Happy Holidays!

Greeting from the Big D! December 2008
Last year I had big plans about maintaining a journal to keep track of what happened during the year so that I’m not totally befuddled when it comes to trying to assess another year in the life. Yeah…like that happened. So this holiday update will be short and fit on one page.
The big thrill of the year was going to San Diego for the Cruz Family Reunion. My dad, Kira, Robyn, her fiancé Kurt, my brothers, Steve and Ted all met with various aunts and uncles, and layers of cousins at the Lawrence Welk Resort. Unfortunately Quinn and Sarah could not make the trip this time around. It was a big happy bash that involved a whole roasted pig and several kinds of adobo. Besides talking, laughing, and telling old stories, we were blinded by the light of the Cruz paparazzi recording the event for prosperity. Later that night I got a chance to listen to the younger generation chat about discovering their extended family roots. Hopefully they will keep up the tradition and stay in touch with each other.
Perhaps by coming to Robyn and Kurt’s wedding next April 11. Rosenda and George Cephus graciously offered their beautiful backyard for the wedding and reception. It will be a small personal affair for just friends and family. Of course if you are reading this newsletter, then you are obviously in those categories and thus invited. Please let us know if your plan to come, we would love to see ya’ll.
Kira got her dream of going to Disneyland when we went west. It’s pretty much the same magical kingdom from my childhood only more intensely packed with people. The ride lines were insanely crowded so we only managed 4 of them. But she was a happy camper, so that’s all that mattered.
We also added to our menagerie of critters when this little, shorthaired, ratty Siamese kitten followed my dad home when he was walking the dog. The little guy walked right in and basically took over the house. He’s got a huge personality, spunky, curious, vocal, farty and clumsy. He loves the dog and tries to love the other cats, but they don’t have the patience for his antics. Dad named him Joey, Bob calls him Squirt. He’s already knocked down the Christmas tree.
We are still seeing tons of movies and all for free with my movie group which has grown to over 1000 subscribers. We see anywhere from 2 – 4 movies a week. The big ones this year to see are Gran Torino, The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons, The Reader, Doubt, Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, and the Wrestler. Revolutionary Road screens at the end of the month so I don’t have an opinion. Dad will vote for his faves as a member of the North Texas Movie Critics Association as we enter Oscar season. Check his review page for his list!
Next year, I’m taking my vacation to volunteer once more for the AFI (American Film Institute) Dallas Film Festival. Saw 16 movies in week last year. It was heady fun, got to view some interesting flicks and see some minor celebs. Plus they give you great swag, food and parties for putting in time with them. They want to be like Sundance, or the Toronto Film Fest. But this is only their 3rd year, and still fighting the image of some hick city trying to be cool. Besides Target is their main sponsor. That should tell you something.
Other than that, we keep busy around here. Dad’s got his ESL classes, banjo band, drumming and writing movie reviews.
Kira dropped out of her rec center time and we keep hanging on to a thread trying to get resources in place for job training because the state agency keeps mismanaging their funds and she loses her services. She did go to a weekend session of Camp Summit for kids with special needs. We had a bake sale and palm reading to earn the funds. Our friend, Polly Perez generously donated the sale of her art work so Kira could attend in November. We will use her bake sale money so she can go to the spring weekend and hopefully we can get a scholarship for the summer week long camp. They say they don’t turn anyone away. We will see…
Bob keeps thinking he’s going to foray into the woods ignoring all the warnings that it’s not good for his heart. Otherwise he’s taking care of himself and the house. He’s peeved someone stole his ladder from our backyard. Crime creeps in, but at least it’s not all out shooting from the Laredo drug cartel like our last neighborhood.
I’m still working at Scarab, which bought some other e-discovery businesses on its way to be this corporate giant, and will soon be not so much fun to work for. Kurt works there too and is doing really well. Everyone is younger than me. I’m the office mom.
Texas is gawdawful hot in the summer, cold to bones in the winter, and wet and windy in the meantime. Then there are those days which are so darn perfect, you wonder why it can’t be that way all the time. Dallas always has something to do, and we try and keep Kira amused and feed her brain with new experiences. Now if I can somehow remember to write it all down and tell ya’ll about it next year.

Peace and love
Reesa, Bob, and Kira

It's my party...

Kira made me a cake! It was strawberry cake with whipped cream. Yummy!

She also raised money to go to Camp Summit next month by having a bake sale down by Steve's gallery.

My New Tats

Always wanted a tattoo, but could never figure out what kind and had the feeling that whatever I picked out when I was younger, would not look so good when I was old and fat.

My first one was on July 3, 2008. It's the astrological signs of my twins...taurus and my son..gemini.

The new one done 9/29/08 is a triskell representing maiden, mother, and crone. Since I've successfully managed all 3 cycles.

I'm enjoying them, and glad I waited until now.

