Today's Ama's Birthday...

Christmas Eve 1974- Ama is in center flanked by husband, children, in-laws and grandchildren (pic taken by big bro Auggie)

August 12, 1925, Juanita Romo Alba was born in Mexico.  She was soon to have a difficult life as her mother, (also named Juanita) at the age of 26 died a couple of days after giving birth to her first little girl.  Ama (mom) was raised by her father Ignacio, who married 5 years later.  The stepmother passed away 7 years later, and Ama held the fort down-- cleaning, cooking and caring for her younger brother, Jesus.  My grandfather married again, and a couple of years later, Ama married Francisco Mora Lopez on Nov. 13, 1943.

The couple migrated from Jalisco to Baja Californinia in 1944.  My dad (Francisco or Pancho) met his father, Augustine for the first time.  He had been raised by his paternal grandparents, never knowing his father or mother.  In 1953, the young couple with 4 children and one on the way immigrated to the United States- arriving to La Verne, CA where Apa's 'Tio Salvador' lived.  Apa and Ama worked hard to purchase their own home in 1957.  By this time, they had 6 children- Augustine (Auggie), Josephine (Josie), Maria (Mary), Ofelia (Ophie), Ruben, Graciela (Gracie),  and Ramon Ezekiel (Zeki).  Cecilia (Ceci) Maria would follow in 1960.

Ama did wonders with the meagor income they had.  She remained at home while her children were young.  Later, when the youngest children were in grade school and the older girls could babysit, she went to work for a local nursery, specializing in making cuttings of bare root roses.  Needless to say, Ama's yard was filled with flowers and plants.  She loved gardening and tending to canaries and wild birds she would nurse back from near death.

Ama and Apa moved from La Verne to Riverside, CA in 1992 to be closer to family.  Ama passed away on January 17, 1999 at the age of 73 of a massive heart attack.

We (her kids) miss her every day.  She was a beacon in times of darkness, reflecting her faith of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Her 3 sons and 5 daughters agree that Ama's legacy is in
Proverbs 31:28~ "Her children rise up and call her blessed;  Her husband also, and he praises her."

Proverbios 31:28~ "Levantaronse sus hijos, y llamaronia bienaventurada; Y su marido tambien la alabo."

Happy 88th Birthday, Ama.

Summer is Here...Almost

It's the 5th day of June and summer keeps peeking from behind the 'June Gloom' clouds.  Here in Riverside when summer is in full swing, it can be easy not to wish it were over with the triple digit temperatures our summers are known for.  But, it can also be a great season for those of us who have become accustomed to it.  We drink lots of water, do our chores early, and enjoy evening walks.  These walks usually end up at the vintage Dairy Queen on Magnolia for a chocolate dipped ice cream cone.  Then there are movies in the park, which I definitely plan on going to this summer.  And, of course, who can't resist the fireworks on Mt. Rubidoux?  These last couple of years, we have ditched the holiday traffic to just stay home on the 4th of July.

So, welcome summer; it only comes once a year.

4th of July Block Party 2012

Mt. Rubidoux - Riverside Citizens Speak Out

Cross at Mt. Rubidoux on Early Easter Morning

 

 Riverside's Mt. Rubidoux cross was threatened to be removed because a group who wanted to stir things up claimed it violated constitutional rights to those who are not Christians. Here's the good news~  The city took a smart move.  They decided to auction the property with the cross on it so it would no longer be in the hands of the city.  It worked.  There were two bidders.  Both had the intent to purchase the land so the cross could be saved.  The auction was over in a minute.  The bidding started at $10,000, which was the minimum required, then the second party bidded $10,500.  It was the last and final bid.  What I don't understand is why the group that wanted to remove the cross wasn't interested in putting their money where their mouth is.  I guess it goes to show that those who preserved the cross loved it more than those who disliked.  Point well taken.

How Fun is That?

Now that spring has arrived, it makes for weather to be perfect for having fun.  It's not just the pleasant temperatures that cause us to spend more time in the great outdoors.  It's also the smell of fragrant fruit trees and flowers.  The colors come to life.  Both in the cloud streaked sky to the dark green foilage on the trees and bursts of colors on the ground.

Little Camryn searches for Easter eggs.

 

Easter came early this year, but everybody seemed to be ready.  Eggs were dyed and painted.  Everywhere you looked was something to behold, from chocolate bunnies in bright yellow and pink foil wrappings to the variety of plastic grass to fill the Easter baskets with. 

This is definitely the time to begin new projects or set new goals, such as more exercise, and less television time.  The days are getting longer, and now there's no excuse for not putting on the running shoes and hitting the pavement for a few miles of exercise. 

So, with renewed purpose and determined will, I plan on making the most of this season.  I hope you will too!