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 link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

1998

These are my two oldest "babies" when they were 1 & 2 years old! I loved her little Aloha dress that my sister bought her for her 1st birthday! Ha..and I almost forgot how my son used to slobber on his shirts! They're so cute! I can't believe they are in high school already!

A House Is Just A House

The other day, while me and my two older kids were doing some errands, and I decided to drive them around the neighborhood I lived in when I was a little girl. We don't live far from there now, but there's really no reason to drive to that area. Anyway...it made me a little sad to see the house where I lived before my parents got divorced, plus the house looks so run down from when we lived there...back in the 70's! It's crazy to think though of how much freedom we had when we were children (as far as walking around the neighborhood, to 7-11 with our friends, and even to and from school).

Wow..She Actually Posed?

When I was my eldest daughter's age, I literally took EVERY opportunity to be in a picture. I mean, if there was a camera around, I made sure to be in front of it!

So, it really amazes me that when I try to snap a shot of her, she turns her head or makes a face. I'm always pleading with her to make a "nice" expression!

Here's an example of her "don't take a picture of me" face! And this one isn't so bad as the other faces she makes on purpose!

Or like this one!

So, you can imagine how surprised I was when I found these pictures that she bluetoothed from her cell phone camera to our computer.

Future Chef?

Gotta love the internet! 

My oldest son was "starving" the other day, so he took it upon himself to get on YouTube and google, "How to make an omelette."

He was all confident, so he got all his ingredients together, and made this!

He was oohing and ahhing on how good it was! I love how he added the cilantro on top! And that red stuff is not ketchup, it's hot sauce. What's the deal with guys and hot sauce?

Much Needed Girls Night Out

The other night, I met two of my girlfriends for dinner. Let me tell ya, I was so looking forward to this because I just needed that "down time" from my everyday routine. Plus, with school starting soon, and  my mind going a mile a minute with the school lunch menu, I just needed to sit and just have some good laughs! And that we did!

Have any of you heard of Sonoma Chicken Coop? Such good food! It's a restaurant that you have to walk up to the register to order your food, and then pick up when it's done. No waiters or waitresses. But, it's such a relaxed atmosphere! The weather was perfect, so we decided to eat out in the patio. 

You know I had to take pictures of our meal, too. So funny because we all ordered the same thing. Sirloin steak! It was accompanied with creamy mashed potatoes, asparagus, and a slice of their pizza. I guess that would count as their dinner roll!

You can get a glimpse of my steak under the pizza!

And since cheesecake is my favorite dessert, I had to order a piece of this!

And this crazy looking dessert is their Banana Phyllo Sundae! Here is the description of it: Ripe banana slices warmed in a sweet rum glaze and topped with crisp thin pastry and cool ice cream.

Scripture Sunday

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”-1 Samuel 16:7

Here She Goes...Again!

I'm referring to our dog, Mocha!

Remember me posting about her giving birth to her puppies in January?

Well, she just gave birth...again!

To a litter of four!

I didn't even realize she was so close to giving birth!

I'm just glad that they came while we were at home!

And on another note...the gal who did my blog layout (she's done 6 of mine already), will give a discount of $5 off any of her premade templates if you purchase one before Wednesday!! She is the best! Thank you, Danielle!!

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 link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

If there was an award for "Worst Parents of the Year" in 1996, my husband and I would have won by a landslide!

Being that Isaiah was our firstborn, we learned a lot of "what" and "what not" to do.

I'm almost embarrassed to post this picture, but I'm doing this in hopes that other new moms out there won't feel alone, or unqualified as a mommy. It happens to the best of us.

Remember, we learn from our mistakes.

For example, (see picture below), you can tell he was pretty much still a newborn. My husband is giving him a bath while I am taking pictures. So typical, right?

For the life of me, I couldn't understand why he would cry during bath time (I mean Isaiah, not my husband).

Is it not supposed to be a relaxing moment for a baby? Who doesn't enjoy a nice, warm, soapy bath?

Well, I guess NOT if you're laying right under the faucet with water splashing down over your head!!!

My poor baby!!!!!! No wonder he was afraid of going swimming for so long...

Before & After

A few years ago, my sister in-law and I painted my kitchen a deep, dark red! It took a while to get used to, but eventually I did. However, I have been wanting to paint over it for so long. I just didn't know how easy it was to paint over the red! Well, a coupe of weeks ago, my sis in-law had the primer/paint and brought it over so I could finally get rid of that "gothic" looking wall!

I was so excited to paint over it, and it only took me 6 hours..lol! My husband was SHOCKED when he came home!

I love it!! It makes it look so much brighter in there!

What do you think?

BEFORE...

AFTER!!

Scripture Sunday

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."-Ephesians 2:10

Saturday 9

I haven't participated in this meme for a long time, so I'm excited to join in this week!

All you do is answer 9 questions...that simple!

If you want to join in too, click on the button below!

1. Have you and a friend ever have an argument because you were attracted to the same person? Nope, never! There were just some lines I would never cross when it came to friends.

2. Who never returns your phone calls? This question is funny to me because I hardly call anyone. I mainly text!

3. What was your favorite childhood toy? I would have to say any of my stuffed animals!

4. Who is the last person you greeted at your door? My oldest daughter! She just came back from softball!

5. Would you change anything about your life right now? Yes, definitely! Being more disciplined, for sure!

6. Who is the easiest person for you to talk to? I would have to say, my friend Susanna. We have been friends for thirty years, we live about 5 minutes from each other, (and we hardly ever get together), but when we do, we just pick up where we left off.

7. If you could live in any ancient city during the height of the quality of its society and culture, which one would you choose? Hmm..good question! I would have to think about this one!