Need Addresses

Are ya'll still out there checking the family blog? I would like to get a list of everyone's snail mail addresses. You don't need to post it here, but would ya'll kindly email what you have since not everyone who was at the reunion has signed up to join this little cyberspace. I will email the results to everyone if they want it too.

reesas@gmail.com

Upcoming Wedding!

Just a reminder to the family that Robyn and Kurt are getting married on April 11, 2009 and she would like ya'll to come! I know some of you expressed interest in attending, and she would like to find out how many were serious in their intentions. So please let us know as soon as you can as we are in gearing up to full wedding plan mode. We would love for you to come visit us in TX, and the weather is not as unbearable in April as it normally is in the summer months.

Lily Holbrook

You can catch my brother Ted playing keyboards in Lily Holbrook's new demo video on her MySpace site:

http://www.myspace.com/lilyholbrook

New Movies Reviews

Over the past few weeks we have been seeing some of the big summer blockbusters. Come check out dad's reviews at:
http://cruzreviews.tripod.com/movies.html

Next week he should have his review of Mama Mia posted.

Me and Kira went to a couple more...Space Chimps and Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D.

Our screenings coming up are Tropic Thunder, The Perfect Game, Step Brothers, The Mummy-Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Sisters of the Traveling Pants2, Pineapple Express, Star Wars-The Clone Wars, and Hamlet 2.

I just found out about this book---

I was just introduced to the following book...I took some close ups of some of the photos in the book as one looks like a young Melanie...could it be??? One picture looks like a young Meding...is it??? Anyways...check out this book!

A Healing Circle for Joseph Nobleza

Dad's Birthday!

It's my dad's 83rd birthday today!!!!

Reunion Weekend Pics

Hulkamania

Going to an advanced screening of The Incredible Hulk tonight at the AMC Northpark Theater at Northpark Mall in Dallas. It promises to be a huge crowd of movie fans who love movies that make lots of noise and blow up stuff. Remember to read my dad reviews at http://cruzreviews.tripod.com/movies.html for what he thought of one the major blockbusters of the season. He should have it posted by this Friday. Now that Marvel has taken back control of their comics that become movies, we can anticipate better productions like Ironman. I love Ang Lee, but his Hulk was a mess.

We are also seeing The Promotion on Tuesday, and on Thursday, Amal, the winner of the AFI Film Festival Audience Award. Next week is Get Smart and The Love Guru.

Back in Montana - meanwhile, back in NYC..

Still coming down from understanding what it means to be a "Cruz".

What a weekend! I look forward to the next reunion.

Weather here in MT is cool, rainy (still have chance of SNOW!).

Anyway, last weekend's "Filipino-ness" brought back memories of the New York City "Filipino Independence Day Celebration" (which took place while we were all returning home last Sunday): 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Independence_Day_Parade

http://www.aratilis.org/pidci/

Be careful what you wish for...?

;-) Pz all

Check Out the Family Tree!

The Cruz Family Tree is on the bottom of the blog page. Scroll down and take a look!

Susan did a great job gathering the info to put together the Cruz Family Tree! Thank you so much! It makes it much easier to see how we all fit in the Cruz Continuum. There's some dates missing on the chart, so it's up to ya'll to fill in blanks so the family tree can be completed. Just comment to this blog with any changes or additions that need to be included.

Kira Meets the Mouses

Kira said she had the "BEST DAY EVER" after going to Disneyland and having close personal encounters with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Introducing Mike Cruz Seniors Family

Hi All - I've been meaning to update our family's info since Reesa so thoughtfully started the Blog and I'm finally just getting around to it. As some of you may remember, my name is Michael Vincent Cruz Jr. son of Sr. (obviously, but I will admit there were times growing up where I was convinced I was adopted) and Rosalba Macias aka Rosey, born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. I was born Jan 12th, 1977 in Pasadena, CA at Huntington Memorial Hospital. I have 2 younger, bratty but beautiful younger sisters, Michelle Angela Cruz, born Feb 18th, 1980 also in Pasadena and Mary Lousie Cruz (named after our amazing Aunt) born July 28, 1984 in Walnut Creek, CA at John Muir Hospital (Sorry Michelle, I don't know what hospital you were born but I think the milk man dropped you off:)

We lived in Pasadena CA until 1983 when father, working for AT&T, was transferred to Concord, CA (NorCal, 35 min east of San Francisco). In 1995 I graduated from an all boys private catholic school, De La Salle H.S., Michelle attended the all girls school across the street, Carandelet H.S., but she was way smarter than the rest of those girls:) and later decided to transfer to Clayton Valley H.S. Mary Graduated from Ygnacio Valley H.S. I guess the Cruz's wanted to try all the H.S. in the area for some reason? Shortly after I graduated from H.S. in 1995, Pop moved to Duluth GA where he lives today with his beautiful new wife, Wilma Valencia who I might add has kicked cancers ASS not once but twice!! And as you all saw she is more beautiful than ever!

