Me & Mr. Jones

Sibling Weekend

2011-10-01T14:56:00.001-06:00

   A few years back we had our 1st Sibling Weekend at Freddy's house in St. Louis, MO. We had such a good time that we decided to do it again. This time we went to the Keys and stayed at Michy & Mark's Vacation Rental Home..."Sunrise Island Resort". Such a pretty place and the sunrises are beautiful.
   Jim had the opportunity to take some great pictures of the place for them to use on the Resorts Website as well as some sibling / family ones. It was a great background for some beautiful pictures.
   It was all very relaxed...we spent our time eating, drinking and catching up. God has blessed me with a wonderful family...great brother, awesome sisters, sweet husband, fantastic sister-in-law and cool brother-in-laws.

Looking forward to our next weekend together...this time at our place.

It has been forever...

2010-02-19T21:55:00.002-07:00

I know I've been so bad about updating my blog. I guess it's easier to just post pictures on Facebook and let you all know what's going on that way. I just need to get the lead out of my you know what and do it. So with that being said...Stay tuned!!!

Hayden's Baptism

2009-08-30T07:56:00.004-06:00

Hayden, our youngest grandson was baptized on Sunday, July 19th at St Louis Catholic Church in Englewood. This church has a lot of history for Jim's family. They have attended St Louis for over 75 years. Jim's parents were married there after Bob came back from being a prisoner of war in Japan. All of their children were baptized, made their First Holy Communion, were Confirmed and most were married there as well. It means so much to Jim that two of his grandchildren (Bronwyn & Hayden) have been baptized there continuing the family tradition. After the baptism we all went to Danny & Tara's for a Luncheon Reception.

Punta Cana

2009-08-23T18:57:00.006-06:00

On July 4th Jim & I along with Freddy & Leni left to vacation in Punta Cana located in La Republica Dominicana. We had so much fun!!

Our flight left bright and early...which was so hard to get to the airport since we had gone to bed pretty late. We had a layover in Miami and there of course we officially started our vacation with some appetizers and drinks. We landed in Punta Cana that evening and couldn't wait to get to our resort. Our adventure started right when we were about to go into our room. Jim was having trouble opening the door when the bellmen came with our luggage so he opened the door and OMG there was a couple sleeping in the bed. It was pretty embarrassing. Why they didn't wake up with all the noise we were making trying to open the door was beyond me but we ended up getting a better room with a beautiful view.

We spend a lot of time by the pool and the beach. We also rode Dune Buggies which were a lot of fun. At first Jim avoided the water but then he said "The hell with it" so he drove as fast as he could through the mud puddles. Of course we were covered with mud. It was so much fun! Our next excursion was the Zip Line. We had heard it was a must so we tried it. There were a total of 10 lines. The first 3 were shorter in length and the last 2 were really long. At first I must admit and I was getting really nervous the closer I got to having to do it. The first line wasn't that bad and the more I did it the more fun I had. By the time I got to the fourth one I was loving it.

In the evenings we enjoyed late dinners, sat outside and had drinks. I could go on and on but thought you might want to see pictures instead.

Our 10th Wedding Anniversary

2009-07-12T16:49:00.007-06:00

On Friday, July 3rd Jim & I celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary. We decided last year that we would renew our vows and so we did in the presence of our 5 kids & their spouses, 9 grandkids as well as family and some of our close friends. Everything took place at Maggiano's Little Italy Restaurant. Jamie made a special video to celebrated our 10 years together. While watching it I yet again realized how truly blessed I am to have such a wonderful man in my life. Thank You God!!

I want to give a special thanks to Jamie & Suyzel for taking all the pictures and Jamie for making the video. I will treasure it forever. Thanks also to Greg for taking the video of the ceremony. Also I want to thank all of you that were there, it meant alot to us!!

35th Dr Agustin Stahl High School Reunion

2009-07-03T07:04:00.009-06:00

On Saturday, June 29th Class of 1974 had our Reunion in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. First of all I've got to tell you that I had never been to any of the previous reunion so I was bound and determined to attend this one.

I arrived on Friday and spent the day with Mom and then that afternoon a very dear friend, Martha, that I hadn't seen in years came to the house to visit. What a treat that was. Later that evening my Best Friend from High School, Rosaida called and said that "The Girls~Las Muchachas" (a group of 5 of us that use to hang out together in HS) were going to the Caribe Hilton (where one of them was staying while in PR) to check out and discuss what we were all going to wear for the reunion. So off we went with our outfits in tow. You should have heard us when we arrived and saw eachother...yeah we were pretty loud. After we caught up with eachothers lives and checked out the pictures we all took of our kids and spouses we headed down to the lounge to have some drinks. The actual reunion was so much fun. It was hilarious because I would say hi to some of them not really remembering who they were until we pulled the yearbook and they would point out who they were. Then of course they would get a real HELLO and big hug! Of course there were some that as soon as I saw them I knew exactly who they were. We recalled all the fun times we had in high school. Such great memories!!

