Happy Pumpkin Day!

Wishing you all a fun and safe Halloween!!

 

My cousin Jaclyn’s daughter, Audrey – what a cutie patootie, right?!?!

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.

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!

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

 

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

Almost Trick-or-Treat!

O.M.G….can’t wait for 10.31.2012!!!!!!!!!!!!! J  What will you be this year?

 

Spend my life with you...

As tired as I am, I promised J a post this weekend so here’s to keeping my word to one of my nearest and dearest.  ;)

This weekend, heck this summer, has gone by in flash.  I can’t believe that in a few weeks, we will be entering into the fall season.  I can’t complain though as this season has been wonderful.  We have traveled, friends and family have delivered little miracles (and/or announced their upcoming deliveries!), birthdays have been celebrated, and a new job has begun for my Mister – hooray! 

And through it all, I have enjoyed sharing every moment of this busy life with my hubby.  In my opinion, a song can say so much, so I want to share a song with you that gives you a glimpse of where my heart is.  The Mister and I heard it the other day and we talked about how we forgot all about this song, but loved it.  Hope it’s not too sappy, but truth be told…no matter how fast and full life gets, I am truly, deeply, utterly thankful for the one man that I get to spend my life with.  Praise God for Sherwin!
 

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead! XO

 

 

Sorry for the poor video quality…it’s the best one I found…don’t you hate it when there is no official music video for a song you love?!?! UGH! :P

Back!

I’m baaack!!!  Well at least for a few days before we depart for a mini vaca to Cabo!

So life has been crazy.  I’m sure it’s been crazy for y’all as well since we each have our own chaos, but the days have just flown by.  I find myself barely getting home in time to shower, do some house chores or maybe read a bit, get to bed past midnight, only to wake up the next day and do it all over again…BUT, as always, God is faithful and has been taking good care of us.

There is one thing, other than time, that has truly put a damper on my blogging.  About 7 weeks ago, my camera broke (I won’t go into details, but for once, it isn’t my fault :P).  Since I don’t have my camera, it’s been hard to capture moments to share on the blog, and let’s be real…no one just wants to read text…booooring, right?!!?  Anyhow, we are on the hunt for a new camera, or we may just get ours fixed, but until then, I’m cameraless and have been totally bummed and unmotivated to blog.  OK – enough with the excuses, camera or not, I gotta get caught up.  I’ve missed you!

So much to tell, so little time, and again, all with no camera.  I’m going to do my best to recap the past couple weeks with “borrowed” pictures, so just bear with me in case the photo doesn’t exactly match the event.  Here we go!

Day trip to Laguna Beach – attended Saddleback church in the morning, then headed down to the beachside for brunch.  Went to Art-a-Fair, Sawdust Festival, Festival of the Arts, and finished the day with Pageant of the Masters!

 

  

 

Celebrated three special birthdays (more to come…)!! 

 

Our wedding DVD – HOORAY for Addy and Julian at 10^th Letter!!!

 

 Had a special visit from Rocky!

  

Much needed QT with Wendy <3 

Celebrating God’s new gift to my Cousin Stacy!

 

“…because that’s what you do with gifts…you give them away.”

 

Sleepover in the OC, early entry to DCA (Cars Land is AWESOME!), then Disneyland. 

After 10 hours of Disney fun, enjoyed a yummie Tonkatsu dinner

and tasty shaved ice with the fam and Ethan.

 

  

And on Friday, headed to Cabo for some much needed R&R…

Have a blessed Tuesday…I know I will as J is visiting!! 

Gone crazy, back soon!

EeEKkK!  I’m sorry for my week off, but…

 
See ya’ll again soon! Hope you all are well and thanks for being patient while I catch up with this thing called life. XO!

Just a few things...;)

This past Saturday was my sister-in-law’s birthday, so I offered to babysit.  It was fun times with “Thing 1” and “Thing 2” and Mommy graciously came to help too!

After the week started, it’s been full days and late nights, but I received a text today From Addy that brought so much excitement!  Our wedding video has shipped!!!!

