Turtle Power

Here are 3 of the 5 turtles we have in the tank. We started out with 3 turtles that Larry has had since he was a little boy. One came to us when my brother was living here in Ft. Worth. The turtle came knocking at his door and he brought it straight to us. Cecil, the smallest of them all, my Mom found and gave to Josh. So he comes from Seguin.


One of the oldest turtles died a year or so ago. We don't know why. My neighbor came knocking on my door one day. He had a turtle in his hand and asked if it was ours. (Obviously he would come to us first, right?) I told him yes, thinking we had a turtle trying to escape. I took it from him and put it back in the tank. Turns out it wasn't ours. What can I say, they all look alike!! So even though one died, it got replaced.

We have found other turtles but have had to sadly turn them away. We go turn them loose near the lake. 4 of our 5 turtles are skittish. As soon as someone walks outside they jump off the big rock into the water. One turtle doesn't seem to mind. I think it's because its gotten use to Sam being out there playing around the tank, throwing his toys in it and scooping water out to make mud.

Larry feeds them most anything. They eat frozen shrimp, frozen fish, turtle food and at one time dry dog food. I wish the kids weren't as picky about what they ate.

The rock you see in the picture is the one from Possum Kingdom. The one where Larry picked it up, a mouse came running out and I tried to run for the hills while knocking the kids over at the same time. We got it so all 5 turtles could fit on it. Can you see Rocky in the water? He's to the right of the rock. I can make out his body and tail.

Breckenridge Buckaroos

Grandpa and Sam. One of grandpas favorite things is to go watch his high school football team. When the team is close by the guys go watch them play. Sam loves these trips. He loves playing around on the bleachers, eating candy and being with his Grandpa.

I hope Sam is old enough to have these moments as memories.

Letting Rocky go...

Sam named his catfish Rocky. We decided to let Rocky go because Sam was getting attached. Every morning he would get up and go check on Rocky. Larry wanted filets but I think Sam would have been traumatized. Yes, I know its a fact of life but I don't think Sam is ready.

Here we are at a subdivision off of Eagle Mountain Lake. Sam was a little quiet on the ride home but I told him Rocky would find new fish friends and he would be okay.

Long Live Rocky!!!!!!

Blast from the past

This picture was taken on April 2, 2002. It was Sams first Easter. Sam was a few days shy of 3 months and Josh was 6 years old.

Sam saw this picture and started laughing because he said Josh was wearing his shirt. He obviously doesn't know what hand-me-downs are. Sam is holding Rudy. Grandpa Luna gave him this rabbit for his first Easter. He still has this rabbit. The blanket behind them is from Tia Tita. He also still has this "blankie".

Seeing this picture makes me happy and sad. I want to find this big bubble where my kids can live with no harm. But I am happy to see them growing, happy and healthy.


Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man. ~Rabindranath Tagore

Teacher Appreciation

I made this frame for one of Sams teachers. The frog paper is from the Basic Grey collection, of course. The blue sheet is just a regular sheet of background paper. I got the wooden frame from Michaels. I had it sitting around in the closet for awhile. I used crystal effects to get the beads on. That stuff works good. The "little man" is a clear sticker. The verse in the middle says "I always thank God for you". I knew Ms. Paula had a baby boy and thought she would enjoy this. She sent me and Sam the sweetest thank you card. So I guess she liked it.

The frame on the right was made for Ms. Tiffany. I used the Stampin Up recollections designer paper. I used terrifically tacky tape to adhere the ribbon. Used mod podge to stick the paper on the frame, let it dry and then put another layer of mod podge on top. Easy peasy.

Score: Sam 2-0.....Larry 0-0

Alright!!! Sam does it again. The guys went out to Mineral Wells lake. Sam caught a fish, Larry and Jose did not. heehee

The catfish is two feet long and probably weighs about 4 pounds. Sam was holding the pole when the fish bit. Larry made sure the fish was hooked and then handed the pole back to Sam. Then Sam struggled and reeled it, struggled and reeled some more till he pulled it up to the top of the water. There was no way he could have pulled it in the boat, it was heavy and the fish was fighting. Larry got the net when the catfish was at the top of the water and scooped it up. Sams first words were "I got a BIG fish". Then his next words Larry says he will never forget. Sam apologized. He said "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I caught a fish and you didn't catch one". Larry isn't sure if Sam was truly apologizing or just rubbing it in his face.hahaha

Right now the catfish is in the turtle tank. He seems to be doing okay. The plan is for Larry and Sam to let it go at Eagle Mountain Lake(it's near us). That way everytime we go on the bridge over the lake Sam will know his fish is in there. I think it's something he will always remember. Better luck next time Dad!!!!

Pastor Josh

Here's Josh in the church at Clarke Gardens in Mineral Wells, Texas. I hope when the kids look back at the pictures I made them pose for they remember me as being fun not annoying.haha


Pray for peace, Josh. And lower gas prices.

Smiley

This is Smiley. He is a Pacu.


He is about 5 years old. He is 18 inches long and weighs between 5 and 8 lbs. He likes to eat grapes, fish food and most of all sweet potato. This picture was taken in 2005 so he's even a little bigger now. He lives in our 100 gallon tank. He barely has enough room to turn around. When Larry does a water change Smiley likes to get under the hose so that the water runs down his head. He will eat out of Larrys hand. He's not aggressive with the other fish. He doesn't like when people get up close to the aquarium.

It's always funny to see the reactions from guests when they see Smiley. They range from "look at that huge fish, what kind of fish is that, that's the biggest fish I've ever seen and what do you feed that thing?"


