Happy Hannuka! (and some family updates)

It's so hard to believe it was only a year ago we moved into our beautiful new home. The last year has been SO fun yet challenging. It's amazing how so many things can try to discourage your walk in life. You know what they say? If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger. ~I AM STRONG~

Devin has completed his rehab and for the first time in a LONG time, I have my son back. He has been through such a journey but has come to realize I am his biggest fan in the good and bad times. He started a new job at L.A. Fitness at the Landing in Renton and is planning on attending spring quarter at BC (Formerly BCC)


This year Vanessa joined Story club after school 2 days a week. Last night she had a stage presentattion of one her favortie books."The Lion and the Rabbit".
This was the first year she opted out of dance and instead chose to take a modeling and commercial acting class.

We take a trip to the downtown Macy's on Wednesdays for her classes. She has been going on auditions for various commercials and is getting ready to have her first professional photography session so she can have an "official audition resume"

She has also developed a first crush.. on a vampire named Edward!!It's adorable to watch her excitement when she talks about the book(s) or the movie. As you can see from the picture she has the perfect Edward shirt. It took us over 2 hours in the mall to find just the right one.

My youngest son Drew. True to the love of his life. baseball He has already starting his private training for next season. He goes to the cages 4 times a week to practice his pitch and swing.In addition he has select team practice every Monday night from 6-9. He has been published with all his stats in the Stods all star select magazine for 2 years in row. He is planning on "making this one his 3rd"

He has developed quite the eye for photography and videography and we are excited to see if his video makes nationals in January for his school reflections PTA project.

I am so proud of Drew for being such a joy to this family his smile and laughter fill our home to it's fullest with such love. We love our Drew Drew #11.

JoJo, Well this is a hard thing for me to write about as it's been almost 2 years since I have seen him but from what little information I get here and there he is playing Jr. Varsity Football and it seems he is doing well.

He is a freshman in Pasco and attended his first homecoming(I am BEYOND sad I was not apart of it). We all miss him so much and hope for him to return home someday soon.

Joe and I are doing as fabulous as ever!!

I sometimes wonder if it's more possible to love this man any more than I do? My heart still skips a beat when he walks in the door each day. Geez he is so handsome and dreamy! (loong sigh and batting eyelashes):D

He has been going through some medical issues in the last year. It has resulted in severe weight loss for him (30 lbs)poor babe.(I really would take his place).

We have been taking him to multiple Dr's appointments to narrow down what could be going on. So far, it's looking like some sort of food allergy. He has a few more procedures coming up and we should get a final diagnosis.

Finally, Today is the first day of Hannuka so I will be bringing out the eight-branched Chanukah menorah and lighting the first candle tonight to honor this Jewish holiday.

Happy Holidays to you all~

Michael Jackson is alive!

Well..at Julia's on Broadway.

Joe and I have been so busy the last 6 months, we have hardly seen each other.

So Saturday night my honey took me out..

I love the way Joe loves to surprise me with a call "get dressed be ready we are going somewhere when I get home"

We had a fabulous dinner and watched the most amazing impersonator show. I don't think I have laughed that hard in a LONG time.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week of holiday celebration.

Happy Holidays!

Congrats to Drew

I received a phone call from the schools PTA this morning informing me that judges have chosen Drew's reflection project as a Washington State finalist.

For those of you who have not started elementary school routines yet, The Reflections art program is a National PTA and a Washington State PTA cultural arts Competition. The purpose for this program is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves though their own original works, created around a specific theme. This year’s theme is Beauty is...!

Drew entered into the Film/Media production category. His idea of beauty was nature and taking care of nature by recycling composting, and going the extra mile for mother nature.

I am so thrilled for Drew, he really has to study and work hard for his grades, if he had his way he would skip school and go straight the the MLB. His love of the game amazes me.

This academic recognition is just what he needs to boost his enthusiasm for school.

For making it as a finalist, Drew has been invited to attend an awards ceremony in January at the IKEA performing arts center where his video will be on display.

It will also be announced who will be advancing to nationals.

GOOO DREW SANTANA!

Life is one big road with lots of signs

I am sitting here watching the wind whip around the beautiful fall trees and have had an epiphany. I realized for the first time today that family is alot like the 4 seasons,stormy and windy, bright and cheery,steady and smooth and sometime just plain unpredictable

I have finally learned to embrace ALL the seasons that some along with being a parent and can't believe that my little boy has become a man I am not so proud of right now.

I believe there is a certain burden that comes along with the name "mother" It is not always a burden that certain mothers can bear but with the support and love of family and friends, it's a challenge that I have embraced. I am thankful to those of you who have called and offered your encouragement and support to me, it means more to me than you could ever know.

