My Man's Day

Happy Birthday, Honey!  Mwuah!!!

 

Ditto from our kiddos. :)

Happy Father's Day!

The kiddos served their daddy breakfast of sausage, eggs, hash brown, toast, and Coca Cola this morning on this special tray ...

... and Sophia sported this special gift ...

... he also got a homemade card, a Best Dad Ever novelty tie, Iron Man jammy, and the family will go on a special Father's Day lunch and outing tomorrow to celebrate some more.

21 Again!

Little David thinks his dad is 24yo today.  That works 'cause that would mean that I'm 21yo!!  Sounds great to me!!!  ..hehehe...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!

MAHAL NA MAHAL KITA!!!

Bummer... we were suppose to go to Sea World today but it is still raining cats and dogs!

Plan B ... just don't know what that is at the moment.  :)

Proof ...

... that I'm loosing my mind.  Here's my conversation with Dave late last night:

Me:  (giddy) "Guess what day it is?"
Me:  (not waiting for an answer, just in case he forgot) " 12 years!.. our first date."
Dave: "No-oo.  What's the date today?"
Me: "Oh, I forgot again!  Why do I keep thinking it's the 21st today?"  (**see below)
Me:  "Wow, you actually remembered?"
Dave:  "Of course, I remember everything!"
Me: (smiling ... happy)
   
**See, we had a similar conversation this morning:
Dave: (regarding change in work schedule) "Maybe they'll give me an answer if I called them early ...though we should know by the 21st."
Me:  (ignorantly confident) "It's the 21st, you can call now."
Dave:  "No it's not."
Me:  "Yes it is!"
Dave:  (looking at his cell phone) "It's the 18th."
Me:  (looking at our kitchen calendar)  "Oh... that's why I went to the library today because my books were due on the 21st!"  (big embarrassing blush!)
Dave:  (smiling ... while continuing to read the morning paper)

Worst mother ever!

Little David had NOT turned in his first lost tooth to the Tooth Fairy last night and I about threw it down the kitchen sink this morning!! I had forgotten that he kept his tooth in his lunch pail (the tooth came out during lunch at school yesterday) and this morning I cleaned it out ... shaking off the crumbs into the sinkful of dishes. Later I realized that his tooth was there and I gasped! Panic strickened I searched through the dishes and used a strainer to dump out the water collected from the bowls. No luck, just plenty of mozzarella cheese and such. Turning pale, nauseous, and feeling like the worst mother ever by the second, Dave asked if I had found it. When I hadn't, he pulled up his sleeves and bare handed he stuck his hand into the disposal in a disgusting search for the tooth. Meanwhile, I was hanging by thin ice with racing thoughts of what I'm going to do without a tooth for the Tooth Fairy. Is there a tooth on Ebay, Craigslist, etc. that I can purchase and receive within 6hrs (when David returns from school)? Should I pretty-package an empty box saying that his tooth was in there? Can I make-shift a tooth? I don't know!! I was going crazy!! So back to Dave, when no luck was found in the disposal he went back to my strainer. My savior!! It was there after all! He roared with laughter when I told him that I must have thought it was a piece of mozzarella cheese!! Whew!!! That certainly jump started my day!! My heart is still pounding!!

Only you

For Valentine's Day last year I got my husband a singing balloon to the song of "Still the one" by Orleans. This year, I got him a singing card to the song of "Only you" by The Platters.

Happy Valentine's Day my Mahal ...

