Big League Dreams..coming true for Drew

After a crazy year of baseball 4 days a week of 3 hour practices and 8 weekend tournaments in a row our team, Eastside Select Magic 11- U team will be headed to Arizona in March for tournaments at the Big League of Dreams.

It is such a fun opportunity for the boys to get to play in such a fun ball field, they have mini replica stadiums and our entire family will be traveling with us for a mini family vacation.

I have met so many great families this year and am so proud in the growth I have seen in Drew, he really is an amazing son and I am so proud of him.

In 8 weeks we have played 22 games with 14 wins and 8 losses

Drew led the team with 2 home runs (1 GRAND SALAMI) and that was in the last inning which led our team to victory by 1 point. Wow that was fun to watch and I had to hold back my tears because I was so overwhelmed with pride for my son.

He led the team for top home runs, top doubles, top slugging percentage(.633), batting average(.415) and top strikes pitched.

I am not exactly sure what all that means, but I am learning very quickly baseball lingo.

This last weekend was our last tournament for the year. Drew will start training again in October. He is getting ready to start middle school in 4 weeks and I just can't believe how fast the time flies.

GOO DREW SANTANA!!!!!

Dazed and confused

That is exactly what my weekend was full of.

What was supposed to be a weekend full of visiting both my parents ending up giving me a reality check.

I had not spoke with my parents prior to Friday the day they were supposed to arrive so I assumed they had changed there mind about coming for a visit.

Oh no, My dad who has always been a rock for my mom and supported her through MS seems to have developed dementia.

After speaking with a DR. It may also just be a burn out or a mental breakdown from being a caretaker for so many years.

I have made an appointment with his Dr. next month so I can go talk to him about what is going on.

We started by finding him in a local parking lot (completely by chance) and I could tel something was wrong (1 my mom was not with him, 2 he was pale and disoriented).

Joe and I took him into Subway and he could not order a basic sandwich. We knew right away the signs of dementia and ordered his food then took him back to our place.

He ended up leaving at 3 in morning and drove back home, Thankfully he made it safely but I am overwhelmed with worry and don't know how I am to manage an ailing mother and father at the same time.

On another note, I have also have had an epiphany of the meaning of friendship or what I thought was friendship.

A friend is not someone who calls or e-mails you only when they want or need something from you but calls just to cry with you or laugh about life and it's craziness together.

I am soo appreciative of the support..so thank you!

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked..this always puts a smile on my face :)

I am looking forward to this weekend for a much needed lovers getaway with my Joey.

I am not sure where we are going as Joe has planned a surprise for us but I am sure we will have a wonderful time like we always do.

Please keep my parents in your thoughts and pray I will figure out how to help them in the best way possible.

Happy Days...

Well, I certainly can say I have had my fair share of bad ones, but lately things have been going exceptionally well for me and my "little" family.

Last week for the first time, Drew had to try out then be chosen in a draft for baseball teams. He is in the 11-12 division this year, I can't believe it.

I am not surprised that he was the 1st round 1st draft pick. He was picked up by the Indians. This year we will be Newcastle Indians. GO DREW DREW.

Drew has also picked up on snowboarding, he is now what he refers to as a "medium" snowboarder a.k.a intermediate.

Devin is working 2 jobs, starting his computer science degree in April and can I hear an AMEN getting ready to move into his first apartment in a few months. He is getting my old couch, his bed and I am going through my old kitchen stuff to see what he can have for his place.

He has informed me he will be invited us over for dinner when he gets settled. I am so proud of how far he has come and continue to pray he stays on the path to positive things.

Jordan, from what I hear unfortunatley is mostly from snooping on my space. He is doing well and looks amazing.
JoJo is getting so big and handsome. When I see this kid again I am going to hug him so tight and tell him how much we have all missed him and his laugh, he is SOO missed. We love our JOJO.

Vanessa, my precious baby girl, she is really turning into a tween. She always wants to go to the mall, get her nails done and when her and her friends are at the house it is filled with music and laughter.

Right now I have the Adam Lambert song WHADYA want from me? stuck in my head. It's so funny I catch myself singing "party in the USA" and other songs I would not normally listen to.

The babes are on mid-winter break this week and yesterday the kids and I went to Coulon Beach with Frank and Carol (Joe's parents) we watched the kids play for 3 1/2 hours at the playground. Carol and I had the most fun soaking up the sun and talking about everything.

Joe and I are really starting to get cabin fever and hoping we can plan a getaway soon.

We have been on a VERY strict budget diet and I am so happy to report I am 100% debt free. This is a miracle. For those of you that knew my past, this is a HUGE goal I have had and now can say have achieved.

2010 is amazing and I look forward to the summer time and fun times with freinds and family.

A fabulous event for a special woman

The last month has been amazing.. Just as predicted, this year is turning out to be beautiful. I hosted a baby shower for my wonderful(ex)sis-in-law,Maria Maria is just about ready to have a baby girl, so her sisters and I have been planning a baby shower she would never forget. I love that my former in-laws and I remain so close. They are truly family to me and I love them dearly. It was just amazing and so well coordinated, I am thinking I should become a professional planner (joking, it was alot of work). I have an amazing talented friend, Peggy who we like to call cake boss lady. She is so detail oriented and can make any vision you have of a cake come true. Thank you Peggy H, you Rock! The cake was homemade chocolate with layers of chocolate chiffon. Maria's colors were pink and chocolate Brown with polka dots and her cake matched just perfectly complete with tiny footprints in the belly. (aauughh) loved that special touch. Maria was so surprised and I was honored to host this event at my home. I want to give a special thanks to my beautiful daughter Vanessa for being the perfect co-host. She is really growing up and I am such a proud mama. She is the best daughter anyone could ask for.(loves) Vanessa made a video for her auntie all by herself and played it at the toast. Needless to say, she brought tears to her aunties eyes. I uploaded so you can see what a honor video from a 9 years olds point of view looks like. I love she chose Michael Buble for the song, so sassy! Great job sissy!

I gotta feeling....

That this is going to be a fabulous New Year~

This year marks a few milestones in the family. Joe and I will be celebrating a love driven 5 years~ (I heart him)

Vanessa...My BABY is going to turn 10 years old! She is already planning her red carpet Hollywood themed b-day bash~

Devin turns 19 this month and he is doing better than he has in YEARS~

Jojo will be 16--wow and

Drew is in his last year of elementary school and then watch out middle school.

I feel like I have been in hibernating mode for the last few years but I am ready to get out and live this year. My resolution this year is to make this year successful, full of joy, and reconnecting with friends.

I have started by committing myself to an early(5:30)in the morning workout with my lovely friend Laurie Clark, she is a firecracker and if I can catch up to her in our workouts without throwing up or passing out, I will be extremely happy.

Joe's family is amazing and I love them so much. It's so easy to see why Joe is the man he is when you get to know his family. They ROCK!!

Until the next post, here are a few pics from the last year for you to enjoy~

Happy New Year my dear friends, I hope to spend time with you all this year!

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.