Another week, another Skate

This week had Gabby taking her TAKS test. In Texas, this is our way of testing our students to make sure that they are performing up to their grade level. Gabby seemed to handle it pretty well. She was really tired at the end of the day and went to bed early. We made sure she got plenty of rest the night before so that she could focus on the test. I'm not sure when we will get the results, but we DID get the results of her last 6 weeks. Uh-oh. She didn't do so well. She dropped from a "B" to a "C" in Social Studies. It is because she was, well, being "gabby" - just talking up a storm instead of focusing on her studies. I'll let you know...we had us a little talk. :) I wasn't too hard on her.

Skating-wise... This week she had her regular sessions with Dorothy and an extra stroking class on Friday. She was doing some fancy spins - one of them was a Sasha spin. I can describe it exactly, but it looked great. She should be in good shape for competition I think.

This week also had Katelyn and Sarah getting new dresses! Gabby? Nah - she still fits in hers and the other girls simply outgrew theirs. Gosh - the girls are all getting taller.

Oh, and the pairings came out in the Houston competition which starts in 2 weeks. Gabby, Katelyn, and Sarah will be skating in the same events here and there. This ought to be great and I hope they stay focused and quit playing around. Last competition...they were clowning around... can't take them anywhere. :)

San Marcos in our Rearview Mirror

Here is our departing picture from San Marcos after a full day shopping. Eric took the time to show off he and Kim's apartment before we left back to Rosenberg. Although everyone was smiling, I can tell you that everyone was tired and their feet were hurting. There were funny stories told on the way home from the great shoe deals they got at Naturalizer to Adela flirting with the golfcart driver. That old man was zipping in and out of traffic in that golf cart "limo" moving passengers back and forth across the huge, sprawling outlet.

Funny story. Most of you know that Uncle Oscar DeLao passed away last year. He is greatly missed by our family and all that knew him. One of the things that I like to do with Uncle Oscar is to pray for a parking spot. Yeah, yeah, I know it sounds strange but it works. Whenever I can't find a spot, I'll say, "Uncle Oscar - I can really use your help here in finding a spot." and just like THAT...a spot will open up. I was telling Eric that story this weekend. I was circling around and asked Uncle Oscar for his help and just like that - a spot opened up in the FRONT ROW in front of Ralph Polo jeans. Wow - huh? Well, later on, Eric and I had walked - what seemed like MILES - to the other side of the center. Eric and I were sitting on the bench and I said, "Gee, let me ask Uncle Oscar about one of those buggy limos things." So, I said, "Uncle Oscar, our feet hurt can you bring us one of those limos." So, Eric and I are laughing about it and sure enough...here comes a limo. Eric and I look at each other and jump up and walk to the curb. That ol' man, just kept driving. Eric turns to me and says, "Maybe you should have asked Uncle Oscar to have him stop too." I guess I had to be specific and yes, I could see Uncle Oscar having his sense of humor. Just so you know...another limo did come by again, and this time it did pick us up. Gracias Tio.

Viva San Marcos!

This past weekend, my sisters (Norma in this picture, Gloria, Adela), Gabby and Sally and I went on a shoppoing spree to San Marcos, Texas to the outlets. We had breakfast before leaving Rosenberg with Grandma and Grandpa Nieto. We left early and shopped all day. It was a great day. Eric was able to take the day off and join us shopping and through his "connections" got us great discounts at Polo. Gloria and Lellie picked up lots of shoes but we won't go there. At least not now. Ha,ha. Family. It's great. Too bad Sammy and Stella were not able to join but maybe the next time around.

Father and Daugher Dance

Gabby and I had our first Father Daughter Valentines Dance last Friday. It was really something. The thing that I remember the most was slow dancing with Gabby. In all the dances we had done before - weddings, quinceneras, birthday parties, it was always dancing and goofing off and being silly. This night though was about being a Father. I was jittery and she was so beautiful and I was so proud to be her father. My thoughts went forward in time to when she would be married and I would be dancing with her for at her wedding. And for me -- it was a time for me to fall in love with my daughter all over again. When we slow danced, and she held my hand, and put her head on my tummy and just hugged me... It was just like the first time when she was a baby and I held her in my arms and she reached up and grabbed my finger and held on to it.

It was really something to think about and I know that every other dad there was thinking the same thing. One thing that isn't lost on me is that it's a huge responsibility to being a father.

When we first arrived I was not sure what to expect. The hall was decorated and there were balloons and punch and cake - all the things that make it special. Some kids showed up with their dads in simple dresses and some were very extravagent. Some dads drove their daughters in cars, trucks and some came in stretch limosines. I guess the thing of it is that every father there made an effort to spend time with their daughters and for one night, nothing else mattered.

Grandma's Birthday

This is one of Grandma Susie Nieto during her birthday party at the Ninfa's in Rosenberg. Even back then, Gabby was a camera cutie.

Joel and Adam

Here is a picture of Gabby's brother Joel, and of her cousin Adam Morales. Adam is getting married this year. My goodness how time flys! This picture was taken at Mom's birthday back in March of 2001.

Gabby at 5 years

This is one of my favorite pictures. This is Gabby's 5th birthday and was taken at Mom and Dad's in Rosenberg. Notice that Gabby still has a lot of baby cheeks and was a big grinner even back then.

Here comes Valentines

This past week was our typical week. Gabby did her skating, Sally did her driving around, and I did my working. What was different was the preparation and surprise for our first "Father-Daughter" Valentines dance. Yes, Gabby and I are going to get dressed up and go have some fun. This is our first year, but Joey and Sara Bloom have gone for several years. I know we are excited about going. I will post some pictures of our grand event in the next few days.

Dorothy had an exciting announcement - she is getting married. Woohoo! Congratulations to Dorothy and her beau - Ryan. The happy couple are getting married in Vegas at the Elvis Church. Okay, I'm just kidding about the Elvis Chapel of Love. But, yes, they are getting married in Vegas. Ryan, will then head to Korea for about a year and then will be completely finished with the military. Dorothy let us know that Ryan has a big chocolate lab that is huge. Dorothy is a little dog person, so this will be very interesting.

We all went to La Hacienda after club ice and just visited and talked. Tracy did not join us this evening so we will catch her, Mike, Katelyn, and Sara the next go-round.

Hmm...even if I think it is a boring week...sometimes it can be a little interesting.

Joe.