Happy Birthday Cristian

To My Boy,

Just one year ago...

I remember the first time I held you

Kissed your head, whispered your name.

You've changed my life forever,

My heart will never be the same!

Auntie Loves You!

Birthday Celebration

This is a breakdown of a great day!

10:30AM
Mom and Dad surprised me with dinner reservations at Maggianos for everyone! (we had cancelled our first plan due to Grandma being in the hospital.)

11:15AM - 1:00PM
Got a pedicure and eyebrow waxing done

1:15-3:45
Cathy and Sonia took me to "Stars Hollow" aka The Orange Circle. I am a huge fan of the show Gilmore Girls which is situated around a fictional town called Stars Hollow.

The girls gave me a scroll and inside it had the towns history. They told me we would be going to places in Stars Hollow aka The Orange Circle.

We started off at The elder Gilmore's home aka Frogs Breath. They have several different cheeses and wines to taste from. Cathy ordered three different cheese platters with fresh baked baguette slices. The Artisan Platter, Blue Cheese, Pick of the day. Each had four different kinds of cheeses and came with caramelized walnuts, salted almonds, and dried apricot. What an experience!!! I loved the blue cheeses the best. One of the cheeses that had a natural ash rind tasted like you bit a goat butt at the petting zoo! The bread was delicious!

We headed over to Lane Kim's job Mr. C's Records. Cathy bought me a 45 record of Doris Day's "Secret Love".

We headed over to Doose's Ice Cream Parlor aka LUCCIA and had Gelato! My fave! I had Pistachio and Tiramisu Gelato, Cathy had Chocolate covered cherries Gelato and Tiramisu, Sonia had Chocolate covered Cherry and some kind of chocolate one.

We went home after this and got ready to go to Maggianos...

5:30PM

The whole family went to Maggianos and ordered Family Style. They bring out unlimited plates of food for a five course dinner, we ordered the following:

Calamari

Stuffed Mushrooms

Maggiano Salad

Cesar Salad

Four Cheese Pesto Ravioli

Lasagna

Chicken Parmesan

Herb Salmon

Creme Brulee

Tiramisu

The food is unbelievable here and you take home bags and bags of leftovers.

I came home and opened a few gifts and then we got in our PJ's and watched 'Because I Said So' with Diane Keaton. We did alot of muting and some forwarding, but all in all it was a very cute movie!

So I said all that to say this - I had a wonderful 24th!

Mother's Day 2007

I was finally able to get pictures uploaded from Mother's Day.

We went to a tea house in Orange and had the Lady's Tea. It came with 6 pots of tea, our choice, my favorite was the Christmas Tea, Bite size sandwiches, veggie and fruit skewers, and brownie cakes. We also started off with a bowl of Chicken tortilla soup.

The Tea House is in an old Victorian home on the skirts of Old Town Orange. A quaint wrap around porch has benches to sit and look out over a beautiful lawn.

We had a great time that day, we also do though when we get together...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Today is my birthday, I am twenty-four... young and free as a bird. By that I mean, no husband or children LOL! I can pretty much make any plan I want (within reason that is). My future is unclear, yet in God's hands, so no worries here. I can go where I please (within reason)and do what I want (within reason). LOL!

My favorite memory of my birthday was in the mountains I was probably 6 or 7 and we were in our camp trailer. Mom made a cake and everyone purchased little gifts at the local liquor store. I distinctly remember getting play money. It was dark in the tent trailer because it was raining outside. I can still see the glow of the candles. This was the same trip where we watched bear cubs climbing in a tree and eating detergent and hot dogs!

I love it and will never forget it.

Happy Birthday To Me!

Family

What A Day That Will Be

There is coming a day when no heartaches will comeNo more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye.All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shoreWhat a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall seeAnd I look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace.When He takes me by the hand and leads me through the Promised Land.What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bearNo more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there.And forever I will be with the One who died for meWhat a day, glorious day that will be.

God Is Good

It has been a long long week. Grandma Chevy went into the ER on Sun Morn and it has been a roller coaster since. She had complications on Monday night and things just turned for the worse! But God always has a hand on things and he showed us this.

She has mild Congested Heart Failure, blood clots, and something wrong with her lungs. She was incubated on Tuesday Morn and is still on as of today. She is in ICU isolation because of the unknown sickness that is looking like Tuberculosis.

She had a good day yesterday considering everything. Today is a much better day! The doctors say that her organs are perfect with the exception of her lungs which are now stable. We will know the diagnosis today or tomorrow.

More good news - Mom's surgery was delayed for 6 weeks. God has his hand on all things. Tis' so good to trust in Jesus!

Memorial Day & TANS

I haven't written in my blog for over a week.. I have officially broken one of my new years resolutions! =( hahaha

It has been so busy. Mom's getting ready for surgery, my leg is still gimpy, and were hired a new women at work. Oh yes, and we went to an orientation for this weight management program. I liked it but it was so off the charts pricey. No way I could afford this!

We went to a tea house for our Mother's Day outing on Saturday, I will post some pics in the next blog post. We had such a fun day.

