2022 Recap of the Gutierrez Gang!
The things that bring value to life are not tangible. They are the time, dedication, service, love, and support we give to others. Especially to our family members. As children grow into adults, their morals, ethics, values and priorities begin to mimic those of their parents. In Leslie, I see a daily commitment to raising her girls to become Christlike, poised, well-rounded and service oriented young women; just like their Momma. Living closer to them this year has given Ron and I an opportunity to see the girls literally bloom before our eyes.
Sophie has spent the year building on her natural athletic ability. She is on the cheer squad at her middle school. She tried out for volleyball and had a successful season with a picture perfect serve. She stretched herself artistically by creating the most adorable crocheted mug caps for her mother; and, perfecting her nail art. She has a great group of friends from school and church and is doing fairly well in school. She did struggle a bit with school assignments, not always utilizing her 504 accommodations for dyslexia. However, that is part of finding her own way. She will either become her own advocate, or develop coping skills. Sophie also had an uncomfortable first this year. Her first stay in the hospital. Sadly, she developed a staph infection on her chin and was admitted until antibiotics got it under control. Thankfully, she is now healthy and has minimal scaring.
Maggie’s year is an example of how one single class can change your life. Last year, she replaced her outdoor living elective with a dance class. Because of that one choice, Maggie discovered a love for dance and developed so much grace and coordination! We, as a family, have marveled at how this shy, pre-maturely born, clumsy girl has transformed into an outgoing, confident, and graceful young woman. Maggie is now a member of the Charmers dance team at her school. She continues to be a member of the honors choir. She shares her love of music through singing, dancing, and playing piano. Lastly, a couple of Maggie’s important first this year have been getting her driver’s license and having her first boyfriend.
As I listen to and watch Jamie and Leslie fight the good fight in the battle waged by career women who are also mothers, I am so thankful they have always put their kids first… above work, house and home, spouse, and personal interests. It is difficult and exhausting battle. Luckily, they are both winning the war. Their girls are lucky to have them for their mothers.
Leslie, like Jamie, has an extremely stressful job, regulated by government laws and guidelines, that often make the job challenging. Leslie made the decision to switch from elementary school therapy to middle and high school. The students there have entirely different needs and goals. As the school year reaches the mid-point, she seems to have found her footing.
On top of work, Leslie is Maggie and Sophie’s greatest supporter, joining every booster club, attending every meeting, supplying service hours for every activity, and still managing to keep things running smoothly at home. As an added bonus to me, Leslie rarely misses her daily, “how are you guys doing” call or text to me. She truly has a nurturer’s heart.
The four legged population in the Gutierrez house is now up to 2 furry friends. Our puppy, Boomer, was too large to meet the size restrictions for our community. Honestly, as much as he had been sick in the spring, I totally expected him to cross over the rainbow bridge before we moved. Thankfully, Tico is Boomer’s best bud, Maggie and Sophie love him, and Leslie loves all dogs. G isn’t too happy about Boomer living there. But, I think he is used to being outvoted and over ruled. Boomer and Tico keep each other company during the day and really enjoy their walks together. They even dress alike! Ron and I are still able to see him often and have seen a positive change in our old man dig. He hasn’t been sick at all and loves his new home.
Gerson has changed jobs, again, this year. I swear, he switches companies more often than Ron did while on active duty! He is still working in HR… just don’t ask me what that is. I only know he has clients, does handbook translations into Spanish, deals with benefits and travels. Oh, and watches soccer games on TV while he is in the office.
His interest this year have been playing soccer, following World Cup soccer, supporting a Dallas based semi-pro soccer team called the Vaqueros, officiating YMCA soccer, coaching a soccer team, and watching soccer on TV and YouTube. He is also very competitive when playing table soccer.
Moving to the Ft. Worth area has also afforded Gerson an opportunity to actually take Leslie on an occasional date night to watch a football game at UNT, their alma mater.
My hope for the Gutierrez family during the 2023 year would be strong backs and less tender bottoms to withstand many hours of bleacher sitting; lots of quality family time, good health and fewer orthodontist visits; healthy and happy puppies; and less annoying neighbors!
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