i love benny

Hello...

2008-03-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

I love Benny will no longer be updated.

It is with a little sadness, cause I kinda didn't want to quite let go of this title because I really do love Benny, but with a new project came a new blog...

www.memoryhunting.blogspot.com

I am still in the process of tranferring all my posts over, but it will take me awhile to get them all there (seeing I have a ton of posts)! It will still be the same documentation of the memory huntings that go on in our everyday lives, it is just that we have a new web address.

I don't love my Benny less, in fact more since my love for him grows daily (even when I get frustrated)... but we started this as a journey and documentation of all our memory huntings, so the new title seems to be most fitting.

I hope that you will follow us there, if you are still interested in the mundane (but oh so special to us) things that happen in our little household as we seek to continue to love God through our memory hunting, family, and the art of all things creative...

Hope to see you soon!

The other day...

2008-03-14T13:51:00.001-07:00

We had a picnic in the front yard...

And a stroll in the messy weed-filled backyard with True's friend Posy.

The little royals...

2008-03-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

Simply are too precious.

And their King of a father is simply magnificent as me makes me feel like a queen with a surprise of roses littered throughout the house for me to find.

It was a nice surprise after a busy week!

I am very blessed to be his queen and to have our little princesses...

In a funk...

2008-03-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

So we all got dresssed and went for a stroll...

Benny was working from home and well, I am normally home, but we were both feeling kinda funky and unmotivated to work. We got the blood flowing, breathed in some fresh air (as fresh as L.A. can get) and felt much better. I think the walk did us some good.

And now for another picker upper... take a stroll over to famed Daily Stroll and check out their feature on Cakies. It so sweet!!!

Matching tats...

2008-03-10T23:50:00.001-07:00

For True...

And her Papi...

Though she can pull herself up to stand, Brave is not quite old enough.
Hers will just have to wait.

I'm old enough, I want one!

Weekend work and fun...

2008-03-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

True working hard at my desk...

Then, RJ came over to make her sketch for her dance costume a dream come true...

The other member of Team Zissou...

Much needed breaks were rewarded with kisses from Team Zissou...

Sunday evening was wonderfully spent relaxing with some yummy food with Brave and True's Aunt Loop, Uncle Alex, and Rafael and Gabriel...

And of course, before we headed home True was loading up on Aunt Loop's strawberries...

The weekend was fun, but now looking forward to a full week of work ahead...

I hate them germs!

2008-03-07T20:21:00.000-08:00

True hates germs so much that she even vacuumed the bed...
Finally, the house is clean.

Lysol has been sprayed everywhere.

Die germs! Die!!!

Have a germ free weekend.

Our colorful Thursday...

2008-03-06T20:59:00.001-08:00

I think Brave's shirt doesn't match her tears. Nevertheless, she is too cute and I want to bite her!

Purposeful coloring...

2008-03-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

Brave doesn't color yet, but she did stand up in her crib today...

The purpose of True's coloring: A message for their Papi...
Please throw the flu back... we need you!!!

She is a big girl...

2008-03-04T18:59:00.001-08:00

Almost.

My little Bravery is 7 months old today.

She is getting strong and mightly slowly, here is a list of things she can do:

1. Crawls everywhere
2. Sits up without assistance
3. Eats brown rice cereal
4. Drinks water, but it gets messy
5. Laugh and giggles incessantly at her mommy's jokes (she is probably the only one)
6. Reaches out slightly
7. Puts herself to sleep

I am sure there are more, but these are the big milestones. Now, I am just waiting for her to sleep through the night. Oh please Brave... sleep through the night!!!

I love my little Bravery...

Bad catch...

2008-03-03T19:53:00.001-08:00

My Benny caught the flu.

Please pray for him.

Their backyard...

2008-03-02T20:18:00.000-08:00

So we have celebrated many jubilant events in my mom and dad's backyard. Their backyard is a decent size considering they live in California... it is a far cry from the teeny piece of land they call a yard that they give out nowadays!

Well, anyways my parents are a bit sentimental and also very busy, so remnants of these celebrations are littered all over the backyard.

Let's start with these lights...
They were strung around on our avocado tree for my 18th birthday, which is a big deal in the Filipino culture (think wedding, minus the groom). My 18th birthday was a long time ago...

Now we have the ribbon from Benny and mine's wedding...
They were beautifully tied on the fence and used to be a bright avocado green. The yard was once filled with 200 happy people celebrating the day God brought Ben and me together. Now the ribbon is a sage green and lovingly droops down to serve as a soft reminder of that summer day. That was almost 3 years ago...

Now we have the colorful ball lights strung all across the canopy of the yard...
These were for my middle sister Reinna's 18th birthday. It was disco themed. These were once balls of color, but of course the elements of nature has taken its course and the lights have lost the lustre of its voluminous color. My sister is going to be 20 this year...

And the once fluffed of balls of wonderful tissue paper...
These were for True's 1st birthday and they still hang scattered underneath the patio, but now fall flat due to nature sucking the life out of them. True is going to turn 2 next month...

These things are just a few of the reminders of happy memories and love that have whirled around in the Navales house. These mark some jovial celebrations...

The yard is also still scattered with lots of our childhood toys, but that is for another post...

I am sure those toys are waiting for Brave and True to take notice of them. Then, my girls can create their own happy memories in their Grammy's and Grumpy's backyard.

Thank God for the ability to have memories and for giving us family. It is only by His grace...

What's on the menu tonight?!!

2008-03-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

Brown rice cereal and sips of water.

It was Brave's first time eating some food. I was kinda not wanting to give her food (though, I knew I had too) because the consistency and smell of her poop would change. I like breastfed poop... it doesn't really smell.

Oh well! Time to grow up...

More new friends and a picnic...

2008-02-29T19:04:00.000-08:00

Makes the Bratcher babies really happy campers.

You already met Symphony...
Now meet her little sister Bella...
And their friend Isaac...

True and Brave had so much fun being out of the house and running amok on the playground. Well, not quite amok, but they had lots of fun...
Brave was happily taking in all the action...

And after a day of play, we headed back to Marisa's house and Symphony was too tired to walk, so this is how she travelled...
So thank you Marisa and Becky and their beautiful children for a pleasant day of playing.

And of course, when we got home... we had to play with True's oh so lovely tutu...

True loved her new tutu, it is such a whimsical and lovely concoction from Bellasymphony...

It is "tutu" cute!!!

All day long...

2008-02-28T20:35:00.001-08:00

We played...

And True did some sewing...
Go to Cakies to see her final product. She did pretty good for her first time.

Tee-riffic...

2008-02-27T22:08:00.000-08:00

As True eats broccoli, she says...

Yes... Skipping dessert is cool!

And Brave is so, so right!

