Rockets and Luggage

I had a good, great 4th! My favorite part of the whole evening was sitting out with the neighbors letting off fireworks. Some legal some not... the illegal ones are fun... but when a house burns down, the fun stops. Thankfully, me beseeching God as I ran back and forth across the lawn because of my fear of rockets worked. Thanks, God. :)

Here are my neighbors from our front lawn. I love it. For one night we can pretend we are a mayberry community. One night.

I'm supposed to be packing instead of blogging and facebooking... but I hate packing. I do. I especially hate unpacking. It will be a short trip so not too many things to pack, but I'm a girl - nuf' said.

With all the prepping for my trip, I realized that I didn't have a carry on since the whole family was going. I would normally just take one of their suitcases and not my big boat. But, it was either carry a trash bag or buy one.

I didn't want to look like the above... so I went to *Marshalls* and found one with a big tag that said LOW PRICE. It was cute too, so that was a plus.

Same as this but leopard. Very cute. I'll be styling as I trip my way through security tomorrow night.

Did I mention that we are taking a red-eye? And when we get to our destination we have to decorate and run errands? Well, that's the case. I'm young, I can do it! (not really)

A little flying prayer would help this fearofflyinggirl. :)

I won't be posting until I'm back, so have a wonderful week and I'll have tons of photos to post when I return!

Fab Friday / Happy 4th of July!

Today's Fab Friday is all things 4th of July. If you want to join in the fun, go to Well, That's Just Fabulous and leave a comment and grab the fun little header and share what makes your 4th of July fab.

I love everything about the 4th of July. Everything!

We sleep late, swim, bbq, and swim again until it gets dark out. Everyone grabs a chair and makes their way to the front lawn for fireworks.

As a kid we used to have big parties, all the family over and tons of friends. I would sit on the bed of my dads truck and watch the fireworks... lots of fireworks... hours of fireworks.

We make a special 4th of July dessert every year, like this yummy but sloppy looking cake. Ugly but so good!

Every single year we wait until the last minute to buy fireworks. Why? I don't know, it's just something that's been done for the past few years. We don't buy as many fireworks as we used to since the thrill isn't the same as when we were kids, but we do still get up and run around when the flashers are going off. If you don't know what the effect is, look at the below picture. Flashers have a way of stopping time and making you seem like you're in slow motion like an action movie. My sister and I usually are the only ones that will get up and run around in the street like crazy people!

This is what makes me love the 4th and all it's fab traditions. I love America!

Happy 4th of July bloggy world!

Blessings today to you and America!

Easter Weekend - Part 2

I left off here because that post just got too long. On Saturday I helped my sister with a "wedding/moving" yard sale which begin my "so tired can't keep my head up" state of mind.

On Sunday we had an nontraditional Easter. Our church just purchased a prime piece of property in Irvine and we wanted to invite people to come and meet us and spend Easter Sunday eating, playing games and getting to know each other. I had to work with the kids while I complained all day long, I really did and it makes me cringe, about my back and the fact that there wasn't enough Easter eggs for the kids... Oh being a women is hard stuff... men have it so easy. No mood swings would make life so much more easier!

Here are a few pictures...

(My sister with her clown face)


(This is my pastor's dad. He is always the clown but this year his makeup wasn't done very well. He was not too happy with it after kids saw him and ran. It reminded me of a character in the movie Moulin Rouge.)


(This is my little buddy. He's almost 5 months old and the sweetest little guy, Zion. He is a special boy, he's missing his forearm on his right side so I call him Nemo. Just thought I show ya his sweet face... lol)

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...

Happy Easter

Oooooh the Blood that was shed for me!! No words could express "thanks" to the only God who robed himself in flesh just for us; Lord of Lords and the one that holds my heart, soon coming KING!!!

Oh how I love Him, the only true way!

~Happy Easter~

Freaky Bunny Cake

My co-worker is taking a cake decorating class and he brings in the birthday cakes. He decided to bring one in today to celebrate Easter. What can go wrong with an Easter Bunny cake? EVERYTHING.

I present to you the Angry Easter Bunny from India who apparently is a smoker.

I love this day! Irish roots are strong and celebrated in our family.

We will have our Irish dinner tonight just like last years. Corned beef and cabbage with potatoes and "Green Stuff" for dessert.

I am proud to be IRISH!

Closing out 2008 and Walking into 2009

Is it just me or is everyone breathing a sigh of relief that 2008 is about to be history? I thank God, you have no idea how much I thank Him, for 2008. I can honestly say that this year has been the toughest year of my life. I feel like I got hit on every side, everything seemed to fall apart. Loved ones passing away, sickness in the family, and dark days. BUT I've made it through alive!! Through it all, I learned that my God is faithful and He truly cares for me. He was and still is moving and taking things off so that I can be the person that He needs me to be in 2009.

