Lone Nursery Warrior

Well I guess I've got my work cut out for me since I have had no permanent help in Nursery lately. I'm glad that many of the parents did volunteer to stay with their kids. That sure helped a lot!

Today, we had 8 kids, one being new. Thank goodness her parents didn't mind staying and helped with a lot of the little tasks. I was a bit overwhelmed; it didn't help that my brain wasn't working and couldn't remember most of the typically requested songs! Yikes!

Overall, we had a great lesson, snack and playtime. Whew! My ward's cutie crew is the greatest!

Remembering Papa Don

We are still facing a lot of rain and thunderstorms here and the kids will have no school next week due to the swine flu, so we did what the day dictated:

See our waterfall? It lasted about 15 minutes of intense downpour. Right now, it's raining again!


We cleaned up the dining area more (pictures soon), washed the dishes, cleared some of my baskets, paid rent and visited one of my friends. We got back just in time before it rained again...

Today is also what would have been my late father's 71st birthday. So I made a simple dinnner menu and tablescape that he might like... Pasta with eggs on top and pineapple smoothie.
The sangria goblet came with 5 other ones and a pitcher. This Libbey set was made in Mexico and it is as beautiful as this picture on the front of the box (online picture).
Here's the simple table with our kiddos, L-Infinity, J-Pony & I-Dude. Don't they look happy to celebrate my late dad's birthday? That's because everything on that table, they love to eat! My dad loved fruits and cakes, but not a lot, so I made dark chocolate brownies, sliced up our freshly ripened mangoes and watermelon.

Then it was time also for L-Infinity to attend a church dance after the Youth Conference held by our Stake. The theme is "Kick Off Your Sunday Shoes!" So she loved wearing her Converse and yes the other shoe belongs to Daniel, her beau...

Here's L posing by herself. With that smile, she is a good combo of me and her dad. She's wearing a glittered party dress over a black T-shirt.

And here she is with Daniel. Like my magnetic door? That's next to be organized! I can't keep up with all the stuff the kiddos put up on it! ;-)

Noritake is my favorite fine bone porcelain china, especially after learning that they have a pattern called, "Carolyn". Well double my surprise when I learned that they also made a pattern called, "Adonis", my late father's first name! Look at how beautiful it is! One look at it and it reminded me of my father. Now I know which pattern I'll be looking for next. This is a lidded sugar bowl.

If you know your mythology, you'd know that the Greek demi-god, Adonis, was represented by red anemone blooms.

Anemone. Greek mythology linked the red anemone, sometimes called the windflower, to the death of Adonis. This handsome young man was loved by both Persephone, queen of the underworld, and Aphrodite, goddess of love. Adonis enjoyed hunting, and one day when he was out hunting alone, he wounded a fierce boar, which stabbed him with its tusks. Aphrodite heard the cries of her lover and arrived to see Adonis bleeding to death. Red anemones sprang from the earth where the drops of Adonis's blood fell. In another version of the story, the anemones were white before the death of Adonis, whose blood turned them red. (Mythencyclopedia.com)

The picture is from my own print; each bloom represents my late father's love for each of my children he never met...

And here is my late, beloved father, Adonis. Known as "Papa Don" to my children. None of them met him but I know that if they did, they would have loved him as much as I do. He was an avid-Elvis fan who had a similar voice, too! He loved chess and bowling, new tv's and freshly roasted peanuts! The last song I ever heard him sing was Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline". It was his way of asking me to come home, but I just couldn't...

Back in December 27th, 1997, we woke up to a phone call from my second stepmother telling me that my dad was in the hospital due to pneumonia. I couldn't talk to him because the doctor said he was too weak. The next day, they said he was doing better and I relaxed a little. And that all he could muster was if I was coming. I told my stepmother that I'll be home; just to do everything to get him better and I told the doctor to place him in another and better room. In the afternoon, we went to my mom's house and three of my brothers, my sister, my mom, my aunt and Mr. Man watched me yell on the phone then collapse because the doctor declared that my father passed away. It was the morning of the 29th in the Philippines then.

He died on my 25th birthday, in the morning, after the doctor assured him that I was on my way home... I didn't get to fly out until January 4th, 1998...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, "DADDE"!!!

I STILL MISS YOU EVERYDAY...

MAY 2, 1938 - DEC 29, 1997

Happy May & Grand Canyon

Hosted by "Vintage Postcards CPAPHIL"
Happy 1st of May everybody!!!

