Twenty-Nine in 2012

Another birthday, another day. Come and gone. You may say, 29? Not old. Not even close. I would agree but I can't help but feel like the past ten years have swept by me, leaving me feeling a but claustrophobic, a bit petrified as to where the next year, five years, ten years will take me.

If you told me where I'd be today ten years ago, I'd have argued with you, told you that wasn't the plan. But alas, this is reality. I'm here not where I had planned but I'm here.

All in all, I welcome the turning of another year. Means I have breath in my lungs, life in me and there is still always a plan. Maybe not my own, but a plan nevertheless.

Thank God for another year.

Christmas Gifts and A Milestone

Christmas Gifts and A Milestone?
I was just too lazy to write two post, so I meshed both in one.

Let's talk about the Milestone first.

As of November 8th, I have been blogging for four-long-years. It seems so much longer, but that's it. Four years. I've pretty much lost all blog readers, I'm sure, but I've kept on because I like to look back and see what I've been up to, how I've matured, what I dealt with on that same day and who was important to me at that time.

Happy Birthday, Daily Bee.

Now onto the second topic - Christmas Gifts.

I've already purchased my first gift, for my nephew Cristian. I've been scouring stuff for everyone else, but I just keep coming up with stuff for Rylie Drew. Poor spoiled child.

Here is what I've listed so far and plan on purchasing for her...

 Rylie is 3 1/2 months old and she has more toys than I'm sure a normal 3 1/2 months old has. She is one smart kid and already obsessed with her toys. She loves music, movies and loves to watch cartoons on her Daddy's iPhone. She has little stuffed friends that have been named and she talks to them all.day.long. So, this little gadget is one thing that I will be getting for her.

 Handmade dolls on Etsy

Sources: Left / Right

 Handmade Tuxedo Dress (love)

Sources: Left / Right

Vintage Owls and Shabby Chic Pillow Covers

Sources: Left / Right

The last wasn't meant for Rylie, obviously. I can use my blog as a hint source too... so hint hint. ;)

Birthday Wishes for Sony

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SONIA, Sony, Sonitha!

Today is my sister-in-law's 27th birthday. I spend the majority of my time with her and can't think of anyone else I would rather do so with.

Have a fabulous day, me dear! I love you!

Birthday Girl

Today is my cousin Eileen's birthday. The above photo is from a maternity photo session I did with her a couple of months ago. She is about ready to pop now!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, Eileen, my cousin, sister, and friend! I LOVE YOU.

Happy Birthday, Catherine

I was born 7 1/2 years after her. She is my only true-blooded sister. My best friend and one of the dearest people to me.

How sweet right? Okay so the truth is we fight like cats and dogs. Seriously. Which makes me appreciate her even more. We are very different in most ways and the same in others. She is out-going and enthusiastic, always the chatter bug and friends with everyone while I'm not that out-going and usually keep to myself since, well, I don't like people that much. lol

My sister, Catherine, as you know, moved to Mississippi to marry her childhood crush and is now living happily ever after in a whole other world that is completely beyond me. A world made up of her and her husband. I've never see her so happy...

I was thinking back to her last birthday and never in a million years would have thought that 2000 miles would be separating us only a year later.

::

Cath,

I wish I was there to celebrate with you, but you'll be here with me in 48 hours! I hope you have the best birthday yet and all your dreams continue to come true!

Love, love and more love!
Deb

Happy Birthday, Dad

Today is my Dad's birthday. I feel like I just wrote a birthday post for him... time is flying by.
We will be celebrating at our favorite Italian restaurant and maybe even adding in a roast... since it comes so easily when celebrating with my dad. haha.

Happpppppy Birthday to my wonderful Dad!

Deb

Happy Birthday, Mama

Today is the most incredible person in the whole wide world's birthday. My mama. I can't tell you how wonderful she is. But I'll try... :)

Whenever anyone needs anything she figures out a way to help them get it. She is affectionately known as "Nana" to everyone in our church and family. She is stubborn yet sweet, courageous and a fighter. With everything that's been placed on her plate in the last few years, she is still is full of faith and loves her God more than anything. When people gasp at the fact that she has a brain tumor she smiles and says - "BUT, God saw fit to give me a very very rare one...", as if she was special. ha-ha. How can you not smile?

