WORDLESS & WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

California weather is unpredictable.

The past couple of weeks have been scorching hot.

Last Saturday, our kids played soccer in 100 degree weather. There was no hint of fall in the air.

But, just a couple of days later, we're freezing our tails off at my son's soccer game.

My kids went from wearing shorts and t-shirts, to this...in just a matter of days.

Be sure to visit 7 Clown Circus for Wordful Wednesday, 5 Minutes For Mom for Wordless Wednesday.

TESTING..TESTING..1..2...

MICROPHONE...CHECK!


CHIMES...CHECK!


HALF A SMILE...CHECK!


OKAY DADDY...YOU'RE GOOD TO GO!


THE WORSHIP TEAM! THAT'S MY HUBBY/PERCUSSIONIST ON THE RIGHT!

HOW DO THEY DO IT?

How are kids able to have endless amounts of energy, regardless of the climate conditions they are in?

Well, at least my kids do.

I feel like such a complainer when I watch my kids play soccer.

It's not that I don't enjoy watching them play.

I just don't care for the scorching sun blazing down on ME.

That sounds so selfish considering they are the ones running around in the heat, chasing after a ball.

However, I don't ever hear one complaint come out of their mouths. They don't even show signs of wanting to quit. They are like the energizer bunny.

They keep going, and going, and going.

Here I am, wiping beads of perspiration off my forehead, while they are drenched in their own sweat.

Makes me think twice!!

SCRIPTURE SUNDAY

On Sundays, I usually post something random. I decided that instead of doing that, I will share a scripture. I pray that it will be a blessing to whoever reads it!

As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.-Psalm 17:15

YOU'RE GONNA MISS THIS MOMENT

Just the other day, my oldest daughter asked me to scan some pictures of her when we lived in Hawaii, so she could post them on her Facebook page. As I was I scanning the pictures, it was like her and my oldest sons childhood just flashed before my eyes.

I know they are only 13, 12, 9 years old right now, but it seems just like yesterday when they were 4 & 5, just like in the pictures. It really made me think, and wonder, "Do I remember everything they did at that age?" Of course I don't, and that's what makes me sad. I know we can't video tape or capture every moment with a photo, but it did make me realize how precious time is. That is one thing we can never get back.

It makes me appreciate the time I have with them while they are still at home, and also cherish my younger kids at this age. In a blink of an eye, they will be teenagers too, and I want to make sure I remember as much as I can. I'm so thankful that I'm blogging now.

So, this post is a combination of what I missed, and what I'm gonna miss in the future.

One of my favorite pictures of Miranda when she was 5 years old.


Miranda, Eli, & Isaiah in 2001


If you want to share your "You're Going To Miss This Moment" story, or to read more, click here to go to Pam's blog.

FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK

**I'm a guest at Muthering Heights today! Come see!!! You will also love her blog!**

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to sign in to MckLinky so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

I don't recall the exact year of this picture, but it had to be around 1973 since we were still living in Moffett Field (Naval housing).

That's my dad, me, my sister, and my mom.

Everything about this picture screams "70's".

For example, the funky astrological chart behind my dad.

The way my parents looked like the Filipino Sonny & Cher.

Or, how my sisters hairstyle makes me think of The Bay City Rollers.

Oh, and we can't leave out the mini bar to the left!!

Wow!

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today I'm linking up with Sonya @ Truth 4 The Journey for "Thankful Thursday." All you need to do is list five things that you're thankful for this week! If you want to participate, just visit her blog and link up!

This week I am thankful for:

1. Our church family! We're blessed with a wonderful group of friends who genuinely care for one another.

2. My childrens laughter. They are so playful and goofy! I love that there is never a boring moment at home.

3. How Gods timing is perfect. He's never too early, or too late.

4. A working washer and dryer. That is pretty self explanatory!

5. Air Conditioning! With temps close to 100 in the last few days, I don't know how we'd survive without it.

WORDLESS & WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

When my kids are tired of me taking their picture, they try to ruin it by making weird faces.

Case and point...



Be sure to visit 7 Clown Circus for Wordful Wednesday, 5 Minutes For Mom for Wordless Wednesday.

COULD THIS BE HAPPENING??

Could my sweet, little, almost 8 month old puppy be PREGNANT????

I truly hope not.

She just had her first flow about a month ago. When I made her appointment to get fixed, it was perfect timing because she had just started it, and it would be ending right before going to the vet.

