Dying to be kicked

In light of the recent deaths, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Micheal Jackson, and Billy Mays, I am reminded of my thoughts about dying. This during the latter part of my pregnancy with Sophia. I considered the thought that I might not make it through the c-section. I recall, while they were wheeling me to the surgery room, wanting to grab Dave’s hand and whisper my proclamation of my love for him and our kids and give my last wishes. I didn’t … thinking too movie drama-like. The thoughts again came when I was pregnant with Steven. Again wanting to grab Dave’s hand and share my fears and wishes. Needless to say, I survived the surgeries. I’m sure the anxiety had a lot to do with hormones but the fear was real. It gave me an opportunity to ask myself, “What legacy would I be leaving? What would family and friends remember about me? What would be their thoughts?” But above all, thinking “Oh crap, the house is a mess!”. People will think for sure that I’m cluttered in the head since I’ve got a cluttered home!

I am not ready to go! I’m embarrass to say so because … I am cluttered in the head!! Some of what people see is a face. I don’t have it all together. I’m an emotional eater, short tempered, a rat-pack, a procrastinator, hypertensive, scared, got the “only if …” syndrome, etc. But all this because I’ve got spiritual issues that need to be addressed. Someone kick me!! Hard. Maybe hit me with a frying pan.

Oddly enough, in the depths of me, I am grateful for Heavenly Father’s patience with me. I can’t help but feel his love and longing for me to succeed. He’s just waiting for me to do my part.

David is a polliwog

David, my little tadpole, is taking swimming lessons. He's far from being a fish but he enjoys trying! Today was the last day for this month's sessions so he got a report card. His teacher had kind and encouraging words to say as well as suggestions on what to work on. David is excited to continue next month. Fortunately, the class time we wanted had space available so this time around he's going twice-a-week. Dave will also be working with him to keep his confidence level up and eventually be able to really swim!

Great job, Son!!

P.S. David really did improve because on the first day, he freaked out in the water! The screaming - crying kind, but he came back each week and got more and more confident.

If I'm ever sad ...

... I just have to look at this picture! Totally hilarious; fall out of your seat, curl in a ball, tears rolling, tummy aching from laughing so hard hilarious!! Talk about light at the end of the tunnel !! Seriously the funniest picture I've ever seen! Thanks Chanel for finding this. I can't stop laughing !!!

Way to go, Matt and Mark !!

Tish is a proud parent of two college graduates, her boys Matt and Mark. This past Saturday she hosted a celebration party in their honor. Tish went all out and thought of everything. It was a grand-joyous party ... tons of food, mariachi for entertainment, roomful of family picture collage, and a gigantic bouncer slide! No one at that party was found bored! Of course I forgot my camera and have not one picture, so here are pictures of the graduates with their mama that I have on hand.

Congratulations Matt and Mark! Your Uncle Dave and I are very proud of you!!

We love you!!!

Matthew: B.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from UC Davis

Mark: B.S. in English from UC Berkeley

Wii fun with Uncle Joey & cousins

My brother felt bad about missing Steven's birthday party last week so he, along with Ryan and Kaelyn, came over today to visit him. It's been a long while since we've seen them. We don't live too far from each other but we seem to be playing "visit tag" lately. Anyway, my kiddos enjoyed spending time with their uncle and cousins (Aunt Tricia was at work and Ate Tia at her grandma's). The kids had a ball playing Wii! Ryan got into the boxing and broke a sweat, so cute! Of course, Uncle Joey didn't come empty handed. He brought presents for the birthday boy and his siblings (also for Sheil's boys) ... how generous! Thanks Uncle Joey!!

P.S. Steven is getting a better handle at walking! He did about 4ft today, several times. Oh no, before I know it he'll be running!! Yikes!!!

BFFs and Congrats Hill !

Gloria is in Cali for a few days and we got a chance to get together. The 3 amigos met for lunch at Olive Garden. This visit we had a nice treat; Glo's niece, Rachel, joined us. As usual we had much to talk about but not enough time ... even though we were there for 4.5hrs! We got to talking about high school memories and things to do out of boredom and I think we scared Rachel a bit. Wild and crazy gals we use to be and can be. OK, mostly Glo and Peb ... I was a bit dull ... though I had my moments. Anyways, it's always a time well spent when I'm around my BFFs. Oh, Glo brought gifts for my munchkins and so when I went to pick them up they were thrilled to open their surprise. Thanks Aunt Gloria!!

P.S. We missed you Hillary (Glo's daughter) but I suppose being in Disneyland with a couple of your best buds is better than hanging out with old fogies! Congratulations on graduating high school and getting into Portland State University! Yeay!!!

Happy Birthday again Steven!

I didn't plan well for Steven's 1st birthday bash (shame on me!). I procrastinated and threw a last minute birthday party for him ... just family. Our cozy Curious George themed party was full of fun none-the-less. We enjoyed some Mexican food and the classic cake and ice cream. The kids played party games and had a ball running around. Here's just a few captured moments (the better shots are in Aunt Tish's camera):

Happy Birthday Leno!

Wow, 14 years ago today this baby made me an Auntie! Boy, was I a proud and happy Auntie!! Happy birthday little Lin! You'll always be my little Lin even though you outgrew me (height-wise) when you were, what, 10yo? I can't believe you'll be old enough to drive in a couple more years!! I love you Sweetie.

Olympian in the making?

Sophia is enrolled in "Baby acro/tumbling/dance" class. She is enjoying it so far. I'm just surprise she isn't going at it with more zeal. I mean, she is incredibly active and physical at home and thought I would see that same fire in her class. I suppose she's shy in the beginning and will show her spunk soon. Thus far, she likes the trampoline a lot. I personally see she's good at balancing on the tightrope/balance beam (they're holding her hand here but she can do it without). Maybe she can get tips from Carly, the State Champ! Congrats Carly!!

I'm getting a kick at seeing her get into such activities. I didn't get to do that when I was young so she's living it for me. I like hula as well so I'd like to get her into that later. Oh, it's so fun to have a girl!

Of course with a beginning circus experience under his belt, David became a helper and showed how it should be done. He was so excited about being involved.