www.marriedtoamexican.com

That's what friends are for!

2011-09-19T18:18:00.004-06:00

Wow thanks Linda! You really got my back!

This is a picture of my dear friend Linda popping a huge pimple on my face. Did I mention we were sitting in the middle of Sabarros eatery in Time Square? I think she had been starring at that darn thing all day long and she just couldn't take it anymore! Sorry folks we clearly do not have any manners. I'm really feeling bad for those poor people that were watching her perform surgery on me while they were enjoying their pizza.

Everyone needs a friend like Linda. Don't ya think? :)

Life is good,

Cheers!

Married to a Mexican, are you a Mormon?

2011-08-21T10:24:00.005-06:00

This question has come my way enough times that I feel I should share the answer, since so many people want to know. YES! Although the correct name of the church is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". With that I would like to share a little about what I believe, since you asked :). Here is a beautiful video that I think you will enjoy. May the spirit of this true story penetrate your heart as it has mine. After you watch this feel free to visit Mormon.org if you are curious and want to meet others that share my belief.

It is my testimony that Joseph Smith saw what he saw and did what the Lord required of him. No man would give his life for a lie.

Grandpa's Cadillac

2010-07-28T18:16:00.003-06:00

WOO!!!! Is someone excited or what? :)

Life is good!!

Avery is driving!!!!

2010-07-27T18:54:00.003-06:00

Yes!! Finally I can take a little break and be the passenger for the first time in 16 years. It's only his permit, but still that is one step closer to me not being the taxi services anymore. It's so funny to see Avery so serious. He is usually quite funny. I guess he is taking his new responsibilities very seriously. Farihn on the other hand was ready to go find the Chic's.
This was uploaded from my phone so pardon the droid sound.

Mr. Mexican and the mouse.

2010-07-26T11:22:00.003-06:00

Mr. Mexican, you are one tough cookie!!! Just one question...What's up with the gloves you and Mike are wearing? I love you!!! You make life so entertaining!!

Bad day = Waffles

2010-05-27T10:24:00.010-06:00

Yesterday I was having a really bad day. I think we all of those now and then. Anyways it got to the point that Mr. Mexican had to give me a little pep talk and remind me that really the day was fabulous and I was so blessed!! He said something to me that really made me think and I want to share it with you. He said " Tina there will always be someone out there having a harder day than you." After he said that he stood up and started putting the pieces back together of a day I had let fall apart. He called the children in and immediately put them to work. In no time the house was in order and I had a little of my sanity back. Thank heavens for Mr. Mexican!!
I wiped my tears away and started my day, by now it was late afternoon. I headed over to the store to grab somethings for dinner and as I pulled into the parking lot an ambulance pulled up and the paramedics jumped out and ran in the store. As I entered the store I saw a lifeless child blue in the face lying on the floor with his mother laying over him stroking his hair. I began to cry. Mr. Mexican was so right! Here I was crying over spilt milk and there was a woman fighting to save her child's life. I know God wanted me to see that yesterday. I have no doubts about that. I don't know how that story ended or what happened to cause that to happen in the first place. My heart felt prayers are with that little boy and his family.
So back to the waffles and why they play such an important part in this story. After seeing that it reminded me that I really do have a great life!!! I decided a celebration was in order. Knowing how much my children love to eat breakfast for dinner. I dashed through the store and grabbed some strawberries, bananas, sausage, eggs and whip cream. I then hurried home to make the worlds best breakfast for dinner. Seeing the excitement in my children's faces brought me such happiness. After dinner we cranked the stereo and danced and jumped rope. Secily and Farihn especially loved watching me jump rope. They laughed so hard because every time I would jump my pants would fall down. I guess I need to get myself a belt.
Wow!! My bad day didn't turn out so bad after all.

Good thing I have Mr. Mexican!!

Are you having a bad day? Cheer up, remember what Mr. Mexican says.

Cheers!!
Tina

Cesar Chavez

2009-11-02T10:18:00.003-07:00

I saw this today and wanted to share. Sometimes I think we need a little reminder that everyday ordinary people do some pretty amazing things. I hope you can go out and make a difference today. You can pause the music by clicking on the button in the upper right hand corner.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T10:56:00.006-06:00

Mr. Mexican is going to kill me, but I couldn't resist.

Ummm....Mr. Mexican, you don't make such a hot lady! On the other hand you are a very sexy man. Lucky me!

Abuelito Saul

2009-10-28T09:58:00.003-06:00

Our dear grandfather passed away last night at the age of 91. Saul was a wonderful man! He leaves behind a very large beautiful posterity. Saul loved the Tabernacle Choir, in memory of him I have added this song by them.

Goodbye our dear Abuelito, we will live our lives to make you proud. God be with you till we meet again.

Familia

2009-09-24T12:32:00.002-06:00

My Dear Familia,

Today I am thinking about each of you and how much I love you. I'm also thinking about the life I always dreamed of having, and then I think of the life I was blessed to have. Two very different lives. I thought what I really wanted in life was to be single and free and to do as I wished. I thought to travel and wear fine clothing and eat at fancy restaurants was what would make me happy. Boy was I wrong! Here I find myself 36 years old living a very different life then the one I had set out to have and yet it couldn't be better. Each of you means the world to me and it is so clear to me now that my life is far better then any dream I could have had.
Sure I won't lie, there are times each of you makes me crazy. Wiping pee of of toilet seats and buggers of walls is not always fun, but I wouldn't trade the life I have for anything the world could offer. Each of you are so wonderful. Each day I grow to love you more. My life couldn't be better. I want you to know that there is nothing in this world that will ever bring you more happiness then your family. Thank you for this privilege I have been given to be your mother and wife. It is truly an honor. I am proud to call you my family.

I love you!
Mom

How to moonwalk

2009-08-31T02:43:00.004-06:00

Go Avery, Go, Go, Go Avery, Go!

Oh and Mr. Mexican, I think you're sexy!

Forever Changed (Nie Nie hike to Y mountain)

2009-08-16T14:34:00.010-06:00

Today I am trying to come up with the words to express how I am feeling. Yesterday I took the children and we hiked Y mountain in support of a woman I have come to deeply love and admire over the last year. Her Name is Stephanie Aurora Clark Nielson, known in the blogging world as Nie Nie. I've spent the last several hours thinking A LOT!

