tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22616293361444932802024-02-19T03:20:15.034-08:00My 3 Cupcakes: Harmon, Rachel & CallumThis is the story of 3 beautiful babies that are quickly growing from little cupcakes to big cakes, but still are just as sweet :)Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.comBlogger624125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-41486514651916567022015-12-09T11:01:00.002-08:002015-12-09T11:01:44.597-08:00Quiet Hanukkah Lights with HopeThis year has been a quiet Hanukah and I suspect it will be a quiet Christmas in general. Between moving in a few weeks, finishing my masters, applications, work, etc we all have just been taking it easy. (Chris actually was the adamant one though that next year we go all out again). So this year we have our one menorah out and I we are doing a small lesson each night. More importantly though I'm trying to make sure the kids start seeing the miracles around them.<br />
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I've noticed lately we have grumpy children and I think it is because they have grumpy overworked parents. Either way Callum is always talking how everyday is a horrible day and Harm ain't a lot better. So this year as a gentleman named Thomas Motson once said in life you should foster an attitude of gratitude and that is what I'm trying to help our kids foster. Since Hanukah is all about recognizing all of God's miracles and believing in his power that is the biggest lesson I want my kids to learn. I wish I could get it through their heads how truly blessed as a family we are and how much God has given us. I know in time though, if I continue in faith to teach them, they will one day get it.<br />
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Another random thing I did was stumble upon Auschwitz, The Final Solution on a channel that is next to my Discovery ID that I never noticed. It was a three part series on what happened at Auscwitz-Birkenau camp and it really hit me. I see in this day and age all this hate everywhere. I see our politicians talking about racial profiling Muslims and not allowing them to enter our country peacefully. Of course I follow the conflict in Israel daily. Mass shootings, terrorism, ISIS, etc. and the Devil really has power here on this earth. Yet watching this special reminded me of all of the survivors I've either met or worked with and their resilience to move forward in this world and have joyful lives. <br />
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God really does work miracles and there can be real peace in faith. May this holiday (no matter what you choose to celebrate) bring you peace and light. May you find miracles in your day to day lives and be happy. Happy Hanukkah!!!Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-52879180863024648572015-10-30T10:25:00.000-07:002015-10-30T19:52:31.500-07:00Being Careful not to get lost in a sea of PINK!I love hope! If I didn't have hope my arthritis would have a cure one day I wouldn't have had children knowing there is a strong genetic link. I currently have a sister who is in breast cancer remission and I have hope she will be just fine. I am grateful for cancer research that helped put her and several of my friends in remission. Each one is an inspiration in my life (you know who you are). But after two straight weeks of a "Pink Out" at both NMSU and than Mesilla Elementary I have started questioning for the first time if our society have we lost our way a little.<br />
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When I was younger my 2nd older sister (who is six years older) did breast cancer projects through Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She put a card up in our shower to check your breasts while you are in the shower as a daily habit. It taught me how and to this day I still do it. With a mom and eldest sister who have had tumors, this could save my life one day or my daughters. Education and research should always be the focus of our campaign.</div>
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But somewhere as a society we went from cancer awareness and walks to a total PINK OUT where every place you can imagine is hocking a pink ribbon product. It's almost like Pumpkin products now. You can't go anywhere with out a pumpkin spice anything being pushed in your face and while pumpkin is so yummy; what difference is PINK making in finding a cure. When we buy these products are we really supporting breast cancer research? Honestly, not always. Most companies will not specifically disclose the amount of money that the product you are buying goes to research. Some companies are suspected of donating no money towards research.</div>
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Companies have learned that pathos sells products and they make. For example New Balance and Yoplait cap donations. So for example Yoplait promised to donate up to 1.5 million in yogurt sales for their pink lid campaign. They made an estimated 3.5 to 5 million from the campaign which led to significantly extra profit for the company. Susan G Komen foundation has a CEO who makes on average $550,000 a year more than Arby's CEO does. </div>
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Furthermore the biggest thing I've noticed this year is that we are losing the message. It is no longer about: awareness, research, and support as the focal points of the campaign. I mean really "save 2nd base" tees is a respectful way to share that message? As a feminist, woman, and mom this isn't funny, yet all over NMSU and elsewhere in town I've noticed these items. The "I love Boobies" bracelet was on a teachers aide at my kids elementary school causing my seven year old asking me why I he should love boobies. <br />
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After 3 straight days of Pink Week at Mesilla I asked my kids what have you learned about Pink Week. Rachel responded it is about curing cancer. So I asked her what cancer was... "I dunno". Which was a better than when I asked my two boys who responded it (Harmon) is about getting out of class and my favorite (Cally's) "I dunno". So yesterday I asked one of the teachers what they were teaching the kids, the teacher responded that it is our job as parents to teach kids what cancer is and what Pink Week means. They are just sharing a message of love and hope. It bugs me that we are doing PINK and yet we are not doing anything substantial to teach kids. If it is too heavy of a topic to really talk about than what are the kids doing all week?<br />