Thanks to Auntie Heather and Uncle Ele for the perfect and tee-riffic T's. They match my kids and Benny and me perfectly.

The tees are tee-riffic!

Feetsies...

2008-02-26T21:29:00.000-08:00

They are both so cute, tiny, small and round...

I love both their feetsies.

New shoes...

2008-02-26T11:26:00.000-08:00

Calls for a mid-day post!

I love my new shoes that was bought for me from my parents. Yes, I said my parents! I know you laugh because I no longer live in their house, I am married and have two children of my own, but still my parents, my mom and dad, buy me things. It is just that my parents love me very much or maybe it is because they love their granddaughters... they have to get through me to get to them!

See, I was at their house on a Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago, and all my siblings were excitedly ordering something from Urban Outfitters at my dad's expense that I wanted to join in too (I rarely go shopping these days, so I jumped at a chance for some new shoes)! And hey, why not?!! Navales is still my middle name... so I shared what I wanted and I got a little surprise cause my pop told my baby sister to order them for me... and RJ surprised me with them on Sunday.

I love them and they were such a great deal. They are the Elastic Peeptoe Skimmer by Penny loves Kenny at Urban. If you like it, you better check it out before it is gone!

I love my parents very much!

Thanks mom and dad!

Meet True's new friend...

2008-02-25T23:27:00.000-08:00

Her name is Symphony.
And while her mama and I chatted, they were being silly together all over Coffee Bean... thank God it was emtpy!

The silly girls were too cute! Now we just have to get Brave and Symphony's little sister, Bella, into the mix and it will be a fun party!!!

This is the day when Cakies met Bellasymphony and we all had a lovely time...

I need grace...

2008-02-25T23:00:00.000-08:00

I have been reading Humility by CJ Mahaney and I have been learning so much about myself.

I am much too critical...
I am not aware of all the grace around me...

And I really need to depend on God more.

By God's grace, I pray that I can impart godly things to my daughters.

I do love them and want them to love God.

Nikonians...

2008-02-24T19:14:00.000-08:00

This is my talented sister, RJ...

And this is me...

Yes, my sister and I are Nikonians.

Checkups...

2008-02-22T18:08:00.001-08:00

I was a bit nervous having both their checkups on the same day and me all by myself. What was I going to do with 2 babies getting shots?!! How do I console one when the other had to get shots?!! But thank the Lord and only by His grace... they were both so good.

And to my pleasant surprise, True didn't need any shots. So, Brave held on tight and tried to live up to her name and she did a pretty good job, until the needle went into her thigh... and then she cried! Only for a few seconds though and then she was done. Whew!

Glad this visit was over...

At 21 months (a very late 18 month visit for True), she is now 20 lbs. and can sit front facing!!! Now at 6 months, Brave is 14 lbs. 10 oz. and is quickly catching up to her sister. They are growing so fast... too fast!

I love them both so much.

Their new tricks...

2008-02-21T23:52:00.000-08:00

True can go to nap with all her clothes on...
But when she wakes up, somehow all her clothes had vanished (onto the floor in front of her).

Well, this isn't new, but I love her round, little belly...
She insisted on coloring with no clothes on (don't worry grandmas the heater was on).

Brave is mastering many, many push-ups...
So that she can start to defend herself when True terrorizes her.

Brave almost has herself up to the sitting position (for the first time ever)...
So that she can watch True from all angles.

And obviously...

The cord was lost, but now is found. Though, the lens cap I still have yet to see!

Where art thou...

2008-02-21T23:29:00.001-08:00

Cord and lens cap?

In our house...

2008-02-20T17:49:00.000-08:00

There are shadows...

A giant pile of books...

And two sisters who really love each other.

I love my Benny...

2008-02-19T19:13:00.001-08:00

And all of his split personalities...
Meet Mr. Bratcher...

Meet one-eyed Earl (don't worry he only drinks non-alcoholic beer)...

Then, along came Buff Hercules...

And then rootin' tootin' Wild West Bill,

Then, the mysterious Count Olaf...

And then finally the moment we have all been waiting for (well I have been waiting)...
My Benny is back!!!

True also missed her Papi's face... it has been so long since we have seen it!

Now it is back to shaving every couple of days...

I love my Benny and his handsome face... my Benny is so hot!!!

This weekend's irresistable finds...

2008-02-17T23:24:00.000-08:00

A pair of vintage, soft soled leather shoes in the prettiest baby pink, now waiting for Brave's feet to grow just a bit, so that she may prance around in her new, vintage lovelies...

And for True... the most intricately designed vintage dress that was absolutely too adorable and delicate to pass up. This will be saved and treasured for the most perfect special occasion... or maybe when I am up to doing a fun photo shoot.

'Tis always lovely on a Sunday afternoon, to meander with my baby sister to my favorite local antique haunt in search of fabulous finds. They were supposed to be having a grand assortment of sales, though to my dismay, they were just as expensive. Nevertheless, an afternoon of lovelies for my both my Babycakies always makes me smile...

I love Benny...

2008-02-14T21:40:00.000-08:00

And Brave and True too!!!

Benny was working from home today, so we tried not to bother him, so that he could get a lot of work done and we could spend time together in the evening. Although, every once in awhile, I had to send my little messengers to deliver my Valentine's Day cards to him... and some he just found in unexpected places! It was fun...
Well, Brave tried to eat all my messages... she thought they were sweet!

Then of course, True and I did a little baking. Earlier in the week, Sprinkles Cupcakes owner, Candance Nelson was on Martha Stewart and she gave away one of her cupcake recipes. I was dying to try it and Valentine's Day was the perfect opportunity. So, it turned into a baking lesson for True...

I had so much fun baking with Truey. She was so cute in her apron and I love my Anthropologie apron.
Now it was Benny's turn to cook one of my favorite meals of his...

Yummy Spicy Garlic Shrimp, accompanied with Sauted Asparagus and Mashed Garlic Cauliflower... and of course we had a side of Garlic Oil for dipping with bread.
And of course more goodies...
And for my little Valentinas...
And Bravery still kept on eating everything. She said, " Mom, I can't help it, they are all so sweet!!!"
Then, True started to eat everything too. They had a so sweet message for their Papi...
And the three (Benny, Brave, and True) had a sweet poem for me... and to end it 3 hearts made of each of their thumb prints.
True and mine's final product... not quite as gorgeous as the real thing, but it tasted pretty darn close! I love Sprinkles...
So we ended the evening with Benny finding all of his valentines... and all of us happily swimming in love notes, cupcakes, and lots of love...

I love my Benny so much...

They are growing up...

2008-02-13T17:23:00.001-08:00

Brave is starting to crawl... barely, but it is a start.

