My Advice and Aspirations for You

October 2011

Greetings Lovelies! 

In life, as I have told you from day one, you are going to meet some “strange birds” (according to Dr. Seuss at least).  I am so happy to have been a “strange bird” in your life for at least a short time and I hope that you are able to remember some key things that I have already taught you through my own life experiences and trials. 

1.        You are lovely.  You may not have been told this all of your life, and maybe you have.  Some people may have (and will) put you down.  You may not feel lovely.  There will be times when you are the last person that tells you, “You are lovely.” 

You ARE!  You are a “lovely” and you are lovely.  Relish in this idea and you will believe in you, and you will succeed! 

2.       L-E-T-S G-O!  Life is about embracing opportunities as they arise.  Be ready to “go” at any present moment.  Not everything is going to be planned.  Not everything in life is fair and things simply may not go your way; however, if you are ready to “go” at a moment’s notice, you will be the one seizing the opportunity, while others sit back and figure out what to do next.  J

3.       Seize the day!  This goes along with #2, but it is so much more!  You HAVE to attend school!  You HAVE to get out of bed in the morning!  You may HAVE to do chores…or help take care of siblings…or do your homework, etc.  Instead of being upset that you must be doing such things, enjoy each moment.  Take the moment for what it is and soak up the lesson, the experience, the strain and/or stress, etc.  You will certainly take something from it – even if you are learning what it is that you “don’t” want to do with your life. 

4.       Be a monkey!  “Monkey-ing” around, or having fun, is 99% of your success!  Being fun/having fun is contagious – keep it appropriate and use it as part of your equation for success! 

I truly believe in you as so many others do – my hope is that you will believe in you.  I hope that you have an amazing seventh grade year and that you are able to find the best in you and embrace it!  Remember, “Happiness is a journey, not a destination.” –Souza 

My best,

Mrs. Veloz

dveloz@nye.k12.nv.us

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though everything is a miracle.” 
― Albert Einstein

Moments of Reflection

As she sat in the rundown cabin she stared out the window waiting for her dreams to come up to shore.

 

Driving up the mountain, the green beauty fills my eyes and my heart.  With the trees, the wildflowers and the breath-taking views, my spirit is simply lifted.  This year, as I drove up the winding road, listening to my children talking about the beauty and the deer and the sheep, I felt contented at the progression of my life. 

One of the most beautiful aspects of the journey to Panguitch is the memories of Armando and I taking our first vacation there.  Unlike now, we stopped in Cedar City for our camp gear and groceries, planning not being a big priority.  Once packed, we drove up to the mountain and set-up camp.  Afterwards, we drove around in Uncle Saul’s pink chevy pick-up, listening to the same Kenny Chesney CD over and over again, loving every second of our time together. We discussed everything – from where we wanted to live, what our dreams and aspirations were/are, children, life, etc.  As individuals, we had it all figured out.   When we weren’t driving and/or talking, Armando was fishing, while I read a book (or 3).  Everything around us was, and is, so beautiful and we were, and are, happy in love. 

Now I am sitting in my cabin at 6:30 in the morning, enjoying my cup of coffee, with two of my children sleeping peacefully, while Armando, Alina and McKenna are on a boat, fishing on the lake with Grammie and Papa, Uncle Rey and Bri.   It’s hard to even fathom how far we have come and what has happened in our lives in the short ten years since our first trip.  Now, packing begins at least one week in advance of ever filling up the gas tank and heading off.  The car is filled with children’s laughter and crying, conversing and questions.  Lots of questions.  Armando has fishing buddies and reading has become a novelty.  Three children really weren’t in our future, and yet, it is by far the most meaningful, amazing aspect of our life.  Teaching wasn’t a career that I had chosen, or thought that I would choose, and yet I have spent the last five years teaching, and loving every minute.  

Dearest Alina

Dear Alina,

You are nothing short of amazing!  Today you had your kindergarten assessment, which I can hardly believe.  We arrived to the school just on time and we signed in.  The moment your name was called, you ran out the door to the teacher and were on your way to testing.  Most of the kids were timid and shy, a little unsure, but you were so excited to begin this journey.

Aydon, Olivia and I waited for you in a room with other parents for an hour and a half while you "tested."  When you were done you came running into the room with excitement for what is to come.  And then you explained the test to me: she asked you to count and your abc's and colors and patterns.  You were so elated to have known everything that was asked of you.  You then explained that she wanted you to play a game with your hands while you sang the alphabet and you said, "I just couldn't do that...But, I'm going to learn!"  Later you showed Papa and I the song you learned, with the motions.  

I love your spirit and your enthusiasm and I watch you and thank God for giving you to me (and Daddy).  You are so compassionate and caring and have the enthusiasm for success.  I can't believe that you, my baby girl, are starting kindergarten.  It's not really the starting of kindergarten or letting you go that makes me a little sad, it's that I know how quickly time passes from here.

