The 1st Annual La Pascua De Colonia Dublan...Call Family Holiday

The Passover of Colonial Dublan

Early morning on Sunday, March 12, 1916, word reached the saints in Colonia Dublan that Pancho Villa and his army had attacked Columbus, NM and was heading towards Dublan. "Word came to us that he was coming to the Colonies and would continue his slaughtering of all Americans." ("Life Story of Anson Bowen Call", pg 28.) Grandpa Call (the Bishop) called an emergency priesthood meeting to discuss what should be done. It was decided that Grandpa Call and a couple of other brethren would drive over to Colonia Juarez to ask Stake President Joseph C. Bently for his advice. At about 8:00 PM, Grandpa Call and party returned to Dublan. Upon their return, Grandpa Call told the saints that had quickly gathered around them what Pres. Bently had said. "President Bently told us that we know the conditions here better than he, and to do as we think best." ("Life Story of Anson Bowen Call", pg. 28.) Various proposals were presented and discussed. When all opinions had been voiced and discussed it was Grandpa Call's turn to speak. "Standing thoughtfully for a few moments, he than raised his head and looked around at the crowd of anxious faces. 'Let us all go home,' he said quietly. 'I feel impressed that we should go back to our homes, pray, blow out all our lights, and go to bed'. There was a moment of stunned silence; then one man spoke: 'That's a hell of a thing to tell us to do!' he said.'" ("Anson Bowen Call - Bishop of Colonia Dublan", pg.410.) The saints followed the inspired counsel of their Bishop and did as he advised. Early morning on Monday, March 13, Villa's army approached Dublan. They arrived on the outskirts of of town about 3:00 AM. They then turned east and rode away without entering or disturbing the town. None of the saints knew they had come and gone. Later evidence was discovered on how close Villa's army had been. Later it was also learned that Villa and his men had seen camp fires and armed men walking around the town. The colonists understood that something truly miraculous had happened on their behalf. The next Sunday, March 19, 1916, Bishop Call presided at a special assembly to give thanks to God for His divine intervention.

-----We celebrated the 1st Annual Call Holiday on Saturday night. We ate dinner on the porch and had a bonfire in mom and dad's backyard. During the bonfire, dad told us all this story. You should have seen Jack's eyes. They got big as Papa talked about "the Bandits." We then had s'mores (Can't have a bonfire without s'mores!) This is a great idea to help generations to remember the example of obedience and faith that was set for each of us by our ancestors.

Grandpa Call...I think Uncle Don looks the most like him, but then again maybe it's just the mustache! :)

Pancho Villa...in this story he wasn't a fan of the Mormon's, but other stories say that they actually had a mutual respect for each other.

He's older today...Happy Birthday DAD!

Today dad is another year older...we won't say how old, because no one would believe us. He doesn't look a day over 40! :)
Dad is a great father, papa, brother, and friend. I appreciate all that he does for all of us, but especially for me. He always puts his family first. He loves his grand kids and they love him.


This past weekend I spent Saturday with my dad in Fort Worth. We had such a great time. He sacrificed a whole day to go with me. What a great dad he is! Can't wait to spend many more birthdays with him!

BYU -vs- TCU...basketball game

On Saturday dad and I traveled up to Fort Worth to see BYU beat TCU. It was great to see the Cougars, especially getting to watch Jimmer Ferdette. He played awesome, eventhough he was double and triple teamed at times. Dad and I got there pretty early, so we went to lunch and then walked around the campus. It is actually a very nice campus. We couldn't leave without taking pictures with the TCU horned frog.


There were about 10 BYU fans to every 1 TCU fan at the game. It felt a little like being in Provo only their arena is a little on the smallish side. We watched the warm up and then the game started.

The whole team played great and it was a fun experience.



The BYU fans came armed with many hilarious signs. The best one said, "TCU you can keep your frog, we already have our Prince - Jimmer Ferdette." The worst sign we saw said, "I'd go gay for your Jimmer!" Needless to say there were some signs that were a little sacreligious!

The only thing that bugged was at the end when some very rude TCU fan/student held up a sign to all that BYU fans that said, "At least we aren't Mormons." I felt like that was beyond low class and rude. I thought for the most part BYU fans were polite and respectful...thank goodness!

Kitchen Aide!

This year for Christmas I got a Kitchen Aide. I used it for the 1st time with my special helper...Brooklyn. We made Red Velvet cupcakes. I think they turned out pretty good, at least that's what Brooklyn said. She was the official taste tester. She said that she thinks that might be what she wants to be when she grows up.

Let's Rodeo San Antonio!

This year I went with a group of my friends to see Train at the San Antonio Rodeo. They gave a great concert. Sadly we were WAY up high, so my pictures don't do it justice. Also I loved the Rodeo part, but I didn't get any pictures of it. :( I guess there is always next year.

What a SNOW DAY in Texas?

Yep, that's exactly what happened at the end of January. The news dubbed it "Artic Blast 2011!" I'm not sure that many people would agree that it was truly an "Artic Blast" but it was pretty cold. Schools and works closed, but when I woke up there wasn't much sticking to the grass, but the streets and cement were covered with a little snow and a nice layer of ice. Here is outside my house.