And True likes to eat cereal and milk. This is how it is done:
1. Pour the milk onto the tray.
2. Dip the cereal into the milk.
3. Now, eat it.

And, "Voila!" Cereal and milk.

Peace...

2008-02-12T09:43:00.001-08:00

Yes, have a peaceful Tuesday...

The Teacher's Day Off...

2008-02-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

And Miss Jane Joo (the soon-to-be Mrs.) and Miss Angie Joo spent it with little Miss Bratchers and Mrs. Ruby Bratcher...
We had a nice stroll in the Brea mall, of course food is always involved, and then we hung out at the Joo casa (and of course more food is involved). True loved the aquarium they had and she had so much fun drawing on post-its...
And Brave, well... she just drooled everywhere!

It is always nice to get out of the house... thanks Joo sisters for a fun afternoon!

Warning

2008-02-10T23:56:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when you let Reinna change a diaper...
It ends up backwards!!!

Thanks February 3rd...

2008-02-09T23:20:00.000-08:00

Every year, for the past 3 years, the entire Navales Family clan gets together at some yummy place for some fine dining and for some family celebration. This year's celebration was for the 40th anniversary of my dad's family coming to the United States.

On February 3rd, 1967, the Navales family left the Philipines and made their way to Los Angeles. My dad was just 9 years old (I think) and if it not for this day... well, let's just say a lot of things would be really different.

So this year's celebration took place at Yamashiro in Hollywood...

Bai, my grandma, recollected and shared with everyone that very important day and pointed out how much their original family of 7 has now changed to 23, which include 2 great grandchildren.

Now, we were really late, so we missed the appetizers. Though, they did make sure to order us some sashimi...
But we were just in time for first course and second course. Oh how I loved the second course... I ordered the Yamashiro Grilled Seafood, which included tender mahi mahi, ginormous scallops, scrumptious shrimp, delicious portobello mushrooms, yummy quinoa, and succulent lobster!!!
And of course True gets her own bowl of rice... yummy!!!
And who could forget dessert... I got the Strawberry Preserve Filled Doughnuts.
And I made Ben get the Warm Chocolate Souffle Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream... it was all so yummy in my tummy!!!
By the end of the evening and when I was done stuffing my face with food, I was so, so tired (I think it is evident in my eyes).

While we were waiting for the valet, it was nice to enjoy the view from the Hollywood hills.

Thank you to Bai for bringing my dad to the U.S. and for treating everyone to such a lovely, yummy dinner... I wonder where we are going eat next year?!! I can hardly wait!

**Some pictures courtesy of the ever creative, sassy stylistics of RJ... thanks!!!

Meet the Cakies sales rep...

2008-02-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

She does a very good job.

We went to hang out with Suzy and Bella at Rattle 'n Roll today. It is always fun catching up and True likes hanging out at the back of the store with Bella. They played with play dough, watched Hello Kitty, and ran around the store together. Bella was so excited to see True that she yelled, "True's here!!" when her mom told her we were inside the store. It was a fun afternoon of chatting, playing, and learning more about the business.

And of course Rattle 'n Roll now has a fresh batch of Cakies...

All thanks to my little sales rep (she gets paid with kisses and clippies)!!!

The Three Little B's...

2008-02-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

And together they kinda just sit there...
Well, True had a comb in her mouth, Brave had her foot, and Sabrina had her hand... those things must taste really good!!!

Come visit us again little Barrett...

I must say...

2008-02-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

Everything is tea-riffic...

The house is getting cleaned and organized. Boxes are getting unpacked and put away. I can see the floor of our bedroom. Ben's space is coming along. My space is coming a long... and I just cleaned 4 and half bathrooms.

The decorating brain is on overdrive and after living with white, sterile walls for a couple months... I think I am finally ready to paint. I didn't think I wanted to, but I think I need some color back in my life... not that my life isn't colorful, but let's just say colored walls will hide crayon filled walls. Yes, painting them would be a good idea.

Hmm... painted walls or scribbled walls?!!

I think paint is the answer.

Super Duper Tuesday...

2008-02-05T18:53:00.001-08:00

I voted.

Did you?

Brave's Workout Monday...

2008-02-04T18:49:00.000-08:00

Brave is 6 months today and to celebrate she started doing pushups!!!

6 more months until we celebrate her first birthday...

Super Bowl Sunday...

2008-02-03T21:44:00.000-08:00

Must include chips and dip...
Some scrumptious tacos...
Nervous fans...
And angry fans...
People intently watching...
And wondering, what is going to be the next play?!!
True playing hide and seek with Auntie...
And Brave chillin' on Uncle...
'Twas an eventful, unexpected Super Bowl ending with Benny and Caleb cheering... and my pop a tad bit disappointed!!!

Oh what a happy Sunday for the NY Giants!!!

Sew Sweet Saturday...

2008-02-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

It was a lovely Saturday spent with my baby sister, RJ, teaching her how to sew...
And all the tricks of the trade that I know (not that I know very many)...

And... "Voila!" She made a sew sweet bag that is...
Reversible!!! Clean, simple and oh sew cute. After, teaching her how to make one, I am itching to make myself one... and don't worry O, yours is coming soon. Promise!!!
And her other lovely creation, a funky monster!!!
Of course, at the end of the day long session we were entertained by True "backing that thing up!"

I was so glad that I got to spend time with my sister! So, in our one full day session (that included an overnight stay at our casa), she made... a bag (2-in-1 bag), a dress for herself, a skirt for True, and a stuffed monster... she is already a pro! To see the rest of the finished products you must check her out at richellephant.blogspot.com. She is such a budding artist full of creativity!!!

I can't wait for our next Sew Sweet Saturday!!!

We love RJ!!!

Craving a confectionary treat?

2008-02-01T17:08:00.001-08:00

Well, then visit my Cakies on etsy and satisfy your craving for something sweet!!!
After months and months of Cakies making, our sweet goodies are now up for sale on etsy... and much thanks to Tiffany for encouraging me to click the FINISH button for my listing, otherwise it probably wouldn't have gone up! Thanks Tiff!!!

So praise God for the opportunities that are possible through the wonders of the internet. Crafting, creating, and idea dreaming is so much fun... and I am glad that I am able to enjoy it through Him who is the greatest crafter of all.

So peruse through my Cakies store, enjoy all the delicious delectables, and then read through all the creating and idea making found at my Cakies blog.

Happy shopping... anyone want some milk?!!

No more peeping toms...

2008-01-30T19:59:00.000-08:00

Since we moved in we have not put any window coverings on our family room windows, but that is because...

1. We can't decide what to put up (shutters or shades) and it is kinda expensive.
2. We really haven't had time to look.
3. We had no neighbors behind us (just 3 empty houses).

