Tía to the 10th Power

Baby Mendoza

My new nephew, Yandel Pedro Mendoza made his much anticipated appearance on February 2, 2012 at 6:22 am. He weighed 8lbs. 5oz. and was 21 inches in length. We are all so excited for the new family! This little bundle is another wonderful addition to the Mendoza family. Our new little prince, (3rd officially) 4th unofficially. He is absolutely gorgeous and I cannot wait to hold him! I am so happy for my brother-in-law, Pete and my sister-in-law, Holly. Truly another wonderful blessing!

Here we go again...

So I just got back from dropping Erick off at the airport...he is on his way to Japan for 91 days. He asked me to be strong - right now I'm a total mess. C.J. has already asked for him three times since we've been home.
I hate these days...I was hoping for a change this year but yet here we go again, starting off this year exactly like last.
I understand this is his job and he loves it and I am super supportive of that. I want him to be doing something he truly loves and enjoys. I am just tired of this. I am tired of all this back-and-forth crap, I am tired of having to try and keep it together for C.J. who asks for him everyday and wants to know, "Where's Daddy?"
I am sure it is just as difficult for Erick to be away - it's just an adjustment for us constantly. We have to deal with him being gone and he has to deal with being away from us. Difficult times right now.
91 days...Seems like a life time.
I know we will get through this as we have every other time, still doesn't mean I can't or shouldn't be bummed about our circumstances.
You would think it would get easier each time he has to be gone, but it's not. Seems just as trying as the very first time I saw him off to Italy.
All I can really say is thank God for Skype! If it wasn't for this wonderful little contraption, we would not get to speak or "see" eachother face-to-face on a daily basis. C.J. knows he can use this now and even tells me, "I'll get the microphone Mommy." :) Sweet boy.  And of course he will ask when he can talk to his Daddy too.
Be strong...we'll get through this

I AM that person!

I realized something about myself a couple of days ago... I AM that person!
I will get upset and cut people out when they are cruel to people I know and love. Very cliché, I know... But I am going to pick a side, especially if you are someone I have met through a friend or family member.
When instances like these occur you can truly find who your true friends are and who are the most important people in your life.
It made me think of a Will & Grace episode where Jack McFarland says, "I know you're new here, and, um, we don't want you to think we're really cliquey and don't let anyone in our little group, but, um, well, we're really cliquey and we don't want anyone in our little group."
This by far is not true of me. I've learned to be accepting of new people over the years. I want to meet new people and share in their lives and experiences. In fact, I welcome it.
What I do not appreciate is when they display petti- / spiteful- ness to those dear to me.
I AM that person - in when you are mean to them, I will not be mean to you but I no longer have the need or the desire to speak or communicate with said person.
I made my decision years ago to cut all filth and negativity from my life. And if this includes certain people as well - so be it.
It actually makes me laugh to think about this.
I do not hate nor do I hold grudges. I just know when it is time to let people go. You wish them well, hope they find what they are looking for, and know that they are no longer your concern. The End.

Scary Times

What is wrong with the world and the people in it???
It is scary to read the paper or Internet and watching the news channels are just depressing to have to listen to all the immoral acts that are done. I am awed by the crimes that people commit. It's a wonder that we don't just lock ourselves up in our homes and never come out.

I currently live in Houston and to me this is one of the scariest places to be. I am astounded by the crime rate here! Everyday I hear of so many awful things that I am persuaded more and more each day to move. There are many other cities worse than it; Houston didn't even make Forbes' Top 10 of America's Most Dangerous Cities in October. But I don’t live anywhere else, I live here. Unfortunately, I already had a little scare not too long ago:

I headed home, with my son mind you, at around 11 pm at night after being at a friends house celebrating our early Christmas. As I came around the parking lot into my condo, I saw a guy in a gray hoodie crossing the parking lot. I watched as he stopped on the sidewalk next to one of the buildings and then just stared at my car as I passed by. I could see him the entire time as I turned the corner towards my place. When I got to my parking spot, I turned off my car but I felt uneasy so I waited in the car. Then I see the guy come around the corner and just stand there. I don't know if he was waiting for me to get out or what. Then a couple minutes pass and he starts walking toward me, so I turned on my car and drove off.
I called the cops and told them what happened. I told them I didn't want to get out of my car because I had a toddler with me. I waited up front by our office and a cop arrived like 5 minutes later. He drove around and then I drove back to my building and waited for him to come around again before I got down. It was a very freaky situation for me! I ended up calling up my friends to let them know and they came back for me and my son to take us back to their home.

