31 October 2012

Happy Pumpkin Day!


Wishing you all a fun and safe Halloween!!
 
My cousin Jaclyn’s daughter, Audrey – what a cutie patootie, right?!?!

24 October 2012

Legacy


On Tuesday nights I attend a class/program called Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and it really is just that.  It is where people come from all over (literally, because there is only one young adult group in So. CA and fortunately it happens to be in the next town over, but many come from far), to study God’s word.  It is pretty hardcore – there is daily homework and the study is intense.  Then when we meet on Tuesdays, we have a discussion group and lecture.  I will admit that sometimes it is a lot, but it is TOTALLY worth it - I am growing in the Lord and am deepening my relationship with my Heavenly Father…AMEN! :D

We are studying Genesis and I could write pages and pages about what I’ve been learning, but this past Tuesday, something stuck with me…like really stuck with me.  We’ve been reading about Adam and Eve, and their genealogy.  There is so much more to the story, but in short, one of the questions asked of us this Tuesday was, “what legacy will you leave?”

Ironically, Tuesday was also the day Lance Armstrong was officially stripped of his Tour de France medals.  The president of the cycling union said, “Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling, and he deserves to be forgotten in cycling.” 

As I began to reflect on my life, there were two things that I was certain of:

1.    I want to leave a legacy of faith; that those that knew me, my family, friends, co-workers, would have seen the light of Christ and felt God’s love through my life.
2.    I don’t want to live a life that deserves to be forgotten.

I’m still processing it all, but you know me and my jams…this song immediately came to mind.  The words are exactly how I feel.

And now I ask you…what legacy will you leave? 
 

 
Legacy
 
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And you could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who's-who's and so-and-so's
That used to be the best at such and such,
It wouldn't matter much.

 
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights,
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world.


I want to leave a legacy,
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough?
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
.

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such
Will soon enough destroy.

Not well-traveled, not well-read
Not well-to-do, or well-bred.
Just want to hear instead
,
Well done, good and faithful one;

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me.

19 October 2012

Friday Funnies


This weekend we are heading up to Sacramento for Sharlene’s (my sister-in-law) baby shower.  I am excited to see Mom and Dad Serrano, as well as all the extended family as we haven’t seen them in quite a while.  Sherwin’s cousin gave birth 2 months ago too, so we get to meet baby Jayneli!  I’ll have to share pics on the flipside, but I had two quick funny stories to leave you with as we head into the weekend…

My niece Olivia started Kindergarten this year and was asked to draw a picture of herself, then write her name below.  The teachers collected the student’s drawings, and designed a shirt for them to wear on their field trips.  Olivia shows my Mom her shirt the other day and it was laughs all around…see below.  HILARIOUS, right!?!?!??!  I have a few faves, but since it’s not nice to put anyone on blast, I’ll keep my giggles to myself…hehehehehe :D  How ironic is it that Olivia is also next to a girl named Leah?  J
 

My second giggle is about my nephew Bubbas, Olivia’s brother.  He goes to My Gym on Fridays with my Mom and apparently they have this organized play time called Circle Time.  Bubbas is 2 years old, and definitely doesn’t want to do anything that is described as “organized” so every week it’s a struggle.  Recently Mommy’s been taking him to get french fries (his love) after My Gym, if he does well in Circle Time.  I guess somewhere along the way, Mommy thought it would be good to reinforce with something other than food/french fries, so she told Eli, “if you don’t do good in Circle Time, no swing (second love). “ Bubbas then looks up at my Mommy and says, “but Grandma, how about French Fries?”  AHAHAHAHAHAHA  no wonder we call him, Bubbas and no wonder he’s my nephew.   
 
Bubbas at My Gym today
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being an Auntie, to both Bubbas and Lolli Oli and also to the two I’ll be seeing this weekend, Javen and Ava…oh and the one that is on the way too! J

Hope your weekend is filled with love and LOTS of giggles!

14 October 2012

Welcome home and a belated birthday!


Wendy went to London for work a couple weeks ago and came home last Wednesday.  We had her over for dinner tonight for sharing and pictures.  We had a lovely time and it was nice to hear all about her trip and the awesome sights; makes me want to go to Europe, STAT!   The only downer is that because our American dollar is so weak right now, everything is even that much more expensive…oh, and Wendy said the food was horrible.  Mommy and Daddy agreed, and although they went to Europe over 30 years ago, they also remembered the bad food.  Yikes – Brits, get it together!  Hmm….no wonder they don’t have the same obesity problem as the US. :X   Anywho, Wendy also brought me back the CUTEST Harrod’s HK towels – to die for, right?!?!?!  So glad you are home safe and sound, Wendy! 
 

It was also Wendy's birthday last month and I am just getting caught up now.  I still have a few birthday posts on the horizon (sorry I’m late Diana, Mommy, Lolli Oli and J!).  We went to Mastro’s for din din and celebrated both hers and Mommy’s birthdays as they are two days apart.  It was a great dining experience even though we didn’t get our bill comped.  :P 

Celebrations aside, Wendy is like a sister.  We have been close since we practically met 12 years ago. I thank God for her in my life.  She has a super busy social calendar, yet always makes time to hang out or do something low key with me and/or with the fam.  She is smart, talented, driven and beautiful, on the inside and out, and no matter how crazy life gets, we make time to catch up.  She never judges, always loves, always cares, and gives with everything she has.  I love you so much, Wendy, and I hope you always know just how special you are to me.  To celebrating many more together, with all my love…XOXO
 

08 October 2012

A+B and now C!


Cole was expected to arrive on my birthday, but alas, he decided to hang out a bit longer. :P  While we were away on our mini vacay in Cabo, he decided to make his debut!  He is the sweetest baby and everyone is doing well.  Momma Aim looks fab - she looks better post-baby than I have my whole life (no joke!) and Daddy Blane is smitten.  I can’t wait to get to know Cole as he grows into the special guy God has created him to be.   
 


Oh, and as a side note, I got a replacement camera!  Whoop whoop!  I’ll be back on the blog! :P