12 year of Love and Happiness

Today is Ro's and I 12 year anniversary. I do not think I ever shared how we met. So here is the story for those who have never heard.

One night as I was hosting soccerchat I was greating all the people who came into our little room. A name came on called Roger23. I was alottaluv (because I have a lot of love to give). I messaged him to just say hi. He ignore my message and left the room. (later he told me he went to a latinochat). The next day he came on again and I messaged him again. I told him Hi. He still did not reply so I private messaged him. Hi, it's rude not to say hi. He responded back with the message A/S/L. I knew I was taking a chance answering but back then the internet was such much more innocent. I told him 18/F/Ohio. We chatted into the night and finally signed off intrigued with eachother.

The following day before I went to college I got on to send him a message telling him how much I enjoyed our chat and how I could not stop thinking of him. I realized I forgot to get his email. (Stupid me. Back then our email would be our screen name @webtv.net) I ran into the room we chatted and frantically asked everyone if I could have his email. One of his friends told me if he wanted me to have it. I would have gotten it. I was upset when his other friend came on. He told me Are you Susan? I said yes thats me. He told me then that Roger told him about a amazing woman he met on there and gave me his address. He then warned me that I better not hurt him. I had no intentions. This was in October of 98.

I later found out he lived in Colorado and was from mexico. We lived 1500 miles apart but I was determined to make this work. For exactly one week our chats were only online. One day he finally told me he needed to hear my voice. He emailed me calling card and his number. I was very nervous when I picked up the phone. I picked up the phone and dialed the number. It informed me that the phone number was disconnected. I was sad and hurt and emailed him. He asked me for the number I was calling. I gave it to him and it turned out he had mixed up the area code. Our calling card was for 2 hours and I called him back. We talked the night away and we both fell asleep holding the phone to our cheek.

When I woke up that morning I knew I had to meet this man. I was head over heels and did not care what people said. My parents warned me that he could be using me. His mom told him I would not understand his culture. We both cried as we talked about ending it for the sake of our families. Before ending it I told him we had to meet in person to make sure it would be over. I had worked all summer in a summer camp and babysitting. I raised 1000 for my personal spending and school costs. I decided I would come out during winter break and visit him. He agreed.

December 5th, I got on a plane in Columbus Ohio. I cried as i hugged my dad and got on the plane for the first time ever. I sat next to a business man and showed off his pictures. He told me that the man I met was a lucky man because he could sense the love we had. He shook my hand as I watched him greet his family.

I stepped off the plane at DIA and I was last off. I was terrified. What if he did not show? What if he hated how I looked? What if I really was a monster? I looked up trying not to cry. Standing in front of me I saw a young handsome man. He was holding a big boquet of balloons and a dozen red roses. He questioned "Susan". I said "Rogelio?" He shook his head and we embraced. We did not even kiss that first meeting. He hugged me so tight that the balloons floated to the top of DIA. I giggled and he apologized. I probably appeared dumb. But that is what 2 hours of sleep will do.

We went to his car and I met his sister and roommates. I sat up front and we held hands the whole time. I was mesmerized by him...by his friends and by this scenery. I felt like I was home.

We went to dinner at a mexican restraunt. I was scared to try anything. I ordered a mexican hamburger and barely touched it. I was so scared he would see the fat me and run. After dinner we went to the pool hall. We played a round and I sucked and he told me let's go play this video game. I am pretty good at it. It was called NFL Blitz. He got a good score and I hugged him. When I hugged him, he turned around and kissed me. It was the best kiss I ever got in my life. We went to the blockbuster next door to rent a movie and he apologized to me. I asked him why? He told me he did not mean to kiss me for the first time in a dirty pool hall. He had planned it to happen on the bridge at the lake across the street overlooking downtown Denver. I was very happy that it happened though because now I could kiss him all over again.

When we left blockbuster we got into his camaro and that marked the beginning of our lives. I do not regret any moment or the way it happened. It was not the most romantic but it was special. I do not find a day where I do not think of that day and smile. It will be special to me until the day I die. Sorry this is so long but it was a long story to tell.

My Last Day being 30

I am looking back this past year and surprisingly it has not been a bad year at all around here. Ro finished school in May. Ro and I celebrated our 12th anniversary. We have made it OK. We bought a minivan. I lost 21 lbs. Life is good. I am blessed.

