Mid-Year Family Update

I've been really awful at updating here so I thought I'd give a little spiel about each member of the family ..something like our annual Christmas letter.  So here goes...

Dave:  He continues to be a very busy bee.  He has taken on another online professoriate job for a university so that's a total of 4 paying jobs (CO, self-defense teacher, online criminal program professor x2).  He continues to be active in his judo profession, teaching weekly at his club.  Various opportunities have come up to share his self-defense program with a few local schools.  He recently purchased a baby, I mean, a car (a Benz) that has been dubbed "the family car".  Cool! 

Jinky:  Enjoyed being Class Mother in David's class this year.  She even got the opportunity to volunteer in the school's library filing books ..boring but interesting experience.  Of course, she continues to read and book blog.  There has been authors and publishers who have actually approached her to review books so that's been fun and stressing to her.  But can't beat free books!  Speaking of books, she received a Kindle Fire for her birthday and has ventured in the electronic world of books and she likes it more that she thought she would.  Though the printed books are still her preference.  However, her proudest accomplishment this year was institutionalizing Family Home Evening regularly and recently does weekly Book of Mormon chapter reading with the missionaries.  Definitely bringing spiritual blessings in the home.

David:  Straight A's the entire third grade for this young lad.  He even got accepted to the GATE (The Gifted and Talented Education) program!  Woohoo, following in his father's footsteps!  He absolutely had a blast in third grade, gaining new friends and having a wonderful teacher.  He continues to be an awesome Kuya (big brother) to his siblings.  In the beginning of the year, he got promoted to Bear in Cub Scout.  Still sensitive and thoughtful young boy.  This summer he will be busy reading to earn money for his video game addiction.

Sophia:  Still vibrant as can be!  Continuing to be the life of the family.  Yay, no trip to the E.R. thus far!  She thrived in kindergarten.  She is an excellent reader ..level 10!  And more importantly she loves to read!  That makes her mama quite happy as you can imagine.  She's got a happy-cheery disposition.  A girly-girly girl that loves pink and purple.  She's helpful around the house and a total sweetheart.  Her smile can light up a room ..heck, a city! :)

Steven:  Recently turned four years old.  He loves to play with his siblings.  He and Sophia are especially tight.  He adjusted well to just being he and his mom while his siblings were at school.  Lately he's been into playing Angry Birds and other games in his mama's iPod and Kindle.  He's following his brother's baby footsteps and doesn't eat well and lives on milk.  He's sprouting though so no worries.  He's still a mama's boy and may he say that way, says his mama. He's simply the most adorable 4 year old!  ;)

Our Christmas Letter 2011

Aahhh!!!  Christmas is around the corner and I'm not as ready as I thought I was!  Not to mention that this month is also Dave and David's birthdays.  Aahhh!!!  That means more grey hairs will be popping up on my head!  Oh well.  Life is exciting that way. ;)

So here's this year's Christmas picture and letter.  Enjoy!

Our dear Family and Friends,

Welcome to another year of reflection and celebration of our Savior‘s birth. Wow, this has been a milestone year for our family. Dave and Jinky celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary; David kick started the year by getting baptized into membership to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and he also started Cub Scouts; Sophia started kindergarten; and Steven, well, he just got cuter and smarter! An overall wonderful year for us.

Dave continues to be all around awesome! A man of many hats. Our favorite of course are husband and father ..he’s the best! You won’t find him idle but always on the look out to progress in body and mind. This year he received 3rd degree black belts in judo and jujitsu. His self-defense program has been popular with The Girls Scouts and have earned a place in their annual conventions (look for him in city in January) for the second year. His self-defense program is well loved by his university students as well. His professorial skills (if you recall, he’s a criminal justice university online professor) have been acknowledged with increase in pay and number of classes to teach. Incredibly he juggles all of this, his full time job as a you know, and more around his family. Amazing!

Jinky is a happy wife and stay-at-home mom. She received a new calling in March as Visiting Teaching Coordinator at church. Like in any calling, she dove into the duty with zeal and passion. She continues to enjoy reading books and book blogging. Don’t be surprise if she gives you a book for Christmas! She recently vowed to be compliant with taking her blood pressure medication. Dreaming of eating healthy and exercising to fix the condition without actually doing them wasn’t cutting it! Reality bites!! ;)

David is now in third grade and continues to excel. Straight A’s again for this bright young boy and student of the month (December). Cub Scouts has given David a variety of life skills ..like working with tools, building, teamwork, cooking, community service, etc. He advances to Bear next month. He loves to play Wii and watch TV. He also enjoys reading the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. He is a wonderful big brother! He continues to be an intelligent, kind, thoughtful, and sensitive boy. A true blend of his parent’s genes.

Sophia is thriving in kindergarten. She had attachment issues in the beginning but now makes it a point to count how many of her classmates she considers a friend ..had been 14 but now down to 4 (her standards are high). She is enjoying the world of learning. She is a sponge. She comes home wanting to do homework! Of course, she continues to be our very active kid. So much so that she had two trips to the emergency room this year …two scars stand as testimony to this. Laughing, smiling, coloring, and jumping are her specialty. A true delightful and smart little girl.

