What if...

What if you know someone who is going through the same exact nightmare you were going through a few years ago? People said to stay out of it, it's none of my business. There's nothing I can do. I agreed. I thought about it more... well, I really can't get it out of my mind. Then I realized, I don't want to leave it alone. I want to do something about it. I don't know what, but I know in my heart I just have to do something. It may end up nowhere, it may be a waste of time. I know I can't change the person involved. Things WILL be said against me. But I don't care. How can I? I know how that person is feeling. What that person is going through. I was that person. I can't just let it go. If something worse happens, I will never forgive myself. How can you just leave it alone when you know how terrible it is to be in that situation. It's like seeing a stranger having a heart attack and not calling 911. Everybody I talked to said the same thing. And maybe they are right. But my heart says differently. I will do something about it. For now, all I can do is pray. I pray for the people involved, I pray for healing, for peace and forgiveness. And that's probably the most powerful thing I can do for them. ~ My heart aches for them. But it's nothing compared to that person's hurt. I know it. I felt it. If you are reading this, know that you will be alright. Just pray. I promise you will get something great out of this. ~

story: Family

Came across this touching poem. We often take for granted the people we love most. Do not forget, your every word, every action means the world to the people who love you.

FAMILY

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,

"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

He said, "Please excuse me too;

I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.

We went on our way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told,

How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,

My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.

"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.

I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken. 

While I lay awake in bed,

God's still small voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger,

common courtesy you use,

but the family you love, you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor,

You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you.

He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,

you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,

And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed;

"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"

He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.

I knew you'd like them, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;

I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."

He said, "Oh, Mom, that's ok.

I love you anyway."

I said, "Son, I love you too,

and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

The beginning of my little garden: my first rose plant.

Bought my first plant yesterday! I cannot wait for it to bloom. It's a yellow rose, my mom's favorite. Now I just have to NOT kill it..... :) Thanks to the helpful gardeners at Armstrong Gardens, they gave me lots of tips to take care of my plants. I am determined and will be going by the book on this one. I love it and the Mister adores it. It's amazing how one plant can make a huge difference in our patio. LOVE it!

Next on the list... more succulents. It's really easy to take care of. I can't possibly kill it. :)

ps... see that little pot with Sammy's picture? That's her mother's day gift to me. I absolutely love it! 

a short story: a moment of joy

A NYC Taxi driver wrote:

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. ‘Just a minute’, answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90′s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940′s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard

box filled with photos and glassware.

‘Would you carry my bag out to the car?’ she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. ‘It’s nothing’, I told her.. ‘I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.’

‘Oh, you’re such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, ‘Could you drive

through downtown?’

‘It’s not the shortest way,’ I answered quickly..

‘Oh, I don’t mind,’ she said. ‘I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. ‘I don’t have any family left,’ she continued in a soft voice..’The doctor says I don’t have very long.’ I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

‘What route would you like me to take?’ I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she’d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, ‘I’m tired.Let’s go now’.

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.

They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

‘How much do I owe you?’ She asked, reaching into her purse.

‘Nothing,’ I said

‘You have to make a living,’ she answered.

‘There are other passengers,’ I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.She held onto me tightly.

‘You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,’ she said. ‘Thank you.’

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut.It was the sound of the closing of a life..

I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day,I could hardly talk.What if that woman had gotten an angry driver,or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:12-14

happy wife / happy mama

I'm the happiest when I am with them. To me, this is what matters and what is truly important. 

February 2012 . Laguna Beach

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

                                                  - Audrey Hepburn

Cousins are the best playmates!

They are so easy to please.  :)

hot fudge sundaes and a movie!

then I woke up to this! makes me so happy.

happy kids.

off to the lake and park!

snacks and cuddling are our favorite!

I love them.

my monkeys!

sisters <3

after loads of fun and non stop snacking, this is what Sammy gets... tummy ache. 

but that didn't stop us from eating some more.

at home... girly stuff, push ups and horse back ride. lol...

These kids make my heart melt. I love them to pieces. Always happy times with the cousins. 

My joy comes from God.

