The Incredible Hulk

I never watched "The Hulk." Not the movies. Not the TV show. It just didn't interest me. Not my style of TV time. But when my parents came to visit in March, my Mom found this show. OK, so the fact that I only get 2 English channels, and 6 Spanish ones, might be the reason.

My Mom was looking for something to watch on TV. It was already getting warm outside. OK, it was HOT! And we were looking for something to do. My Dad was taking nap. We found "The Incredible Hulk" on RTV.



My Mom was so excited. She watched every single day, while they were at my house. And I have to admit it, it was a pretty good show. A few times in the next weeks, I watched. And well, I became a fan.

Yes, I work. And 90% of the time, I'm not at home in the middle of the afternoon. But those few days, that I was home, I watched. Yes, I was becoming a fan.

Well, recently, the schedule was changed. Some "Western" now comes out. Ugh! And I was really starting to like this show. But what can you do? I did enjoy it for the last 3 months or so. ♫

Happy Father's Day

This song, since I was an itty bitty girl, reminded me of my Daddy. I used to sing it to my Dad. All those years ago. I remember my Mom buying me the tape, with this song. And I played it over and over. Years later, this would become my favorite song, to sing in the band.

Even way back then, I knew I had a very special Daddy. A Daddy who loved me so very much. That he would do anything for me. Which included all those Barbies, violin lessons, and school trips. But part of my Dad's love, it also included lots of discipline. I'll be the first one to tell you, I'm so grateful for that. At the time, I was scarred of the paddle. I knew when I was in trouble. I knew that I was in for it. But it made me a better person.

As a small child, I also learned the lessons of hard work. Not many kids learn this, as early as I did. Walking up at 4AM to go to Auntie C's house, or Daycare. Seeing my parents work hard. Watching my Dad's literally bleed from hard work. All the hours and hours, that he put into supporting our family. I'll never forget that.

I can tell you so many stories about my Dad. Fun adventures. Even silly things like buying 3 cases of tomato sauce...when my Mom sent us for a can. 1 can! Or distracting another customer at Wal-Mart, so I could get a few packs of notebook paper, from their basket. Come on, they had 2 cases. I just needed 2 packs. :)

Not everything about our relationship has been easy. But I'm grateful for it. I'm so thankful to God, that he gave me my Daddy. The man that loves me. Just because I'm me. Not for any special reasons. I've always known that he loves me and my Mom. And I'm so thankful that as an adult, I'm so much closer to my parents.

I've been so lucky. I've had parents that have seriously supported me. With everything that I've set out to accomplish. Whether it has been moral support for school, or encouragement for my music. I've been lucky. What other Dad, would sit and listen to their daughter, crying on the phone, at 3AM? Not many. But my Dad has been so supportive. Giving me wisdom. Offering advice. Even when I didn't particularly want it...or feel like I needed it.

This year, it's been tough. The last 6 months, they've really tested us. In so many ways. But I'm so thankful to God, for giving me my Dad. For allowing me to be here, when he's needed me the most. And whatever it is, I'll be there for my parents. I owe them so much.

Just 6 months ago, I was pleading with God. Asking for just a little more time. More time with my Daddy. I know that unlike many people, I won't have my Daddy for a long time. He's older than most. But every precious moment that God gives us, I'm so grateful for.

I think about it often. What am I going to do without my Daddy? I'm not sure. But I do know this much, he's given me so much. So much to comfort me, when I need it. Knowledge that will lead me, when he is no longer with me. Love that will always be in my heart.

There are certain things that I wish for. I wish that one day, my Daddy will give me away. That he'll know, I've found a good man, to share my life with. I'd be over the moon, to share my kids with my Daddy. To see the joy that his grandchildren could bring him.

I could go on and on. But more than anything, I want to celebrate, honor, and love my Daddy today. I want him to know, God couldn't have given me a better Dad. My Dad is not just my Dad. He's my best friend. I just hope that he has many more years of love, happiness, and health ahead of him. Happy Father's Day Sunshine! Love, Your Morning Glory! ♫

Blue

It's funny. When ballet flats became the "it shoe," I hated them! All of them. These days, it's either stilettos or ballet flats. Funny how things come full circle.