I am looking forward to this weekend! Memorial Day! We have our annual picnic! The best part for me is not having to worry about going to work on MONDAY! I am looking forward to swimming as much as possible and getting a much needed tan!

Happy Mother's Day Mom

Have you ever met the greatest women alive?
Have you met the strongest women?

I have met this women, she is my mama.

She amazes me with the strength she has obtained. She trust in God, never questioning, just having faith and believing. She always knows that things are going to work out for her and her family. I have never met a more patient person than my mom.

Mom,
I want to let you know that I love you and admire you. You mean the world to me mom. I can't live without you (or at least that is what I believe) and I would just be a mess without your help.

I love you more than corn! Now that's alot of love!

Ripped Ligaments and Tumors

That title sounds so ew! It has been a long long few days and I am exhausted! It all started on Saturday, April 29th after 12AM. I fell off the curb in the fron of the house and ripped my ankle ligaments and tendons - it was horrific! Searing pain! I ended up suffering through the night and going to Hoag the following morning. They put me on crutches and wrapped it in an ace bandage. I though for sure it was broken... come to find out, the pain is worse than a break. Who woulda' thought!

Today I went to see my doctor and was determined to walk out with a cast or ELSE!!! I refused to walk on those murderous crutches again! My poor arms, back and good leg were about to snap from the pain! So I got a walking cast! I feel soo much better!!

Then while at the doctors office, mom found out that she has a brain tumor... it has most likely been growing since her first one 25 years ago. It is about the size of a strawberry and it will have to be removed. They are usually benign and easily removed, so this is wonderful news!

Don't be surprised if I come back on and tell you that there was no tumor once they surgically went in or if they do another MRI, it will be gone!! This would be by the hand of God only!!

Acknowledging Him

I was reading this morning on a blog of devotions and was so touched by it that I wanted to try to put into words my acknowledgements.

Psalm 116 verse 12: “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?”

I cannot accurately give what is deserved but, I just want Him to know that I know, as much as He has shown me that is, what he has done for me. Being raised in a Godly home and giving me a Pastor and church to make it. I was raised in the truth and I will die in this truth.

Why am I so blessed to have all this? I have the best of everything that is important in life. I feel like He has placed me in the best spot. I can feel the perfectness of His timing, even though I don't always understand it, when everything is said and done, it is always perfect.

I am so glad for the hard times he has sent my way and the good times. For what he has kept me from and taken away from me. For where he has taken me too and what He has given to me. All these benefits are undeserved, yet given.

Now I know why David said - How can I Render Unto The Lord For All His Benefits He Has Bestowed Upon Me?!

Tragedy at Virgina Tech

What a sad week for America and the world in general. Many different nationalities at this school. It effects the world, not just the students or Virginians.

Makes you remember how quickly life can be taken away. One person can cause so much damage to many persons. Not even the many could withstand this one. I am so thankful that there is an eternal place for those that are called by His name!



Psalm 116:4-8

Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

Gracious [is] the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God [is] merciful.

The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, [and] my feet from falling.

Cavalry

Cavalry

What does it mean to you?

It is where life begin. We can now live eternally.

Are you sick? Stop looking for the cure, the cure has already been found.

Are you hurt? He mended every broken heart.

Are you a sinner? He shed his blood for you and paid your price!

Anything we struggle with, He is the answer.

There is no love like this love.

My Hope. My Strength. My Friend. My Everything.

Let's not forget the price and sacrifice He made.

FIGHT AGAINST PEDOPHILES!

I was reading another blog this morning and saw this article about a man who says he is a pedophile. He created a "how-to" web-site for men that struggle with the same problems as him! I could not believe this. After reading this disturbing article I was so angry!! Angry that someone would even feel comfortable enough to come right out and promote such things! We need to stand up for these children.
I am not a mother, but I hope to be someday, and by the time my child is between the ages that attract these men, can you imagine how much will have progressed for these men, who knows what they will be bold enough to do then. I am currently with tons of kids every week, I would rip someone apart if they touched one of them!

How can we live in such a world as this??

Children are a gift from God. You touch them you are in TROUBLE! These men better watch their backs!

Read this article here, If you have a blog post it, everyone needs to know and be aware of this.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,262700,00.html

SCWC Ladies Retreat 2007

We had our 1st Ladies Retreat at South Coast Worship Center on March 23 & 24th. We headed up to Big Bear and stayed at a the Norwood Resort. It was beautiful in the mountains, crystal clear and sunny. A little chilly but all in all nice. Of course the conference room and hallways were like a furnace. I think we all sweated gallons on Friday night.

On Friday Night we had dinner together and then heard from Sis. Beverly Fletcher. It was an awesome awesome kick-off! We did not get to bed until early Saturday morning. All the ladies were telling their most embarrassing stories! It was a crazy night!

Saturday Morning, breakfast was at 8AM - no one showed up until about 8:30ish... We were the early risers. I felt drugged the rest of the day.