{source}

Lately, I've been MIA on my 365 grateful project blog. It's not that I've stopped being grateful, it's just that some days it's hard to figure things out. The only permanent thing in life is change. I've been a bit sad lately, for so many reasons. It's probably no big deal, but its weighing me down. I need to stop and pray and really think what gives me joy. God gave me my family and friends to love and care for. They make me happy. But the truth is, my joy doesn't depend on anything or anyone. It depends on God. His unconditional love, my joy should be coming from following Him. Only then can I truly appreciate the people around me. God is the only one who can truly satisfy me. I am happy and thankful for my husband and my daughter. God blessed me with two beautiful, wonderful people to love me. But even the people closest to your heart cannot fully satisfy you. So starting today, I am on a mission. The first relationship I need to fix is my relationship with God. I want to be closer to Him and fully understand His love. 

To my amazing husband, I love you more than anything in this world. I am thankful for you. Everyday I long to be a better wife. A better partner. Because you deserve nothing but the best. And I am so far from it. But know that I am praying, because I know I cannot be better on my own. I pray for God's guidance and for Him to stay in the center of our marriage, He is our only way to success. I cannot wait to hold your wrinkly hand in that rocking chair in our front porch 40 years from now. I love you forever. 

To my sweet sweet baby girl. I would do anything for you. I hope you know how much I love you. I just can't show you enough. I know there will be a lot of questions in the future. I will never be prepared for it, but I pray that you see and understand how much I love you. Know that I did it all for you. I am honored to be your mother. You are my first great blessing. And I pray for God to continually guide me, and mold me to be the mother you deserve. I love you more than you'll ever know.  

Enjoy the weekend!

Ah.... TGIF! I am so excited for this weekend! 

Warm weather + pool + family = a very happy me!

iPhone Photograph by Robert Lachman © 2011

Just thought I'd share this with you. I've always wanted to ride a hot air balloon. Google gave me an even more awesome idea!  Orange County's Great Park Balloon! It only goes up to 400 ft but it's  high enough for Sammy. This is on my to do list for the month of APRIL! Oh! I forgot to mention that it's FREE! That's what makes it a better idea!

Enjoy the weekend loves!

Since we can't be there this year....

{source}

Cherry Blossom Festival in New York. Two things the Mister LOVES.

Maybe next year.... :)

My dearest Bk,

I love you. 

xx,

R

Thursday Inspiration

Read and be inspired! Happy Thursday loves... it's almost weekend!

Do It Anyway

by Mother Theresa

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered;

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; 

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may cheat you;

Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, someone could destroy overnight;

Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it will never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God;

It was never between you and them anyway.

                                            {source}

Cookie Pops!

Made this delish cookie pops for Sammy's party  giveaways. It's easy to make and a lot cheaper than making goody bags, especially if you have 20+ kids. I also wanted to be different, while little nic nacs can be fun for the kiddos, as a mom I hate throwing away those little toys once my kid is done with it. It feels like throwing away m$ney. So I came up with this! And the kids loved it! I made a lot so the kids can take as much as they want.... and they did. :)

What you will need:

Cookies - I used Trader Joe's Chocolate Vanilla Cream Cookies

Popsicle stick

Nestle Toll House White Chocolate Chips

Double boiler

cookie sheet

Sprinkles

#1 Stick the popsicle stick right in the center of the cookie. I found that the best way to do this is to separate the cookies, place the stick right in the middle of the cookie that has the vanilla cream on it. Then put the other cookie back on then press gently.

I decorated my stick using sharpies. I wrote thank you's so I didn't have to make tags for it. 

#2 Fill your pan with 1 inch of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Put your chocolate on top of your double boiler or a bowl. Place it over top of the heated water. Gently stir your melting chocolate until its smooth. 

or

You can put your chocolate in a bowl and microwave for a few minutes. 

Instructions on melting your chocolate will be on the back of the bag.

#3 When your chocolate is nice and smooth, gently dip your cookies until its fully covered. Place cookie pop on a clean cookie sheet and start sprinkling!

#4 Let it cool. I put mine in the fridge for a few minutes and it was ready for packaging! 

Viola!

Sammy's idea of helping was eating the "bad cookies". It was a fun project for both of us. 

~enjoy~

Happy Wednesday!

{source}

"If I get married, I want to be very married."

                                     -Audrey Hepburn

Happy Wednesday! I just want to say, dreams do come true. I am so blessed to be married to someone who does not only make me happy, but just effortlessly brings out the best in me. I am very married and I love it! 

Have a sweet sweet day lovies...

Leave a message!

"I don't want to be alone. I want to be left alone." 