But now they have moved in, especially the one directly behind us, so I don't want any peeping toms, so up these pieces of paper went.... So take that neighbors, you can't see me dancing with True no more!!!

It feels much better to be covered, but now it looks hideous. Oh well!

Sophie...

2008-01-29T16:12:00.000-08:00

Makes her feel better.

This was our Monday...

2008-01-28T21:03:00.000-08:00

Benny hard at work from home...

A lovely stroll around the cul-de-sac...
And some serious cooking... the whole wheat focaccia bread ready to be baked.
And the Sirloin Burger (with cauliflower mixed in the meat) on whole wheat Focaccia Bread, with a side of Sweet Potato Fries and a dollop of Garlic Ketchup all ready to be eaten! All thanks to Tita Pearl, Mateo's Lola, and my new cookbook, Deceptively Delicious, we had a yummy healthful dinner (no one would ever guess that there was vegetables mixed in the meat). Who said eating healthy couldn't be fun or delicious?!!
And for a little dessert... come pick up some Cakies. Cakies can now be found at local baby boutique in downtown Claremont called Tattle Tails. Thank you Lord for this opportunity.

This weekend's loves...

2008-01-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

I love going out to eat with Benny and the girls (thanks to a $50 giftcard we have been holding onto just for a special occasison).
I love the way True eats her chips and salsa.
And I love my Benny's encouragement, support and thoughtfulness that manifests itself in a small bouquet of sunflowers...

I love celebrating God's goodness.

A reminder...

2008-01-25T17:19:00.000-08:00

"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."
Genesis 9:16

Ben was getting ready this morning when he noticed the rainbow outside. I could not help but think of the promise God made to Noah. God promises are sure and we have a faithful, unchanging God...

Praise God for his holiness and His Son that was sent as a ransom for my sins. I need to bathe in the waterfall of grace and mercy. Thank God He gave us Jesus.

Something I miss...

2008-01-24T14:43:00.000-08:00

Is this face.

I love his beard and it was grown at my request, but now I think I miss his face. I want to see all of it again. I can't wait for it to come back. I really, really miss it!!! He is just as hot with or without the beard, but I really miss that face.

I think my husband is so, so hot! The absolute hottest!

I really need to work on making him more my primary ministry, with kids it is so easy to just cast each other aside and get into a routine. Marriage really does take work and sometimes you don't feel like working...

I love, love, LOVE him and I praise God for placing us together. He is not afraid to rebuke me and encourage me. He tells me when I am sinning or when something I make looks like crap, so I have to re-do it again (argh!). He shares my love for all things creative. He really is a talented artist, but is so modest and humble that he will deny it. He puts up with my bad attitudes and my inability to be a good listener (he is a really, really, REALLY good listener). He works three jobs because he finds it important that I stay home with the kids. He researches everything, I mean everything, to make sure he is providing the best product (thanks to Consumer Reports) or service he possibly could for our family (that is why we still don't have a dryer... that is another story as the laundry continues to grow). He is the one who initiates praying together and going to conferences that would help further our love for God and each other. We are both sinners and works in progress, but I couldn't have asked for a more perfect mate to compliment me or vice versa. We are two sinners put together by God's grace to help further his kingdom through each other and our children.
I love my Benny.

Bubble bath on a rainy day...

2008-01-23T21:55:00.000-08:00

Makes True a happy girl!

A "Brave" Day...

2008-01-22T19:18:00.000-08:00

It was a "brave" day with my Brave girl and True, to brave the drive from our house to San Juan Capistrano. I was a bit intimated by the seemingly daunting distance and the possibility of horrific traffic on the 91, but to my surprise we got there in 46 minutes (Thank you Kriss for the cute tee).
God has really blessed Ele and Heather, the newlyweds, with such a lovely first house to call home.
And being in the lovely city of San Juan Capistrano, we took a short drive downtown and a lovely stroll to...
The petting zoo. True was immediately taken by all the animals and was waving, "Hi!!!"
Sabrina wanted to become a little cowgirl and ride the ponies... okay well, maybe not. She just wanted to be with mommy.
And like daddy's little girl, True makes sure the animals stay on a healthy diet... I mean lifestyle.

She really started warming up to the bunnies... I think they were her favorite.

My Truey wasn't afraid, she was "brave!" Well, not really Brave, but she is True, but you know what I mean...
And my little Brave girl and I acted like a kangaroo... I am Kanga and she is Roo.

To end the afternoon we had a perfect lunch downtown... and the lunch included some peach margaritas. Well, okay virgin margaritas... you have two breastfeeding women, so this is as close as we'll get alcohol.

Thank you to the lovely Mrs. Nepo for treating Mrs. B and me to a lovely afternoon in San Juan Capistrano. Now, you will have to take a trip our way...

I will have to add, praise God for toll roads because during the peak time of traffic, I made it home in 50 minutes. San Juan Capistrano is not so daunting after all...

During the drive, I thought about how scary it is to be a parent. These children that you love so much will undoubtedly break your heart, disappoint you, be disobedient, but at the end of the day all you want it what is best for them that stems from the love you have for them.

One doesn't really understand the heart of a parent, until one becomes a parent. I understand so much more now. I understand the sacrifices my parents made. It all makes sense and I am just barely scratching the surface of parenting.

I get scared for that one day when their disobedience will break my heart, but I can rest assured knowing God won't give me more than I can handle. While at the same time, His grace is overwhelming and sufficient that He will take care of everything. When times will seem unbearable, God is they one who will be there to help carry our load and burden... God is the one who will be our comfort... God is the one in control. I am so glad that God is in control and not me, otherwise I would be very, very scared to leave things in the hands of a sinner like me.

I know I am rambling, but there is so much to be done as a parent, so much to do to train a child in godliness. I get nervous. I see how God is working, preparing, and teaching Ben and me. I pray that Ben and I are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and that we remain teachable.

Parenting is no easy job. I love my parents.

Oh Bliss...

2008-01-21T20:22:00.000-08:00

'Twas a happy Monday of staying in pj's, reading, cooking, and crafting all day long...

We must also find bliss in God admist trials. You don't know how things will play out or why things are happening, but praise God He is all knowing and has better plans even during a heartbreak.

Still playing Food Network...

2008-01-20T22:48:00.000-08:00

It is too much fun!
I love having everything organized in little bowls, it makes cooking so much fun and easier...
"Tada!"

It was a yummy Saturday evening with Crunchy Shrimp served with Toasted Cous Cous and drizzled with Ginger Orange Sauce. Thank you Cooking Light for the yummy recipe that even True was ooo-ing and ahh-ing over the yummy cous cous.

Hmm... what shall I cook next.

