BellaJax

Happy 25th Birthday Sophia

2009-06-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my eldest daughter

June 16th marks the 25th year since my first child's birth. She's never been a fan of pictures, the picture here was taken whilst she was in a good mood. Vanessa and I brought her a little cake from Baskin Robbins to celebrate her special day. Her youngest child was born the day after her b-day -- more to come about Jacklyn (Tootie) on the 17th.

Sophia has the prettiest eyes. They change from blue to green at times and she has one of the funniest laughs.

PS: Expect a call from Poppa in the morning - LOL...

I Love You Mija,
Mommy

Sadness, Questions, Learnings

2009-05-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

April was filled with much sadness (the loss of my first grandson - Christopher- my youngest daughter's baby), questioning the Lord (knowing that I needed to trust Him and that it was His will), and learning about the Wal-Mart Culture - this was the best leadership training class that I have taken. I met many wonderful associates from all Wal-Mart organizations (Wal-Mart Store Managers/Co-Managers/Developmental Managers, Home Office associates, Sam's Club Managers, Samsclub.com associates, and last but definitely not least, ARVEST associates.

Prayer: Lord please Bless Ceci on Your time. We trust that You do know best. Thank You for the chance to hold my grandson and thank You for the strength You continue to provide us. -Amen

Happy 27th Birthday Jack - We miss you

2009-03-05T10:25:00.001-08:00

!!!Happy 27th Birthday Jack!!!

Que Dios Te Bendiga

Jack Michael Dupee (my nephew) has been missing since the night of May 5, 2006 - when he left my sister's house in Livermore, California. He was spotted (though not confirmed) in 2008 in Vallejo, California. If you have seen him, please contact the Livermore Police Department. Jack is a great nephew but has led a troubled life with little support or guidance. We miss him and wish that he was home with his family.

Basic Description of Jack: Brown Hair, dark brown eyes, 5ft. 9in., 140ish LBS, DOB 3/5/1982. Puerto Rican Flag Tattoo on upper right arm and a scar above his left eye (in the eyebrow area).

CONTACT DETAILS
Agency: Livermore Police Department
Phone Number: (925) 371-4987
Case Number: 06006847