If I didn't go through the things I went through I would never have known God like I do. Every day He's opened me up to a new part of Him. I feel so humbled that He loves me enough to work on me and make me a better person.

I have made resolutions for the coming year, I have my "lose weight" one of course, but these are my top three. I don't share my resolutions to just anyone, but for some reason I just want to here... seems right somehow.

First and foremost - I want to trust God like never before. I want to put my faith in Him and cast all my cares upon Him. Give up control... (Lord, help me with this one! haha)

Second - I want to be a witness of Him more than ever before. I want to be used by Him to show people that this world we live in isn't all there is. We don't have to worry about the economy or the crime and evilness of the world we live in. He's prepared a place for us, where there is no worry, no fear of tomorrow. He's prepared it for all, but only those that are filled with His spirit, baptized in His name and covered in His blood will see it and "live" there forever. I want to show people that they can make it! God's word says that He desires that ALL would be saved, but He's left the choice up to us. I pray that He shines through me in 2009.

Third - I want to be content in whatsoever state I am. I pray for the blessings of God, but He knows what's best for me. He blesses me in how He sees fit to. I want to be content and not wish or want for something better all the time. Content in the life He's given me and accept every blessing from Him along the way.

Those are my top three things that I want God to accomplish in me this year. This year holds so much for us, get ready to grasp the blessing of God and look forward to what He has in store for His own.

I wish you all a prosperous and blessed beyond belief New Year!

Christmas Decorations - Part 1

I haven't blogged about much of anything in the past couple of weeks... so that explains the two post in one day!

We got our Christmas decorations up a couple of weeks back and I didn't have a chance to share. Since my family goes all out decorating our home for the season, this will Part 1 - The Family Room and Foyer.

Thomas Kinkade "Home for Christmas

Our stocking collection has grown over the past years, there used to be six. Six turned into seven when I was a little girl and we got our puppy Tiff. Seven turned into eight when my Sis n law came along and now eight is nine with my brother's girlfriend. We don't hang our stockings on the mantle but on the entry door... first thing you see when you walk in.

We've had this gingerbread family since I was very young. We were never allowed to play with them. They had to sit nicely in there spots, just to be looked at. Dad and Mom and four kids - that's us!

Family room tree that's done in rustic ornaments and all the ornaments that we've collected over the years.

I love the house when it's decorated for Christmas. This room is my favorite to sit in with the fire and lights glistening.

Christmas Disco FEVER

Every Christmas I look forward to wasting time on Elf Yourself. I made one of my mom and her siblings, most of them, and now made one of me and my siblings! Check it out...

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A quick post

This is going to be a quick one, but I feel like I'm neglecting my blog! I had an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Good food, family time, and great church - Need I say more? It was wonderful. So unlike myself, I forgot my camera at my job! So no pictures from my end. I was so bummed and I didn't even think to use my phone. Oh well!

Now back to the normal things of life, work and obligations. I am getting into the Christmas spirit, we put up our family room tree on Friday night/Saturday morning. I'll post a picture here later on tonight or tomorrow.

We still have a ton of decorating to do in our home, but life is a little busy right now. We have bugs (sick bugs) going around our church and home. I am determined to stay as far away from all the sicky people and maybe, just maybe get by.

Hope you all ate tons of bird and had a great time with Family!

Thanksgiving Sounds

Just a few hours until we dig into the turkey! Okay, maybe not a few hours, but we eat pretty early around here. Turkey goes in around 3Am and we start picking at it at 11AM. Pretty early considering most people aren't even ready to go by then.

As I type I am listening to my aunt sing Circle in the Sand. She's been dancing and singing all.night.long. My mom and sister came over to spend some time with my Gramms and to help her out with the food and putting the massive turkey in the oven at 3AM. We walked in the door, drenched from abnormal SoCal rain, and heard music blaring. My aunt has a professional like karaoke machine that she brings to family gatherings and lets all the "kids" belt out tunes in tune and some not so in tune. Whooweee!

Top on my list this year and every years to be Thankful for is one sure thing - God's been so faithful to me. Even when I get panicked and forget that He is, indeed, there, He still loves me once I come to my senses. *Sigh* He's incredibly awesome.

Be thankful in everything! Bad times, the best of times, when things are just right and life is smooth sailing, when everything crashes around you - Be Thankful!

Have a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving. Eat lots of turkey, spend time with your family and enjoy this day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

October's Rush

October is a busy month around here. Everything seems to be going and going and going... no time for a breather!

