Monday Fun

Yesterday was a fun full day. The kids played in the pool, our new piano got delivered (no room for our old baby grand ...bummer... so we got an upright one instead), and later in the evening we celebrated Lizzy's 4th birthday at Monica's.

FUN IN THE SUN

Our new piano was going to be delivered so we needed the kids out of the way. Since it was a hot day we took out the portable pool and had the kids play there. David wanted to jump in the pool right away and didn't want to put on his swim trunks. He just wanted his chonies on ... I figured since it was just us in our backyard that would be alright. Got lucky and managed to find Sophia's floaty swimwear in the garage and slipped that on her. Of course, couldn't find any sunscreen so I scrounged up a couple of hats. They had fun splashing/playing in the pool. I don't know where Sophia figured out that swimming involved kicking 'cause she was showing me her kicks ... unfortunately they both were afraid to actually try to swim ... suppose getting them swimming lessons is in order! Anyway, here they are enjoying the pool.

TRYING OUT THE NEW PIANO

LIZZY'S 4TH BIRTHDAY

Have A Safe Trip Dad

A quick shout out to my Dad who left for the Philippines late last night. Have a safe trip and enjoy your visit there! We'll miss you. Don't worry about Mom, we'll watch out for her.

Please send our love and regards to Neil and the family.

Happy Birthday Dad

Yesterday was my Dad's birthday ... turned officially a senior citizen. We celebrated his special day at my sister's pad with lunch, cassava cake, presents, and a nice family time. Also, later that evening, relatives from Valinda came over to celebrate some more. I think Dad enjoyed his day. Happy birthday Dad, we love you!

First Day at Our New Ward

Today was our first day at our new ward. It was overall a nice experience. I was immediately greeted by a lady that one of my old ward friends called to watch out for me. We sat with her and she introduced me to others as we came across them. Of course I don't remember them all. I did get to meet the bishop. I look forward to talking with him some more because I would like a calling.

Sophia was quite a handful during the sacrament hour so it was a relief to get to the second hour. At that point, we dropped off David to Primary and Sophia and I went to her nursery class. I stayed with her to see how she would do there and wow! She saw the toys and started to play, forgetting I might not be there until she noticed the door opening ... she thought it was me leaving. So she would notice if I left. But on the third hour I did leave to go to my Relief Society class. She cried as I was leaving but one of the teachers assured me that she will be fine. A bit hesitant but I went to class. There an old acquaintance motioned for me to sit by her. I did and also bumped into a sister of one of my friends at the old ward. Hurray! New friends already. Anyway, I enjoyed the lesson. I actually learned something new to me ... regarding the meaning of Elias. At the end of class a couple of Filipinas introduced themselves to me and hurray more friends! From there I picked up Sophia and the teacher said that she did fine. David did well at his classes. He said, "I wasn't nervous Mom.". What a big boy! I think we'll fit into the ward just fine.

Took the camera with me to church but forgot to take pictures there but here's Sophia at home having a snack prior to going to church.

My Student Got Baptized Today

Prisilla, one of three students (click here) I had last year got baptized today. I am so happy for her and grateful to be invited to witness her special day. I was even honored to be asked to say the opening prayer. She's such a sweet girl. Congratulations my dear!

Silly me! I forgot to take a picture with her!


Taken outside the stake center after the baptism.


"What did Kuya say?"

Baby Update

Today I had an NST (non-stress test) appointment, where they check for the baby's heart beat, early contractions, and ambionic fluid. I'm suppose to go these appointments twice a week but I think it's a bit much afterall, my initial appointment with them (genetic specialist doctor) said that I would only see him every 6 weeks. So it threw me off when they said to come twice a week. Appearantly it's protocol for those positive on the AFP test (click here) to be seen twice a week in addition to every 6 weeks. Anyway, today's check-up went well. He's growing on schedule and no appearant problems. Hurray!

Next week I see my OB doctor and will see him every 2 weeks thereafter. So this means it's getting close to the big day! This is so also since I've been awefully sluggish and tire easily. My sciatic nerve pain is back and it hurts to walk. Now I have a hard time chasing Sophia! I get short of breath quickly. I've also got the appetite of a couple horses! So my doctor's not going to be happy with my excessive weight gain. Anyway, I'll ask my doctor next week for the exact date of the delivery. From what he told be before it'd be on the 10th of June but I noticed on my appointment schedule a "surgery" dated for the 9th, so I'll confirm that with him next week and let you know.

Thanks for your continued support and I'll update you again later.

Solemn Assembly

Yesterday morning Sophia and I (David stayed home with his dad) watched General Conference at the stake center because there would be less distractions there than if I had watched it at home. I anticipated a special meeting because today all the members were to sustain a new president of the church/prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. It was an awesome experience to be able to stand up and sustain him to his new calling. I marveled at the sight of each group being asked for their sustaining vote. I imagined all the others in the world standing to raise their right arms as well. Certainly a warm feeling came over me.

I admire President Monson and look forward to his leadership. I am grateful to Heavenly Father for modern revelations. It shows to me that He loves us because the priesthood is on earth today. I wish I was more eloquent in conveying such depth of gratitude for His love towards us. It's amazing how a heart can swell so large from the feeling of love from someone ... in this case, God's love for all of us, His children. My physical reaction only can cry! It's that intense.

I bear my testimony to you that President Monson is a true prophet and directly called by Heavenly Father to this calling. I am glad that the priesthood keys are restored so that we all can reap the benefits of God's temporal and eternal blessings. These and many others in my heart I say in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Getting Closer to 40

Yesterday was my birthday. I turned 39 years old. It started out alright. Sophia and I dropped off David to school then met my parents and sister for breakfast at Denny's and we hung out shopping in town until almost noon time when I had to pick up David from school ... Dave had left for his work at ITT at 7am that morning and was back by noon only to eat lunch and be off to work at his full time job. That left just the kids and I to hang out together for the rest of my birthday. We just ended up going to Market Night. We had a good time. I suppose I was bummed that I just saw Dave about 30 minutes that whole day, but of course grateful that the kids were with me.

By the way, because Dave was going to work on my birthday, the family celebrated the day before. Dave took me out to a very nice restaurant. I had a salmon salad that was absolutely yummy! That evening we had cake, balloon, party hats and movie night. I was very happy to spend quality family time and adored Dave for setting up a fun day.

Today, I had a surprise visit from my in-laws (Mom Bertha, Monica, Jessica and kids) and that cheered me up. They brought ice cream cake and I enjoyed their company. I have awesome in-laws!

Oh, a couple of days before my birthday I pampered myself and got a haircut, manicure, and pedicure. That foot massage was great! Maybe next year I'll get myself a total body massage! Ooohhh! I could use that now. This pregnancy hurts this time around and that massage sounds like what I need!! We'll see.

Anyway, thanks to those of you who wished me happy birthday.

My kids with my yummy birthday cake and Dora candle. Dave even put on a party hat ... he would only do that for us.

This is all you're going to see of me! The other pictures showed double shin, so no way!

My princess birthday balloon decorating my bare kitchen.