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This month needs to focus on the survivors. We need to teach prevention and education. Next do please donate, but choose carefully to donate donate directly towards specific groups rather than just buying second hand products. Finally we should remember those survivors of cancer other than breast cancer and other diseases. Breast cancer has become a trend and it's a good trend if done right but it doesn't take away from the fact that there are other cancers killing people everyday that don't receive attention. This summer due to early detection I was blessed to catch Melanoma in it's earliest stage. I lost my mother to a brain tumor last year and my husband lost his aunt to colon cancer. Lung, pancreatic, colon, leukemia, and so many others are also killing our mothers, daughters, and sisters. With diligence I do have hope we can find cures but some hookey little fad campaign isn't going to do it by itself. It has to be more.Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-57684649549284584522015-10-30T09:12:00.001-07:002015-10-30T09:13:33.441-07:00Saying goodbye to Dance for now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past September I made one of the saddest decisions I've made in a while. I quit my job as head of the Gym Magic Dance Program and to be honest I miss it every day since. I loved my girls so much and it was the happiest job ever. The problem was that this semester as I am finishing up my masters I am also taking a mix of PhD course as well as I'm transitioning into it. Between that and work staying at a dance studio for several hours each week was too much. <br />
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I once read a talk by a inspirational leader named Dallin H Oaks, called "Choosing the Better Part". In it he stated in life we must choose between "good, better, and best". My education is the best thing I can do for myself and for my family in the large scheme of life. It doesn't mean though that I don't miss my girls everyday! Hopefully one day I will be teaching dance but if that doesn't happen again I will always cherish my memories and all the beautiful girls I taught.<br />
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Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-56545186423376346722015-10-30T08:41:00.003-07:002015-10-30T08:49:19.532-07:00Our Summer Scrapbook :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From research in Las Vegas NV to being off the grid in Show Low or just being home, here are some photos to share of all of us this Summer.<br />
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<br />Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-88879379142508571122015-10-28T10:22:00.001-07:002015-10-28T19:37:52.735-07:00Hello Again!I was only planning on taking a couple of months off from blogging. You see for the first time in a long time I spent the Summer not working (well sort of not working, because I was still teaching dance) and so the kids went off the grid slightly with me (still posted the occasional Facebook post) but in general I made a point that unless I was writing or researching I was spending my time with my kids.<br />
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Why? Well to be honest my kids are getting so big so fast and there is stopping it. I feel like if I don't make some time to just be with them than I will be missing out. I also know that I am incredibly busy and crazy normally. So since I'm blessed to work and go to school in a university system I should treasure that time away. I worry so much that with all our being busy that my kids don't know who I am and worse I might not know what is in their hearts.</div>
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So this summer we learned those secrets. My son Harmon (who I always thought was Daddy's mini-me) is my soul twin. Rachel OMG that girl is just such a beautiful hurricane, so much power and determination mixed in with sensitivity and sweetness. Callum, how do you describe a little boy filled with so much gentleness and thoughtfulness. The kids learned my love of water and my goofy side. </div>
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We spent hours in used book stores, art museums, and explored our small village that we live in. We went completely off the grid at the family cabin in Show Low with daddy a couple of times and it was delightful. We did dance and gymnastics together. They did a sports camp and a Jewish camp with our lovely Chabad House. Rachel and I went to Las Vegas as I continued my academic research on prostitution there. It went by so fast! I have always valued my title as a working mom but it meant a lot to me to reaffirm the value of being a stay at home mom as well. How blessed I am to be able to do both!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZXA6g1cxRpiUofM-chDMvnzTG3S61ODiSvwFlqdzEwfPZNPFb6nFQ-jvLzqX2Kmaf5NpEGsHr7XeS5MaaeKXXI2c9D0jb9BEpUyDVNKy2y-HY-TAVomF-DviB_jgAyrXQprx2ey0839E/s1600/DSC01360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZXA6g1cxRpiUofM-chDMvnzTG3S61ODiSvwFlqdzEwfPZNPFb6nFQ-jvLzqX2Kmaf5NpEGsHr7XeS5MaaeKXXI2c9D0jb9BEpUyDVNKy2y-HY-TAVomF-DviB_jgAyrXQprx2ey0839E/s320/DSC01360.jpg" width="320" /></a>So I planned on blogging again once the kids went back to school but than (oh yeah I'm not a stay at home mom full time) and the work/school crunch hit me over the head with a mallet. Oy vey! It never stops. But than BAM, my son Harmon broke my toe and with Halloween this week, I've taken a little breather from the work side this week (no driving allows a lot of extra time) and school is a chugging on nicely so I've decided I will try and write more of everything going on. It will be a lot of blogs all at once but after this week I have promised myself to set aside at least once a week to update our family.</div>
Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-10490226279579924752015-05-24T09:53:00.001-07:002015-06-21T16:43:58.396-07:00In honor of Fathers Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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This has always been an interesting holiday. For this reason I would like to speak a little on some of the fathers in my life.<br />
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My own father was charismatic and very complex and thus my relationship with him has always been complex. My father was never one to ride a lawn mower or change light bulbs. Instead he shared with me a love of Leonard Cohen and Ayn Rand. He wasn't ever the grill master or straight laced father playing catch in the yard like you would see in a JC Penney catalog. He never let me dwell in the fact that I was dyslexic but instilled a life long thrist to learn and gain knowledge. I learned to love great theater, fine wine, the British House of Commons, and nice vacations. He was a passionate lawyer who taught me how to curse like a sailor and take charge. I would not be the character I am without having my dad. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">He isn't perfect and sometimes growing up with him was not easy. The passion he had in his life and the hardships he held in his heart often manifested into contention and sorrow. Perhaps because of this though he has taught me most of all to endure. To not let the hardships I have faced mar my soul like they did for him. When my father had his stroke ten years ago he had sort of a rebirth. My father is now the sweetest little guy you will ever meet. While conversations are very much a struggle now I see this smart strong fighting spirit who now is very peaceful as well. In that way he has taught me peace now. We are none of us perfect people but he taught me we can all change and the importance of forgiveness. Where once I used to look at my childhood with anger, I've found a peace and it it's stead I've moved forward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My husband's childhood was 100% different. His father had nine kids and every weekend he was outside with them mowing lawns, washing cars, and church. His dad taught my husband that fatherhood is a 24/7 job filled with service, strictness, and love. I think Chris took those lessons and magnifies them every day a thousand fold. Sometimes that is hard with my easy going personality who believes childhood should sometimes be more childlike but that is the neat part. I see our kids growing up so strongly because of how my husband and I combine our styles and work together. </span></div>
