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.

1970

This is me (not a little boy) when I was less than a year old. The corners are cut on the picture because this was part of a set that was fit into one of those collage frames. I remember staring at the pictures alot when I was younger. And now, all I can think of is how much photo studios have improved in the last 40 years!

WHERE'S THE BEEF?

It's right here, baby!

This is why I love my slow cooker. The beef always comes out perfect!

WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

One of the meals I frequently make is a chicken teriyaki dish with either asparagus or bell peppers. We always eat it with rice, but I thought of preparing it a different way the other night.

I already had a garlic butter spread and french bread, so I cut it in half and baked it in the oven till it was brown and crispy. When it was done, I just put the chicken teriyaki in it and served it as a sandwich. It was so yummy and tasty. I'll have to make it this way again.

All I did was cut the boneless skinless chicken breast in bite sized pieces and cooked it till it was done. Then, I added in fresh garlic, green pepper, tomato, and green onion. Finally, I add the Yoshida sauce and let it all simmer till the peppers were soft.

And there ya have it! Teriyaki chicken sandwich!

Be sure to visit 7 Clown Circus for Wordful Wednesday

TO LOVE THEIR HUSBANDS TUESDAY

Lauren @ Living By Faith started a wonderful meme called "To Love Their Husbands Tuesday." It is a way share wonderful and creative ways to love your spouse. I was really excited to do this because for me, it's easy to put my kids before my husband, and to take care of their needs before his. And not that that's wrong, but I get so caught up in catering to them, that I feel like he can do for himself. Does that make sense? So, this is a great way for me to put everything in perspective and to remind myself that my husband should know that he is still dreamy and exciting to me.

Side note: Lisa (my sis in-law), are you gagging right now? :)

Well, my husband was really sick all last week. He had bronchitis AND tonsilitis, which means he was home with us 24/7. Me, being a stay at home/homeschooling mom, you can imagine how much that throws a wrench in our "schedule."

I wanted to focus on him getting better, getting as much rest as the doctor ordered, and to really be there for him when he needed something. I know that I had to focus on my attitude and not get annoyed every time he asked for his meds, or even to massage his head.

So, the kids and I prayed for him daily, I took care of him with some TLC, and slowly but surely, he is feeling much better.

FREE MOVIE SCREENING!

Just this past Friday, I was one of the winners of a giveaway at Latina On A Mission! She was giving away free passes for a free movie screening to the first people who commented on her post, and if you were able to visit one of the theaters in certain cities/states. I was so excited to get her email with the free printable pass. It was good for four people, and for a showing the next day at 10am. I knew my two older kids wouldn't wake up to get there early because I planned on getting there at 9am since it was first come first serve, regardless if you had a pass. My youngest son Danny was still sick, so it was just Eli, Veronica, and myself. We were one of the first people there, so I was happy about that, plus it was inside of a mall so I was able to get them McDonald's for breakfast while we waited in line. I couldn't imagine them eating popcorn and candy at 10am!

But, I wanted to say that we really enjoyed the movie. It's rare to watch a "kids" movie these days that does not have at least a couple of bad words (even though it's rated PG), and also without any sexual innuendos. It was just fun, clean humor, and I will take my other son when it comes out in the theaters.

It comes out next week, so if you are looking for a movie to watch with your kids, I highly recommend this one.

**And this is just my opinion. I'm not getting paid for writing a review for this.**

SCRIPTURE SUNDAY

On Sundays, I decided I would share a scripture(s). I pray that it will be a blessing to whoever reads it.

"The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him. Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice."-Proverbs 23:24-25

WHILE WE WERE WAITING...

This is what we did as we waited for daddy to come out of the hospital. I did not want to bring my little ones in there with all the sickies going around.

He had to go in because he was feeling terrible. Sore throat, body ache, and fever.

I'm glad he did because he has bronchitis, and something similar to tonsilitis.

My kids never get tired of this book.

Actually, the only one really paying attention was Veronica. Eli was playing with his DSi, and Danny kept going back and forth (over the seat) from the third row to the second row. It felt like I was in a boat because the truck kept rocking!

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.

1960-ish

I not sure the exact year, but I do know it's in the 60's.

My mom is the one on the right, and she and the other gal were performing traditional Filipino dances. I don't know the name of them (I'll have to see if she even remembers), but I'm sure it was wonderful. It looks like that is my grandma on the far right, in the coral dress.

MY LITTLE RASCALS

I'm participating in a year long challenge, created by Carin at Forever In Blue Jeans. The goal is to be in one picture a week, for 52 weeks. Since us moms are always behind the camera, this gives us a chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. So, click here if you want to join in on the fun!

47/52

Well, it looks like I'm almost done! Five more weeks to go! I can't believe I stuck it out! I really think I'm sick of pictures of me, but for the sake of this meme, I feel like I have a purpose for them.

Here are my two youngest rascals who love to talk, laugh, scream, and everything in between.

WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

I love receiving packages in the mail.

Even if they aren't for me.

I don't know who gets more excited about Gymboree. Me or my daughter?

