All Grown Up!

Manny bought his first car last weekend. He's been saving up since he got his first job at the local movie theatre and in a few short months earned enough money for this 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix. His favorite features are the upgraded stereo and the auto start. To continue with our tradition of naming our cars, we have named this Morphius.

Wrestling Season Has Begun

Manny's first match...

I had to leave the country in order to post something!

Hello, blog. I have missed you!

I have been having technical problems with both of my blogs. That's why you haven't seen any new posts lately. Apparently whatever problems google was having don't apply here in Dominican Republic. Or they have resolved the problems universally. Either way, I'm back! Manny, Jonathan and I are here in Dominican Republic visiting family and Little Manny is on his mission to Ecuador.

Coming soon: All the great things I wanted to tell you but couldn't!

Let the Summer Begin!

As a surprise for Jonathan's birthday we planned a "Bear Grylls" adventure. Except without having to drink our urine. And we slept in a nice hotel. But the GPS hardly worked because we were so far out in the wilderness so it was pretty much the same. Here's the recap video...

West VA Trip from Denise Collazo on Vimeo.

TESTS!

As the school year comes to an end, all of the standardized tests, finals, etc. have monopolized our time. We are trying to finish up school this week before our vacation and it looks like a real possibility but leaves room for little else... like blogging...so, I'll see you as soon as school's out!

This one's for you, Sam!

So...gag gifts. This one I found several weeks ago and thought you'd get a laugh receiving it in the mail for your birthday. You know, to go along with the GIANT underwear Christine always slips in somewhere.

Turns out the joke's on me. When I went to wrap it, I found it was already opened. Apparently someone in our family (who will remain nameless) actually needed it. In their defense, they said it was used for their shoes as a "baby powder" alternative but I think the label is pretty clear as to it's primary use...

So, you won't be receiving it in the mail. HAPPY BIRTHDAY anyway!

And guess what?

MONKEY BUTT!

Couldn't Be More Proud

There is no greater joy that I, as a mother, have experienced than watching my boys begin to take hold of their faith; embracing their Savior and His will for their lives. Every step they take in that direction leaves me with a giddy anticipation of how they will get to see God work in and through them.

Once a month at our Wednesday Eve. service, there is a baptism. This month several people had signed up to be baptized and lined up to take the plunge. Afterward, Pastor Tony made the invitation for anyone who hadn't signed up but knew it was time. Out of the corner of my eye I sensed Little Manny shift his feet. Not wanting to be over zealous, I sat motionless and focused on my peripheral to see if my mommy senses were correct. With one determined motion, he stood up and bounded down the aisle. Good thing I keep my camera in my bag. I grabbed it and followed him down. Looking to my left, Big Manny races down the other aisle stripping his shirt and kicking his shoes off. (No way someone else is baptizing his son!) Hat, sweatshirt, and shoes...Little Manny was asked if he wanted to take them off but his reply was, "I'm all in." That's my boy!

So, there we were unexpectedly on a Wednesday night. Proud dad. Beaming son. And mom; GIDDY!