I'm working on Part 2 of my Disneyland trip. That will be up shortly. As for now, I had some random stuff to share.

::

I just finished Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck, the funniest book I've read. After about 3 weeks... I turned the last page. Like I said, no time to breathe let alone read! Sweet Caroline is a must buy, great message. I struggled with the ending, but I understand why the author chose to end it the way she did. Now, I am trying to get my hands on book #2, Love Starts with Elle. I'm told this will fill in the blanks.

::

I am in the middle of a costume frenzy... trying to figure out what to be for our Harvest Party on Friday night. The teachers are putting together a party for the kids and their family and friends. Horse rides, games, grilled corn, candy galore and all the other Halloween festivities. I was told by my sweet sister that maybe I should be a horse... not going to happen.

::

To get us in the Fall spirit, my co-worker gave me the below candy bag. After reading the label he put on, makes you think twice about eating it!

Eventful 4th of July Weekend

I had an eventful 4th. I woke up early to the house running around. My Gramps heart stopped and was shocked back.

Seeing my Gramps in the hospital is not easy. I don't remember one time visiting him in the hospital. He's always been at home sitting in his chair with his tea.

We rushed to the hospital, about 35 minutes away and met with everyone in his room. My Aunts and Uncles and cousins... the room was packed out. How we were able to sneak us all into his CICU room puzzles me.

On the way into the hospital we bumped into a lady decked out in patriotic clothing and a blue wig. She was having each person that walked by grab a piece of candy out of her bag, I put my hand in and grabbed a Mr. Goodbar, my Sister-in-law put her hand in and grabbed a Hershey Bar, my sister put her hand in and grabbed...

A nice little pack of sugar.

I went on a coffee run and mosied into the chapel where my sister, sister-in-law, and brother were. By that time they were done praying and just chatting. I found a cute red-haired professor under the pulpit... oh wait that's my cousin.

And my brother found a hymn book...

(You'll need to pause the player at the bottom)

So... we had some fun while at the hospital. lol

On Saturday my Gramps heart stopped again. Gave us a little scare because he was sure he wasn't going to make it through the night.

Sunday morning we found out that he stayed awake through the night because he was afraid to sleep. He was extra chatty but exhausted. The Doctors talked to him and reassured him that they were doing everything they can to prevent his heart from stopping again. After some anxiety medicine and tranquilizers he refused to have any visitors. Sleep was much needed.

As of today, things are just going minute by minute. I was able to see him late Sunday night. He was in good spirits but sleepy. Please keep him in your prayers.

::

We had several people coming over for a Bar-B-Que. We cancelled in case we had to rush to the hospital again. My cousin and her family came over and my brother and his girlfriend and friend.

We swam and ate hot dogs and hamburgers and lots of yummy salads.

My nephew was pooped from swimming and jumping, all by himself, in the pool. At 2 years old hes very stubborn and independent. He SITS in time out and LISTENS very well. If you tell him not to do something he doesn't do it, but if you let him go he is willing to try anything! By the time we were out of the pull he was pooped.

We had fireworks, not very many since we didn't have time to buy any in the morning. My brother Peter is our "Fire work lighter" every year. He's the one that lights the wicks of the legal and illegal. lol. My brothers made these tiny little bombs that are so loud they set off car alarms

This is what was left...

That was the end to my eventful, earsplitting 4th of July!

-Daily B-

Father's Day

What Makes a Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

-Daily B-

Memorial Day Picnic

We had our 10th Annual Memorial Day Picnic on Sunday. I spent the whole day trying to keep warm. The temperature dropped on Saturday and Sunday and the wind was blowing and the sky was covered with dark clouds.

I went on a walk with a group into the hills. I was ready to turn back when the warning signs for Mountain Lions begin to appear. Every little crack and chirp got my nerves to stand up and pay attention. I didn't want to admit how much of a chicken I was so I just made sure I was at the front and near the open spaces. Once we came around to the picnic site I was warmed up and achy.

(My nephew, Cristian)

Not long after I went with my cousin to the kiddie train that looped one side of the park. I somehow got it in my head to invite my sister-in-laws 3 year old nephew. Word spread and I found myself going with a large group.

We headed off to the train, halfway there we realized it wasn't as close as we thought. We walked and walked and walked and finally reached the train.

(cutest kiddies on the train)

We got on, looped around, laughed at some poor guy on a bike that was falling in the lake, waved at strangers, made several "choo choo" sounds and then came back to take pictures with the train.

On the way back we stopped to look at the ponies. One pony was... to put it nicely, exposed. We were back to ushering the kids along. No "curious little boy" questions came up, thank God.

