A reflection

As I was at work, I was working with my Grandpa {my favorite client} and he was on the bicep curl machine. I increased his repititions to 10 today instead of 8 because I feel he is getting stronger. He was lifting 0 pounds and doing a great job at it. I was so proud of him. He really is doing great. He looks better and stronger every time I see him. While he was working out, I looked at the glass window and I could see his reflection. My eyes started to swell with tears. I had to gather my composure. I continued looking at his reflection and my wondering mind started asking questions: I wonder if he see's how great he is doing? When he sees himself, does he think he looks good or does he get discouraged? Does he see his skin so fair and full of life experiences? What does he think about himself? Does he feel lonely? Does he applaud himself for doing something about his lack of strength and balance? Does he see his growth? Is he happy? Does he cry because Grandma B is no longer here on earth? What did he imagine his life to be like when he was younger and how did it compare to reality? His determined blue eyes caught my gaze and I smiled. Interesting to think about our own reflections from glass window or mirror. How do we see ourselves? Personal reflection has always been something I do because I like to improve myself and become better.I have always tried to see myself as God sees me-a virtuous daughter of God with great worth and many talents. I love that He sees me that way, I am thankful for his abiding love.

Christmas Spirit

{doggies stockings sent by Grandma Lolly from Hawaii}

Since our space is tight and our budget is even tighter, we decided that we would forego a traditional 7 foot tree like last year and go with a Michaels $4.50 discounted 18" fake tree {with adjustable metal branches}. We even have a couple gifts from family {set to the side of the tree-as they obviously wont fit under it}Instead of an angel on the top we have a heart {for all the love put into the tree} and a few ornaments that werent too heavy to pull our tree down. We put our stockings and nativity on the mantle and all the decorations brought a nice spirit to our home, centered on Christ.

family time

I love the girls focus and determination to make the wrong piece fit! My favorite moment of the night-Everytime Ru would get one side to fit she would throw her hands up in the air and yell, "I did it!". We laughed the rest of the night about that.

Sage's fauxhawk

Such good helpers these two!

Mom, Evs and I completed it after everyone left. It was very time consuming but worth it!

Friday funny

The Great Question?

After doing bills yesterday and having the monthly "ah-ha, wow we really don't have much bling left" moment, I realized {again} that there are many things we must sacrifice while living on one income while Evs is in school. During our scripture study last night, I felt the Lord was reaching out to me directly through a series of scriptures.
There is an amazing history to the book of Alma, but I want to highlight how the Lord was reaching out to my soul through one of the greatest chapters in the the Book of Mormon, Chapter 26.

"And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed upon us? Can ye tell?"
"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself,but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things.."
"Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel."
"..We see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea he numbereth his people.."-Alma 26:2,12,16,37

The Great Question? "what great blessings has he bestowed upon us? can ye tell?"

Boy can I tell! I am grateful for that kind small elbow in the stomach from the Lord. I can't help but be reminded of all we have, I am almost selfish to be so greatly blessed by the Lord. Oh How Great Thou Art! My God blesses me. He gives me strength when I am weak and my hope is thinning. He has great power. He is merciful and long-suffering. Most of all my God is mindful of every people, especially the two of us. He knows us, knows our needs and loves us. My joy is full.

Time well spent

"I know your lives are busy. I know that you have much to do. But I make you a promise that if you will go to the house of the Lord, you will be blessed; life will be better for you."
—Gordon B. Hinckley

{Redlands California Temple-picture take by: Deryl K. Hatch}

Dear my amazing husband Evan,

Thank you for date night at the temple last night. We could have sat on the couch and caught up on all our shows that we DVR'd, but I am glad we didn't. Its always such a special time to be with you in the Holy Temple, to talk about life and laugh on the drive and to feel the Spirit together. I am thankful that we can become better together.

I love you!

love always,

your wifey

Meet Jack

This is my friend Jack. He is 7. He has autism. Yesterday, was my last day working with Jack. It was a hard decision to pull myself off the case, but I was just doing too much, spreading myself too thin. For the last 18 months, I have been Jack's ABA therapist. Every Tuesday and Thursday, for 2+ hours, I work on helping Jack in everyday situations {preferred/non-preferred}, eating non-preferred foods, social interactions, and giving him sensory {lots of sensory!}. I love this guy like he were my own nephew. I love his big bear hugs. I love his occasional "Mrs. Darcy you're my friend. I think it's time for a hug." He has grown leaps and bounds in the last year and a half and I will be forever grateful for him being put into my life. He is an amazing kid with an amazing family to support and love him. What an amazing adventure we had together!! Heavenly Father has so many ways of teaching us to love others. He helped teach me as I worked with Jack.

Why I love my job..

I work with cute little old people like this. They often boost myself esteem by telling me I am their beautiful angel okay mostly just the Senora pictured below does that.

 I get to exercise my Grandpa. I get to see him twice a week. More than I saw him growing up.

He is getting so much stronger each time he comes.

 My mom spoils him and hooks him up with Juice it Up, almost every Monday {oh & me too}.

7AM morning workouts filled with laughs, MaryAnn, Mr. Universe {Floyd-see below picture}, Priscila and a cold winter morning including cinnamon rolls & coffee {I brewed my very first pot of coffee at 26, didn't drink any, but my oldies seemed to like it}. They just sat down and chatted about life. I love to be one of the oldies.

There is something to be said about finding the right job for you. I love my job! Even if oldies are set in their ways!

Happy 90th Birthday...

Grandma Quon!