Steven is our second kindergartener (he mimics his sister so he too ends up learning the things his sister brings home, like spelling and alphabet sounds through songs). He hasn’t gotten the hang of potty training yet. He claims that he is still a baby, so there! He’ll get it eventually so no use stressing about it. He is incredibly adorable and curls his lips for a kiss that will just give you a smile from ear-to-ear! Ever down? See this boy and your worries will be gone! Of course, he is one sharp cookie too.

May the true spirit of Christmas be found in your heart is our wish for you. Know that we love you and also wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Lovingly,

Us

Christmas Letter 2010

I wasn't prepared enough and just didn't get to send Christmas cards this year.  Forgive me.  In lieu, the following is a Christmas letter that you should have gotten by mail had I been on the ball!  ~Kicking myself also that I didn't get a Christmas picture!  Call me slacker!!  :(

December 2010


Our Beloved Family and Friends,

We are glad to report that this year has been very good. We are healthy, happy, and together. Okay, that about sums it all. Merry Christmas!!

All right, maybe just a little more …

Whoohoo!! Dave did get the online teaching job we mentioned last year, so we now have a university professor in the house! He enjoys it and is doing very well according to administrators and student comments . Hence, this eventually lead him to drop teaching at ITT (which bummed them because he was highly favored by students). This is something fun for him, so he is still a full time peace officer. But you know Dave by now, he is physically active too. He still teaches judo weekly, maintains our foliage-full yard, and runs many errands to fulfill the law related questions that comes his way. Oh, and his “Fight Like A Girl” self defense program was accepted by the Girls Scout so he’s got that on his plate. He just doesn’t miss a beat! Yet, above all he is an amazing husband and father. The very best that they come!

This year has been eventful for Jinky. She got bitten by the reading bug in February and has since been a bookworm. She maintains a book blog that records her reviews of the books she read and have discovered an amazing community of book bloggers. She joined Goodreads in July and enjoys her Filipino group there. She continues to keep up to date with family and friends through Facebook. Thank goodness for computers and Internet or she’d be lost. Moreover, she loves her calling in church as a nursery leader assistant because she gets to spend time with adorable 18mos to 3 year olds each Sunday, including her own cutie pie, Steven. Spiritually she is active, temple going, and yeay, reading the scriptures daily! Her favorite title of course continues to be mother and wife.

David continues to thrive in his schooling. He is now in second grade and this first term he received straight A’s. He also scored 100% in the State math exam, the only one in his grade, and 93% in the State English language arts exam. He eats like a bird and skinny as a twig but generally healthy so we’re not too worried. He is an awesome example to his siblings. Often generous and a pretty good singer (he actually can hit some of those notes!). He turns 8yo pretty soon so he will begin the new year entering Cub Scouts and getting baptized. David is an overall wonderful young boy and continues to bring smiles to his parents.

Sophia continues to be energetic! Dave and Jinky are pretty mellow so it must be a trait from her ancestors. She sure keeps the household quite fun and lively. Never a dull moment in the house. Funny, her Sunbeam teachers (from church) tell me that she's quiet and shy. One of those things that make you say, hmmm. Anyway, she started pre-school and is loving it. There she doesn’t have to be so reverent so she gets to do what she does best … climbing and jumping. Okay, maybe that’s not what she can do best. She certainly has her dad wrapped around her finger and her mom too for that matter. Sophia is simply a smart and precious little girl.

Steven our baby is adorable as can be! The kind of adorable kid you see on TV that guys use to lure a hot chick. He’s our social butterfly who likes to wave and say hi to people. He is pretty sharp too. He knows his ABC's and numbers up to 12 (then he’s all over the place and ends up yelling 100! Soooo cute!!). He finds enjoyment in mimicking his brother and sister and is pretty good at it. He is growing up so quickly and Jinky can’t help but hug him tight and long in hopes he slows down a bit (not really, but you know what she means). Steven is a great buffer in our clan. Sweet and charming. A true prince!

This year of course we count you as one of our precious blessings. We are grateful for you and sincerely wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!!

Lovingly,

The S. Family

Christmas letter 2009

taken feb. '09
December 2009

Our dear Family and Friends,

This year came and going fast! We hope for you that this year was a good recovery from the national economic hardship of last year. We have felt a bit of a pitch but the man of the house is a hard worker and the woman of the house is faithful, so overall we have been rich in blessings. Here are some things we’ve been up to this year …

Dave cannot be slowed down. He takes advantages of opportunities that come his way. This year he has a security guard training school in the works. He is also in the second phase of being hired as an online teacher for Strayer University in their criminal justice program. Moreover, he has signed on to do a self-defense seminar for The Girls Scout at their national convention. All this while keeping his full time peace officer job, part-time teaching position for ITT and Cal State, and weekly teaching his judo class. Yet, even with all that, he manages to step-up his daddy duties and is an incredible father! Plus, makes good use of his law degree and has been the “to ask guy” for any law questions from family and friends … not stopping at merely answering questions but does footwork and follow-ups. Seriously, someone needs to study him and bottle his stamina! Lucky Jinky!!

