Brandon's Puppy

Happy Birthday Sadie!

Sadie turns 1 today. Go by and wish this adorable little girl, and big sister-to-be, a happy birthday!

Cristian

This is Cristian. He was born today in the morning (9:41AM). He is a little bigger baby than I was (7 lbs 11 ozs). He is my mommy's friend's new baby, and my new friend. We went to the hospital to see him and Tia Claudia but I'm too little so I did not go in there. Mommy showed me pictures. Baby is so cute! See?

Jay and Deb are having...

Another girl!

Congratulations, you two, and big sister Sadie too!

Big Little Baby

At Target today, wanting to get into a playpen on display:

Brandon: Mommy, I go in that.

Mommy: No, Brandon, you're too big for that. You're a big boy.

Brandon: I'm not a big boy, I'm a little boy.

Mommy: Yes, you are a little boy. But you're still too big for that. That's for babies.

Brandon: Daddy says I am the baby.

!!!

Grapes

The three of us went to Publix earlier. Among all our groceries were a bag of seedless grapes and a stem (?) of bananas, two of Brandon's favorite fruits.
This is the conversation that transpired in the car:

"Brandon, when we get home, it's time for papa"

"I'm not hungry for a little papa. My tummy is hungry for little grapes."

This went on for the whole ride home.

It's times like these that I forget that he's only two-and-a-half.

Margi and Koolaid are having a...

Boy!!

After what seemed like forever, Margi and Koolaid finally know what "flavor" baby they are expecting.

CONGRATULATIONS! And now, let the shopping begin!

Love and Ghost Letters

I just got home from meeting fellow Cubanita Chantel Acevedo. I am so looking forward to reading this book! I'm sure I'll be done with it by the end of the weekend, but I can't start it till at least Thursday. I've got a couple of school committments to take care of first. But I will definitely share my thoughts once I'm done.
Thank you for a great time, Chanty. It was wonderful to meet you, and your mom, and your grandmother, and your grandfather, and your aunts and uncles, and your cousins, and.....

September 11

Always Remember

(Ground Zero viewing area, 8-22-05)

And thank you, Joanie, for reminding us to continue standing by each other as we did four years ago.

A Ray of Light

In spite of all the bad news out of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, there is still a light of hope that shines when I hear the good things that are happenining. There are dozens of stories, which Michele has been posting about all week long.

These three examples warm my heart. These people are dear to me and their selflessness is an inspiration.

My best friend's brother-in-law has gone to Mississippi to help with the destruction.

Val helped a reader's father move after he lost his home after the hurricane.

And I received this email last night from one of my dearest friends:


HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF

September 1, 2005

Hurricane Katrina has devastated Mississippi & Alabama, but it has changed New Orleans forever. Watching the news coverage, seeing photographs of what once was a great city has been a bit hard to swallow. If you have every been to New Orleans, whether it be for Mardi Gras, New Years or just simply visiting, you are sure to remember New Orleans as a festive and lively city filled with great music, food & ambiance. All of that is now gone. All that we are left with are great memories of the city that once was. My husband & I remember sitting in the corner of St. Ann Street and Decatur, across from Jackson Square at a little quaint coffee shop called Café Du Monde, eating those delicious beignets and sipping on hot chocolate (because it was 17 degree weather outside). We remember sitting in the Superdome watching the University of Miami play in the Sugar Bowl and thinking how amazing that dome was (they actually had fireworks inside of a closed dome!) We also remember celebrating our win at Pat O’Brien’s and having his famous “Hurricanes”. All of it is completely gone!
It is why we have such strong, fond memories of the city that we want to help in the relief efforts by any means possible. With that said, we are proposing the following:

For every $ donated the Chit Chat Cellular Family with double it and send the relief funds to the American Red Cross and Neighbors for Neighbors. We need to pull together and help these people! Please donate whatever money you can. We know that prices for gas has gone up, we know that the cost of living has gone up, but these poor people have nothing, they have no home, no water, no food, no place to sleep and what is worse, nobody is helping them. We can!
If you want to help, send us a check or money order made out to:

Chit Chat Cellular

And mail it to:

Chit Chat Cellular Corp
c/o Hurricane Katrina Relief
15327 S. Dixie Hwy
Miami, FL 33157

If you wish to donate cash, you can come in person to our store located at the address listed above. Unfortunately, the American Red Cross is not taking any other forms of donation, so please do not bring supplies or clothing, they are only seeking funds for the time being. Please pass this on to anyone you know might want to help.

Thank you for your cooperation and God Bless!
Sincerely,

Martin & Vivian Bech &
Chit Chat Cellular Family
15327 S. Dixie Hwy
Miami, FL 33157

Thanks, guys, for your willingness to give those who've lost so much a little bit of their lives back.

We can complain all day long, but at least we have some thing to complain about: the car that needs expesive gas, the roof over our heads that's paid for by that costly mortgage, the A/C that's causing that high electricity bill...the Gulf Coast has lost all these things and more. Even if it's just $5.00, please donate. Every bit helps.