A Night With The Lil Zepedas

2009-04-11T09:06:00.004-06:00

Art & Suyzel are really good about having their "date night" often. Good thing to do when you have two little ones that want your attention all the time. Every couple needs time for themselves. On their date night this week we got to watch the kids for a few hours. The first thing we noticed was how incredibly mobile TJ has gotten. He was all over the place...crawling everywhere, pulling himself up and walking around the furniture. Isela loves to watch movies so she decided we were going to watch Pinicchio. After the movie she snuggled with her Abuelo on the couch and I sat on the floor with TJ and sang Puerto Rican songs to him...Que Linda Manita and Pon, Pon El Dedito en El Pilon.

Logan Turns One

2009-04-11T08:30:00.013-06:00

Our grandson, Logan turned One on March 25th...where does time go we ask ourselves. It seems like he was born yesterday. Last Sunday James came by with the boys so that we could give Logan his Birthday present. As you can see they both loved it. Alex really got into the drum. I think we already know what Alex maybe getting for his 3rd Birthday coming up in May. It may drive Mom & Dad crazy but what are Grandparents for...we get them what they don't noise making toys...hehehehe!

Our Precious Gift From Heaven Welcomed Into Jesus Christ's Family

2009-04-11T07:41:00.009-06:00

On Sunday, March 29th we witnessed TJ's Dedication. Family and friends were there to celebrate such a special moment. It was so nice because Pastor Craig came to the house to do the Dedication. Our poor little guy woke up that morning not feeling really good but as the day progressed he got better.

We Thank thee Lord for this precious gift you have blessed us with. Amen!!

And Now Presenting...Hayden Patrick Jones

2009-03-28T20:07:00.012-06:00

On Friday, March 20th we welcomed our grandson Hayden Patrick Jones into the world. He weighed 8 lbs 9.5 oz and measured 21 ¼ inches and as you can see he is just precious. What’s so neat about his birth is that he was born on his daddy’s, Danny, 30th Birthday. What an awesome perfect gift Tara gave Danny. Big Sister, Bronwyn just loves her baby brother. She likes to watch TV with Hayden right by her side. While we were visiting she made sure that his blanket was tucked around him. It was so cute to watch. She also proceeded to check out his bouncy seat...she must have wanted to see if it was comfortable enough for her brother. He truly is a blessing.

Congratulations Danny, Tara & Bronwyn!!!

Bronwyn's Sock Hop 2nd Birthday Party

2009-03-01T10:27:00.013-07:00

On Saturday, February 21st we celebrated Bronwyn's 2nd Birthday. It was so much fun because the theme was a Sock Hop. Tara made poodle skirts for all the girls and t-shirts with a guitar on the back for the boys. They played Pin the Cherry on the Sundae and danced like you would not believe. The kids all made their own sundaes, which they all enjoyed doing. They also had a photo booth. I wish we would have taken a group picture because it was so great to see all those girls in their poodle skirts...there had to have been at least 12 girls.

The Party Girl

Blowing the candles

TJ & Zoey

Bronwyn riding her new bike that Mommy & Daddy gave her

Isela dancing

Jamie & I enjoying the yummy cupcakes

Baby Brother Hayden in Mommy's tummy

Alex, Danny & I

James, Alex, Logan & Jim

Ice Festival

2009-02-08T19:49:00.019-07:00

On Saturday we went to the Ice Festival in Cripple Creek with Greg, Shannon, Taylor, Kaylie & Alyssa. It's amazing all the sculptures they had...there was also a Maze and a Sleigh run for the kids. It was alot of fun even though it was pretty cold and windy.

As you can see the kids had a blast!!

There was an Ice Bar and of course Shannon and I had to have a Chocolate White Russian Martini which was just delicious.

In Loving Memory of My Papi/Dad

2009-01-26T19:17:00.004-07:00

Today marks the 7th anniversary of my Papi's passing. It still feels like it happened yesterday. I guess it will always feel like that to me. Here's a video that Jamie, my daughter-in-law made for me today. Thanks Jamie for being so thoughtful!!

My Honest Truths

2009-01-17T06:49:00.013-07:00

So I've been tagged by Tara, Jamie & Suyzel to admit 10 of my honest truths...I've decided to play! Here are the rules in case I tag you!