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He is very much the strong patriarch who plays ball in the yard and sings songs at bed time. Where my father worked "smart" my husband works both strong and hard. Building suits his personality because at the end of the day he can see all he accomplished. As a parent I don't know if he sees all he has accomplishes in our home but I do and for this Father's Day I'm grateful for all he does for us.</div>
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Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-9469260761062941162015-05-24T09:10:00.001-07:002015-05-24T09:43:05.411-07:00Beach Bums<div>This Spring Break we went to San Diego to see some of my family. Well they are all busy and so we never saw them. But at least they didn't live in Siberia! We spent the week soaking in the sun.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28d1ZllOqixNoPzJfDy3UCzZeQYRxIhRPku3UKBIzBsd1s1HkZKzpBOv60yfZ9Sqv4D0gfPS1_hMLymoKAWg2h9SutUHf8ai20-wua837n7ku17TaJJvnNsbJ-fSxJQCer3enYDd7Va-h/s640/blogger-image-627814957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28d1ZllOqixNoPzJfDy3UCzZeQYRxIhRPku3UKBIzBsd1s1HkZKzpBOv60yfZ9Sqv4D0gfPS1_hMLymoKAWg2h9SutUHf8ai20-wua837n7ku17TaJJvnNsbJ-fSxJQCer3enYDd7Va-h/s640/blogger-image-627814957.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For me it is very healing being in the ocean. I body boarded most of the time while the kids and Chris were beach bums playing sand castles, frisbee, and football. It has been a rough few months for me and the water was so healing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWq78NxrpbgAtzKe_Yv4NtvXV_EHqeWsRyrXD_dm6mCz0IU2iEIp8LGrmfalC-whG9nnAeh7H2hIGVdix70zni008GJnfwOzKxhOwXgwP-FelmfNNaWtpUi8xLjzzw_5cxeSlVgjqZPJJr/s640/blogger-image-1535312927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWq78NxrpbgAtzKe_Yv4NtvXV_EHqeWsRyrXD_dm6mCz0IU2iEIp8LGrmfalC-whG9nnAeh7H2hIGVdix70zni008GJnfwOzKxhOwXgwP-FelmfNNaWtpUi8xLjzzw_5cxeSlVgjqZPJJr/s640/blogger-image-1535312927.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We did go to the zoo, Lego Land and and some other things but nothing beats the beach. I've had a really difficult time and now that the summer is here I hope to spend some more time in Vegas, Show Low and hopefully the beach in Los Angeles. Nothing is more healing than resting with those you love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahqdcqbMeUGTMg-f4-tpmaJJf0wA5K4Q2Xn7V-JJjmexOW8u2y6Ct8z6Y19dEIXb13itZut-Obm__jA5xFz4ZwPP5H5DU781wKUjXut-l9wtIL-ZDZtq8ZQNLTFWJ8UJMajffin5p5eyi/s640/blogger-image--1600086632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahqdcqbMeUGTMg-f4-tpmaJJf0wA5K4Q2Xn7V-JJjmexOW8u2y6Ct8z6Y19dEIXb13itZut-Obm__jA5xFz4ZwPP5H5DU781wKUjXut-l9wtIL-ZDZtq8ZQNLTFWJ8UJMajffin5p5eyi/s640/blogger-image--1600086632.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNo5oAQkYEBbJsFSNX9DUpeNht7C9cGjLUOQFwBuCVTYIP5lTz6kNMj_ONQoWYW6gz0FjPY6NL-o_LMsVG-wFRN-_zX4B7C35b7CzRxBxouec7mDsEJ3ULt1J057B9iXtZ_fkWgiSMc2L/s640/blogger-image--531965749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNo5oAQkYEBbJsFSNX9DUpeNht7C9cGjLUOQFwBuCVTYIP5lTz6kNMj_ONQoWYW6gz0FjPY6NL-o_LMsVG-wFRN-_zX4B7C35b7CzRxBxouec7mDsEJ3ULt1J057B9iXtZ_fkWgiSMc2L/s640/blogger-image--531965749.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0MeVAgUa3m3ohDCaafMb9rb01MdGxLT1BBmr08tXvNmKGNRsgFwnWiPanCU6Ax8isJK763ZvzkSXg9_J9FG7ZVkX5mZLqR8lb5MO-KqNc55tjuOHDhW3Sj7uIxlY4Ma_wmkXt8FSI6np/s640/blogger-image-1657656653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0MeVAgUa3m3ohDCaafMb9rb01MdGxLT1BBmr08tXvNmKGNRsgFwnWiPanCU6Ax8isJK763ZvzkSXg9_J9FG7ZVkX5mZLqR8lb5MO-KqNc55tjuOHDhW3Sj7uIxlY4Ma_wmkXt8FSI6np/s640/blogger-image-1657656653.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-86513412379978629092015-02-22T15:49:00.001-08:002015-02-22T15:59:58.886-08:00Giggles and Girl Time!While I love being a nerd with my sons, I find it just as important to spend time with baby Rachel. Even if that getting may girl on. When Rachel was first born in a prayer for the new baby she had a blessing that I would be her best friend. Of course that will take effort for both of us.<br />
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So sometimes that means just doing shopping together or painting her toe nails. Rachel is a unique baby girl. She isn't about princesses. She likes baby dolls and want to be a mommy she tells me every day. She loves fashion and is anxious to start learning how to sew. I loved picking out clothes for her but now she is a part of each decision. I love how good her taste is. She picks out clothes for me. Gymnastics is her real passion. She wants to go back to doing arial gymnastics. She asks me every day. So I promised her as soon as my semester is over I will start doing it. She also loves cooking. I'm not allowed to make anything with out her help and I love that.</div>
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Mothers and daughters are complex relationships. I struggled with my mom at times. Growing up and having her work so much was difficult. She took care of her alcoholic mother and sometimes I don't think she knew how to have a relationship with a daughter. We learned to be patient with each other and through it we had a beautiful relationship in the end.</div>
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I'm so lucky to have a baby girl. I try everyday to be there for her. Sometimes it is just a fun mani/pedi moment and sometimes it means comforting her when she isn't happy with a gymnastics move and starts to get down on herself. She is her own worse critic and so I strive to so hard to be there for each day lifting her up!</div>
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Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-19042685469064130812015-02-22T10:25:00.001-08:002015-02-22T16:01:57.823-08:00Something to Prove...This semester I have been determined to just be perfect. I want to wow everyone. I think the need comes out of pure frustration in the English Masters in Creative Writing there are many students who are parents and do wonderfully. Of course most of those are male students. There are handful of moms with older kids and even a smaller handful with one young child. Yet my program has made it clear there are no mothers with three very small children other than me. <br />