ONLY YOU by The Platters:

Only you can make this world seem right
Only you can make the darkness bright
Only you and you alone
can thrill me like you do
and fill my heart with love for only you

Only you can make this change in me
for it's true, you are my destiny
When you hold my hand
understand the magic that you do

You're my dream come true
my one and only you

Only you can make this change in me
for it's true, you are my destiny
When you hold my hand
I understand the magic that you do

You're my dream come true
my one and only you

One and only you

"Daddy comes home safely"

As many of you know, my husband is a correctional officer by profession. In my early adult years, I told myself that I wouldn't want to marry a doctor, police officer, or a man in the military. Doctors I figure have long hours and too many pretty nurses within reach! Police officers and military men of course follow danger. But love prevailed and I got myself an officer, though not a cop, but certainly in the same blanket family of dangerous jobs. Add, that he worked the night shift meant that I was left home by myself during the dark nights. I learned not to jump every time the house creaked. I learned to get use to having my own gun and be able to know how to use it properly. I learned to plead to Heavenly Father to bring Dave home safely. All this also while pregnant with little David and for his first year and a half. Then Dave got a swing shift position (2pm-10pm). That still left us alone during part of the night, but it sure was much better that he was in bed with me at nights. He's still in the swing shift position now and so the kids and I have come to a routine to fend for ourselves ... of course, along the way Dave has provided us a safe environment ... peaceful neighborhood, good lighting, security cameras, etc. Moreover, being a family man gave him a great motivation and assurance to us that he will do everything he can to return home to us. Of course, it couldn't hurt to pray for him either and so we do. Little David must have picked up the "Daddy comes home safely" part of my earlier prayers because now, all his prayers include this; even meal time prayers! Now, Sophia hasn't quite gotten the structure of proper prayer (address Heavenly Father, thank Him, make requests, and close in the name of Jesus Christ, amen) but she'll fold her arms, close her eyes, bow her head and prays, "Daddy come home safely, amen". That's it! Nothing else. Really cute. And as for Steven, he'll fold his arms and say his word of amen after us ... darling!!

I mention this because a few nights ago Dave neglected to tell me that he'd be home late and the reality of being a wife of an officer came to the picture. I've learned to be tough but I still worry silently.

FTAAE

HaPpY bIrThDaY hOnEy!!

I lOvE yOu ... FTAAE.

What, you don't know what FTAAE means? Neither did I when a Facebook friend posted it on his status, but thanks to Google -I've been enlightened! It's an acronym for "for time and all eternity" ... a Mormon phrase. When you are married in an LDS temple, you are sealed together for the time of life on earth and for time thereafter on eternity; oppose to the common marriage sealing of "til death do you part". I know that Dave and I weren't married in the temple, but certainly in my heart I've vowed to be his for time and all eternity ... just a matter of time that we make it binding in the temple. Anyway, my sweet husband is a dear to spend his special day with me. Dropping off the kids to their grandma and then just he and me time ... lunch and movie are what's in store. Of course, a celebration at his mom's as well. Have a great day, my Love!

P.S. No, he's not seven! Can't find his candles, but found lil David's and since 4+3=7 ... it'll have to do! Forgive me my darling!

I love my husband

At Sunday school this past Sunday we had a lesson/discussion about marriage. I am moved every time I am reminded at how much the Lord puts importance on the integrity of a marriage, particularly a temple marriage. I enjoy reading in the scriptures passages that harkens one to be true to their spouse, for example D&C 42:13 "Thou shalt love thy wife (husband) with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her (him) and none else." I added husband/him because it applies to both. This is a commandment! How awesome is that?! Moreover, the analogy that the instructor shared was great, regarding what's the wiggle room to infidelity. He told of a story of a chariot driver back in the 1800s who died from driving off a cliff, which lead to a need of a new driver. There were 3 applicants and each received the same question. The question was "How far off the cliff can you get?" First man said, "About one foot." Second man said, " About 2 inches." The third man said, "I'm staying as far away from the cliff as possible!" Which do you think got the job? Yes, the third man. Don't even be in a position where the question of infidelity comes to play. Anyway, such lessons help me to love my husband more and more! I am reminded of how much I appreciate him. He does so much behind the scenes. He gets the kids ready for church, he babysits for me when I've got church activities to attend, he even changes diapers (though he leaves #2s for me whenever possible)!, etc. He really does it all. It's no wonder the kids cry for him all the time. He loves our kids. He loves me and I can't help but love him back! Some day we'll be sealed in the temple ... he just doesn't know it yet. :)

I love you forever, Honey.

Teacher In The House

HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK , BABE!