A) First list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!
B) Pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap

1. I think of my Dad everyday. I miss calling home and him picking up the phone and saying "Dimelo!!" Wish he could hold my two grandbabies and meet Jamie.

2. I'm a perfectionist.

3. I've always wanted to study Cosmetology but think I'm getting old to do that now.

4. I like things to be organized and clean.

5. I don't like to pay full price for anything...Love a bargain!!

6. I admire and love my husband more than he realizes.

7. I am an organ donor and would be a living donor if one of my family members needed a kidney or any other organ I could give... almost did...to my niece Lenicel.

8. I've been blessed with true friends...best friends through out my life...my Brother, Freddy... my highschool friend, Rosaida... my friend from years as a military wife, Miriam... my stand by me in good & bad, happy and the saddest moments, Nickie and finally my Suyzel.

9. I wish I could have done much more for my kids as they were growing up...I provided them with their needs but I wish I could have sent them to summer camps and nice vacations...you know, given them all the little extras. They mean the world to me...Love you guys!!!

10. I love to vacation!!!

Well most of my co-bloggers have already done it but if you haven't, Do It!!!

Christmas Day ~ Dia de Navidad

2009-01-07T05:38:00.015-07:00

This year my Mom and Sisters and their families went out to St Louis to celebrate Christmas at Freddy & Leni's. I had no plans of going since I always spend it with my Honey and he can't travel over the holidays due to his job in the retail business. But after the sudden death of our Son-in-law's Aunt, Jim said that I should go and celebrate Christmas Day with them. You just never know what the future holds for any of us. I've got to say that I have the most wonderful husband one could ask for. Thanks Honey for always being so great about me seeing and spending time with my family!

It was my Brother in Law, Mark and nephews, Michael & Brian first trip to St Louis so we went to the Budweiser Brewery and St Louis Arch.

Christmas Eve ~ Noche Buena

2009-01-06T19:52:00.017-07:00

As we do every year we celebrated Christmas Eve at our house. All of our Kids, their Sweethearts, Grandkids, Jim's Mom, Sister, Brother and Nephew were there...yep we had a full house. The only one missing this year was our Brother in Law, Mark, he was recuperating from surgery so couldn't join us.

Our grandkids total 8 with one in the oven. It was so much fun watching all the kids opening their gift.

After all the gifts were opened the kids put on their PJ's for their trip home, of course we always have to take a picture.

Here are a few more pictures taken.

Celebrating Birthdays

2008-12-09T06:29:00.015-07:00

On Saturday I had two birthday celebrations to go to... The first one took me to Colorado Springs where we celebrated the Twins 6th Birthday. The theme for the party was Strawberry Shortcake. One of the fun activities was the kids preparing their own Strawberry Shortcake Dessert. The kids had a blast! Then from there I went straight to Normando's 32nd Birthday get together. Some of his High School buddies were there. It was nice to see them all. Instead of having a birthday cake Jamie made some really good chocolate cupcakes with strawberries on top... Normando's favorite!
For his Birthday gift Jamie and I went in on a joint gift for him. He had been wanting a Jay Cutler Bronco Jersey so that's what we gave me. It was so funny because he was like a little kid...he couldn't wait to put it on and had the biggest smile and kept saying "I've been wanting this!!". It's cute to see that he is still my little boy. ;) Te Quiero Mucho Dito!!!

Our Little Helper

2008-12-08T19:26:00.017-07:00

Last week we watched Bronwyn while Danny & Tara went out for the evening. I started by taking her to the playroom in the basement so that she could pick whatever toys she wanted to bring upstairs to play with. Once she was upstairs she realized that Mommy & Daddy weren't around so she went to the front door and starting peaking out the side windows.

She had a sad look but that didn't last long because then we starting playing with a Tic Tac Toe game we have. Then all of a sudden she decided that our christmas tree needed more ornaments so she started putting the X's and O's of the game on the tree. We were quite impressed because she was so careful and gentle. Once she had all of the game pieces on the tree Jim & I started to applaud...she got so excited that she started to applaud and celebrate, she even did a little dance. It was so much fun spending time with her.

2008-11-26T17:12:00.004-07:00

There is much we're thankful for...good health, having a job, our Mom's still with us as well as some of our dear Aunts & Uncles, the friendship of wonderful people, caring siblings, cherished kids and incredible grandkids. I'm so thankful for the love of my husband and the joy he brings to my life.

Thank You Lord for this and the Many Blessings You have given me...Amen

Wishing You A Blessed Thanksgiving Day!!! Feliz Dia de Accion de Gracias!!!