I hope everyone else had a good weekend, but besides the yummy in my tummy, God has thrown a few trials our way. He really loves to bring us to our knees... and we need wake up calls every now and then. Praise God! God is so good and always knows what is best.

Goodbye Elijah...

2008-01-18T19:17:00.001-08:00

True had fun playing with you before you leave.

Brave and True will miss you and they can hardly wait to meet your little sister! See you in 5 months, Lord willing.

Who's who?

2008-01-18T18:50:00.000-08:00

Do you know?And well, Brave didn't have this much hair at 5 months...Nope, there is no mohawk on this baby...

I love to hug them, kiss them, squeeze them... and oh just love, love them!!!

I do love...

2008-01-17T19:14:00.000-08:00

Benny.

And he knows my love for etsy, so he gave me a little surprise (thank God for an etsy wish list!).

Do you love Cuties?

2008-01-16T20:19:00.001-08:00

Because I do.
And so does True.
Now, kiss the Cuties...

I love my Cuties!!! Do you?

More cheese please...

2008-01-15T23:06:00.000-08:00

I always love a good mom and pop pizza place, so I was so excited when I found a "Welcome to the neighborhood" and get a free medium pizza letter for Graziano's. Of course, I immediately asked Benny if we could go for dinner and he said, "Yes." So we went after some errands and got a medium 2 topping pizza and 2 drinks all for free... I love being new to the neighborhood!

We really liked the pizza, but I think True enjoyed it the most because she loved drinking water out of the cup with her daddy...
And then she ate 2 whole slices of pizza... well, there was no cheese on hers.
In addition, she had lots of fun watching the big TV, which is something she never does at home...
And my little Bravery was as behaved as usual in her stroller. Brave just enjoyed eating her hands while we all ate our yummy pizza...

Thank you Lord for more memories and for yummy food.

Back to Monday...

2008-01-14T17:53:00.001-08:00

Not that Mondays are all that different for me, since I am a stay home mom, but it did mean some serious cleaning... and well a little organizing and decorating took place.
And so did some mad coloring.

Back to more cleaning tomorrow and then maybe I will get back to work on my projects... and I really do miss reading. I am in dire need of picking up a good book and reading, but then I will never get anything done!

Yum, yum, yum...

2008-01-13T22:33:00.000-08:00

There was food all weekend long. It started with a lunch at Red Robin with Ne and O, but the less evidence from that place, the better. Then, we were invited to our realtor, Johnathan's, restaurant opening.
Well, it wasn't an opening, but it was a tasting of all the food before the opening, so it was just friends and family. So if are in the area or in the mood to shabu, check out Shabu Shabu Station in Diamond Bar...
Tons of boiling pots...
Steam swirling around...
Raw angus steak cuts (okay, so it was cute cause my husband, being the healthy eater he is, tried to seperate the fat from the meat in the steak; it was mighty hard to do so)...
Plate full of vegetables...
And we are ready to shabu...
And everyone loved it, so after the tasting and we did the review, all we had to suggest was to play some music...

So then came Sunday night, when we were all excited about finally surprising the one who is always in charge of all the surprises... Nina!!! About 30 of us gathered at good ole Diamond Palace for some chow mein, mongolian beef, and our favorite fried fish...
Of course, we have to eat balance and order some veggies...
So with around 10 different dishes at our table, there was nothing left... and my area was probably the messiest, but I was one satisfied customer.

And there is the birthday girl, receiving birthday greetings all the way from the east coast.

Happy Birthday Ne, the Bratcher family loves you!!!

This lost boy...

2008-01-13T20:34:00.000-08:00

Misses his Peter Pan and Wendy.
But he flirted it up with my daughter (or maybe it was the other way around).

On another note, we picked up Ben's desk this weekend from our favorite French vendors, but there is a slight problem... it wont fit through the office doorway. So, I guess it is my table now!!!
My girls enjoying the flea market in their Phil & Ted's double decker stroller and their signature leg warmers (wouldn't I love to be the mom that invented these, but nope it wasn't me)...
And why does my daughter look more like Angelina Jolie's daughter (at least in this picture) than my own?

My vaseline...

2008-01-11T16:39:00.000-08:00

Should always be nearby, even as I craft.

For everyone who know me, knows that this is pretty much the only thing I could use on my lips. Otherwise, I swell up and become red like a lobster. So my lips are sensitive and with the cold weather, I have to re-apply a million times! So praise God for Vaseline, I love it...

So, keep your lips moist and have a good weekend.

Lunchtime...

2008-01-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

With breakfast still on her plate.
Want some seafood?!!

The girls are growing so fast. I take a picture and then think "Wow! We won't have that moment again..." okay well, I am a bit dramatic. Every minute home with them is so fun and time goes so fast... before you know it they will be teenagers.

I love them.

No, she does not like the Texas Longhorns...

2008-01-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

But she does like to say, "Rock On!!!"
Oh what a happy girl!!!

Just like mommy...

2008-01-08T18:43:00.000-08:00

Say, "Cheese!!!"

I like to play Food Network...

2008-01-07T19:50:00.000-08:00

We have cable now (only because it is an extra $5 with internet) and Ben's favorite channel is Food Network. It looks fun being a chef that I think I will go back to cooking on Monday nights, which I haven't done since Brave has been born. But I think it would be more fun to be a food photographer...
Some marjoram, italian parsley, and lemon zest...
Cherry tomatoes...
And 1lb. of trout...
And you have... Broiled Trout Fillets with Tomato and Red Onion Relish topped on some whole wheat Cous Cous, with a side of Sugar Snap Peas with Fresh Marjoram. And of course it was healthy and was taken from The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook.

It was so funny because while I was cooking, I kept talking like there was a camera in front of me and pretending to talk like a Food Network chef as I used each ingredient. Benny thought it was funny... haha... I like being silly!!!

Oh how I missed cooking!

Shoes and girls...

2008-01-06T23:42:00.000-08:00

I think a love for shoes is innate in girls...

(And yes, my boots from Urban Outfitters are finally here.) Thanks so much Suzi... I love them!
Sunday night, us Bratcher girls met with the rest of Jane and Company to talk about things for the wedding. True... the crazy kid... took off her converse while we were at Corner Bakery, put on Angie's shoes, and was walking around with them everywhere!!!
And Jane is another girl who has a fantastic taste in shoes... she can even teach second graders in stilettos!!! It was a fun Sunday evening meeting the other bridesmaids for Jane's wedding. We are all excited to be part of their special day!

Five...

2008-01-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

Yep, Brave is already five months.
Brave can...
1. Roll over
2. Suck her two middle fingers and do "Rock On" at the same time
3. Really hold up her head
4. Giggle
5. Coo and talk like crazy

And she likes to give Sophie a lot of lovin' or maybe it is just a bunch of slobber...