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There have been in the past but they rarely stuck through it. I've had other professors tell me that this is just something I do to stay busy. I've had others tell me with everything going on in my life (such as my mothers passing) perhaps this isn't the time.<br />
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So this semester I'm taking zero prisoners. I'm determined to not just keep up with peers but exceed. I want to exceed other's expectations and set a new precidence. I've got just another semester of my masters but than I start the PhD. I'm determined to show during this time that it doesn't matter I'm on chemo, have young kids, work a regular job (and a not so regular job), or anything else. That anybody with talent and determination can do whatever somebody with more ideal circumstances can do. I'm doing this for myself, and for other women who might come after me, but moreover I'm doing this for my daughter. Hopefully one day she won't be looked at as handicapped by having a family, or anything else but rather be treated as an equal peer.</div>
Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-74292562131472791722015-02-22T09:50:00.001-08:002015-02-22T15:58:24.042-08:00The Comic Book NerdsMost people look at me and think "girlie girl". In some ways I'm becoming more of one being the mother of the most ultimate girlie girl on the planet. But deep down if you want to describe me the three words I would use are: dork, nerd, and geek. Nothing shows that more than my love of comics which makes me, according to my boys: the coolest mom in the world.<br />
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Before Harm loved Harry Potter or Captain America, I loved the X-Men and their other marvel counterparts. I used to write comics when I was young. I can't remember what the acronym stand for I remember vividly writing about a team called the TMNT which was a group of mutant superheroes. I probably would have forgotten about those guys but Harm asked me about his writing and it brought back those memories.</div>
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It's fun to see him grow and begin to do the super nerd things I would do. He finds the coolest program on my computer is not a game or even the Internet but Microsoft Word. He begs me to use it all the time. This holiday season once our new home is done I plan on purchasing him a desktop. (We have a cute little homework desk planned for the kitchen). This way he can use MS Word any time he wants.</div>
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Cally also is getting the super hero bug. He always has Been my Star Wars kid. No though we are bonding. You see I loved Guardians of the Galaxy long before the new awesome movie. Cally has fallen in love with Rocket and now he just loves wearing all things Rocket and loves looking at my old Guardians books. So we got new comic subscriptions but instead of books bee now use the Kindle app. Just like I used to read the comics to my momma they now read to me. Rachel wants nothing of it but 2 out of 3 ain't bad.</div>
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It just goes to show that who would have ever guessed being a geek would be so cool.</div>
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Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-90050708845718258742015-02-08T12:35:00.001-08:002015-02-08T12:58:56.633-08:00Dancing through the CurveWhen I started my new position at NMSU it was sort of like coming home for me. I love graphic art and design and I've worked in the University System over the last 15 years of my life many times. There just wasn't any growing curve. On the other hand taking up dance teaching again after a decade away has been a huge growing curve. I'm really lucky because the gym is our second home and I get along well with everyone. It's top in the state for gymnastics and I've got amazing resources and leaders. Still in the last 3 months I've faced a lot of challenges.<br />
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First off it has just been hard to get used to being a dancer. I'm having to stretch everyday and exercise daily so I can endure sometimes two hour stretches. I'm practicing pointe again if I choose to later on teach pointe and OMG I forgot how much that hurts when you have been dormant for a long while. All of these things will only be a good thing in the long run for increased health. Boy I've gotten lazy since having kids :( No more of that for me. <br />
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The other challenge is a learning curve of just being part of a bigger organization which is Gym Magic and figuring out the needs of the program in relation to everything else. With great help though from everyone I'm learning my way. I'm so excited that we are indeed growing the program now. This week we officially started our Moonbeams, Sunbeams, and Little Stars for our popular gym dance combinations.<br />
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This means we have divided our 3-6 yr old Ballet/Gym Combo into two different levels and are now building a third level for girls who are older. The joy of seeing on Thursday classes for our littlest dancers ages 3-4 and than teaching 4-5's was amazing. Saturday we did the same but now we also have a 5-7 yr old class. It was awesomeness teaching each student exactly at their level. I'm excited for the next step which will be to build a program for older kids in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and modern so our little girls will grow into the program and we can reach more students.<br />
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And we started our amazing new show group. We have about 65 girls enrolled currently in dance. A few parents made the choice to sign up for our show group and we had our first presentation last Saturday at the mall. Despite a snafu with music everyone was just amazing. I love my students each so much (especially Rachey) and I can't wait to see how everything grows in years to come.</div>
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<b><i>So if you're in Cruces and have a child interested in dance let me know!</i></b></div>
Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-46507594753684362302015-02-08T11:18:00.001-08:002015-03-12T23:21:59.506-07:00UGH... Valentines...It's interesting because despite achieving my life long goal of being the crazy old single lady across the street with two many cats I never seem to be alone on Valentines. Of the 15 yrs since I was 18 I've had a boy for a good 12 of those years. But that's not the point. Together or alone there is something about this holiday that sucks for me. <br>