                                                   - Audrey Hepburn

Today is my Monday. None stop phone calls, annoying computer malfunctions and never ending follow ups. That's it! I am ignoring my phone until 5pm. I need to finish the mess that is sitting in my desk before I can say hello...  You can however, leave a message.... I will try to get back to you when I'm not busy. :)

SMALL party???

Been so busy lately with planning Sammy's small party. I originally planned it to be just the kiddos, with some food at the park and since there's a playground I really don't need to get a bounce house (especially after seeing the price on those.. its double the price when they set it up in a park instead of your backyard!). Then I started inviting people.. I didn't realize we had that much friends with kids, life is changing!. That's when it all changed! I realized the playground may not be enough entertainment for 20+ kids, the bounce house was still not an option. So we decided to hire a face painter and a balloon twister. Sounds perfect right?! More mellow and calm...(yeah right!) So that is done. Next was figuring out what theme we are doing. Originally, I was just gonna go with pink and orange.... more casual and easy. But Sammy's been into Dr.Suess lately and since it's his birthday month...wait for it..... I decided to make it a Dr.Suess party! Bright idea right?  YES! That's until I realized I just put myself in a lot of work for the next few weeks. This is a problem. See, when I start with an idea, it just doesn't stop there. I tend to get more creative by the minute until it takes over me. This week,  I've made photo booth props, star garlands, wrapping spoons and forks with colored napkins and more. I've got tons of stuff I want to make for the party but I don't have the time and/or the money to make all of it! It's just too crazy. I need to take a breather. I have to stop thinking and dreaming about the party. It won't be as grand as my imagination but it will be really special. I can't believe my baby is turning 5. She is so excited about it, she thinks she can do everything when she turns 5. So adorable. I cannot wait to hang out with friends too. With this busy life it seems like we are always in a rush in everything we do. So hopefully, this party will give us time to relax and enjoy each others company while the kiddos are playing. 

Catching up... part one.

Checking out The Camp! So this was a month ago... I'm still trying to catch up with my to do list. Anyway, we thought is was a pretty cool place. It's small but it has interesting stores and restaurants ...

I love the stairs... Isn't it neat?!

small vintage airstream stores... 

relaxing ambiance 

Pretty date... :)

adorable entertainer 

just one of the tables there ... i think it's pretty awesome. 

the whole place is so "earthy" ... so cool and inviting. 

Definitely on my list to visit again for shopping... :)

Pre Vday...Lunch @ the Museum and more...

We celebrated our Valentines day the weekend before and man was it FUN! I know I talk to much about how wonderful my husband is, but what can I say? The man knows how to make me happy.

First stop... lunch at our favorite place in Long Beach... Claire's at the Museum

 

As usual, I ordered something bigger than my face, a Kobe Burger, the husband ordered their delicious Spinach Omelet with a side of fresh fruits and Sammy had Chicken fingers with french fries (it was really good, almost as good as Lazy Dog's chicken fingers.... none of those chicken nuggets type, its actually real chicken.) Yes, I eat like a man and I am not embarrassed that my husband is more careful with what he eats than I am. (just kidding, I am)

  

Then walked around outside the museum, took some pictures and then off to some more fun...

We went to the Pike to play... Sammy's first time in a real arcade. She was super excited! 

My sweet little girl, she was trying her best to roll the ball but it just won't go all the way up. I had to help her a little so she can get get some tickets. :) 

She loves racing games. And since Mommy's legs are too short to even reach the pedal, it was time for Daddy's help. They both enjoyed it very much. However, I was able to do the motorcycle race.  

Now here as you can see was a lot of fun. I didn't know what was happening 99% of the time but Sammy and I both enjoyed DDR. Thank goodness there was not much audience. :) 

This is more of my style. The Simpsons pinball machine. I want one! 

Oh Sammy you can do it! Jump! She enjoyed this game because it was Spongebob. Too cute.

After the arcade, it was time for some fresh air. We walked around the Boardwalk and had some dessert ;)

I love the floor covering. it made the space feel more spacious and it's perfect for dancing...

We had a huge funnel cake with strawberries and ice cream (sorry, I was too busy eating to take pictures). 

It was a beautiful day and I loved every minute of it. I missed this place and it will always have a special place in our hearts. Sammy now calls it "City of Long Beach"... Hay... blessed, happy and content.