When we moved from Arizona, my dh brought me a book of postcards of his work. Then, while unpacking, I found my small accordion of Arizona "must-see" places postcards. But now, of course I can't find them, so I'm sharing with you a book of postcards all about grand canyon. I only chose the cover as I really love it because of the purple coloring! Love purple!

Thank you for peeking at my chosen postcards today!

Rain, rain, go away...

Well it rained for most of the day today and yesterday. Today was quite humid as well... After two 10 hour days of leaving the house late, I can honestly say I was suffering a bit of cabin fever because I had this cockamamie idea to organize my dinnerware and dining area while my children have testing and this swine flu is wreaking havoc on the schools!

I was productive today though... I did laundry, washed some dishes, finalized some tablesettings, finalized menus and decided that I can do four tablescapes in 5 days! (I think I can, I think I can...)

To my defense, here's what's lined up!
1) May 2- My late dad's birthday that I cook for every year. Instead of remembering his death (on my bday), I celebrate his life.

2) May 4- Attempt to clean our patio and create an outdoor tablescape before the next rainstorm hits!

3) May 5- I'm hosting a Mother' s Day Brunch for 5 women in the morning and at night, we dine for Cinco de Mayo! I need some swirly straws!

With this swine flu going on, I need to make sure that I can stay sane while my family naturally will drive me nuts, so... if our school closes down, I will employ them to help me finalize the dining area organization and clean further the kitchen and bedrooms as well as our patio!

How are you dealing with the swine flu scare?

Got Tagged For Some Eights!

I Was Tagged By:
Debbie @ Jadehollow
8 is Enough

Here are the rules--
Mention the person that tagged you.
Complete the lists of 8's.
Tag 8 of your wonderful blogger friends.
Go tell them you tagged them!

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To:

1. Graduating

2. J-Pony's 10th birthday

3. Calling my mom everyday (I forget sometimes)

4. Summer Vacation

5. Reorganizing my dinnerware collection

6. L-Infinity's Top 10 College List

7. A new herb garden

8. Going to all the places I listed for summer fun


8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Blogged

2. Visited blogs (LOL)

3. Grocery and produce shopping

4. Mini-date with Mr. Man (Smallville)

5. Did some laundry

6. Made tons of healthy yummy food

7. Go to L-Infinity's NHS Induction ceremony

8. Posted for today's TOMT post at my tablescaping blog


8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

1. Have more money to stretch

2. Find the Nikko white dinnerware that keeps getting away from me. (see #1)

3. Go and see my mom as much as I want or move her where I am

4. Move to a house so I can have a bigger kitchen (again #1)

5. Put windows in my tiny two bathrooms

6. Have some benches right outside to extend our patio space (#1 again)

7. Serve others more

8. Jet set to all beaches that allow crabbing, fishing, and clam digging!


8 Shows I Watch:

1. CSIs - all three

2. Disney

3. How It's Made

4. Numb3rs

5. Bones

6. House

7. Food Network

8. HGTV

Now it's your turn!

I Never Forget a Kind Face...

First of all, I want to say that I am so bummed out that we forgot the camera in the van! (rant, rant, rant...)

Ok, now that I've blown off some steam... (lol)

I wanted to share with you a story about a couple who back in early 90s, helped me feel valued and I never, ever forgot them. We lost contact for a while, but I never forgot them.

I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a single mother to a then barely a toddler L-Infinity. Part of the "new member" welcome package was a pair of Visiting Teachers to check on me, at least, monthly and a pair of home teachers, also signed up as my monthly mentors. Well, instead of two partnerships to keep my faith going, I was given a single pair- a husband and wife; Brother and Sister Dansie. Why? Because they were the perfect pair I needed.

Sis. Dansie has a smile and a laugh that can disarm a whole military base. She can talk to you and you know she was listening. I remember first meeting with her at Mr. Man's parent's home and the whole room felt wonderful. We talked and we listened. We laughed and we cried a little (I was scared and excited at the same time being a new member of such an established denomination where everyone seemed interested in how this single mother would fare in her budding faith now with a solid compass.)