Lately my age has been getting to me. I look in the mirror and I see my age creeping in. I smile and I see lines where I once had smooth skin. Botox is always on my mind. Okay maybe not always, but more then it was a year ago. I think maybe if I get a little of that everything will be better. Sure! Botox the new cure all. My boobs are droopy and my belly flabby. I guess I could due some sit ups for the belly but the boobs are a lost cause. I feel like I'm falling into the hole society has created. You see, society wants to makes each of us to one degree or another think that our happiness is found in a Botox syringe or a boob job. Everywhere you look you see billboards, TV and magazine covers that promote an image that few of us really have or could ever have. Is that really happiness? Are those people really happy? I think not! Well maybe some of them are, I mean who am I to judge them? Yet millions of us everyday are falling into that trap. We have literally been lead to believe that all our problems can be solved if we are skinny with big boobs, long lushes hair and perfect skin. I know this isn't true, but I would be a liar if I said I haven't thought about it.

So back to Nie Nie. Meeting her has changed me FOREVER. The beauty of the "WORLD" has been taken from her,but the beauty that she radiates is blinding. As I looked into her eyes I saw the pure love of Christ. I never have felt such a power radiate from any ones eyes like I felt from hers. Her beauty was breath taking. This woman has taken a very negative experience in her life and turned it into something positive. Think how easy it would have been for her to hide off in a corner and spend the rest of her life in sadness. No, she gets it! Happiness is not big boobs or botox it's not fancy cars or big houses or name brand purses. It's love! It's family! It's friendship! It's GOD! These are the things that really matter in life and she has all of them. I'm not feeling the need to "look prettier" anymore. I am however feeling the need to be a better wife, a better mother, a better sister, a better daughter,and a better friend. Everyday is a gift, it is our choice what we do with that gift. Thank you Nie Nie for reminding me of what really matters. I will forever love you and forever be changed. I know you have a beautiful life and thanks to your courage so will so many others.

Tina and the Boston street dancers

2009-08-14T07:43:00.010-06:00

I can't say enough about our trip to Boston! We are now huge Boston fans. Anyways one of our days took us into the heart of the city. I meet up with some street dancers and decided to join their act. Here is a quick clip. I'll post a little bit each day of our adventures so keep watching.

Little shout out to my kids!

2009-06-05T15:34:00.004-06:00

I think every mom can relate to this. Instead of yelling at my little darlings I have decided to post this message for them. I hope they get the hint and this will be the last of this on going problem. Oh the joy of motherhood! Can I get a raise?

P.S. Kids.... Mommy loves you!

Signs of the economic crisis!

2009-06-03T14:03:00.004-06:00

Today I saw something I thought was pretty funny and I thought I would share it. So I'm leaving to take the kids to basketball practice when I notice out of the corner of my eye the Mexicans shorts. Okay, Okay it's no secret that our family is struggling due to the economy..... "But honey do you have to advertise how poor we really are by wearing shorts with duct tape holding them together?" I mean I have heard of people that tape their glass together but I think your clothes is going a little too far. Oh Cesar someday we will be able to afford a nice new pair of shorts for you but until then it looks like you have it covered.

Have a good day everyone and if your family is struggling like ours is, try to find humor in your situation. We're all in this economic crisis together so we might as well laugh about it when we can.

Happy Birthday Dad/Grandpa!

2009-05-22T18:32:00.007-06:00

Today is my dads birthday! Hip hip hooray! Dad you are one old man. I think mom told me you are turning 74. Is that true? I love this picture of you. I bet before mom dragged you upstairs to the office to see this you were relaxing in your chair with the dog next to you. Dad I sure hope you know how grateful I am to you for everything you have done for me. You have always been a wonderful example to me. I have watched you since I was a small child serving others and I know it was that example that made me the gal I have turned out to be. Something else that you taught me was to always stand up for what is right, even when it is the unpopular thing to do. As I go through my day to day life I think of you often. As I find myself in difficult situations I ask myself....What would dad do? Then I usually end up calling you for advice. Times have been tough lately and I can never thank you and mom enough for all the help and support you have given to us. I hope that one day I will be able to do for my children what you have done for me. All of us want to tell you how much we love you and we hope you have a lovely peaceful day. I know that the Lord has allowed you to remain on the earth because we all still need you so much. What would we ever do without you? I hate to think about when that day will come. I now if you had it your way you would have passed on along time ago. Thank you, Thank you ,Thank you Dad! I couldn't ask for a better father.

Love,
Tina

Hi dad it's me Cesar! Believe it or not I want to be like you someday. There are many reasons but one of them is your amazing ability to see the good in others. Ever since I met you , you have been nothing else but kind and supportive to me. When others doubted me, you believed in me. I want you to know that I will always be grateful to you for everything you have done for Tina the kids and I. The least I can do for you today is wish you a happy birthday and like grandma always says at the end of the song "And many more....!"

Muchas abrazos,
Cesar

Random Fatmime

2009-05-22T15:59:00.005-06:00

Here is a little more Fatmime just for the heck of it! You can pause the background music by scrolling down to the bottom right side of the page and clicking the button.

Random things my kids do.

2009-05-18T08:47:00.005-06:00

Oh kiddies, What will you do next? You're always up to something! Does Farihn sound freakin scared or what? Don't mind the cheerleaders at the end, I'm not sure how that got on there.

Online Etiquette

2009-04-28T10:03:00.009-06:00

I have chosen to address this topic today for several reasons which I will share. Please read this with a sense of humor or maybe don't read it at all. Lately I have felt very frustrated with a few situations I have been in online. I would never classify myself as a spectacular writer or anything even remotely close, so please bear with the writing.
The other day I received a comment on my youtube channel that I should have never responded to. Here is the comment.

¿¿¿¿ NO LECHE????? ( And heaven knows it's not easy to make the question mark upside down. She really had to put some effort into that.)