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This year is no different. I know my husband loves me but ever since we got together it has always been a stressful working day. I remember our first Valentines 8 yrs ago he bought me gold earrings and Bob our cat ate one of them. That night we both had classes and work until 9:00 pm and with him in construction that meant it was home for him and straight to bed. Since than Valentines is always been about extended family (we have the most awesome niece born that day who is having her LDS Baptism that day.) As much as I hate to admit it I'm never going to get swept off my feet by that man. He is just not that way. He loves me but I will always be somewhere in between the kids, the company, his cell phone and NetFlix. That's how modern marriage I feel is these days. We don't have time for Cinderella balls and gestures because we're all to busy dealing with real life and trying to stay sane.<br>
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So this year I'm officially canceling the expectations of love and romance. I'll admit I was raised to be a romantic at heart and screw the Disney princess lies, I'm not going to succumb to them any longer! My friend was selling Valentines buckets as a fundraiser for her gym team kids. So I got that. I might go and pick up a gun for Chris because he wants one. Otherwise I'm done. I will not make Hallmark rich. I will not pretend that I will have grand romance or even appreciation for all I do. I will probably be studying about prostitutes that day (my thesis project). Yes, I'm grumpy but I don't care. Low expectations means low disappointment. For now, I quit.<br>
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<!--3--><!--3-->Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-33246299850748658202015-02-08T10:35:00.001-08:002015-02-08T10:35:28.031-08:00Ready for T-Ball?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I truly HATE T-Ball. I know I shouldn't. It's a child sport and there are families all over this country, including dear sweet friends of mine who are all out proud of their children in T-Ball. It's America's game and thus should be treated as such. I don't agree with that. It is a game that lasts sometimes two hours where I sit with high wind blowing dust into my hair and not even a concession guy to sell me a hotdog, popcorn, and nachos. The season starts with cold freezing weather and ends with hot hot miserable heat. </div>
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But this year is different. Because THANK HEAVEN's Harmon quit. I'm actually really proud of Chris b/c he finally allowed him to quit. Harm and T-Ball were not the best of friends. While Harm is very talented in sports when it comes to brute strength and flexibility his eye-hand coordination is not his forte. The worse part about T-Ball for me was that I had to see day in and day out Harm alone in the dug out (our team had one extra player and that left Harm alone where I often would sneak him ice cream or other treats when the coaches were not looking) and he only batted maybe twice in a game. <br />
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This year the player is Call Bell. He has only played soccer but he is a total superstar at it. He is one fast little guy and his eye hand coordination is just killer. He is just wicked in team sports so I'm hoping this year will not be the Hakes kid alone in the dug out. I'm excited for him because HE REALLY WANTS TO DO IT and if he wants it than I want it. I love him so much and seeing him shine makes me glow. So this year it shall be something beautiful hopefully, and if he is happy I will bear all the horribleness that is T-Ball happily.</div>
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Oh and I just found these old soccer photos and so I figured I would share them. Rachel in what might have been her first and very last team sport. Gosh she is is cute and so is Callum.</div>
Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-19572026389148704662015-02-08T09:18:00.001-08:002015-02-08T10:02:51.232-08:00Kids first :pI<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> miss the days of diapers and no sleep! Did I just say that? Yup! As the mom of 2 five year olds and one barely 7 year old I can easily confess that this is not easy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My twins are going two very different directions. Callum in sports and Rachel with dance and gym. I love seeing this. The problem though is that this makes things very difficult because now the days when my babies had nothing now we have t-ball. It's always easier just doing gym so we are all together the whole time. We literally are all scheduled 6 days a week for children's activities. Next month my goal is to start my kids in Hebrew school at the Chabad and that means we will be booked 7 of 7 days. Oy vey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Emotionally they both are going through different stages as well. Rachel and Callum are both growing and becoming very social but they are struggling with comparisons and rivalry. Their teachers and I know and understand that they are both two individuals and no two humans are alike. Callum is excelling in books and math. Rachel in art and other pursuits. While the teachers and I don't ever compare they compare to one another. Callum will tease quite a bit. This is a delicate balance between teaching and just downright punishing. I'm thinking next year in school it is time to separate them in school and other things.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Harm continues to excel academically and socially but at gym he is struggling with teasing for the first time. The older boys tease him because on the gym floor Harm delights in the mundane like conditioning and the older boys think that is pretty dweebs. This has been a great learning experience for him!!!! He is learning to be tough and not let theses children bring him down, on the other hand I worry about him dominating his classmates. He runs bets he knows he will win for money. He sells lunch items from home for money and toys. Yup, you can tell which of my children is a native Las Vegan! This takes a lot of redirection and love. I'm proud of him but we don't need a little Steve Wynn or Sheldon Addleson in the playground.</span></div>
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This leads to the mere fact that they all need me more. They need hugs, refereeing, one on one time, heart to hearts, and goodnight songs and they need all these things every single day! At times like this I feel like the easy thing is my electronic associates! iPads, iPhones, <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">DVDs, and DVR are easy assistants but no replacement for having s real mother with hugs, and kisses. So I try earnestly each day to live by my promise their needs come before my work and I pray the rest will fall into place. Of course it doesn't all get done. I've cooked a single week night since school started. I do laundry only by emergency! Which means I can do get away every two weeks or so. But the kids feel the love and that in life is what matters.</span></div>
