meRrY ChriStmAs

Christmas pictures from today. We had a good time at the farm. Merry Christmas!!

DiAry of a SNow sHoveLer in WisConSin

Diary of a Snow ShovelerDecember 8 - 6:00 PMIt started to snow.The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and satfor hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print.So romantic we felt like newlyweds again.I love snow!

December 9We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight!Can there be a lovelier place in the whole world?Moving here was the best idea I've ever had!Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again.I did both our driveway and the sidewalks.This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalksand closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again.What a perfect life!

December 12The sun has melted all our lovely snow.Such a disappointment!My neighbor tells me not to worry- we'll definitely have a white Christmas.No snow on Christmas would be awful!Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible.Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.
December 14Snow, lovely snow! 8 inches last night.The temperature dropped to -20.The cold makes everything sparkle so.The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life!The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again.I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way.I wish l wouldn't huff and puff so.
December 1520 inches forecast.Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer.Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels.Stocked the freezer.The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out.I think that's silly.We aren't in Alaska , after all.

December 16Ice storm this morning.Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway putting down salt.Hurt like hell.The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.
December 17Still way below freezing.Roads are too icy to go anywhere.Electricity was off for 5 hours.I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm.Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her.Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her.God I hate it when she's right.I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20Electricity's back on, but had another 14 inches of the damn stuff last night. More shoveling! Took all day.The damn snowplow came by twice.Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying.Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out.Might have another shipment in March.I think they're lying.Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me.I think he's lying.
December 22Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white sh!t fell today, and it's so cold, it probably won't melt till August.Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to pi$$.By the time I got undressed, pi$$ed and dressed again. I was too tired to shovel.Tried to hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the @sshole is lying.
December 23Only 2 inches of snow today .And it warmed up to 0.The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning.What is she, nuts?!!Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago?She says she did but I think she's lying.
December 246 inches - Snow packed so hard by snowplow, l broke the shovel.Thought I was having a heart attack.If I ever catch the son of a b!tch who drives that snow plow, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel.I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been!Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the damn snowplow.
December 25Merry freaking Christmas!20 more inches of the damn slop tonight -Snowed in.The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil.God, I hate the snow!Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel.The wife says I have a bad attitude.I think she's an idiot.If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.
December 26Still snowed in.Why the hell did I ever move here?It was all HER idea.She's really getting on my nerves.
December 27Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze; plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him,he only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.
December 28Warmed up to above -20.Still snowed in.The B!TCH is driving me crazy!!!December 2910 more inches.Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in.That's the silliest thing I ever heard.How dumb does he think I am?
December 30Roof caved in.I beat up the snow plow driver, and now he is suing me for a milliondollars,not only the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the brokensnow shovel up his @ss.The wife went home to her mother.Nine more inches predicted.

eMiLi'S cHriStMaS cOnCeRt

Emili's Christmas concert was last night and she sang her little heart out!! I was very proud. She had a line in the concert and did very well. Here are some pictures of my girl!! There is a picture of Emili and her friend Sophie. Look at how much they have changed since last year's concert. The 5th grade sang a Spanish lullaby in Spanish.. pretty good for a little town. It brought tears to my eyes. Here is the link.

Here a the lyrics to the original song that is usually sung around christmas time.

Nanita nana

Nanita nana
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea, mi Jesús tiene sueño, bendito sea,bendito sea.
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea, mi Jesús tiene sueño, bendito sea,bendito sea............................
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea, my Jesus is tired, may he be blessed, may he be blessed.
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea,my Jesus is tired, may he be blessed, may he be blessed. ...........................
Fuentecilla que corres clara y sonoraruiseñor que en la selva cantando llorascallad mientras la cuna se balanceaa la nanita nana, nanita ea............................
Little fountain, clear and melodic, nightingale, you are singing and crying in the forest, be quiet as long as the cradle swingsa la nanita nana, nanita ea...........................
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea, mi Jesús tiene sueño, bendito sea,bendito sea.
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea, mi Jesús tiene sueño, bendito sea,bendito sea............................
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea,my Jesus is tired, may he be blessed, may he be blessed. A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea,my Jesus is tired, may he be blessed, may he be blessed. ...........................
Manojito de rosas y de alelies¿qué es lo que estás soñando que te sonríes?cuales son tus sueños, niño alma mía mas,¿qué es lo que murmuras?Eucaristia. ...........................
Little hand of roses and gillyflower, what is it you are dreaming of, what makes you smile? What are your dreams, child of my soul, What is it you murmur? Eucharist............................
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea, mi Jesús tiene sueño, bendito sea,bendito sea.
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea, mi Jesús tiene sueño, bendito sea,bendito sea............................
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea,my Jesus is tired, may he be blessed, may he be blessed.
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea,my Jesus is tired, may he be blessed, may he be blessed. ...........................
Pajaritos y fuentes, auras y brisasrespetad ese sueño y esas sonrisascallad mientras la cuna se balanceaque el niño esta soñando, bendito sea............................
Birds and fountains, mist and breeze,respect this dream and this smile be quiet while the cradle swings,because the child dreams, may he be blessed. ...........................
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea, mi Jesús tiene sueño, bendito sea,bendito sea.
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea, mi Jesús tiene sueño, bendito sea,bendito sea............................
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea,my Jesus is tired, may he be blessed, may he be blessed.
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea,my Jesus is tired, may he be blessed, may he be blessed. ..........................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3hH4lc59V4