Going through this type of situation, made me go out and buy a can of mace to carry with me at all times. I'm also thinking about a tazer or something. Because you just never know…

One city I am surprised to hear about when crime is announced is my hometown of Brownsville, TX. And yet lately it seems to be in world news more than we would like. This year has already started off really crappy for them.

Just a couple of days ago a 15 year old boy showed up to his middle school with what turned out to be a pellet gun. Only thing was it looked very much like a semi-automatic and after many requests by the police officers to, “drop his weapon,” the teenager was shot and killed.
Cummings Middle School Shooting

Now, I am reading some news and there was a shooting at the local mall after a fender-bender.
Sunrise Mall Shooting

I just don’t get it!!

I’m not sure what the child was thinking or why he didn't drop the gun when he was asked but with the men in the accident, if you call yourself a “man” then fight like one. Why must everyone resort to gun slinging?? When did we draw back to the Wild West???

It is insane already with the events that are going on in Mexican border towns with daily shootings, massacres, robberies all having to do with the Cartel but what makes it even worse is that these things are moving into the states as well…And I am sorry to say that, but that is honestly how I think of it.

These are not the only two incidents that have occurred in my hometown, there have been many others in the years past. I actually witnessed a crime when I was very young which is the reason behind my hating guns. It is just surprising that as years progress, it becomes more and more dangerous.

All I think about now is my son and the kind of world he is growing up in. It is amazing how your train of thought and way of living can change tremendously after you've had a child. All I can think about is his well-being.
I know I cannot live my life in worry so even through all the sadness and madness, I move forward - otherwise what is the point of living.

The Best of 2011

Another year gone...Another year beginning.
So many great events and some, not so much.

2011 started with my husband being gone just shortly after the New Year - He was sent to Italy for 3 months. This past year was not as difficult to endure as the months before that had been; I made myself stronger for our child. Erick traveled so much I think we saw him a total of 2 months the entire year. I am praying for a change this year.

I was accepted by the Page Parkes Agency in January as well - something I have been extremely excited about and working at everything and anything to move forward.

C.J. and I in Austin, November 2011

I got to see more of my older brother Jesse and his family this year - that was something special. (They met C.J. for the first time in 2010 and I wanted them to know each other more.) They have all since quickly bonded.

I found C.J. and myself a place of our own in June which turned out to be the very best move for us. It is our own space, all we could ask for. Of course it still is only temporary but so far was worth it.

I finished my externship and school in July and received my degree in Medical Office Management in August. Big milestone for me!! I am taking some time off for now but waiting on our next move because I do plan to return to school. I was advised that I need more labs if I do plan to apply to medical school sometime in the future. (Something I have been considering for a while now.)

I was able to return to being a stay-at-home Mom in August after the bank I was working for, closed. It has been wonderful! I missed our time spent together those 8 months. :) I am so thankful and lucky to be able to continue my job at just being a full-time Mother. We keep ourselves busy with board games, cars, and Play-Doh but of course we practice our letters, numbers, and languages in between as well. And for our lay-low days we always have Friends and "Sheldon" (The Big Bang Theory).

I've been practicing learning to speak Italian, I continue to do so. Erick got me the Rosetta Stone early in January and now I have the basics down and can make a few sentences. My Italian is slightly conversational right now, not intermediate and nowhere near fluent. :) But I will continue to work at it. When I speak with my friends Mino and Valentina, (both from Italy) I try to speak with them only in Italian as I know this will help me more. They are also super supportive and help me out as much as possible too. I am also set on learning American Sign Language as well. I know about 20 signs right now, (not including the alphabet) but really want to expand this as well. I want to teach C.J. everything I learn as well - I know this will greatly benefit him later.