I love my Bravery.

Difficult...

2008-01-03T22:06:00.000-08:00

Plants are much easier to grow than kids.

Another year...

2008-01-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

For my dad.
Happy Birthday Grumpy!!!
And silly True wanted to wear all her hairclips, so Cakies and non-cakies rimmed her head.

New Year's Day for us...

2008-01-01T23:33:00.000-08:00

Means a whole lot of food...

So first, let's pray for the food.

This is what happens when Ben goes to the grocery store... he goes a tad over the budget and we have the whole produce section in our kitchen!

And Benny made breakfast, which ended up being an early lunch. He made a recipe he found from Food and Wine, it is some baked eggs with soy-rizo and potatoes. Okay, well he changed the chorizo to soy-rizo... you can hardly tell. Really!!! To accompany our yummy food, he made the salsa of the year which can be found from Heidi Swanson the author of Super Natural Cooking. It was muy delicioso!!!
Then started the preparations for our traditional Japanese fest!!!

Even True joined in the fun. She had her first bite at sushi, though there was nothing raw inside hers...
I love sushi! I can't wait until I am done breastfeeding, so that I can indulge into some sashimi. New years was full of food, family, fun, and Cranium!

God has made miracles for our family in 2007...
1. When doctors said we couldn't have children naturally, another baby was born, Brave.
2. When it seems impossible to buy one, He provided for us a house.
3. When the budget doesn't allow for it, He gave us a car.
4. While many friends have left, He built many new friendships.
5. While dreaming and praying, He allowed some things I enjoy doing at home to be sold at a couple of boutiques.
6. While often used to being sick, Benny has been really healthy this year.
7. While being gone for 2 years, He allowed us to travel safely to Texas for Christmas.
8. While every month Ben's work is overwhelming, God delivers him through it.

This is not even everything God has done this year...

God is so good through all the trials and blessings. Trials have already started for this year and there are so many things to pray for. I can't wait for next new years to reflect and see all the Lord has done.

Happy New Year everyone!!!

New Year's Eve...

2007-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

Was Christmas all over again.

And of course True loves opening presents...
And Brave and True had the perfect gift for their Grumpy! And of course, we (my Benny) had some fun gifts to give out...

Ryan got all different kids of oranges (oranges are his favorite)...
Reinna got some organic apples (for some reason she is fascinated with organic things)...
RJ got a couple of grapples, yes grapples... genetically engineered grape tasting apples!!!

And mom and dad got some tropical fruit because they are soon going to Hawaii!!!

Then we rang in the New Year, as we quickly paused from our game of Cranium... that game is so fun!

All the way from Korea...

2007-12-31T20:51:00.000-08:00

Brave had to meet someone special...
We got a visit from Auntie Linda. I'm sure it was a uber short trip for Lin because as I write this, she is on her way back to what has been her home for the past 5 months and we have another 5 months until she returns. And while she was here, we did what Lin and I do best... talk. Not just regular inside voice, but when we get together for some reason the volume is at its highest point and we talk really loud! And there was so much to talk about!!!
Finally, Lin was brave enough to try some of our food... and yes, you can eat a buffalo!!!
Why does it look like Lin and John are on their honeymoon? Could it be a sign?!!
Now, it looks like they are in heaven...
And we all got lots of goodies from Korea... we love it! And thanks to John and Lin we will have to go to the movies. We never go because it is too expensive, besides my birthday and watching the movie Bella... the last time we went to the movies on a date was Spiderman... the first one!!!

This time we didn't blubber like crazy like last time, and John wasn't left wondering what to do with crying girls, but I think it helped that we thought in our head we might see each other one more time before she left. But to my dismay, we were not able to bid one last adieu. Hopefully, these next few months will go fast, as I am sure it will seeing there are already so many activities (hint: joel and armenia). Until then, Brave and True will miss their Auntie Linda.

Our little Christmas...

2007-12-30T21:22:00.000-08:00

We had our first little Christmas in our new house. We saved a present for each person to open when it was just us and we had our own family time. We were still exhausted from the prior day's journey, so we didn't cook, but just ordered sushi...
I think Brave was eyeing our food...
And of course, True handed out presents...
And of course, Brave chewed on the presents...
And of course, Benny captured the memory hunting...
And of course, True opened the presents...
And of course, she got a practical gift...
And a fun one from etsy...
Benny got some special things as well...
Another gift was that Brave rolled over for the first time...
And like Frances wrote about praising God for material blessings... I praise God because I got a new lens from Benny for Christmas! I so have lens lust and I love my new Nikkor 50mm prime lens (though it looks wimpy next to my 18-200mm zoom lens)!!! It is a lot more work to take pictures, but it forces me to practice using aperture and shutter speed more, but is has such a low f-stop and works better in low light... I love it!!!

Praise God for His birth and the opportunities to make memories with family and friends. And thank you Lord for Brave's first Christmas!!!

California, Here We Come!!!

2007-12-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

We bid our farewells until next time and then we got on the road to California...

The first three hours True was crying like crazy, but I would give her some food and she would stop for a bit and then start up again. We were bewildered on why she was crying because she doesn't normally cry in the car. Well, Ben thought maybe she was hot, so I turned around to take off her sweater and when I reach for her right arm, I pull it and then that is when I noticed it was stuck on the door pull... somehow she must have reached for it to play and then got her right, middle finger stuck underneath... pobrecita!!! Her middle finger had this huge dent in it and she was crying when I moved it or even touched it. I felt so bad... I couldn't see her finger, so I didn't know. I gave her an ice pack to put her swollen finger on and then she calmed down. And after 3 hours of crying she finally went to sleep...

She was so tired from crying.
So after her nap, we stopped to feed Brave, change them, and let True out of the car.

Of course, Brave is still sucking on Sophie la girafe...

So it normally takes 19 hours to drive from SA to California, and we usually stop overnight somewhere and then get on the road again... but we were afraid if we stopped we wouldn't be able to sleep because True would wake up in the middle of the night and not go back to sleep for 3 hours because she doesn't know how to sleep in the same room as us (that is what happened at the Nepo wedding). So, we thought if we were able, we would drive straight (only if we felt alert and safe enough). We were ready to stop and sleep if we felt we were endangering our family, but praise God He gave us the strength and sustanence to make it straight home...

So after a few stops to feed Brave and change them and get True out of the car... after going through 3 states... after seeing the sun come up and then down... after me driving for an hour and a half to give Benny a break and get us into California... after a seem to not work green tea from Starbucks and a double shot espresso from a gas station... after almost 20 hours later... Benny got us back home in California, but only by God's grace!!!

We are finally home...

Last day...

2007-12-27T22:07:00.000-08:00

And of course we had to go to China Sea and continue on the Bratcher tradition...

