Disneyland with a 2 year-old - Part 1

I've probably been to Disneyland 200+ times in my life time. Our family had this special connection with Disneyland, my dad, his company that is, made the wheels for the rides and certain little pieces, to this day I don't know what they're called or what they do. There was a time my parents would take us a few times a week just for dinner and a ride, which usually was Pirates of the Caribbean. Rarely have I gotten the chance to go with a kid and take them on all the fun kiddie rides and see all the attractions that are meant for the younger Disney fans.

We had the opportunity to take my 2 year old nephew to Halloween Time at Disneyland. The park is decked out in candy corn and Halloween themed foods. Kids are dressed up and running around like it's a fun zone.

Normally I map out what I want to see and where I want to eat. Since this was his first time at the wonderful world of Disney, I was going to to go with the flow. Cristian decided to map out his own day...



On the way down main street, we stopped several times, not once or twice, several times to take pictures. Because, of course, this was Cristian's first time at Disneyland. I had my camera turned on indefinitely, just in case a good shot needed to be taken. In case he smiled, in case Mickey came out, in case there was an opening at the extra large, massive pumpkin in the middle of the square.

The weather in California has been perfect... not on this day. It was hot! Standing in a 15-20 minute line, outside, under the sun... miserable.

First Stop - Buzz Lightyear Ride

The minute we walked in the cool, air conditioned building, relief! But... Cristian didn't feel the same. He screamed as any 2 year old would do the minute they saw an 8 ft Buzz Lightyear glowing in the dark building. "No, no, no Buzz!"

The ride was just as eventful. Cristian clung to Auntie Cat as Mommy and Cat shot aliens. As soon as the ride was over it was, "No, No, No Buzz, all done! All done!"

Second Stop - Mad Hatter and Dumbo

After buying Mickey Mouse ears, with the exception of me who didn't want to pay $12.99 for a pair of ears that would be taken off minutes later, we stood in line for Dumbo. Cristian rode with me, his little head couldn't see over the edge of the "Dumbo", but he still loved it!

Third Stop - Mr. Toads Wild Ride, Lunch at Village Haus, and Casey Jr.'s Train

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is one of the scariest kiddy rides in Fantasyland. You take a dark trip to hell that all kids just love! Not really. Cristian was no different than I was when I was a little girl, he screamed and tried to crawl out while we held on and assured him that it was almost over while we laughed like crazy people attempting to lighten the mood of flames and thunderings (is that even a word?).

Next... FOOD was calling our name. After standing in line for 20 minutes to get cheeseburgers, we headed over to Casey Juniors train, one of my favorite kiddie rides. By this time, the heat had doubled and we were all ready to get into a cooler zone. As soon as we were off the ride, I ran to the refreshment stand and bought a Diet Coke for $2.75. When you come to Disneyland, you have to remember to pay an arm and a leg for a drink that would normally be $1.00.

(Mr. Toad's Wild Ride)

(Not sure if Casey Jr.'s is scary)

Fourth Stop - The Jungle Cruise

You'd think that being a lover of animals, well monkeys, the little man would LOVE the Jungle Cruise. If you've never been on the Jungle cruise, let me tell you about it. ... I don't remember eve being scared of the animals as a little girl, but that was long ago and maybe I blocked it out. After you climb in a boat that is on green swampy water in the middle of the "jungle", your safari captain narrates as he leads you through the waters past monkeys, hippopotamus, and crazy jungle men... with heads hanging from their fist! The minute Cristian heard the strange "oooeeeeahhhh oooooeeeee" he buried his head and begin screaming. The piranhas jumping on the side of the boat didn't help to calm his nerves.

Would you like a little Jungle Cruise Disney Trivia? The jungle became so authentic that real life massive spiders, were talking spiders bigger than your head, and snakes begin to reproduce and take over the jungle in the middle of the park... true story. As for the ride itself, it's one of the first attractions that was installed when the park opened. The canopy boats were designed by Walt Disney after the movie - The African Queen, which starred Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. Thought you might find that interesting.

Part 2 - California Adventure... to be continued.

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)

A Tough Nut to Crack

Can you smell the Fall air?