She is an indoor puppy. We only put her in the backyard to go potty and #2. She doesn't even like to stay out there long. She'll start barking a few minutes later so we could let her in.

Anyway, our neighbor has the most annoying Chihuahua that they let roam the streets 24/7. I'm surprised it's even still alive! Well, I noticed that when our pup was in heat, he was always wanting to come over this way when we were in the front yard with her. But, with her being under our careful watch 24/7, there was no way he was getting to her. No way, Jose!

Well, last week, we let her out like normal to do her thing, and when she barked to come in, I opened the back door, and guess who was out there with her?????????????? THE ANNOYING CHIHUAHUA!!

What did he do? Fly over the fence? I had to take a double look because they are the same color and almost the same size. I wanted to be sure that I let the right one in!

That's when it dawned on me that he might of had his way with her. I wanted to cry.

I know..I sound pathetic. They're dogs, for crying out loud. I know this.

And if I don't sound any more psycho, I started googling, "HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR PUPPY IS PREGNANT."

Honestly, I don't even know if that was the first time that dog came over to the backyard without us knowing.

I just hope she's not pregnant. My husband and kids think she is.

Does anyone know how I'll know for sure???? Her little thingamajiggys are starting to stick out more. I read that that was a sign. Or is that normal?

HELP.

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

For the last couple of weeks, my home has been singing since we've been on "schedule" with school. They say if you do something consistently for a certain amount of time, it will become habit, or second nature.

Now, that could be for something good, and/or even bad.

I've always been a procrastinator. If any of my friends or family is reading this right now, they're nodding their head in agreement! I don't know why it is, but I love the challenge (so I tell myself) of getting things done at the last minute. I know..NOT A GOOD HABIT! This is probably why I'm making such a big deal about keeping up with our schedule this year.

So, last week, we were still moving along just fine, but I also want to make some adjustments from here on out. I'm finding myself rushing through my devotions just so I have time to do other things before the kids wake up. If I wake myself up earlier, I won't be trying to fit in my devotion time at the last minute. Because, once they get up, forget about it. I won't get that precious time back.

I want my time with the Lord to have substance. I don't want to go through the motions just so I can say I had quiet time with Him. I want to soak in all He has for me, and not just get it over with. I don't want to have the attitude that it's just another chore that I have to mark off of my list. Without Him, my day would be messed up. Well, sometimes it is, but I need Him to get me through it.

So, to make my home sing this week (and every week after), I'm going to spend quality time with the Lord. I know that when I put Jesus first, and and keep my eyes on Him, the less I will be focused on the little things that try to trip me up.

SCRIPTURE SUNDAY

On Sundays, I usually post something random. I decided that instead of doing that, I will share a scripture. I pray that it will be a blessing to whoever reads it!

Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.-Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

YOU'RE GONNA MISS THIS MOMENT

I'm feeling a little melancholy these days, and I'm realizing that my "babies" will not be babies that much longer (although they will always be babies to me).

I have to admit that my youngest gets away with almost everything. Of course, she gets disciplined, but being the "baby" of the family does have it's privileges.

I love the fact that she still has to cuddle with me before she gets out of (my) bed, and that she loves me to help her brush her hair and brush her teeth.

There are some days when she wants to show how independent she can be, and I know she is able to "hold her own" when I'm not with her (like in Sunday school)..lol.

So, with her being our last child, I want to enjoy all her little girl quirks before she becomes too independent and doesn't need mommy to help her pick out her clothes and tie her shoes...

If you want to share your "You're Going To Miss This Moment" story, or to read more, click here to go to Pam's blog.

FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to sign in to MckLinky so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

Here's another one out of the ole' archives!

This is hubby (then boyfriend) and I, around 1994. We took a road trip with his mom and his sister to Oregon to visit some of their friends. I can't even recall where this pit stop was, but as you can see, bears are a big deal there!

I still remember how we (me, Gabe, & his mom's friend's son) walked around the neighborhood and people kept staring at Gabe & I. Let's just put it this way. I don't think they've seen people that looked like like us around there before...lol. I was thinking we were going to get jumped at any second! But, we were fine and nothing ever happened!

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today I'm linking up with Sonya @ Truth 4 The Journey for "Thankful Thursday." All you need to do is list five things that you're thankful for this week! If you want to participate, just visit her blog and link up!

This week, I am thankful for...

