Victor Gets His Yes

It's boys' preference this weekend and Victor last night put out the query...yes, that's right just last night (days before the dance) to Lexy. He told me his idea..was cute, something about little Army men and a camo poster...but the dollar store didn't have any Army guys and so he said he switched to a poster and Starbursts, something about stars...burst...I have no idea. Anyway, Lexy called to ask if she could get into his room and could I get him out of the house. Sure.

I made V go w/me to buy a new computer (he knew because R answered the phone while we were having dinner, "Yes, Victor's mom is here." No surprise there.

Anyway, when we returned there were little stars laid out down the carpet to his room. R wasn't impressed at all. He was the only left home to answer the door. I told him to be nice. R reported that the girls were way too giggly and he doesn't want any short blonds hanging around.

There was a poster that said:

Turn out the lights
So that you can't see.
Look to the stars
And the answer will be.
While lying on his bed w/the lights out, the stars glowed YES.

Welcome 2010

You would think with today being a holiday I could sleep in, but no. Dang it. Got back from a week in California last night and have spent the morning doing laundry and trying to pretend that the Christmas decorations aren't up. Sure wish the Christmas fairy would have taken care of that while we were gone.

R is showered and in front of the TV watching a bowl game. I wish he'd go outside and get the snow shoveled. I am soooo not going to take care of that when I have four men living in my house.

Ah--a new day, a new month, a new year and a new decade!! Wow. My mind was wandering as I was lying in bed wishing I could fall back asleep this morning. My mind was all over the place, must have been thinking Bible stories as the phrase "go and sin no more" came to mind. So was that a thought to start this day anew and look to the future and forget about what's in the past?? I kind of had that feeling, a cleansing if you will. A new chapter. Now go and write a good story, one that will leave me feeling full and happy.

Okay, time to take a shower and get out of my PJs. I have grocery shopping to do. I think I'll make some soup for tonight. That sounds really good. What are your plans for the day?

Olvera Street

When you have the name Gonzalez, you really can't visit LA w/o going to Olvera Street, which is truly the origins of Los Angeles.

It's only a block long, but filled with lots of vendors and shops. Surprisingly, the prices are very good, just like being across the border, and very colorful.

I didn't buy anything, though probably should have. Tony found a really good leather cover for his camera that had a clip on or slide through for a belt, plus a magnetic closure--really nice for only $7. Should have bought some sandles, but wasn't in the mood then. Only bought a horchata (a really good and refreshing drink) and a churro.
Okay, so I'm drawn to food. No surprise there.

Have no idea the story behind this cross, just thought it was interesting.

Mecca of Basketball

We were on our way from point A to point B and Rafael announced that we would be driving on the freeway and if we were quick we might see the famous Staples Center. Why so famous? Well, it is home to the LA Lakers which is T's fave team (remember, the guy who has painted his room in Lakers' colors). Not only did we drive by, but we decided to take that exit and do a drive by. Quick take a picture of ESPN (probably on our TV more than any other channel). Hey look, a parking garage. Let's get out and walked over to "holy ground."

Mom: "It's just another basketball arena."

Boys: "Did you really say that?"

While this couch was meant for TV personalities, I told T and V to quickly slip in and I'd take a picture while security's back was turned.

Santa Monica Beach and Pier

Went to the ocean one day. Why not? It's so close. Yes the water was cold, but so much fun for us land-locked Utahns. You would think we had never seen the ocean? That's right, we rarely do.

Tony in reflection, actually wishing those of us who took of our shoes to play would hurry up.

It was a gorgeous day, let me repeat that GORGEOUS day, and Vic was wishing he had worn his shorts and a T-shirt, as he was dressed a bit warm, well by Utah standards.

The walk to and from the parking garage was like paradise. Maybe Heaven is like this? Breathe in the warm air, touch the green grass, gaze at the palm trees, walk past the homeless (so sad), take notice of the gays (wrong choice guys).

We had lunch at Bubba Gump at the pier (remember that Tom Hanks movie?). Victor here had the "bucket of trash." We all love seafood and lunch was fun, expensive, but lots of fun.

And here at the end of the pier is also the end of Route 66 which runs across the nation. We really should plan a vacation when we can get to the beach in the summer.