Date Night And More

It was a nice eventful day. I had a pleasant date night or more like date afternoon with my dear Dave. I dropped off the kids at Monica's then Dave and I met at Red Robin's for lunch. I had the most amazingly yummy burger they call Blackened Bayou Burger. Certainly a burger worth ruining a diet for! My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it! Anyway, then off to California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino to see "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" the musical. It had some funny scenes and overall was alright. I like theatre plays/musicals. I use to go more often during my single years. Unfortunately, it's not Dave's favorite kind of thing to do so I get excited when we get the chance to see one together. Heck, I get excited when we get to do anything together without the kids! Though I get excited when we do family adventures as well ... I suppose it's a different kind of excitement! Moving on, after the show we went to pick up Dave's truck and we went our separate ways. I went to pick up the kids while he went to do an errand or two from his many "things to do" list. By the time the kids and I got home we had only time to freshen up and took off again to church for the first session of stake conference. The plan was to take only Steven with me but when Sophia saw me in the car about to leave, she cried to go with me. So she went. The two did pretty good considering it went for 2hrs. Of course, Sophia was most fidgety but we only missed the last 20 minutes when we stepped out to the foyer. It was a fabulous first session. I truly enjoyed the special treat of being in the presence of a general authority, Elder Mervyn B. Arnold. His sweet and light hearted delivery of his talk was inspirational. One can really tell he loves the Lord and is a wonderful man, much to the thanks of his parents as he describes. Truly sweet to hear.

My new favorite RB gourmet burger

The musical

Elder Mervyn B. Arnold Trampoline & water sprinklers ... cool!

Sophia's into swings again

Grandma steals a kissSteven with his Aunt Monica

Happy Valentine's Day Sweetheart

To my dear Dave,

Simply wanted to tell you that you're "Still the one" as the lyrics to that song says by Orleans.

Forever yours with love,

Your wife

STILL THE ONE

We've been together since way back when

Sometimes I never want to see you again

But I want you to know, after all these years

You're still the one I want whisperin' in my ear
You're still the one I want to talk to in bed

Still the one that turns my head

We're still having fun, and you're still the one

I looked at your face every day

But I never saw it 'til I went away

When winter came, I just wanted to go

Deep in the desert, I longed for the snow
You're still the one that makes me laugh

Still the one that's my better half

We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You're still the one that makes me strong

Still the one I want to take along

We're still having fun, and you're still the one

Changing, our love is going gold

Even though we grow old, it grows new
You're still the one that I love to touch

Still the one and I can't get enough

We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You're still the one who can scratch my itch

Still the one and I wouldn't switch

We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You are still the one that makes me shout

Still the one that I dream about

We're still having fun, and you're still the one...

**Sidebar music: "Still the One" by Orleans

My Honey's Special Day

Happy Birthday Mahal!!

We love you!

Fruit Stand

Our persimmon tree is giving lots of fruit and will be ripe pretty soon so Dave decided to build a fruit stand. That way we would have a pretty place to put the fruits to share with our neighbors. --Pictured is the frame work he built today. He still needs to put a roof and paint it. Not too shabby for making it up as he goes. Great job, Hon!

Oh, to my filipino readers ... you'd like some? Well, they're not the Asian kind. It's the American ones that only tastes good if they're super ripe. I tell ya, I tried one when they weren't ready and boy I will never make that mistake again!!! Yuck! Anyway, I understand that there's a lady in our neighborhood that makes a killer persimmon pie. I'll have to track her down and ask for the recipe.

Teacher Appreciation Week

I don't remember where I saw it now, but this week is suppose to be Teacher Appreciation Week. Since Dave's a teacher now, I thought we'd have a cake for him (hey, any excuse for chocolate fudge cake is always welcomed!). So, when he got home from his class today we enjoyed this cake with him. Sophia was napping so she missed out, but no doubt she'll get a taste later. --- We appreciate you Honey!

Of course we didn't forget David's teachers. We got them a dozen large muffins to enjoy. We certainly appreciate them and all those of you teachers out there inspiring and working hard for our children. We love and appreciate you all!

