My Conversion Story

I pray this finds you in good spirits. I will be sharing a special personal moment in my life that I hold dear. It is my gift to you.




Back around March of 1991 a couple of Elder missionaries knocked on my parent's door. I opened the door and a couple young good looking missionaries started to tell me who they were. Not wanting to be rude but finding an exit, I asked if they would come back another day because I had a cold and wasn't feeling so good (I really was sick). One of them didn't give up and held out a Book of Mormon and turned to a picture of Lehi and his family in a boat. He proceeded to tell me the story of this prophet and soon after I invited them in to tell me more. Much of what they said I truly don't remember but I do recall feeling a wonderful warmth in our presence. Of course I learned later that that was the Holy Ghost. They came regularly to teach me and that wonderful warmth was always there. We came to a point where they asked me to pray about Joseph Smith. That night I did go on my knees and prayed and stayed on my knees until I received an answer. Wow! I'm choked up just recalling what came over me. There was a peace in my soul. A happy calm feeling came over me. Soon I noticed a big smile on my face! Joseph Smith was a prophet! I hungered to learn more and being an emotional person, I couldn't help but cry each time as they continue to teach me. It may have overwhelmed them so they brought in sister missionaries to help. I was so in fire that I bore my testimony on Fast Sunday before I was even a member! I liked going to church with them and just felt the Spirit all the time. I certainly wanted to become a member. But my Dad, being a caring dad had reservations. He had a friend at work that felt that I was getting into a cult. He gave my Dad a video and pamphlets that had terrible things to say about the Mormons. I didn't believe them and I was still determined to get baptized. However, I respected that my Dad had wisdom in his years and wanting his blessing, I postponed joining -- two separates dates had been made. I continued to go to church and learn from the missionaries and members of the church. On the third date (June 2, 1991), I was going to go through it even if my Dad disapproved. He said that he wasn't going to come to my baptism and that saddened me. I spoke with my Mom and sweet as she is had apparently talked with my Dad and he did come! So did Ama (my grandfather), siblings, several relatives, and close friends. My baptism was a moment that I will always treasure. I thank those wonderful missionaries who took time out of their lives to serve their Heavenly Father and ended up finding me (later I found out that the Elders weren't suppose to tract that Saturday but their Mission President said to do so because there was one that was ready, that was me!!)! I love them dearly. There are a couple of them I still fairly keep in touch with and one I got to tell you I believe is one of the three Nephites roaming the earth! --That's another story and a wonderful one at that! Anyways, I want to let you know that being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has made me a better person and that is because the Church is founded on true principles of Christ and teaches only those. As I continue to follow in righteousness I am given the blessing of peace and utter joy that the Holy Spirit witnesses to me. I marvel at the love Heavenly Father has for me and you. My heart is so full and my physical being only knows to weep in response to this overwhelming knowledge that God lives. Parents, imagine how much you love your children and would do anything for them; well, Heavenly Father loves us more and true. I invite you to see for yourself. As said in James 1:5, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him". I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and pray for strength to do their will. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church and we have a living prophet today, President Gordin B. Hinckley. These things I say in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

We've Been Spooked and Today's Adventures

Early Tuesday morning Dave discovered a surprise on our porch. "We've Been Spooked". An anonymous person left us Halloween treats (Joe-Joe's creme filled cookies ...yum!) and an invitation to do the same for someone else. I'm game! It certainly made me feel good that someone thought of us and so I wanted to return the favor. This is surely my kind of Halloween. I don't like the monster, scary, ghostly, ... inviting the bad spirit kind of Halloween! I scare easily so you can imagine how this holiday is not my cup of tea. But it all depends on how you celebrate it and how far you take it. I remember enjoying going to the Halloween Singles dances during my single years. I like seeing the interesting costumes people come up with and the happiness people get from being someone else for the night. That I can handle.

Thank you Eerie Dark Phantom.

TODAY'S ADVENTURES:

My sister and her boys came over this afternoon so I thought I'd make halloween cupcakes for the kids. They loved it! The kids had a ball playing together and my sister and I had a good visit. We shared each other's potluck dishes ... mmmmmm!

Later this evening we went to Women of Faith (an interfaith service community hosted by the Redlands Stake Relief Society that meet regularly every 2nd & 4th Thursdays) for a special service project for the victims of the fires. The goal of making 50 large fleece blankets were already completed by the time we got there so I ended up doing other projects, like the pinning part of the making of cloth diapers and quilts. After only 1 1/2hrs, Sophia was difficult to chase around and getting into things so we headed home. Then the kids had their baths, had snacks, and went to bed ... sigh ...