We wish we could have been there to celebrate with you! You are such a gem! We love you and hope you know how much you mean to us!

We have moved..

again!
Evan and my brothers have gotten a pretty good workout since we have moved back to the mainland. We have been here for 20 months and lived in 4 different houses. Hopefully our latest will be the last until we make another move this summer when Evan graduates from Cal Baptist University and gets an amazing job somewhere in the United States.
Home #1

Apt #617

                         

Home #2

We stayed in Riverside with my cousin Chris & his wife Elizabeth, for a couple months while were were in limbo and Evan was in San Diego working.

Home # 3 Fairmount Blvd

Then we rented this cute little house that was perfect for our little family minus the large backyard with a grapefruit tree that dropped a million fruit a day and the yard was not cared for, basically dirt. We were here for a 4 months then the house sold and we had to move out. Good news about that was the owners had to buy us out because we had already signed a new lease. Bonus for us. I won't miss the carpet that stunk like dog from the last people that obviously didn't care for it like I did. I semi-nourished it back with all my shampooing and vacuuming.

Home #4

About a half a mile from our last place. Cute little yellow house built in 1915. Tab bit smaller/different layout, but cozy and smells good. Has an old school tub with a converted shower head. The yard is huge and full of grass and shrubery {the dogs love this}. We like it so far, despite the male cat that hangs around and poos in the yard.

family fun

Enjoying a Saturday with the Udas at Punjab Palace. My first time eating out to an Indian restaurant. Thanks for a great night.

Thanksgiving Day 2011

All the family dogs {minus Rock & Darla}

{love this-thx Jenn!}

 Family picture 2011 {missing J&C& kids; C&M& twins}

We had a great time this year. Tony & Michelle hosted this year. Good food made by everyone. Good laughs. Moving from room to room chatting about life and everything..playing games with the kiddos-breaking up the fighting/hitting kiddos. Its nice we can have family gatherings often. We enjoy being around each other's families. 

I give thanks..

I give thanks for all of the many tender mercies in my life.
I give thanks for the gospel of Jesus Christ. For a testimony that is ever growing. For a Father in Heaven so aware of Me and what I need and just when I need it. For my Savior, who sacrificed for me so that my pains and sorrows would be eased. So that I would have someone to carry me through trials.
I give thanks for the most amazing man in my life! I am so very grateful for my husband! He is my angel without wings. My hope when I get crazy. My best friend who tucks me into bed when I fall asleep on the couch. My better half. I am so proud of him a& all he has accomplished.I love you Evy.
I give thanks for family. We have such a good time together. We would do anything for one another.
I give thanks for my puppies, Sage & Jade. They have been the best furry kids anyone could ask for. They bring me joy {even when Jade pees on Grandma's carpet and I am embarrassed because I taught her better than that}.
I give thanks for a job I love.
I give thanks Evs is coming to a finish with his Master's program {4 months!}
I give thanks for having a very grateful heart this thanksgiving!

Funny

Setting: At the busy grocery store, on a community outing, with my autistic kiddo {age 7}, his mom, and two twin brothers.
Kid 1 (autistic): itching butt.
Me: Are you okay? Did you forget to wipe your bottom after going potty?
Kid 1: No. Itching butt.
About 10 minutes later.
Kid 1: {shouting} Mom, my butt itches! M-o-m...My..BUTT..ITCHES!
Kid's Mom: Did you wipe your bottom good?
Kid 1: No.
Kid's Mom: Okay. Well when we get home we will clean it.
Kid 2: Its ok if your bottom itches. When I get nervous I itch my butt.
Kid 1: okay.
Kid's Mom to Kid 2: Way to sympathize with him. That was nice of you.

This was my funny of the day! Seriously had me cracking up! I am pretty sure none of my siblings ever did that for me!

Something funny

My little jogger makes me smile!

The story behind this funny dog outfit:

Since Evan works with athletes he has made this observation that cross country runners are a "special breed"{so he says}. Our dog Sage is the smartest, fastest and most handsome dog, but lacks some common sense sometimes and social skills. We got him at 7 months old. I am not sure what the kids that had him did to him as a puppy, but because he acts awkward, Ev calls him my little cross country runner. I found this outfit at Big Lots and had to get it. Its hilarious!

MLS finals

Game day supporters from home. On the couch. With our scarves. In our Pj's.

 The Mr & the Mrs.

I love that we enjoy so many things together!

Both pups slept through the winning goal. 

2011 MLS Champions

Donovan & Beckham celebrate with a hug!

Beckham shouting for joy!

Crafts with sister

Last Tuesday I met up with Jenny and started some holiday crafts. We didn't finish and I had to get going home, so we met up yesterday at Mom's and ModPodged away. It was a fun little craft to get right, but all in all we had fun. Its nice to have a fun day with my sister. Glad we don't argue as much as we did when we were younger. Its nice to enjoy her talents, beauty and commentary. Love you Jenny!

Scary moment

Babe..

I got this text yesterday from Evs. This is a picture of our backyard. My heart was racing my hands were shaking. My doggies...I immediately called him. When he let the dogs out the gate was closed. He said he was sitting in the house and had this feeling the dogs should have come back inside by now. So he got up and saw the above. He said he grabbed our doggie whistle and ran outside without shoes. He was blowing their whistle and Jade came running back, then Sage. There was a party next door and I guess they really wanted to check it out. We have had people in and out of the yard all week doing some work for the landlord. Ev thinks the wind must have blown the gate open. Yesterday could have been a very terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. I am glad it wasn't. 

 Jade & Sage 

So glad they are safe and not lost in the rain.