We are counting down the days until Monday!!  We can hardly wait!

Wishing you all a wonderful rest of the week and hope that you too, get texts that make your days!

Fill in the Blank Friday - Birthday!

Since the old format of the FitBF has returned, I haven’t had a chance to join in the fun!  This week is birthday themed because Lauren over at thelittlethingswedo is celebrating her birthday today!  It is fitting as my birthday happens to be this month too…so here we go!

1. The age I will be on my upcoming birthday is…31 – yipes!

2. The best birthday present ever would be…a MacBook Pro.  That retina display is AH-MAZING and I had to put my oldie but goodie iBook to rest some time ago.  She was awesome though…if I could just get her to update…heehee

3. My favorite birthday to date was…wow…too many to list.  Highlights are probably the normal ones…the sweet 16 birthday bash, 21st in Vegas, 30th in Vegas and all the others in between are precious too because they were spent with loved ones.

4. Birthdays make me feel…joyous!!  I LOVE celebrating birthdays!  My family has always been big on celebrations, and birthdays were even bigger because we were truly praising God for the life of someone we love.  It continues to be the way I feel about birthdays today.  To be with a loved one, to thank God for their life, the special, unique creation they are…it is pure joy.

5. The worst birthday I ever had was…I honestly can’t recall a bad birthday.

6. When I was born…my parents were in the middle of celebrating their anniversary.  They had to leave their own party to have me! 

7. So far my favorite age has been…I’m not sure.  Every age has had its significance, although I’d say that this one might be a special one as it is the first year I will receive a “to my wife” birthday card. :D

Happy week, friends!

Hongie Time!

Last week Hongie and I spent some QT together!  She made yummie dinner for us, then we baked (and decorated) mini cupcakes, did some nail art, and chatted the night away while sipping on our Perrier water…MmMm!! 

Needless to say, I left with a full tummy and an overflowing heart – I love that girl.  XOXO!

 

 

 

Before our frosting goodness…

Hongie’s babycakes maker she stole from her Mom!

  

YAY!  Aren’t our mini creations cute?!

The girlie who is cuter and sweeter, and who fills my life with joy!

Happy Birthday, Hubby! (Part III - Big Bear)

And the finale to my Mister’s birthday celebrations was the weekend in Big Bear, granting his request to go fishing.  Mommy, Daddy, Sherwin and I headed up the mountain and spent the weekend eating, laughing, resting, and fishing.  It’s awesome when family is some of your best friends. 

Happy birthday, love!  I hope you know just how much you mean to me.  To celebrating our 10^th birthday together, and many more to come…I love you.  Cheers!

Happy Birthday, Hubby! (Part II - Mastro's)

I HEART MASTRO’S…and as they say, it was definitely an unparalleled dining experience.

Thursday night I made dinner reservations at Mastro’s.  My Mister has been wanting to go and since we were leaving Friday night, Thursday night it was.  Little did we know, Thursday nights are one of their busiest nights. :/

Our reservation was for 9:15pm.  We checked in at about 8:50pm, hung out at the bar and watched the Olympics as we waited for our name to be called.  9:15 came and went…then so did 9:20, 9:25, 9:30.  I checked in with the hostess and inquired about how much longer our wait was going to be.  He explained that tables would be leaving soon and that we would be seated as soon as possible.  Long story short, turns out that “as soon as possible” meant 9:45pm, which was 30 minutes past our reservation.  I have to admit, I did tell the hostess that I was disappointed in the long wait, but because the birthday boy was calm and composed as usual, I didn’t make a big deal of it.  As we were being seated, the hostess said that they would comp our dessert due to the wait.  I politely said thank you but knew that when I called to make our reservation, I explained we were celebrating a birthday and they had already committed to a birthday treat on the house…

Our server Debbie apologized for the wait, chatted with us for a bit about the menu, then took our appetizer order.  Shortly before our appetizers came out, she informed us that they would be giving us a shrimp cocktail appetizer to compensate for the wait earlier, along with giving us our mushroom appetizer for free!  OK, so now the night is starting to turn around folks!  The appetizers were SUPER yummie and somewhere between the appetizers and main course, the general manager, Franco Checchini, introduced himself and also apologized for our extensive wait. 