Well, I've been hunting for some fun shoes. Something bright. Full of "life." I'm thinking, I may have inherited the "shoe gene" from my Mom. :) But honestly, they just make me happy. Especially when much of my "work attire" is pretty boring. Pencil skirts, button up blouses, blazers...you know. Not that fun.



Then when I get to just hangout, I lean towards leggings and big shirts. Or jeans and t-shirts. So shoes, they're the "party and fun" part of my outfits. And honestly, I've been so inspired by all the Mexican Shoe Stores around here. Now, if only I could find the perfect blue shoes...♫

Blame My Momma

I've become a little "obsessed" with nail polish. And all I can say is, blame it on my momma. :) For my entire life, I've watched my mom polish her nails. She's got these pretty nails. And they grow amazingly long.

My mom has not always been one to wear makeup. Actually, until I was 21, she had 1 makeup bag. With a few things inside. A tube of mascara, an eyelash curler, 2 eyeshadow duos, 2 lipsticks, and a blush. That's it! But, my mom, well at any given time, she's had 20+ bottles of nail polish. :)

And I'm loving all the bright colors. In fact, a friend of mine, just gave me these 4 Essie colors. Let's just say, I'm having fun with them! And I'm looking forward to an entire summer of bright nails! ♫

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! And to everyone who is like a mom to someone else. You know who you are. You're always amazing.

Our moms, grandmas, and aunts are so important to our character. The help define the people we grow up to be. They teach how to nurture and how to love. They teach us to be better. And how to get through the tough times with grace.

As an adult, I've become so close to my Mom. She's been there when I've needed a shoulder to cry on, a soft place to land, or to just share a laugh. I cherish all those little moments. From the time we spend cooking with each other, to crafting late into the night. I love you Mom! I hope you have a wonderful day! ♫

Vintage Dresses

I'm not talking about dresses I'd wear today. Oh no! I'm talking about all those dresses I wore as a little girl. They seem to be making a comeback. Have you noticed? Lots of bloggers are hunting for them. I read about "Vintage Lovers" searching high and low. And you see so many little girls wearing these cute dresses.



Just take a look at this picture. I swear, I wore almost all of those dresses! And this is not a picture I took. Rather, one that I found online. But look at these fun dresses. From times past. When life was easier. And do we dare say, full of a lot more fun!

I know, I know. Most little girls didn't have the number of clothes, dolls, and books that I did. But those little dresses, were definitely my favorite! A number of which, my Mom mad for me. And although, some have been lost through the years. Thanks to relatives that never returned them. :( I still have a number of these precious gems. Who knows, one day, my own daughter might be running around in my favorite dresses! ♫

Thinking About Christmas...

There was not a whole lot that I expected, or wanted, this year for Christmas. I was hoping for a simple day or two at home, with my parents. I had a few things that I really wanted. A couple of craft books, a crochet magazine subscription, and a scarf. Mostly, I was looking forward to some chili rellenos, and time with my parents. And I really wanted to go to Midnight Mass at our church.

It's almost been a month since Christmas. And honestly, this year, Christmas was a blur. I'm not even sure if I wished my Mom a Merry Christmas. I spent the early morning hours talking to my Dad, and praying. Usually I'm up wrapping presents until 4AM! And I had planned on going to Midnight Mass alone. But none of that happened.

It's all OK though. Because my Dad is OK. Minus the little sugar scare yesterday morning. He's honestly doing really well. Gaining strength with each passing day. And I guess being Diabetic Certified is coming in handy now. :) But honestly, Christmas came and went with little notice by me. Sad, but true. All that was on my mind, was getting my Dad healthy. And keeping my Mom calm.

A few years ago, I had a pretty sad Christmas too. Just some personal things that were going on. In the end, my parents and I enjoyed a quiet holiday together. Just the 3 of us. And after Christmas, we took a little road trip through the mountains. That was the year that taught me a lot about myself. For all sorts of reasons.

This year, I looked back on that simple holiday. I'm one of those people that usually write out 500 Christmas cards, bake enough cookies for the US Army, and decorate my house to look like a Christmas Wonderland. Christmas is truly one of my favorite times of year. I just love my religion, and this holiday is all about religion.

But that year, and this past year, it was different. I came home Wednesday, and I saw my sad decorations. Just a wreath on my door, and some bells on my front door. That's it!!! Not me at all! I never set up my Advent Wreath, or Nativity Scene set up. I didn't pick out a Christmas outfit, never finished my shopping, or started my baking, no Christmas cards were sent, and honestly, I think I wore a mismatched pair of sweats on Christmas Day. With snowflake socks, and the same pair of ballet flats that I wore for 2 weeks! I definitely didn't pack, to be home for almost a month.

