Standing on the corner of Winslow, Arizona!

I finally found the picture of us in Arizona. It was so exciting to see her expression when we stood on the corner. This was one of the highlights of our road trip to New Mexico! I have to say spending time with my Mom was one of the best gifts life could offer! I really miss her....

Mom's Adventure!

I just came across this picture of my precious Mom that was taken last summer. Just shortly before she got really sick she decided we should take a take a road trip. She had purchased a piece of property in Candy Kitchen, New Mexico. It is the most amazing place out in the middle of the boonies!

My brother Brad met me in Arizona and we traveled from there together. It was a LONG trip. My Mom really was not up to traveling but she wanted to stand on the corner of Winslow,Arizona and see the Grand Canyon once before she died.

The reason she purchased the piece of property was so she would have a legacy. She wanted generations to come to know she was here:).
There is a road that separates her property from the Zuni Reservation. We have named it "Chottie's Road", that was her nickname as a child.

We did stop at the corner of Winslow, Arizona and she did see the Grand Canyon! Of course Brad almost died pushing her wheelchair up the hills:).

It was the biggest adventure of a life time! We were actually crazy to take this frail 80 year old woman on a trip like this, but it was her idea:).
We spent time at the Ice Caves and enjoying the Indian culture. We laughed and cried together during a freak storm when her electric wheelchair turned it's self on when the lightning hit our R.V.

We went on a treasure hunt and discovered gold and arrowheads laying on the ground.:)
The three of us enjoyed being together dreaming of how we would build a house for all of us to sleep in when we came to visit our little piece of paradise.
Unfortunately, that would be the only trip she would make as her health deteriorated quickly after that trip.

When I look at her picture I remember the joy she had dreaming of her family having a place to meet and spend time together.
She may not be here to experience that dream, but she is with all those who had gone before her enjoying her new place of paradise.
A place where we will a meet again! I look forward to that day of reunion!

Manny and Susan In Maui~Aloha!

This was one of the best vacations we have ever had.

Zack and Baby William, Our Miracle!

I am so proud of my son!
He's been in the Marines for several years.
Zack and Bonnie are wonderful parents to Benjamin, Samuel and William!

Samuel My Love Bug

Samuel is the funniest boy! It's all about him! :) He really is different than Benjamin, "Mine" is one of his favorite words. However, he is very generous with his hugs and kisses! I love that boy!

Embracing A New Season Of Life!

Last night I was watching the news and they were discussing the two candidates running for President. Of course, what is on the minds of many Americans right now is this financial crisis we are in with our economy. I began wondering what makes people decide on which person they think would make the best leader for our country? Some think experience, some think charisma, some need the promises that are made to make their lives easier.

I have struggled during this election because I vote considering biblical principles. Does this candidate have the same values as I do? Do they believe every life is of value? Can they stay on a budget like I have to in order to balance my checking account? Or do they make promises just to get a vote? What happens when we as taxpayers don't want the government to spend our money on something we believe to be morally wrong?
That is when I pray that every person would be aware of why they are voting for this person to be the leader of our nation.

I called Manny's Dad to talk to him after the news was over. I asked him what he thought about the current world events. He answered me with faith and conviction, "it is a sign of the returning of Christ". Well, when you put it like that it sounded so simple.:)

After I hung up the phone I thought of what Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 12:22. "Do not worry about your life,what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the raven: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"

With that thought in mind everything comes into perspective. If I truly believe that God cares for my every need, whom shall I fear?
When Noah was in the Ark he was protected from the crashing waves of the flood. In the same way if I stay under the protection of God's wings I am safe no matter what happens around me.
I am confident that as children of God we must seek the Lord for direction. We must set our hearts and eyes on Him alone.
My prayer today is, I will have eyes to see and ears to hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying. I know if I listen for His voice He will direct my path.

There are so many areas of my life that God is revealing a need for change. I desire to be complete in Him and know His will and purpose in my life.

I count it pure joy to be in this new season of my life, a season of change, a season to become more like Christ in every aspect of my life. Selah!

Finding Treasure In My Family

It's Saturday morning and I am the only one up early. Even the cat is sound asleep soaking in the sun on the windowsill. It has been a busy week, and it's good to be home. We had dinner with Manny's parents last night in Pasadena. I love being with them. His Mom is such a sweet and godly woman. His Dad, well he is the best! In many ways he has become more of a father to me than a father-in-law. Their lives reflect the goodness and grace of God.
One of the funniest things is when we first met he would call me Kathy. Manny's sister Olivia had a childhood friend and I guess I reminded him of her. Now when I call him I say "It's me Kathy", he laughs and says in that cute Cuban accent "Oh, Susan don't try and confuse me". (it actually sounds like Soosaan when he says my name)

When Manny and I decided to get married he asked me to meet his family. I was a little nervous the first time I went to their house. After a few minutes with them I knew that this would be my family too. It has been such a joy to be a part of this "Rodriguez Clan". After spending a few holiday dinners with them I kept waiting for something to go wrong. I knew they couldn't always be this nice to one another. I was wrong, his family are the most loving Christian people I have ever met.