About now I sit here and think of my mama. I think of all the pain she endured 31 years ago waiting for my big head to pop out. Then I think of how she did adore me if she brought me into this world. She made me who I am and who I am going to be. She taught me strength and taught me tears. She taught me all I know. 31 years ago this woman gave birth to an incredible woman. Me of course. Thank you Mama for enduring it all. I will make the most of everyday. You are missed and I love you. Happy Labor Day mom.

Here we Go Mustangs, Here we Go!

Last week was supposed to be our first soccer game but the flu hit our house and my poor son was heartbroken. As he vomited he cried to me "But mama I am letting my team down." My heart sank for my baby but I am sure those parent's did not really want me exposing our team's to the icky bug. So instead we called the arena and let them know we would not be there. They were understanding and told me just to get him better.

I bought his cleats and shin protectors and today we got up at 7:30 so we could make a breakfast. I made sausage, bacon, eggs and english muffins. Then we put him in the tub so he would be so fresh and clean.

8:45 we walk into the room and he runs to the field looking for a ball to practice. He is so excited and when they exclaim "Mustangs" Then the roll call he goes running to his team mates. I teared up a bit as my little baby looked so large out there with those kids.

The game started at 9 and Lil Ro played maybe 50 percent of the game. He was very happy and did get one technical when he used his hands. We need to practice more at home but we are learning he does good. He just needs to learn the fundamentals.

The game ended at 10 and the kids had a blast. The lined up and said "Good game" and shook hands. They got together as a team in a huddle put in all their hands and threw them into the air exclaiming "Mustangs". The final score was 2-0 mustangs. Lil Ro did not score but he did his best and that is most important.

1:15 was t-ball practice and like I suspected that was his good sport. We need to practice fielding a bit but he dominates hitting. He uses his force and focuses on the ball. He is going to feed that hunger and become all the player he deserves to be.

Basically I am becoming the mom I swore I would never become. I am a soccer mom, a sports mom. I am the one standing behind the net screaming for every team player. My heart bursts with joy when my son succeeds and falls in disappointment when he fails. But either way my son is learning teamwork and how to have fun. That is most important. I dream of the day he becomes a baseball player. If we continue to feed this hunger it will happen. We just have to keep believing and supporting him. He is perfect just the way he is. I love my life. Its not perfect but every time I do something for them they just become a little happier and healthier.

Now Announcing Our New Starter for US World Cup

Number 7 Rogelito LastNAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMEEEEEE!!!!!! Ok so right now that is just a dream in my head. I have always dreamed of having my son be the athletic child. A child who was well rounded in every sport. However being a stay at home mom I had to sacrifice that because of financial issues. On last Saturday my prayers were answered. We were driving past a new place called Play It Now Sports and I ran in to see what it was about. Imagine my surprise when I walked in and saw soccer fields, baseball fields and even basketball! I went up to the counter thinking there was no way in heck we could afford this option for our son. However, when they handed me a registration sheet they informed me that registration was $69 and get one sport free. I ran to the car like I was running on air and told Ro. He told me we would see.

This morning we went and registered. Lil Ro had his first practice and I wept when he missed and begged him to play well but most importantly he had fun. We got his team assignment and we have been assigned to the Wildcats! Now here I am busy as a bee.

This is my schedule for the week now. Some may say I am crazy but I love every moment.

Monday: Nothing
Tuesday: Roana Spanish Club
Weds: Roana Student Council
Thursday: Roana Sport's Challenge
Friday: Roana Science Club
Saturday: Lil Ro soccer and soon t-ball
Sunday: Nothing

We have to fit in groceries and the Y there too somedays. I guess at least a busy family is a happy family and at the end that is all that is important.

Little Known Fact About Me

I still remember that day like it was yesterday. My dad and I rode to the Chevy dealership and test drove a 1994 Chevy Lumina Minivan. I loved the long windshield and the nice roomy interior and even the teal green color. However unfortunately I also remember the way his face looked when we got denied for our perfect family car. I swore to myself someday I would have that family car no matter what it took.

For the past year we have battled with our VW passat and for the past year it has won. We told ourselves this year we would not buy another car. However one evening as Ro and I drove home parked on the side of the road was our car. It was a 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette. I came home and did some research and found out the car was priced decently. We loaded up the kids and called the guy and did a test drive. The van drove like a dream. Ro and I did not want to appear to excited so once we walked in the door I told him I would offer $1200 for it. The guy countered and offered $1250. I would have been stupid to walk away from that.