Sunday morning was crystal clear, beautiful and crisp! Perfect Fall weather. The sun was shining, there was a nice breeze with a slight chill in the air, between 65 - 70 degrees. Just as Fall should be in Southern California.

We have several different kinds of trees in our yard, a few actually have things that you can pick off. Our home was originally the main house on orange acres many years ago. Almost every house has an orange tree in their yard. Our tree is an orange/lemon tree. Very unusual looking fruit with an even more unusual taste.

We also have an avocado tree that doesn't bear much fruit since it is overshadowed by a three story pine like tree. No sun means no avocados.

(macadamia tree)

One of my favorite trees is our macadamia tree. Every Fall/Winter, the tree drops Macadamia nuts all over the yard. One of my mom's favorite things to do is to gather all the nuts in baskets for cracking or to give away, shell and all.

A few facts about this tough nut:

• Originally from Australia and now moved to Hawaii
• Macadamias are highly nutritious nuts. They have the highest amount of beneficial monosaturated fats of any nut
• Macadamia oil is a desirable ingredient in cosmetics, especially skincare.
• Macadamia nuts are toxic to dog.
• Macadamia nuts are often used by law enforcement to simulate crack cocaine in drug stings. When chopped, the nuts resemble crack cocaine in color.

::

It was so nice on Sunday morning, I decided to spend some time outdoors and crack nuts to roast.

Cracking a macadamia nut is no easy task. I have proof of it on my bruised hand. This is the reason for the high price of this particular nut. The shell is so thick that a special nutcracker has to be used, even then it is a slow process and way too expensive. I use a large brick and a ton of patience.

You can see from the picture on the left, the shell is thick and hard as a rock. This was cracked with a few hits of the brick and still... the nut is enclosed.


It took me about an hour and a half to get a good amount cracked and ready to be cleaned and roasted. Since it's still early Fall, quite a few of the nuts weren't separated from the shell, white in color, these had to be thrown out.

A Macadamia nut should be a buttery color and soft. This is when they are ripe and ready to be eaten.

I cleaned all the excess shell and dirt off the nuts and placed in the oven to be roasted. They smelled so gooood!

After about 17 minutes of roasting, the nuts were hot and ready to be tasted jarred. If the task wasn't so back breaking, I would jar these and give them out for Thanksgiving gifts.

After yesterdays morning spent cracking and feeling the after effects today... I think I'll just buy the nuts for too much money in the store!

Blog Funny

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!

Saturdays Events & Then Some

::Wedding::

I had a busy weekend! Friday night I removed leaves and thorns from who knows how many roses and worked all morning Saturday putting together decorations for a reception. My Pastor's eldest son got married on Saturday, a little bittersweet since he is like a little brother to me. The wedding was beautiful, food excellent and the decorations so chic. He married a beautiful girl that recently moved to our church. Below are a few pictures that I took...

Groom's Cake

My Pastor's youngest - Colton (aka Coco)
Beautiful Bride - Kaitlyn

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::Candy Kid::

My Nephew, Cristian, came over on Saturday night to spend some time with his aunties and Nana. The kid is a riot. He is so entertaining, endless entertainment!

This may be Cristian overkill but I can't help but share his antics that make me laugh so hard i cried.

:Singing with Auntie Cat aka Auntie Cacky aka Nana aka Meow:


Cristian has his own names for everyone. He had trouble figuring out what to call my sister, Catherine. He would say Cacky and sometimes Nana. To make it easier on him, we told him to call her Cat but he kept saying, "meow". LOL

::

My mom always has candy in her purse, pockets, anywhere she can hide it. All the kids at church know that Nana will always have candy, "Candy, Nana, Candy?

Cristian found her stash of candied mints and of course, Nana couldn't resist his, "pweee".

:BOOK :
I just finished book three of the Lowlands of Scotland Series by Liz Curtis Higgs. I cannot say enough about these books. I am so late in reading these and wish I hadn't put it off. Incredible story based on the biblical account of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. If you haven't read these yet, I suggest you click here and buy ALL four. I am waiting for Book 4 to show up on my doorstep...

God's bigger than Brain Tumors!

What would we do without God? Where would we be? I feel sick just thinking about those that don't know Him. Not knowing Him, feeling Him is something that I never want to experience. How do people turn their back on this God who is faithful and loving? I can't imagine life without Him. In the good and the bad, He proves Himself faithful and true!