Dinner was superb but we were so full from the bread and appetizers, that we didn’t even finish half of our meal!  Debbie then came to prepare us for dessert and kindly substituted the birthday chocolate cake for their infamous buttercake (thanks for the tip, Wendy!).  It was DEEEELISH, however, we only finished a third of our third course. :P

Brace yourselves friends because then the unimaginable happened.  We were getting all our tasty goodness boxed to go and Debbie tells us that Franco has picked up our tab.  WHAT?!?!?! Yup, you heard right…our.entire.tab.  Crazy, right?!?!?  To put some perspective on it, our bill would have been upwards of $200+. 

Hooray for Franco and Mastro’s!!  You don’t often find service like that anymore.  Proves that God is FOR SURE omnipresent and delivers his blessings in all shapes and sizes!  

Mastro’s anyone?  Definitely a steakhouse worth supporting. 

Wishing you all a great start to the week!



Shrimp cocktail over dry ice…fancy!

Crab stuffed mushrooms

 

Lobster Mashed Potatoes, recommended by Wendy...YUM!

Buttercake!

Happy Birthday, Hubby (Part I)!!!!

Happy birthday, hubby!!!

Today is Sherwin’s birthday (yipeeee!!) and as you know, we celebrate week long around here!  We actually started celebrating on Tuesday with Mommy and Daddy (pics below).  We went there before his basketball game and they bought him a cake and one of his fave treats…donuts!  They also gave him a heartwarming card (complete with a cute drawing, compliments of Picasso a la Daddy) and a generous gift (that we might be using towards a new toy! *ahem* ipad *ahem* maybe?….)! :P

In a few hours we will be packing our bags and heading to Big Bear for the weekend as the  Mister wanted to go fishing for his birthday!  There will be more birthday posts to come, but couldn’t leave without wishing my “life partner, my one coquette, the answer to my love’s duet” (oh boy…watching too much Enchanted :P), a happy, happy birthday.

To my itchy bun, I mean ichiban…hee hee…

I love you with all my heart.  You truly are the answer to my love’s duet and

I praise God for you!!  Thank you for being my everything!!  I am excited about what

 the Lord has in store for you, and for us, this next year.  I am so grateful that

you are the one I get to spend the rest of my life with. 

With all my love and affection,

your wifey XOXO

Hair affairs and a thankful Thursday!

Yikers!  So much to catch up on!!  We haven’t been home before midnight since Friday, so I’m sorry for the blogging hiatus but I’m hoping to get caught up! 

So my hair affairs…well, truth be told, I’m notorious for letting my roots grow out much longer than should even be legal.  I used to be better at it but it just takes so much time!  It also becomes quite pricey and numerous times, my awesome hair guy Stu (which happens to be my 2^nd cousin), has told me that my hair is going to break and fall out because I put it through so much (color, hair drying, flat ironing, curling iron, etc.).  As Wendy would say, my hair is definitely fried, dried, and leanin’ to tha side!

Rewind to a couple weekends ago.  It was Wednesday night and we were leaving to Sacramento Friday morning.  My hair was a WRECK.  I know the whole ombre hair color thing is in style (looks good on you, Addy!), but my hair was so bad I couldn’t even pass it off as that.  I was desperate but didn’t have time in my schedule to go see Stu before we left.  My bangs were also ridiculously long and limp, causing them to look like I had a fruit roll-up strip plastered across my forehead.  Two words – ALL BAD. 