I really didn't think too much of it. As much as I thought I had written a nice response to what I thought to be a not so nice comment, this turned into a nightmare. To make a long story short the person ended up telling me if I responded to them after their final very rude message, they would consider my responses to be harassment. Here is what I have to say to that.......
COWARD!
You spit venom from every pore of your body and then you tell the other person that you have chosen to go out of your way to criticize, they are not "aloud" to respond or they are harassing you. What the heck! So being the nice person that I try to be I didn't send back a message. Instead I have decide to use this as a learning experience. Here is a little of what I have learned...
The world will always have haters. These people have decided that it is their job to seek out anything that anyone does that they don't approve of and criticize it. We all no someone like this. Something else I have learned is that you need to be careful the way you chose to write when you are online. For example if you use all caps this gives the person you are writing to the feeling you are mad at them. When you punctuate make sure you only use one punctuation. If you put several the person may also feel you are in some way upset. Don't call a woman "Lady". It sounds tacky and gives the person the feeling you are being disrespectful. If you have a different view then the person you are communicating with try to respect their view, even though it may be different then yours. We may not always agree, but we can be respectful. I have come up with an example...

Hi Mrs. Married to a Mexican,
Today I was watching one of your cooking videos and I noticed you didn't add any milk to the drink you were making. Can I make a suggestion? My family has always added milk, and boy does it make a difference. I think you and your viewers would love to try it that way. Thanks for taking the time to share what you have learned.

(Here is an example of how I probably would have responded to that.)

Thanks so much for taking the time to share that with me. I actually use to put milk in this drink until several of my Mexican friends told me you don't add milk. On the other hand I really like milk in it. I just chose not to add it after my Mexican friends told me it wasn't as traditional, but you know how it is Mexican cooking is regional and depending on where you live you may make it differently. I will share your idea with everyone. Thanks for the tip. If you ever have a recipe you would like to share please send it my way.
Cheers!
Tina

I know at this point if you're still reading this you have decided I am clearly a crazy woman. That's okay! I'm feeling much better. This is very therapeutic for me.

Alright lets move on to situation # 2.

Saturday night I was doing a routine check of my kids facebook accounts. It is my opinion that parents and kids need to have a agreement that the parents will have access to their child's facebook account or any other online services. It's not to be nosey it's to ensure they are in a safe environment. Cesar and I are all too familiar with the dangers of the internet anyways my children know this and they expect that we will conduct random visits. As I logged in, one of my sons school mates was online. He immediately popped in to a chat with what he thought to be my son and said something very inappropriate and hurtful. I was surprised and hurried to write something back, but as quickly as he wrote the message he was off line. I decided to send him a message and tell him I was the one online checking my sons facebook when he wrote that. I told him that I had always heard good things about him and that I was disappointed with what he had written. I also asked him to never write anything like that again to my son.
I didn't see the humor in it. I would categorize what he wrote as "Online Bulling." Of course when he wrote back to me it wasn't even in the smallest way kind. I guess I shouldn't have expecting anything more. The one thing that did bother me though was his complete justification for what he had written. He said. " Haven't you ever called you friend a dork or loser?" Why yes I have, I think everyone has done that before, but here's the problem he didn't say that, if he had said that I wouldn't have reacted the way I did. He said something much ,much worse. I never told my son what he said because it hurt my feelings and I knew it would have hurt his. The young man then continued on to tell me his parents wouldn't care the least about what he said and gave me their phone number and told me to call them. (Here's their number, why don't all of us give them a call!) Just kidding! I do have a sense of humor even when I'm ticked off!
Wow! what has happened to society? I remember when I was a kid, children were seen and not heard, and If they did anything wrong you better believe that their mom and dad would grab them by the ear and march them right over to apologize for what they had done. Am I just too old school? Do manners and respect for your elders not matter anymore? Whatever happened to a good old fashion " I'm sorry"? I will never stop teaching my child what is right. I also will never stop standing up for what I personally believe to be right. I really don't care how many people hate me for it.
There is no question in my mind that society is in a downward spin. I refuse to allow my family to become apart of that. We will continue to teach and practice values in our home and we will continue to only expect the best out of our children. When they do make mistakes, as all of us do, we will help them to correct what they have done and make it right.

I have found that people are much more willing to say things online that they would never consider saying to someones face.

I'm feeling so much better now. I'm completely at peace with these two situations. I think I just needed to remind myself to stick to my guns.

I think I will go and give Cesar a big hug and tell him he's the best! He is the one that always reminds me not to let people get under my skin and to never stop being me! I may not be able to change the world ,but I can have a great impact on the little ones in my home, aren't they the ones that really matter most anyways?

Cesar the Bird Whisper!

2009-03-25T13:11:00.005-06:00

You may have heard of Cesar the Dog Whisper, well I would like to introduce you to Cesar's cousin Cesar the Bird Whisper. I know crazy, can you believe it? He's my husbands cousin! No, actually I'm kidding, but you would think there must be some relation between them cuz both of them have some strange power over animals. Today I came downstairs and this is what I saw. I know, WEIRDO! Apparently he needed some company while he was working. These two birds bite all of us, but they love him and boy does he love them. Did I ever mention how much he hates the dogs? Anyways I just thought I would share my strange husband with all of you. (No honey you're really not strange, I promise!) Everyone works on the computer with their birds. (Wink Wink!)
Maybe I am spending too much time making cooking videos and he needed a little company.

The Mexicans have arrived!

2009-03-21T20:03:00.024-06:00

Saturday we piled the familia into the car and we were off to a Futbol game. So guess what the best part of the game was..... It was FREE! Oh how I love free things. Here are a few picture we took while we were there.

May I suggest?...If you make plans to go to a Futbol game make sure you take a Mexican. My husband and his cousins and friends made the biggest fools out of themselves and had so much fun doing it. Mexicans really know how to have a good time. One of Cesar's cousins had some very loud obnoxious instrument that they would take turns spinning around and annoying all the spectators with. I don't think that was their intention though, they were just enjoying themselves. After the game they announced that the players would be available for people to take pictures with. Cesar's cousin Jose thought it would be funny if he had us make a line and pretend we were waiting to take a picture with him. This was hilarious, there was so many of us that it actually worked and people thought he was one of the players. The next thing you know we were all laughing so hard we started crying. I learned along time ago not to let anything embarrass or bother me when it come to Cesar's familia. I have learned to "Roll with it". Although after the game Cesar did think it would be a great idea to stop at Sonic and get free sundaes for the kids with the coupons they gave out at the game. That was a little much for me. I'm not that tacky! I think it is one thing to go for a burger and use your free coupon at the end for a sundae and another thing to show up with your whole familia for the freebie and not expect to spend a dime. So I chose to ride in the back seat and let Cesar do his thing. When all was said and done the kids had a great time. They know their dad and mom don't always agree and I think if you asked them they would say their mom is a little up tight and dad is just a big kid.

