My Beautiful Wela.

Published by Elaine under Inspirational on January 30, 2008

 

Baptistina Aparicio 

These past couple of days I cannot stop thinking about her. It has been 16 years since my wela (spanish for grandmother) went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was actually my great-grandmother, a beautiful godly woman full of wisdom and love. I was only 11 years old at the time. It never failed, she always had rice, beans and tortillas prepared. I recall her flipping those incredible tortillas on her little yellow stove. The beans were usually left on the burner to stay warm and the rice rested in a silver-burnt pot on the table. There was also fresh coffee and pan de dulce (sweetbread). My wela always had her hair pinned up in a bun. One day I walked into her room and saw her hair down. She was brushing her long, beautiful gray hair with a small comb. I was in awe of how beautiful she was and how she made me feel at that moment. What a site, a crown full of wisdom. I will never forget that moment. How I wish she was still alive to this day, to see how my life has turned out…she would be so proud of me.

Last night as I snuggled up with my boys in their bed as I normally do at bedtime untill they fall asleep, I began thinking about her again. I always have Klove (a christian music station) playing softly in the background. As I closed my eyes, I pictured myself in my wela’s house. The year was 1990…I walked into the living room, saw all the clutter my uncle Tali collected, then I walked into the kitchen and smelled the wonderful aroma of tortillas, rice and beans….I proceeded to walk into my wela’s room where her bed lay next to the front window and the small TV in the corner….I didn’t see her but I felt her. A deep sadness bloomed and tears weld up quickly…just then the song by Natalie Grant “I’m in better hands now” played…such perfect timing Lord. At that moment I knew God had let me experiece something beautiful…I don’t know how to explain it, but I felt her. You see, when I was only 2 years old, she was the one that brought me to Corpus Christi to live with my great-uncle and great-aunt (my mom and dad). I remember that trip and me laying in her arms. It was a hard transition for me, so I am told. She brought me to better hands and because of her prayers and her generosity I am blessed. I love you wela. When that time comes for me, I hope to see you on the bridge as some of my other family members have claimed to see as they are taking their last breath.

Yipee! My Benjamin is potty trained!!!

Published by Elaine under Family on January 15, 2008

 

I am so proud of my two year old. It only took 1 week to potty train him. It just takes lots of patience and repetition. It sure paid off. So nice not having to buy anymore diapers. He is so good about letting me know he needs to go. He is talking a lot more…full sentences. It is truly amazing to see how much he has grown. He is so smart…that little boy of mine. Thank you Lord for such a beautiful addition to our family. He will do great things one day…I just know it. I’m so proud of my little rugrat!

What Makes me Happy?

Published by Elaine under Random Thoughts on January 9, 2008

Lets see…this comes naturally to me. I really don’t even have to think about it. I’m talking about myself. I could easily list my Heavenly Father, my husband and my boys, but today I am talking about girly-me. The little things that brighten my day for me, just me. So here we go.

I enjoy puting my makeup on. I love experimenting with different colors, shades and textures. My latest makeup technique of interest are the smokey eyes …love it! I’m so silly because I get all excited over this. I would love to buy me a case of every stinkin color of MAC eyeshadows. My daily dream is to be pampered w/ a makeover. I love my hair….I love fixing it….I love my straightener. That’s a girl’s best friend. I love buying salon products for my hair . It is truly my crown. I recently cut my hair. It’s never been this short but I kinda like it.  When I was in highschool, I would spend time @ my girlfriend’s houses and fix their hair. I recall prepping everybody’s hair before the school dances. We would take our very own before and after pics…so fun! I also remember getting my little neices all prettied-up…& even then I was a picture freak because I still have those before & after pics! Thats when the big hair was in. My neices are teens now and they’d probably kill me if I posted them. Lets see, what else…oh I love shopping for clothes. I love having insight of the latest fashions. I could literally spend a whole day @ the mall….no kidding! Before Christmas, I took my sis-in-law shopping for a whole new wardrobe…was so fun…I think I was more excited than she was. I so enjoy that! I love watching What not to Wear

 Stacey, Clinton, Nick and Carmindy…love you guys! I enjoy getting all ready for work meetings or presentations. Everytime I make myself up I look @ it as a work of art. Yes I am an artist..hehe. Yeah I am so full of it! Well what can I say thats me. That’s it for now girls…don’t forget to email me. Side-note…pamper yourself every now and then, its not selfishness its necessary!

2008!

Published by Elaine under Inspirational on January 7, 2008

So whats life been like? Well let me fill you in on the Castillo’s world.

First off, my Benjamin turned two so the new year brings a challenge. I have officailly started to potty train him. Two days ago he pottied for the first time in his musical chair. His face expression was classic when the music came on. I jumped up and screamed for joy. I think I freaked him out. Isaac was on the phone and he kinda looked at me weird!! hehe! I am hoping it will be a smooth transition. As for Solomon, my little prankster/joker/tazmanian…..well lets just say he takes after his daddy! That boy really works my patience!! Its so hard to keep a straight, stern face at times, I just want to die laughing sometimes. Nonetheless he is perfect the way he is, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Isaac has been keeping really busy with his business Echo Design Solutions, I am so proud of him. It has been truly awesome to see the hand of God in everything. Thank you Lord for your favor.

Lets see what else…ohh I cut my hair…I’ve never had my hair this short, but I really do love it. It’s sleek, stylish and professional. Love that! Still keeping busy with work, can’t complain….very convenient to be working from home. Well I believe that is it for now. Nighty-night.