Kristal Armendariz

Kristal ::aka Kristy, KristyK, Mom::
I was born in New Mexico, but moved around a lot as a child. I lived mostly in New Mexico and Colorado, with a few years in Alaska. I am a firm believer in learning from your mistakes, taking responsibility for your actions and choosing the life you want to lead. Although I made a lot of poor choices in my life, the last five years have been much better. I am proud of who I have become.

When I was seventeen, I had everything going for me. I earned a full scholarship from the Rotary Club to study abroad for a year. I was headed to Belgium and then back home to complete my college degree. I graduated in the top 5% of my class and received countless awards. Just as the plans for my trip were being finalized, I found out I was pregnant. Although I was urged by many to have an abortion, I chose to keep my daughter and give up my plans. Her father and I wanted to do the right thing by her, so we married just after graduation. He joined the Navy and we were off

Mia
My oldest, but still my baby! I chose the name Mia because it means ‘mine’. I wanted her to know how much I wanted and loved her.

In early 1996, I left my husband. He was a good man, but we married for the wrong reasons and his extended absences made the relationship difficult. I moved back to New Mexico to start a new life.

Meanwhile….

Mike
Mike also had a child during his senior year of high school. Although he and Julie (the mother) didn’t get married, he played a big part in Justin’s life. In 1993, Mike and Julie married and had Mica and Mikal. He also separated early in 1996.

Justin, Mike’s oldest and the only one who doesn’t live with us.

Micyala ::aka Mica::
Mike chose this name because it was close to his name, Michael.

Mikal Jade
Mike named her after himself…

In the summer of ‘96, Mike and I met and fell in love. In 1997, we were married and had Bleu.

Bleu
Mike named him Bleu because he wasn’t breathing when he was born. He was limp and blue. Mike was covering my eyes so that I wouldn’t look at him. It seemed like it took forever for him to cry.

We moved to Chicago in 1998, but Julie was having a hard time raising the girls. We took care of them most of the time before we left. Even though Mike made a lot more money there, we moved back in order to help care for the girls.

After our move, we had Butterfly.

Butterfly
Mike named her Butterfly because she kicked so much. The doctor told him it felt like butterflies, but I have to disagree! Mia got to choose one of her names and she chose Sky. We thought the two went together well.

Three months after she was born, I was pregnant again. It was a difficult pregnancy and I spent an entire month in the hospital in El Paso. Thank goodness everything turned out ok.

Jonathan ::aka John, Johnny, Jon-Jon::
Mike named him because he “always wanted to say ‘Hey, John ~ let’s go fishing’.” I didn’t want the name, but it fits him now.

Finally, our baby… He was a total surprise. Again, I had a lot of problems, but he is my pride and joy. I have an idea he is going to be spoiled rotten.

Echo
I chose Echo because when people found out I was pregnant, we inevitably heard 'Again?'. I told Mike it was beginning to sound like an echo...

That’s it… our little family.