Why fight it, there are just some things about Cesar I will never change, so I just try to laugh and move forward. He has too many good things going for him to let something like that bother me for more then a minute.

My little champion!

2009-03-19T08:53:00.000-06:00

Today Farihn came out of the shower and this is what he looked like. Cute huh! Cesar immediately ran to grab the camera so we could catch a shot of the little champion. So Farihn, did you wear all of those medals while you were taking a shower? Just wondering. I can't help but think of how he reminds me of a certain individual that won a lot of medals recently at the summer Olympics.

So I couldn't resist sharing this picture. I just love this little guy. He's such a fun and happy kid. Several times a day Farihn will tell me how much he loves me. He will never know how much his love means to me. I'm so grateful that God has entrusted me with such a precious child. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the unimportant things in life that I forget to enjoy the little special moments. I have a saying on the wall in my house that reads.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

Farihn, I love you so much! You are my little champion.

Have a wonderful day everyone! Hug your kiddies!

Tina

Your prayers are needed!

2009-03-09T13:05:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I received an email from a friend of mine Claudina. Claudina and I met through my cooking videos. I was really saddened to receive the news that her baby son Mihaly has a tumor on his nose. On April 10th he will be having surgery to remove it. Tumors can be a very scary thing. I know she must be a little out of her mind right now and in need of all of our support. Can you guys do me a favor? When you say your prayers at night can you include her family and especially her son in them? I believe in the power of prayer. I know prayer can strengthen the soul to bear the burdens of life. I have suffered through a very difficult diseases for several years now and I have received much strength from the prayers of others on my behalf. Just knowing that someone is praying for you can really make all the difference when you're going through a hard time.

Like many of us Claudina has a very busy life. She is a Mother of four beautiful children, a student about to graduate from college and a wife. Hey, I'm overwhelmed most of the time and I'm not even in college. She really is an amazing Woman. Claudina, may the Lord watch over you and your family. May you feel his peace in your life as you go through this difficult time. Our family truly loves you and each of us will remember your family in our prayers.

Naughty little Secily!

2009-03-08T20:04:00.000-06:00

Okay! I will never sleep peacefully again. Here is an example of what goes on when Dad and Mom take a nap. Secily you are such a cutie. I must admit you have your mothers spirit. Secily has decided to start a new series called, "The Adventures of a Naughty Little Girl". Stay tuned! I think I will give her a link off my site.

Bebe on the way!

2009-03-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

Felicidadez

Hey everyone, I just wanted to share the good news! This is a picture of Edmundo and Jennifer. I meet them recently through an email Jennifer sent me. These guys have been trying for a while to have a baby and I was thrilled to get the news that they are expecting. Maybe we can periodically get Jen to keep us all posted about how the pregnancy is going. If you want to leave them a comment to congratulate them you can post it below, I'm sure they would love it. If any of you guys are getting married, having a baby, or graduating send me an email and I will post the good news for all of the viewers, or if you would like to leave some advice for the parents to be feel free in the comment section below. Edmundo and Jen I'm so happy for you, my families prayers are with your family. Your life is about to change forever! There is nothing more beautiful or more important then creating a family.

Best wishes and love,

Tina

Guess Who?

2009-02-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

What a cute little Mexican!

Last night my sis in-law sent us an email with this adorable picture of Cesar. We guess he was about 6 when this was taken. Don't you love the hair? I must say, one worry I've never had is that Cesar might loose his hair. The guy just has so much! So I thought it might be fun to see some before and after shots of all of you. Send me a picture of you when you were younger and one of what you look like now and I will post it for the viewers to see. Send your picture to Tina@marriedtoamexican.com. I will get a picture of me up soon. I will have to call my mom and see what she has. You won't believe what I used to look like!

Ok I admit..... I love American Idol !

2009-02-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

In honor of one of the few shows I am willing to drop everything for, here is a funny video I found on youtube. The girls that made this really crack me up. A little side note..... What the heck is up with that Tatiana girl. I'm so glad she is gone. As anyone knows I'm all about my Latina gals but, she really gives Latinas a bad rap. What's with all that hair primping in the middle of her performance? SO TACKY! I will say, I have fallen head- over- hills for the Robert Downey Jr look alike. What's his name? Oh yes, it's Danny. Good thing the TV points into the kitchen ,this way I don't miss a wink while I make my cooking videos. Who's your favorite? I'm dying to know.

Wimpy Chic!

2009-02-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

I'm such a wimp! I'm also a very good faker. You see I suffer from a very challenging disease and I choose to fake that I don't. I run around like a chicken with her head cut off until I literally can't walk. Then I'm forced to face the disease I try to ignore. I'm clearly very blessed and I always try to remind myself this. I have the best kids on the planet and the most helpful supportive husband. I just start to feel so guilty after about two days of laying in bed. That brings me to today and this moment. I got up and told myself I had to get things done. I showered and dressed and then made my way downstairs. About two minutes after arriving in the kitchen I realized I wasn't ready to do anything. Back to my bed I crawled. I've been laying here for a few minutes feeling sorry for myself. I hate it when I do that. I then start to think of all the people that I know that are suffering and I force myself to stop complaining in my head. I like to read nie nie's blog I gather great strength from her.
I laid in bed all day yesterday I knew I needed to save my strength for Avery's basketball game. Of course then I got there and jumped around like that chicken I told you about and of course I once again was able to fake my way through the evening. I think the thing that really sucks is that my family has to see the bad side of me while the world always gets the best of me. I really hate that about myself. Why am I so good at faking to others but when it comes to Cesar and the kids I don't? They are the ones that really deserve the best of me.
Well, I have all these videos I have been wanting to make for my cooking page hopefully I will hurry up and get better so I can continue running around like a chicken with her head cut off. I know I sound like a wimp and I need to get over it. If you'er feeling bad read nie nie's blog I know it will help and give you strength. So now I tell myself "Onward Tina, Onward!" I think I can......I think I can.........I think I can!

