My family

While rehabbing at La Jolla Convel. we were so blessed to have the majority of my Macias cousins come visit my dad. Love this photo taken of those of us with him that day.

Here's my dad with 2 of his 4 brothers and 1 of his 2 sisters, 2 sister in laws and my cousin Yoli. 

My Dad

It's been a long while since I posted to my blog. Much has happened since. I will only start from Jan 2010. My dad, Kim, Mickey and I flew to No Cal for Francesca's BA graduation ceremony. Lovely time with her and family. Proud moment for us all. In April, my dad and I took a road trip to Las Vegas. While there, we saw the production of The Lion King at the Mandalay. WHAT a show!! Oh my gosh!! THE BEST I've ever seen! Particularly so because a friend of mine from high school has the lead role of SCAR. He gave us the VIP treatment! My dad just loved it!! May brought us my dad's hip replacement surgery on the 12th. Surgery was a success. On May 15th, he was diagnosed with ALL, acute form of leukemia. On May 17th, I was told he had 3-25 days. SHOCKER for us all. Had to tell my Dad...hardest thing for me to do. He accepted the news with open arms. To him, that meant he would be with my mother that much sooner. My mother, his soulmate, passed away 10 years ago. He had been a very lonely man without her. So, after hospital and rehabilitation, I brought him home on May 30th, with Hospice set up at the house. I wasn't sure what the next month would bring, but I did know that I felt blessed because I was going to be able to take care of him and I wanted Raquel and I to be able to spend as much time with him as we could.

I'm back!!

So it's now September! I haven't been to diligent in keeping up with my blog,have I?

Lots has been going on...June 19-27 I went on a cruise to Alaska with my sisters Michelle and Kim. WONDERFUL adventure!
July 4th, we had reunion for cousins only on my Macias side at Kim's house here in San Diego. It amazed me how many of my cousins barely knew others. We had a good turn out and plan to have a reunion annually. Next year it will be in the northern part of the state.
Then on July 8th, I had both of my knees replaced at the same time!! yep! Bilateral Total Knee Replacement. I know, what was I thinking?? As I write, it's been almost 10 weeks since the surgery. I spent 4 days, 3 nights at Sharp Coronado Hospital. Then discharged from there and transported across the Coronado Bridge to La Jolla Nursing and Convelescant Home for 14 days of physical therapy. What an adventure!!!
I am still not back to myself, but I am learning how to be patient with myself. I keep having little setbacks, but know that they too will pass!

artwork

spring layout I had gals at a Cancer Coping class. (L)


Below...easy easy basket made for my hostesses. I will fill them with CTMH goodies and chocolate!

Mini Album made using BIA, CTMH mini album and CTMH papers. This was one of the classes I taught at a Desert Scrappers Retreat 2 years ago - MY FAV retreat, in Palm Desert.
Below: Altered Rolodex. These were made at a workshop I had last year. One is used as a Special Occasion file and the one on the bottom is to store business cards.
These are just a very few of the projects I've created. Tutorials and other crafting will be posted soon!

Last one for today

Well, I think I've kind of caught up with the most recent happenings.
Before I sign off....I want to share my day. Today I said 'farewell' to Mr. Garcia. I went to grade school and high school with the Garcia children. It was a sad day, but also a joyous one as family and friends celebrated his long and happy life. I will always remember his smile....
Until we see each other again, Mr. Garcia. Say hello to Mrs. Garcia and my Mom!


I will say good night and pray for a new day....

birthday party for Ella

Forgot to mention this!! My Goddaughter Ella was 6 years old May 20th. I just can't believe she's going to be 'graduating' from Kindergarten next month!! I just love her to death.

When I arrived, she rushed at me with open arms and said "Nina, I've missed you!"

I treasure these photos -

Ever been to a 60th High School Reunion?

first - here's photo of Raquel and her grandpa! Just wanted to throw this in cuz she likes it!



Here's my dad & I at his 60th reunion from Central Valley Union High in El Centro. We had a great time visiting friends and family along with the reunion.

And then the Cruise to Catalina....

Here I am in Catalina after a couple of hours shopping!! And the beautiful city of Avalon. Top right - we are in a winery in Ensenada where we sampled LOTS of vino!!

My happiest day

these are 2 of my favorite photos from the wedding. I have tons...but can't post them all!

Photos to share

Mickey blowing out her 50 candles! And she did it!

Raquel and 2 of her favorite guys! Her brother Jose and Pancho.

forgot to add this photo

Several months ago this year, Pancho was able to locate his half-sister, Celestina. She has always been in our thoughts and he said he wanted to feel complete, so he tracked her down.

This was a very defining moment in his life and hers. We were all so excited when she contacted him. As soon as they met, they just knew they were brother and sister! It's amazing how much she and Raquel look alike! Why not, they are sisters, right? We have also been blessed again because Celestina just gave birth last Friday to a son. Pancho and Raquel are very anxious to meet their new nephew! Celestina also has 3 other children and is married to Brad.

You be the judge - can you tell Raquel and Celestina are related?

The Other Ray(s) of Sunshine in my life....

In a previous post, I shared my daughter, Raquel.
Now, this is my precious son, Francisco aka Pancho. My 'baby' (yes, you will always be my baby) is soon to be 28! He's a senior at CalState University San Marcos and is engaged to Corinna Dominquez. We are all so happy for them to have found each other. I truly believe they are soulmates. The wedding is planned for June 22, 2008! It will be here before we know it!! YEAH!

This guy needs a new hair do, don't you think?
One of my fav photos from the fair!

And his buddy needs a new dentist!

This is my friend Larry (L) and his buddy who are actors at the fair. They spoke with a French accent and instead of saying Cheese - we were saying something like French Fling!

I have known Larry for about 20 years. He's one of Raquel's Recreation Therapists with Parks&Recs Therapeutic Services where Raquel has her many activities.

This is my precious daughter, Raquel Angelica Rios. She loves to wear her sunglasses and you will always find her with her purse on her shoulder. We call her our very own Sophia Petrillo (from the Golden Girls). Raquel is one special and unique woman! She's 30 years old now...but one would never know when looking at her!

Raquel attends a special day program and enjoys her days there immensely! She doesn't care much for weekends....she wants to be with her friends and out in the community.

One thing you need to know about Raquel...when she was first accessed by a physician for her disability, I was told that she would never walk nor would she talk. WOW!! Way wrong! This woman does both and to the extreme!! She's one very smart cookie too!

Look! I have my own blog now!!

Well, after seeing how everyone else has a blog site, I've decided to design one too!
I just hope I can keep up with it!!

It's now Wednesday 10:46PM....I want to make a birthday gift for 2 of my sisters. One has her 49th tomorrow and is flying in from Phoenix and the other will be 48 on Friday.
What to do?? What to make??? I think I'll whip up some Stationary holders and cards for them.
Korin says they are easy.....that's what I'll try!

Wish me luck!

Nite!