Whenever Antoinette and I celebrated a special occassion, whether on a cruise, a family event, Thanksgiving, Christmas or simply at dinner, our drink of choice was Crown Royal and seven up on the rocks. 

Once after leaving Acapulco, a few of us gathered at our favorite club and ordered our drink, Nora a long-time family friend joined us.  Antoinette was full of energy and after we ordered a second round, we danced before the evening was over.  Next day she told me" I slept soundly"

As time went by and whenever we had the excuse to celebrate anything, after offering her a drink she would tell me " Okay I'll have a drink just the way you make it for me" As we raised our glasses she would say "cure me or kill me "

This past Thanksgiving, I had to have a Crown Royal and 7 for both Antoinette and Nora.

I am sure both ladies are having their own celebrations in heaven...salud dear ladies "you did it your way " !

Fun times!

Judy's daughter, Lia, was very ill.  She really wanted to see her her Grandmother.  Granny was feeling pretty good so she and I took a road trip from San Diego first to Modesto to meet up with Judy and so she could rest.  The following day the three of us drove to Portland.  Lia's wish was granted.  She visited with with her grandma, and her daughters, Rasika, Kamala, and Jessica. Four generations! Such a beautiful visit.  

We first met Great Grandma Toni and Great Grandpa Jimmy in Cupertino, CA, when Sylvia came to live with us. I remember being worried that we weren't good enough, and perhaps we weren't, but GG Toni never let on. She just smiled and hugged and smiled some more, while GG Jimmy shook our hands and then gave us gentle hugs. As time passed I realized what a strong woman she was; even when GG Jimmy passed, GG Toni found a way to smile softly and hug us. 
           
As we totally became Sylvia's family, Toni became a Great Grandmother to all our children. We were truly blessed by being able to call her Great Grandma. She was a beautiful and gracious lady. Although we'll miss knowing she's here on earth with us, we are glad that she is again with Great Grandpa Jimmy. Thank you both for sharing yourselves with us. We are better because we knew you.
 
Darrell, Carol, Jeanne, Todd, Sylvia, David, Geoffrey, Joshua, and Joe Vale         

My best childhood friend was Esterlyn the baby of sweet Toni.The family was always  loving and givingto me.I loved having meals at their home.Jimmy  I loved too.He could really cook.A wonderful loving family.Jimmy greeted Toni with open arms and they can now dance forever.One day we will all be together with our God.Blessings to all of you.DeAnna Jaeger Littler

As I grew up with Billy, I remember meeting his "sister", Shotz. She was always "looking good" (as you might say) and very proper and concerned for her girls. You'd find her helping Billy's mom, Theresa, cleaning up the kitchen. When I saw her again years later, I noticed she was still helping "straighten" things up. There might be a coffee cup "sitting" on the counter (mine in some cases) and it would suddenly be GONE. When questions came up as to where the cup went, I'd hear the phrase "Scooter must have come through". I soon realized that Scooter was Shotz. I laughed, because the nickname fit so well. Almost stealth like! 

I'll always remember Antoinette as a southern lady, who loved her family and did all she could do to help them. Family was important to her. She is now with "the love of her life", Jimmy. May they dance to ALL their favorite tunes. REST IN PEACE! We'll always remember Shotz (aka Scooter).

I remember when growing up during Easter lent season we would always say the rosary after dinner as a family on our knees and we could not watch TV or listen to music it was a very spiritual time.

Also mom taught us to always make our bed as soon as we got up and how to fold sheets in a neat package which Mich calls the Tejada sheet folding.

She loved to watch her darling boy play ⚾️Baseball! She always told him " I am your  #1 fan" 

We miss you Gran!

     I remember my mom listening to the Arthur Godfrey Show on the radio and singing along with Doris Day. I also remember my mom ironing sheets, pillowcases, handkerchiefs, and my dads boxer shorts. Thank goodness I don't have to do that now! 

Life changes are sometimes surprising.  When I spoke to my parents about going to Spain to study, I distinctly recall how happy they were.  But behind the happiness, I detected worry.  The issue being funding.  My mom told me there was no sacrifice too great for a child when done with love.  So, though a financial hardship, both my parents each took on an extra job to help me supplement my scholarships.  Forever grateful to them. 

All things can be accomplished with faith.

You can be anything you choose, you just need to be willing to work for it.  

Every action has either rewards or consequences. So choose wisely.

Everything has a place so when you are through using something, put it in its place.

 Be happy with what you have, things could always be worse.