Living in the Desert

Smooch: March 7, 2009 - April 29, 2009

2009-04-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

Sad to write that our new puppy Smooch passed yesterday . . . We are so sad. We got her on April 21, 2009 and she brought so much joy to our lives. She was Catarina's new baby. Apparently, she got the parvo virus and she went real quick. Parvo is a deadly disease and especially kills young puppies under the age of 4 months. All dogs are susceptible, but the younger ones are hit the hardest. By the time we took her in, it was too late. The vet said there was nothing she could do. So, we held her and tried to warm her body. She died peacefully in my arms. I love that little one so much. I am amazed how such a small one can affect my life in a huge way. I hadn't felt so much pain at losing a friend in such a long time, but thank God, I let myself feel the grief and cried. God got me through it. Thank you God. She will live on in our hearts. Rest in peace sweet little one. Rest. I hope Chico helped you find your way home. Thanks Chico. :)

Hilking La Malinche (La Malintzi) in July 2006

2009-04-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

This is La Malinche is a 14,600 foot Mexican Volcano located near my father's hometown, Huamantla, Tlaxcala. Here's a few websites: http://www.mexicovacationtravels.com/cenotes-natural-pools/enjoy-nature-at-la-malinche-volcano-tlaxcala.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/interstellar1/2231263117/

Since I was a small girl (we travelled to Mexico at least twice a year) I had wanted to climb her. In July 2006, my dear friend, Joan and I started training and in late July we summitted!! The day was rainy and the top of the volcano was foggy. But we made it!!

Here is a view of the Malinchi from a distance.

Here is Joan near the top!!

Malinchi the Day we went to the campsite.

Me at the TOP!! Thank you God!!

Joan and Me on the way!

We are at the top!! We couldn't be happier!! Thank you God for safely ascending and descending!!

Catarina (Princess and Make-up Artist)

2009-04-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here are two pictures that depict my daughter, Catarina, the best as she was growing up. In the first photo, she is about 3 years old, I had told her NOT to use my lipstick, which she loved to put on. On this day, I was looking for her and she wouldn't answer. Being a mom, I knew that when the kids are quiet it means trouble. Sure enough, I went outside and found her in the backyard. She was looking down. When I saw her face, lips covered with my "favorite" lipstick, I couldn't help but laugh (after I gasped and held my breath!). I told her to stay put, I went to grab my camera and here she is in all her glory. You also need to know she dressed herself. She had to put on every Disney princess outfit she owned. :)

In the next photo, Cat is at her finest, striking a pose, microphone in hand and tiara on her head. Yes folks, she hasn't changed much. She now works for Ulta (a makeup store) and has learned how to use the make up in more refined ways. Don't get me wrong the Lipstick Photo is probably one of the pictures that I love the most. It really captures her strong, independent, playful and beautiful spirit!! Love you mija, never change.

A Tribute to Charlene

2009-04-12T11:26:00.001-07:00

This is my dear friend Dr. Charlene Tracy. She is such an inspiration to me. She died on February 20, 2007, surrounded by friends and family in her beautiful home that she created. I met Charlene in August of 1980 at a La Leche League Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. She's a native of Buffalo, New York, escaping the cold for the warmth.

We were friends from the beginning, but that is just how Char was, a friend to all. I miss her very much, but also feel her with me, always. Here we are celebrating her birthday. She always knew how to have a good time! Rest in peace sister and I'll see you again for another one of life's wonderful adventures. I love you, md

Smiling pretty next to an image of St. Francis, one of her (and my) favorite Saints.

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T02:11:00.001-07:00

I hope you have the most blessed day today. Remember how much Jesus loves you. You are never alone. Also remember that when it is the darkest, the light is just on the horizon, hold on for your miracle. Many blessings, always, md

Nana and the boys acting silly!

2009-04-12T01:25:00.001-07:00

These are great pictures, okay here we are posing pretty. In the following picture, Thomas, who was taking the photos, yelled, "Funny Faces!" Here are the results!