The picture on the right was taken at the aquarium in Dallas, Tx. These are also Pacus'. These fish range in age of 25 to 30 years old and weigh about 40 lbs. Smiley is a lightweight compared to these two.

Here are some Pacu facts: They come from several different species from South America freshwater ponds and lakes. Pacu fish are very closely related to the piranha fish as well. Most Pacu fish are herbivores and some even eat insects, left over meat from fishing lures, and often times whatever they can sink their teeth into making these creatures very easy to care for. The pacu fish teeth actually look a lot like human teeth which allow them to break apart their food that often times floats above the surface of the water. http://pacufish.org/

There is always time for a cat nap

Brothers or friends. Even they don't know. Kiki bullies Frisky like a brother but then gives him a bath everytime he comes in. Frisky tolerates Kiki but doesn't seem to care that he can go out of the yard and Kiki can't. I remember the day I brought Kiki home. Larry thought I was crazy. Well, who is Kiki's favorite? Larry. Kiki likes to sleep ON Larry, groom Larry's hair and take over the bed on his side.Then when Larry leaves to work, he does the same thing to Sam. Frisky has Josh twisted around his paw. There is nothing Josh won't do for that cat. Awhile back I had the opportunity to point it out to Josh. I asked Josh to go do something. I come back a few minutes later and he's still sitting in the same spot. Then Frisky goes up to Josh and meows, Josh shot out of his chair like he was on fire to go do what Frisky wanted(go outside,be fed). I pointed out to Josh what he did and he actually understood and was a little ashamed. At least I hope so. At 2 a.m. this morning I had to calm Josh down because Frisky wasn't in the house during the bad storm we were having at the time. I walked into his room and heard him praying for Frisk. So I put on my shoes, got the umbrella and went outside calling for the cat. Sure enough he comes running in.

Which reminds me of the quote "To a dog you're family, to a cat you're staff".

These cats can be annoying but I also have a soft spot for them. Larry laughs at the ritual I have before bed. I check if both cats are in. If not, I go outside calling for Frisky to come home. We call it "getting the chicks in the henhouse". Then I make sure all doors are locked and turn on the nightlight. Only after that can I go to bed.

I like to know ALL my family is inside, safe and sound.

Happy Mothers Day

The Mother's Psalm

The Lord is my co-pilot, I shall not rush.
He maketh me to hit all the green traffic lights.
He leadeth me through shopping hassles.
He restoreth my composure.
He giveth me strength to make ends meet for my family's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of laundry, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.
Thy perspective and sense of humor, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me with the assistance of takeout.
Surely clutter and confusion shall follow me most of the days of my life, but I shall dwell in a happy home forever.
Amen.


Cased cards:Roses in winter

Happy birthday Dad

Here are some quotes that dad would have a laugh at.

Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative. ~Maurice Chevalier

There is always a lot to be thankful for, if you take the time to look. For example, I'm sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt. ~Author Unknown

There was no respect for youth when I was young, and now that I am old, there is no respect for age- I missed it

coming and going. ~J.B. Priestly

I still have a full deck; I just shuffle slower now. ~Author Unknown

Age is a high price to pay for maturity. ~Tom Stoppard

By the time I have money to burn, my fire will have burnt out. ~Author Unknown

Dad, don't cringe because I put the pictures of you when you were 20 and the present. I can almost bet my kids will pay me back and do the same to me. They live for stuff like that.

I love you dad, I wish you many many many more birthdays. Tell Grandma I said "thanks" for having you. Take care of yourself. I need you around for a very long time, I'm not done growing up yet.

Feeling really sad..

My Tio Peno died last night. I have such fond memories of him. He was always so nice and funny. I remember living in Longview and playing at his house with my cousins. I saw him last a few years ago at another uncles funeral and he looked the same. A little older but exactly as I remembered him.

From what Dad tells me, Tio went peacefully. His friends and family around. He was ready.

May God grant us all peace and comfort.

Rest In Peace, Tio.

His obit reads: Federico Gutierrez

Mr. Gutierrez was born March 28, 1940 in Seguin and passed away on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at his residence in Teague with his family by his side. Mr. Gutierrez worked in construction. He was a very loving husband and father. He was very involved in the church no matter where he lived or worked. He also did ministry work at the prison. He touched many lives in one way or another. Mr. Gutierrez never met a stranger that he wouldn’t help. He was a very devoted Catholic and a very unselfish person, everyone else always came first even during his illness. He was very respected by many priests, deacons, ministers, bishops and cardinals from all religions. He just celebrated forty-five years of being a “Cursillo” member. He was named by The Holy Father Pope Paul VI to be honored with the “Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice Medal” in 1973. This singular recognition is bestowed on individuals for dedication and zeal demonstrated in their loyalty to the Catholic Church and The Pope. Mr. Gutierrez has many certificates for all his work and devotion to the church.

Kindergarten Roundup

I tried to keep my eyes wide open as long as I could. But I blinked and Sam went from this itty bitty baby to a little boy who registered for kindergarten two weeks ago. Having him in preschool is fun because its only 2 times a week. The rest of the days I get to watch him play outside, make a mess out of his room and he likes to run errands with me. He keeps me company.

He's excited about going to Josh's school. He says he's a big boy now. He's very independant so he'll do just fine. It's me I'm worried about. I haven't had the house to myself in 17 years. What am I going to do? Start talking to the cats. Clean house...nah. My names not Martha Stewart. I could catch up on some reading. Something I enjoyed doing very much, pre-kids.

Come August, it will be a new chapter in mine and Sams life.