Oak Tree Village Instead

We were ready to go to Legoland today. We had been postponing it for a long while now. Last week, my husband was sick; before that one thing or another. This time we discovered that the park was closed for the day out of respect for the firefighters and victims of the fires going on at San Diego county. David was bummed of course but after explaining the situation and letting him see the TV reports of the fires in the news, he accepted that we'd try again next week. Although, he asked a couple hours later if the fire was over and if Legoland was opened yet. Aaaahhhh! Anyways, we ended up going to Oak Tree Village in Oak Glen instead. I don't know if we went on a wrong day or if it's really "dead" during the weekdays. Much of the activities, shops, and eatery were closed! No crowd either. Probably many stayed home because of the fires going on around Southern California. But we made the best of it. Had brunch at one of the country restaurants, fed the deers, ... walked around looking for apple picking adventure. No luck. Maybe next time we'll try the Riley Farm section. Then David wanted to go to a pumpkin patch. I told Dave that there was one in Yuicapa but I couldn't remember how to get there. I think we went the opposite way and missed it, so Dave headed for the one fairly near our place instead. I guess I'll just have to take the kids to the Yuicapa one next week.

The restaurant we had brunch in. I tried their special of the day, BBQ pork tri-tip with watermelon and potato salad. It was OK ... wouldn't say to rush over and try it!

Where did everybody go?

Look Mama, the deer is smiling at me.

Feeding the deer. -- This poor little thing didn't look so good. He might have been tired, sad, or bored.

"This one for Sophia, Dad." ... Sophia was asleep so she and I stayed in the car while the Davids picked a couple of pumpkins.

Awesome Calling!

Late July, the second counselor to the Bishop stopped my tracks and asked if I had a moment to speak with him. "Sure." I said. It must be something important to be going to the Bishop's office. "Hurray!" I thought. "Pleassssse let it be a new calling." I thought some more. Sure enough he extended to me a new calling (assignment). I was called to be a Primary teacher. OK, shocker!!! I was used to Relief Society assignments. I've been 2nd counselor to RS presidency, spiritual living teacher, RS instructor, Enrichment board member, ... stake missionary, ... all adult related. Children! Oh no! I accepted because he assured me that the bishopric had prayed about it. But I was petrified! "Oh, Heavenly Father please don't let me screw up the kids I will be teaching!" was my first plea in my mind as I left the office. My nervousness was getting to me in the days that followed. I prayed and prayed. The following week I was sustained in the congregation. Then three weeks later, I finally got set-apart by the bishopric. Wow! It's official. I will be teaching the CTR 7 class, the 6-7 year olds.

My first day with the kids was not really suppose to be my first day (I wasn't even set-apart yet)! Their temporary teacher wasn't there so the Primary counselor handed me the manual and off to class the kids and I went. I didn't even know where our class met! The boys lead me there. OK, I had no preparation! Not even 1 minute! So we went to class and made introductions and just winged it. It was ackward but we survived.

Now with little more feel for the calling and getting to know my students, this calling is definitely awesome! Two boys have moved so I only have three students left; Thomas (in white), Ryan (in blue), and Priscilla (not pictured). I love them all !! Priscilla hasn't been to church in awhile but I go weekly to her home and give her the lesson to keep her up to date. One day she will be in class. The boys and I are looking forward to that day. In the meantime, Thomas and Ryan keep me on my toes! They're still in the fidgety age. But, oh! they're good students and wonderful young disciples of Jesus Christ. I'm certainly thankful for this opportunity to work with the kids. I love them so!

Pinakbet

I bought some long string beans at the Market Night last night so I thought I'd make pinakbet (filipino dish) out of it. I made it about a couple weeks ago for my Aunt and Uncle from Canada when they came over for dinner. It turned out yummy. Unfortunately, this batch didn't turn out as great ... used pork instead of shrimp, left out bitter melon 'cause I don't like the taste, and didn't put enough bagoong. Leaving out an ingredient or two sure makes a difference in the taste! Well, now I know! Part of cooking is experimenting. Anyway, the following recipe will be for the good batch I made so just imagine the picture with shrimp, bitter melon, and more bagoong.

Pinakbet

Ingredients: Prep time: 10mins Cooking time: 40mins
*3 Tbs of oil
*3-4 cloves of minced garlic
*1/2 diced onion
*2 thumb thick sliced ginger root
*1 chopped tomato
*water
*handful of fresh small shrimps peeled and deveined
*1-2 Tbs of bagoong alamang (salted shrimp fry)
*1 small calabasas (squash family; looks like a small dark green pumpkin)
*1-2 bitter melons (cut in half lengthwise, remove seeds then chop to about 1 1/2 in)
*1 rubberbanded long string beans
*2 medium sized japanese eggplants (same cut as bitter melons but no seeds to remove)

Directions:
In wok continuously saute-ing: heat oil and brown garlic. Add onion, ginger root, and tomato. Let them sweat a little then add water (start with 1/4C) and uncooked shrimps. When shrimps are nicely pink, stir in bagoong and calabasas and simmer until half cooked (maybe 10mins). Then stir in bitter melons and string beans and continue to simmer again until those are half done (add water if necessary to keep vegetables moist). Finally stir in the eggplants and simmer until soft --be careful, they will get awefully soggy if cooked too long (still edible but not very pleasing to the eye). Serve with rice and enjoy! Shown below in rice bowl style.