I have no doubts in God's ability to heal. I have no doubts in God's ability to provide. He's never failed me and I know He never will.

Right now, I am leaning on Him for strength and comfort. I am trusting, and sometimes begging, for His healing power. To be open, I sometimes find myself asking God why? Why my mom, she's been faithful in serving You and those around her. The only thing that keeps coming to mind is, why not her?

Yesterday my mom and I went to see a renown brain surgeon who used to be head of neurology at UCLA. He's performed thousands of surgeries on pituitary tumors. People from all over come to California to have him perform their surgeries. I was confident that he may have an answer for us, something different and not so grim.

We waited in the John Wayne Cancer Institute, funny thing that it was called John Wayne since everyone close to me knows that I have this quirky thing with John Wayne, "John Wayne says..." "John Wayne is...". The nurse came and showed us to a room and we waited... and waited... I took some pictures of myself in the big metal light, trying to make the time go by a little quicker.

A doctor that works with the surgeon came in, he looked like Henry Mitchell from Dennis the Mennis. Nerdy and young. His first remark once introductions were made was, "This tumor is very bad and nasty." Oy. He told us that it was risky to remove but there was no other way. Other pituitary tumors could be treated with medicine, but this one could only be treated with surgery. The shots that she takes three times a day were only holding the tumor at bay. Keeping it from growing and feeding itself. The only way to treat this would be to have fifteen sessions of radiation, then surgery that would remove 80 - 90% of the tumor and then radiation again. I was not thrilled when he left to get the surgeon. I felt scared, angry and helpless, on the verge of tears, but I had to hold it together for my mom who was just bummed. She grinned and joked with the doctor the whole time and giggled when he checked her nerves for any damage. You would think I was the one with the tumor and not her.

Once the surgeon came in he brought a photocopy of her MRI, I had yet to see the tumor. He pointed out things that we already knew, size of a golf ball with fingers going into her blood vessels and arteries, wrapped around her main artery and attached to her pituitary. What a mess.

My mom will be making a decision in the next few days. I catch myself thinking the worse and then remember that what the doctors and surgeons say is NOT final.

I feel strongly that God will heal her. I believe He's setting it up and He's just asking us to trust Him. Or I might say, asking me to trust Him! lol. I can never take for granted the peace of God. I am blown away when He shows up and there's a genuine smile on my face and the faces of my family. We trust Him. Completely and with our whole hearts!

I believe with everything in me that He will work a miracle in our midst. The Lord is my light and salvation. Whom (or what) shall I fear?

Meme, Meme, Meme

Jenster at Jenster's Musings did a meme and tagged whoever felt like doing it. Since I've been blank these past couple of days, I decided to join her!

Ten years ago I was:

I was in high school. Awkward and couldn't wait to be eighteen. I wish I had listened when I was told, "don't grow up too fast!".

Five things on today's To Do List:

• Work


• Play


• Work


• Play


• Teach a bible study tonight

A snack I enjoy:

Bananas and PB

Things I would do if I were a millionaire:

Everyone seems to be a millionaire in Orange County, If I had my very own million I would open a restaurant by the beach, help my extended family and give much more to my church!

Places I have lived:

Southern Cali and... Southern Cali.

I'm tagging Purely Sony, Queen's Castle, and Nana's W-o-r-d'-s.

My First Attempt!

I've been making my own headers for my blog and have not been happy with most as most of you know. I shopped around and found most professional designs to be over $75! With the number of times I change my blog around... that was not an option. I've been wanting to design a better header for months but just never sat down and figured it out.

I did it today! Check out my first (rookie) attempt at a header design for fall.


I made this one for fun... I'm not a fan of too much orange, but I thought this was cute. My sister had a doll when she was a little girl named Chatty Cathy. My brother and I call her this because she loves to talk!

I want to know what you think!

UPDATE: I've been playing down with all these different options. I'm no professional, but it's so fun! I updated my mother's blog and sister-in-law. Check them out!

The Phantom - A Night at the Dinner Theater

We had a girls night out last night, my mom, grams, sister, and sister-in-law went to see The Phantom at a dinner theater that we frequent.