I started a great new workout this year as well with my bank buddy, Jessica N., The Firm Express. Running alone just wasn't cutting it anymore. We've really enjoyed it and saw results after about a month. We continue to keep up with it, whenever we are not traveling, and hope to meet our goals this year. Right Jess?? ;)

When September came around we were able to make another trip to Pennsylvania to visit with the Sutliff's. <3 Always something special for us. We got to see Ellie turn 4! And although Erick was not able to join us this time, which Brad was very disappointed by, we hope to make another trip soon with everyone.

As you know, I celebrated my 30th birthday this year and C.J. had his 3rd. I wasn't able to celebrate exactly how I wanted to but I'm hoping I can make up for it if I can celebrate with my friend Jessica B. who will turn 30 in February. (She wants to take a trip and I am totally up for it.)

New Year's Eve 2011

The holidays were very busy for us starting with Thanksgiving. We were excited to spend them in Brownsville with our families. Christmas and New Year's Eve were so much fun! What a blessing to have the entire Mendoza family together, with the exception of one. I also got to spend some much needed quality time with my sister, Leslie and her family. But most importantly, my little family was together. Erick returned from Japan on December 23rd - just in time for Christmas.


I cannot really say this year "flew by" but yet it is gone.
A few things for 2012: I'm hoping for change; Praying our families continue to move forward; I'm excited to meet my nephew Yandel next month; I hope to travel more; I want to see my friends - far and near; I want my husbands job to settle; C.J. continues to grow strong and healthy; Return to school. Maybe, just maybe, if things do settle, talk about expanding our family. ;) We shall see.

Happy New Year everyone!! Many blessings for a prosperous 2012!!

A Wedding Story

Today is a very special day for me - It is my 4th wedding anniversary. <3
Not everyone knows our story so I thought I would share it with you...

Erick and I have actually been together 10 years now - that is a long time. We've known each other longer than that but it wasn't until my freshman year at SWT and his senior year of high school that we actually even started talking. Our "dating" began with late night AIM chats and long-distance phone calls from my dorm room. (I remember I would actually go out into the hall way to talk on the phone because my roommate was sleeping.) Then when I would head to Brownsville for the weekends only because my old buddy Louie was driving, I would call Erick up from my mother's house to get together. 

Greenville, SC 2003

Even through separation our relationship took a serious note in August of 2002. I was living in Houston and had just gotten home from an awesome Goo Goo Dolls concert in the Woodlands. I was super pumped with adrenaline from such a great time that I decided to call up my best friend, Daniela. I knew she would love to hear about my night and just to catch up a little. She sounded almost shocked when she answered the phone and after a brief conversation continued by saying, "You'll never believe who is out with Alexis and me?" We only spoke for a minute but we both new then that something amazingly serendipitous had just occurred. :) Once again our relationship continued through long-distance phone calls as he was now living in South Carolina. Three months later, I arrived by Greyhound in Greenville, SC, Thanksgiving Day.

Engagement Photos

Our marriage planning did not begin with a romantic proposal. Erick and I always spoke about getting married and by 2006 we began discussing and planning our wedding for the end of the following year. Our save-the-date calenders were sent out exactly one year before our wedding. They were difficult preparations as we were making plans from South Carolina for a Texas wedding but I think I did a very good job if I do say so myself.

You may now kiss the bride

After six years, our big day had finally arrived. As Murphy's law states, "anything that can go wrong, will," there was drama, and problems, and issues of so many, I lost count. But when that day finally arrived, and I was getting ready to walk down the aisle, nothing and no one else mattered. I was just thrilled and anxious to marry the man I loved. Our wedding took place on December 15, 2007 at 3:30 pm in Brownsville, Texas at Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Our guests consisted of just close family and friends. My little brother walked me down the aisle and all I could do was stare straight ahead at my husband-to-be. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo, all I could do was grin from ear to ear. It was a beautiful ceremony - such a wonderful day! Our reception was simple but elegant. I never stopped smiling or dancing. Even through all the mess, it turned out to be a wonderful celebration. Most definitely moments I will remember forever.