Picking Up The Slack

I've been very moody and lazy lately... I excuse as pregnancy related. My temper is awfully short, I cry about everything, and been incredibly sluggish. My poor family have been suffering the consequences. The kids being kids run around, make lots of noise, and make messes. I react with yelling so that leads to them crying which means more noise and I end up crying myself! I can't get comfortable lying on my bed so I sleep on a recliner so I miss my husband and that drives me emotional. I'm still on that stage of wanting to be held often and there's just not enough room for the both of us in that chair! Don't get me wrong, we have our moments but there's nothing like lying with your spouse every night. So there by myself at night I think crazy thoughts. I feel lonesome, emotional, and go off thinking my marriage is in crisis! After all, Dave has been picking up the slack. I tire so easily and feel blah often that he does everything that I should be doing. He does the laundry, picks up things off the floor, get David ready in the morning, take the kids for a walk, etc ... plus maintain the yard, go to two jobs, and do errands left and right. He is so active that I look lazy. I feel that he got the short end of the marriage stick. I certainly don't iron his shirts very well, my cooking could be tastier, be a better housekeeper, etc. If I'm not careful he might leave me! No, it's really not that bad. I'm just wishing to have more energy so he doesn't have to pick up the slack. I need to get myself in shape. My goal is to be super mom and wife like my friends Chanel, Lora, and Karyn.

In my defense, I do manage to do some things. I keep up with the toilets (my pet peeve ... it has to be clean!), home cook meals 3x/day as often as I can, get kids to activities, eventually get to washing and clearing the dishes, get the kids spiritually fed in church, etc. And really this third trimester has been rough on my body and spirit. The sciatic nerve pain, leg cramps, back pains, GI discomforts (gas, heart burns, abdominal aches), pelvic pain (so walking is torture!), restless nights, etc. leaves me crying and tired. My see-sawing moods breaks my spirit. But even through all of this, I do realize that the end result is great. Little Steven will be born and will bring blessings into our family.

Happy Birthday Honey!

Today is my sweetheart's birthday. I'm not going to say how old he is because I'm not that far from there so here's 21 wonderful things about him instead:

1. He's an awesome husband and father
2. He's got beautiful brown eyes

3. He's a hard worker; no lazy bone in his body!
4. He loves and respect me
5. He treats his mother well
6. He's a teddy bear ... his stubbles on his face grow out soft
7. He's smart
8. He's sexy ... if I owned a magazine, he'd be in the front cover as "The Sexiest Man Alive"
9. He can be funny ... sometimes he makes me laugh
10. He's my rock
11. He'll do the laundry and even fold them!
12. He's a good provider and protector
13. He's kind and thoughtful ... he picks up goodies for me after work (like Tommy's hamburger) when I ask him and even when I don't ... how sweet!
14. He's incredibly calm and level headed
15. He doesn't get mad (maybe disappointed or a little upset) ... he just doesn't see the point of wasting energy that way
16. He's a great lover
17. Did I mention, he's sexy? 'cause from time to time I look at him from the corner of my eyes and still get hot & bothered!
18. He always gets me a dozen or two roses on my birthday, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and our anniversary
19. He's generous ... a regular charity supporter
20. He's gentle and caring beneath that tough exterior
21. And my favorite, he's my personal singer ... he sings to me on our anniversary



Happy Birthday Honey! I love you deeply and eternally.

What an odd feeling ...

I got to see Dave's ex-girlfriend today ... Caught me by surprise. I found myself curious, self-conscious, and feeling ... I don't know exactly. My first impression was that she looked mature. She's probably around Dave's age which is only 3 years older than me but she carried herself womanly (this is a compliment). I thought to myself, why don't I carry myself that womanly? Is forty the magic number and perhaps I'll be womanly then? Oh, it's hard to explain. I think it's a bit of my insecurities creeping in ... questioning ... Oddly enough, I wasn't as insecure as I was thinking myself to be because I was also thinking that Dave made a good choice by marrying me; over, let say her. I don't know anything about her but I do know me and we are good together, so what is this crazy-hazy feeling I'm feeling? I suppose it shook me inside to be around someone that was close to Dave. A quick comparison calculating in my head. That's it! How do I measure up? I suppose high since he married me ... just odd ... I don't like this feeling at all! I'm not sure if I'll bring it up to Dave tonight when he gets home or any time soon. Just odd. I said that already, huh?