A few weeks later, her husband was assigned to be my first home teacher. Brother Dansie, in his low voice and kind attitude, came a powerful gesture of friendship and welcome. With the two of them proverbially holding me up to gain footing on this journey of undeniable truth I was in, I slowly but surely knew that my destiny lies with learning more, serving more, and loving more. Their genuine interest in my well being didn't stop with the formal release of their responsibility of me, not even their retirement induced move kept us apart. Sis. Dansie sent me birthday cards every year. The last few went missing and is mostly like sitting in the "forgotten" mail slot in some post office between us, but I've always felt their love for me.

When I married Mr. Man, it was like having two sets of in-laws. Mr. Man adored Brother Dansie and his career in Aviation Mechanics for United Airlines. Mr. Man always anchored his love of airplanes on the adventures that Bro. Dansie had and would regale me with how much he would love to do the same things, in his efforts to convince me to love it, too.

Fast forward to the last two-three years. We had to make a big decision of going back to school after Mr. Man's layoff and becoming a family of five. Even though I didn't want to marry a pilot, I knew that I had to let my dh pursue something he loved since he was faithful in pursuing everything else to put food on the table. I sat him down and said that if he was serious about going to school, I want him to go for what he loves because I want him to have a career, not a job. It turned out that he loved fiddling with the planes more than flying them! Whew! (Yes, my husband can fly planes, not any commercial jetliners, but two seaters and very small passenger planes, you bet) As if by fate, we found ourselves living in the area that when we first saw it, didn't think much of it and secretly hoped we would never need to be in. (How many times have I said that Heavenly Father has a sense of humor?)

Next thing we know Mr. Man now knows Aviation Mechanics, has a license and a certificate and is waiting to be called by US Airlines. We waited a year, but nothing. Then the same instructor who believed in him told him to apply at Southwest Airlines. (Here's the divine sense of humor kicking in) After Mr. Man got the interview call (he only waited a week), and the second interview call, and after he was offered the job as a part of the cleaning crew, US Airlines calls and offers him a job! We prayed for clarity but we knew that US Airlines messed up and that Southwest Airlines is a more viable option for us. Then we had to move again- to Texas!

Fast forward to last week, I hear the phone ring and the ID said, "M Dansie". I had to reread it three or four times before I answered the call. When she first said "hello, is this...?" I said, "yes it is and I'm grinning ear to ear because it's you Sis. Dansie..." I was literally shaking with glee and was beyond shock when she said that she was here visiting her son and his family (Chris and Lisa) for a few weeks and if we can find time to see each other. I kid you not, I almost dropped the phone! I wanted to see her that day, but with a household of eggheads, the calendar's always full. And so we found time to meet at her son's and tonight, yes, tonight, we had the long overdue visit. Just like a little kid, I made sure to be the first one to get out of the van! I even showed her my blogs! Yes, ladies, I did and she loved them! She loved the tables that I did, and as always, she was genuinely interested in me and how I've turned out. I just love her!

Brother Dansie was happy to be talking to Mr. Man about his past career and L-Infinity had a great time talking to Lisa who is probably one of the nicest ladies I've ever met! Chris and Mr. Man grew up together and as good friends. The Dansies and Mr. Man's parents are great friends.

Chris and Lisa were such gracious hosts. I wish we lived closer to them. And to think that they have been here in Texas for 10 years!

Hugging my first ever visiting and home teachers goodbye was so bittersweet... But it's like being away from your parents, it is enough that you know they love you... I wish soon will come sooner...

FHE: NHS Induction Night & TAKS

Tonight, we celebrated for two main reasons: L-Infinity's NHS Induction Night and J-Pony's TAKS testing.

When our children have something to celebrate or testing the next day, the Filipino in me comes out full force and the table ends up groaning from all the food requests and menu tweaking! I take dinner requests and find food items to surprise them with to make dinner more fun! It's my way of making sure they get the proper nutrition and be full enough to get a good night's rest! No sodas or junk food on testing times! ;-)

So here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure!

First, we dined on Shrimp with Snowpeas in White Sauce over Rice (homemade or bought?)



Then, they enjoyed a melon salad mix and this Steamed Cheese Cake Bars with diced strawberries. These yummy pastries is one of the desserts at Ono's Hawaiian BBQ in Gilbert, AZ, made in Japan.

These were made in and imported from Tokyo, Japan distributed via California!
These strawberries were freshly put out on display when we got to our fave Asian market. The containers were still cold! We grabbed two and washed them well before enjoying them with this delectable treat. It's soft and sticky but oh so yummy!