Six Flags

The Monday after Christmas we drove north of LA and went to Six Flags. Good game plan. The boys had a great time. This is an amusement park that caters to thrill seekers, as there are 12? roller coasters. We rode as many as we could. Tony was drawn to the 3-point contest where you have 12 balls, four each at three perimeter positions, in 40 seconds. There's an occasional 2-point ball for a possible 15 points if you make all 12 balls. The high score of the day (this was late afternoon) was 11. Tony went twice, each time scoring in the medium category. I think he was like 6 or 7 each time, which won him a UCLA bear and a USC bear, cute w/team hoodies.

Since Tony did it, then Victor decided he would part w/a few bucks and it paid off. He scored 9 and chose a Kobe jersey. See boys, all that practicing paid off. I had to add these pics, as they make me laugh. This was at the end of the day and a long wait in line to go on the X2 ride. It was awesome!! You're strapped in very securely and then transported lying flat on back up a very tall ramp and dropped backward, flipping forward and sideways, at one point hanging upside down (yes, feet dangling as you rush to the ground)--well worth the wait.

Look at Jared. That look is one of pure terror. You would think he would be in tears at the conclusion, but he loved it. I think we've created a thrill junkie. R was a good sport--hates amusement rides, so he would patiently wait while we got an adrenaline rush.

And that's all folks.

Christmas = Family

Oh, which pictures to select?? Such a hard decision. Okay, here are just a few. I really should take some time and learn to do a collage, but not today.

Amy (love her--she took care of me, housed me, fed me, gave me sister talk), and Cynthia (R's cousin) and husband Cameron. They have the cutest little guy, but didn't get him in a picture that I chose. Oh well.

Here are Tia Mary and Tio Mago with their daughter, Liz, and son Moses, Moses' wife Diana and children, David, Sara and Jonathon. These people are goooood people, the kind who will hopefully put in a good word for me in Heaven.

This is the only picture I got of Kate, Ariel's daughter. She lives with her mother in San Diego, but we get to see her occasionally. She and Victor seemed to hit it off and I saw them on the computer making a Facebook connection, so it seems that they'll make an effort to stay in touch. Katy is a bit older than Vic and will be graduating this spring, supposedly has a boyfriend who will be attending the "U" on a swimming scholarship, so hopefully we'll get to see her more often.

From left to right: Aileen and Eleazar Doria, Mago Doria, Rafael, baby Flippin (think her name is Kylie), Keola and Barbara Flippin (isn't that the coolest last name?), and Mary Doria.

Little Ethan, now 4, really lonely with his brothers and sister on a mission, latched on to Jared the second he walked in the door, but also shared time w/Tony and Victor. He was quite cuddly w/Tony. Good to see. Ahh, wish I could have back some of that cuddly time, but alas the boys grew up and cuddles became memories.

Ahh, we spent time lounging. Note: My no-socks feet were very happy. Jared and Victor in shorts were definitely enjoying the warm sunshine. It was easily into the mid 60s, perhaps even warmer, so why were the Cali people wearing winter gear???

Here's grandpa (abuelo) with a few of his grandchildren. We're missing Aaron, Erica and Jake, but we were so glad that they've made the choice to spend this Christmas in the mission field. They all called home on Christmas, Erica for 3-1/2 hours!! Turns out Jake was snowed in and was enjoying Top Ramen. Now that's a memory.

My Uncle Glade

My dad's older brother, Glade, recently died and Rafael and I made a quick trip home on Wednesday, December 23. The funeral made me think how I would like to be remembered. During the program, there was an inclusion for remarks by children and grandchildren. The first speaker, a son, got up and said "well my dad was stubborn and ornery..." and that pretty set the tone. Quite honestly, my memories of Glade are not of warmness and kindness. Therefore, it was good to hear and be reminded that his children enjoyed going fishing and that he sacrificed a beloved car one Christmas because the family was broke. Glade had 15 children and a couple chose not to attend. Makes me think about how I want to be remembered. hmmm??

This is my brother, Joe, and his wife, Maxine, my parents. My parents drove up from Arizona and Joe had just been down to Arizona helping them replumb their home (bathroom had a leak) and run some outside electrical outlets. Joe is handy in that regard and he worked really hard for several days. He's big and rough on the exterior, but actually has a soft heart.

The internment wasn't until late afternoon and the cemetery was in shadows when we arrived. It was coooollllld, probably mid teens. Let's just say that I've never seen a group of people disperse so quickly to return to the warmth of cars and a hot funeral meal back at the church.

Glade had military rites and it was definitely an honor to see the flag and hear taps. Incidentally, this is my Uncle Earl on the far right--quite a character and I really enjoy his company. My dad's cousin is second from the left, Phillip Nelson. The others I don't know. It was good of these men to attend.