This year, I definitely became closer to God. It was the first time that I was really scared about losing my Dad. Really scared! As a medical professional, I'm trained to handle tough cases. I've saved a life with a gun to my head. But when it's your parent, it's completely different. And when you see you Dad laying on the ground, bleeding from his head, turning blue, the entire world just stops.

I kept it together. For the most part. I had to. We don't have many people to lean on. And during those first few hours, all my Mom and I really had, was each other. And I needed to protect her. I was the strong one. The one that knew what was coming. The one that sent my Mom to the waiting room, and sat there with my Dad. Knowing that pain and even a bit of yelling was coming.

I anticipated those things. I protected my Mom. And I took care of my Dad. All those nights in the hospital, I stayed up. Talking to my Dad. Praying to God. Pleading with Patrick. Holding on to my faith. And just believing we'd all be OK. I cried. But not until late at night. When my Mom was asleep.

I'm almost positive that my Dad doesn't remember any of this. Or any of the conversations we had. I held tight to my faith. I prayed. I asked God for his grace, love, and strength. And I just held out hope.

We were very lucky. To have amazing people in our lives. Having some of the most amazing friends and family. Friends who are close to my heart. People that I feel closer to than my own family. Lots of prayers. From family and friends, near and far. People who visited every single day. Loved ones that were there for us, when we needed them the most. Whether it was the daily visit, the delicious food, the conversations, the support, or the love...it all meant so much!!!

And during this time, I really felt God's love. I have amazing friends here, that prayed for my Dad and our family. Friends who have never met my parents. They held special masses, said rosaries, and just prayed for us. So many people prayed. And through the power of prayer, love, and support...my Dad made it! :)

It's going to be a long recovery. It's an adjustment for my parents. But I'm just grateful to have my Dad back. He's making a recovery. And I'm so grateful for that. I'm literally speechless. God is Great!!!

This year, Christmas came almost a week late. No fancy dinner. No mass. Heck, I was still wrapping the few presents we had managed to buy one another. It took hours to get through our few gifts. You know, we had a break for a snack, and a little nap. But in the end, I was happy to be with my 2 parents. At home. And healthy.

Christmas isn't about presents, parties, shopping, big meals, or even actually attending mass. It's about those things we hold dear in our hearts. Celebrating Jesus Christ. Remembering what's important. The power of prayer. And the love of family and friends.

This year, the Christmas tree, lights, and all that wrapping paper didn't matter. I didn't watch a single Christmas movie. And I only had 1 relleno. Yes, 1! But I've never been so happy to sit in my parent's living room, listening to my parents sleep. Silly I know. But for us, this year, it really was the sound of pure bliss.

And after weeks at home, 2 trips to my home and back, lots of cooking, cleaning, and medical advice...I'm just happy to know my parents are doing well. Years from now, I'll look back on this holiday season, and remember all the love that I'm surrounded with. The people that truly love me and my family. The people that matter most. I'll remember how love really does conquer all. And that nothing is more important than religion.

Now, I need to get ready. I'm heading home for work. I'll be back by Sunday. To work out here. Honestly, I'm just excited to see my parents! It's been less than 48 hours since I've last seen them. And only 8 hours since we've talked on the phone. But honestly, I cherish every moment that we share. Happy Friday! ♫

Little Red Riding Hood

This is probably what you think of when you hear "Little Red Riding Hood." The cute little storybook, that you read when you were 3 years old. That's the idea I had for Halloween this year. So I asked my Mom if she would make me my Halloween costume...



We went fabric shopping months ago. Yes, months ago. And I had picked a more basic and simple pattern. But my Mom liked this one. So it's the one we bought. As of Tuesday, I didn't have a costume. But never fear. My Mom whipped it up in a few hours. That was after her sewing machine died. And she somehow got my broken sewing machine to work.

Yes, my Mom is wonderful! And my costume is hanging very cutely in my office. We're dressing up all weekend at work. I bought some white lace tights and I already have some black high heeled Mary Janes. So much fun! I can't wait until Halloween! It's my favorite holiday!!! ♫