Mr. & Mrs. Mendoza

It is now four years later and I can still get that feeling of "giddiness" every time I see my husband. I married a wonderful man! He has brought me so much joy and love and in this - our son.  It hasn't always been easy getting to where we are, Lord knows our relationship has had its' ups and downs and its stir of emotions, but what counts is that we held on and made it. We continue to work at our relationship every day and it brings us closer and closer together. It's not perfect, it never has been and never will be, but we love each other and our son and are just blessed to have each other and truly be happy.
Happy 4 Year Wedding Anniversary, babe! I love you!

Busy Brownsville Trip



Grandpa & C.J.

C.J. and I traveled to Brownsville for Thanksgiving this past week and stayed a few days longer. :) We had such a wonderful time while we were there. Days flew by with so much to do and so many to see. This was definitely a trip needed for us. Especially for C.J. so he could spend some time with all of his cousins...well most of them anyway. With our family, someone is always missing. But none-the-less, when ever our family can finally come together, we enjoy it and make the best of it.
We flew down early, Thanksgiving day to be in Brownsville by lunch time. Thursday went by fairly fast and by dinner we were seated down at the table to enjoy our Thanksgiving meal. My mother-in-law, did a fabulous job with all of dinner. Her amazing homemade stuffing was my favorite. (She does a mixture of bread crumbs, celery, carrots, ground pork and other ingredients - It is delicious!) It was a beautiful meal. And Thanksgiving leftovers are always the best, aren't they? :)

Kiddos having a slumber party

At BoraBora Ultra Night Lounge

Our next day there was spent with my immediate family at my sister, Leslie's home. We were basically just hanging out but figured we'd take advantage that my Mother was willing to babysit and we were all finally together, (with the exception of my husband, my older brother, and his wife), to have a night out. We all had a great time! It was nice to see the kids together playing and spending time. These are definitely rare occasions. The only one missing from their sleep-over was my niece, Allison. They fell asleep a little late but were all well-behaved and had fun - that is was matters. My brothers and sisters and I had a fabulous night! A lot of dancing, chatting, and just having a great time. I am so thankful and grateful that we got at least one night of bonding.

Close friends of 17 years

Considering that my trips to Brownsville are not as common as we would like them to be, I take it upon myself to let my friends know when I will be in town. I got to see quite a few people this time while visiting. It made my trip that much better! My first day there I ran into my friend Joe, then I was able to meet up with my childhood bestie, Daniela.  This was a long time coming. It had been 5 years since I last saw her. I have missed her immensely. She is doing so well and newly engaged! I am so excited for her and Joel. (Someone I have also known since high school.) It was a short visit at a local taco place but so enjoyed. It was great catching up. I was also able to see my friend Giana, her hubby Beau, and their new little bundle of joy, Jack - who is absolutely adorable! They finally got to meet C.J. as well. We had a good time at Chick-Fil-A. :)

Happy 5th Birthday, Ale!

While in Brownsville, we were also able to celebrate my nephew, Alexander's 5th Birthday! We hadn't attended one since his 1st Birthday. So it was nice to be a part of that day. We had a small get together at Peter Piper Pizza to celebrate the occasion. He wanted a Ben 10 theme this year so I ordered cupcake rings, a candle, an edible cake decoration, and a pinata just for him. (He also requested a Tiramasu cake that I ordered from Olive Garden.) The boys had a lot of fun.

Mendoza Ladies

Holly & Baby Yandel

The one thing that kept me super busy during my entire visit was all the planning for Holly's Baby Shower. There was so much that needed to be done! Between my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, and myself (we hosted) we got the job done. It really turned out to be a wonderful day! We had a great turn-out and they were showered with many wonderful gifts! We are all so excited and anxious to meet the new little prince of the family. We think it is so sweet that we have all had boys first. <3 This child will be such a blessing to my brother & sister-in-law and such a precious addition to the Mendoza Family. Baby Yandel is due February 2 but my husband and I are hoping he will be born on the 4th. (Erick's birthday) ;)

It had its' moments, but those 10 days flew by very quickly. I was so happy to spend the time I did with my entire family and to see everyone. What a great trip! I have so much to look forward to in the next few weeks. I cannot wait for Christmas where we will all be together again but most importantly the return of my husband from Japan on the 23rd. These next 18 days cannot go by quickly enough!