In GA, Dad eventually retired from AT&T after 30 yrs of service in 1998. Since then, over the years he's kept himself busy by lending his expertise services to AT&T/Bellsouth as Tech Support Analyst, working for Nordstroms, where he hooks us kids up with great stuff, some other software company and by playing golf with his long time friends Ron and Joe and also playing their usual weekly games of mahjong with close neighbors Tom and Maria. I will add that Wilma, after she also retired from AT&T/Bellsouth, has the coolest job of them all. She is a professional personal shopper with Nordstroms and shops for a living!! I can't tell you how many people I know who would kill to be in her shoes.

Also in 1995 the girls, mom and I moved just over the hill to a city named Pittsburg .... No not Pennsylvania, but Pittsburg, CA. There I lived for 3 years before I went off to college in 1998 where I graduated in 2000 with a BA in Psychology (Aztecs for life, right Rachel!!) I lived in San Diego for almost 10 yrs and recently moved to LA to live with my girlfriend in Feb of 07 where I work as a Tech consultant for Silicone Valley Start Ups.

Still in the bay, mom is a professional hair stylist where she owned and operated her own salon for over 10 yrs. In 2002 mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and in 2003, like Wilma, whooped its ASS!! You should have seen her ........ didn't slow her down one bit. Probably the most inspirational thing ever! My hero. She currently has property all over CA and travels a lot. No one can seem to keep up with her still these days. She still is the best hair stylist/barber in the bay area. I should know since I was her guinee pig for years while she perfected her techniques on me. Man, you should have seen some of my haircuts:) Speaking of which, Michelle followed in mom's footsteps as a professional hair stylist but later moved down to LA around 2003 to pursue her career and becoming Brad Pitts personal assistant ....... she is still currently working on that one but in the mean time she free lances all over and she too is kicking ass and taking names where ever she goes, just ask anyone who knows her. As for the baby of the bunch, at the ripe age of 20 Mary bought her first huge house in Pittsurg where she currently lives today (Man I wish I had her financial planner!). She works at D.R Horton (Builder) as an executive assistant where she's been there for just over 4 yrs now and has survived 9 layoffs!! Hmmmm ..... I guess they must think she's cute.




Mom and Kids at Uncle Lou's and Auntie Delores 50th Wedding Anniversary


Auntie Delores, Mary and Uncle Lou



Dad's 60th in San Diego




Mary and Michelle





Dad & Wilma



Mary, Mike Jr, Michelle, Mike Sr.

Thank you ...Continued ... From KC

I too on behalf of Lou Cruz's family want to thank everyone for coming to the first "CRUZ FAMILY REUNION" it was great to see everyone and I think everyone had a good time. I know I/we did.

I am receiving a lot of e-mails already as to when they next reunion will be. As I mention to Auntie Milly, I want to get everyone's input and I will pass on suggestions, one I just got from Uncle Eddie was a cruise he mentioned that the food would be all paid for all meals, great idea. But I am open to others; I learned a lot planning this first reunion and the next one I want to make sure all the family that did not make it this time can make it for the next.

Mike Jr., thanks for letting me know I ROCK!! and everyone who thanked me for putting this on, I had a blast putting this together because I knew it meant so much to the older generations to see there sister and brothers and cousins and us younger generation to get to know our cousins and cousins kids…..still need Mike Cruz Jr. to keep the Cruz name going…no pressure cuz…

Again, thanks to everyone,

Love to all,
KC

Thank You ...... from Mike Jr

To All,

A very, very special thank you goes to KC for organizing and planning this long over due event. Cuz, YOU ROCK!!

Thank you to Auntie Delores and Sue "Cruz" Nobleza for their outstanding job on the family pictures and family tree. I am a lot less confused now.

Thank you to Robyn Hawkins for her awesome mojitos Saturday night ...... And for my headache the next morning:) Next time we'll make your place the after party. By the way congrats on your engagement and hopefully we'll see you in Dallas in April of '09!!

Thank you to Cousin Bob Jr for being a wealth of knowledge regarding the Cruz family history. You answered so many questions that we/I have always wanted to know about.

Also thanks to Uncle Lou and my father, Mike Cruz Sr. for picking up the food and "The Pig", who without "Wilbur", none of this would have been possible.

And how can I forget, a very personal thank you goes to Uncle Bob for reminding me every 30 min that it is my sole responsibility to pass off the "Cruz" family name. Uncle, I'm working on it ………….. but no pressure, right?!?

Last but not least, thank you to ALL for making the effort on making the trip. It is up to us now to pass ofe how wonderful of a time we all had so that the Cruz's that missed out will surely make it to round 2. I know I speak for my family when I say we can't wait for the next one!!

I hope everyone made it home safely. What a fantastic weekend! Can't wait to see you all again real soon ….. until the next time!

For future reference, here is my personal contact info. I've had my personal email and cell number for almost 10 yrs now. I doubt I will be changing them anytime soon. Feel free to call or email anytime.

With Love,

Mike Cruz Jr.

Vintage Cruz Photos...in no particular order...