My Baby's 6!

Yes, today my little David is 6 years old! He is such a good boy. So precious and a total joy ... look at that smile!! He truly possesses many wonderful qualities but here's a mere six:

1. He is obedient ... he prays at every meal and in the car before we leave for outings

2. He is loving ... he can sing your blues away!

3. He is helpful ... watches over his siblings, fetches things for me, etc.

4. He is smart ... good reader, awesome memory, etc.

5. He is friendly ... a social butterfly (most of the time, he has his moments)

6. He is thoughtful and giving ... he often has special drawings/cards for his mom and dad and others as well, shares treats with his sister, etc.

WE LOVE YOU SON AND KUYA!

December Memories

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

DAVID WITH RC ALBERTSON SANTA

MY CHRISTMAS DECORATING HELPERS:

TREATS FROM OUR NEIGHBOR, DR. & MRS. G:

FOR THOSE I VISIT TEACH & NEIGHBORS, I MADE EGG ROLLS

DAVE BRINGS HOME SNOW FOR THE KIDS:

CHRISTMAS EVE AT LOLA & LOLO (GRAND KIDS, MINUS NEIL'S BOYS)

GIFTS FROM SANTA

THIS IS COOL!

I LOVE MY CHONIES!

THIS IS WHAT I GOT AT COUSINS' GIFT EXCHANGE (HAD TO BE HANDMADE)

THANKS RICHIE!

Belated Christmas Letter

Just fell so behind this year and so this never made it in the Christmas cards. I had it on draft since the beginning of the month but I just kept it at the back burner.

December 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

What a year!! The economy tittering on depressive state, historic presidential election, moral issue tests Californians, real estate jumble, etc. But what does that mean for us? Fortunately, our professions allow us to still be in demand so we have good income; our household was divided with the political issues … one winning one and the other winning another; and we’re taking a loss on our Lalania house … :( . But as you know our best fruit of our labor this year was welcoming Steven to our family. We also moved into our house on a hill with an awesome panoramic view. So overall we came up ahead. We hope the same for you as well. Anyway, here is what we were up to this year …

Dave found muse and satisfaction in undertakings. This year he maintains teaching judo at Cal State S.B. and re-opened his martial arts club for personal training here in town. In addition, he has also taken on a teaching position for ITT in the criminal justice department. Also, he is currently the head chairman for the Police Privacy Counsel for our city. Plus, his full time job is still with the State. Even with all that, he is actually home most of the time. He continues to be an exceptional father and loyal husband. He helps with the kids and does laundry. Wow! He’s Superman!

Jinky has her moments. Having three small children wears her out but she also has been in her happiest. Being a stay-at-home mom is still her favorite calling. Secretly, she wants more kids … Oops! The secret’s out!! Moving on, she obtained a new per diem job (2days/month) four miles from home. Her other employer did not want to let her go, so they offered to let her work one day a month to stay and she accepted. So in total, she works a whopping three days a month! Yes, I’m spoiled. Thanks, Honey!

Little David is awesome! He started kindergarten this year and is learning by leaps and bounds! His reading skills is incredible. He’s friendly, saying hello to everyone around him. He continues to love singing and is a super help to his Mama.

Sophia is our hyper kid. Never a dull moment when she’s around. She talks well for her age. She loves her brothers and you’ll often find her mimicking David and squeezing Steven. She’s our little princess with attitude.

Steven is our mellow kid. Always has a smile for you and those big bright eyes sparkle! He loves to eat so he’s our little Buddha. He’s growing up curious and loving. Maybe early to say but so far he’s a Mama’s boy which Jinky is thrilled about since the other two are Daddy’s kids.

Nationally this year has not been great but we hope you’ve found your blessings in the family and friends that surrounds you and circumstances that befell you thus coming up ahead. We certainly are blessed to count you as our riches.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,
The S. Family

My Breakdown!

Yesterday before David's party I went to Walmart to pick-up some chocolate bars for game prizes. The trip ended up to be an ordeal! I briefly browsed before grabbing the chocolates and when I saw that the lines were long, I ditched the chocolates and headed out instead. Just before I got to my car I noticed that my purse was gone from the cart! We (Steven was with me) ran back inside the store and I just lost it! I was crying hysterically. Sobbing the words, "Someone stole my purse!" I couldn't stop crying ... feeling like an idiot and vulnerable. But somewhere in me, I was glad that Steven was safe with me. I suppose I needed the excuse to cry. I wasn't really too upset about the loss but that the stress had finally caught up with me and I just brokedown! The greeting lady just hugged me and called for security and manager. They came, called the police, and took information. I borrowed their phone to call Dave to come pick us up only to have him tell me that my parents have my purse. I was still somewhat hysterical so it didn't make sense to me. He was sweet to calm me down and told me that it's OK. Then, the manager comes back to me and says that she reviewed the video and I didn't even come in with a purse. After she said that, I realized that I had changed shopping carts at the parking lot 'cause the first one was too squeaky. It was coming to focus! I had left my purse outside and someone found it and used my cell phone to call my Mom. No one stole it, but someone found it. Oh, I was so glad to see my parents. It just happened that my parents was on their way to my house and was perfectly at the right exit to meet the gal who turned in my purse. So there's still kind and honest people in the world! Unfortunately, my parents didn't catch a contact information so that I could thank her. They're kicking themselves for dropping the ball on that one. But, Alana, wherever you are ... thank you for turning in my purse. What an angel.