By the way, the woman and I didn't speak to each other. I was just pointed to the fact that she was Dave's ex and by the end of the event she gathered that I'm Dave's wife. How do I know that? Woman's intuition. Hey, I'm a woman afterall!

OK, it's still sinking in so that's all for now. ---Peb ... Arlyn ... someone, I'll be calling you pretty soon!

P.S. I didn't share this blog, not just this post, with Dave so he wouldn't "hear" this from here.

How I Met My Husband

A friend and I recently got to talking about how Dave proposed to me and it was nice recalling that. Later at home I got to reminiscing about how Dave and I met and our dating years. I thought I’d record what I can remember while I still remember some, so I’ll start with how I met him and perhaps continue our story in future posts. So here goes …

Ate Mila and I met at my first nursing job back in ‘96. She was cute, energetic and always had a big smile! She was our mother hen during our shift. A veteran at nursing she looked out for me, the rookie. Months later she found another job. Guess where? Yeap! Where Dave worked. Of course, she was in the hospital section of the correctional facility. At that time, Dave made rounds there and got to know Ate Mila. Anyway, Ate Mila and I still kept in touch over the months that followed. Knowing that I needed a good man in my life, she felt impressed to call me up and proceeded to tell me about Dave. I was very hesitant but I trusted her in the end (she was LDS also). About a week later, Dave called me. Of course, I didn’t recognize him and had forgotten that I had agreed to this blind meeting. We made introductions and small talks. I remember being intimidated by him. He would talk about his start of law school and up coming competitions that he was training for; while all I did at that time was lie in bed watching chick flick videos! No athletic bone in my body! He was smart and fit, my opposite. Well, we continued to talk over the phone for a couple of weeks until we finally set our first date, October 21, 1998 at Olive Gardens in Chino.

The prep for the first date was quite a task as many of you can imagine. My sister was there to help me. She suggested a shirt that would show some cleavage. I compromised on a black shirt that went down as far as my temple garment would allow and I just hoped “they” were not too important to him. Anyway, I was a bit late to our date, not a good first impression (in my defense, traffic got me) but I think the firm handshake made up for it. It told him, I’m sorry and I’m now ready for you! Of course, inside I was a complete wreck!! I had to keep my clammy hands hidden under the table in order to wipe them dry. He was hot! Apparently our waitress thought so too, that hussy! Well, I don’t remember a word said in that date! I do remember calling my sister at a pay phone (didn’t have cell phones then, or at least I didn't) after the date and cried to her. My way of letting the nerves out. I only remember telling her that I really liked him and hoped we’d go out again. We did and the rest is to be continued.

Meet Ate Mila. Told you she's cute.

Here Dave received the baton and off he goes. This was the first Laughlin to Vegas relay. We've only been going out 3-4 wks and already I'm in Laughlin/Vegas with him cheering for his team. The whole relay thing was quite an awesome experience for me to see first hand. He even let me drive his Explorer to follow him during his runs.

One of his teammates got injured during her run so Dave finished her leg for her. --Side note: Dave also did the more famous Baker to Vegas relay before I met him and he told me they placed 26th or something like that. --Hey! I'm his lucky charm!! --He also did the Toughest Cop Alive competition.

Their hard efforts paid off because they ended up in first place in their division. Hooray!

Here's one of the Camp Pendleton Mud Runs that Dave competed in. Notice them taped up? You'll see why in a second.

This is why! They actually crawl in the mud towards the end of the 10K run.

Here's Dave up close. Go Hon go!

The finish line! They didn't do so well in this run but the following year, they placed first in their division. --Dave went to 3 or 4 of these mud runs.