I hope the baby likes it. Planning on singing it very soon to the little guy. I have been having labor pains now for a week.... now that the concert is over..and I made it through..anytime would be nice.

Que bonita nina!! What a beautiful little girl!!

Emili and her friend Sophie 2007Look at how much they have grown. Emili and Sophie 2008Singing her heart out!!
In front of the tree. All ready 4 the concert!!!!!

eMiLi'S LeTTeR 2 SaNtA tHiS YeaR

It brought tears to my eyes as I read Emili's letter to Santa this year. She normally is a good speller, but I think she might have been in a rush. Here is what it said....what a cutie.

Dear Santa,

It's that time of year! My Crhismas (Christmas) pesent (present) is a brother. Well hope you have a good time in the sky with your dear. (deer). Tell Rouhy (Roudhy) I said hi! My name is Emili. I really want a water pruf (proof) camra (camera). I think you are a good man. I am excited for Crhismas (Christmas)! I hope you don't fall of (off)the roof.

Merry Chrimas (Christmas) Santa.

You (Your) Friend,
Emili

wHaT's NeW?

Well, What's new? Lots of changes as the holiday draws near. Emili finished up her first semester of 2nd grade and got all A's. She is growing like a weed and is getting almost as tall as me. She is looking forward to playing in the snow this winter and the arrival of her new baby brother. December is always fun for Emili because it means my companies holiday party and her Christmas concert. Of course it also means that Santa comes and she has been very good this year.

I have been busy working and working with Emili every night with her homework. Who said kids in 2nd grade don't have a lot of homework? We spend an average of almost 2 hours every night doing her homework and reading. She is learning cursive now and is very excited about writing it. She also has a pen pal which we have been writing to frequently through school. Preparing for the baby is also keeping me quite busy. We have decided on a name and no one seems to like it, but oh well. I do and that is the most important thing. Everyone thinks that it is weird and that is ok with me, because I didn't want to pick something very common. So for right now it will be Gael David Rodriguez. I am 34 weeks pregnant and looking forward to the little guys arrival. I had a very nice surprise baby shower at work and lots of great new presents for the little guy. I guess that is the update on us lately.....

fALL fuN ~

Fall is a beautiful time in Wisconsin. Here are some pictures of a mysterious Gypsy that was handing out fortunes at her Halloween School Dance lately. She had a lot of fun with her friends. She came up with a lot of different fortunes. Her favorite one was "at the strike of midnight a Hobo will spit at you".... What a strange Gypsy.

The cold is coming and yesterday we enjoyed a little time at the Fon du Lac lake front and Emili played near the lighthouse and on the jungle gym. Auntie was there too having fun with her as well. It was a perfect time for one of Emili's fav's... hot chocolate. The sunset was gorgeous.

PicTuReS-fOtoS

Mountains in Mexico
more mountains

Emili's Angel Food cake- compliments of Grandpa at her birthday party at Grandma's


View from when we went mountain climbing in Mexico- Las grutas de Garcia

three tonguing after a Popsicle
My Aunt Mary and Baby Zachary
Emili in the carwash-check out the window
Juan and I in Mexico- getting ready to go out dancing
Sleepy Emili-faking it...sweet dreams...

Emili last summer at the farm.
Not the most flattering picture of me...
Belly shot
Do you know this cute little one... Check out those chocolate eyes---no wonder she is spoiled!
Beautiful fall colors........

Leaving Mexico---

This bridge is famous in Monterrey, Mexico
More mountains
View from the plane---all clouds..

Taking pictures lately. I am going through my computer and trying to delete old pictures. Here are some new ones that I took from this weekend and a couple of old ones. I am getting bigger and starting to get tired again, going through the 3rd trimester. It is hard to believe that in less than 12 weeks the new addition will be here. Sorry for not blogging lately- tired and busy

sChooL PiCtuRe~

Here she is Emili Cruz 2008. 8 years old. This is Emili's school picture. If you would like a actual picture of her, please let me know and I will print one out for you. I ordered several wallet size photos, but that is it. If you would like a big picture, please let me know.