On October 21, Joe and I called an intervention on my son Devin. I will spare you all with the details of his behaviours and drugs of choice as I am still trying to process this information and come to complete terms.

After 5 hours of consulting with him and having a HARD realty check He agreed to enter into the detox facility.

On the 7th day of his detox, I met with him for the first time since entering and WOW he had rosy cheeks and a look of life back in his eyes, he confessed his addictions to Joe and I and wept through our entire meeting.

I was humbled.

I am proud to say he volunteered to enter into an in-house treatment and I took him in yesterday and he was admitted. I will not see him until he is done and look forward to throwing him a "sobriety dinner" to congratulate him on his accomplishment.

So here's to Devin and embracing that my child is now becoming a man and not just any man but a clear minded man free to follow his dreams and goals.

Here is a wonderful saying I found that really hits home for me.

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.
-- Washington Irving

Back to the 80's

One thing is for certain. I am feeling my age rather swiftly these days,
I can't believe my children are referring to the 80's as "the old days" It seems like just yesterday I was blaring our Bon Jovi and loving it (oh wait that was yesterday LOL)

Recently the kids went to an 80's themed birthday party for the Santana family, as always they had a wonderful time with them.

Celebrating Joe Cepeda

From the minute I met this man, I knew my life would never be the same. The last 4 years of our relationship has been a blessing. He is kind, humble, giving, nurturing and has a heart of GOLD. He is the definition of a true partner. Happy 32nd birthday my love, you are amazing and I love you more each day.

We are celebrating Joe's b-day tomorrow at our home with family and friends.

We love you Joe, Happy Birthday to the love of my life.
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Hug a jew today :) Happy Yom Kippur

We are on our way to celebrate the day of Atonement with the Cepeda family. Today is a day that represents out with the old and in with the new, it s day meant to experience the joy of breaking free from the past and starting anew..

Here are a few thoughts to send your way and celebrate all the wonderful things to come:

On Yom Kippur, we are given a glimpse of who we can be if we don't fall back into familiar negative patterns and behaviors. Just for that day we transcend our corporality and touch the infinite (or at least we try to).

And we experience joy – the joy of knowing there are no limits to what we can accomplish and how much we can grow, the joy of knowing that we are not trapped by our past actions, the joy of the chance to start anew, the joy of our fresh beginning.

All the mistakes we made in the past are extinguished, are nonexistent. We can make fresh commitments (small ones) and new decisions (also small ones).

Bless you all,

Joe and Ronda

Debute Party at S.A.M for the all new Hearst Seattle Media

It's been awhile since I have had a moment to update. The last few weeks have been a swirl of excitement at my new position at Hearst Seattle Media. I am on brain overload as I have been in a quick swift learning mode of some amazing digital services to help advertisers maximize budget and learn a new way of marketing.

The SeattlePI (A Hearst owned company) stopped all print on March 17, 2009. In Seattle we are the first and largest newspaper print company to go 100% digital in the country.

We decided to have a debut party for ad agencies and top clients so could introduce ourselves and the "new kid on the block"

So the last few weeks have been filled with delivering Royal Cupcakes with personal invites to agencies and marketing directors, we had a wonderful turn out with over 200 people

Here is a link to some of the press release in the Stranger.

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2009/05/21/selling-the-seattlepicom


I am looking forward to seeing where this history making endeavour will go and being apart of history.

Science Fair and baby Westyn...

The last couple of week have been full of fun activities. Joe and I met baby Westyn, she is absolutely so beautiful!! She has the cutest little face ever!! I am so happy for Ashley and Troy.

Drew and Vanessa has a Science fair this week and it was a success. Both kids got an A+ on the projects, Drew's project was all about the moon and it's surface and the names of all the craters on the moon, I had no clue moon landscape had so many names.

Vanessa project was an experiment on "GOOEY SLIMY GOO" this is where you mix glue and Borax to create a slimy, not sticky substance.

Devin just got a 2nd job and will be working at the Rock pizza at the new Landing in Renton when it opens in a few weeks. Life is good.......

Lucky Strike (Bellevue Collection)

Whew it's been a whirlwind this week having Devin back home. He absolutely had NOTHING to his name so we have been shopping all week. Devin has been here for 5 days and he has been on 3 interviews and I am happy to say he GOT A JOB!!! He will be working at Bellevue Square at Lucky Strike, He will be working where they need him and starts today! Looks like a fun place to work. This is not your average bowling alley.

http://bowlluckystrike.com/

He has already started his paperwork to join the apprentice program for IBEW which is a Union for electricians, it is a 5 year apprentice program that pays you while you learn and earn. He is going for the 5 year apprentice and they pay for the AAS degree he will receive. We are proud of him and we are so happy he is moving forward and putting this year behind him.