We picked up our van today. It is everything I could want. Heat, air, and lots of room plus decent gas mileage. I keep teasing Ro now about filling it up with kids. That is what soccer parents do right? Yep I am on my way. Future soccer mom and loving every moment of it including my little stick family on the back of the window. 17 years later and I finally got my family car and my kids are loving every second of it.

I am so stinking excited

I got a new baby. Ro felt bad that I was always lusting after the new Canon Rebels and Canon Pro Powershot Cameras. We walked into a pawn shop and sitting on the counter just hours released she sat. Barely touched and shiny and smelled brand new. My baby got me a sweet little Canon Powershot SX10is. It takes beautiful pictures. I cannot wait to take more this weekend and share them on here. With my pretty new camera I will enjoy every moment again as it starts warming up.

Here are just a few results from my baby.

What a beautiful Warm Saturday

Today was a very rare day here in Colorado. Normally we are somewhere in the single digits or even the negatives. However today we actually got into the high 60's. I decided since Ro had to work and take a nap to take the kids to the local park and duck pond that is about 1 mile from here. We went walking over and my kids were so excited.

When we got over there I prayed that there were ducks. Imagine my surprise when I get there and I see over a hundred. Oh man. My bread would not feed that many. Did I mention I am scared of flying birds. On the ground they are fine but when they get in the air forget about it. I turn into a wimp. I cry and cover my head. I start tossing the stale wheat bread. I am sure you can see where that is going. All the ducks start flying towards me and chasing me. Imagine big ole 200 lb me running from tiny ducks and geese.

As the ducks landed I threw the bread closer and surprisingly a goose came up and stood next to me. This little guy stole my heart. He even took the bread directly from my hand. I was so happy and sad to see the trust of these animals. When I ran out of bread he followed me a few feet then flew back in to the pond. I will have to go back and visit him soon. He was really a good goose.

We go over to the playground and there were a bunch of children there. I could not take pictures over there as I was afraid of getting photos of kids who did not need it. Ro eventually met us over there. he missed us. Is that not the sweetest. It has been a great weekend so far so I cannot wait to see what happens tomorrow.

My Incredible Daughter

I do not like dedicating posts to solely one child but sometimes they do something exceptional that deserves their own blog. My daughter is such a joy to raise. Yes sometimes she is a typical hormonal preteen, but for the most part she is an incredible child who loves with her whole heart and strives to please. At the end of semester she was nominated for Student Council as a student who demonstrates leadership, good ideas and good moral values. I accepted on her behalf because I know she could learn to become more assertive.

One of the responsibilites is to say the pledge of Allegiance in front of the whole school on the intercom. I begged to stay and record her and I made it happen. My sweet princess you are growing so fast. Mommy sometimes argues with you and loses her patience however you are my wonderful daughter. Keep walking the path you are on and you will go far in life. All your dreams will come true and then I will be truly happy.

Now I present my daughter Roana saying the Pledge.

Thank You Dr. King

I am very blessed in the fact that I was born after this great leader sacrificed his life so all people could be equal. Thanks to Dr. King my children are here. I do not tell this story often but my mother when she was 18 years old fell in love with an African American man. However it was still very much frowned upon in our society. She fell in love and became pregnant in secret and then after much distress decided to abort that child. My mom told me this when I was in the 9th grade. I asked her why and she told me at the time in 1974 she did not want a biracial child to be born because of our judgmental society. I was very sad and I told her my dream was that one day there would be no world of color that we all would be one color and everyone would be equal. I was a very insightful child. I talked about my dead sister for years and even wrote a paper about her in the 12th grade. It was about the one person in the world I would love to have known.

Now here in 2010 I am proud to say I am in a bi-cultural, interracial marriage and proud of it. I have 2 gorgeous children who can do anything they want. Ro and I can be in public and be affectionate. I am proud I live in a world where I can be strong and be accepted. So Dr. King today I say thank you because of you my world is just a little more perfect.

Just another perfect ordinary Day

Just another ordinary day here in our family. It is around 50 outside so the kids can go out and play happily. That is not a normal temp here in Colorado Springs. Normally in Jan we are huddled around the tv in our blankets but for now we will take it.

Roana and Lil Ro decided to go outside and play at the park by our apartment and I went out to go take some pictures. I adore my children and have all these pictures. Some day I pray I can hand them all of them and tell them see how much I really did adore and love you.

Life is going good. I am very blessed right now. We have 2 healthy kids, a warm home, Ro is doing well at his job and we are just being us. I am feeling more confident since starting my new life change and I am enjoying being around my husband. No day is perfect but I will enjoy each one as it could be my last.