The greatest thing about my mom is when you hear her talk about her relationship with God. She can't help but get emotional when she talks about her encounters with Him and something new she's learned about Him. This is what makes her beautiful inside and out.

Happy Birthday to you, Mama. I love you.

Happy Tuesday... and Happy Birthday

Today is a special Tuesday for me. My birthday.

It feels like just another Tuesday, no "Happy Birthday's" until I talked to my sister on the phone and then walked in my office and happy to see that my boss' didn't forget my birthday this year. Beautiful orchids on my desk and a "Happy Birthday" sign. That will cheer up a bleak morning!

I looked through a couple of old albums last night and had to share these pictures of my "early days".

Me and my Mama

My brother Peter and I laughing... as we often do even now. Even though it's usually me laughing at him...

And then... this is a more accurate picture of what I looked like. Dirt in the face with big eyes and a crazy grin.

Happy Tuesday and Happy Birthday to... well, me. ;)

Easter Weekend - Part 1

Easter weekend was a FLASH. I got to work on Monday morning, practically laying over the desk. Exhaustion does not even remotely describe how I felt.

On Friday night my sisters and I went to a friends Birthday party. She is my wild friend and sometimes drives me nuts, but is always there when you need her and she makes me laugh! A good friend should always make you laugh... ;)

(Sonia and Lexie - the birthday girl)

(Catherine and I)

We went to this Armenian restaurant in downtown Whittier (which is in Los Angeles for those not familiar). I am no fan of trying new things. The only thing that I crave that is not American, Mexican or Italian is Thai. Mmmmmm sounds good right about now. So anyway, we had hummus, yummy. Then came the processed meat. I leaned over to my sister and said - "So... drive-thru on the way home?". I like my meat to be unchewed. I got asked over and over "Isn't this food good?", my response was "This is so fun!" lol.

They brought out these little cups of Armenian coffee and baklava, which I love. The coffee nearly killed me after a few sips. That would keep you up all.night.long!

On the way to the restaurant we drove/walked by this little store called Village Sweets. I recognized it right away and yelled "Peter Perrrrrrfect!". I love this show and used to watch it, when I still had time, and even downloaded this particular episode on iTunes. I had to go in after dinner and take a couple of pictures and buy something. Chocolate covered strawberry and a cheesecake frosting strawberry. Oh me oh my, so gooood.

Here's a little clip of Peter Perfect's critique...

Here is what it looks like after...

Part 2 to come...

It's another Birthday...

Today is my little brother's 24th Birthday. I woke up this morning and couldn't believe that he is 24... where has the time gone? It makes me sad to think that next year will be here before we know it and again I'll be saying, where has the time gone?

My little brother is an incredible person. He's the sweetest "kid" you'll ever meet with the biggest heart of anyone I know. He's strong, stubborn, and loving. All those traits make up this incredible person that he is. He is the bestest friend anyone could ask for.

:: :: ::

Dave, I wish nothing but the VERY best that God has for you. I can't wait to see what this next year holds for you...I believe, without a doubt, that there are great things on the way. I love you very much. ~ Deb

David and I

My (silly) brother and his beautiful girlfriend, Steph

My Sister My Friend

Happy Birthday SONIA!

Today is my sister-in-law's birthday. It's been almost nine years since I met her. It seems more like twenty.

Sonia is my best friend, one of the people that I have in my life that I would be lost without.

Sonia,
Have the best burfday ever! I'm so glad that Peter talked you into dating
him nine years ago, we would have a much less eventful life without you!

I love you!

Deb

Today is my sister's 33rd birthday. She has been many many things to me. Growing up, there was always a huge age difference between us, she was always with our cousin Eileen who is like a sister rather than cousin. They did everything together and I always asked, "Can I come?". Nope. Not until I was seventeen or so did they start to let me in on their outings and the age seemed to not make a difference.

(Eileen and Catherine)

Over the years I've looked up to her for support and someone to hold my hand. She is my best friend and understands me better than anyone else. Of course, as sister relationships go, ours is not perfect; we fight and get over it minutes later... that's what sisters do. I think we do it best.