8. What is the most exciting event you’ve ever witnessed? My babies being born!

9. What do you consider the ideal age to have a first child? I wouldn't say there was an "ideal" age because it just depends on the person. But, I would recommend in the mid 20's!

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 link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

1982/1983

Good ole' cheerleading days!

Me (on the left) in 7th grade! Okay..I totally missed the "dress in uniform" memo for the pictures!

I wish I could reconnect with the girl on the left! She moved away right after jr. high, and we just lost contact! I don't even remember the girl on the right!

It's so weird because I do not remember taking this picture, at all! Granted this was 30 years ago, but still! And it looks like my friend on the right didn't get that memo either!

My Cup Overfloweth

When my son came home from camp (like literally, right off the church bus), he wanted to know if he could give me and early birthday present. I said, "OF COURSE YOU CAN!!"

So he hands me this box. 

And this was on the inside! This is now my favorite coffee cup.

There is a gift store at the camp they went to, and I was so blessed that he spent the rest of his money on ME, instead of himself. But, I shouldn't be surprised, because that is totally his character.

I'm Turning Japaneeza

Last Sunday, after church, my mom wanted to take me out to lunch for my birthday.

There's this Japanese restaurant by her house that has amazing lunch specials (even on the weekends).

I don't know how many times she told me how little it costs for the amount of food you get.

It really is a steal!

Not only is it affordable, but the quality is great, and they don't skimp on the portions!

Of course, I had my handy dandy camera with me, and I want to share with all of you!

Here is my beef bento, which includes vegetable & shrimp tempura, and potstickers! Including the miso soup, all this for $7.95!

And this is the "childs" portion for only $5.95!

My mom ordered the beef short ribs, tempura, and California Roll!

And if you really want to see a close up of the yummy, tender beef teriyaki, here ya go!

They gave it a thumbs up! Forced smile and all!

Thank you for lunch mom! And thank you, Ariake Sushi for the great food!

Fattening But Oh So Good!

Do you ever have those moments when you are craving for everything fried and fattening?

I was looking at some of my older posts and came across fried zucchini that I made last summer. So, what did I do? I was on a mission to make more! I was bummed when my grocery store didn't have ANY zucchini. They said the shipment didn't come in. Oooookay??!! But, low and behold, they had "yellow" zucchini. And that worked! And yes, it was DELICIOUS!!!!!

And the night before, I made my baked spaghetti (thank you Paula Dean). I know, not fried, but underneath all that sauce are handfuls of cheese!!!!!!

And if the cheesecake wasn't enough. A friend surprised me with red velvet cake pops for my birthday!! Oh my...they were D.E.C.A.D.E.N.T!!!!

Scripture Sunday

“The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”-Psalm 119:160

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 link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

1994

This is the darkest I have ever been, and probably the darkest I will ever be in my life! This is a photo of my sister, one of my best friends, and myself when we went to visit my sister in Hawaii! It was such a FUN trip! One I will never forget! And I believe we are enjoying the famous Matsumoto's Shave Ice in the North Shore! Good times!!

Cheesecake By Bakerella

For my birthday, I wanted to make my own dessert. I'm always making cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, so I wanted to try something different.

What better than to make my all time favorite dessert...CHEESECAKE!!

I searched and searched different recipes, and I wanted one that was fairly simple (since this was my first time).

I finally decided on Bakerella's Cheesecake Bars. I knew I couldn't go wrong since she is pretty much known in the blogging community!

The only thing I did different was use fruit (berry) topping instead of the ganache, but I followed her recipe to a T! I will definitely do the chocolate the next time I make this!

I was always intimidated to make cheesecake because it seemed like so much work, but after making it myself, I know that I will make it again, and again, and again!

The crust was unbelievable!!!!

After it was done baking! I let it cool for a couple of hours.

Here is my berry concoction! I just used 2 cups of berries (they were frozen), and 1/2 cup of sugar! I let it cook over medium high heat for a few minutes, and then let it cool off before I poured it over my cheesecake! Afterward, I let it refrigerate for a couple of more hours!

Then, voila!!!!! Delicious!!!

Worship In Spirit And In Truth

Our 11 year old son, Eli recently went to youth camp.

This was his FIRST time ever being away from home. AND...for a week!

Of course, we were worried at first, but we knew deep down that he would be okay. His best buddies were going, we knew all the leaders in charge, and we knew ultimately that God was in control.

They did come home safely, and he was all smiles when he came off the bus.

What blessed us the most was that the couple that was in charge specifically came up to my husband and I to tell us how much of a blessing it was to have our son there. They saw him being with his friends, hanging with kids he didn't know, and even by himself. If you knew our son, that is totally him. He is just a nice, genuine kid. But, what touched us the most was that they said that Eli was just totally surrendering himself to the Lord in worship. Just typing it out makes me choke up because THEY were choking up when they were telling this to us.

A couple of days ago, the Jr. High Pastor sent me these photos of the group during worship, and again, it brought tears to my eyes. The kids didn't know they were taking pictures. As most of you know, there is nothing greater than to see your children walking with the Lord.

That's him in the middle with the red shirt.

This one gets me EVERY TIME. That's him on his knees...

And here's my picture of him getting off the bus!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

TO ME!!

Yes...ME!

42 YEARS OLD TODAY!

I'm not one for a party, or big celebrations for "me." I'm content with my family, and a dessert...seriously! 

And guess who is making the dessert? 

ME! 

I'm excited to try something new!

And should I list 42 things I'm thankful for? 

Maybe next time!

All I know is that I'm thankful for...

Jesus

My family

A roof over our heads

Food to eat

And our health

What more could I ask for?

So, yes..it is a very Happy Birthday!