CoMiNg BacK~ ReGrEsaNdO

Well she's back. Emili 's Auntie came back on Thursday and was missed. The twin mother has returned. Emili was having a hard time without her for two weeks. I was told that I am not "cool" enough. I know exactly what Emili is talking about because I feel that same way about my Aunt Mary. When I was little I always awaited her arrival from Japan. She lived there and would come back every summer to spend some time with the family. I always waited for her to come home to tell me about something new and cool... and of course to bring something new and cool. I still remember all of the cool things she would bring us back. Life is funny sometimes. Most days I can't remember what I ate for lunch, but I can remember that I got a kind of candy tooth brush with candy tooth paste from her when I was about 11. I thought it was the coolest thing because I had never seen anything like it before.

So Friday night my Aunt Mary delivered again. Being the cool Aunt that she is... we had a pj party at my grandparents Farm in Neosho, WI. It was really a nice time to spend with my Grandparents and my "cool Aunt Mary". Even now I am almost 30 and she still takes time to spend with me. I don't think that Emili will be disappointed with her Auntie when she is 30 too. My Aunt is going to be my birthing coach again with this baby. She was with Emili too. It is nice to know that your Auntie is always going to be there.

I guess when you are a mother you just assume that your children love you unconditionally. I know that Emili loves me. It is just in a different-- Not cool "Auntie" way of loving. So I know that my mom understands too that it is just a different kind of bond.

We had a big weekend. We went to Discovery World in Milwaukee yesterday and then we went to the Mineshaft in Hartford for dinner and played in the game room. Today is a good day for "flopping" as we refer to it in my house.. Laying around. There wasn't much of that done today however though. I was going through baby clothes and putting things away and laundry and cleaning and Auntie and Emil decided to go for a bike ride. We went through the garage and winterized it too. Even the snow blower got started up!!! Yep a bike ride in good old Wisconsin October weather. Rainy and not even 50 degrees!!! Yikes. They came home chilled too the bone and soaking wet, but apparently it was worth it.

no Me QuEdA de OtRo~ HaY qUe EcharLe GaNaS veRdad?

Pues hace mucho tiempo que no he escrito nada. No se que pasa, ultimadamente me ha dado "flojertis". Quizas es mi embarazo, quizas es por trabajar tanto...quien sabe. No he querido escribir nada. Entonces hay que echarle ganas en lo que hago verdad? Solamente vivimos una sola vida y hay que aprovecharla. Este fin de sem pasada me la pase a todo dar. Mi hermana se fue a la Florida de vacaciones para dos semanas, asi que tenia que aprovechar el fin de semana para mi y Emili. Solamente me quede aqui limpiando y Emili se la paso jugando con sus amiguillas en vecindario. Estoy tratando de elistar cosas para el bebe porque solamente me faltan 3 meses hasta que me alivie. No puedo creer que solamente me faltan 3 meses. Ya me siento super panzona y quizas por eso es que tengo flojeritis. Quizas estoy preperando para el invierno tambien. Ni quiero pensar en remover la nieve y el frillazo que se va hacer. El ano pasado me lo pase, limpie, limpie nieve y este ano al menos voy a tener la excusa de no hacerlo por la panza y despues por el recien nacido. A ver si mi hermana se anime a ayudarme otro vez este ano. Ya decidi que voy a echarle mas ganas en las cosas que hago diario. Ya no voy a ver tanta tele y voy a aprovechar mas el tiempo que paso con mi Emilita. A ver si me siento asi en 3 meses cuando mero voy a aliviarme. Ya veremos..como ya escribi. Pues no nos queda de otro mas que echarle ganas. Hasta la proxima. Echale ganas.

HaPpy b-dAy to Emi J~~~ SaPo veRde a mi neNa

Emili turned 8. She did it. Overall she had a great birthday. We did 2 traditions that we always do (see last years post). We made treat bags for all of the kids in her class and I stopped in on my lunch hour to hand deliver a surprise and the treats. The traditional birthday song "Las Mananitas was also sung early around 6 am... We went out to eat.... Auntie spoiled her...She opened all of her cards and presents... smeared cake... laughed a lot. She had a wonderful day. A special thanks to everyone who took the time to make her day special.

I had some flashbacks of my pregnancy with Emili as well on her birthday. It was the hardest day of my life, but will always be remembered as one of the greatest. What a wonderful gift birthdays are for mothers.... they are a constant reminder of our struggles and our greatest achievement of all. So to all the mothers out there...KUDOS.. !!