1. My kids being compliant with our new school schedule. I am staying consistent, and I already see the benefits of doing so.

2. Friendships. Old and new.

3. Supernanny! Not that she's come here, but I've recently watched her show on abc.com, and after seeing one episode, it made me appreciate my children that much more!

4. Even when I fall short with my kids, whether I'm yelling or being impatient, they love me unconditionally.

5. Being able to bond with my kids individually. Because we have five children, quality time with each one is not always so easy. I'm thankful for the times I get to be with them one on one.

WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

Do you recall my post yesterday, when we went to lunch with our friends after church?

Well, the fun didn't stop there. My son Eli was ready to "battle" again with the big boys (aka: hubby & our friend Ignacio). So, right there in the parking lot, we turned on the beats and they went at it! This was hilarious!

My husband is the one in the gray t-shirt, my two younger boys are dancing, my eldest son is the one in the long sleeve black shirt leaning on the van, my oldest daughter is the one who is wearing the purple plaid shirt, and my youngest, Veronica is the little one being silly!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Be sure to visit 7 Clown Circus for Wordful Wednesday.

FOOD & FELLOWSHIP!

Nothing better than that, right?

I think spontaneous moments are the BEST (well sometimes)!

After church on Sunday, some of our friends were going to The Olive Garden for lunch, and they invited us to come along. Can you tell we love to go out to eat?

There were a total of 24 of us. Nine adults. Fifteen kids.

We filled up the entire waiting area.

And, we practically had an entire private dining room to ourselves. I kind of felt bad for the three other people in there. We pretty much dominated.

We always have a good time when we're all together. It makes it even better that all our kids are good friends too!

We're all loud, we love to laugh, and we love to hang out and fellowship!!

And, excuse all the blurry photos. I had my camera on the wrong setting the entire time.

The boys! That's my eldest, second to the left.

Some of the girls! My girls are the one sitting down in the purple, and Veronica in the front with the brown shirt.

Ignacio, Michele, Christina, Lorena, Erica, & Jyl Time for ordering our food! Oh yah!

Yummy salad & breadsticks!

I'm so predictable! I order fettucini alfredo everywhere I go!My friends appetizer plate! Stuffed mushrooms, fried calamari, & fried zucchini!! Mmmm!Here are all the kids!!! My three youngest are in the middle (Veronica, Danny, & Eli), and then there's Isaiah on the far left flexing again, Miranda in the purple plaid!Stay tuned for the continuation on this post. It didn't end here. We had some fun in the parking lot!!!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

I want to start off by saying that our first week of school went great! Even when we had a break by going to my dads one day, they were still troopers and did the rest when we got home!

Just by us staying consistent everyday and doing what they're supposed to be doing made them appreciate the weekend all the more! I can see how much of a difference our day is when we stay on track. I also plan on not scheduling appointments or doing errands during our school time. It's hard to reel them back in from being out for a couple of hours. And that goes for myself too.

You would think that I would know this after homeschooling for 8 years, but I tell ya, you learn something new everyday!

So, for this week, I will continue to do what we did the last, so our home will be singing, singing, singing!

SCRIPTURE SUNDAY

On Sundays, I usually post something random. I decided that instead of doing that, I will share a scripture. I pray that it will be a blessing to whoever reads it!

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.-Galatians 5:16

"THE" CHEESECAKE FACTORY

I mentioned last week how my friends and I went to dinner while our husbands were at the Father Daughter Princess Ball. I love it there. It's dark, cozy, and the food is delicious!!

Now, my bloggy friends know that I can't go out to eat without taking pictures of what everyone ordered. I told my girls that they couldn't eat till I took a picture of their plates. We were all so stuffed after dinner that not one of us ordered dessert! I couldn't believe it! The whole point of going there was for the cheesecake. But, I think if I did have a bite of some, I would have exploded!Christina, Lorena, & Jyl. Christina's daughter is the one who went with Gabe and the girls to the ball.

We all shared the chicken nachos. So yummy!!

My friend Erica (not pictured), and I ordered the Chicken Madeira. It is two chicken breasts, topped with mozzarella cheese, marinated mushrooms and asparagus, and a heaping pile of mashed potatoes. I wish I could cook like this at home!

Christina & Jyl ordered the Filet Mignon. It also came with the creamy mashed potatoes. Christina didn't finish all of hers, so guess what? Mocha (my puppy) got a yummy treat!