Manny's parents are my parents now, I get to experience being loved and greeted with a hug each and every time I see them. I'm not one for being the center of attention, in fact I feel much more comfortable standing in a crowd. But they always make me feel like royalty when I enter their house. It's a strange feeling because I didn't grow up with that. As the only girl in the family of five kids I was just one in a crowd, there wasn't room for a drama queen in our house. :)

I am so thankful for all of God's blessings in my life! Each and everyday I wake up asking the Lord to show me His will for my life. I desire to be in a place that God can use me, mold me and change me to be the woman that carries his glory. A woman to bring honor to my King, a woman with a servants heart that sees the world as He does.
That is my prayer today, that I would always walk with integrity and purpose.

Politics and Family

I've been following the Presidential race, Manny calls me a political junkie. I have always loved politics!

My Dad and I used to sit at his coffee table head to head and discuss religion, politics, women's rights and how great America is. We would drive my Mom crazy because we could talk for hours.I can remember her shaking her head as she walked down the hall saying "I'll be in my room when you two are done." At the end of the evening we would say goodnight, agreeing to disagree on many subjects. Early the next morning I would get up and my Dad would be sitting at his table with a cup of coffee smiling at me. He would give me this look that said "are you ready to finish our conversation?" I would say "Good Morning Sunshine" and he would answer "Good Morning Glory". This was our routine ever time I went to visit my parents.

When I think back on those wonderful times I realize how much I miss my parents. They were incredible people,they always loved me unconditionally. Sometimes I wish I could pick up the phone and hear their voices one more time. Then I consider the joy I will have when I see them in heaven for eternity.

I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see God's mercy and grace in my Father's life.
I grew up in a home full of turmoil and strife. (that is one reason I refuse to let strife rule in my life)
My Dad was a violent alcoholic from the time I was a child until I turned 20. Everything changed when I took Zack over to my parents and my Dad was drunk. At that very moment I made a decision that would change our family forever. I told my Dad he would not see Zack again until he got sober. He cried and told me how much he loved us, I cried as well. I told him I grew up watching you as a drunk and Zack was not going to remember his Grandfather like that.
I went home so sad, but I knew I had a responsibility to raise Zack different than the was I was raised.I couldn't sleep all night, I felt horrible.
The next morning my Mom called me and asked me to come to the house. I went over to see what she wanted. I thought she was going to tell me to talk to my Dad.
To my surprise my Dad was standing in the driveway getting ready to leave. He said he was going to get help, and he admitted himself into a rehab hospital. He never took another drink after that day.

When my Dad was sick he gave me the best gift of all. He gave me away at my wedding, and nine days later he died. The week before he died the hospice Pastor told him to see all of his kids and bless them. He reached out with his right hand on my head and said "I've already blessed you haven't I honey."
I cried, he had no idea how much he had blessed me.
It reminded me of the tradition in the Old Testament how the Father would place his right hand on his child's head to bless him.
I am so grateful that my parents loved God and are enjoying the gift of eternal life.

Connecting With Others

I just received a message from Bonnie and Zack with good news about baby William. He is recovering well from his latest surgery. I am so thankful for this sweet baby boy. Of all the things in life being a Grandma is one of the most enjoyable. I wish I had more time to spend with my family, maybe someday...:)

My brother Bill called me today, it's so nice to hear from him. Family is so important to me, especially since both of my parents died. As the only girl I always depended on my parents, now I feel as though I have switched that emotional connection to my older brothers.

Today I went to get my hair done at a new Salon. As Michelle was cutting my hair she asked me what kind of job I had, I told her about my job at the Preschool. After a little while she said it is so nice to hear someone talk about their work in a positive light. She told me so many people come in telling her how they hate their jobs.
I told her that my job was more than "just" a job, it is a calling. I also told her working with the children and their families is so rewarding! In fact, I shared with her how sometimes the Moms will come in and tell us we have the best preschool in the area. They tell us it is because the teachers are so loving and they feel welcomed every time they walk in the door.

I had a good time talking to her,I told her about my family, work and a few funny stories of my life. She shared with me quite a bit about herself and her boyfriend. She is such a lovely young lady, she had tattoo's down her arm, her hair was a combination of colors with purple at the ends. :) We hit it off so well, I can't wait to go back again. When I left the Salon I thought of how quick we are to judge others. There was a time I would have looked at her and wondered why would she pierce her lip and color her hair like that? Today was different, I looked at her and saw a beautiful woman with a tender heart. I wonder if that is how Jesus felt when He met the woman at the well? Many had judged her, but not Him. He saw the potential in her life, the potential to change the world for the better. I hope that my life can do that...