True ate really, really well there...
Then, we visited with another good buddy of Benny's, Ernest. Ernest had the coolest looking room, I fell in love with his chalkboard...

Then, we went home to hang out and spend time together...
Brave really likes her Sophie la girafe, her little friend all the way from France...

We always have such a good time in SA when we are here. It really is a big city with a small town feel. Time here always goes too fast...

California, here we come!!!

Let's get to work...

2007-12-26T19:25:00.000-08:00

We wanted to make sure to do things to help around the house and also get a head start in packing the car...
Benny looked like the fiddler of the roof...

And some of my vintage goodies, but my favorites are hiding in that box...
Our Christmas presents that need to be packed into the car...
And Benny is such a good packer that he fit most of our Christmas presents into one of our vintage goodies...

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

2007-12-25T23:19:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful Christmas day in San Antonio. The weather was a bit crisp, but the sun was shining and we were ready to enjoy the day...

True waiting and wanting to open presents...
They really love each other.
Brave in her red vintage dress that I found before True was born. True's Christmas dress last year was a vintage one too... I guess I started a new tradition for my girls.
And finally, the moment we were all waiting for... Santa Claus couldn't make it, so he sent Baby Claus and Santita...
Santita playing with the tree, getting ready to hand out presents...

And thanks to Aun-tia Suzi, Brave and True are going to college... YEAH BABY!!!

And of course, a gourmet dinner was served thanks to the family chef, my Benny! Before dinner was served, Benny took time to read from scripture the beginnings of Christmas. We should never take the Christ out of Christmas...

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Castilleja Family Traditions...

2007-12-24T22:55:00.000-08:00

Everyone meets at Tio Charlie and Tia Paula's house. It is a good time together with family celebrating the birth of Christ and eating tamales...

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!!!

2007-12-23T22:22:00.000-08:00

Today, we went to meet up with Benny's buddies from high school. This was the first time the girls met Uncle Alberto, who was Benny's best man. True has met Uncle Ralph, but Ralph had yet to meet Brave.
Brave was excited to meet her daddy's good friends.

Uncle Alberto got the girls a cool spurs blanket. As True likes to say, "Go, Spurs, Go!!!"
True enjoyed the little hats Uncle Ralph made.

It is always enjoyable hanging out with Benny's friends and to hear them tell stories. They are always so funny. Brave and True really liked hanging out with them too!!!

On the hunt...

2007-12-22T21:45:00.000-08:00

For some lovely, vintage goodies.

So we went the day before to some of our favorite local antique places, but those proved to be a bust, so we planned to spend some time searching out of the San Antonio area...

First stop: Bussey's Flea Market

It was very windy and so we tried to be very quick.

Everyone was slinging someone that day... even Grandmama!!!

The next stop was New Braunfels, but that proved to be a bust. No goodies there...

Last stop: Fredricksburg, TX

And oh my!!! The goodies we did find. We found the cutest vintage shop and it was full of lovelies. We came out with some things perfect for the house and then we all had fun playing at a nearby park.

When we were almost home, we looked up in the sky and it was filled with a gazillion birds. True started going crazy saying, "Birds! Birds!" So we stopped, let her watch, and I went out to take pictures, but I was very careful to not get pooped on...

It is fun doing lots of memory hunting in Texas... praise God for each moment.

Aun-tia Suzi and friends...

2007-12-21T23:25:00.000-08:00

We were so kindly invited to Aun-tia Suzi's get together with her friends. We were so looking forward to meeting those people who play such a big part in Suzi's life. Aun-tia Suzi always talks about how fun and down to earth they are and boy was she right! There was even someone there for True to play with... his name was Joshua and he was so cute!!!

And of course yummy food. They were so cute because they were very thoughtful and made sure to have a healthy dish for Benny (and me too). And we loved all the food, especially the healthy Sara-made salsa!!!
There was even Mexican soda...
We are so grateful to Sara and her family for opening up her home to us and allowing True to make a mess of Joshua's toys.
Thank you to these lovely ladies for being so warm, hospitable, and so much fun on a Friday night... we look forward to seeing you guys again!!!

Her favorite story came to life...

2007-12-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

At the zoo.

Truey, Truey, what do you see?
I see pink flamingos looking at me.

Truey, Truey, what do you see?

I see a brown bear looking at me.

Truey, Truey, what do you see?

I see some beige-brown monkeys looking at me.

Truey, Truey, what do you see?
I see a tan gazelle looking at me.
Truey, Truey, what do you see?
I see a gray rhino looking at me.
Truey, Truey, what do you see?
I see a white heron looking at me.

Truey, Truey what do you see?

I see a Brave looking at me.
Truey, Truey what do you see?
I see a gray elephant looking at me.

Truey, Truey, what do you see?
I see some yellow bird poopy on Grandmama looking at me.
Truey, Truey what do you see?
I see a happy family looking at me!!!

The end.

On another funny note at the zoo...
Benny slings the babies like me... and so do you see Brave's forehead as she buries her head in the sling?!!
Nope! That wasn't her forehead... that was the back of her bald little head!!! It was so funny...

They have been very good...

2007-12-20T21:55:00.000-08:00

Or at least that is what they told Santa...

Grandmama and Benny did a good job trying to get their attention and smile...

They got their attention, but the smile factor was missing. Though they both still looked adorable!!!

The celebrating continues...

2007-12-19T21:48:00.000-08:00

Grandmama's birthday celebration continued at Gringo's (a Mexican restaurant) and the 2 little cakies met more family...

They immediatly loved Tio Charlie, Tia Paula, Tia Chedes and Tio Joe!!!

And Grandmama loved her sombrero and birthday song and especially their free ice cream... yum!

Finally...

2007-12-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

We're in Texas! It has been 2 years and 2 kids later, but we are finally here.

So many exciting things going on...
1. We all get to spend some quality time with their Grandmama and Aun-tia Suzi, whom Brave has met for the first time.

2. Brave and True finally get to meet the other side of their family (probably the side they look more alike, though I think True looks like me, but with BIG eyes).

3. They get meet Uncle Alberto for the first time, which might be strange for Alberto since the last time we saw him cause he was the best man when Benny and I got married.

4. The girls also get to meet Ernest for the first time, though he has seen them via myspace.

5. We get to go to Suzi's beautiful new house and visit there.

6. And of course, we get the car of my dreams... a Toyota Highlander! It is oh so, so pretty!!! I can't wait to start driving it in California.

So, I know that these 10 days will go really fast and we will be in California before we know it. But we will enjoy everything here as much as we can and I will try to capture our memory hunting as much as possible, but I can't find the ethernet cable to use our computer to blog!

So far though, our plane trip went well... Praise God!!! And we had yummy sushi last night for Grandmama's birthday.