Makeovers

2009-02-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

Secily and her sweet friends decided to give themselves extreme makeovers. Secily and I have been watching some makeup tutorials lately on youtube and I think she thought it was time for her and her friends to tryout some of their skills. Secily, I love you! I'm so glad Heavenly Father sent you to me. I love your great sense of humor you always make me laugh. With a little more practice you will someday be a great makeup artist.

A brand new year!

2009-02-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

So my kids were asked to participate in the making of this DVD for the youth of my church. Every time I watch this I cry. Seeing so many youth that are striving to make great decisions in their lives really touches me. We live during a time where societies influence is destroying the lives of so many of our young people. It's refreshing to see so many beautiful young people taking part in a celebration of their lives and values.
See if you can spot my kids.I'll give you a hint......(Mexico!)I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints it gives my life purpose and meaning. I will always be grateful to the friends and missionaries that shared the gospel with my biological parents so many years ago. I am also grateful that after my mothers death I was able to be placed in a wonderful family that shared this same faith. I was the only one out of the four children to have this blessing.

Ghetto Lady

2009-01-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

Today I got a little shout out from a viewer for my Pozole video. I always like to find out anything I can about the people that send comments to me from youtube so I clicked over to her page to say thanks and I couldn't help but watch her video titled "Ghetto Lady." I found it to be very funny so her it is for your viewing enjoyment. I love the diversty of my viewers. Sounds like something really exciting was going on over there.
Thanks Judy!

Tina

Optimism

2009-01-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

Clearly there is no explanation for my good mood. Yet, I feel great. I feel like climbing to the top of the highest peak and shouting out to all below... " All is well all is well." No, clearly all is not well but I can't help but think if we all come together and be positive our positivity will rub off on each other and society will become better as a whole.

On the other hand, my husband woke up today and was feeling a bit low. I reminded him of all the blessing our family has and sent him on his way. Then I turned on the news and went about my business. Today all the talk is about the plane crash in NYC. As I have been listening the one thing that stands out to me is the constant talk over and over about how we all needed some good news. People!!! (At the news station) there is good news all around us everyday! Why are you and so many of us blinded by all the bad that we can't see the good. Okay I have to mention to you that I am clearly A.D.D no, I have never been diagnose but there really is no question in my mind so, try hard to keep up with my wondering mind. I then spoke to my husband on the phone he mentioned that he was listening to Glenn Beck on the way to work and he is a changed man. (Well, for the moment.) I think to make a long story short the underlining theme was God never forgets us in our trials. Here is the link to what he said.(http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/20288/ I know this to be true I am no stranger to tough times. My father reminded me once in one of my darkest hours that I was his strongest child and that I could and would overcome. He was right, I did and I have over and over and will continue to. I think the secret is believing in something so much bigger then all of us. That something is God! What a comforting feeling it is to know he is there and he is in charge. I really can't imagine one moment of life without that precious knowledge.
Let's jump topics a little.
So I can't get this lady of my mind. Her name is Yolanda. She attends my church. On Sunday she brought her three year old little guy into Sunday school and sat with him because he was new to that class. I remember so clearly looking up at her while the children were sing and saying to myself " You can't hear them." Wow! Gratitude filled my soul and I began to cry this is just another example of a blessing I tend to overlook. Yolanda is deaf. I then began to reflect on the miracles preformed by the Savior during his ministry. He healed the sick. The blind could see. The deaf could hear. I know one day Yolanda will receive her miracle. I couldn't help but think of how strong her faith is. She knows she will hear again. No, maybe not in this life, but she will hear. I can't imagine living a day without sounds Farihn's whispers, Cesar's Laugh, Secily singing along to her favorite radio Disney song, Aries telling his latest joke and over hearing Avery speaking words of comfort to a friend in need. Wow! I'm crying all over again just writing this. These are things I hear everyday and I can't imagine what it would be like without them. So, not really sure why I feel like writing all of this random stuff. I found this clip on youtube and it made me think about Yolanda so here it is.

Well , I know I'm hard to follow. I sure hope something I wrote made sense. I hope you have a great day! Life is GRRRRRRREAT! If your saying to yourself .... " Pull your head out of your armpit lady." I already checked it's not in there.

Don't worry be happy!

Tina

2009-01-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

So a viewer sent me this short movie he made and I thought some of you may find this funny. It's very cheesy! Yet, I felt it was worth wasting my time to watch. I think I will see if he and I can get together and make a cooking video, since all you know how much I could clearly use some help with my Spanish pronunciation. Whatever you do don't take me or this video too serious. (I'm not sure what the Avoid Aids book in the background is all about.)

Enjoy!

Tina

Letter to a prostitute

2008-11-02T00:29:00.000-06:00

I passed you on the streets of New York City the other day. I just can't stop thinking about you. I caught a glimpse of you out of the corner of my eye as my husband, children, and I passed by. I could see the longing and pain in your eyes. I wanted to reach out to you and hug you.
Do you remember when you were a little girl? What was your dream? What did you want to be when you grew up? It's still possible. You're worth so much more then you will ever know. I know it must be hard. I'm sure you think that you have no other option then to sell yourself for sex. God hasn't forgotten you. He loves you. Just like he loves me. He wants more then anything for you to come to him, talk to him, and ask for his help and guidance.
There is a way out of the life choices you are making. It will take courage. You will have to believe in yourself. I believe in you. I know you can do so much more with your life then you think. You're young. You're beautiful. You're a child of God. I have seen God work miracles in my life and I know he can work them in yours. Don't ever loose hope! Don't ever think it is too late to start over.!
Your life has value. I don't know you, but I love you.
Tina

So I married an Alien...

2008-10-15T00:26:00.000-06:00

I just can't resist writing about this. I would like to dedicate this writing to Victor, the man I spoke to on the phone. Victor, you know who you are!
So a week or so ago I received a letter from my insurance company. The letter stated that the files were being updated and they needed a copy of my husband's "alien" card.
"ALIEN" CARD! What! Are they serious? I'm sorry, but he must have lost it the last time he went home to Mars.