Tip: During cooking, taste and add more water if it's too salty or add more bagoong if it's bland.

Market Night

Every Thursday is Market Night. We enjoy going there. David loves to listen to the band and dance around. I enjoy the atmosphere. My favorite food to eat is this "$6 carne asada burrito to wait for"! I don't remember the name of the place ... my nose just knows how to get there. Seriously, the wait can be long. I waited once for 40 minutes. It's worth it though. I'll have to take a picture of it next time; my brain only instructs me to salivate and nothing else so I didn't even think of taking a picture. I'll have to prepare myself next time and get that picture for you. Anyway, Dave's usually at work or have something else planned so it's just the kids and I that go, like this evening.


The kids enjoying the band and the pizza. My David the "practically eat nothing all day boy" actually finished his slice of pizza. A big feat! I can't get him to eat this at home but he'll eat it here.


Fairly a rookie to Market Night, Sophia likes this adventure too. It seems she likes the sights and sounds.

David had to have the light saver sword or whatever it's called. He was slicing the air all night. Anything to keep him happy and keep my sanity even for a moment ... "Please Mom, please, please, please, I want that ... please, please, please ..."

The wonderful firemen were giving away junior fire hats to the kids and letting them ride in the truck. Of course, David was thrilled. They also had a special "smoke trailer" that walked the kids through a what to do in smoke/fire scenerio; pretty cool. ---Firemen, thanks and we love you!

It's All About David

Oh, how I love my first born! There hasn't been a day since he was born that he didn't place a smile on my face. Although there has been more moments this year that he has gotten in my case than previous years, he is definitely a keeper!!! You'll see some evidence below:


"One more, Mom."


Off to pre-school I go! Dad did my hair. Pretty cool, eh?


While David was at school, Sophia and I went to Wal-Mart to look for party stuff but ended up picking up some dress socks for David to wear for church (he's been rotating a couple pairs and have even been found wearing the regular white socks). Wow! You should have seen his reaction! He was soooooo excited ... and he had to try out a pair. Over a pair of socks!! How weird and precious is that!? He was sure he could fly in them as you will see next...

I'm tough. I'm Super-Socks Boy!

My Dad took me a bath and did my hair ... take a picture Mom. --Here's my "Cheese!" smile ...

... and here's my "Do, re, mi ..." look.

POTPOURRI vol. 3

The following are moments I didn't get to blog about so here they are:

PLAYING PEANUT BUTTER CATCH

OUR BIG SMILES!

ENJOYING THE "REVERENT ROPE" I EARNED FROM PRIMARY

VISIT TO GRANDMA'S

Standing up on my own and clapping.

"I thought I was the princess!"

ROUGH MOMENTS

Me and Aunt Tish at Daddy's uncle's funeral.
Me and Dad 3 wks later at his aunt's funeral.

PLAYGROUP AT CHUCK-E-CHEESE

RELATIVES FROM CANADA VISITS

Pancit

I had a last minute company coming over and so I was looking around for something to cook. I hadn't defrosted any meat today so I was getting desperate. Then I saw some pork in the fridge (extra that I didn't cook from the night before) and thought, hey how about pancit? Luckily I just had enough vegetables to pull it off. I worked fast and here's the result. I've had several requests for the recipe so here it is.

I didn't think ahead or I would have taken pictures of the process. This recipe would actually yield a couple of these 8X8 trays. This was just what was left over.

Oh, I cook without really measuring so the following recipe is not precise so play with it and good luck! PANCIT (Filipino chow-mein?)

Prep time: 20min Cooking time: 30min

Ingredients:

*3-4 Tbs of oil
*4 cloves of garlic, minced
*1 small onion, diced
*salt and pepper
*3/4 - 1 cup of chopped pork or whatever meat you like
*water
*soy sauce
*1 small pkg each of yellow canton noodle (leave dry) and white rice noodle (soak in water to soften--at least 20min., then cut to about 6in., and drain off water)
*3 carrots, julienne
*3 sticks of chopped celery
*1 cup of string beans sliced slanted or 1/2-1 small cabbage, chopped (basically any vegetables you would like in your noodles; think color!)
*Garnish: sliced boiled egg and celery flower

Stove top directions:
In wok, brown garlic in hot oil then add and saute meat of choice, onion, salt & pepper, and cook half done. Add soy sauce, maybe 1/3C to start and saute for a couple minutes. Then add about 2 cups of water and simmer for 4-5 minutes, then add canton and work it down by mixing/folding. Shortly thereafter the canton will soften but not fully cooked then add rice noodle. Continue to mix, adding water and soy sauce as necessary (always keeping noodles slightly moist). Add vegetables and continue to saute until vegetables are crisp, not soggy. Now plate and garnish then ENJOY!



Here's Sophia enoying her serving.