So today, Catherine, I wish you the best birthday ever! It seems you just get better with age. I can't wait to see what's accomplished this year of your life. - Love, Deb

October is Birthday Month

As I mentioned before, October is the month for birthdays...


On Thursday we celebrated my dad's birthday with one of his favorite foods - Carne Asada and Chicken Tacos. My brother grilled the meat and we had a nice spread of different kinds of salsa's, rice, beans since my dad has a big taste for Mexican food.

After dinner we roasted my dad and laughed so hard we cried.



My Gramms gave my dad a chess set that my Gramps had custom made in the 60's and taught my dad to play chess.


::

My brother Peter's birthday was last week. We celebrated and went to one of his favorite restaurants - Thai Chili Restaurant. Our family is big on Thai food. We looooooove it! After dinner we had cheesecake, weird combination - Cheesecake and Thai food.



(Peter loves Spongebob)

My sister's birthday isn't until tomorrow, but since our week is so hectic, we did a mini celebration at the park. Just the siblings and a couple of friends. I made mini egg salad, BLT, tuna salad, and ham & cheese sandwiches. I also threw together a red potato salad. Yum! We got a little camera happy... lol.


(laughing at mad libs)

(cousin Eileen and I)


(Being silly!)


(Birthday Girl and me)

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday

As you can now tell, this is the month for birthdays in my family. Today is my dad's birthday.

Over the years, celebrating his birthday has gotten more and more low key. The birthday gift buying is so difficult! How do you buy something for someone who has everything that you are able to afford? lol. This year my dad asked for nothing... almost nothing. He said, "I don't want any gifts, just be nice to me." LOL Because, if you must know, his kids are cruel to him every other day of the year. Ha!

(Dad-Center)

Today is my brother's 27th birthday. I cannot say enough about how much I admire him. His love for God shines and his hunger for more is evident.

He's been a busy guy this past year. His band Down to Earth (D2E) has been traveling and doors have opened for them. He became a licensed minister with the UPCI and is currently in classes for ministers in our district.

He is a wonderful husband, son, brother and one of my best friends.

I think he is incredibly talented and sincere in his service for the kingdom of God, something that a lot of people miss.

I wish you an incredible birthday with lots of cheesecake!

I love you, Pedo!

Happy Birthday, Mom

Today is my Mama's birthday.

She is the best person that I know. She is my friend, my confidante, my critic; she is my mother.

There is no one like her, she is incredible.

As the oldest of seven she helped my grandmother raise her siblings. Even now she is the one they turn to for help and advice. Always busy with something, running around and wanting to be involved in everything.

My mother is so special and these words are so shallow compared to what she really deserves!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I love you!

-Daily B-

Birthday Cake... For ME!

Today is my birthday, 25!

So far it's not the birthday that I thought it would be... lol. I had a physical this morning, ugh, and am having some computer issues, but it will get better!

I consider myself a creative person, but I can't think of an original way to celebrate myself here... so, I am going to let you all in on 25 things that make me happy!

1. Corn - odd? Yes, I know but I love it!


2. Spa Pedicures - I can't live without them


3. Jean Skirts - I can have a closet full and be happy


4. Cute High heels - they kill but they're so pretty! =/


5. Kids and Babies - as long as I can send them back


6. Fine Dining - Especially when good ol' Dad pays.


7. My siblings - they tend to drive me crazy but I love crazy


8. Making fun of people - okay this sounds cruel. I really am a compassionate tender hearted person... really I am. (maybe I shouldn't have revealed that... Oh well.)


9. Reading a good book - This is pretty much my favorite thing


10. Finishing a project - Once done I can talk about how good I did until I start to annoy people.


11. Taking Pictures - This is a favorite hobby of mine


12. Watching Gilmore Girls - *sigh* I love being in another world for an hour


13. Listening to good music


14. Browsing blogs


15. Blogging - when it's good news =)


16. Sitting by a river or creek


17. Wide open spaces


18. Shopping with gift cards - As long as it's not out of my pocket I'm good


19. Finding a good sale - (especially shoes!)


20. Holding a baby after they've just woken up


21. Clean spaces


22. Lazy spring day


23. Yellow Roses


24. Looking at pictures from days past


25. Hearing and feeling God - Now this really makes me happy!
    

-Daily B-