I asked her to try on her favorite outfit.



She can be so girly, and still keep up with her brothers. Look at her legs! She has her own battle scars already.

Be sure to visit 7 Clown Circus for Wordful Wednesday

THIS IS WHY...

I should have never started watching Man V. Food on Netflix! All it did was make me want to cook everything I had in the kitchen!

Have you guys seen that show? It's awesome. That guys a beast when it comes to eating!

I had no idea what this show was about, so I just clicked on it because it was an Instant Play. Well, low and behold, I love this show! The kids and I were like ooh'ing and ahh'ing the entire time. No good to watch on an empty stomach, that's for sure!

I know my meal has nothing on the places he ate, but it did make me crave for some fried chicken! I cheated with the mac & cheese (thanks Kraft), I also made potato salad, and of course, rice! Us Asians need rice! I know, double starch, but that's okay, my kids don't like potato salad anyway.

But the food challenges he does is just crazy, and now I want to go to these other states and visit all those eateries!

And just last night, as we were watching it, we saw that he was in our hometown!!! He was trying out a 5lb burrito! The kids asked if we could go there and split one up. What do you think I said?

GYMBUCK LUCK!

I don't really believe in luck, but I needed a word that rhymed with buck!

It should really say, "Gymbuck blessing!"

I went on Facebook the other day to check on my Farmville, and I noticed that my friend Kelly's status said something like, "I'm giving away $150 worth of Gymbucks. Whoever messages me first will get it. They are only good till tomorrow."

If you have no idea what a Gymbuck is, it is kind of like a bonus when you spend so much at Gymboree. For every $50 you spend at the store, outlet, or online, during an earnings period, you get $25 worth of Gymbucks. Which means, during the redemption period, you can get $25 off of your $50 or more purchase! So, the more you spend, the more Gymbucks you get.

Anyway, I commented on her status right away and said, "ME!!" I even sent her a private message asking her if I was the first. I was stoked when she told me that I was!! I was like, "YES!!"

Friends, let me tell you. People SELL their Gymbucks on Ebay! That is how "valuable" they are! She was even thinking of doing that, but the redemption period ended the next day, so that is why she offered it up on Facebook.

It was perfect timing for me because my youngest daughter totally needed spring and summer clothes. I just went to Old Navy the other day and got her a couple of outfits, but they didn't really have anything that I liked. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Gymboree, but I have not been there in a long time. The quality there is like no other. It may be pricier than other places, but it's true when they say you get what you pay for.

So, I jumped online and started shopping!!! I was so excited to browse through their new lines! And let me tell you. I got a tremendous deal. I just have to share what I bought!

All the photos are from the Gymboree website.

Some items from the Glamour Safari line. I just love that scarf! And those hairclips are super cute!

More from the Glamour Safari line, and the pink elephant dress is from the Flower Bazaar line.

More from the Flower Bazaar line. I just love the white belted dress! So clean & fresh. It's going to look so cute with the silver gem headband & sandals!

These outfits were on sale. The green skirt is from the Fairy Fashionable line, the turtle top is from Tulip Garden line, and the pink outfit is from Popsicle Party line.
My grand total before the Gymbucks was $309.

BUT, minus the $150 Gymbucks, plus $5 shipping and $15 tax, my grand total for all of this was $179!

SCRIPTURE SUNDAY

On Sundays, I decided I would share a scripture(s). I pray that it will be a blessing to whoever reads it.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.-Psalm 1:1-2

DO YOU NETFLIX?

I'm sure you have all heard of this company.

You know, rent a video online, and it gets to your house in ONE DAY!

There are no late fees, and you just drop it in your mailbox when you are done watching it.

I have the "three out at a time" plan, plus we get to watch videos that are Instant Play on the computers, and on TV! It's genius I tell ya! Since we have wireless in the house, all three computers can be playing different movies at a time, and it doesn't count as a rental!

Since we don't have cable, or regular TV for that matter, this is the next best thing!

I have been able to catch up on 24, my kids LOVE The Brady Bunch, we've watched episodes of The Greatest American Hero, and even The A-Team!! Those of you who are around my age can totally relate to these shows!

All this, for $18 a month!!

If you have been curious about Netflix, I totally urge you to try it. If you are like me, and take WEEKS to return a movie, this is the plan for you!!

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.

1988/1989

Here's another oldie but goodie, of me and my husband (boyfriend back then). I believe we were visiting his Uncle & Aunt at the time, and the two guys in the picture are his older brothers.

We used to go with his parents everywhere, and they have always treated me like family. Never once did they make me feel like I was imposing. In fact, next time we visit them in Nevada, I'll have to borrow some of their pictures to scan!

MEXICAN EATIN'

My sister in-law wanted to take us out to dinner for my husbands birthday, so last night we ended up going to his favorite Mexican restaurant, Casa Azteca. I don't know why I do this, but every restaurant we go to, I always order THE SAME THING. Maybe it's because I know what to expect, and I would hate to be disappointed if I ended up ordering something I didn't like.