Immediately we searched high and low for any signs of the "alien" card. It was nowhere to be found. We were, though, able to find a card that had the words "Permanent Resident" written boldly on the front. They couldn't have possible been talking about that...Could they? No, surely they know what that is called. Well, we thought we might need to take a closer look at the permanent resident card, just in case we were mistaken. So we got the magnifying glass out. Nope! Nothing! We searched it thoroughly and we couldn't find those words anywhere.
Ok! Where am I going with this?
I just hate it when people are so shallow. I'm sure that if you asked anyone they would tell you that they don't want to be referred to as an alien. This is such a cruel way to refer to anyone. We are all people.... all children of the same God...... all equally created. As far as I know, none of us are from Mars. Maybe the word alien is being used correctly. Who am I to say? I still don't think it is a very nice way to refer to anyone.
Oh, but this story gets sooooo much better. Today I made a call to the insurance provider. To my surprise the voice on the other end was most definitely that of a person who did not speak English as their first language. I explained that I had received a letter asking for a copy of my husbands "alien" card. I then asked him if he new who had written this letter. I must say his response did take me by surprise. He had written it. I then suggested to him that this was not the name of the card and that it did come as a surprise that a person that obviously did not originally come from this country would use this wording to request a copy of this card. He immediately responded that he was a citizen not an "alien". I then mentioned to him that it was clear that at some point he had come from another country. Some of you may be saying to yourselves...... "Oh no, she didn't.' You may even think I'm evil.
I need to explain that my purpose in doing this was not to put this individual down, but to merely remind him that he also was once from somewhere else. I asked him how he felt when people referred to him as an alien? Things became very quiet on the other end of the phone.
I think that prosperity can sometimes make even the best of us forget where we came from. My husband always says that he never wants the eagle to erase from his forehead. In other words, he never wants to forget that he is Cesar Rivera Perez from a poor village in Mexico.... a proud Mexican. There is no question that Cesar loves this country. He would be the first one to tell you how much this country has done for him. I'm sure he would lay down his life for this country if he had to. Nevertheless, Mexico will always be his home.
Victor, have you forgotten where you came from? As my husband says, "Has the eagle been erased from your forehead?"
No, maybe your not from Mexico, but you know what I mean. I'm sure you have, like many people from other countries, felt the pain of inequality and discrimination. Don't turn around now that you are a citizen and forget that you too were once, as you would say, an "alien" just like Cesar. ( I really hate that word!)
Cesar, you are my hero for so many reasons. I know that you will never forget the hard unpaved road you had to take to be in the position you are in today. I know it is your desire for all individuals to be treated equally. I believe that someday you will be a great leader in society. To so many people in your community you already are a great leader. You are Cesar! Just a simple man from a poor village in Mexico and I love that about you. Thanks for reminding me everday to be proud of who I am and where I came from.

Emily...My new friend

2008-10-09T00:24:00.000-06:00

Emily....... My new friend
Today I had the opportunity to go with Farihn on his first field trip. You can only imagine how excited he was to go. I had not originally planed to go, but he really wanted me to so I made arrangements. I'm so glad I did. We had so much fun. Five- year- olds are the best! While on the trip I had the chance to make a new friend. Her name is Emily. She was the mother in charge of Farihn's group. Since I had made last minute plans to attend, I tagged along with them. Emily and I sat together on the bus. We immediately started to talk about anything and everything. Can you believe it, she is married to a Mexican too. As we chatted I came to find out that Emily is the mother of two children. One is five. Her name is Brylee. She is in Farihn's class. Her other is a little boy. He is eighteen months and has Downs Syndrome.
If you have read any of my previous entries then you know I'm very sensitive. I just can't tell you how impressed I was with this girl. Never once did she complain about her circumstances. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to raise a special needs child. Yet she is positive and grateful for her beautiful little boy. As we talked, I gained such a appreciation for her and all people that are raising children with special needs. I have several friends that are raising children like Emily's. Each of them respond to this calling in life with optimism and enthusiasm. Seriously, are there any better examples out there?

As Emily and I talked, something she shared with me broke my heart. Prior to her son's birth Emily and her husband were unaware of any problems with the baby. After his birth they were given the news that he had Downs Syndrome. A little sad and probably not sure what the future held they began to call all of their closest friends and family. Emily mentioned to me that at times like this you find out who your real friends are. Several people that they deemed to be their closest friends never to this day have made any attempt to visit or call them. Really I am so speechless! I can't believe at a time when they would need friends the most, they were abandoned.
Emily, you're a great woman. God has entrusted you and your husband with one of his most special children. I'm so grateful for the chance to meet you. I hope we can be friends for years to come. You have many challenging days ahead of you. May God bless you in everything that you do. Your optimism is so refreshing. Just think how much better the world would be if we had more people like Emily in it. Girlfriend, you're my hero of the day!
I know that for some of us it's hard to know how to react to the challenges that our friends and family face. They need our love at times like this more then ever. It's okay if you don't know what to say. Most people don't. I think just knowing you're there is all a person needs to help them get through.

Darcey.. oh, how I admire you!

2008-10-09T00:12:00.000-06:00

This woman has had her share of heartache. She has had to walk through the valley of despair many times in her thirty four years. I have seen the pain in her eyes many times as we have talked. I always wonder why it seems like some people are asked to bear so much more then others. Darcey is a single parent of three small boys. Did Darcey want to be single? Heavens no! Her husband left her. She is now left to raise three boys alone. I love her so much. She is a wonderful mother. It is evident that her children are her first priority. She would do anything for them. Every time I see her she is making something for her kids or some family member. Darcey enjoys taking pictures and she is really quite good at it. She loves to photograph her children and scrapbook every minute of their lives. She always reminds me that I need to take more pictures. In fact, she took some of the pictures on my homepage. I especially love the one she took of Farihn. It's so beautiful!
One of the things I love about Darcey is that she always has time for you. She always makes a effort to make you feel like the most important person in the world when you are with her. It's never about her... it's always about you. I know her door is always open to me. Today I was so excited to show her something but we were having a hard time making what I wanted to show her work. I will never forget what she said to me. Her words were so precious. She said, " Your just so excited to show me, we have to make this work! I don't want your moment to be spoiled." I felt just like a little kid dying to show my mother something. She was so genuinely concerned about my happiness.
I can learn so much from Darcey. I pray that she will find all the happiness in the world. She deserves it! Darcey, I have never had to face some of the trials you have but, I hope if I did I would have the courage to face them like you have. Your my hero today! Thanks for caring more about my happiness than your own.