My little charge, the mini hulk, was so sleepy so I offered my old lady back. Over long grassy areas and up hills until we were back at the picnic site.

By then, I was done. I sprawled out in my chair and bundled up. I chatted with my friends until we had to move our chairs to a hill for the outdoor service.

By then my teeth were chattering so bad that I bit my tongue. Here comes our music director, "you up for singing?" Sure. Try carrying a tune while your teeth are chattering. Not great.

Once we were on the hill and singing in the open air I begin to warm up. It was so beautiful and peaceful.

God seemed closer there. Surrounded by his creation, everyone bundled up and singing as cars passed by, stopping to see what was happening.


What a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. Today my muscles are still screaming but I wouldn't have done anything different.

-Daily B-

Mothers Day 2008

As I mentioned previously, My sister and I took my mother to see MAMMA MIA at the Pasadena Auditorium on Saturday. The show was better than expected, the music was played by a live orchestra. Incredible!

Earlier in the day we had a Tea for all the mothers and daughters in the Church. So fun and scrumptious. Afterwards we strolled the old town circle and did some cheese tasting and stopped for Gelato.

Sunday morning was spent with my Grandmother. We didn't get a chance to stay very long since we had a service that night. Mothers were honored and given a special gift. All in all, I believe my mother had a wonderful Mother's Day.

Salute to Mom

My mother is the greatest woman I know. She's not perfect, but she is striving for perfection. I didn't get a chance to write much on Sunday since I am under the weather with one thing after another, but she deserves so much more recognition. It has been almost a year since she started treatment to shrink her tumor. Unless God intervenes, which I am believing Him for, she will eventually have a craniotomy. I've never heard my mother breakdown or cry over this. Now that is one strong woman. According to me, my mom is as good as they come.

Mothers are the greatest humans of all

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the
impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty

Mother - that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and
worries. ~T. DeWitt Talmage

Happy Mothers Day to My mom, the most beautiful and strongest person I know!

~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers reading this!

MAMMA MIA, Here I Come!

I don't remember when I first heard of this show, but I do remember that it was before my 21st birthday. I used to go online to the website and listen to the music over and over. I finally bought the soundtrack and fell in love with the music and story. MAMMA MIA the movie (click to see trailer) is coming to theaters soon and guess who it has... Colin Firth. Perfect... (Is he looking old?)

I became interested in music from ABBA when I saw the Australian movie, Muriel's Wedding. I love this movie but haven't seen it in so long. I wouldn't recommend this movie unless you were really good at muting and forwarding. lol. Too many not so clean parts and language. Anyway, I had never really paid attention to ABBA music before then.

We had a girls weekend in Vegas for my 21st birthday and my mom was going to take me to see Mamma Mia at the Mandalay Bay. I was beside myself with excitement. We walked up to the ticket booth and found out that the show was sold out for that night, Saturday, and they had no shows for Sunday... Our last day there. Bummed does not describe how I felt. So bummed out.

I have been making plans for 5 years to see this and finally, FINALLY it is happening.

I received an email from Ticketmaster yesterday and decided to open this one, I usually delete them. I scrolled down and noticed Michael Buble', scrolled some more and there was MAMMA MIA. Hmm... I clicked on it thinking that maybe I should go to Vegas again for my birthday and try to see it... My eyes bugged out the minutes I saw where it was... Pasadena, CA! OMW, Not that far from me.

I quickly calmed myself down thinking, "there's no way there are tickets available."., well... I was wrong! Not only were there awesome tickets available, they were affordable and for this weekend! Mothers Day weekend.

It has become a tradition in our family, every Mothers Day the women in m family take our Mothers out for a special day sometime around Mother's Day. This year we didn't really plan anything. I let everyone know about these tickets and within a couple of hours we had a group going.

I can't believe after all this time I am going to MAMMA MIA. Oh Joy!

Picture This... Thomas Kinkade

My Mom collects Thomas Kinkade's. My Dad usually "surprises" her with a new one on Christmas. Thomas Kinkade had just come out with this one in November 2007, An Evening at Biltmore (click on the link for history). This mansion is beautiful and it was rumored that the inside of the mansion was designed ahead of its time, with a bowling alley! The minute I looked at this I could picture something like Pride & Prejudice or Emma. Breathtaking.

We had the opportunity to have an Expert Highlighter come in and add some highlights to the painting, shown above. My sister and I were able to add some touch ups as well, with the Expert leaning over our shoulders of course. Thomas Kinkade is known for how his paintings look when they're lit up. Depending on how you dim your lighting or brighten it, the painting takes on a whole new atmosphere and feeling.

The man and women walking toward the front were the owners of the Biltmore.