I've posted about this restaurant before, but I thought I'd share a couple of dishes that we ordered. It's funny because the manager there has really taken to my son, Eli and always makes a point to come over and make small talk with him. It's not creepy at all, or else we wouldn't eat there anymore. But, for some reason, Eli always (and not on purpose) has a way of drawing people to him. He really is a genuine, nice boy, and even my other kids make comments like, "Why does everyone always like Eli?" All I can say to that is that it's totally the Lord!!

Anyway, getting back on track! Here are some pictures from dinner!

My tween & teen...

Veronica, sis in-law, Eli, & Danny

Not sure what this was called, but my husband ordered it and it had a very strong garlic taste to it. But, the shrimp was good!

My sis in-laws chicken fajitas. You can never go wrong there!


Now, are those nachos or what??

This is the birthday cake I made the day before (on his actual birthday). We didn't do anything that night since he was helping with the basketball camp. I almost didn't post this picture because how the cake got mixed with the frosting..lol. So, I'll call it my oreo cake!

WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

Who said money can't buy you love?

Well, it can definitely buy you some ice cream!

My son, Eli, decided to be creative with the quarters while they were waiting for the ice cream man to drive down our street. Can you tell this is the shape of a heart?

Be sure to visit 7 Clown Circus for Wordful Wednesday

WE'RE PLAYING BASKETBALL...

One of the high school boys that go to our church had to have a Senior Project done. Since he is an athlete, it made sense for him to hold a two day basketball camp at church. He couldn't spread it out during the week, so it is only Monday & Tuesday (starting yesterday) from 4-8 pm. Yes, that's right, four hours, smack dab in the middle of dinner time.

But, that's fine with me. I'm flexible! Plus, it is an opportunity for my kids to learn some fundamentals of basketball. Did I also mention it is free?

He had it really organized, plus he had a few other people helping him out (including my husband).

It was so loud in the gym, but all the kids seemed to have a really good time. They all rotated with drills, and at the end they had girls play against the boys.

Here are the kids getting ready for a fun game!

That's Ryan on the far right. He is the one who came up with this idea.


One of the many drills they did.


Ry and some of the kids! My two boys are in this picture.


Ry asked my husband to do a little devotion with the kids during the break.

Overall, it was a great experience for all the kids, and my kids are looking forward to it again tomorrow! I wish it didn't have to end.

And finally, I want to wish my husband a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! He is turning 39 today!!!

Celebration postponed due to him helping out with basketball. But, better late than never, right?

I HEART FACES-DESSERTS!

April 12th - “I Heart Desserts”

I know I've shared this picture before.

I just love the colors, although I know it doesn't look "perfect."

It just makes me crave for more of it...

To see more yummy entries this week, click here.

SCRIPTURE SUNDAY

On Sundays, I decided I would share a scripture(s). I pray that it will be a blessing to whoever reads it!

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."-Ephesians 2:8

BACKYARD FUN

For some reason, my three youngest kids have been having fun playing in the backyard. Believe me when I say that that is the last place you would think they would want to play. Can you say, "Weeds galore?"

Anyway, they just make up their own games, and in the midst of all the chaos back there, they decided to have their own picnic. Bless their hearts for not even caring about how it really looks in the backyard, but just enjoyed having their own little area to themselves.

They even made a tent and wanted to sleep back there last night.

That is where I drew the line.

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.

1983

This is another one of those times when I'm thankful for Facebook! I recently accepted a friend request from someone in middle school, and I was so glad when she had this picture posted on her page! I immediately recognized faces (and many who I reconnected with on FB too).

Don't worry, I won't try to make you guess which one I am. This is just half of the year book page, but I am in the front row, third from the right, wearing the hoodie sweatshirt.

My 8th grade class...

FLOWER POWER

My three youngest kids were playing in the jungle (I mean our backyard) the other day, and my daughter came inside to hand me these.

She said, "Look mommy, I picked these for you."

Even though they are just a bunch of weeds, to her they were pretty flowers.

It's moments like these that I don't ever want to take for granted.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed..."-Proverbs 31:28a

WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

My little vigilante...

This picture makes me laugh because it looks like she's saying, "Yah..what???!"



Be sure to visit 7 Clown Circus for Wordful Wednesday

ANOTHER PIECE IN MY ART COLLECTION

My son, Eli (my almost 10 year old), finally finished this painting yesterday. I think this is my favorite one thus far. Again, I give props to his teacher, Heather. She rocks!

"EGG"-CELLENT!

My kids had fun coloring their Easter eggs! They were happy that I put the kits in their baskets this year! Even though it can get messy and hectic (go figure), it's always fun to see the results of their labor!

They all got their own, and yes there is candy underneath that.


I love how they have those plastic cups inside now. So convenient!


I call these Veronica's "emo" eggs.


Miranda had to take a picture of her own eggs.


Of course, Danny had to make one that had a bloody nose.


I call these Eli's "crackhead" eggs..lol.


And here's Isaiah's! He still loves to do this!


I hope you all had a blessed Easter!