Children's Museum with the Familia Lopez

2009-04-12T00:52:00.000-07:00

The Lopez family, Thomas, Shera, lil' Thomas, Isaac and Max and nana md, went to the the Children's Museum. We had sooo much fun. I don't know who had more fun, me or the kids. Here are some pictures of the outing!! Isaac loved the big ball.

We first had lunch at the D-Back's resturant, TGI Friday's good food, and good company.

Baby Max, hanging around with his daddy!

Shera following and playing with Isaac.

Thomas behind a red window. He loved "cleaning" it! After he was done, he asked me if I could "pay" him for all his hard work!! What a little businessman.

The kids loved "cleaning" the windows. Here Isaac is spraying nana! Above, the boys are working away. It was such a fun day. I highly recommend folks taking their young ones there.

Little Thomas' First Little League Game March 2009

2009-04-11T23:01:00.000-07:00

Little Thomas plays on the Braves' Team. He was playing second base in this game. His head is totally in the game. He loves baseball, well, any kind of team sports. He's only 6, but he plays on the 7-10 year old teams. I had a blast rooting for him. They won, 4-1.

Our Newest Family Member: Maximus Elliot Lopez

2009-04-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

Baby Max was born on December 24, 2008 at at 5:27 a.m., weighing 7lbs 12 oz, 20 inches long! I am so happy to have a 3rd grandson!! He joins Thomas, 6 and Isaac 2. I just love the boys so much. Here I am holding him, he's not even a day old. The picture where he is wearing the blue and white outfit, he is 2 months old. And in the top picture, he's hanging around with his dad, Thomas. I used to carrying my babies like that too. I'm so proud of Thomas and Shera. They are wonderful parents.

Mi Familia: Daddy and Momma

2008-05-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

My dad, Jose, will be 89 years young this year. He's my hero. Now, I didn't always feel this way, but I'm so grateful I do now. Now that I'm older and wiser, I've learned to forgive and to be forgiven. He tells the best stories. He was born in Las Minillas, Puebla, Mexico. His dad built the house he was born in. This is the house. It's still standing. Our cousin, Petra, lives on the land that once belonged to my grandma, Chonita.

Daddy lived in many places, Veracruz, Tlaxcala, Kansas, Illinois, North Dakota, Arizona . . . He settled in Arizona to live with my mom, Lupe. They were married for 52 years. He told me that she "saved" his life. I remember a dear friend of mine who said, as she watched the health of her husband's grandparents fade, "Sixty-seven years together wasn't enough time." After my mom died and my dad was so sad, I realized that "Fifty-two years together wasn't enough time."

This is a picture of momma when she was only a child. :) How beautiful she is. She was a bear at times, but she loved us with all her heart. I miss her but she lives on in my heart, forever. Below is a picture of of my momma, daddy and me at my birthday/graduation party!

Outings with the Grandbabies

2008-05-06T18:47:00.001-07:00

The first picture is of Thomas and me at his first Diamondbacks' game. We had a blast. When the pitcher was getting ready to pitch to the next batter, Thomas yelled, "Pitch to me, pitch to me!" It was adorable!

The next picture is the first time I took him to Sedona, we found a wonderful canyon hike and hiked along oak creek. It was beautiful.

The next picture is of Isaac and a little girl hugging. They were so cute. She couldn't get enough of him! We went to the Arizona Science Center. We had a lot of fun. Lisa and Olivia joined us. The last picture is of Thomas and me racing in wheelchairs. That was fun!

My Man: Abraham

2008-05-06T18:32:00.001-07:00

Here's Abraham and me at a friend's birthday party. We had a great time. I met ABJ through our friend, Charlene, nearly six years ago. He is my best friend who knows nearly all my faults and flaws and loves me any way. He's been with me through the births of my grandbabies, changing jobs and careers, teenagers woes, and the deaths of my momma and dear friend Charlene. We both miss her very much. He loves hiking Camelback mountain, so did Char, that's how they met. He is a good friend to many people. He's on the phone more than I am! He's the best buddy with whom to "hang out." Thank you God for Abraham. I love you sweetie.