25 Random Facts About Me - Myrna (Not Myrta)

2009-01-29T22:20:00.000-08:00

I am an intensely private person and find this “assignment” difficult. But once “tagged” feel that I must complete it. Always find the need to complete an assignment. Not only am I private, but I respect your privacy as well - if you confide in me and tell me a secret, I will take it to my grave.
My favorite word now is “Mommy” (I never tire of hearing this from my son), my previous favorite word was “compelled.”
I am grateful for my family and that I was born a twin. Instant best friend, confidant, support system, a source of joy and laughter came into the world with me. We have shared the darkest and brightest of days in life side-by-side. And, I could write more than 25 things about how much I love her and how much she means to me.
I worry. Worry and I go way back...can remember lying in bed worrying about an overdue library book at the age of seven. How would I tell my parents? Now I worry about things that I cannot control (e.g., the economy, other peoples problems.) And things I can: Am I a good mom, wife, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, friend?
Always knew I would be a mom, but I didn't think it would take as long as it did and become a mom six weeks after my twin became a grandmother. Yes, you read that right! :-)
I love people. I care very deeply about people that I know and even those that I don't. This sometimes drives others crazy – that I ask so many questions about someone I have never met and probably never will. “How is Jane at your office, the one going through the divorce?” “Is she getting full custody?” “Is she feeling any better?” It's not that I'm being nosey, I just feel the pain of others.
I was the first person ever. And, I do mean The. First. Person. Ever. to graduate from college in my entire family (parents, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...). I had a full-time job and went to night school for many years and completed it without a student loan. Many people have done this, but I am proud of us all.
The first language I learned was Spanish. Although I was born and raised in California, both of my parents were born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. My aunt (see # 23) was our caretaker and she (to this day) speaks very little English. Somehow we must have picked up words from playing with the neighborhood children (my guess) that we were fine in Kindergarten and beyond. I don't remember struggling one bit.
Love to travel and see the world, but I have an extreme fear of flying. I pray at take off and landing. Rarely do I look out the window. Even the slightest bump causes me to clench my teeth, close my eyes and pray again. Flying just seems completely unnatural to me. I've asked my father-in-law to literally draw me a picture of how this is possible (he is a metallurgical engineer and has and continues to work on the Space Shuttle and previously at Boeing) it still didn't help.
I've been off and on a diet from the age of 10 and somewhat on one now (again!).
My biggest goal in life is to produce and create a descent, kind, hard-working, thoughtful, empathetic son. It's a work-in-progress as he is now five. Time will tell if my biggest dream and goal will come true. He is my true joy in life.
My life-long dream is to become a travel photographer or a “professional photographer” as I feel the most confident behind a camera, despite #9.
Feel the most comfortable behind the scenes. I'll do anything for you there (well, almost!). Just please don't hand me a mic, ask me to get on a stage or “warm up” the crowd. I am very, very shy.
I'm afraid of animals (sorry to all my animal-loving friends out there!). I was bit by a German shepherd at the age of nine and my guess is this is where it started. Feeling more comfortable around dogs now. Cats? Forget about it. My brother and my sister-in-law own two and whenever I've spent the night, I barricade the door so they cannot get in. Seriously. :-)
As you can see, I have parenthetical issues! Also, I always worry about my grammar.
When I was 15, I witnessed a drive-by shooting. Everything turned out okay. The victim was released from the hospital that night. The criminal went to jail.
Admire and adore creative people. This is wide-ranging: artists of any type whether they be people that can draw, paint, photograph, dance, play an instrument or write incredible words, create software code. Anyone that works with their hands and creates or fixes things: plumbers, carpenters, electricians. My favorite painting is: Paul Delaroche's The Execution of Lady Jane Grey and I've stood in front of it twice at the National Portrait Gallery in London. It glows. Please see, it if you can.
Sense of humor: I love people that have a dry sense of humor. My brother is THE best in this area and always makes me laugh. My husband makes me laugh really hard almost every day and one of the many reasons I married him. Humor has always gotten me through the darkest moments of life! There is something funny in every situation, I promise.
My husband. Again, I could use all 25 on him. He can snap me out of a bad mood in an instant. He is the funniest man I have ever known. He brings me coffee to bed on the weekends. Admire his skill in sports, he played hockey, soccer and lacrosse as a child and young adult. He knows how to ice skate and ski (both on water and snow). I can barely walk without tripping. So, these skills I always admire in him. He is a self-trained software engineer. He amazes me. I love him.
I abhor the abuse of power. That goes from the President on down. If you spank your child in front of me, you will see me as a person few have seen. I am a fierce protector, especially of the downtrodden.
I love to feed people. Mostly my immediate family (there are approximately 20 of us). I love planning the menu, creating a beautiful table-setting and knowing that they have enjoyed what was prepared. If you come to my house, you will always find a home-cooked meal in front of you, even if defrosted from the freezer.
I love food! My favorites are pizza and lobster and everything in between. I love spicy food and cover my entire slice of pizza with dry red chili pepper. The best meals I've ever had came out of the kitchen of my aunt, Felicita, whom will turn 80 in February. Food can take me to at least 100 here. (see #10).
My aunt, Felicita (pictured below), referenced above is the person I so admire the most in life. She was orphaned at age 10 and went to work in a (wealthy) home as a servant. Cooked for them on a stool because she couldn't reach the stove, she washed clothes in a river on a rock and dried them in the sun (and I have been to Puerto Rico five times and have seen where it all took place including meeting a doctor she worked for). She was able to get her two siblings out of an orphanage and an uncle's home. They have lived together, off and on, for almost 50 years. She is the most giving, amazing, loving, gracious and hard-working person I have ever known.
My father served in the US Army and had to ride on the “back of the bus” so I am so grateful that the US of A has voted in a mixed-race president. Yes We Can.
Ethics: I was born with them and then fine-tuned with my upbringing. Find it difficult to understand when they are broken. I believe what you tell me and was born without a lie-detector. Please be honest with me. I am always with you.
(Over-achiever. Couldn't erase one of the items I mentioned, I'm sorry.) I love my life. I appreciate all the incredibly supportive words and kindness that were bestowed upon me during the last week. It just reminded me of the sheer amazingness (made up word, I do this too) of humanity. Thank You!

Yuxtaposición de edad

2009-01-25T15:09:00.000-08:00

The matriarch of our family is Titi (Aunt) Fela (short for Felicita). She will turn 80 this year. She not only raised her siblings back home in Puerto Rico but also helped to raise me and my siblings and most of our children. It is because of her that my twin and and I and my younger brother are who we are. Without her patience, constant prayer and guidance we would be very different people. She is holding the youngest member of our family (Jacklyn Felicita). It was purely coincidence that they are wearing the same color - pretty cool though. :)

My Boys

2009-01-19T20:32:00.000-08:00

It's time for me to post something on the two boys that I am so proud of. My [step] son David (on the left) and my nephew Cristian. I am so proud of you two. As much as you get on my last nerve with your video game playing, I am so very proud and blessed by both of you. You both do very well in school, you both have a goal that you are working towards, and you both stay out of trouble. I am so blessed to have you both in my life. Los quiero mucho y estoy bendecida por tenerlos en mi vida (in Spanish because the are both taking Spanish classes - lol).

Happy Birthday Lauren

2009-01-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

My First Niece Lauren celebrates her 18th birthday today. Way to go girl! I wish you the very best today and always. She is such a good girl. Though she has gone thorugh a lot during her 18 years, she has turned out to be such a great girl! She is smart and an honor to have as a child and niece. H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y babygirl from your "favorite" Tia.

I love you!

Have You Seen Me?

2008-11-26T19:25:00.000-08:00

Jack Michael Dupee (my nephew) has been missing since the night of May 5, 2006 - when he left my sister's house in Livermore, California. He was spotted (though not confirmed) earlier this year in Vallejo, California. If you have seen him, please contact the Livermore Police Department. Jack is a great nephew but has led a troubled life with little support or guidance. We miss him and wish that he was home with his family.