We also dined on Filipino Tocino (sweet cured meat) and oranges, bananas, apples and refreshing ice water!

Here's the podium dressed for the NHS ceremony in the auditorium. Each candle represents the attributes that NHS stands for- Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character.


Here's the principal, Mr. Jones. Apparently, he ends up winging his speeches every year because the prior speeches by the officers end up covering what he wants to say! ;-)


My favorite part of the ceremony was when the Principal reversed the standards of NHS: Scholarship, Leadership, Service & Character to Character first because if you have character you will have the tendency to do right by people thru Service. When you serve others, Leadership follows. And when Leadership becomes part of your character thru service, Scholarship is the resulting factor since Leadership begets experience and skills leading to knowledge and intelligence. Pretty good summation of what I've always tried to instill in my children. I'm glad we went!


There's L-Infinity walking with the other inductees! The officers noted how quickly everyone got up and took their certificate. LOL. I was wondering why L was almost down the steps on the other end by the time they called her name!


Here's L-Infinity with her NHS certificate! Yay, L!!! Congratulations!


And here she is with her two church ward and school friends who were inducted last year.
Each year, to support the inductees, the members are asked to attend. What a great way to support friends!


Here she is with her guy, Daniel. I can't believe it's been three months!


And the kiddos with Mr. Man after eating slices of NHS cake and punch! I'm surprised they weren't that wired by the time we got home! Two desserts in one night! YIKES!

So goes another busy Monday and improvised FHE, but at least we had one! It was about celebrating each other's acccomplishments!

HOW WAS YOUR MONDAY?

Sometimes, you just need to let it out...

I KNEW I LOVED YOU

by Savage Garden

Maybe it's intuition

But some things you just don't question

Like in your eyes

I see my future in an instant

And there it goes

I think I've found my best friend

I know that it might sound more than a little crazy

But I believe

I knew I loved you before I met you

I think I dreamed you into life

I knew I loved you before I met you

I have been waiting all my life

There's just no rhyme or reason

Only this sense of completion

And in your eyes

I see the missing pieces I'm searching for

I think I've found my way home

I know that it might sound more than a little crazy

But I believe

I knew I loved you before I met you

I think I dreamed you into life

I knew I loved you before I met you

I have been waiting all my life

(hoo....)

A thousand angels dance around you

(hoo...)

I am complete now that I've found you

(hoo...)

I knew I loved you before I met you

I think I dreamed you into life

I knew I loved you before I met you

I have been waiting all my life

(hoo...)

Repeat chorus 3x with chorus

The Cutie Crew Tours Dallas!

... with the help of the Lap Bus!

We only had four children today in Nursery but boy, were they awake! They were ready for anything and welcomed the two great ladies who helped me, Shari and Anna! (You both rock!)

They ate all the snacks, lesson, songs and games we did, but it wasn't enough. They even chased each other and screamed with delight on practically everything! You know that young children love to be entertained so I made up the Lap Bus!

Using my lap as the bus, and with some key rattle, we went to the Dallas Aquarium, Zoo, Arboretum, and even McDonald's for lunch! Anna even gave them a tour on her Lap Jeep to other various places including the library where they got books on helping to clean up the toys!

It was so much fun! I so love being in the Nursery; seeing the littlest ones learn and enjoy themselves is its own reward. Any Nursery leader can see that. I'm just grateful that I do, too!

We started the lesson with Shari reading from the scriptures after our own Cutie Crew member, Madeline said the prayer, I gave the lesson and we ended the class with Red Light/Green Light with Anna. You gotta love Nursery! The kids are just our source of energy! Yeah!

At home, we had the funnest lunch as our own Mr. Man got us laughing over how to teach our children to help me distract other shoppers to secure the great deals. His best one for 90% off deals was to have our children go up to the other women and ask, "Are you my mommy?" LOL
L-Infinity said, "I would so do that!" while laughing her head off and J-Pony said, "If she does it, I'll do it, too so mommy can get her great deals!" I-Dude said, "Me, too. No, I won't..."

There's only one other thing I'm waiting for to go down at least 60% off. I'll tell you when I get it, IF I get it. It hasn't broken over 55% off yet since I saw it after Christmas, so I'm trying to be really patient! ;-)

How was your Sunday?

A Mother's Day Giveaway!

Come check it out! It's a great big giveaway!

I'd love to win any of the prizes!

It's by 5 Minutes for Mom!