Hand Surgery

2008-11-24T10:18:00.003-07:00

As most of you all know I finally had carpal tunnel hand surgery last week. It was a little rough the first couple of days but it's finally starting to not hurt as much. The most irritating part of the whole thing is not being able to do things I'm use to doing by myself and of course of sitting around doing nothing. It's driving me nuts.

I want to Thank those that have called to check up on me. Thanks Tara & Bronwyn for coming by and for the goody bag (great gift, works perfectly)...Thanks Art and TJ for coming by during the day to keep me company and having lunch with me...Thanks Jamie & Normando for coming over Friday night and fixing a kick butt Shrimp Pasta and Salad as well as baking the Chocolate Chip Cookies, Yummy!!! Thanks Mami, Annetti & Michy for the beautiful floral arrangement...Thanks Suyzel for being my personal driver, inviting me to the movies so I don't lose my mind at home. And finally I want to Thank the Most Loving, Caring Husband, Jim...thanks for ALL that you have done this last week to make me comfortable...I know I can be a pain...did I just say that. hehehehe

Now I'm looking forward to getting rid of the bandages and stitches out so I can get my Christmas Tree up and house decorated.

Happy Birthday To Me

2008-11-06T19:03:00.007-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday...I had such a nice day. For lunch I got together with some of my girlfriends/co-workers/ex-co-workers (Manders, Portia, Erin, Teri & Heather). We hadn't all seen eachother in a long time so it was nice to see them all and celebrate my birthday lunch with them. When I got back to the office my boss, Joe had gotten me a cake and they sang me Happy Birthday.

Then in the evening we went to Danny & Tara's for dinner and cake...Normando & Jamie joined us. Tara had emailed me the day before to see if we had anything planned because she wanted to celebrate my birthday by cooking a yummy dinner for me and yummy it was. It was such a nice time.

Normando & Jamie got me a photo book of pictures of my kids and my honey...Thanks Jamie I know you put alot of work and thought into it. Miss Bronwyn, Danny & Tara gave me a candle burner...Thanks Tara you know how much I like nice smelling candles.

Where did this Year go?!?!

2008-10-19T12:20:00.004-06:00

Where did this year go?!?! It seems like in the beginning of the year we had so many things we said we were going to do and looking back just never had the time to do. Jim's job is so time consuming and stressful that when he has a little free time we just try to relax. When you work 6 days out of the week and at times 6 1/2 days there's not much time left. Of course with the Holidays approaching his schedule will be even busier. Not really looking forward to that. The Holidays are stressful as it is and when he is so busy with work it just makes it worse. I'm not complaining believe me...I'm so grateful that we are both employed especially with the all of the Americans that are unemployed right now and having a hard time.

Christmas is right around the corner...I can't wait to decorate...and shop for all the little ones. We now have a total of 8 grandkids so shopping should be fun trying to figure out what to get each of them.

All of my family is going to my brother, Freddy's house in St Louis to celebrate Christmas. A total of 7 families will be there. Jim & I won't be going...I can't imagine being away from our kids and grandkids for Christmas Eve. One thing I'm looking forward to is spending New Years Eve with Freddy & Leni. I can't wait for them to be here.

I guess I better stop thinking about Christmas and go get all my fall decorations out. =)

Mi Viaje a Puerto Rico

2008-10-18T22:13:00.029-06:00

Our trip to Puerto Rico was very relaxing and full of time spent with family and friends. On Saturday Mom had a get together to celebrate our arrival. My Tio Noemi and Titi Lydia (my Dad's brother and sister) were there as well as my cousins, Alma and Liana. I hadn't seen Liana in about 16 years so you can imagine how happy I was to see her. Family on my Mom's side were there too...Rafa, Maya, Tomas & Livia and of course neighbor friends. We had such a fun night...went to bed at 2:30am

Sunday we went to Old San Juan. If you ever get to go to P.R. you've got to go see this beautiful city that is full of history. Of course I had to go to the Coach Store, you can always get a bargain there. Yep my honey bought me 2 purses. While we were there it started to rain. That was the beginning of the on and off again rain that would follows us all week long.

On Monday we went to my Titi Ana & Tio Geno's house for our traditional non stop eating feast. They are my Godparents and 2nd Parents. Livita, my cousin (but is more like my sister) surprised me with a birthday cake.

Tuesday we went to "La Loma", that's what we call the mountain where the Rodriguez side of the family lives. They are awesome...love you guys.
Wednesday was quite the day. Tropical Storm Omar was headed to Puerto Rico so everyone started to prepare for it. The government closed at noon and everyone headed to the grocery store...hehehehe. I say this because we stopped at the grocery store to buy some stuff I wanted to bring back home and OMG it was packed. It was weird because at the time there were no real signs of Omar. It was kind of exciting that we would be there for the storm. Well after all the preparation the storm moved away from PR so all we got was just a bit of rain in the middle of the night.