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Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-17980749874822648962015-02-07T18:11:00.001-08:002015-02-07T18:13:03.008-08:00Harmon's first book! Camp creeper tripI promise you none of this book had my help. I have been so busy writing my own stuff that Harmon decided he wanted to be like me and did this all on his own! I could not be more proud of my little mini me😍<br />
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Pictures and story by Harmon Hakes</div>
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One day a herdof creepers were walking afar camp creeper trip. Tons of creepers do it. The scoutmaster was old or older man and his Royal creeper was right next to him in line. The creepers wore numbers on them there was seven. The one in the back was the funny and a little smarty. Everybody picked on him.</div>
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When they got there they set up their tents had dinner. Set up their sleeping bags went to the fire while they told stories. People played then they went to bed. </div>
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The next day they woke up and went to get breakfast. The last creeper only got 2X. Then they talked about all their adventures. They called him an idiot. He went exploring by himself for one hour.</div>
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Later our hero Brian found out their camp. He wanted to get kill all the creepers there. He decided that he should make a T&T block so he did.</div>
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Later at lunch time the left out creeper saw a big red things. He tells the scoutmaster but the scoutmaster doesn't listen. So he goes to lunch.<br />
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The left out creeper recognizes that red stuff and so he runs away.</div>
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The TNT explodes and the other creepers die.<br />
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Harmon Hakes was born on January 17 when he was six and seven he got inspired in Minecraft so he started Minecraft books and comics he always enjoyed them.<br />
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Look for more adventures!</div>
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Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-41225071311604065422015-01-11T21:33:00.004-08:002015-01-11T21:34:00.001-08:00I'm dreaming of a Vegas Christmas...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I first went to Las Vegas I remember two strong feelings. I couldn't believe how magical it was, sitting at a neon ridden McDonalds across from the Stratosphere and how somehow it felt like I was home. Now 15 years later those two feelings have never changed.</div>
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With everything that happened with my mom I obviously didn't feel like spending Christmas in the Southwest. Thanksgiving was just completely miserable, but it was my in laws holiday. Since we split holidays that Christmas was mine and I went home. It was so much fun (even though I had the flu). Yeah we did tourist things like see the gardens at Bellagio and even for my first time ever visit the Las Vegas Sign because seeing my kids discover Las Vegas makes it magical all over again. To Chris' disdain we still always see the Coca-Cola/M&M stores etc. The kids never tire or them. After all we live in a town with more cows than people.</div>
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The best part was also just being a local. My sister Eliza made up her house, planned a beautiful Christmas dinner, and just made us feel so comfortable. She would have spent the holiday alone working so I was so happy we could all be together. She has always been my BFF. Than of course there was my other BFF's Jaime and Kattie and my adopted mom Bobbie. No matter how many years it has been since we moved this is still home in my heart and the distance between friends has never changed our relationships.</div>
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Oh and I got to torture Chris with Harmon by talking about this Damn Trip! And Damn Tour! And don't forget the Damn Movie!</div>
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<br />Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-6905442393038152042015-01-11T20:58:00.000-08:002015-01-11T20:58:10.212-08:00The Magical World of Harmon Potter...Something strange and wonderful happened last year at school with Harm. He went from being the trouble maker to the class overachiever. I was so proud of him. Even with this I just wasn't prepared for what would follow this year!<br />
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Yup that is my boy wonder reading book four of Harry Potter. I quiz him after every book and this last book, book 4, he got an 89% on his Spark Notes quiz. I've always thought he was so much like Chris and he is in many ways but I now see my mini-me. He is getting so deep into his books, he dresses up, makes art, and writes his own fan fiction. <br />
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When I look at old posts with experts wondering if he is autistic, I just can't help but smile! He was a tough baby and tot but now that he has the power to build things with legos, jump around crazy at gym, and read his books that boy is easy peasy to parent. He is my little boy wonder. <br />
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Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-15692552035901858642015-01-11T20:17:00.002-08:002015-01-11T20:27:52.207-08:00Ohana...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Me in first grade wearing the outfit we sewed together)</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">This year we spent Christmas in Las Vegas. I loved it! If I have more time tonight I will share some pictures and more details. Still, even with distance, I missed my mother so much! That is really why we left and to be honest when a major holiday comes and Chris' family doesn't have dibs I would rather be there than here.</span></div>
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When I came home I had to keep my promise to William and my dad by cleaning out everything that was my moms and together we decided what needed to be kept. I finished that task on Thursday. It was heart crushing (and not just because she was hoarder). I really don't have words to describe what it is like to go through every hand written note I had ever written her. Every single outfit she had kept of ours, every halloween costume, every picture, every outfit she wore and cleaning up the bloody clothing I found she had worn the night the ambulance got her. It was like her whole life's treasures were all either thrown in the trash, stuck into closets, or boxed for Goodwill. There was no doubt that my best friend is gone from this earth and no matter how hard I might wish her back she isn't coming home.</div>