Thanks to my steep driveway, Brooklyn, Jack and Joel enjoyed some sledding. Sadly working from home means that there is no such thing as a "snow day." While I was on a conference call, Joel and the kids had some fun sledding down my driveway on container lids and in my recycle box. And to think that my dad thought my driveway wasn't worth anything. This year I think Brooklyn, Jack and Joel would totally disagree.




Brooklyn also loved making snow angels.

Brooklyn's Spa Birthday Party

This year Brooklyn had a Spa party for her 6th Birthday. She had several friends over and they enjoyed a day at the spa. The girls had chocolate facials done by my mom and I. Britni and her mom did mani/pedi's. Each of the girls had their hair done by Aunt Ducky (Stephani) and a good friend, Lauren. I think the girls had a great time. They were so funny. The party ended with cake and a pinata!

Christmas Catch-up

This year we spent Christmas in South Carolina with 3 darling Bright children. I didn't take very many pictures, but the ones I got were from Christmas morning.

Bowen has informed me that when I am old, he will live with me and take care of me. Thank goodness for this darling child. He is such a sweetheart. One night when we were out for pizza he wanted to share a drink.

Worst things than being single...Happy Valentine's Day!

Looking at this video clip, I'm glad I'm not dating one of these weirdos! I'm sure by now they have all found their soul mates. :)

I demand a REFUND!

The Daily Beast came up with a list of the TOP 50 cities best for LOVE!

#1. San Antonio, TX
#2. Milwaukee, WI
#3. Austin, TX
#4. Virginia Beach, VA
#5. San Diego, CA
#6. Boston, MA
#7. New Orleans, LA
#8. Hartford, CT
#9. Cleveland, OH
#10. Portland, OR

***Well, I'm writing a letter to the mayor, the govenor, the President, or someone and demanding a refund. How can I grow up in the #1 best city for love and still be single. All the years I've paid taxes...I want it back. I want it all back! (What's that you say...we don't pay taxes in Texas, well I'm talking about the sales tax in SA!) I demand a refund of 20+ years of paying sales tax in the city of San Antonio. It's the least this city can do for me, for not living up to the LOVE hype!

In case you were wondering...rounding out the bottom of the list were the following:

#41. Dallas, TX
#42. Charlotte, NC
#43. Indianapolis, IN
#44. Richmond, VA
#45. Miami, FL
#46. Cincinnati, OH
#47. Tampa, FL
#48. Riverside, CA
#49. Detroit, MI
#50. Jacksonville, FL

You can check out the full list here: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-02-06/50-best-cities-for-love/2/

Happy Birthday Brooklyn (on Thursday)

I can't believe that Brooklyn is 6 years old. Boy does time fly when you are having fun. I sure wish these nieces and nephews would stop getting older. I am so glad that I have had the chance, the last few years to live near by and watch this sweet little girl grow up. I love getting the chance to have her come over, especially on Sunday's, when I know she is just trying to avoid taking a nap...but still we have fun. I love when my phone rings and the voice on the other line says, "Aunt Emily are you busy?" I love the way she loves her cousins Kate and Clair - even though they live far away and don't get to see each other often. She's always planning and trying to figure out how to get together with them.

Although Thursday was Brooklyn's official birthday, she is having her party today. Already her mom and Grammy are getting ready for 6- 5/6 year old girls to come over for a spa party. (Clair had one of these and Brooklyn has wanted one ever since.) Mimi and I will be in charge of doing facials. Cucumbers were requested for their eyes by the b-day girl. Hair will be done and nails too. It will be a great time and I'll try to remember to take pictures and post them too.

Happy Birthday Brooklyn!

Bringing in 2011

This year I decided to do something different and new for New Years Eve and New Years. I went with a group of friends and made some new friends. Twelve people from the Austin and San Antonio area rented a house on the beach of Port Aransas. It was tons of fun. I didn't know everyone at first, but I had a great time. We toasted in the new year with NYC and then we went out on the beach, made a bonfire, had smores, played with sparklers, and watched fireworks.




New Year's Day we spent at the beach flying kites. Scott was very patient with me and let's just say that I can mark professional kite flying off my list of things to be when I grow up. I was terrible at it. I was pretty sure that I was going to break Scott's kite. I didn't break it, but I didn't exactly fly it every good either.


We also went to this shop and took a picture with this humongous shark. You walked through the mouth and out the tail into the shop. It was cool.


All in all it was a great weekend. I had a really nice time.

Visit with Mimi, Papa, and Aunt - What's-her-name?

My kiddos just love their Mimi and Papa!

So happy together - but not all happy to be taking pictures! :)

Handsome Papa - can't you just see the Call charm!

Bowen was basically Aunt Emily's shadow! However, he had some trouble remembering her name!

He still LOVES her - and has plans to live with her when she is old. He said they would live in a RV and park in movie theater parking lots every night and go see a movie. He will be a FOX news man during the day!

He really loves her, just doesn't know her name half the time!

Kate Kate chilling out!

Clair on her Papa's knee! They are practically twins! Call genes here for sure!

My wonderful parents! Thanks for coming mom and dad! We LOVED having you!

The day after they left Kate came downstairs and said, "Mom, I miss mimi and papa and Aunt Emily! My room smells just like mimi and makes me miss them more!"

Have to have the silly photo - of course!

Now it's just the five of us! I really miss you guys being here! It was fun! Thank you so much for coming! Love ya mucho mucho!