I just hope you know that from homework to sports to boys to peer pressure and bullying...I'm here for you.  I will always love you and support you.  You are not always going to like me, or Daddy, as we guide you through this crazy life, but know that we are trying to raise you to be the best that you can possibly be and to give you everything you need in life to be successful.  Not someone else's definition of successful, but a definition that suits you and makes you happy.

The journey is just beginning and the most beautiful thing is that you are ready and jumping for flight.  I am so very proud of you and so excited to watch you flourish and grow and learn.

I love you baby girl.

Love, Mommy

God is Controlling

On the way home tonight, Alina rode with me while Olivia and Aydon rode with Daddy.  Alina asked, "Mommy, why is brother going to school with Daddy?"  I explained to her that they weren't going to the school right now, but once we got everyone to bed, Daddy was going to take Mommy's stuff to her classroom.

Puzzled, Alina questioned, "You got your job back?"

I said, "No, I'm going to be working at Daddy's school as a 7th grade teacher."

She replied, "You bumped someone?"

**Heart melting***  I said, "No, they created a new position and Mommy got it."

Alina then said, "That makes me sad."  I explained that that made me a little sad too, but then, of course, I asked why.

She said, "Because I liked your old job."  :)

I said, "I liked my old job too honey, but God has a plan and this must be where he wants me to be."

She then said, "Yeah.  God is controlling."  :)

I just love this little girl!

Making Memories - Vacation 2011

Every year the Veloz family vacations at Panguitch Lake in Utah, where we rent cabins and a boat, and simply spend our hours fishing, lounging, playing games and soaking up the time with each other that every day life doesn't usually offer. This year was especially special as we brought McKenna, my niece, along with us to share in the memory making.

Kindergarten - Here I come!

As a child, school shopping was not only fun, but it was made special by my mom and grandparents, as after we shopped, we had a fashion show for Grandpa and Grandma Cole. To this day, it is one of my most cherished memories. Not only did I love school, so I was excited with anticipation for it to start, but I also enjoyed shopping and getting new clothes to begin a new year. Even though my mom was a single parent, and money tended to be an issue, she always made sure that we were able to have new school clothes each year - leaving a great memory for me and a tradition to pass on!

This past weekend Armando and I took Alina school clothes shopping all by herself. We catered to her, as she dressed in the dressing room and came out to show us how she looked and/or how items fit. She insisted that she go in the stall by herself like a big girl and grinned ear to ear each time she came out, sporting a new outfit. Daddy was so sweet, as he kept coming back to the dressing room with another outfit and another...and another.

Tonight, we had Grammie and Papa over for a fashion show! Alina was "nervous" as she got ready in her bedroom and went down the hallway, turning around...and around, in the living room and going back into her room, where she changed again. (And, again.) Brother was also included in the fun, as he needed a few outfits for school as well. As you can see by the pictures, he was quite the model - jumping all over the place. At the end, Alina wanted me to "announce," "And, for the grand finale...Rocker Girl Alina," as she modeled her favorite outfit (pictured top right).

Alina was so excited for the evening and had such a great time, but it was really my heart that was content. I am simply thankful for being able to shop with Alina and to get her ready for school. The memories of my own youth swarmed me and warmed my heart. Now, I just pray that Alina keeps the excitement and energy for school that she currently has. I hope she sees that anything truly is possible with education and that it truly is the only thing that matters.

We've gone through so many milestones already, and it seems we are constantly preparing for the next one and the next one. I pray to enjoy each and every step with my beautiful girl, as I know it won't be long and I will be looking back asking where the time went, as I am now.

Now you see it! Now you don't!

The milestones this month just keep coming!  :)  Just a few days ago, Alina was talking to me and I noticed another tooth in her mouth behind her baby tooth.  I panicked and called the dentist, wondering if I should bring her in.  They said it is completely normal, as long as the baby tooth is loose.  Indeed, it was!

I had purchased carrots and apples for Alina to coax the tooth out on her own, but she was a bit skittish, as she could feel the tooth loosen and didn't like the feeling.  I didn't worry about it, as I figured, it would happen on its own.

Yesterday morning she came to me and asked me to feel her tooth.  It was SERIOUSLY loose now!  She explained to me that she tried to open the milk with her teeth, and it made it loose!  I asked her if I could just take it out and at first she said no, but then she obliged.  I pulled her tooth out and she was elated, as she said that she heard that the tooth fairy pays well on the first visit!  :)

That night she told me that she was going to wash her tooth as there was blood on it.  I told her not to and that it could be lost down the drain.  Indeed, she didn't listen and washed her tooth...down the drain.  She immediately ran to her room and cried and cried.  I didn't tell her "I told you so", as she was already visibly upset.  Instead, Daddy explained to her that she can write the tooth fairy a letter, and she will understand.  While Alina told me what to write to the tooth fairy, Armando went and fished the tooth out of the drain!  Truly Alina's hero, she almost cried when he showed her her tooth again.  Little does she know that was more for me, than for her.  ;)

The tooth then made its way safely under Alina's pillow where the tooth fairy replaced it with five whole dollars!  This certainly isn't how much every tooth is worth; however, the first one is a big deal, according to Alina (and Caillou, I guess).