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I still have a family, and I have to remember that. While the heart has broken we are restitching the fabric. My half siblings, who I love but don't often see have been around more. I still can't believe they all traveled down for the funeral and again at the holidays. My dad is doing surprisingly well. I am proud of his strength and proud of my brother William for caring for them. As hard as it is to see the house without my mom's stuff, I'm proud of them for rebuilding. My local half brother and his partner Diane helped see William through to graduation by helping dad. They've been there every<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(My final semester at UT she came down for Halloween)</span></div>
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As I move on the pain doesn't get better, but I put it on a shelf and walk away from it. I have always had unshakeable faith in God, but I still don't get why she had to go. It's hard to feel close to God through all this. I guess the old Jewish lady in me, feels comfortable asking God why and I imagine one day I will feel the answer or maybe she will tell me on the other side of it. In the mean time I just have thrown myself into parenting, and into work until I can sit and feel the pain with out it breaking me. <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(In High School during a speech tournaments trip to Houston)</span></div>
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Tonight we watched Lilo and Stitch. I was reminded of Ohana! It's true in family no one is ever left behind or forgotten. I will never ever forget any memory of my mother and I. She is me and I was her. I looked through all the old pictures of us and I share them with my kids. On the 9th my father celebrated his 75th birthday and I gathered all their old photos and scrapbooked them. Last night when I gave him we both smiled and cried. Her hoarding might be gone, but she will never be forgotten.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Middle School with my crazy brother and mom during the holidays)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(A home game at UT with my mom visiting)</span></div>
Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-82861245005187395072015-01-11T19:45:00.003-08:002015-01-11T19:46:40.387-08:00Rachel is busy Flipping Out!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I mean seriously that is all Rachel does all day: FLIP OUT!!! She does back flips, front flips, and cartwheels every place she is at. I can't stop her.</div>
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It's funny because I teach dance and so I automatically want her to be a dancer. She loves dancing with me and attends every class I teach but her heart is in gym. If they would let her she would take back to back classes every afternoon. I still fuss and worry about her with every class. I worry about her lack of coordination she has when she is even momentarily distracted. The bars, the beams, the rings, everything is so big and she is so small. I think sometimes this is God's way of making me trust him. <br />
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Nothing I could do would ever take the gym out of Rachel so I just have to have faith she will be okay. Still I love when she is safely on the ground dancing but she will always be jumping for the stars right after.Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-29787210021035083672015-01-11T19:31:00.001-08:002015-01-11T19:31:19.867-08:00Move Over Beckham and Renaldo...We have Callum! So as I often write gym is an ever-present part of our lives with our tiny gym bugs Rachel and Harmon. Callum is doing great in gym. He even earned a spot on the team fast track but this was the fall where we found out the truth about our little man. <br />
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He is a natural born soccer player. We won entire games with him being the only person who scored. I really am amazed how coordinated he is and how fast. He is shorter than other boys his age and I wonder if that gives him an advantage because he like this little rocket.<br />
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So this Spring Harm will be once more forced into T-Ball with a weeping wailing and gnashing of teeth but on the other hand we will have tiny Beckham playing soccer again and maybe t-ball. He maybe small and like penguins, but secretly he is a rocket in disguise.Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-5157048934992274552015-01-11T19:13:00.001-08:002015-01-11T19:20:33.740-08:00Let the insanity begin!I'm getting to the point where at the start of January and August rather than excitedly looking forward to all my new classes I feel rather that I'm about to face-plant off a cliff.<br />
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It started this last week with the University reopening after being closed for the holidays and the gym re-opening as well. The kids started school as well. Sometimes I wish I could just stay home like we did for two weeks. It was so nice and peaceful. I love my work both at the university and at the gym but it is incredibly time consuming and while school is hard, I know working towards my goals are important too.<br />
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The sad truth is that if I worked less Chris would probably be on my case more at home (than he already is) about cleaning and other past times I dislike. If you ask him me and the kids have been too lazy for his taste. Financially we would also suffer. So it's back to the grind! I will miss the joy of having time to paint my toes with Rachel and build legos with Harm or just staying in bed late watching house flipping shows with Cally.<br />
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No matter what I do finding time to be a mom first is always my priority. I guess in a perfect world the rest would follow easily. Of course it's not perfect and that's life!Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-14363501128213459622014-11-19T22:18:00.004-08:002014-11-19T22:18:54.408-08:00Halloween Cuteness and Scariness...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I always love Halloween but since my mom's funeral was that same week it was a wash for us but for funsies here are a couple of shots of what we did. <br />
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The best part was Rachel. All of her girl cousins were Disney Princesses (each one) but no my daughter wanted to be scary. She was the cutest scary bones I've seen! But I loved Harmon in his Harry Potter. He choose that because he is currently on book 4 and being a geek just like my mom he loves to read. Than of course I can't say Harm and Rach were the best because Cally took his Wolverine so seriously! It was so cute. <br />
