazy as one of the family!
I wonder where he’ll show up next.
How to Destroy Your Property Value
“HOW TO DESTROY YOUR PROPERTY VALUE WITH TRASH” You hear that and think it sounds terrible, I know. I can’t help it though. I hate litterbugs.
I was raised to NOT litter. I guess it’s just hard for me to believe that other people weren’t.
Every morning Pickles, our new family dog, go for a short 1-2 mile walk. I carry a Wal-Mart plastic bag with us to take care of, heh-hem, you know… Pickles Business. Now I have to carry an extra one too. Not because Pickles got into the Tamales at dinner the night before, but because the residents in my neighborhood throw trash in the street and yards!
I don’t mean a little trash that blows out of the cans at pickup on Wednesdays. I mean kids at bus stops dropping Ramen Noodle cups??? and others throwing entire McDonalds bags of trash out their car windows! It really is terrible.
Even dogs don’t poop where they eat and sleep. Come on neighbors, bring some honor to our neighborhood and put your trash in a trash can.
Check out this little short video illustrating the amount of trash I pick up in one day.
Linky is Getting Brave
Today, Gabby’s elf on the shelf, Linky, found himself in a little trouble. I wonder what he’ll get into tonight.