Life Is Good!

Well, it's Sunday morning and I'm up early.I have this alarm clock in my head that says "time to get up", even when my body says "not yet". :)

I made a cup of coffee and looked outside, it's a beautiful morning! I thought of all of the sunrises I would have missed if I had slept in.

It's September and the weather is beginning to change. I love the cool mornings when the wind is blowing. The view from our house is incredible, I can see the sun rise from my back porch. So I sit and drink my coffee and start to wake up in the peace and quiet of the desert.

As I sit here, just me and the cat. (We are the only early birds around here.) :)
I consider all the grace God has shown to me.
My life is so full of peace and contentment,and it hasn't always been like that.

In fact, yesterday Manny and I were driving through Whittier where I grew up. I pointed out the club my Dad worked at when I was a kid, and the Liquor Store where he was the Manager for several years. I told Manny the story of how my Dad was robbed and the man locked him in the freezer. As I passed by the street signs, memories flooded my brain. I recognized streets by my Grandma Goldie's house.

It was then that I realized how events and circumstances shape and mold us. There were people and places that I have not thought of in over 30 years. However, as soon as I was back in the "old" neighborhood I remembered them with clarity.

Now I sit with coffee cup in hand enjoying a quiet and peaceful morning. Gone are the days of fear, tears and sadness that filled my world. The peace of God has replaced them with love, contentment, and joy.

I count my blessings daily, starting with the love of my life Manny. I am so blessed to have a husband like him, words can not describe what he means to me.

We were at Dana Point and there was this older couple climbing on the rocks. The husband helped his bride of at least 50 years find a place to sit down. He made sure she was comfortable and took her picture. The look in her eyes when she smiled at him was one of the most endearing things I have ever seen. Her eyes spoke of deep love, respect, and passion. I offered to take their picture together, and in the back of my mind I thought this could be a special memory for them.

At the end of the day as we drove back to our hotel I felt such peace and contentment. I realized I have that kind of marriage with Manny. We love one another, respect each other, and try to put the needs of the other before our own. I can only hope that more couples will experience this in their lives!

When life gets busy, and I long for the crashing of waves and sitting by the shore, I will remember this moment of reflection with a thankful heart.

Faith Is What We Can Not See!

After several days of prayer William had his open heart surgery. It was a huge success! I am so thankful because I had come to a place where I really believed God was the ultimate healer. However, I also acknowledged William had the best heart surgeon we could ask for.I prayed that God would work through the team of Doctors and Nurses but it is God that ultimately heals. In fact, just after William went in for his seven hour surgery another family came out crying because their baby didn't make it. My son and his wife were so sad for this family but continued to pray for their son.

I am amazed at the gifts and talents each of us have. For some they have the skill in a operating room to save lives. For others we have the ability to share the love of Christ and give them hope for eternity with God. What ever our gift or talent we need to be used daily, keeping our eyes wide open looking for an opportunity to help those around us.

All three of my Grandsons are so unique, Benjamin, the sweet soul is the first born. He can make me laugh because he is sooooo goofy! He has always been kind and tender hearted. I remember when he would come to our house as a toddler and I would give him fruit snacks. I would deliberately ask him "Can I have one?" I didn't really intend to eat his snack I just wanted to see if he would share. He never hesitated and he would always give me one or two, he was never selfish.

I took Ben on Thomas The Train in Perris. On the way over there I told him it was a real train. He said "Grama, Thomas is pretend." I continued during the hour drive to tell him how we were going to ride a real train. He continued to try and help me so I wouldn't be disappointed when we saw a toy train. (because he knew some things are pretend and some things are real.) We arrived and joined our friend Miracle and her parents. As we waited for the train Ben knew Thomas was a toy. When the train pulled up and he saw Thomas' face on the front he looked at me and said "Oh Grama, I never knew Thomas was a real train." As we climbed aboard Ben rubbed the seat and sat with a shocked looked on his face as we traveled down the track on a real train.

Recently Ben reminded me about our train ride last year. I told him I was going to take Samuel, he said he thought that would be a good idea because he was old enough now. I asked Ben should I take just Samuel or would he like to go? He looked at me and said " I'll go so I can show Samuel that Thomas is real." :) I realized that this had made a huge impact on Ben and he wanted to see Samuel when he found out Thomas is a real train. I found it funny because the Children's Hospital William is at has a train for the kids to play on. Each time we walk pass it Samuel points to it and says "Grama it's not real it's pretend." I can't wait to see Samuel and Benjamin's face when the train pulls up! ALL ABOARD!!! CHOO CHOO!!...as Samuel would say! :)