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This year there were funeral flowers rather than decorations. No costumes for me and no parties at the house. Maybe next year. But I'm grateful the kids had a great time and thats all that matters.Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-73458153408361350562014-11-19T21:47:00.000-08:002014-11-19T21:50:40.776-08:00Ballet Shoes and Hotel Schools...In early September I was offered a great opportunity, I'm doing graphic design and marketing for the School of Hotel Restaurant and Tourism College at NMSU. It's been great. I'm not used to having a real office in an office building yet, after working from my couch for five years; but it's an amazing opportunity and everyone is wonderful. I get paid to do art. It's so cool! So find us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter ;) But that's not my only cool thing!<br />
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The dance program at Gym Magic has been disjointed since our wonderful Miss Jackie had to step back as head of the program about two years ago (although she still teaches Rachey on Saturday). So I was asked if I wanted to teach a technique class since my first degree was in Theater and Dance. I have a tiny little class and they are dollies. It's not easy to dance even basic things with my RA but I am so grateful that with all the treatment I can do enough so the girls can follow and do it along with me. I cursed those meds all Summer but I wouldn't be able to do this with out them. Still, nothing stops me from tub soaking for an hour when I get home in Epsom Salts. The best part is having Rachey in my class. She loves me so much and she tells all the girls that I can love them but I'll love her more, and she is soooooo right!<br />
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In the next few weeks I am going to be deciding if I want to do the dance thing more and relaunch their program. With everything that has happened it's been hard as hell to focus on my grad school. I'm grateful for these two bright spots in my life.Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-77464880594375207902014-11-19T20:54:00.001-08:002014-11-19T20:54:30.633-08:00Bottling Happiness!So my doctor in El Paso had a big frank discussion today with me. My blood tests showed some numbers that were lagging and some lost weight. I got the whole, "I can treat your symptoms with medication but if you're not taking care of yourself it doesn't matter." Afterwards I took a walk in my mom's cemetery and stumbled upon a section for small children and babies who had passed. It made me think about close I was to losing Rachey and how precious each of my children are.<br />
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It made me realize that the only thing that has kept me going are my angels here on earth with me. I don't know where I would be if it were not for them. When I'm with them, each of them makes me smile. I have to fix boo boos and break up toy fights. They need balanced meals and warm clean clothes. I watch them at the gym just nailing their jumps or I talk to their teachers and hear how they are being kind to other students. We eat yummies and just always cuddle. <br />
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The fact is that you can't blame the flu on sadness but my doctor is correct. Eating well and taking better care of myself is something I need to do more of. But what she might not know is that I do have a magical elixir that has and will keep me going. It won't be easy and it's not easy but I am grateful everyday for all my little joys.<br />
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<br />Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2261629336144493280.post-43694370479212450432014-11-02T23:17:00.001-08:002014-11-02T23:29:05.056-08:00And my mom passed...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For anyone who reads this blog or knows me in person, knows that I am a HUGE fan of Halloween. Like Harmon told his teacher the other day, we do Christmas, Hanukah but our real holiday is Halloween. This year though I haven't done much of anything and what I did do was more going through the motions for the sake of the kids than wanting to do it.<br />
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My mom in late September was transferred to a nursing home, the only one her insurance would approve and unbeknownst to me she was being neglected. I don't know if I could ever forgive myself for not knowing. She was transferred to Del Sol Hospital the first week of October with pneumonia, MRSA, bedsores, and severe bladder infection. After 2.5 weeks treating her there, there was nothing left to be done. As medical power of attorney I made the difficult decision that she either die in a hospital in far east El Paso or we move her to Las Cruces in Hospice care, basically giving up any other major medical intervention.<br />
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About 10 days later with her family all around her she died. I was there those final moments and when she passed I could almost feel her joy in the room. I knew she wasn't in pain anymore and she was happy. I have full faith in Heaven and in God that we will be reunited again. After all of that was funeral planning, she was buried in 48 hrs, and than services were held last Wednesday.<br />
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Now I'm sort of just trying to recover from all the shock. Part of me wonders wants to just quit my job and school and take time to grieve. The other part of me knows that will only make this so much worse if I do. But I've not had time to grieve. Since this started I've taken on so much responsibility to try and care for my mom and now that she is no longer here I realize everything I've lost. She was my best friend. We were like really weird twins who shared the same heart and now that she is gone my heart is just broken and empty. She was only sixty five and way too young. She got sick on July 22, having been perfectly fine just days before hanging out at my house and she died on October 23. Almost in three months her life filled with love and beauty just quickly burnt out and it makes no sense to me.<br />
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I know she doesn't want me wallowing in grief but I am hurting and grieving. I've gone through so much in life and minus a couple of hiccups the only person that I've always been able to depend on was my mother. No matter how horrible things got together we could laugh and smile through anything. The thing that is keeping me going are my babies. They are so wonderful and I know with them I will make it through this time. Caring for them while helping my brother and father has been cathartic. I know I will move on, I just don't think I really know how to at this point. Francisca and Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417221882213898301noreply@blogger.com1