My Playground As A Kid

I grew up in El Cerro which is east of a little town called Los Lunas. Los Lunas is south of Albuquerque in New Mexico. My mother grew up here as did her mother and father before her.

My brothers and I used to play on these hills when we were kids. We had many adventures.

Every hill and valley had a name. These pictures were taken from the top of the hill we called "where the moon landed".

This is looking toward the valley and the hill in the background is Los Lunas hill. This is the way I used to walk to get to my grandparents house.Me and my three boys looking down from the top of "where the moon landed".
Today I stayed at the top and let the boys wander around on their own. Many times I would say a prayer and hold my breath till they were in sight again.
This is a zoomed in picture of the one above. They had so much fun. Oh how I love these hills. But there didn't used to be tire tracks or houses in the background.
When I played on these hills and fought off the pirates and other bandits in my adventures, I knew someday I would see my own kids playing. I just didn't know how much it would make me smile.

This time of year is perfect because the snakes are not out. Just watch out for cactus!

Lover Boy found many more rocks to add to our collection.

Papa Ernest joined us in our hunt for great rocks. Little Professor was looking for rare finds. Curious George was looking for any rock that sparkled in the sunlight. Lover Boy just tried to find the biggest and the heaviest rocks.
Here comes Daddy. Now he and Papa can take the boys on an adventure walk. I'm going to hang out with my mom and try to figure out my grandmother's old sewing machine.

The House I Grew Up In

This is a picture of the house I grew up in. It was custom built by my father and is octagon like a Hogan.

This is the back (east side) of the house. The living area is on the top floor and the bedrooms are on the bottom. Half of the bottom floor is underground.

This is the view looking east. And the road that will take you to El Cerro Mission.

This is the north side of the house. It faces out toward the foothills and Albuquerque which is too far away to see.

This is the west side of the house. This is my mother's dream house. With a view from every window.
Although the hills I played on as a kid have changed a little, this first hill is still the same. My brother's and I call it "where the moon landed". Many of my prayers were prayed at the top of this hill when I was young.

Rail Runner to Santa Fe

Right after church this morning we drove to the train station in Belen. The kids weren't sure if they should really believe that we were going to get on. Friday was such a big disappointment. But the train came after all.



They were so excited to get in.

Here we are sitting in seats on our way to Santa Fe. We had no idea how great it was until two more stops when it was standing room only and every stop after that they had to tell people there was no room.

Lover Boy really got attached to my brother Arlin. On the way home when we had to stand for an hour he was in a different part of the train asleep in Uncle Arlin's lap.

It was a long day, and the kids had a lot of fun. Little Professor and Curious George slept in the aisle way between Pappa and Daddy who were standing. In the words of Lover Boy, "Choo choo fun and fast!"

Train Ride

Waiting in front of the tracks for our train.

Uncle Armand, Uncle Arlin, Curious George, Little Professor, and Lover Boy

Me and my brother Arlin

Today we decided to take the train from Los Lunas where my parents live to Albuquerque. It was a great idea, except that the train never came. We were freezing, the snow was falling, and the kids were patiently watching for that darn train.

I guess our first clue should have been the fact that there were no other cars around. It was just us, and two other young people who had been dropped off. But then we saw it, a small sign on a bulletin board.

NO SERVICE THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS.

Great!

I tried to encourage the kids by saying that we would drive the same route, and possibly get there sooner. After all we were still going to dinner in Albuquerque. We could even pretend we were on a train. My sweet Curious George says, "mommy, I'm sorry to say this, but I lost my imagination." "Oh no", I said sadly, "that is just too bad, you have such a great imagination". "Well", he said, "I just can't imagine that we are in a train when I see the train track right next to us".

Oh well, Dinner was good. Maybe we will try to ride the train another day.

Pogosa Springs

Driving to Pagosa Springs CO.

The morning we left.

Early morning sunrise

The snow was up to the windows

Driving out of Pagosa Springs

so much snow!

Boy was it beautiful.

Being Still When You Don't Have The Choice

“Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

The plan was to leave our kids at my parents in New Mexico, pick up my two single brothers and come to Pogosa Springs for two nights so we could ski. It has been over ten years since any of us have hit the slopes, and Wolf Creek has lots of snow.

That was the plan.

The reality is that the snow has not stopped falling since we got here. White out conditions have kept us inside. We were supposed to leave this morning, but the roads are too treacherous so we will be staying another night.

It is very quiet and very peaceful. There are only adults with me so I’m experiencing extreme quietness. It is funny, but I really miss the pitter patter of precious little feet. I miss the laughter and all the noises (sometimes very annoying noises). With three little boys there is always a lot of noise at my house.

If I would have known all this free time would have been mine, I would have brought more stuff to fill it. At my mom’s I have three boxes of Christmas Cards to address and sign, a couple of books I want to finish and my journal. I would have brought those things, but instead I’m forced to relax and enjoy “time” itself.

Today I have time; time to think, time to contemplate, time to plan, time to just sit and take it all in. I have time to listen.

God will You speak?

“The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zep. 3:17

“Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!” 1 Sam. 12:16

Falling Snow

It's been snowing off and on all day long today. I've got a sick husband a sick three year old and from the sound of it possibly a sick seven year old. Oh oh, and now a sick 5 year old. I did manage to go out and shovel the driveway around noon, but the snow has already covered it again.

I love when the snow is just falling, it is so peaceful and quiet. It is quite another story when the wind is blowing. I must have stared at it for 15 minutes today. I was amazed at how many different directions the wind would carry it. Sometimes the snow falls to the left, sometimes to the right and then in a spiral. I was mesmerized.

According to the news, "Winter weather is expected to hang around for most of the week, with highs not making it above the 20's until Thursday". Above the 20's? Last winter didn't seem this cold to me. But maybe God blessed us since it was our first winter in Colorado Springs coming from San Diego.

Currently it is 2 degrees outside. Burrr So far today I've had 5 cups of coffee, 2 cups of sugar free hot cider, and 3 cups of just plain hot water. There is something very comforting about knowing my God is in control and holding a hot drink, even if it is only water.

I hear laughter coming from the living room, maybe my sick men are feeling better? Naw, they are all watching "America's Funniest Home Videos". I think I'll join them, after all laughter is the best medicine.



"God thunders marvelously with His voice;
He does great things which we cannot comprehend.
For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’;
Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.
He seals the hand of every man,
That all men may know His work.
The beasts go into dens,
And remain in their lairs.
From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind,
And cold from the scattering winds of the north.
By the breath of God ice is given,
And the broad waters are frozen.
Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds;
He scatters His bright clouds.
And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance,
That they may do whatever He commands them
On the face of the whole earth." Job 37:5-12 NKJV