Jinky has discovered Facebook and is hooked! She has found delight in re-connecting with old friends and distant family. That said, she continues to find greatest delight co-raising her children. She has also set spiritual goals and thus finds joy in attending the temple weekly. She is the envy of many of her co-workers since she only works one, two, or three days a month. She is certainly grateful for all blessings bestowed on her … especially three cute little boogers!

David is smart and sensitive, a lethal combination! Speaking of combination, he is in a combined class of 1st and 2nd graders. “He is an outstanding reader and quite the mathematician! Not bad for a first grader who has to hang out with second graders all day”, praised his teacher as David gets awarded Super Student of the Month and given certificate for Excellence in all Academic areas. He is a cool big brother. He is thoughtful too, so you will often find him giving gifts like drawings, flowers from the garden, his toys, purchase products, etc. Of course, he’s still a kid and so he enjoys playing and watching TV … and hanging out with cousins.

Sophia is one spunky girl! She definitely adds liveliness to the S. clan. She has been affectionately described as sassy. Good sort of sass of course. One that is not afraid to be forthright in the most adorable way … she has too, she’s between two boys! She is definitely a daddy’s girl and a mommy’s jewel. She is the “most precious girl, ever!” as her parents proclaim. Oh, potty training is in full gear and she is doing quite well … just need to work on #2 a little more.

Steven, the baby of the bunch is a sweetheart! Big eyes, big smile, … big heart melter! He is a healthy growing boy and a total joy!! He loves to smile and wave at people, so strangers can’t help but find him soooo adorable! This goes for family and friends as well, tested in his trip to Canada this Fall with his mom. He caused lots of smiles from extended family … nothing like little hands, little fingers, … little person to brighten everyone’s day. Overall, a wonderful boy to cap the S. family.

That’s about it in sum! Please know that we are grateful for your continued love and support. We count you as one of our dearest blessings. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


Much love,

The S. Family

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

Better Late Than Never?

My dear friends, I am so sorry that I didn't get to send out Christmas cards this year. I really was thinking of you. This month was just soooo crazy for me and things just didn't flow as I would have liked it to. Anyway, the following was the Christmas card/letter that you would have gotten.

December 2007

Our Dear Family and Friends:

Here’s the annual Christmas letter we hope finds you well … This year has certainly been kind to us. We’re all healthy and happy. And as you may know, our family is growing. Our second son is due mid June next year. His conception came as a surprise but certainly welcomed. Just meant few changes in plans which Dave is quick to adapt. For instance, we are moving to our other house in March next year instead of next fall when the initial big remodel was to be done. The house won’t be as grand as initially planned (big kitchen, two offices, third garage, …) but that’s OK. Much less cleaning for Jinky!

Dave continues to be a very busy man. In his fortieth year he had wanted to accomplish something big. He thought perhaps compete in judo or run the marathon. Instead he completed a masters degree in criminal justice, became a part-time judo instructor for Cal State San Bernardino, and is a co-chairman to Police Privacy Counsel here in town (and still works full time for the State!). But to Jinky, his greatest accomplishment was the conception of their third child and of course being an awesome husband and father.

Jinky is surprised with the pregnancy. Her plan next year was to talk Dave into having another child but … Anyway, the morning sickness was not pleasant of course but she’s grateful that it was not as intense as it was when she was carrying Sophia. Her great accomplishment this year was becoming a blogger (www.jinxpad.blogspot.com), the virtual way to keep up-to-date with family and friends. From that she is able to “scrapbook” her family’s journey. She loves her new calling in church as a Primary Teacher and totally adores her students! Needless to say, she continues to enjoy being a stay-at-home mom (though still works twice a month as a dialysis nurse) and tries to be a good person.

David was a handful this year probably because he thought he had to compete for attention since Sophia came about. He often wants to play baby, with him being the baby. However, he’s also been a big helper. We can ask him many small tasks and he’ll do most of them without complaining. He loves his little sister and they play well together most of the time. He continues to enjoy pre-school, playgroup, and Primary and from those he’s more social. He loves to sing, he’s good about praying before meals, and he never cease to bring a smile to his parent’s face everyday!

Sophia is a joy to watch grow. Her developmental skills is right on track. She’s a happy and fun little girl. She had been trying to walk when she was nine months old but didn’t get it just right until a day before she turned one. Her favorite words are: “dad”, “bob” (for Sponge Bob), “up", and “dirt” (that’s what it sound like to us but she’s actually saying juice). She clearly said “mama” at six months a few times but it fell off her head after that! Now she says it mostly on cue and occasionally on her own. She is the apple of her daddy’s eye and a diamond to her mama. You can’t help but feel joy when you see her crunch her face, curl her lips, or see that big bright eyes and happy smile!

Our sincere holiday wishes to you all. We are continually grateful for your love and support. We delight in this season for the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ and the knowledge that He lives and loves us unconditionally. -- Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Love,
The S. Family