Sis. Diaz spoke after breakfast, it was very heartfelt. Sis. Morgan spoke after about the 5 spirits of a women. I noticed that I had all... hahaha

We broke for lunch and then went into the village for some shopping and ice cream. We came back and heard from Sis. Fletcher again, it was so wonderful!

I can't wait for next year. We have the greatest group of women SCWC!

The Word of God

Sunday morning we heard from Bro. L.D. Fletcher. He spoke about the Word of God. The power of the Word. I was reading the news this morning, and saw the front page of Time Magazine.

The Case for Teaching the Bible.

The writer wrote the following after seeing a teacher teach a bible class in a public school:

I could find little to object to here and much to admire. Here was a conservative teacher going way beyond The Bible and Its Influence, but not in a predictable direction. She name-checked the Crusades, avoided faith declarations and treated the Bible as a living document to be pored over rather than blindly accepted. She even managed to fit in other faiths. Moving on through the Sermon on the Mount, she pulled out another sheaf of papers. "So I'm gonna give these examples of Golden Rules from different cultures. Read 'em and share 'em with the class." They ran from Buddhism to Baha'i. And most did sound a lot alike. Shouted one girl: "The Golden Rule remix!"

Obviously, we know that God cannot be compared to man-made "gods" such as Buddha. If they studied hard enough they would see that there is no other name. I have never seen Buddha mentioned or any other "god" mentioned in the bible. But I have seen the name of Jesus in the bible. That should tell you something!

He also wrote this:
And, oh yes, there should be one faith test. Faith in our country. Sure, there will be bumps along the way. But in the end, what is required in teaching about the Bible in our public schools is patriotism: a belief that we live in a nation that understands the wisdom of its Constitution clearly enough to allow the most important book in its history to remain vibrantly accessible for everyone.

Can't people see that this bible hold so much more than just stories? If this was just a book of fiction and untruths how has it lasted this long? How has it become the most important book in history. His Word is timeless. The fact that the bible is still in existence and more alive now than ever before speaks of the power of the Word. The words in this book come off the page and work among us. It is a living thing that moves throughout this universe and covers all. It is life itself.

L.D. Fletcher made this statement that speaks it all!

We need to let the Word come off the pages and into our hearts and lives.

Every time a teacher teaches about the Bible, a hungry student will want to search deeper and find out for themselves. That is the awesome thing about the Word of God. It can't just be told to you. Once you hear it, it stays with you, If you accept it as truth, God will place a hunger in you to look for more truth. That is the power of the Word! It is alive and living within me!

Happy Birthday Little Brother!!

Happy Happy Birthday!
Today is my little brothers 22nd birthday!
I can't believe it! He is full grown now!

Well... Maybe not yet!

5 Things About Mr. D

1. He loves to taking pictures of himself
2. He has a girlfriend that is almost 80, her name it Tiffany
3. He loves the sound of his own voice
4. He loves sweets
5. He is the PrimaDonna of all PrimaDonnas, he is a male Diva!

I love ya so much biggs and hope you have a great birthday!

IMAGINI

I did this Quiz... Take a look...
http://friends.imagini.net/vdna.php?uid=80733-a12f&srv=iwebhd6

Vegas Vacation

I just returned from a wonderful trip to good ol' Las Vegas. Full of relaxation, fun and good food! We stayed at the Rio, which is where we always stay. It was so nice to have a room just for me and Cath. We have never had that, usually someone else is with us.

We went to Bonnie Springs the first full day, Old town Nevada. It was so cute. A little ghost town next to Red Rock Canyon. The views from the "city" were unbelievable! They have an extensive petting zoo, peacocks walking around, mice on the floor (EW). They had a pond in the center with sucks, swans, turtles. A restaurant overlooked the pond. One exciting event, I was almost hit by Bonnie of Bonnie Springs herself! I was busy following a peacock with the longest feathers and wasn't paying attention to my surroundings and I heard a small "screech" and looked up and there is this old old lady and man sitting in a cart. I smiled apologized and moved out of her way. My dad was showing us a picture of Bonnie and we noticed a look alike sitting next to us at the restaurant, it was Bonnie. We verified this by asking the waitress.

We went to Red Rock Canyon from there, the scenery was so peaceful and beautiful. We took the 13 mile scenic drive through the canyon. It was nice in the Lexus, reclined back in the shaded back.

We went to the Hoover Dam on Friday, another beautiful place. I can't imagine the work put in to build this dam! It was massive and very intimidating. WOW! We went to a scenic view area overlooking Lake Mead and decided that we are going to look into renting a houseboat! I would love love love that. It is like a lake in the middle of Death Valley. Will be so nice! We ate at several nice restaurants while there, played some slots and laid around alot. I look forward to vacation again soon!

WINNER!

I entered into a contest to win an A.R.C. - Rough Draft of a book. The publisher sends the author a word document rough draft of the book months before it comes out. I entered the contest on Deeanne Gist's blog (which I read a couple of times a week) and I WON!! I never ever win anything, and I won this!! Makes me want to enter more contest, or do the lottery! =)

The book is called Courting Trouble and I will be getting this in the next couple of weeks... YAH!