Happy Pumpkin Day!

Wishing you all a fun and safe Halloween!!

 

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

Christmas Love

And on that Christmas shopping note, thought it was time to share another Bieber Christmas jingle.  Don’t hate on the video…he’s going thru puberty!  This song, along with Mistletoe, is one of my fave’s from his Christmas album, but as you know, I be bumpin' the Christmas tunes year round!

I can’t wait for Christmas…5 months and counting…:D

Independence Day!

As we celebrate our nation’s independence, I am reminded of how privileged I am to live in America.  Thank you Lord, for the blessing of freedom and for the multitude of provisions that you have bestowed upon our nation.  In God we trust, and I do mean that literally.

And before we start diggin’ into tbe bbq and lightin’ up the fireworks, a tid bit of history.  It’s amazing to see how one of our Founding Fathers, 236 years ago, had it so totally right, except for the day, but hey, close enough right?! 

"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

                                                       -John Adams, in a letter written to his wife Abigail

And of course, I couldn’t leave ya without some music for your eyes and ears!  This performance, often referred to as the best Star Spangled Banner rendition ever, is a 2-for-1 tribute…one for our nation, and one for the incredibly talented Whitney.

Happy 4^th of July!  Let the celebrations begin!

Independence Day (United States). Retrieved July 4, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

I always thought my wedding day would be bittersweet because although I’d be overflowing with joy to  marry the love of my life, it would also symbolize the separation from my parents…specifically my Daddy.  Much to my surprise, as Daddy walked me down the aisle and gave me away to my Mister, it was all sweet and no bitter.  Looking back on my 30 years of life thus far, I realize that Daddy has made my life always sweet and never bitter.  That’s not to say he is perfect, but it is to say that he has been and will always be my hero, my best friend, my Daddy and nothing, not even changing my last name, could ever change any of that.

The video below, put together by my hubby, was played at our wedding.  The video footage began and then transitioned into the song my Daddy and I danced to.

Daddy – on this Father’s Day, I hope you know how much I love you…how much I treasure the moments spent together, and how much you mean to me.  It’s no wonder why I married such a great man, because much of what I love about Sherwin, I learned from you.  God could not have blessed me with a better Daddy.  With all my love, Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!

I Loved Her First

Heartland

Look at the two of you dancing that way

Lost in the moment and each others face

So much in love your alone in this place

Like there's nobody else in the world

I was enough for her not long ago

I was her number one

She told me so

And she still means the world to me

Just so you know

So be careful when you hold my girl

Time changes everything

Life must go on

And I'm not gonna stand in your way

  
But I loved her first and I held her first

And a place in my heart will always be hers

From the first breath she breathed

When she first smiled at me

I knew the love of a father runs deep

And I prayed that she'd find you someday

But it still hard to give her away

I loved her first

How could that beautiful woman with you

Be the same freckle face kid that I knew

The one that I read all those fairy tales to

And tucked into bed all those nights

And I knew the first time I saw you with her

It was only a matter of time

But I loved her first and I held her first

And a place in my heart will always be hers

From the first breath she breathed

When she first smiled at me

I knew the love of a father runs deep

And I prayed that she'd find you someday

But its still hard to give her away

I loved her first

From the first breath she breathed

When she first smiled at me

I knew the love of a father runs deep

Someday you might know what I'm going through

When a miracle smiles up at you

I loved her first

Weekend Recap - Holiday Edition!

Every Memorial weekend, Sherwin and his friends (plus all the SO’s) try to get together.  Some years have been missed, but the years that weren’t created memorable moments.  This year we all headed to Lake Arrowhead…Mike and Angie flew in from SF, Armand flew in from Denver, and the rest of us headed to the mountains from the LA and OC area.

It was a weekend full of food, fun, shopping, hiking (not for us though because of my toe - booo), Monopoly Deal, and King’s Cup…oh and of course, precious time spent with friends. 

I’ll let the pictures recap the weekend and hoping y’all had a wonderful holiday too!

 On our mini walk since we couldn’t go hiking...

 The girlies preparing chicken dinner!

 Breakfast – mmMmM…

 Close-up of the spread…yikes!

 God’s creation…beautiful.

Saw this and thought of our friends, A+B!

 Another picture of the Lord’s handiwork…gorgeous!

 Mike and Angie grillin’ dinner – so yummy!

 It’s Mike’s birthday next weekend, so Angie made him a Red Velvet cake (it kinda came out lookin’ like a brain…hee hee) – what a good wifey!

 Happy Birthday, Mike (yes, that is Mike, not Manny Paquiao). :P

Fill in the Blank Friday - Holiday/Vacation Edition!

Since we are entering the holiday weekend, I decided to go off roading a bit and create my own FitBF questions, holiday style!

1.     If I could vacation anywhere this holiday, I would be doing exactly what we’re doing - going to Lake Arrowhead with my Mister and his childhood friends.  I have come to love those guys and their SO’s (1 wife, Angie and 1 gf, Iris).  The boys were all groomsmen and I know the blood that runs deep amongst them, and to be honest, I also just want to be wherever my hubby is, so Viva Lake Arrowhead!

2.    My favorite thing to do on vacation is anything big fun!  Unfortunately with my toe situation, I’m under doctor’s orders to stay off of it, which means no big fun things for me…at least this time around.  L

3.    On a scale of 1-10, the importance of vacationing is a 10+.  We always went on family vacations growing up, and I find deep value in getting away and spending time with some of the people you love the most, so no matter how newlywed broke we are, vacationing is definitely in the budget.

4.    The place I want to visit the most is wowie, there are actually a lot of places that I want to visit!  I hope that in the near future, we will make our way to Europe, Spain or Australia (I love Australia and the Mister has been dying to go)!  Oh and of course, there is always NY.