So in my desperation, I did the unthinkable.  I frantically called Sonia for help because I vaguely remember her mentioning she had done it before - box dye.  *GASP!!!!*  I know, right?!?!  And I also had to do something with my slap bracelet bangs so I also followed Sonia’s lead in booking an appointment with a salon at the mall.  *DOUBLE GASP!!!!*  Both were two things I had never done before, and actually never even imagined I would do because I am so particular about my hair, but I have to give big ups to Sonia...that girl knew what she was talkin’ about.  The guy at the salon cut my bangs just how I wanted them and Sonia did a PHENOMENAL job on my hair.  Thank God for Sonia! :D

Don’t get me wrong, I do need to make an appointment with Stu soon, but I have to admit that Sonia came through in my time of need (as she does often, actually :D).  Thank you, Sonia!  I am so privileged to have you in my life…not just because of your hair color prowess, but because you are the kind of girlfriend that every girl needs, and few have.  Thank you for always being there for me, for your thoughtfulness and kindness, and for the blessing of your friendship!  I love you lots!

Oh and this past Saturday, we got blowouts, then went on a double date with our hubbies!  It was big fun! 

Pre-blowout…no judging!  They told us to come in with our hair not done and I had been running around all morning!  Although looking at this pic, my hair looks pretty tore up. :/

Curls are tight in the pic, but they had to be that way so that by the evening, they would loosen and fall…and of course, I teased it a bit more before leaving for our date. 

Big hair = big fun! :D

Thankful this Thursday for…Sonia! 

Have a great Friday Eve!!

Happy Opening Cermony Friday!

This week has been nutso, so I am sorry for the lack of postings this week, but I had to start this Friday off with sharing my excitement for the opening ceremony tonight! EeEkkK!!!  The Mister and I will be heading over to Mommy/Daddy’s to watch it in HD.  We’ll also be eating yummie food and having a great time together as we always do.  Where will you be watching? If you aren’t sure and you want to watch with us, let me know!

Oh and Fill in the Blank Friday is back…old format.  Stay tuned for a FitBF post soon.

And with that…Happy Friday, friends!

On the hunt...

Hear ye, hear ye…if you have She Laq, contact me!

OMG.  I just found out (I’m apparently a little late to the party) that one of my daily makeup products has been discontinued, for now at least.  I am in need of a new bottle so since Sonia and I were at the mall (yes, again :P), I swung by Macy’s to purchase my She Laq.  Much to my dismay, I was notified that it has been taken off the shelves and is undergoing some R+D…supposedly a new one is to be released in a year or so.  A YEAR?!?!  What do I do until then?!?!  UGH.

So, if you happen to have a fave eye brow sealant, could you please share your secret with me?  I’m on the hunt for a temporary replacement while my precious is being revamped.

I must be slippin’ cause usually I’m in the know on my beauty products…especially my dailies...  :/

Oh the woes of being a woman! :D  Happy Wednesday, friends!

Love, God

At 10:56am, my cousin Justin and his wife Lauren, gave birth to their first child, a beautiful baby boy!  I’m still pending the details (like his name :D), but so excited for them!  Praying for Justin, Lauren and baby boy Yo as they delight in God’s gift of life.

Oh!  Also congrats to Gary and Kiko as they gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last week too!  Welcome, Noa (7 lb. 8.5 oz. 19.75")! 

Many blessings and lots of love!! XOXO

7 lb. 8 oz. 20”

Enchanted!

While I’ve been dukin’ it out with this cold of mine, my hubby, as always, has been taking exceptional care of me.  Tonight, he made sinigang (Filipino soup with veggies and meat, yummie!), then propped me up in bed and turned on one of my fave movies…Enchanted (what's not to love about a modern-day fairytale in New York?!?!?!)!

I love most things Disney – Disney radio, Disney Channel (even though I have no time to watch it L), and of course, Disneyland!  I’m not one of those crazed Disney fanatics, but I do enjoy the wonderment of the Disney world.  I’m not sure how accurate of a statement it is, but some people have even described me as whimsical.  I guess the fact that I wore a Disney princess ballroom wedding gown, with a glitter tulle skirt, lends to the whole whimsical label.

My Cinderella dress and my dapper prince!

I haven’t watched Enchanted in forever, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!  If you haven’t seen it, you are truly missing out.  I have always believed in (and practiced) the importance of childlike “sillies”…to dance crazy, sing out loud, love wholeheartedly, and of course…share in true love’s kiss. 

Wishing you a magical weekend! XOXO!