Whenever I go home I get together with my high school girlfriends...Rosaida, Sandra & Myrna. Three great ladies.

Our final night there was so nice...more food and family. Thanks to everyone for everything. We really enjoyed you all.

Gracias a toda mi familia y amistades. Especialmente Mami!! La pasamos tan bien y disfrutamos encantidad. XXOO

Getting Ready

2008-10-09T21:20:00.003-06:00

I'm so excited that we leave on Saturday to go to Puerto Rico to see my Mom and my wonderful family & friends. The only bad thing about the trip is the dreaded "Packing". Yeah I hate to pack, doesn't matter where I'm going...I just hate it. I can never decide what clothes to take so then what I do is over pack. I always end up taking way too many clothes that I don't wear. This time around it's going to be different. Yep you heard it it's going to be different. I will not over pack especially with the airlines charging for every checked luggage. Pretty soon they'll charge to use the bathrooms. They nail you when you buy your ticket and then the get you again when you check in. Although I did get an awesome deal on the tickets.

My Mom has a party planned for Saturday. Friends and family are invited as well as neighbors I've known since my parents moved to Puerto Rico in 1969. It will be so much fun. All of the parties Mom throws are great...she is quite the hostess. It's all about family, friends, food and fun and oh yeah some good Sangria. =)

Jones-Rodriguez-Zepeda Family Pictures

2008-10-05T08:06:00.009-06:00

Yesterday, the Jones, Rodriguez and Zepeda Families went to have our family portraits taken. We've really never had one done before and since Jim & I are going to Puerto Rico next week we thought it would be nice to surprise Mami with one. Of course as well as all my other family members out there. I'm really pleased with how they turned out.
Jim & I
Jamie & Normando
Art, TJ, Suyzel & Isela
We also took the opportunity to do individual family ones as well as some of just us girls and the boys.

Kids Game

2008-09-28T10:14:00.007-06:00

Yesterday was such a fun day for us. We started the day by going to Isela’s Soccer game. She really likes it especially after she scored a goal. Of course we all started yelling and celebrating. She looked straight at us with the biggest smile on her face. It was so cute.

Then we were off to the Springs to watch Taylor’s Football game. He looks so grown up in his uniform. Amazing how time goes by so fast. Kaylie and Alyssa along with some of their girlfriends were the unofficial cheerleaders. Tara and Bronwyn were also there to cheer the team on. =)

The Rhinestone Sisterhood Retreat

2008-09-15T20:01:00.000-06:00

As most of you all know I've been scrapbooking for a few years. Last year I joined a group of ladies that get together on the second Sunday of every month to scrapbook. This past weekend instead of going to one of our homes we (eight of the 10 of us, Julie & Suyzel couldn't join us) went to a beautiful mountain cabin. While we were there we decided we needed a name for our group. Renia came up with "The Rhinestone Sisterhood" and we all fell in love with the name. So this weekend was The Rhinestone Sisterhood 1st Annual Retreat. It was a Blast!!!

We scrapbooked, ate, watched chick flicks, ate, listen to music, ate, watched concerts on DVD, ate and then ate some more. Do you get where I'm going with this? We ate alot of wondeful Low Calorie Food...NOT!!! I tell you my sisters aren't just talented scrapbookers but are great cooks. Oh yeah...the Margarita's and Bloody Mary's were so good.

We are all looking forward to doing it again next year and even considering renting a bigger cabin.

Finally....

2008-09-09T20:51:00.000-06:00

Finally it looks like after 3 years of having to deal with numbness, tingling and pain in my hands the doctor is recommending surgery. THANK GOD!! I really didn't want surgery but physical therapy and meds aren't doing the trick. I had a very delightful test, NOT, called EMG and oh my word it was not fun. In anycase the test confirmed that I have Carpal Tunnel in both hands. So now the doctor has to get it approved through Worker Compensation. She will do my left hand first which is the worst of the two and then once I've healed she'll do the right.

Fun, fun, fun!!!!

I'm a Blogger

2008-09-07T16:30:00.000-06:00

Ok guys...So now I've joined the World of Blogging. I figured what the heck. It's such a neat way to let my family and friends know what is up with Me & Mr. Jones. Besides some of the people I love, do it...Suyzel, Jamie and Tara as well as some friends. It's cool for those that don't have My Space or Facebook. Hope you come back to see what is going on with us.

Hasta Luego!!!