This next pictures are of us at a gala and on top of Camelback Mountain. Life is good.

Mi Familia: Catarina

2008-05-06T18:20:00.001-07:00

Catarina Helena, her name means, pure light. Okay, I finally got my girl! Yes, three boys and my beautiful baby girl. "She's just a little angel, sent from up above, God knew she was so special, she was born on the day of Love." My song to her. Here, she is styling in her prom dress. She looks so beautiful. Her dress is a Betsy Johnson, we had fun picking out the entire outfit. She had a good time. But you'll have to check out her "my space" to find out the real story. :) Her dear friend Cynthia was beautifully dressed too. You go Ladies!! I love you, mom

Mi Familia: Javi and Molli

2008-05-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

Javier, aka Javi, is my third son. What a special blessing Javi is to our family. I was just telling a colleague that before Javi was conceived I had a deep sense he needed to come into our family. I even wrote him a letter. He's in love with Moli, she's the best. She loves him very well. He owns his own custom design concrete floor business, check it out: http://www.visionconcrete.com/. I'm so very proud of him. Molli is executive administrative assistant. She does it all! They have two wonderful animal companions, Scout and Liloo, my two granddogs. Javi created a new floor for my family room. I love it. It's a celtic cross. Thanks Mijo!! You rock.

Mi Famila: Reuben

2008-05-05T08:51:00.001-07:00

Reuben, his name means gift of hope and love. He's my second son. It seems like yesterday, I was holding him in my arms! Where does the time go. He has his own contracting job. He works primarily with his dad. He also does jobs on the side. This past year he repainted the outside of my house. He painted my front door red. He did a great job!! He also has painted Cat's room and he painted my family room, one wall he finished in Italian plaster. It's beautiful!! Thank you son for all your hard work! I love you, mom

Mi Familia: Thomas, Shera and the Boyz

2008-05-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy my family. They are all grown, yes, adults! I am truly amazed at how time passes. Don't miss a moment. Thomas is a grown man. I am so very proud of him. He married beautiful Shera; she is such a blessing to our family. She is kind, smart and caring. Thomas Jacob is my first grandson from Thomas. I learned that the love in my heart exponentially grew. Shera and Thomas had my second grandson, Isaac, I learned that love is not diminished when given, it grows and grows. And they are expecting my third grandbaby in December!! I know it's a little girl. :) When Shera told me that she and Thomas were planning to have another baby, I prayed with all my heart for the baby's safe conception and arrival. I had a very strong sense that the baby would be a girl. We shall see. (I was wrong, no problem we are in love with Max!) Whatever the baby is, I will love him or her with all my heart too! I am so blessed. Have a great day!

This is a picture of the boys 1st and 5th birthday party. Aren't they just precious!! I am the luckiest nana on earth to be blessed with such wonderful little people in my life.

Welcome to my world

2008-05-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, my neice Noelia inspired me to start my own blog. Thanks Mija. I start my blog with a picture of me and my dear friends, Maureen, Amanda, me and Charlene. We were in Sedona for a conference. My friends and family are so important to me. I don't know where to begin. Today is a good day. The weather is only 85 degrees and it's bright and sunny. It'll be getting hotter as the year progresses into the summer. Thank God for air conditioning!

Speaking of thanking God, I open my day with this prayer, I thank God for all the good and wonderful things She gives me. Yes, I'm one of those, to me God is not a He or a She, neither pronoun can contain my God/Goddess. :) I love serving my Lord, I also add to my prayer of thanksgiving, asking God to show me how best to serve Her.

My best friend, Charlene (she's wearing the pink tank top in the picture) passed on in February 2007. I was heart broken, but ready for her transition. She was the best bestfriend anyone could ask for. She is kind hearted, warm, funny, happy, caring and compassionate and those are her least favorable qualities. :) She's a jokester. Even though she is not present in physical form, she comes and visits in others, I can always count on her to visit me to affirm my path. Thank you, Char.

Well, I'm going to go now. Thank you for spending a little time with me.

Paz y bien, Mary D