Basic Description of Jack: Brown Hair, dark brown eyes, 5ft. 9in., 140ish LBS, DOB 3/5/1982. Puerto Rican Flag Tattoo on upper right arm and a scar above his left eye (in the eyebrow area).

CONTACT DETAILS
Agency: Livermore Police Department
Phone Number: (925) 371-4987
Case Number: 06006847

What I am thankful for…

2008-11-26T00:51:00.000-08:00

My Family:
I am thankful to God for granting me life and the gift of being born a twin, for blessing me with two beautiful daughters, and two wonderful grand babies. I am grateful for my older sister and a younger brother and two parents that have taught me so much in life. Thank you Mom & Dad for teaching me to respect and for instilling in me a work ethic that has taken me to where I am now and where I will be in the future. Thankful for two loving aunts (Titi & Tinin), that not only raised my siblings and me, but also helped me in ways more than I could ever express or even repay them for. I am appreciative to those married to my brother and sisters for loving them as much as me. I know that with each of you they are happy. I am thankful for two beautiful daughters Sophia & Vanessa that have made me proud for all that they have accomplished and the potential they have in the future. I was born with the blessing of having a twin sister that has always been part of my life, we have gone to school together, work together, and traveled the world together. Myrna: I thank you for London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Sydney, and Edinburgh – without you I don’t think that I would have had the courage to travel as much as I have. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve panicked (oh how we have panicked!!!!) and we have had the times of our lives.

The Harris Family:
I am thankful to David’s family for allowing me and my girls into their lives. I hope they know how honored I am to be part of their family. They have taught me how to have faith in our Lord and how to turn the other cheek. They have helped me learn to trust again and how to laugh until it hurts. Sherana & David, I am proud of you both and thankful that you have accepted the girls and me into your family. Gary & Eva we have shared happy times and tough times but we have pulled through (what does not kill us makes us stronger right…). Take care of your baby-girl she is almost out of HS - yay! Denise, you have been blessed by a darling son, and more blessings are coming your way. Enjoy your son girl, they grow so fast. It does not seem that long ago that Jelani was just a baby. He is growing up to be such a handsome young man.

The Friends & Coworkers:
To my Producer Team (Elton, Ian, Jennifer, Judy, Natalie, Tami, and Tiffany) thank you for being the rock stars that you are. You are all a true blessing to me and I appreciate EVERYTHING you do and accomplish on a daily basis. Thank you OMP team (here and in Tampa) for working as hard as you do to make what started out as a few pages into something that has grown to what it is today. To the old team, I miss you guys so much – the late nights building and QA’ing and stressing and the waiting – oh the good old days. MT – you are a Producer’s dream. I wish you and Beth a wonderful Thanksgiving. Marla…there has never been another person to follow in your footsteps. You have been and will continue to be such a great friend. Girl, I wish you nothing but blessings and joy this Holiday season and in the years to come. Take care of that sweetheart of a son you have. I know that one day he will make you so proud! TDM team, you have done so much for our program and I love you guys for that. Beverly, Thank You Thank You Thank You! For everything that you have done for the program over the last few years, you have made my life so much easier and I totally value you for that. You need a vacation (after Black Friday that is).

My Soul Mate

2008-11-24T21:54:00.001-08:00

My husband, David, is the love of my life and totally completes me. He is the man that makes me laugh, that listens to my complaints and whining (almost nightly) and encourages me to stay focused and grounded.

He loves my daughters as much as he loves his own kids, he is the poppa to my granddaughters and he is the man that I want to grow old with. I am truly blessed to be his wife.

Isabella and Her Cousins

2008-11-23T23:57:00.000-08:00

My first granddaughter Isabella-Grace was born in August 2003. She is the first child of my eldest daughter Sophia. Ethan Jacob (a.k.a. Jake) was born approximately 6 weeks later in September 2003 to my twin, Myrna, and her husband, Eric. Seated in the middle is Nathan "El Nene de la Casa" (because he was taken care of by my Aunts when he was an infant). Nathan was born in November 2003 to my brother, Rafael, and his wife, René. Though they all live in different cities here in Northern California, they love each other very much and really enjoy playing with each other. All three entered Kindergarten this year and already we are all sharing the stories of their first year experiences.

Jacklyn Felicita

2008-11-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

I wanted to also post a picture of my newest grandbaby - this picture was taken in early October. Jacklyn Felicita (named after my nephew Jack - missing since 2006 - and my Titi Fela). Jacklyn was a furry baby when she was born. She is totally teething now and growing like a weed. Already trying to sit up by herself and roll over. Likes: formula and watching TV upside-down. Dislikes: swaddling and being placed on her tummy.

My First Ever Post

2008-11-23T13:16:00.000-08:00

How I picked the name of my blog. I have two beautiful granddaughters Isabella & Jacklyn - I just combined their names and shortened it just a tad. Pictured to the right is Isabella-Grace (born in 2003). Jacklyn Felicita (born in 2008) will be pictured in my next post. My grandbabies are my pride and joy and I am sure that I will spend most of my time just gushing about how wonderful they are.