5.    Our honeymoon is my best vacation memory because there are no words to describe the specialness of it.  Being in a foreign country with my husband (it was so awesome introducing him as such!), starting our mornings with a devotional, realizing every moment that I love this man with every beat of my heart, and being in complete bliss for 2 weeks was euphoric.

What are you up to this holiday weekend?  Whether you’re staycationing or vacationing, I hope it’s relaxing and awesome!  I’ll share events of the weekend if possible, otherwise, see ya next week!

Happy Mother's Day!

As usual, I’m a few days behind, but better late than never.  Time flies and no matter what I do, I always feel like there aren’t enough hours in a day.  So let’s rewind a few days back…

Happy Mother’s Day! 

We began our morning at church with the annual Mother’s Day breakfast.  My Mister had gone to church on Saturday to help prepare the food for Sunday, and also woke up early on Sunday to make and serve omelets (still praising God for my hubby!).  I met Mommy, Daddy and Grandma at church (Mommy and Grandma already sportin’ the fancy corsages Daddy bought for them) and we eagerly got in line for Sherwin’s omelet.  Food was super yummie as usual, but the company around the table was the real treat. 

My Mr. Chef (in his fancy chef coat that Daddy bought him…so official!)

After church we moseyed on over to Monterey Palace for lunch.  Nafan-Chan, Diana, Lolli Oli and Eli met us there.  The food was PHENOMENAL!  Mommy loves their crab and special steamed fish, and we had a feast, to say the least.  We rolled ourselves outta there and headed back to Mommy and Daddy’s house to hang out and for dessert. 

Playing at the restaurant – LOVE those two!

Mommy, Diana, and the kiddies!

Wendy met us at the house and we continued our celebrations.  After all the gifts, cards, hugs, kisses, dinner and tons of dessert, we concluded the blessed day, known as Mother’s Day.

  Our family photo on Mother’s Day!

My Sister-in-Law Diana and her kids, Lolli Oli and Bubbas

To my Mommy – I could write 1,000 pages or talk for days about you, and it still wouldn’t amount to what I feel in my heart for you.  My childhood, which is the foundation for who I am today, was amazing because you sacrificed your career to stay home with me.  I know I was a difficult adolescent and I’m sorry for all that I put you and Daddy through, but looking back, I see God’s faithfulness in how He provided for us and pulled us through.  Then came the college years (a lot of them J), and post college years, and most recently, my engagement and marriage to Sherwin.  Through it all, we have grown together.  The older I get, the more I appreciate you.  I admire your faithfulness to God, your unconditional love for Daddy, and the never ending support, encouragement, and love you give to your family.  You have become one of my favorite people to hang out with - a best friend, a confidant, and a praying Mommy…not to mention the BIG FUN you are!  You are full of energy  and filled with the spirit.  You bring vibrancy to my life and joy to my heart…and as the song goes…food to my soul.  Thank you for being the bestest Mommy EVER.  I love you!

And this year, an added bonus is that I have a new Mom too! 

To my Mother-in-Law – Thank you for loving me and welcoming me with open arms.  Over the past 10 years, you have quietly, but fiercely, supported Sherwin and I in our relationship.  Thank you for always cooking my favorite foods when we come home (your eggs are to die for, Mom!), for teaching me how to play Rack Attack, and for just making me feel like part of the family (even calling me daughter all these years).  I know that we are far apart in distance, but know that you are close in our hearts.  We love you very much, Mom!

In closing, the verse I wrote on my Mommy’s card…

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:26-31

Praising the Lord for my Mommy and mommies around the world!

Happy Belated Easter!

I hope you all had blessed Easters!  The Mister did show up for Easter Sunday service (barely J), and we had a wonderful Sunday with family and friends! 

Praising our Lord, amongst the egg hunts, full tummies, and gifts, for sending His one and only son to die on the cross for our sins, for His resurrection, and for His promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.  Wishing you a basketful of blessings today and every day!

Now for our Easter weekend in pics!

On a budget this year, but it’s the thought that counts, right? J

Baking Easter cookies with Mommy!

One of our bunnies got too close to the egg – squirrel!

Lolli Oli’s HK candy apple from Auntie Wendy – SUPER CUTE!

Easter cards…YAY FOR MAIL! <3

Christmas Year Round

I know it seems odd, a Christmas post in March, but I have to admit, I celebrate Christmas year round.  In no way do I mean to minimize December 25th and the celebration of Jesus' birth, but Christmas is my favorite holiday (for a number of reasons) and I do celebrate it year round.  
 

There are three major ways that I celebrate:

 

1.    Thanking the Lord for His son, His sacrifice and for His grace thru which I am redeemed and am a child of God.

2.    Listening to Christmas music!  In the beginning, my co-workers were a little taken aback by my  Christmas playlist being played in the off-season, but now it’s the norm. J

3.    Gifting – one of my love languages is gifts, so why wait for Christmas when you can gift year round!  

 

That being said, I realized that my blog and I were on vaca during the Christmas season…*sigh*…so I’ve decided to share one of my favorite Christmas music videos (and my love for JB!) with you today, yes in the last week of March. J 

 

It’s raining today, and I’m sickie, but under the awesome care of the best hubby ever, I’m recovering.   Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and wishing you a blessed week ahead! 

 

Oh, BTW – wedding was so sweet!  K+R post coming up…amongst other things, I feel totally behind!  Yikes! :P  Until then, “and I was like Baby, Baby, Baby, ooohhh,” oppsie, wrong song… J …I meant, “it’s the most beautiful time of the year…” alalalalala J