So after the ordeal, I still had to pick up the Chinese food and pizza and asked Sheil to pick up some chocolates. I ended up at my "own" party very late! My sweet family/relatives pitched in to set up the party and had everything under control. I wanted to curl up in bed and stay there but I composed myself and the party was a blast! All forgotten ... sort of.

David's Birthday Party

Lately, David's been into fried rice so we thought we'd have Kung Fu Panda theme for his birthday party. We had Chinese food and a giant pizza --just in case. We had a great time. Here's a glimpse of the fun.

David's actual birthday is on the 31st so we'll make it a family event then and do what he wants.

I Feel Better

The other day, Monica, one of my sister-in-laws said something that made me feel better. She had asked if I was ready for Christmas. I told her that I hadn't even started to wrap! She replied, "Well, then we know where your priorities are ...(looking at Steven)". "I'd be worried if you had everything done!", she continued. Oh, that was so good to hear. I had been feeling overwhelmed ... so late with decorating, sending Christmas cards, etc. Plus, this month is Dave and little David's birthdays so add stress about looking for "nothing" (that's what Dave says he wants for his birthday) and planning for David's party! This means the house again hadn't been kept up well ... clutter, dishes and laundry piling, on and on and on. Indeed, the kids and Dave are at the top of my list so the rest will have to wait when I can get to them. Glad to know that someone understands. Thanks Mon.

Lately my parents and sister have been great about baby sitting a few hours here and there so I can go to work or run some errands. Of course, Dave's been the biggest help. He's definitely putting his share in. I tell ya, he's Superman!

Thanks family! You guys rock!!!

My Honey's Special Day

Happy Birthday Mahal!!

We love you!

The Reason For The Season

Steven's 6 Month Old Check-Up

19.5lbs and 17 inches long

3 shots

Steven actually turned 6 months old ten days ago (above picture taken that day) but he didn't get to see his doctor until yesterday. He got the thumbs up! Oh, I must say he gave the doctor a present ... he peed when he was getting weighed! It got all over the baby scale and sprayed to the adult scale as well. Merry Christmas Dr. R. and staff!!! At least it wasn't a #2. ;)

Sophia's New 'Do

I hadn't realized that Sophia has not ever cut her hair! I had just been letting it grow, thinking nothing of it. It just didn't dawn on me to trim it. Then last night I light bulb lit up and I decided that I'd cut her hair in the morning. I figured that if I messed it up, I'd take her to the salon, no sweat. Of course, I'd have to see if she'd let me do it. She did and she was good and didn't wiggle much.

Turned out great! She looks adorable. My little Dora.

BEFORE

AFTER

Our Family Elf Dance For You

Enjoy!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

4,5,6

"Sophia, what time is it?"

"4,5,6"

Filipino Pride

I don't like boxing! It's such a totally brutal sport but last night I found myself caught up with my family's excitement. Here's what happened. Late afternoon yesterday, the kids and I went to Rischl's (my god-daughter/cousin) house to celebrate her 26th birthday. She ordered the De La Hoya vs Pacquiao pay per-view boxing match to attract the older crowd. The party started normal enough ... food not quite ready, people coming in late, socializing and catching up. But it turned out that the star of the night was Pacquiao. "The Dream Match" started around 8pm and there we all were in the family room in front of the huge big screen TV, eyes focused, heart racing, ... true Filipino pride so thick you can cut it with a knife! So bummed that I didn't take a picture because that room was literally wall-to-wall full of people. Anywho, I had no intention of watching it but I heard the Filipino national anthem and the lady singing the song wore a traditional mestiza dress. I felt it! That kind of pride one gets at an Olympic game. Well, I watched up to the 4th round. The kids got too sleepy and difficult so we headed home. Come to find out some minutes later that Pacquiao was declared the winner after the 6th round. AaaaaHHH! I missed it!!!!

Richie and Steven
Birthday girl!

Christmas Portraits

These were taken just over two weeks ago and what an experience! I had their change of clothes in the trunk of my car ready to go should the opportunity arise. That day was finally it! Of course, there were obstacles. First, we caught them on a break so we had to wait an hour, so we browsed in the store. When they finally got back, there was an appointment ahead of us so we had to wait for them to finish ... close to another hour later. In the meantime, I dressed them up with the usual struggle! Sophia being her usual self was restless and nosy --getting into things. David whined, "Is it our turn yet?". Steven was good through the whole thing! Then finally our turn. More wiggles there and another set of change of clothes. It was a long four hours but glad that I made it time this year. Wheww!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Belated Thanksgiving

Dave had to work on Thanksgiving day but since he works the swing shift, I was able to prepare a Thanksgiving lunch for us. I made the classic feast ... turkey, ham, stuffing, mash potato and gravy, cranberry sauce, biscuits, and pumpkin pie. It wasn't half bad if I do say so myself! Then the kids and I did our rounds with the relatives. Mid-afternoon we went to my sister's to celebrate with my side of the family. More turkey and fixings plus a touch of Filipino food. By evening time, we went to one of my sister-in-law's to celebrate with Dave's side of the family. We had a long day but certainly had a great time seeing everyone and grateful for the bounty of blessings.

**Yes, I forgot to bring my camera and didn't get to capture the fun! :(