What is cool anyway?

2008-10-08T00:22:00.000-06:00

What makes a person cool? Is it the clothes they wear? Maybe it's the car they drive! Could it be the tag on your clothes? Maybe.......... Or maybe it's your cell phone. The more things it can do the cooler it makes you. Oh no, I think it must either be how big your house is or how many recreational vehicles you have.
In a world as crazy as the one we live in I am determined to teach my children that cool is not what you have or what you wear. The other day my oldest son Avery and I had an interesting talk. Avery is struggling with popularity. Avery has always been well- liked. I can still remember his first days in kindergarten. Everyone wanted to be his friend. The funny thing is...... He really didn't care who he was friends with. As the years have passed this has continued to be the case. Now he is in high school and he is starting to realize how important it is to choose good friends. The problem that he is facing is that too many kids that are not making good choices are applying to be his friends.
The first weeks of school all the girls were asking him for his cell phone number. What a disappointment this must have been for all of them to find out Avery doesn't have one. Really I'm not kidding! I have a fourteen- year- old son that is popular and he doesn't have a cell phone. And he won't have one either. No, this is not some kind of punishment. My kids know that if they want a cell phone when they grow up, they can buy one. Until then, they are more then welcome to use the home phone. Can you believe that? I must be some mean mother that doesn't care about her children's needs.
Anyway, Avery has really struggled with all of the bad choices he sees kids making at school. Apparently the more poor choices you make the cooler you are. He has a kind heart so he wants to be kind to everyone. But lately he feels like he needs to state his values to others a little more clearly. However he's afraid of how they will react toward him. Kids are always talking so trashy around him and he really doesn't like it. In fact ,he was feeling really bad. The other day he was mowing the neighbors yard and he tripped over something. Immediately the words he heard the other kids saying at school were stuck in his head and he kept repeating them in his mind. This really made him angery with himself. I'm glad he feels comfortable telling Cesar and I these things. Here's what I told him........ "Don't be afraid to take a stand for what you think is right. If people around you are using bad language tell them that offends you and will they please not talk like that around you." He really didn't think he could find the courage to do this. I promised him that he would gain a lot of respect from his peers if he did.
A few days passed and we talked again. Avery was much happier. He had taken our challenge and the kids were responding positively to him. In fact it's been
sometime now and everyone knows that it's not okay to use bad language around him.
Avery, you are a great kid! I know that I don't tell you enough how proud I am of you. Keep making good choices. You are the real "COOL"! There is nothing cooler then a person that knows who they are and what they believe. You are proof of that. I know that many people are looking up to you and want to pattern their lives after your's. Always remember this. I love you so much! You are my hero!
Mom

Someday you will be a great mother!

2008-10-06T00:20:00.000-06:00

Sandra,
Someday you will be a great mother!
Today my sister-in-law came over. We don't see her too often. Currently she is attending the local University. School and work can be very demanding. I completely understand how busy that can keep a person. My children love her. It might even be safe to say as much as or more then they love me. Why? She is amazing. Sandra has a way of making each of them feel so special. Today not long after her arrival, Secily and Sandra found some old scraps of fabric in one of the closets. The next thing I new she and Secily were cutting, designing, and sewing by hand fashions for Secily's Barbie dolls. Wow!! Like I would have ever thought to do that with my old junk.
Sandra grew up very poor. Nothing was ever wasted. Even the tiniest scrap could be turned into something wonderful.. I have seen her create the most amazing things out of something I would probably throw in the trash. It really makes you stop and think about how much we really have. We are such a spoiled society. Our trash is a treasure to many people in other lands. We complain that we never have enough. But come on, think about it. We have sooooo much! I feel very inspired today by my sister- in-law.
To make it do or do without. That is the question. These are very unsure times in our economy. Maybe it's not a bad idea for all of us to look in our closets and see what treasures lie inside waiting to be given a new life. The time you spend with your children doing this will be unforgettable for you and your child. Your time is more important to your children than any toy you could ever buy them. Thanks for reminding me of this today Sandra . You are so creative. The love you have for my children is so evident. I know that you would like more than anything to be a mother. You will be a excellent mother. I only hope this opportunity will come to you soon. I love you! You are my hero for the day! Thanks for loving my children so much.
(Afterthoughts)
Many of you may never have the opportunity to be a mother. I will never know the pain you have had to bear. But don't think for one minute that your influence is not felt each and everyday by the young people all around you. So many children is this world are in need of your love, talents and encouragement. I know if you pray to be guided to those kids around you in need, you will find them. Good luck in your efforts to make a difference in a child's life, whether it be your own child or a special child in need of you.

Happy Wal- Mart guy!

2008-10-03T00:18:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love the happy old people that greet you when you come into Wal-Mart? Do you ever just say to yourself, "What's he so happy about? He's like one- hundred years old working at Wal-Mart in a wheelchair with an oxygen tank." Over the last few years I have experienced many unexpected trials. You may be saying to yourself, "Where is she going with this?" Here is where.....It doesn't matter what your circumstances are. You have the power to decide how you will choose to deal with them. You can be happy no matter what you are going through. A very wise woman reminded me of this in my darkest hours. So now I pass these words of wisdom on to you. Maybe happy Wal-Mart guy has no other choice but to work in order to survive. Maybe...... or maybe he just does it for fun. Who knows? My guess is that it is probably because he has to. I'm sure none of us aspire to work at Wal-Mart when we are old. But if we had to, would we show up to work happy and ready to brighten the day of the thousands we greet? Wal-Mart guy, you're wonderful! Thanks for making the best of your circumstances. Your smile is just what I needed today! You are officially my hero for the day.
May I make a suggestion? If you find that you are struggling with the challenges of the day-to day life, stop thinking about you and start thinking about others. You will find that your problems really were not that big after all. Well, maybe they were big but, I promise this will make all the difference.

