I'll Go

Last Sunday I woke up convincing myself to skip church.  Just because of sluggishness.  But I couldn't think of a good excuse and the thought of skipping out on my Nursery leader and the Nursery children weighed heavily on my mind (I'm one of the Nursery assistant leaders, so I miss Sunday School and Relief Society meetings to attend to my calling in Nursery).  Of course the guilt of skipping out on Christ and punishing my kids for my sluggishness was a big factor too, so we went!  Then come this weekend I felt that sluggishness again.  Steven had a runny nose yesterday and I thought, well, that's a decent reason to miss church today, wouldn't want his Nursery mates to catch a cold, and it was going to be a day off for me from Nursery so I wouldn't be skipping out on my responsibilities there.  Oh, and the rainy weather was a motivator to stay home!  But I remembered my kids.  They need their church time so I kicked myself again and we went.  I'm so glad that we especially went today.  Being off from my Nursery duties I had an opportunity to attend Sunday School and the combined Priesthood and Relief Society meeting (our Nursery leader had arranged substitutes for me and another Nursery assistant so that we could attend the special 5th Sunday meeting).  I sooo enjoyed those last two hours of church!!  It was an awesome feeling attending Sunday School and discussing the scriptures.  It had been 10 months since I last attended one.  Then, the combined meeting was a nice treat as well.  Brother and Sister H. shared their testimonies, thoughts, facts, and encouragements about serving as Senior Missionaries.  They came back last year from serving a mission in Ethiopia.  After their talks, I wanted to sign up to serve!  But I need my other half to qualify and he doesn't qualify just yet.  Anyway, it wasn't until the closing song that I lost it!  The song was "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go ...(dear Lord)" and before I knew it, I was quitely sobbing with sleeping Steven in my arms (Nursery sent him back to me because he was crying too much!).  The song had affected me because I was where I should have been that 3hrs of this Sunday.  Heavenly Father wanted me to go to church and so I'm glad I was there!  In my sobs of realization and gratefulness, I recommitted myself to go and be where my dear Lord wants me to go.  ~My cup runneth over... my heart is full.  God is good.  I am happy!

First badge

Last night we attended our first boy scout pack meeting.  There David received his first cub scout badge ...the Bobcat.  I get a pin as well.  Woohoo!! 

Congratulations Son!!

**I forgot to bring my camera to the meeting and I can't find the cable to my cell phone to upload the few pictures I took from it, so this is it for now.  :)

Cub Scout in the house!

Today was David's first day at Cub Scout.  He was so excited and actually so was I!!  We were told that meetings start promptly at 4pm so I set a goal to be out the door at 3:30pm (leaving room for last minute things like... oops, Steven made a #2, or Sophia now has to do a #1, or David got thirsty, etc).  With all the rush, I put the scarf clip upside down (did ya notice?). 

Here is David with his "Akela".  Den mother?  Is that the right term?  Still learning the ropes.  ~In lay terms, his scout teacher.  :)  ...scarf clip now right side up!

While David was at his meeting, my 2 other munchkins and I went to the nursery room.  There along with few other kids entertained ourselves by watching "Finding Nemo". 
                         

David enjoyed his first day.  Because he was early and the first boy at the meeting, he was able to help his teacher set up the seats and such.  Oh, since he was the newest member, he had the most crisp uniform.  I also noticed that he was the most properly dressed while a few of his classmates were a bit lax (untucked or wrinkled shirts, wore clogs, etc).  I told David that I don't want him too relaxed.  I want him to take pride in how he presents himself while in his uniform (and in general).  Anyway, he told me that he learned about recycling and how to tie a square knot today.  Great first day!!

Birthday catch-up

I'm going to back track a bit to David's birthday ... new years eve.  That day the fam went to Sea World (Lego Land will have to wait another day).  We got to see a little more this time around but my camera was acting up so I didn't get much pictures.  Suffice it to say the kids had a great time and as always family time is priceless.  Then when we got home that night, he blew his birthday candles.  This year Mama didn't read the cake mix box and ended up baking a brownie cake ... no wonder the batter seemed funny!  It ended up to be a nice mistake because it was delicious!!

We held off David's family birthday party until the 8th of this month; the same day as his baptism.  I figured 2 big parties in 1 day equals 1 less hassle and clean up!! ~Everyone had fun getting together and celebrating.  I made it easy on myself and had Mr. Yu cater both events (but did prepare Mexican food just in case ...and I did end up setting some of that).  ~Thank you family for celebrating little David's It Great to be 8 day.  Fun times!!

Someone's middle name is spelled s-p-o-i-l-e-d because he still has another birthday party coming.  With the holidays and these two events I had forgotten to plan for one at his school with his classmates so that'll be coming soon.  I've yet to talk with his teacher to set a date.  *sigh* (tired sigh, not an upset sigh)

A Very Special Day

I knew this day was coming and yet it came at me so suddenly (long story).  I was overwhelmed with the quick preparations but knew that in the end that I would be the happiest mother in the world. And so I am! David's baptismal ceremony was beautiful!! The Spirit indeed was present and many family and friends were able to witness the sacred ordinance (the Bishop counted 60 in attendance).  Some that weren't able to come gave their best wishes and some others wrote him sweet letters.  What wonderful family and friends I have.  Thank you so much for your love and support!!  We are sincerely moved.

