Jesse Santoyo » Zion Max

ZION

jessesantoyo — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:13:20 +0000

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+

UP

jessesantoyo — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:35:43 +0000

If you could tie a ton of balloons to your house and float away, where would you go?

-fuser+

Zion gave me the Bird.

jessesantoyo — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:28:06 +0000

It’s so easy to get stuck in the world of routine. Getting by to make it another day, another week, another month. Sometimes I have to stop myself and disconnect from everything in order to remind myself of the work that still needs to be done in pursuit of our dreams and passions and the reasons why we are here in this season.

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!

-fuser+

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIEGO!

jessesantoyo — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:10:53 +0000

Ever since we’ve had kids I’ve become a wuss for things my boys do and say. In other words I “almost” cry of the joy I feel when I see them accomplish and learn new things. If they only knew how much I learn from them. Being a father changes your life completely.

So, It hit me pretty hard yesterday when I saw Diego pull himself out of the pool without my help. My little guy is growing up lightning fast. I am so thankful to God for the gift of Diego!

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+

E A S T E R.

jessesantoyo — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:49:08 +0000

This weekend you will most likely see people you haven’t seen since last year’s Easter Sunday… The most popular “church” day of the year. Invite someone…

Where will you be Easter Sunday?

-fuser+

M I A- Part I

jessesantoyo — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:54:51 +0000

Me, Reina, Diego and Zion are taking a break and driving 16 hrs towards Miami Fl tonight. We’re gonna disconnect for a little while, enjoy the Sunshine state, visit friends and eat tons of Cuban food and seafood. We’re gonna refuel and come back ready to rock it out! Keep us in your thoughts and travel prayers.

paz

-fuser+

Don’s Grill in Chicago…

jessesantoyo — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:12:25 +0000

When I was just a few weeks old, my parents tell me that I suddenly stopped breathing. My brothers Carlos and Luis ran to the local diner to call for help. That diner still stands there in Chicago, Don’s grill. It has the same menu, same counter and the same original stools… Possibly a few of the same cooks.

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…

-fuser+

Is there a place with many great memories for you?

75yrs!

jessesantoyo — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:21:56 +0000

Today my Dad turns 75! He has an awesome story and a journey that continues. I owe so much to my pops. His faith in me keeps me going! He is a man that never stops dreaming, never stops loving, and never stops giving…He is the story tellers of all story tellers! I am excited about spending a day with him and with all ofmy Chicago family and blow out 75 candles with him! Here’s to 75 yrs of life and many more! Love you pops!

Cheers!!!

-fuser+

The Sacred Bowl.

jessesantoyo — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:45:23 +0000

Every night since I can remember I have a bowl of cereal. It taste’s best when it is between 9-930pm. It’s become “The Sacred Bowl.” So guess who’s been following in my footsteps? Yep, every night Diego Alexander Santoyo has a bowl of cereal. It won’t be too long till Zion Max Santoyo will be joining us too. It’s a Santoyo Ritual.

-fuser+

What’s your favorite cereal? What time do you have yours?

I love my boys!

jessesantoyo — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:04:12 +0000

2 nights ago Zion would not go to bed until I got home and held him in my arms.

Diego gave away 2 of his favorite toys to a boy who had none.

Zion screams out “PAPI!!” when I get home and runs to me.

Diego tells his momma she is beautiful!

Last night my boys watched me set up with the band at Exit/IN from the glass doors. I felt so proud!

Diego asked me this morning, “Papi, why are you so handsome?”

He also asked me how my show went last night…Broke my heart in an awesome way. He asked if I sang the song “Chicago”, and when I said yes he smiled…

Diego and Zion have changed me in more ways then they will ever know. They’ve made me a better father, husband, artist, leader, risk taker, jokester! Just a better human being. I love my boys so much. I can’t thank God enough for blessing me with Diego and Zion! Tonight I am going to party the night with them!

-fuser+