But until we find the ethernet cable, pictures of our memory hunting will have to wait...

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!

Tada...

2007-12-18T23:42:00.000-08:00

Our brand new car... a Toyota Highlander!!!

It is the car I have always wanted, but there is no room in the budget for it. But God likes to rain down blessings on people like us, who don't even deserve it... and thanks to Grandmama we got a great deal... I am so excited! I love it and can't wait to start driving it in California...

Going backwards to Monday...

2007-12-18T18:37:00.000-08:00

When we said goodbye to the Tibayan 4...

We will miss them, but we are excited to see how God is going to grow them to help them further His kingdom!

You guys are such an encouragement to our family and we are blessed by how you continually point us to Christ...

Rock on for the glory of God!!!

Shh...

2007-12-18T17:24:00.000-08:00

It was a cleverly planned surprise, but I was a bit apprehensive about flying with TWO babies. Though God was good and we had a smooth flight (I highly recommend flying Express Jet) and both my little cakies were so, so good...

Finally, Aun-tia Suzi is reunited with True after one long year. True loved her instantaneously!!!
And then we immediately went to visit Aun-tia Suzi's beautiful new house. It is so cute and we loved the style of the neighborhood...
Angel was a bit a little too hyper for True's liking, so we kinda kept her away for the time being...

Brave in the arms of Aun-tia for the first time. Suzi looks more like her mom than I do!
And now finally, at Grandmama's house waiting to surprise her... We were all so excited!!!
And what a surprise it was... she looked out the peephole and saw no one, and then one more time and she looked down and what did she see?!! Lo and behold it was her little True-sita!!!
Then what better way to celebrate the blessing of the days events, go eat some sushi!!!

Happy Birthday Grandmama... SURPRISE!!!

It's...

2007-12-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Grandmama's birthday! We're gonna party like it's her birthday!!!

True parties it up by spinning and spinning and spinning...

And Brave, well can't do much yet, so she lays there and gives birthday wishes as she eats her hand...

Happy Blessed Birthday and we will all see you so, so soon!!!

4 more days...

Laundry, laundry everywhere...

2007-12-17T17:15:00.001-08:00

Makes me tired and have messy hair... yikes!!!

Finally they are Mr. and Mrs. Nepo...

2007-12-16T22:22:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to the lovely couple. We know the Lord has great things in store for you... We are so proud and feel so privileged to be part of your special day.

It was a fun day to get all dressed up and celebrate God putting two people together. True was a flower girl for the first time and she was so utterly adorable (but I am real biased). She did a really good job walking down the aisle and she probably didn't even need me!
As I was dressing her, I couldn't help but think of the day when I will be helping her get dressed for her wedding day. That day will be so exciting. I pray that her husband will be a strong God-loving and God-fearing man...
And she did so well as Auntie Reinna curled her hair for the first time...
Now for the handsome Elijah, P.J. even practiced the wedding vows with True and Elijah as they were holding hands in the car...

Quite difficult to get all the kids to look in the same direction...

Their love for one another and the Lord was very evident throughout the whole day...

And where was Brave the whole time... in the arms of Grammy and Grumpy so mommy and daddy could enjoy!

The weather was perfect, the venue was lovely, the bride was beautiful, the groom was handsome, and all thanks be to God...

One couple down, just a few more to go...

Going to the chapel...

2007-12-14T13:05:00.000-08:00

And Ele and Heather gonna get maaa-ried!!!

After being married, weddings have such a different meaning...

It makes you want to hug and hold your spouse a little tighter during the ceremony.

Flashbacks and visions of our wedding day tend to pervade my mind. Remembering when I walked down the aisle and saw Benny and the huge smile on his face. As the new couple says their vows, I reiterate what Ben and I said a couple years ago and affirming its meaning in my heart. Oh, I love Benny so much! Two kids and two and half years later, I love him and all the trials and joys we have gone through. God is so good.

I love being married... I highly recommend it!

What a happy weekend it will be!

We are..

2007-12-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

So busy, so busy.

It is so easy to exclude God from his own birthday celebration. It is easy to get caught up in the business.

Love them...

2007-12-12T23:20:00.000-08:00

Both so much.

Brave at four months, is much more verbal and expressive than True was at this age. And True was, well... much more tiny and had more hair. These days are flying by so fast! Thank you Lord for these moments...

33 years of grace...

2007-12-11T22:54:00.000-08:00

We couldn't do much for his birthday because 1) He hurt his back over the weekend 2) He is behind in work and needs to get it done before we leave for Texas. So, we had a simple birthday celebration, starting off with the traditional breakfast in bed (Okay, well... he can't eat in bed cause of his back, so he sat down to eat)...

For lunch, we had an indoor picnic... with sushi!!!

And since we couldn't go to any museums for this birthday, we brought the museums to him and got him the book Seen Art? by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith...
And for dinner, my family came and surprised him with veggie pizza and YogurtLand, which here in the picture he's acting like doesn't want to share...
Thank God for my Benny and 33 years of undeserved grace. Brave, True and I love him so much and I think he gets hotter as the days go by...

Happy birthday Benny!!!

Oh yeah!

2007-12-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

I found my instruments that I bought as a teacher and we took them out and formed our own band...

We sang, "OH YEAH! OH YEAH!"

And then like a good little helper, she helped me vacuum the house...

All Brave wants for Christmas...

2007-12-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

Is more hair on the back of her head.

My Bravery turned four months this past Tuesday!

A visit with Mateo...

2007-12-06T18:08:00.000-08:00

I think Mateo was nervous at first because he didn't want to sit between the girls for a picture. Maybe he was scared of them. Or maybe he was just shy, but one thing for sure is that he loves shoes. The first thing he did was check out Brave and True's shoes...

Then, I think he gave them the "cool" status, so he felt comfortable enough to play with them. So, Lola Pearl put him in his stroller and he played catch with True... okay, well... Lola Pearl was really the one throwing the ball between them...

And after a short afternoon of playing together (kinda), Mateo fell asleep...

Brave and True had fun playing with Mateo and they hope to see Mateo again, but they know that he has to go back home to be with his mom and dad...

BTW... True told me, that Mateo told her, that he misses his mom and dad very much!!!

Christmas is on its way...

2007-12-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

The ornaments are out...

And the Christmas tree is up...

Christmas is almost here!

Bouncin' fun...

2007-12-04T15:43:00.000-08:00

We were invited to our old neighbors birthday party at Wild Kingdom. True had loads of fun sliding, playing, and bouncing everywhere...

She was so pooped by the end of the day... and so was I!!!

T.P. True...

2007-12-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

had a message for someone...

The California Bratchers love and miss you very much... see you soon!!!