The low down of the big event:
I'll start with David's birthday party that began at 1pm.  There, many relatives came to celebrate.  We had the usual... food, pinata, cake, presents, and laughter.  However, I wasn't as focused since I had last minute details I was still ironing out for the baptism that was to come at 5pm.  My sweet family of course was accommodating and enjoyed each other's company.  By 4pm, I was on full baptism mode and instructed my immediate family to change.  At around 4:30pm we all dispersed (Dave and David had left a bit earlier) and made our way to the church (well, I thought all my relatives that attended the birthday party was also going to attend the baptism, but I was bummed to find out that it wasn't the case).  Just over a 5 minute drive, we had time to breathe and take before pictures.  At 5pm, the meeting started as programed ...opening song and prayer, talk on baptism, actual baptizing, musical number by Primary kids, talk on the Holy Ghost, the confirmation, closing remarks by our bishop, then the closing hymn and prayer.  About an hour later, all were welcomed to a reception at our home.

Memorable tidbits:
*The church had a visit from a skunk so the whole place smelled "rosy".
*David had to be dunked twice in the baptismal pool because his toes came up above the water the first time.
*Lindsay's talk on baptism was beautiful!!
*Special surprise (sorta, they were invited) attendance of:  Kuya Frank and Ate Mila (who introduced Dave and me); Robert and his family (Dave's co-worker); and Peb and John (my bff).
*I'm the happiest mother in the world!  Did I say that already?  :)

CONGRATULATIONS DAVID!!

 My handsome family

The S. Family

David and Brother K.

David and Bishop R.

 David and his best friend Marc (from school)

Thanks Auntie Sheila for the yummy cake!

Due to the sacredness of the actual baptismal ordinance, no pictures were allowed.  And due to my lack of organization, I forgot to take a picture of David with Brother G., who performed the confirmation, and pictures of the guests at the ceremony and at the reception!! 

Man, I learned my lesson.  I have 4 years to prepare for Sophia's baptism and now I know I'm going to need it!!  ~See you again in 4 years!! :)

Special Letter Request

My friend-adoptive sister, Mhai, has a wonderful idea for a remembrance book that I'd like to put together for David.  I need your participation to make this a success.  I've already e-mailed those of you that I have an email address for and forgive me if you received it a couple of times or so (looks like I have some cleaning up to do on my email contact lists).  Anyway, I look forward to your reply.

********
Hello Family and Friends,

This is a request for you to help with a book that I'm putting together for little David.

As you know, he will be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Saturday, January 08, 2011. Please write him a letter on any size stationary (8 1/2 x 11 or smaller) answering the following in any order:

1. State how you know, or your relationship to David.
2. List any talents, characteristics, or stories that you could tell to/about David.
3. Please share your thoughts and feelings about Jesus Christ.

You can email me the letter, give it to me at the baptism, or mail it to me.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to do this for Little David. He will appreciate this, especially as he grows older.

I love you my dear family and friends. Thank you for your support... mwuah!

Stressed

I don't know how this clip art might help me but it's awfully cute (right down to her smirky smile)!!  Anyway, I'm wigging out this week!  With the quick planning of David's baptism and a birthday party to add to that ... well, everything else goes in the back burner!!  I'm overwhelmed with so much to do yet.  So here I am venting.  Man, this goes to show that I would not be a good wedding coordinator or any party coordinator for that matter!! 

All right, I better go now.  I've got to put away the Christmas decorations, wash tons of laundry, pick up baptismal jumpsuit, finish up late invites, draft and send out request for a letter, buy pinata and candies, make party food list and order them, whip out my warmers, get party supplies, pick up after the kids (I already cleaned up pee on the floor, now I've just been informed Soph spilled a cup full of water --thank goodness it's not pancake syrup we just had for breakfast!), cook Dave's lunch for work, return phone calls, come up with party favors, CLEAN the house, etc. etc. !!  At this point, I would like I Dream of Jeannie powers and blink everything perfect, but that's not going to happen so perhaps I should order one of those huge moving pods and fill it with all the clutter in my house and hide them there!  And of course, hire a party coordinator that would do all this party stuff!!  Too bad I don't play the lottery so I'd get a shot at those millions and I'd be able to throw a stress free party.

But this will all be worth it because come Saturday evening, I'll be the happiest mom in the world!!

Congratulations my dear David!  I love you to pieces!!!

David is getting baptized!!

Family and Friends,

You are cordially invited to attend David's baptism this coming Saturday.  A formal invitation will be sent out in the mail soon, but this is just a head's up. 

Advance appreciation for your support. 

See you there!!  :)

Christmas rounds

This Christmas year was a blast!  Our little family made rounds with our relatives.  We started at my parents on Christmas Eve (my siblings with our families).  My brother Neil and his family lives in the Philippines and weren't able to come over for the holidays but we had a conference call ... so most of the grand kids (parent's side) were there.  The little cousins had a great time playing together and of course opening presents.  Then Christmas morning we had our own little family time.  The kids woke up to open presents from Santa and chill for a little while ...for we had a full day ahead!  By the afternoon, we went to celebrate with my mom's side of the family.  This year Rischl hosted the get-together.  As usual there was tons of family, food, presents, and laughs!  Finally in the evening we headed over to my in-laws.  More food, presents, and fun (my camera battery died so no pictures)!!  By the end of the night, the kids had 3 trunk full of toys!!

We love our families!!

BTW:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!