2008-09-30T23:25:00.000-06:00

Last night and today have been particularly stressful. Thanks to my mom much of that stress was relieved. It is very easy to become overwhelmed with all that is required of you as a parent. Monday night I was very busy trying to help my kids get all of their homework done. Avery was typing a report and I had mentioned to him that he should email it to Grandma and have her proofread it for him. Grandma was a school teacher for many years. She is an excellent editor. The report was due the next day and I never suspected that there would be any problems with that suggestion.
My mom is always happy to help. She is great when it comes to last minute requests. After my mom had corrected the report it was very late where we live. We had already gone to bed. Grandma lives on the west coast. We do not. The next morning when we woke up, Avery checked his email to see if she had sent it. For whatever reason, we were not able to open the attachment. Avery was going to be late so I told him I would fix the problem and bring his paper later.
Of course because of all the commotion, I was not able to get lunches ready for the kids. So I told them I would bring them later. Farihn doesn't go to school until 11:30 and we usually try to read and work on school work in the morning. I could already feel the stress starting to mount up. I called my mom after the kids had left. We started trying to figure out what the problem was. (hour, by hour, by hour, went by.) We tried everything to get that paper to open. The next thing I new it was lunch time and I still had not taken the lunches to the kids. Farihn was also going to be late. I told my mom I would call her back. I dashed down to the kitchen to whip up something for the kids lunches and hurried out the door. (Mind you...... looking lovelier than ever and still wearing some ridiculous, mismatched, hurry- and- throw- it- on outfit.) Don't you just love it when you're having a day like that and someone offers you a piece of gum. Truely, what else am I suppose to think but the worst. My breath smells like a dog's. Nice! OK back to the story.... Sometimes I get a little off the subject. Where were we? Oh yes, my crappy day! The lunches were late and so was Farihn and I still didn't have that @#$%^&* paper printed. So back to the house I hurried. I was so mad! I'm sure my neighbors thought I was yelling at someone. I was the only one home yelling at myself. I called my mom back. Now mind you, this whole time my mother was so happy, calm and patient while reassuring me that all would be well. We finally came to the conclusion that we would need the help of Cesar. So we called him and he gave us some really bad tech support over the phone. When that didn't work, we decided to make corrections over the phone. This is when I thought I might loose my mind. Avery had typed his report in Notebook instead of Word. Every time I fixed one sentence, another sentence would get messed up. All this time my mother was patiently giving advice on how to fix the problem. I told her I was going to retype it and call her back. Here is where the next problem comes in. Avery typed this on the laptop with the broken screen. UGGGGGGGG!
To make a looooooong story shorter, my mom ended up typing the paper over again and faxing it to me only minutes before school was over. She's amazing! Never once did she loose her temper with me or tell me she was too busy to help. My mom is the greatest. I have put her through a lot of junk over the years but she has always stood by my side. My heart aches for all the pain I have caused her. I will forever be sorry for that.
Some of you reading this may not have your mom with you anymore and my heart goes out to you, or maybe you didn't have a good mom. That doesn't mean you can't be a good mom or dad. Mothers are so important. They are the foundation of society. If you have lost your mother, take a moment and think of those elderly women around you that are in need of a son or daughter in their life. There are many. Nothing would mean more to them then your company and your helping hands. I know you will gain more from that friendship then you ever gave. If you are a mom or dad, hug your kids. Never give up on them no matter what they do. Someday they will come back. I did!Mom, I love you! No one will ever take your place. Thanks! You are not only my hero of the day, you are my hero of a lifetime.

2008-09-29T23:19:00.000-06:00

Rachael (Code name Super Woman.)
Today I had the great opportunity to spend time with an elect lady. Her name is Rachael. Rachael is on my Top Ten list of women I would like to be like. She is a rare jewel.
Rachael is kind and sensitive. She never judges others. She always points out the best about those she speaks of. Rachael has more talents than I have time to list. I really would have a hard time believing that there are things Rachael does not know how to do. She is so willing to share all of her knowledge so freely.
A few weeks ago I asked her if she would mind if I taped her making her famous, very delicious, homemade wheat bread for my website. I know she was very unsure about this and I can understand that. It can be very intimidating to teach people how to do something on tape. Well, I was very excited when I saw her yesterday at church. She grabbed my arm and told me she would be making bread tomorrow and I was more than welcome to stop by and tape her. I'm so grateful for the time I spent with her. Rachael not only taught me how to make bread. She has wisdom beyond her years. She is like a hundred year- old woman in a thirty year- old's body. I felt so uplifted and inspired by her. I left her home with a resolve to be a better person. You know, Rachael will spend hours in her kitchen making bread each week only to turn around and give more of her loaves away to others then she keeps for herself. Today she already had made her list of people she wanted to drop a loaf off to.
Rachael you are my hero for the day! I know that there is a special place in Heaven just for you in the bakery of love. Keep up the good work. Your the best!

Collete's smile

2008-09-28T23:08:00.000-06:00

Today's thoughts..... I'm a pretty sensitive girl and today when I was at church something really tugged at my heart strings. A new family moved in a few weeks ago and are attending my church. I have the privilage of having one of the children in my Sunday school class. Her name is Collete. I absolutly love her. She is a darling little girl. Well anyways, I was running a little late ( which is not uncommon for me). I quickly grabbed a chair in the back before the prayer was about to be offered. As I sat down I was greeted by a warm smile from Collete. She and her dad and sisters were sitting in the row in front of me. You may have noticed, I didn't mention Mom that's because Collete's mom passed away a few months ago, leaving her father to raise three little girls ages five and under alone. As I looked up at her family a tear dropped from the corner of my eye as I noticed the attempt their father had made to dress and style the hair of these precious little ladies. The ponytails were lopsided and the dresses mismatched. I was just so impressed with him. What a man! I can't possible imagine what he has gone through. Yet he was there with his three little angels. ( And he arrived there before me! ) He is my hero for the day! I have decided to dedicate my thoughts to the heros all around me. So, Collete's dad, you are my hero! God bless you in all of your endevors. You are truely AWSOME! I am so grateful to have the chance to know your precious little Collete. She is a beautiful child of God.