So if you are out and about in Bellevue , stop and say hi to Dev!

CONGRATS TO ASHLEY AND TROY AND BABY WESTYN. WE LOVE YOU:)

The prodigal son .....returns

YES.... it's true. Devin Michael my oldest son, what can I say? Yesterday at 4 am I received a phone call from my lost son, who for the last week had been living on the street in Tri-cities after being kicked out of his "loving" fathers home for taking his step- sisters I-POD without permission.
For a man who fought me so hard in a devious most vicious manner to win over custody he has proven without doubt that the only interest he had in my children's lives was in fact ZERO. This has been the longest most agonizing year for me, worrying daily about my boys, not speaking to them and hearing things that no mother should never hear about her children.
Devin called me at 4 am cold, crying and seriously needing his mama. I immediatly called the nearest hotel and booked him a room. He told me that he has been going to school but the burden of it all and his guilt of not standing up for what he knew was right had finally got the best of his soul.
AMEN I thought all my efforts and YEARS of telling him to be strong and keep on track were in vain but in fact mothers if you preach hard enough, the message will sink in.
I called Pasco High School to inquire about Devin's grades and in deed he is getting all A's but his counselor told me Devin had been struggling tremendously with "his home life and school had been a refuge"
Well I could not be happier that my son will now get to graduate from Hazen and he will be home, after all HOME IS WHERE YOUR MOTHER IS :)
My dad went and picked Devin up from the hotel and he is spending a few days with pop and nana and he will be here this Saturday afternoon.
Devin only has a few clothes and nothing to his name, it's like preparing for a new child all over again. I am going bed shopping today and am looking forward to giving him much needed TLC and the guidance he has lacked so severely the last year.
I HAVE MY BABY BACK.. thank you God is all I can say for bringing him home to me. Keep Dev in your thoughts he has alot of soul searching to do.

Harland Williams..at Laughs in Kirkland

Last night Joe came home and surprised me with tickets to Harland Williams at LAUGHS in Kirkland. You may recognize him from Dumb and Dumber, Something about Mary and tons of other funny movies. We have never been to LAUGHS and it was so much fun at his show. Here is a picture of Harland and me after the show :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zngzYMsvjI8

Go Sis and Drew!

Vanessa attended a mini-cheer camp on Saturday and got to perform at half time of the Hazen High School varsity basketball game. She did an amazing job and we are so proud of her. Vanessa is such a joy to others she is an amazing daughter and I am truly blessed to have such a vibrant child.

Drew decided to play basket ball for the first time this year, so along with our crazy schedule of pre-season baseball training we are also going to alot of practices and games this year. I am such a proud mom and really happy that my kids are genuinely enjoying the lives they have.

GO DREW AND SIS!!

I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Happy 18th Birthday Devin

Happy 18th Birthday Devin Michael Vaughn!!!

It is really hard for me to believe that 18 years ago today I had my first baby boy.

WOW how time flies. These last 18years have been such a journey for my "little" guy and me. He now stands 6'4. As most of you know we have had some pretty trying times. I can't even imagine what my life would have been with out this kid.

He has TRULY taught me to have patients, as some of you know Junior high was a bit more than a challenge.

I have always been proud of Devin for his determination and compassion for his family. I am really in auughh and shock that this day has finally come.

Follow your dreams,

whatever they may be,

go wherever you want,

climb mountains, sail the sea.

Do what you want to do,

be whoever you are,

don't be afraid of the dark,

just choose your rising star.

Challenge your future,

attack your very own destiny,

because some things just go and happen,

and some things you make to be.

I really love you son

and that's what these words are for,

a chance to have my say to you,

a chance to even up the score.

I love you very much,

and I'm very proud of you,

I'm proud of who you are,

I'm proud of what you do.

You've had your challenges in life,

but you rise to the occasion, each and every time,

just one of the reasons for my pride,

just one of the reasons for this rhyme.

Although you're not the greatest driver,

you've already wrecked two cars (what the heck).

Really, I'm just glad that you weren't hurt,

even though I'm now a nervous wreck !

I've watched and loved you as you've grown,

from a baby to a fine young man,

sometimes we wandered off the track,

but believe me, there was always a plan !

We have such a close relationship,

although at times you can choose to unload,

but it's OK, I understand,

you're just dealing with another kink in the road.

You've hit a lot of obstacles in life,

every time you've something good it seems to just fall apart,

but I'm proud of the way that you handle it,

it's really inspiring to know you have such heart.

Because life is a journey,

you can never get too comfortable in just one place,

you need to find yourself within,

and then you can find your own inner space.

So, I just want you to be happy,

you mean so very much to me,

just remember that I love you,

and some things you make to be.