Good Sport

My father was always up for a challenge, a joke, a new experience (as long as it wasn't drugs, tattoos, or a religion other than the Catholic religion) especially if it made people laugh.

In 2004, just before xmas, Scott and I went to LA to do a pre-Xmas family event since we would be spending Xmas in Chicago. We brought along Karaoke Revolution for the family to play. Everyone played, even my father. :)

He really is an inspiration. Without knowing the song, the melody, the lyrics and even the language, he powered through singing New York, New York with gusto, even making up his own lyrics. Pa reminds me that you just have to go for it and have fun. Don't worry about what other people think, just do it! :) My father had many great attributes and his 'can do' attitude and sense of humor were definitely some of them.

Unfortunately, I didn't catch all the song, but believe me he pulled off the end with a big bang and applause from everyone. This video makes me smile and miss him. But it also makes me laugh. And I especially like how much this made ma laugh too.

Papi, I know you've made a brand new start of it and we love you and miss you...

Adios

Marzo 1, 1934 - Marzo 8, 2008

En Memoria de
Jesús Sandoval

Señor, te pedimos que guardes a nuestro querido
Jesús Sandoval,
en Tus divinas manos y dentro de Tu amoroso Corazón.
Él siempre fue noble,
generoso, ingenioso,
inteligente, aventurero,
gracioso, tenaz, travieso,
pero sobre todo, un gran hombre,
siempre con la sonrisa en los labios,
aún durante el sufrimiento de su enfermedad.
Señor, te damos gracias
por la oportunidad y el honor
de haber conocido a este gran hijo Tuyo,
al que continúas llenando de bendiciones,
que tu prescencia le ayude a disfrutar la vida eterna
lleno de entusiasmo y alegría,
como cuando estuvo entre nosotros.

Jesús siempre estará en nuestros corazones
en cada momento de nuestra jornada,
hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar.



In Memory of
Jesus Sandoval

Dear Lord, please keep our beloved
Jesus Sandoval
safe and close to you always.
He was kind,
generous, ingenious,
intelligent, adventurous,
humorous, mischievous,
strong-willed, full-of-life and
a true survivor
who always smiled even through the
terrible pain of his illness.

Lord, thank you for the opportunity and honor
to know this strong and unique man.
May he continue to
enjoy the afterlife with as much
vitality and enthusiasm
with which he enjoyed his life here on earth.
He will always be remembered in our
hearts, souls and in all we do.

We will always love you.
May you rest in peace.

Good o' Carne Asada

Hello Everyone! This picture makes me laugh because when abuelito cooks he's into it! And I just thank god that god gave tito hands and a passion for cooking...Here's another picture that I took with my phone in his favorite lounge chair with baby chucho.

My First Judo Tournament

This picture is in San Pedro California at My First  Judo Tournament ( you can see my Sensai'- teacher in the background with the snarl in his look ...his name was Mr. Powers) anyhow I'm 9 & my bro Felipe is 11, we are with our Dad .

Had just won the first place trophy for my age group ...Yay!  i remember talking to this girl in my group ...she had her eye bows shaved ... & i was trippying on that ...so i asked this young white girl  why she would do something like that ...she said her mother does it so she can too!....oh well ....she was my next opponent in the tournament & i beat her in less then 1 second ...just picked her up used a common Judo technique a hip thow & slamed her to the ground for the winning point.....sounds harsh but she was light as a feather.....lol!

Long Live Pa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Love Our Dad!

Always Smiling

As usual, gettin' the party started - they call this move the "cabezita"
Daddy's little girl.

Angels first visit to "Hotel Sandoval," May 2002.

Our parents - the start!

My parents met in Mexico City. Here they are while they were dating:
They married, July 26, 1959:

Here they are at my wedding June 25, 2005. :)
This July they will be married 49 years! The had 6 children, 8 grandchildren, moved countries, bought a house, had lots of ups and downs and they couldn't be more opposites - they are truly an inspiration! :)