I've never seen a show quite like this one and didn't know what to expect. It was opening night and there were some technical issues with the backdrops moving like they should, but all in all I liked it. The story line is heart wrenching and a little on the scary side, every time there was a rumble I'd scoot down in my seat.

The singing was good and of course the food was delicious! I had prime rib and my favorite dessert there, custard. So. very. good.

My Gram has been down the past couple of weeks, losing the love of your life for 60 years is no easy thing to bear. She enjoyed herself and gave a standing ovation at the end and had her picture taken with the Phantom. =)

Coming Back

There's been a different feeling in the air these last few weeks... a feeling of preparedness. Getting ready for the fall, sending the kids back to school, getting back into a routine, no more prolonged vacations, no more beach outings, no more swims... things are changin'.

I've often felt the change in my own life when God begins to stir things up. His voice is so soft at first that I sometimes miss it. Okay, not sometimes, let's be truthful here, 95% of the time. There's just way too much noise today. Too many distractions, too many of life's loads to carry. We often go throughout our day with no ear to hear, no clear mind to comprehend, no focus to see.


My brother and his band, Down to Earth, performed this past weekend at an amusement park and they did an incredible job. He wrote this beautiful song with some help from my sister called "Coming Back". My brother is a minister, an accomplished drummer, guitar player, and singer. My sister has been writing songs for years and it seems that my brother is picking up that skill as well.

This song is anointed and ministers to me right now, the need to come back to the basics of living for God. We spend so much time trying to change the methods and improve, yet we lose the basics.

I'm sure this video will touch you as much as it's touched me. Enjoy!




For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd... I Peter 2:25

She's just so funny

My sweet, funny, crazy cousin Eileen is very close to me; more like a sister than a cousin. She is my oldest cousin and always, always has some funny story or incident to retell. As you can see from the above photo, which I hope I won't get killed for posting, there is never a dull moment.

I must share some things that happened this week that involve her. I am actually sitting at my desk at this moment, laughing so hard that my stomach hurts and I believe the girls outside my office may think I've gone crazy.

This morning she forwarded an email that she sent to the marketing team for the high profile company that she works for. She made an error on a form and said, "Sorry for the incontinence or confusion." In other words, she was saying, "Sorry for the bodily excretion disorder or confusion".

Earlier this week, she was telling a story about her mother dealing with her phone service. My aunt is a no nonsense kind of woman. She'll tell you what she thinks, no holding back... but she was unsure on this call.

She was on the phone with a representative that wasn't being very helpful, my cousin was in the background telling her, "Mom, their phone service sucks!", My aunt continued trying to talk to the phone service, but was getting no where. "Mom, they suck!", my cousin repeated. My aunt then said in the mouthpiece, "Ma'am... ma'am...uh, my daughter says that you suck." Yes she did.

There have times that she tells a story that makes me laugh so hard, sometimes at her, sometimes with her. Ha ha ha! She's the wild child of the family, I refuse to believe that I am, and she always goes for the shock factor. She's worn two different shoes to the office, she's fallen in front of people and laughed like crazy, she's jumped out of closets in her birthday suit and one time, while practicing her Spanish as a teenager, she hollered after the Spanish pastor of our church, "Adios viejo!" - English Translation: "Goodbye old man!"

She takes the cake for the funniest person I know. I get myself ready whenever I hear, "Deb, I have something funny to tell you!", as she laughs hysterically.

The Morning of September 11, 2001

I can vividly remember the morning that the planes hit on September 11, 2001. I was eighteen, fresh out of high school and enjoying the fact that I could sleep in, for a short time at least.

The phone rang before everyone was out the door to work, the unbelievable had happened. I remember overwhelming fear and helplessness. I didn't want anyone in my family to leave the house. I thought that things were going to go downhill from that point on.

My mom took us to the church to be with other church family that were shaken up. Business evacuated and closed for the day as we all watched the mystery unfold. That evening we stood with our neighbors and lit candles for those lost.

Life really had changed, but we revolved with it. Do you remember what was different before the morning of September 11th?

Today wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, children, friends and collegues remember their loved ones and those that they spent day after day with. Forever gone from them.