My flash totally ruined this. It's hard to make out whats under the salmon. But, if I remember correctly, this is called Miso Salad.

If you have never been to The Cheesecake Factory, I highly recommend you go. Even if it's just for the dessert alone, it is a great place for kids and adults! You will not be disappointed!

FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to sign in to MckLinky so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

-1998-

I'm sure you can figure out that this was on Halloween! It's funny to look at that date, because exactly five years later, I would be giving birth to Veronica.

Anyway, Isaiah was a little over 2 years old and Miranda was almost 1 1/2. We went to my in-laws house after we took the kids to the mall so they could see them in their costumes. You know how grandparents always get a kick out of things like that!

It's funny how I used to think that Isaiah and Miranda were so active, but when I compare them to my younger two kids, they were like little angels!!!

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today I'm linking up with Sonya @ Truth 4 The Journey for "Thankful Thursday." All you need to do is list five things that you're thankful for this week! If you want to participate, just visit her blog and link up!

1. I am thankful for our first week back of homeschooling. I've said this before, but even on our hardest day, I would not trade it for anything. I know that God has called our family to do this, and I will not take it for granted. I know so many mom's miss their babies while they're away at school, or even if they have to work themselves. I'm so thankful that God has made the way for me to be a stay at home mom for the last eleven years!

2. I am thankful that we homeschool because we are able to go to my dad's for lunch during the week. We can be flexible when we want to be, and that is such a blessing for a big family!

3. I am thankful that my husband doesn't mind or gripe about going to the store to get feminine products, and he will even call me to make sure he's getting the right "things." What a guy!!!

4. I am thankful that my teenage son is never embarrassed to hug or kiss me in front of his friends! My 7 year old son doesn't even like to kiss me in front of "daddy."

5. Finally, I am thankful that even when I fall short, God continues to show me His grace. I get humbled every single time.

And what may you be thankful for today?

WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

We went to a birthday party this past Sunday, and let me tell you, they had a massive spread!! They had every imaginable Filipino (homemade) dish you could think of, and I think we were all salivating! A bunch of us went straight over there after church, so our tummy's were all ready for lunch!

So, with the variety of dishes and desserts, I shouldn't have been surprised they had this on the kitchen table! I wish I had brought my camera, but my cell had to do!

Now, these people know how to PARTAY!!!!! I think this was bigger than the 3 year old who was having the birthday!

Be sure to visit 7 Clown Circus for Wordful Wednesday.

FATHER-DAUGHTER PRINCESS BALL

This was a much anticipated day! My oldest daughter could hardly sleep the night before! I think I was just as excited for them too. It was going to be an even more special night since our friends daughter was also going with them.

The day started with me taking my girls to the salon and getting their "updo's". I couldn't have been more pleased. She always does such a great job with my kids. They were pressed for time, so as soon as we got home, they had to put on their dresses and go. They had to be at The Cheesecake Factory at a certain time, as they were going to dinner with about ten other people.

Here's the back of Miranda's updo. Isn't it beautiful? The shimmery stuff is glitter.

My plan was to meet them back at church after their dinner so I could snap a few photos of them. This year I didn't stay (part of me wishes I did), so I took what I could get. But, I do have photos that were taken by other people, plus the video of the "Dad dance off."

However, I did have a great night as well. Some of my friends and I went to dinner too! We also went to The Cheesecake Factory, but of course, we went much later than they did. I'll post those pictures soon!

Here's my hubs and my girls! It was still hot at 6pm, so that is why he was not wearing a jacket. And yes, he is wearing a pink shirt to match the girls. Real men wear pink..lol.

Here's Michele & Miranda. She's the other Princess that went with them. Their friendship has really blossomed within the last year. I'm so glad. Her brothers are also friends with Isaiah, and her mom and I are really good friends. We also knew her dad. He was Isaiah's Sunday School teacher one year, and he really took to him. Makes me sad just thinking about him.

Hubby with the Princesses!

The centerpieces that were made for the tables.

"The Stage"

Refreshment Table

A glance of how the foyer was set up. Way in the back was the Dessert Table.

There were lots of pictures of them posing like that. Tweens!

They are all good friends. Bunch of nice girls!I love this picture!

Some of the girls dancing!

There were also professional pictures taken of them that night, so I can't wait to get those! Overall, it was another successful Princess Ball, and from what I hear, it was even better than last years!!