I remember it was a Friday when the Dr. told us there were complications with the pregnancy. They said they could not find the embryonic sack. The Dr. said they had no other choice but to terminate the pregnancy. I remember praying with Reina and trusting God for a miracle. I remember all of our friends and family coming together to pray for us on that Sunday morning in Homestead Fl…

Today we’re celebrating a miracle… We’re celebrating Zion Max Santoyo’s 2nd year of life! It has been an adventure! Zion is such a huge blessing. His smile keeps me going, his curiosity keeps me dreaming huge dreams, his energy keeps me in shape, his courage has strengthened me, his unconditional love has taught me how to be a better husband, father and friend.  Happy Birthday Zion, Papi,Mami and your big brother Diego love you so much. We are so thankful to God for the gift of Zion.  So glad  you are part of the crew Zion! I Can’t imagine our lives without you! May you grow up to be the man, the leader, the friend, the artist the husband and father God created you to be…For now just be 2 and live up!

-Papi+

Last night Reina and I went on a “Hot date.” Literally, it was a super hot evening. East Nashville’s FooBar was our destination.  When we arrived we realized the AC may not have been working at that venue. So for about an hr or so  it was blazing hot inside! On a cooler note, we got to see a great Chi town friend who sings with the band “Cory Chisel & The Wondering Sons.” Always great to run into friends in a new city! Adriel Harris is not only beautiful but has an amazing&Chill voice with an amazing talent on the keys as well. We don’t know Cory Chisel, but the dude has the coolest voice ever and lyrics that take you on a journey in every song.I totally did their vibe on stage..I guess we’ve become  fans!

I’ve seen and heard the band online but never live. It was definitely one of the coolest Live duo’s I have ever seen.  If you haven’t heard their music you have to! It was Haunting, heartbreaking, Soulful and Beautiful!

What new band or artist have you discovered recently?

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It is difficult to read a scripture like this.

47While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” 49Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.

Knowing Judas was going to betray him and do him wrong, Jesus still saw something in Judas worth calling him a friend. Those are some pretty big shoes to walk in. I am not sure If I can call someone a “friend” knowing they will betray me, curse me, etc.  So here are a few of my random thoughts for today. Keep it real with your friends and before you consider throwing someone under the bus when they are not around, tell your friends “they suck” to their face, in a nice way It is better to build community together then to build armies against each other. Ya dig? This makes for life long friendships!

Why is it difficult to keep it real with your friends sometimes?

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As I wrestled with the idea of leaving my hometowm Chicago in 2007, my Dad’s words were the deciding factor. He said, “just close your eyes and go”. The only way I was going to find out if there was more to my life and my family was by taking a chance, and I did.

Yesterday when I picked up my boys from school Zion met me at the door of his classroom and showed me the amazing work of art he made. In “that moment” It felt as if Zion’s simple art piece spoke into my soul.  There is always more! There is always something new to be made! There is always a brand new day!

I am learning to stop measuring my future by my past. I am learning to stop comparing myself to who I was 5 yrs ago, to who I am today.  I am learning to think with a fresh approach, work with a blank canvas, and work my a$$ off for the life of my dreams, the life God designed for me and my crew to live. We can talk all day long about how screwed our past is, and why we don’t deserve _______________,  and for what!?  But we can talk about, where do we go from here?

So today I remind YOU! Your routine is temporary, but you gotta work for your dreams! Your past is done and over with.  You were created for more than that. So because of that I give you the Bird! It is a new day.

Has anyone given you the bird lately? Tell me about it!

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What is your favorite detail in Reina’s Design Model?

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Diego, thanks for making me laugh with your silly jokes, thanks for asking 1,000 questions per day, thanks for reminding me of what really matters in life, thanks for having that late night bowl of cereal with me, thanks for telling me I am handsome and telling momma she looks beautiful, thanks for your loud laugh and silly smile, thanks for constantly singing my songs, thanks for praying for me, thanks for keeping it real with me, thanks for being such a great big brother, thanks for driving me nuts  and thanks for being my little buddy and sushi partner…We have many more memories ahead of us to write. Happy Birthday bro! I love you so much!
-Papi+

Where will you be Easter Sunday?

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paz

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Since I can remember my Dad always took me to Don’s grill for cheeseburgers. I have yet to find a cheeseburger that tops Don’s grill! In my recent trip to Chicago I made sure I took my son’s Diego and Zion for cheeseburgers…Even though they preferred pancakes It was a memorable moment for me to be able to sit at the same counter where me and my Dad once sat for cheeseburgers. It was a pretty rad Father moment for me…

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Is there a place with many great memories for you?

Cheers!!!

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